Starting Chemo February 2013

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  • shadytrake
    shadytrake Member Posts: 142
    edited February 2013

    Today I am having a little double vision, a migraine, and slight neuropathy in my thumbs and index fingers. I'm off of the nausea meds YAY, so I can eat grapefruit again.



    I suspect the headaches are SE from the Venlafaxine for hot flashes. Aleve helps. Today I am resting. My next treatment is on 3/11.



    The worst is that my taste buds are numb. Nothing but spicy foods are tasty. My sense of smell is perfect but when I take a bite, UGH, cardboard.

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  • liffeybloomer
    liffeybloomer Member Posts: 72
    edited February 2013

    Thanks for the suggestions BCfree and LisaMM. I  tried oral Benadryl earlier today and just put the lotion on to see if that helps. It's good to know it's not just me, although I'm sorry anyone else had to put up with this. I'm glad to hear that it will just go away on its own. I did go see the surgeon today, but all he did was take off the big bandages and send me on my way.

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  • TNmother
    TNmother Member Posts: 11
    edited February 2013

    Just wanted to say hi & that iam also triple negative, I started chemo last wed & have been holding up very well so far! Very little side effects so far, but have 15 more rounds of chemo to go!! Stay srtong

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  • lalady1
    lalady1 Member Posts: 618
    edited February 2013

    Back from round one chemo yesterday and neulesta shot today. SE is a flushed face and drowsy from benadryl. I used Penguin caps and think the cold helped keep my nausea at bay. Stay tuned for hair updates. I saw another woman with penguin caps going round 4 - she had her hair in pigtails! :)

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  • Marianne52
    Marianne52 Member Posts: 78
    edited February 2013

    Hi TN Mother,

    I am also triple negative. I had Taxol and Cisplatin every week for 12 weeks. I then had A/C every two weeks x 4. So that was 16 total. You will do it. Hugs to you. Marianne

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  • LuvsLera
    LuvsLera Member Posts: 3
    edited February 2013

    Get'em TNmother.  We love you!!

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  • LisaMM
    LisaMM Member Posts: 120
    edited February 2013

    Yay! #2 TC done! One more closer to being done! Infusion went well, now hopefully the SE will be minimal, or at least no worse than the last time. Hoping that the rest of you hitting the bar this week have smooth rides & minimal SE!

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  • LW122713
    LW122713 Member Posts: 52
    edited February 2013

    Liffeybloomer: I had the same reaction, rash across my chest, up my neck and blisters that oozed from the adhesive. I used a triple antibiotic ointment over the counter for the blistered skin and cortisone for the itchy rash. It eventually went away.



    Tangles: so sorry to hear that you have been so sick, I hope you get better and can get your counts up. I had the Neulsta shot the day after my 1st treatment because I was already anemic and platelets were low before we began. The shot did cause and is still causing some pretty intense bone pain. I didn't know about the Claritin but will be trying next time. Tylenol wouldn't touch the pain and I have been taking 800 mg of ibuprofen every 4hrs. If I go past 4 hrs, I can tell and when it's unbearable, I top off the ibuprofen with hydrocodone. Hopefully you won't have to go through that pain, it sounds like you have experienced enough problems already.



    Today was the first day since my chemo treatment that I actually felt normal. A few times I actually forgot about my diagnosis. I hope we all can have more days like that. On another note, my wig was supposed to have arrived today but didnt...they didn't expedite shipping though I paid for it. I hopefully will have by the end of the week. Getting a little nervous about being caught unprepared.

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  • kkmom
    kkmom Member Posts: 54
    edited February 2013

    Had my hair "styled" (aka shaved) yestereday - Fitted for my wig - which was absolutely a really good match to my hair with color and style.  I wore the out to eat at a restaurant and  as soon as I got home - I placed the wig in it's proper place - on the wig stand.  It looks really good on the wig stand.  But it is comforting to know I have it if I need it.  I kept waiting to have my hair done - My head started hurting on Day 15 after having chemo #1 on February 6.  It felt like I had a ponytail all day - my scalp hurt and hair was everywhere.  So by the time, Tuesday came around - It was a relief to get rid of all the hair falling out and my scalp hurting.  Losing all of my hair was also the last step of what chemo can do to my body - so now I can mark this one off of my list.  I am wearing some cute scarves and caps - I think this will be ok. 

    Today was my Chemo #2 - yeah!!!  I am really tired, but I started taking constipation medicine yestereday, drinking a glass of water every hour on the hour. On Thursday, I am going in for the neulasta shot with a lower dosage (thank goodness).  I will be taking the clartin starting tomorrow morning. 

    My doctor today put in a request for a tumor marker?  Does anybody have a good explanation for tumor marker?

    Everybody hang tight - this ride will be over before we know it.    

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  • IamNancy
    IamNancy Member Posts: 1,158
    edited February 2013

    kkmom - how many days between when your hair started to fall out and you finally shaved it? Mine started falling out slowly on Monday - today its really falling out and I am hoping I can wait til Saturday to shave it ... I just don't want to wear my wig the first time to work.. I'd rather "practice" with it at home or like you did - out to dinner..and it doesn't hurt, it just itches..

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  • LisaMM
    LisaMM Member Posts: 120
    edited February 2013

    Kkmom- had my second today too! Hope this one goes much better for you! I had markers placed when my dr did the core bx's. they were injected with the same needle- & using ultrasound guidance. I guess it makes locating so much easier for them. My tumors did not show up on a digital mammo that I had 3 weeks before I found them, but were easily seen on ultrasound.



    IamNancy-i have been wearing my wig out in public-incl. work since kast wednesday & it's getting so much easier each day. I even catch myself "forgetting" for a few seconds every now & then. I started losing a ton on day 13 & ended up shaving it on day 15 because it was so itchy! Go with what you're comfortable with.

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  • melody46
    melody46 Member Posts: 279
    edited February 2013

    Went and got a wig today with my sister and its a pretty good match. She said it didn't make her cry and she's brutally honest so I got a good one!  It cost $240 which stung a little but its really going to be my only luxury through this. Did you gals who recently lost their hair to the shaver hang onto your eyebrows and lashes? This time next week I'm pretty sure my hair will be gone.

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  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 1,216
    edited February 2013

    I still have eyebrows/lashes, although my brows have thinned. I go for my 3rd treatment on wed. I still have what I call 'healthy fuzz' on my head and am starting to think I won't be completely bald. My new nickname is mrs. Magoo :)

    Last night was the first time I had thigh bone pain, which seems weird since I felt nothing the first two times, I think I may do the Claritin wed. just in case.

    On another note, still not use to my wig, I always feel self conscious wearing it and feel much more comfortable with my scarfs especially since I got clip in bangs. I can't imagine how hot a wig is going to be in the summer-especially with these chemo induced menopause hot flashes

    Hope everyone is well and keeping spirits up - hugs to all.

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  • TMM60
    TMM60 Member Posts: 190
    edited February 2013

    My hair started to fall 2 days ago and is really coming out today (lots in the hairbrush and when I run my fingers through it). Had a bit of a pity party over it yesterday, but I'm over it today. I'm going to have it shaved on Saturday when I pick up the wig I ordered. I like the idea of going out to eat after that to take it out into the public and get over my anxiety about sporting the new look.

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  • Wildlyshel
    Wildlyshel Member Posts: 48
    edited February 2013

    I got my scarf from good wishes yesterday. It's so cute and silky soft. The card that came with it was absolutely wonderful! I highly recommend ordering one from them...it was a spirit lifter.

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  • DiZZyMom
    DiZZyMom Member Posts: 245
    edited February 2013

    Melody46, I've had two treatments and shaved my head last week. I still have fuzz all over my scalp, but I don't think it's growing. I've heard from some ladies on these boards that the eyelashes/brows didn't go until after or close to their last treatment. I've noticed no difference in mine. I think I've lost all my nose hair though because I'm sneezing like mad!

    RE: wig. I can handle mine for a couple hours max, then it's like there's a porcupine nesting on me head and I have to get it off. I usually wear caps. Around the house, I don't wear anything unless we have company. My family can handle me bald thankfully because going bare is really the most comfortable. I ran some trash out to the curb this morning without thinking to grab a hat. Hope I didn't scare any small children Wink

    Have a good day everybody!

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  • liffeybloomer
    liffeybloomer Member Posts: 72
    edited February 2013

    LW95, thanks for that advice. I tried both treatments and the rash is getting better. The blisters are slowly healing too.

    Wildlyshel, I ordered a scarf from Good wishes, too, and agree that it is just lovely. I highly recommend that for others too.

    My first chemo is today at 2 p.m. Send good thoughts.

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  • melody46
    melody46 Member Posts: 279
    edited February 2013

    Thanks for the responses and liffeybloom lots of good thoughts for you today.

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  • TMM60
    TMM60 Member Posts: 190
    edited February 2013

    liffeybloomer- wishing you smooth sailing at the chemo bar today!

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  • Wildlyshel
    Wildlyshel Member Posts: 48
    edited February 2013

    Many good thoughts liffeybloom....you will be one closer to done!

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  • melissa119
    melissa119 Member Posts: 172
    edited February 2013

    Hi ladies! For anyone wondering about lashes and brows... I can tell you my experience and anyone I talked to was that they fall out or thin drastically (mine pretty much fell out all together except for a couple stray brow hairs) when I was pretty much done with treatment. Just a final little SE that shows up just when u think you are done! But they come back pretty quick :-). Good luck everyone!

    Melissa

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  • Heidi9256
    Heidi9256 Member Posts: 87
    edited February 2013

    Tangles:  I had the same thing happen although fortunately I didn't end up in the hospital however it was close.  I didn't get the neulasta shot because the insurance wanted to "see a documentable need for it" so I waited the week, got weaker and weaker, had the blood work and my wbc was 1 so i definately needed it and THEN got the shot.  By then I was sick as a dog and had a VERY deep hole to drag my self out of. I had chemo #1 on 2/15 and it was 2/25 before I could function at all.  I'm hoping against hope that getting the shot immediatiely with chemo #2 will make it a lot easier.

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  • Rdrunner
    Rdrunner Member Posts: 309
    edited February 2013

    omg.. Ive had two dose dense AC and I get my period today.. like what the hell

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  • DiZZyMom
    DiZZyMom Member Posts: 245
    edited February 2013

    I've been bleeding since the day of my 2nd round of TCH (Friday, 22nd) not as heavy as a period. Just like steady spotting. I have an appt with my MO next Wednesday and it's on the list to ask her. I know most people stop having periods when they start chemo so I'm wondering what this is all about.

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  • Rdrunner
    Rdrunner Member Posts: 309
    edited February 2013

    You and Me both Dizzymom. Im 44 and my Mo told me it would most likely put me into permanent menopause, to which I laughed. Im the only person I know that continued to have regular periods while breast feeding. 

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  • lmcclure4477
    lmcclure4477 Member Posts: 180
    edited February 2013

    I also was told I might be put into menopause once starting chemo. Just had my 2nd treatment of dose dense Adriamycin and Cytoxen and I got the heaviest period I ever experienced. I thought it was supposed to stop my period not make it worse!!

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  • DiZZyMom
    DiZZyMom Member Posts: 245
    edited March 2013

    Losing the period was one of those silver linings I was hoping for! That and not having to shave my legs or "other" regions..........which hasn't happened either!

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  • kkmom
    kkmom Member Posts: 54
    edited March 2013

    Hi Dizzy Mom  - My hair started coming out exactly 14 days from my first chemo.  I had enough for 3 people - as in "big ole southern girl red hair", so I was shocked when it started coming out like crazy.  I held on to it until day 20, but between days 14 and 20 - the shedding got worse and worse - my head hurt and by the time I had it shaved - I was relieved.  I started wearing a cap on day 19, because hair was everywhere.  

    I went to chemo yesterday, with one of my caps.  I was fine.  Today, I went to get the neulasta shot at the doctor's office and then I went to Walmart shopping.  I felt okay - I didn't feel self-conscious or anything.  I recently saw the special of Robin Roberts from GMA and her experience with MDS.  She had breast cancer about 5 years ago.  She lost all of her again and this time around she ditched the wig.  It was confidence building for me, listening and seeing her experience. 

    But I have the wig if I need it.  Good luck -

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  • IamNancy
    IamNancy Member Posts: 1,158
    edited March 2013

    liffeybloom - hope your treatment went better than you expected.

    wildlyshel - when my scarf and card came I had just got home from my first treatment - card almost made me cry.

    Hubby shaved my head tonight - I have to wear my wig to work tomorrow - it'll be a first for me and I am nervous - hoping I can get it on straight and keep it on Laughing

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  • LisaMM
    LisaMM Member Posts: 120
    edited March 2013

    Dreaded Neulasta day today.  Hopefully less achiness with it this time.  We'll see.....

    liffeybloomer-hope your infusion went well today

    I, too, recieved a beautiful scarf from Good Wishes and I also highly recommend them.  There's another organization that will send you hand knitted hats called Hat Box Foundation.  I have requested them but haven't received them just yet.  Another amazing site for needed items is Crickett's Answer for Cancer- I got a beautiful FREE wig from them!  They also provide other things such as mastectomy supplies, lymphedema sleeves, massages, skin care items, etc.  Just print a request form off & mail it to them.  It is a wonderful organization!

    Today was a good day with my wig!  It is getting progressively more comfortable, thankfully!

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