April 2013 Chemo Group

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  • rockermom66
    rockermom66 Member Posts: 69
    edited May 2013

    My son and I had a head shaving party this evening.. I did a cool mohawk first (see avatar) then let him shave the rest. It was fun! Now he's wearing one of MY chemo hats! I think he has stolen it. 
    I love how my buzzed head feels, reminds me of the 80s :)
    I keep going over it with a tape lint roller, it's fun!

    My incisions are healing but slowly.. I have to repack them twice a day with skinny sterile gauze, it's fun.
    I'm afraid my oncologist will delay chemo #2. I really hope not. Tuesday I find out.

    6cats, I was cold for sure, prob a few days after treatment.. had keep a blanket over my feet at all times and had a portable heater right next to me. 

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  • PamelaKay
    PamelaKay Member Posts: 107
    edited May 2013

    Rockermom, I love how comfortable your son seems with your situation, and that he has stolen your hat. What a great way to show he loves you!  Also, I am reading a chemo survival guide. It says that sometimes hair comes out from the roots, but that it can also just get brittle and break off more easily. Maybe your hair just got brittle, and the extra weight of the extensions caused the brittle hair to break off. Good luck with your incisions.

    I'm off to the MO and PS tomorrow. Things look good, so I expect I will have a 50 cc larger proto-breast tomorrow and chemo #2 on Tuesday.

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  • rockermom66
    rockermom66 Member Posts: 69
    edited May 2013

    PamelaKay - Thanks! That's interesting about the hair.. I have bald squares all over my head. I really hope I didn't damage anything by leaving the extensions in while my hairs were dying. I suppose time will tell. If it doesn't grow back I can cover it up with more fake hair :)
    I'm running a tape lint roller over it now and then. I scrubbed it and rubbed jojoba oil into it and it feels glorious.

    My kid LOVES my naked head. He admitted he was scared about seeing me like that but he thinks it looks good.

    I hope the cc's aren't painful and proto-boob is good. We're chemo#2 the same day (hopefully!)

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  • Rdhnow
    Rdhnow Member Posts: 22
    edited May 2013

    I hope everyone had a great Mothers Day!

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  • 6cats
    6cats Member Posts: 327
    edited May 2013

    goingforward99 -- how'd your chemo go last week?

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  • Virginger
    Virginger Member Posts: 111
    edited May 2013

    ok this DAMN tooth drove me crazy all weekend...just called the MO...going to get my blood counts checked and have an apt w/ a Dentist who does  sedation dentistry tomorrow cause I'm a BIG old WIMP...This and losing my voice have been my biggest SE from chemo. Think I'm having trouble sleeping because the tooth hurts so much......`

    Rock on and Have a GREAT Monday sista warrors.....

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  • heather214
    heather214 Member Posts: 142
    edited May 2013

    Hello all, hoping everyone had a great weekend and a Happy Mothers Day. It was really special for me, I spent Saturday alone with my 24 year old daughter who I have a lot of conflict with and don't see very often. We had a beautiful day and both expressed how nice it was. I realize what a responsible young lady she has become, so I must have done something right! I did notice any time I talked about the BC, she veered away from that. My kids are taking a trip down DE-NIAL RIVER!

    Still struggling with my mood (sure all these steroids, I am also taking oral for my autoimmune disease which is now flaring as I had to stop all treatments) but feeling a bit better. My girlfriend bought my a little ceramic bluebird for Moms day which says "Be brave" on the side. Made me realize I have to double-down and beat this cancer with all I have.

    This is chemo week (get it Friday) and a little bummed because about 40 of my co-workers are walking in my honor at a Relay for Life BC walk on Saturday. I was hoping to skip chemo until next week so I could enjoy the walk and everyone, but onc. said no, so I get to ride the queasy train while attending the event. Fun! I am just feeling very blessed to have such amazing co-workers and bosses. Funny, I am having trouble deciding to go commando, as in no wig - but none of them have seen me bald. It should not bother me, but it does. I have a different relationship with them, and don't want any pity looks. What do ya think?

    Rambling today, welcome all and wishing everyone a blessed, positive, and peaceful week.

    THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

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  • heather214
    heather214 Member Posts: 142
    edited May 2013

    Was wondering if anyone has tried these acupressure bands for nausea? My Dr. recommended trying them, and after researching I just ordered the Psi-bands. They have done studies that show they inhibit the acupressure point P6, and work just as well (supposedly) as anti-nausea meds. Will let you know.

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  • MichelleRN78
    MichelleRN78 Member Posts: 64
    edited May 2013

    Heather, I used seabands during pregnancy.  I thought they worked, bought them at Target.  I have two pairs and am keeping them for backup.  Hoping I won't need them.

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  • CarolA5587
    CarolA5587 Member Posts: 26
    edited May 2013

    Heather, I haven't been able to do the no-hair look at work either - partly, I think because I still have a lot of ugly stubble mixed in with the bald spots. Guess I am also very aware of the way the kids at school look at me even when I change wigs. I just got slammed with a work situation where a coach is being promoted to an administrator position over me, but they'd like for me to help train him. The Roid Rage has been hard to keep in check. I fear showing weakness right now. I had my second infusion Friday and it went fine. But this is definitely a down day. The waaaa waaaa's won't seem to leave me alone.

    Virginger, I'm sorry you're having dental problems. I have ongoing gum and teeth sensitivity and the chemo definitely doesn't help any of that.

    Happy belated Mother's Day!

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited May 2013

    Day 4, tx #2 - sure enough the bone pain started, but it wasn't nearly as bad, and today - Day 6 - it's mostly gone.  Pain lasted 10 days w/tx #1.  I did two things differently.  First - had the Neulasta shot in the belly instead of the arm.  Second - took real Claritin instead of generic.  Since all SEs are different every time, I don't know for sure it those changes are what made the difference, but I'm glad not to have the prolonged pain.

    RockerMom:  I had my hair cut about 1/2" long all over when it started falling out.  There's still a LOT left since my hair was so thick.  I'm also using a lint roller morning & night and wearing a sleep cap 24/7 to keep warm and to catch the hairs.  Short hair was cute when I started but now I too have bald patches all over my head.

    6cats:  Yes, my hands & feet are COLD.  I've been wearing winter mittens.

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  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited May 2013

    Hi! Chemo went well today, three sticks to get a vein, but they did it!



    I am really fatigued and fuzzy brained, also have nausea. Oh, and major sinus headache, what's new?



    I'm trying ginger tea. I love it! I put a packet of stevia in it and yum, yum, yum.



    I want to respond to many of you individually, but it will have to wait until tomorrow. Just know you're in my thoughts and I am cheering on all of us.



    Love to all!



    Katie

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  • Virginger
    Virginger Member Posts: 111
    edited May 2013

    well WBC and GR are low...MO said he doesn't want them to pull the tooth but put me on antibiotics...UGH...still going to go to the dentist tomorrow so he can have a base line for once I'm done w/ Chemo. Hope you ladies have a pleasant evening and low to no SE. at work now..and hope to work ALL this week...next treatment is scheduled for 5/24.

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  • AmyJax
    AmyJax Member Posts: 43
    edited May 2013

    Sisters, I'm looking for your experience.....I'm in the may chemo group (start 5/15) and I frequent your board to get some insights on what to expect.



    I had my port put in today and it is so sore......I mean not like Tylenol sore, like percoset sore. How long is it going to feel this way...anyone? I was down to a half a percoset to sleep to tap down that dull tissue expander pain to sleep at night.....and hoping to move away from it all together next week. (I'd love to drive again sometime soon!)



    Thoughts? Anyone have any other pain tips?

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  • Speedy4
    Speedy4 Member Posts: 136
    edited May 2013

    Half way done right Katie? Hope you're feeling ok. I go for my 3rd on Friday. Looking forward to being half way done as well!



    As for hair (or lack thereof) I've got the weird patchy thing going on too. The rest of my head is not totally bald/smooth. There are little hairs all around. Anyone else have this? Don't know if they are just hanging on or new growth?



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  • Virginger
    Virginger Member Posts: 111
    edited May 2013

    Sorry Amy your having pains..wish i had some insite for ya, i was back at work the next day and no pain...Anybody else have any advise for Amy?

    Speedy, mine is still peach fuzzy..and have noticed little bumps..ugh..wearing a knit hat most of the time, but my nurse navigator suggestedsortinsone cream...seems to be helping.....

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  • monkeymom
    monkeymom Member Posts: 50
    edited May 2013

    AmyJax, My port was placed during my BMX. No pain initially. A few days after surgery I started having shooting pains go across my chest from the port. Surgeon said they were muscle spasms and that it may take a while for my body/muscles to adjust to the foreign object. She gave me a muscle relaxer. After a few days, the pain stopped. I've had no issues with it since late March.

    Speedy4, I have had a ton of new hair growth. Some stranglers mixed in too that are longer but mostly a head of new peach fuzz.

    Hope you get a good night's rest Katie!

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  • PamelaKay
    PamelaKay Member Posts: 107
    edited May 2013

    AmyJax, my port was pretty painful for a while, maybe a week, then it calmed down to very sore for another week. After that it gradually improved. Now it's just kind of a minor background pain (port was put in in March20). Here's a hint: put your shoulder belt behind you when it is on the side the port is on. A few days after the surgery (just when it was starting to be a bit less painful), I forgot and banged the seat belt into the port; it got painful all over again!

    Hope it feels better soon. You'll be really glad you have that port when you do the chemo.

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  • Jen987
    Jen987 Member Posts: 145
    edited May 2013

    Speedy4, I have fuzz, although I didn't shave all the way down to my scalp. And only the gray hairs are growing. What the heck, really?

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  • rockermom66
    rockermom66 Member Posts: 69
    edited May 2013

    Jen987, gray hairs are strong and amazing! Laughing 
    I can't wait to see how much I have. I have always colored my hair but I'm not going to for a long time.. at least until the "chemo growout" is cut off. I know that chemo hair doesn't accept hair color all that well but that won't stop me from putting in bright red or fuchsia vegetable color!

    AmyJax - I'm having my port put in tomorrow morning.. I will report back with how I feel. I'm hoping it's no big deal but we'll see. Everyone tells me I'll be glad to have it even though I only have 4 chemos and did one already with IV, I'm trusting that sentiment.
    I have to do Herceptin for a year too, so yeah.

    My wbc was 6.4 and rbc was 3.84. I hope those are chemo safe numbers. I really don't want to skip a chemo due to these incisions healing. Tomorrow I find out! I might be hanging around getting chemo all day and I really hope so (weird).

    I wore a wig and a hat today. I've been taping my hairs off, not much is happening. Been rubbing jojoba oil into my scalp and I LOVE it!
    I tied on a scarf all fancy tonight and felt like I needed some plastic fruit to pin in it. I might have to go buy some just for laughs.

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  • Virginger
    Virginger Member Posts: 111
    edited May 2013

    Found this an intersting read....Angelina Jolie Op-Ed on her secret double mastectomy

    http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/14/opinion/my-medical-choice.html?smid=tw-share&_r=1&

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  • PamelaKay
    PamelaKay Member Posts: 107
    edited May 2013

    Good golly, Virginia! You really are a night owl. Worse than my teenager.

    Well, ladies, it's good news/bad news all rolled into one: I'm going for round two on the ChemoCoaster tomorrow. I'm saying goodbye to solid foods and my emotional stability for a while. If my posts get a bit off kilter, just remember, it's the steroids talking. 

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  • rockermom66
    rockermom66 Member Posts: 69
    edited May 2013

    Virginger - Thank you SO much for posting that! Hopefully Angelina will open some eyes. I posted it on my Facebook and people are into it. 

    PamelaKay - Good luck! I hope I'm enjoying bags of junk with you tomorrow. The steroids are already making me eat and rant too much, ugh :)

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  • Virginger
    Virginger Member Posts: 111
    edited May 2013

    Good Luck PamelaKay~ Will be thinking about you...I've worked 2nd shift for over 30 years...the joys of Local News Tongue Out

    rockermomm glad you posted it on FB...our weather guy posted and now i'm seeing it All over both Twitter and Face Book!

    I'm having the BRCA test done. Talked to a lady from their Utah labs last week....will be VERY interested in the results~ I'll let you ladies know  the test results a when I hear back from my MO. Both my surgeon and MO asked about this when I filled out Jewish for my religion. Never knew it might have an effect. 1st generation on my Dad's side, he was born in Germany and come to America when he was 5 years old to escape the Holocaust.

    More interesting reading material ...

    http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/breast-cancer/risk-factors.html

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited May 2013

    Virginger - thanks for the NY Times links. 

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  • Virginger
    Virginger Member Posts: 111
    edited May 2013

    Wink

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  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited May 2013

    Amy, no advice from me, either, but I'm sorry to hear you're so uncomfortable. I encourage you to advocate for yourself. Is there anything topical they can prescribe in addition to pain killers? You deserve to be as comfortable as possible--and it's ok to tell them that this level of discomfort is unacceptable and that they need to try something different to help you be comfortable.



    Hang in there. This will suck for awhile, but not forever. BIG hug...



    Katie

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  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited May 2013

    Virginia, you poor dear. Tooth pain SUCKS! I'm thinking of you. Hopefully the antibiotics will help. If it were me, I'd take a good probiotic and add a little braggs apple cider vinegar to my water -- to ward off the thrush and bacterial imbalance antibiotics can cause.



    But, in general, please stop having tooth problems, because when you do, one of my teeth starts hurting and I get paranoid! Lol



    Hugs to you, sister warrior.



    Love,



    Katie

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  • BeHereNow
    BeHereNow Member Posts: 222
    edited May 2013

    Virginia, you poor dear. Tooth pain SUCKS! I'm thinking of you. Hopefully the antibiotics will help. If it were me, I'd take a good probiotic and add a little braggs apple cider vinegar to my water -- to ward off the thrush and bacterial imbalance antibiotics can cause.



    But, in general, please stop having tooth problems, because when you do, one of my teeth starts hurting and I get paranoid! Lol



    Hugs to you, sister warrior.



    Love,



    Katie

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  • Virginger
    Virginger Member Posts: 111
    edited May 2013

    Wow.....since the Angelina Jolie op ed, now a CNN anchor announced SHE has breast cancer too....at the end of the story is a slide show of other celebrities w/ BC.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/14/zoraida-sambolin-breast-cancer-cnn-double-mastectomy_n_3271245.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003#slide=more253790

    Sorry your having sympthy tooth pains Katie, I'm being a good girl and taking my meds, but this too shall pass~

    Peaceful day ahead for all my sister warriors~

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