Chemo May 2013

lpc · May 2013

Gully proud of you. Did you go alone? I didnt get real hair either. Insurance only pays for so much and real hair takes more work I think. If I have to wear wig don't want to work at it. Wash and wear might be a nice change. Lol

MomofSam · May 2013

Made it through my first treatment! Yay for me Actually, it was pretty uneventful. MO explained everything to me and what to expect. Got Ativan and Dexamethasone first followed by Adriamycin and Cytoxan. Went home and ate some lunch and took nap. Now feeling a little nausious. Also took Compazine and EMEND prior to my treatment. Just took another Compazine to we'll see how that makes me feel.

Best part of my day today - my little girl said as I was dropping her off at school "Mama, I packed you my favorite bouncy ball so that if you get bored sitting in that chair, you will have something to play with other than having to look at your computer " I love that girl.

I got my wig fitted yesterday and even let her try it on last night - really trying to keep her invovled with this process so she doesn't get freaked out. She thought the wig fitting was fun! Me...not so much but she makes me laugh

ItIsWhatItIs2013 · May 2013

So... Maybe I spoke too soon about feeling great... Haha. Was able to get about 5 hours in at work before aches started coming back and am now home. Not as bad as before, but it seems I'm extra tired now... I know it's just going to get better as time goes by to just do it all over again in a couple of weeks.... It is what it is!

Now I'm concerned about the hair loss.... I've already cut off about 14" to start to get use to the loss and make it less traumatic (if that makes sense to anyone). If I go by the average of when others are losing hair, it will be mid week and I don't want to melt down at work... So I'm thinking about hat shopping and buzzing it off this weekend... I've always hated my massively thick and curly hair... Now I find myself rather fond of it. LOl Maybe it will grow back straight Hahahaha!

I hope the first chemos went well today for you who just started! Happy thoughts!

lpc · May 2013

MomofSam congrats on getting thru first treatment. Don't forget claritin if you are getting neulasta shot. It really does help with aches and pains. We have the same treatment how often will you being going? Your daughter sounds so cute....that would have had me smiling all day!

Wow Itiswhatitis 14 inches and more to go! I planned my shaving to coincide with chemo and weekend so I could adjust before going to work. Wanted to avoid the meltdown too. Now that I am shedding I almost cant wait...not really...but hair drifting down is driving me crazy. Wish leg hair and underarms would go as fast.

Gully · May 2013

IPC- Yes I did go alone. I know my hairdresser pretty well. It was a bit tramatic but not as bad as I pictured. I do like the idea of not having to fuss with my hair. It was really easy to shake the wig and just put it on and go, especially after she trimmed it a bit. You are right, if we must lose our hair you dont want to have a wig that is high maintenance! I got two just in case one needs cleaning etc.....Tomorrow is a test for me. Gym day...cant work out in a wig. Sooooo its ball hat time for that. I still have have hair but not much! I will look much different in just the hat. I have most of the day tomorrow to try and get used to the idea. Then Friday I am walking in the relay for life...another ball hat day!

LOL I hope the stupid leg hair goes soon as well!D That would be a noticeable perk.

I hope your treatment goes well tomorrow IPC!

MomofSam-gotta love the kids to keep you grounded! Glad you made it through infusion 1 with no problems.

Ukkate · May 2013

I Need to address the wig issue before I run out of time!! There are wig stores near me where you can go try them on. But there are cheaper beauty store places where you buy a wig and don't get to try them on. What to do...?

I'm amazed at you ladies still making it to the gym!! I ran a full marathon in January but haven't put on my running shoes since my diagnosis and my new gym membership is sitting untouched. Does it make you feel better to go ? I feel so limited with my mastectomy TE

Pattysmiles · May 2013

Ukkate,

I went to a wig store, I had to make an appointment to get a fitting.

I tried on a number of wigs. I truly hated them all! Lol

I have an "unusual" hair color, so it was interesting to see her with the color ring to "match" my hair (think paint chips for matching paint!). Anyhow, I noted the color she had figured out for me...in case I didn't order with her. (Which I didn't)

Wheni was done trying on the wigs I told her I just could not purchase at that time as I did not LOVE any style I had tried on. Then I asked her the average price of the wigs I had tried on...$450! My insurance does NOT cover that! In the end I was happy I did not order. Truly,had I loved the wig I would have paid double! (Well not really but I think you get my drift)

BUT I did learn a lot of info...to look for a "monofilament wig". "Hand tied" is good (but cost more). "Lace front cap" (whatever that means)...and real hair wigs cost more...way more!

I also learned my head size is not "average", not from her though, from a website that gave description how to measure. So I have to look for LARGE (must be formal that space up there!)

I have searched the web for wigs, and not all sites are user friendly...I can find style, but not sort by head size. I would prefer to filter to my head size so in not excited about a wig that only comes in average or petite!

Anyhow, I thinki am rambling now.

Here is the site I used, based on the info I had learned from the "wig lady" I was able to find a wig that is "decent" and matches my hair color and current cut and it only cost me $45 on a clearance! http://www.tlcdirect.org. Their shipping is only $6 and it came very quickly.

Don't forget to check with the American Cancer Society for the look good feel better program. They give a FREE wig and FREE makeup kit and teach you how to use both. In fact the wig comes with a wig stand AND the hair care products (I didn't even know there was special products for wigs!). So it is a GREAT value, even if you get only the wig care stuff!

Sorry this got so long!

Pat

lpc · May 2013

Kate I ordered wig from catalog from hairdresser and she will style it further tomorrow.

Pattysmiles · May 2013

Here is the look good feel better link.

Scroll down and enter your zip code on left side of page to find a program near you.

It is a 24hour phone number for registration, so great for those night owls or those who can't sleep too!

http://lookgoodfeelbetter.org/

And as for the exercise. I did not have your type of surgery, but it sure felt nice to be back to the gym. I took it real slow these past few times....I had partial masectomy and was given clearance to go back to gym after 6 weeks...just in time to start chemo! Lol. BUT, I have gone after my first treatment, have been 2x on first week, I am now in second week after treatment and have been two days in a row, its nice to be back!

Pat

Gully · May 2013

Ukkate-I did not go to a store to try on wigs...just took the tlcdirect book to my hairdresser and asked which one would look like my then new pixie cut. I picked the one they suggested but with a brighter color than my own hair for fun. I did get one other one I did not like so I simply sent it back. You can get wigs for 50-60 bucks there.

I have never tried to run a marathon, that is impressive. I am thinking about trianing for tri for a cure for next year. Gives me a goal.

As far as the gym now. Before my BMX and TE's (March 6th) I worked out by doing interval training with weights 3x per week and jogging about 4-5 miles 2x a week. My PS just released me to work out again with weights 2 weeks ago. Before BC used 8lbs weights. Started two weeks ago with 1 lbs and have worked up to 3 lbs. He said just to increase slowly. The harded thing so far is push ups....had to go back to the girly style...and much less reps. So I cant do as much as I used to but it makes me feel happy and normal sort of for an hour.

Also my MO has set me up with physical therapy to improve my range of motion for over the head and lateral moves. So far so good. For me it has always been a mental thing to exercise. If I dont do it I get depressed. It has made me feel better after treatment both physically and mentally. I work out with a group of 10, loud music, and its fun! When I felt badly days 2-4 I only walked. But yes even that made me feel much better and to keep things moving in my GI system.

Ask your PS when you can start and then go slowly. Since you obvioulsly are a ruuner I think if you give it a try you will be able to do more than you think. Maybe try the stationary bike for a while, legs only!

FYI.. I take Clorox wipes with me to wipe off the equipment before I use it and also my face and hands before I leave! Good luck - I read an ok book called "Cancer Fitness" if you are interested.

Good night all and sleep well! Thank God for Valium!

Gully · May 2013

Patty - I got one of my wigs from wigs.com and they let your sort for your head size and for desired length. Good luck!

Gigi62 · May 2013

Hi ipc,

My hair started falling out on 5/14. (My 1st chemo was on 5/2.) I was almost relieved because they assured me it would happen because of the taxotere & I'd set up a schedule similar to yours: choosing a wig this Thursday and getting my hair cut very close on Friday. All day today it has just kept falling out, dozens of strands at a time, but even though I don't have thick hair, my head is still covered. I think by the time I finish trying on wigs, there won't be much left for my Friday cut.

Has anyone read any helpful hints about nail care when you are on taxotere. I've never had strong nails anyway, but I really dread that they may separate from the nail bed.

I have gained so much knowledge & strength from these postings. Thanks to all.

ItIsWhatItIs2013 · May 2013

I just started shedding.... I'm at day 7 from my first treatment.... I scratched an itch on my head and a handful if hair was stuck to my hand....

I have super thick hair, but am still concerned that I'll be able to make it to the weekend to pick up a hat or 2 and get my head buzzed.... I'm not a wig person... Unless I find a "smokin hot pink Afro" haha I usually wear baseball caps anyway

I thought I had a few more days

Has anyone else started losing hair so soon?

The bummer is I just started feeling better from the treatment today & now this... Why can't we catch a break? Even for a day? Haha

shimmy · May 2013

Last Neupogen shot for this round! So glad to be done with them until next time. I swear, the worst of my side effects are all from this shot. Although, my mouth is feeling pretty friggin' gross these days, all cottony and sensitive.

Tori- We have had a similar path to chemo. I soooo did not want to do it, but then my Oncotype came back a 34. Had to put on my big girl pants and deal. I have a 10 year old too, my youngest of 3

Good luck to all having chemo tomorrow, my thoughts are with you.

LJaeger · May 2013

Round one done. Heading to work on the train now, and my purse has more drugs in it than Duane Reade (a local pharmacy chain).

Feeling pretty good, though I woke up around 12:30a and kept waking up until I gave up at 5:10a. I will ask nurse today about taking Ativan in the early evening for a better night's sleep around the steroid days.

Have to inject my neulasta shot in the work bathroom today - not excited. Nurse said to take around 24 hours post chemo's end. Ah well. Already took antihistamine with breakfast to hopefully ward of SEs.

Good luck everyone on another SE-low day.

MomofSam · May 2013

lpc - I am going to Chemo every other wednesday for a total of 8 rounds (4 on AC and 4 on Taxol). How about you?

lpc · May 2013

Momofsam I am every other Thursday 4 AC and 4 T.Sitting here now waiting for labs to come back. I worry they will say bad blood no chemo come back next week. I just want to cross another off my list with no delays! Hair coming off later today. How are you feeling today?

Ljaeger how lucky you can do neulasta at home! My mo insists I come back 2nd day for neulasta and fluids no matter how much I drink! That is another 3 hrs of life spent in a chair. Work day after chemo I am impressed! I take valium to sleep in steroid nights.

Hope all have a good day!

Lisa

lpc · May 2013

Hooray bloodwork is great. Bring on the chemo!

GoWithTheFlow · May 2013

Gigi,

I just finished my chemo, and a few of my fingers feel like I slammed them in a cabinet door. One in particular appears to be loose. I went 3 times for manicure/pedicure during treatment (I never had a problem with white blood cells crashing but still planned it for just after chemo before they would). I had shellac polish put on my fingers to prevent chipping and making sure it would last a month. Toes had matching regular polish.

I'm planning on trying to get out today for a pre-surgery mani/pedi. I'll let you know how that goes. I know my last one was a french on my fingers, and I started to see some lines and discoloration under my nails.

elkatho · May 2013

So glad to hear it. It is great to keep the treatment moving. Have a relaxing treatment.

Ukkate · May 2013

Thanks for the wig tips folks. I think DH and I are going to go to a store tomorrow and try some on and then probably order cheaper stuff online. That seems like a good plan. I keep looking at that "look good feel better" website but can't seem to bring myself to sign up for it - which is silly.

So yesterday I went to work for about 3 hours but today I didn't get out of bed til 10:30am! I think I have hit the "exhaustion" phase of chemo! I seriously could just crawl right back into bed right now...

I hate seeing my body deteriorate. I got really into running just a few years ago. I started by running a 1/2 marathon and did about 5 more of those and then did my first full. But I think the cancer was trying to tell me something because training for the full was exhausting and I had a really hard time recovering from the training runs. Amazing to think that I managed to do it at all! I spent most of 2012 feeling exhausted and achy and no doctors could figure out why! Go figure!!!!

I'm going to check out those wig sites - thanks for posting those!!! Feel strong today ladies xxx

Netter · May 2013

I have been told to shellac your nails. A friend did it and saved her toenails and fingernails.

lpc · May 2013

2 down 6 to go!! Only s/e today is mild headache. I can so do this!

Pattysmiles · May 2013

Ukkate, day 3 seems to be the start point for most to feel tired. Don't worry, it WILL get better.

As for the exercise/running...I was really bummed to not be able to do anything after surgery, then get the clearance from surgeon to go full exercise,money to start chemo 5 days later. However, I have been to the gym twice during week one, taking it fairly easy though. And now that I am into week 2 I have gone daily, somewhat revving it up. You CAN do something, but if anyone told me last week I would feel more energy THIS week I would have hit them (and then gone take a nap!). Lol

Obviously up you won't be running a marathon or even a 1/2 marathon tomorrow, but you will soon be back to doing more than you thought you could.

Get some good sleep, continue with your water, feel better, and then go sign up for that look good feel better workshop. I was so mad I forgot about mine and made it there for the last five minutes...they stayed and gave me a full series in a very short time, but I have signed up to go again so I can sit, listen and relax while they speak (not be kicking myself for forgetting the whole time!). Besides FREE wig for your first visit, FREE makeup and case, it's a no brainer.

Pat

LJaeger · May 2013

MomofSam - we're going through the same thing together on the same days! It's amazing the people you meet on this site, isn't it?!

I am greatful that I can do the Neulasta shot on my own. A quick visit to the bathroom today and I was done. No pain in injection. I actually did egg freezing a few weeks ago (I'm supposedly going to be on Tamoxifin for 5-10 years, and wanted a "just in case" though we're undecided about having a family) and had to give myself 25 shots in the stomach in the process. Not fun, but made this shot a lot easier for me.

The chemo nurse told me yesterday that I basically only had one good vein, and since my left arm is completely out, she really wants me to get a port (esp because of the necrotizing properties of the Adriamyacin). I was up for getting a port before I even started chemo, but other folks (breast surgeon and oncologist's nurse) though I could give it go without the port. Luckily the hostpital in the campus that my MSK branch is in does ports in the arm. Yes! I was really excited to avoid another scar on my chest, and figure pain or bruising in the arm muscle will hopefully not be half as bad as pain and bruising in the chest wall. Keeping my fingers crossed it goes well and easily. That's next Friday for me. Sucky to be done Memorial weekend, but I can't get the area wet for 3 days, and I'm not back at work until Tuesday. So I guess it's a good thing.

Still feeling good today, though I had the chest/hands/face flush from the steriods. I am drinking way more water than usual, and that combined with the saline they pumped into me yesterday made me spend half the day in the restroom! I literally counted and it was near 14x to clear out toxins! I guess it's great, but my husband and I were watching a movie and I felt that every other moment I had to excuse myself. Ha. The joys. TMI, sorry.

MomofSam · May 2013

LJaeger - yes, it's cool how we can meet other going through exact same types of things here! I got the port. It was painful for me at first, but I was really glad I had it after I had my first Chemo - no pain! Was easy for them to use and I can even us it for my once a week lab work I have to get.

I managed to get out and walk today. A bit tired and they aren't kidding when they say to use sunscreen! I totally forgot and am a little pink because of it. Better thinking nexttime (it was overcast here where I am today). It was a bit tiring though and I've only had one treatment (or maybe it's because I'm not as in good of shape as I should be .

Neulasta shot tomorrow!

okiecountrygal · May 2013

I had a rough night, couldn't sleep then started to get nausea and diarrhea so took meds to head that off. Just very tired and achy today and tho I've Only been up 2 hours think I will take a nap. Really disappointed as I thought it would be a few days before I felt yucky.

mcgis · May 2013

Hi! I'm scheduled to start chemo on 5/27. Anyone else scheduled to start then? The nurse mentioned over the phone what I'll be getting but I'll have to write it down at my chemo teaching session next week. I do know I'll be getting Herceptin every week for a year and chemo for 5 months.

I'm clueless. I've read some posts but I'm feeling overwhelmed.

1. Aches and Pains?? What should I expect?

2. Nauseousness? What do you do to help with that?

3. I was told to stay away from raw foods (veggies, fruits you can't peel, sushi...) because of bacteria?

4. How do you feel while getting chemo? Cold? Hot? Sick? Tired?... I have no idea what to expect.

5. I've put some books on my Kindle, getting a battery for my travel size Yahtzee game. What do you do to 'entertain' yourself in the chair. My session will be 5-6 hours.

6. How do you typically feel that first week? And the week after chemo? I'll be getting it every 3 weeks.

7. Please, anything else you can share with me would be very appreciated. Thanks!!

MichelleRN78 · May 2013

mcgis, I thought I would try to answer some of your questions.

Aches and Pains - I attribute most of my aches and pains to the neulasta shot. But considering how it is helping me I wouldn't give it up for anything. Take clairitin for the pain. (It is thought that when the bones start producing blood cells there is some sort of histamine response taking place.)

Nausea- My MO said that if I have nausea then she isn't doing her job. They have so many drugs available they should be able to help you with any nausea you have.

During chemo I was cold I think they keep the center cold. I would just bring a blanket and maybe a sweater. Wear comfy clothes.

As far as staying entertained during chemo, those 5-6 hours kind of flew by and I honestly can't remember what I did. Surfed the web, chatted with my husband, and talked with the staff.

The first week after chemo was really hard for me and I would say that days 4-6 were the worst for me. I have two small children and needed help. I took a lot of naps and could only take care of myself.

If I can think of anything else I will let you know. If you have any other specific questions this is a great place to find answers. I know that I use the April chemo board to see what those who started ahead of us are going through.

One more thing be prepared for constipation and diarrhea. I had both.

argynis · May 2013

1. Aches and Pains?? What should I expect?

I had no pain from chemo and also no pain from my 7 Neupogen shots.

2. Nauseousness? What do you do to help with that?

You will probably get some pills to take at home (Emend, steroids,...). I felt nauseous for about 2-3 days but I never threw up.

3. I was told to stay away from raw foods (veggies, fruits you can't peel, sushi...) because of bacteria?

Nobody told me that. I had sushi and fruits and all and had not problems so far.

4. How do you feel while getting chemo? Cold? Hot? Sick? Tired?... I have no idea what to expect.

I did not feel anything special durign chemo. I keept my mouth filled with ice the whole time (2h) and so far (I'm 9 days out) I have not lost my taste and I don't have any mouth-sores so far.

5. I've put some books on my Kindle, getting a battery for my travel size Yahtzee game. What do you do to 'entertain' yourself in the chair. My session will be 5-6 hours.

You can usually also bring sombody along if you want.

6. How do you typically feel that first week? And the week after chemo? I'll be getting it every 3 weeks.

I felt weak and nauseous on day 2-4. This week I already feel normal again - the only hting is that I am getting more easily exhausted. I was quite constipated for 3-4 days after chemo.

Hope this helps

Chemo May 2013

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