Chemo May 2013

So the deed is done and the hair is gone. Kind of like 1st chemo. Glad its behind me! Left1/4 inch on head 1 pony tail to locks of love and mounds of hair on floor. Stylist made some adjustments and it looks pretty much like my hair. Walked in door and promptly removed. Too hot to wear at home! Not ready to go out in public like this but family all agrees not too bad looking.

Kate have you called doctor? They need to find you something that works! I am so sorry you are feeling that way. Hope you are drinking plenty to avoid dehydration!

LPC, you will get used to your stubble.  I've gotten to the point that I go out frequently with no head covering.  Went for a mani/pedi today (with no head covering).  My middle fingers seem to be more discolored under the nail than the rest.  I just asked them to do the minimum on my hands, and it was a bit uncomfortable while they were shaping the nails, but I survived.  My feet however, I had them do the platinum treatment.  Herbal bath, leg scrub, moisturizer, paraffin, etc.  My feet have been very dry since I started chemo so I always get the most moisturizing treatment there.  

Amyjax-

My onc told me it was ok but not cuticle cutting and to make sure you go to a very clean place. She also told me that your white blood cell count is highest 3 days before and after chemo. I am just going to a polish change of my feet since its summer and play it on the safe side since they don't speak much English where I go!



Good luck!



Jsrose

Yay, lpc....

You seem so upbeat about buzzing it off... It makes me feel like a baby! Haha



So far, the hardest part is when people ask how you're doing.. I just say "good" or " just fine"



I'm not, tho! A bunch of little things.... My mouth feels raw, my tonsils feel swollen, I'm tired, I feel achy, my vein from the first treatment is hard and bruised about 8" up my arm..... But ive NEVER been a complainer & I'm sick and tired of complaining! & I don't want to bring others down! My hair is starting to shed... I actually think I'm starting to feel sorry for myself! THIS IS NOT ME! I'm a fighter in everything else in my life!why am I now being a baby? Ugh! I have so much support, but none of them are feeling what I'm feeling.... Thank goodness!





Tomorrow is another day! And it WILL be a good one!

Itiswhatis





Not always so upbeat but I have also not been a complainer either. Go check out the thread. Bonfire of the goddesses. Great place to throw your problems in the proverbial fire! It really does work! As far as hair goes after a few tears discovered I had a fairly nice looking head!! Never thought I would be saying those words. Of course perfectly bald might be different story!



I rinse mouth with salt water a lot. Helps with the cruddy mouth problems. Also use biotene. And sugar free mints.



I am lucky to have a lot of support too and luckily a friend introduced me to a new friend who just finished chemo 6 weeks ago and has become a great resource for me. I do tell my family I will have those pity party days and they can just deal with it! Tomorrow is day 3 of treatment and that is when I feel the worst!



Hope today is a better one for you!

I'm sorry a lot of us are hitting a rough patch now. Hopefully this means we'll feel better next week.



I was a moron last night and decided that since I was so tired getting into bed, I wouldn't need to take the Ativan generic pill my nurse suggested taking 30mins before bed to ward off the waking up I did the night prior. Sigh. I ended up waking up around 11:15p, and convinced myself to Ativan it up around 1a. Luckily I don't feel that exhausted. I guess the steroids do give quite a boost. Waiting for the proverbial (and hopefully not literal!) sh*t to hit the fan tonight or tomorrow.



So proud of all the ladies here who are going 'commando' on their heads. Knowing me, I'll be whipping off any and all head coverings when I'm not in my office. Too bad for everyone else; I don't want to be roasting under there!



Anyone else having issues swallowing a bit? Forgot to tell nurse yesterday. Can swallow liquids fine and can breathe fine, but occasionally I think my throat muscles are a little high, and then of course I have some momentary panic...probably comes from my neurotic opera singing days...



Good luck today, everyone!

I have round 2 today! I was an original 5/2 girl but my oncologists chemo days are Fridays but she started me on 5/2 because she was on vacation 5/3. So now I'm on a Friday schedule! I'm nervous again even though the first time was nbd. I hope my blood counts are ok!

So is the routine the same for everyone for chemo? I'm sitting here waiting for them to do my labs and then I go to the clinic to meet with my oncologist, I assume to talk side effects and such. Then I go back to the infusion center to have my chemo. My first round I just went in, got my bed, and they went to work. I guess because my initial labs were already done the week before. This just seems like a process. It's 10:20 am and they don't have me scheduled for infusion until 2:30. I'm just bitching! Hopefully I can go to lunch before my treatment :-)

Kate, can you sip some room temp broth or Gatorade? I was told to call Dr if diarrhea is not controlled with over the counter remedies.

Jenna. I had only one treatment but I think my protocols will be the same each time Lab work, results ok then they call hospital and order chemos. Meet with MO, start premeds, steroid, anti-nautisea, benadryly, then the chemo. About 4 hours. Back next day for shot. Good Luck try to enjoy some quiet time.



I am listening to self imagery guidance meditation specific for cancer treatment. It calms me during treatment. I also listen to it if I walk up in the night. Have my kindle next to my bed.

To the the ladies on the T/C regimen. Are you getting 6 total treatments; 1 every 3 weeks. This is my plan. As long as I Am doing ok we will complete 6 if not then 4. However, my second opinion states 4 is what he would recommend. Just curious as I thought 6 was standard.

Elkatho,

My treatment is 4x only. Maybe get a third opinion. It might have to do with grade?



Oceanwarrior

Sorry you have to join us.

There is a wealth of info in these boards, which is great to know "what to expect" for the most part, though each of us is different.



Kate, please call your Dr. And make sure you are not dehydrated.



Thanks everyone for sharing the hair stories. I'm on my countdown...will try to keep it through the weekend as Mom will be in from out of town- she doesnt seem to get what is going on, so I would rather prevent questions. Of course I can't stop nature! Lol



Pat

I had my port put in yesterday, it was horrible!  I was nervous and that didn't help.  They gave me meds for the nerves and to get me to sleep three times during the procedure but they didn't work.  I cried through the whole thing.  They had a really hard time getting it threaded up in the neck area.  Had to cut me a couple of more times to help get it through there.  They claim they had a harder time with me because most all ports are placed on the right side but mine had to go on the left.  My neck was so sore for hours later I was in tears every time I tried to move.  Amazing how you use your neck for even the smallest of things.  Neck is still VERY uncomfortable today.  I'm glad I don't start chemo until next Friday so I can get used to feeling this there.  I hope everyone else's ports went as easy as they were supposed to be.