Starting Chemo June 2013!?!?!

Okay for those of you that are ready, (which I am), this is a scarf tying web site. http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2011/03/how-to-tie-head-scarves.html  In the last video, several other unique methods come up.  I am also going to use beads, pretty head bands, etc. for accents.

I start chemo on Thursday and I am really nervous. I am dreading losing my hair, which should be the least of my worries. I have kept this from my two girls (ages 9 and 11) but will tell them when school gets out. I just don't want to scare them, and I don't want to lie to them either. I told them that mommy had an Angelina Jolie kind of surgery, even though that's a bit of a stretch, since she didn't have the cancer part....

Netter-thanks for link..I am not ready yet..but as I am going to shave head a couple of days before 1st chemo..coming up fast.  I have bookmarked it..I have never tied a scarf on my head in my life...lol

It took a week for my port pain to go away!! Today day 8 I feel good!! The only thing is I can feel it my neck and it makes me cough!!! Going fir surgery check up today

Tasharka-I'm glad you are doing good so far.  

Ref to your hair-have you went and picked out a wig yet? I've had mine for a month..and its really close to my own hair in color and length..but with kick butt highlights and cut..Im still having hard time picking up to phone to make actual appt..but, it helps if you have replacement ready..or some real cute hats/scarf..my fear is eyebrows/lashes..

dim... It took 5 full days for my nausea and about 8 days for the fatigue for me! I did not want to eat though... And my mouth started to get raw after 8 days and only got one tiny little mouth sore... But did rinse my mouth lots with baking soda, salt and warm water !! Hope you feel better soon ... Hugs

Alibeths-  my port is really bothering me too.  Almost more than the other stuff.  It is so close to my skin that when they first put it in, you could actually see the color of one of the knobs.  It feels sore and like it's burning and I can't stand to have anything touch it.  Seatbets and bras are awful.  

It feels really weird when I bend over like to pick something up off the ground--  feels like someone is squeezing my neck.  I guess that's swelling from where the tube is?

Today the one knob that was most visible has a tiny scab on top of it.  Hope that doesn't mean it's going to come popping out of my chest.  

The day after they put it in, I went back to the hospital and the surgeon who put it in came and looked at it.  He said it looked fine.  My onc also said it looked fine, normal.  So far that's what everyone has said.  I guess it just takes a really long time for it to feel normal for some people.  It would have helped if they told you this thing was a big deal but everyone acts like it's just an afterthought-  a simple thing to help with chemo.  

I wonder-  if I have 6 chemo treatments-  is my overall pain and uncomfort more or less with a port.  Hmm.  6 days of discomfort and possible trouble finding a vein versus I am on day 8 from port placement now and have constant discomfort and who knows when it will feel better.  

I can tell from the posts that the hair days for some is rapidly approaching.  Just remember no matter what you elect to do about your hair, there are not set rules, no limitations, no right way or wrong way to deal with the hair.  It is a very personal decision as to what to do, when to cut, how much to cut ,etc.  I know it's not easy to be at this point because it will be the most obvious indication to the world that you may be having chemo and also an eye opener when you look in the mirror.  For me, I cut it to a very very short boy haircut and let whatever happen, happen.  I didn't shave/buzz my head because I knew I couldn't handle seeing myself like that after having waist length hair.  I used a lint roller to get the hair off of me, my clothes, my bed pillow, etc.  It was in the shower that I had that moment when I saw the hair in the drain and said I have a choice here--- I can lose it or say out loud--- the hair is going and I need to clean this drain.  I chose the later of the two and made an effort not to fixate on looking at myself in the mirror.  No matter what, you are each beautiful and very special.

Ladies- Make sure you check to see if there is an American Cancer Society Look Good Feel Good program in your area.  They will fit you for a free wig and also have a make up session where you will receive a free make up bag.  They also have instructions on line for tying scarves.  There is no cost for attending their programs.

As for head coverings, I wore baseball caps, straw hats (Target), bandanas, and Buffs.  When at home, I didn't wear anything on my head.  I had a wig but never wore it.  I think it has abandonment issues since I never took it out of the plastic bag that I received it in.  Each of you will find your own style and comfort zone with the head coverings/ or no head coverings. 

Tasharka-I am sorry to be the one who made you think of eyebrows/lashes..When I found out I was going to have to have chemo I knew I would lose my hair..that was about the only thing I knew about chemo..that and you throw up..When I read about lashes/brows...I was like WHATTTTTT?..Im praying mine doesnt fall out..I there is a website that sells those products?  There was a website address listed somewhere in this website I saw and went on..but seem pricey. I have bills coming in like crazy from my first surgery..not even the other two yet..and on 65% pay..so will have to use the power of prayer.

Tasharka - I just saw your post about the neck and shoulder pain - I had the same issue and my MO said it was definately the neulasta - he decreased my dose the second time and had just a twinge of pain - BIG DIFFERENCE - he also said to use ibuprofen if I needed to.

Regarding port pain, I had pretty severe pain for about a week. Took a total of two weeks before the pain was totally gone. Now it's fine, so I'm hoping all you ladies experiencing pain will get relief soon.



Day 2 post-chemo and I'm tired and groggy but had a few bursts of energy. Good luck to anyone starting this week!



All of the wonderful advice and tips are so helpful...thanks to everyone for sharing!