Starting Chemo July 2013

HVV,

Did you also use a stool softener , morning and night?

Maybe prune juice, or someone had said a jar of baby food prunes.

Pat

Thank you!

Puppymama, hair losing is never easy, but we are all here for you. I had mine buzzed 2 days after it started falling and I was so relieved. I didn't shave my head cuz I had some scalp acne developed and I afraid I would cut them open.



Re constipation: some yoga posts help; however some experience in yoga is needed or else you might hurt yourself and that's the last thing we wanted! Google "yoga for constipation", here is an example. http://yogaindailylife.blogspot.hk/2007/01/yoga-for-constipation.html



Day 2 of second infusion: fatigue, no fever, no signs of suspected hand and foot syndrome returning yet, am happy so far.

Good luck today Angela!!!  You're one infusion ahead of me - awesome that you'll be 75% done with A/C

Hi ladies,

Never made it to chemo #2.  TEs were overfilled so PS took out 90 CCs. Developed a raging drain site and TE infection and in a ton of pain.  

Hair was falling out in clumps so I had it buzzed to a #1. Sad. I look so ugly.

Wig netting itches my forehead. 

Really sick of the setbacks. Feel like I'm not moving forward and making progress.  Sorry for the downer post.  

I too was diagnosed May 16th ( husbands 56th birthday no less)...invasive ductal stage 2. Lymph nodes negative but that damn once number of 25 put me in that gray area. Had bilateral mastectomy with expanders June 8 th with expanders and TC chemotherapy starting the 15th of July. Decided to try the penguin cold cap therapy to try and save the hair. Painstakingly brutal between the dry ice and the 8 hours on chemotherapy day, but hanging on....had second TC yesterday and awoke with red face due to steroids. Am taking claritin for nulasta side effects and that with Motrin worked well the first time around. We'll see for shot today....3rd week post chemotherapy definitely a new normal, but normal compared to the prior 2!! Drinking cucumber lemon water to detox by the gallon. Has completely turned me off cucumber martinis! Anyone have any other ideas? Sorry, I'm rambling!!

Venti55, I was diagnosed around the same time as you, right before Mother's Day ... nice, which left me wondering how to tell my kids!  But that was just the first diagnosis for DCIS, then came the invasive one in the same breast and, on the same day, confirmation of endrometrial cancer.  I had surgery on June 4th for all three, thought I was done, then was told my HER2 triple positive meant I should probably also have chemo.  So, here I am.

Just an interesting factoid....I saw on the news (PBS, and they don't usually report trivia) recently that there are preliminary studies showing that people who have been through chemo seem less likely to get alzheimers.  Anyone else see that?  Of course, chemo-brain as well as other SE's are probably not the ideal alternative.

Hair today, gone tomorrow. As predicted my hair started shedding on day 13, falling out on day 14, and coming out by the handful on day 15 (yesterday). My hair stylist buzzed me with a #2 last night. I had a good friend with me who took pictures, encouraged me, and then took me out for a glass of wine after. I have been coloring my hair for a long time so didn't know what to expect but I am looking very "salt and pepper." Even this short it is still falling out like crazy. Wore a scarf when I went in to work on my classroom today and felt so self-conscious. So glad to be past this drama and just learn to accept the new look.



Sheila, you are so right about all the support. On Monday, 6 friends showed up in my classroom to set it up for the new school year. They did everything from putting numbers on coat hooks to arranging desks and moving bookcases. It was so overwhelming and they did it with such joy that I couldn't find the words to express my thanks. I hope all of you have some people like this in your lives.



Jnprsn, I'm so sorry that things seem to be going backward for you. Just know we are all sending you love and support. Sometimes this journey seems to be one step forward and two steps back, but you are strong and you can make it through. And there is no way in the world I believe that you look ugly! Hang in there.

Guess I should check in with you all and apologize for not mentioning everyone, but ((((hugs)))) to everyone. It's such a challenge to be positive when your feeling down in the dumps with chemo.



What round is everyone on? I get so lost trying to keep up. I know I go for round 3 Friday, and hannarigs is tomorrow for round 3 too.



I have been doing well on my second week as I am dose dense and go every 2 week's. I always dread the next round. My hair started to fall out on day 12 and day 16 it was just whisps. So we shaved it. I still haven't got that solar panel look yet. Just almost white hair fuzz which my youngest loves to rub.



Here is wishing a uneventful next round for all.

rrrrgh....almost 2am, still can't sleep, my chemo is tomorrow morning at 9:00am. Must be that steroid med again. Happened to me with my 1st chemo also.

Thank you Jerigrace and puppymama. Everyone on here is so kind.

Hello, ladies!  What a blur this summer has been doing this chemo thing.  I see ads for back-to-school and it seems unreal it is August.  Apparently time flies even when you're not having fun!

Sorry for all those just losing your hair.  Yes its traumatic but you kind of get used to it.  I'm not saying you ever like it though. I guess we'll save a lot of money on haircuts and hair color for the next several months.  And I don't have to read that section of the women's magazines anymore.  sigh. 

jnprsn, so sorry about your infection.  I hope you can get everything settled down soon.  I've been through the infection after surgery but at least wasn't doing chemo at the time. 

Nausea has not been my problem but unusual cravings has.  I seem to be having strange cravings for things I don't normally eat.  I have gone through a lot of lemonade and pretzels.  Before this, I bet I haven't had lemonade in 5 years and pretzels are last as my snack of choice.  Weird. 

As many bad days as this chemo is giving me, it does kind of help me appreciate the more peaceful days when I feel better.  I'm learning to be kind to myself and have lower expectations of myself and yes, others.  I hope that can last beyond chemo as I think its something that would benefit me in my every day life.  Time will tell!    

Jnprsn - hope all settles down for you and #2 happens soon enough



Rambo - ditto pain/rash?? I am trying Daktosin ( a combo of nappy rash zinc oxide and an anti fungal) failing that I will try a hydrocortisone with anti fungal . Am thinking since I noticed same sensation round #1 and now you have mentioned it perhaps it is skin sensitivity to the cyclophosphamide Hopefully will clear up soon. But mine is VERY itchy.



2 blue stars agree re time flying when not having fun - in my case winter is going fast and maybe we can be more tolerant after all this



Vilia - stay strong

Twohobbies and Nocompromises, I never thought I'd wish for chemo to come!

Hannariggs, my dog did a double take a couple of times but then got over it quickly.  Wish humans were as easy!

Vilia, my hair started falling out day 14 and by day 16 I had it buzzed to a #1.  I didn't cry until I left and got in the car.  Apparently, we will get used to this like everything else. Hang in there.