Starting Chemo in December 2013

I have crazy heartburn nearly constantly!  I thought it was just something weird, as I don't think I have heard of heartburn as a side effect.  I've been taking over the counter Zantac though, and that seems to help quite a bit.  Your English is really good for it not being your first language!  I wouldn't have guessed otherwise had you not mentioned it.  Glad you liked the article.  It has been the best thing I have read out of all the links my family and friends have sent me.  Oh, and today is a mostly SE free day for me!  Whoo hoo!

Got heartburn this round, only have steroids given in IV pre-chemo. Called MO and got a prescription for Prilosec. I know it is over-the-counter, but it is less expensive for me by script. Working wonderfully, as the heartburn was getting worse by the day. Hair is almost entirely gone now. What a relief.... What is left is peach fuzz and baby soft. Pretty sure that will depart soon too. I do think my other hair has stopped growing, but I did have to trim my nails. Thought they would have stopped growing too at this point. 

Hi. I chew ice chips while I'm getting the actual chemo, not the pre meds.  I have been lucky as far as not having mouth sores and it might be because I do this.  I also bring a soft blanket and warm slippers.  Oh, and my laptop. You want to be as comfy as possible.  I wish you the best of luck.  Try not to worry too much.  I drove myself crazy with fear and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

thank you ladies. It seems I'm closer to the 2014 forum date wise...

Mikesgirl-yes ... I am petrified about tomorrow. Don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight. 

Fear of the unknown is the worst.  I hope you sleep. 

so reading past posts on the bone pain , extreme fatigue, and mental fogginess... Any advice on how to go through this with little children? My older 2 (age 9 and 5) I'm not as worried about - they can color or entertain self while I rest... But I also have a 22 month old. I've had someone here with me (alternating someone's) since my DIEP on 11/20 because I couldn't pick him up. But a few weeks compared to 6 months (how long ill do chemo) is a different matter... 

hi tangandchris!! Nice to "meet " you although of course I wish it were under different circumstances. I think when I first came on here someone messaged me with. "Welcome to the club no one wants to join". 

welcome RHGSR!   My second treatment is tomorrow. Truly, the fear of the first treatment is far worse than the experience.  My first was completely uneventful except for a little bit of tearing eyes and runny nose.  I'm in two groups (this and Nov) and find both helpful.  You may find the same thing true for the Dec/Jan groups.  You've found a welcoming wonderful place where you can talk about anything even your bowel movements.  Lol. Seriously!  So don't hesitate to pipe up for support or questions about SE.

Welcome to you, too, tandandchris!

Spoomsister - thanks for sharing the article!

Good morning all! At center getting treatment 2 of TC. The 1st go around minimal side effects. This time should be around 3 hours. Last time was 5 hours. With the neulasta shot last time was some bone pain. Taking Claritan before, during and after shot. Hoping for minimal side effects this time too. The fatigue last time lasted about a week. Best wishes to all getting treatments this week!

Today is day 5 from my first FAC and I feel like I have turned a little corner.  More energy and no naseau this morning and I haven't had any meds this morning.  Never got the bone pain from the neulasta but took Claritin as many suggested.

Good luck everyone.  We will be done soon!

Hi all,

Very fatigued day yesterday, day 3, I have a constant headache, not a sinus one but just in my neck and temples since chemo last Thursday.   And my appetite is either very big or I can't handle the smell of any food.  Forced a short mile on treadmill yesterday just to get the body moving, the big C this time as well.  I will say the fog head is not here as with the first one, and my back ache is not as bad as the first one.  

Spent the day in awe with how the hair just falls right out with just a simple touch.  Looking forward to my head shaving tomorrow and my wig fitting.  It's true, been waiting for the hair, thought prepared but still the tears come with it...told my hairdresser of 10 years I have spent thousands of dollars on my hair over the many years I have been seeing her, to only have it all end up on the floor!  Ironic isn't it.  

Onward bound, gonna be a hat day!  My best to all today and I'm looking forward to 2014 and for all of us to put this ugly cancer crap behind us forever.

Jackie

Hi Everyone!One of my daughters just graduated from cosmetology school and she has been taking care of my hair since my first tx on 12/12. She washed it Christmas eve and there was more hair than usual in the comb. I have long curly hair past my shoulders. The day after Christmas it was forming itself into natural dread-locs....it was dying and it was hurting my scalp. One of my other daughters came over and we went to a wig shop since I was frustrating myself trying to learn how to tie a scarf on youtube. I absolutly fell in love with a wig and she bought it for me! Yesterday I had my hair cut very short and it feels so much better and I am able to sleep better. It is falling out here and there and I am gearing up for phase 2 where she will use the clippers and make it shorter but I feel good about. I let the tears flow yesterday and now ready to wear my wig and embrace the new me!!! Go for round 2 of AC on Thursday. Hope everyone is doing ok with their second rounds!

Joan, love the picture! I think we have the same hairdresser! 

Dragonfly, you are welcome!

Charusa, good luck with round two. I have round 3 on Thursday. 

Tangandchris, Claritin helps some people avoid the bone pain that can come with the Neulasta shot. 

NEskir99

Sorry to hear about an infection. Just think of it as a small bump in the road. Much better to treat it when your WBC is higher then after chemo dose. 

Sounds like a lot if us are scheduled for this Thurs.  Round 2 for me.

Day 13 and more energy then any day so far. 

Barbara