February 2014 Starting Chemo Club

Thanks ladies, I'm hangin in, my thread is getting thinner and thinner but still hangin!!! Lol

Tang, girl, do not apologize!!!!!!! Every step of this is challenging and difficult. Your body is still going through a lot. Honestly the only time I was able to shed some pounds was when I was ready to. If my appetite comes back after chemo, I'm gonna run with it!!!!! You can always start out slow by replacing one snack/day with something healthy. I think a nutritionist is a great idea! I think you should cut yourself some slack. BC has beaten you down enough you dont need guilt to do it too! Maybe therapy will help you with this too. 

Hugs to you!!!!!

I use a scalp treatment called Nioxin.   Seems to work ...but who knows? Maybe it's just me re growing my own hair! Lol 

Me at 7 weeks PFC.   What's with that dark line around the bottom??

jbok...looks great! Mine is coming in all white as well. I think I will try the biotin supplement b/c it is supposed to strengthen nails as well...mine keep peeling!

I lost 40 lbs during this whole thing. I had last Taxol 6 weeks ago.  I am on rad 9/33.    Yes, my thighs get weak sometimes, I still sleep 9=10 hours at night, I still get a bit light headed upon standing at times.My fingernails are gross but growing out.  Peripheral neuropathy in end of fingers.   all doable.  The thing that bugs me the most is NAUSEA.  WHAT?   I didn't have that much during chemo.  It started after chemo and before rads.   I can hear my stomach gurgle and don't have much of an appetite until evening.  I have had this problem before in my life when I get upset.   I was thinking all the meds for nausea kept it at bay.  I take Dexilant, the Cadillac of anti acids meds.   Anyone else with this problem?     So stinkin good to be done with chemo

Remember your bodies have been through hell and back. Chemo messes with fast growing cells including the ones in your stomach. It may take some time for things to repair BUT you need to tell your doctor. If you are still having digestive issues it may be time to see a gastroenterologist. Regular puking or gerd is bad and if persistent can cause throat cancer.

We all expect to go back to "normal" quickly once chemo ends but it doesn't happen for many of us. It can take time, months, a year or in some cases a bit more. Also if you've had surgery that only adds to it. My digestion was screwed up every time they gave me anesthesia. I didn't get nausea during chemo but after my BMX I couldn't even sit in a chair for a day I was so nauseous. 

For me I had to take 2 drugs. Carafate Solution works wonders if the other stuff doesn't. Prescription only though.

Ok so I'm finally  am bringing up the rear for the Feb 2014 group, had my last chemo today!!!!! I still thinks it's funny that I refused to post in the March 2014 group, I said in my head in my best toddler voice "I don't wanna, I started chemo Feb 28th" lol. Glad I did. You guys are amazing!!!!!

Other great news for the day. My MRI had no visible cancer cells!!!!! Fuck yeah!!!!!!!!

excellent news Jules!!!

A few days after receiving my first chemo treatment I started to have heavy hard heart palpitations that beat so hard that my back was in extreme pain.  My blood pressure and pulse were normal.    I was suffering for about a week with no let up from the strong beating and back pain.  The Oncologist office did not know what to suggest to help me.   One nurse even told me I had to suffer through it.   I went to the emergency room and received some Xanax.   Instant relief!

There are also other medicines to calm your heart down.   It was frustrating to have to suffer with this which the oncologist admits is a common side effect.   I am so glad I found a Doctor in the ER that was willing to help me.

Jules!! Woopwoop!! The best feeling to finish!!

Mom mom!!  Count down!! Yayay!! Rosie 

Count it down mommom!!!

TY everyone. Coming down off my steroid high, I know I will fell worse before I feel better I just hope not for long. 

Thanks Mods!! Have to be honest I thought I was going to be yelled at for dropping the F bomb!! LOL

haha Jules, that's funny! Guess the Mods are easy going people!

Congrats Jules. I've been out of town for a few days so I missed your post

TY ladies!!

Rosie, I have contemplated the SAME thing, but maybe just remove my ovaries. I will be asking my MO his thoughts the next time I see him. I also think the risk gets higher if your % of ER+ cells are high. For me I am only 1-4 %, my MO said they never used to treat <10% but now they treat all ER+. I'll keep you posted!

Congratulations on finishing, Jules!

I start work in ten days and I'm having anxiety about it since I've been gone for so long. My appearance has changed so much and I know I'm not really the same. Give me strength to deal with people again! LOL.

hi girls...for those of you who finished chemo...I am 7 weeks PFC...I have recently felt really achy in my muscles in the legs and thighs...I thought I was getting better a couple of weeks ago but this past week when I am in bed and through the night, my whole body aches.

It seems to be better when I get up in the morning and move around.  Just wondering if anyone else still has whole body aches or when does it end?  Lower legs may be neuropathy?  I haven't seen MO since June 2...not sure if I should make appointment..thanks for any insight! Rosie