Starting Chemo October 2014

Hi again,

Glad to see everyone is powering through the treatment despite some challenges and scary moments.  I've been busy with tests, port placement and getting ready for chemo.  Had bone scan and ct scan on Friday, I was very scared about the possibilities but fortunately I found out today that there was no evidence of cancer other than known breast.  This news made my first chemo seem so much more positive.  I had my port placed yesterday and didn't have any problems but had some discomfort over night.  This may in part be because i normally sleep on my stomach and I couldn't.  The chemo A/C went I guess as well as could be expected. no reactions and no nausea yet.  I'm sure I'll have my share of SE to come including hair loss.  I ordered my wig last week and it should arrive in time.  I think I am as ready as I can be and the tips here have been extremely helpful, so thank you for all your sharing.  Also, family and friends have been super supportive and very understanding.

Sending positive thoughts,

Trekgirl,

love american horror story too, did you have claritin before neulasta? that worked for me

@Skacobs146 have you looked into cold caps? Anyone else here doing them to save their hair? I'm on day 16 and for the most part my SEs have let up other than random back and joint twinges from neulasta. I've also caught a head cold which is starting to worry me, lots of congestion and throat is a little sore, no fever. Has anyone caught a cold that went away no problem during treatment or will I end up hospitalized? I'm so nervous! 

Grammy, 

Day 13 here for me and I have just had some significant hair loss.  Just brushing my bangs out of my eyes and came away with quite a lot more strands than normal.  10-14 days is what I was told.  Just ordered some sleep caps (thought I already had).  Have a good night everyone. 

Speedcat that is me right now!

Today is my day 11 post 1st Chemo and I noticed about 15 min ago I ran my fingers through my hair and lots of strands came out. I repeated the process and still lots of strands are coming out. So I think by day 14 I'll have chunks coming out but I'm taking a proactive stance and decided Thursday will be my day to shave my head. I didn't want to do it tomorrow since I have my followup with my Onco and even though I've prepared myself of my hair falling out, it still is a bit shocking to see no matter how much you prepare. I guess I just want to hang onto 1 more day of "normal", with me being bald, the reality will be definite for me, even though I know I have cancer, this will be the proverbial "reality slap in the face".  I haven't even tried on my 2 wigs I bought back in July. I think subconsciously it would make everything real. Does that make sense?

Good luck everyone!

Yay Yurmani, I'm going to take pics of me cutting my hair in stages, I want to see how it looks with a pixie style, then mohawk, and finally bald. My husband can't wait either, since it'll give him an excuse to shave his head. (he likes his head bald just for sheer laziness. I like him with hair on his head), he actually said he would like to see me bald too. What a weirdo. I've always hated and yet proud of my hair too. I hated it because I had lots of hair it was always so heavy, but I was proud of it because I could grow it long quickly. Back in August I decided to go really short (for me) and donate my hair to Locks of Love (how ironic huh), my guy actually says he prefers me with short hair (he's always been into a long hair) so maybe after chemo and when my hair starts growing again, I may keep it short.

HollyD I am not doing cold caps.  It is very expensive, uncomfortable, and for CT only 50% effective.  My hair is short anyway, I'm not losing a luxuriously long head of hair.  Once chemo is done, my hair will be back to normal length within 6 months or so.  I just made an appointment for a wig consultation on Saturday.  

Becca you'll do great!  It is scary but so is anything new or different in life. I just think of it as a detour on my journey to being well. A stopping off of sorts to get what I need to continue on to being well again! Just a diversion on my path to greatness! Lol  Let us know how it goes. And the motto that I find gives me solace is "this too shall pass" so if that gives you comfort - you can use it too! 😊 

hi ladies!

Started 1 of 6 rounds of ACT on 10/10/14. It's been a rough couple of days but the bone pain is better and now just sleeping all day. It's been harder on my kids (3.5 & 2) but they are adjusting. Let us all kick this cancers butt!!!

Well...I have an infection of some sort after the port placement.  My breast is sunburn red in a distinct circle.  My BS said it could be an infection or it could be fluid build-up from her having to peel the breast/implant back to insert the port and line up to the jugular which could also cause the redness.  She said the redness and warmth coupled with me feeling like crap lead her to believe I picked up an infection.  So I am on clindamyacin and Bactrim for 10 days.

I asked if I could still have chemo on Friday.  She said if it is as red as it is now and has not gotten smaller than no I can't.  So...my chemo is scheduled for 10:45.  I will plan to check it when I take my shower before work and go from there.

Mulligan -- LOL!!! You sound just like me.  My hair was just as heavy and hot and I had at least an inch cut off every 6 weeks just to keep from getting headaches.  I have kept my hair short for that reason and I was always proud of my hair, but cussed it at the same time.  I still have some hair and never have gone completely bald.  I finish my chemo next week, but my hair is already starting to grow back.  I miss the damn stuff!!!!!

Beachlady - Welcome to our group. I had a BMX and then chemo.  I go back to see my surgeon to schedule my final surgery and then we talk about radiation.  Then it is back to my Onco to talk meds. 

L7boogie- thanks for the book recommendation. I'll check it out!

Ml14333. I hope the infection clears up quickly.

Beachlady, not sure if rads and tamoxifen are started together or not.  Maybe someone else can answer.

2nd tx is tomorrow.  I haven't begun losing hair yet but expecting it any day now.  I'm still waiting on my wig too!

Hope everyone is hanging in there.

Hi all,

Day two, I had trouble sleeping last night and a bit of unsettled stomach after taking Compazine.  I worried unnecessarily and after a few hours it was back to normal.  Nurse told me to stick with the Compazine and tonight I had it after eating and am not having any problems.  Had a busy day and in the afteroon after the Nuelasta was a bit tired but hadn't really slept well for two nights.  No bone pain yet but am taking advil regularly starting yesterday.  So tonight taking one advil PM.

I did use ice chips during adriamycin and not yet having mouth problems but am using the baking soda rinse and switched to a milder touthpaste.

For water, I am making my own fusion with organic lemons and a little bit of ginger and am using electrolyte water like smart water.  It helps with taste and the lemons and ginger are good for the tummy.

I also took someones advice on here and am keeping some saltines to have at night.

I have no idea what really works and what doesn't but I'll keep at this until it doesn't seem to work.

Hair still good.  My wig should be in soon, then I'll decide when to shave, I think I'll have a private event that's just me.  Probably the day before my 2nd treatment.  Glad it's winter it will be easier to wear a wig and hats.  

Kerensa hope the new treatment works better.

Thinking of everyone else on this unplanned detour in life.

Hi. I start treatment next Thursday (t/c 4 rounds).  I think I found a wig, and I'm getting everything else prepared. (or as prepared as i can be for the great unknown.)  My doctor told me I most likely won't lose my eyelashes.  Can anyone comment on that?  Are lashes something I should be picking up and practicing applying?  It wasn't on my radar, but I was picking up a sleep cap online and there is a whole section for fake eyelashes.  

Becca- Did your MO recommend the vaccine?  I was told absolutely NO shingles shot because it is a live virus vaccine.