Starting Chemo January 2015

I haven't been back on the forum in a while, but I've been getting emails and it's so comforting to know that you guys are here! Thank you!

I finally feel less anxious and more prepared: I pushed chemo a week back so that I could take a last minute trip with my boyfriend to Mexico. A little sun and relaxation has done me well!

Cold caps have been ordered. However, I realized I still haven't purchased/rented headbands. I figured buying them as opposed to renting them would be easiest and best. Does anyone have a "brand" or "material" they do or do not recommend? Much appreciated in advance!

T - 8 days...

TeriMP – Sorry to hear you didn't get much help from your nurse but glad to hear the pain is subsiding a bit.Hoping it continues to get better so you have minimal pain leading up to your meeting on the 3^rd.

Sweethope – thanks for the compliments on my cheekbones!That is so nice as previously I thought my hair was one of my better features.Guess we can see the cheekbones more with the hair out of the way!

For all of you worrying about the shape of your head, I am totally worried about a small scar on the back of my head.I got it many years ago when I was hit by a car breaking 2 bones in my leg and a crack in the head.It was only 10 stitches at that time but I can still feel the spot all these years later.I can't see it too much yet and maybe my fears will be unfounded but I feel like I won't have a great looking bald head either.So be it! LOL

Kbram, I am so sorry to hear your chemo got delayed.It is so frustrating because you gear yourself up for it.I watch my calendar very closely.On the other hand, I am happy that they are looking into the issue you experienced during the port insertion.I think it is always best to have all the information you need before moving forward. The missed echocardiogram can happen to anyone but I sure wish we had ways to keep on top of them about all that.

I had the opportunity to order some of my pathology and scan reports and while I knew most of the information, there was some (not serious) information that was not relayed to me that I felt was good to know.It didn't relate to cancer but it does relate to my overall health.It cost me $25 but I felt it was worth it.You'd think in this technological age, we would be able to access that information online.I think some places in the US have something like that but I don't believe we do here in Canada.. too bad!

Spookisgirl, glad you are set for Friday.Congrats on the clean scan results too!Just wanted to mention that I gain about 5 lbs right away from the steroids and fluid they give me during the infusions but I weigh myself everyday and by the 2^nd day I lose that 5 lb again.I'm not too worried right now about losing weight but I am trying to stay active to keep my weight under control.Not sure if I can, but I'm going to try.If you get some great tips from your nutritionist, I'd love to hear them.

Cherylfg, sending you good vibes for your 2^nd chemo tomorrow.Knowing what's coming and staying on top of the SE's is the way to go.I know we are on different treatments but I did find the SE's came a little sooner this time for me.

Kjybaby, getting away before chemo is a great idea.Hope you have a great time and can put this all out of your head while you are away.I had a trip planned when I got my DX and I'm glad I took it before my surgery.I was able to not think about this whole thing for that week and it felt good!

Update on cycle 2 day 2 for me was a lot of fatigue.I took my anti nausea pills as prescribed and it seemed to keep that under control; however, the heartburn started today again.My oncologist told me to keep trying different things if I find they don't work.Right now I'm using tums and they do help just not for very long.The heartburn did go away last cycle eventually.I had planned on going for a walk today but it started to rain here and made the sidewalks a suicide path! Opted to stay in instead and unfortunately spent most of that time on my couch snoozing.Hoping for a more active day tomorrow!

Goodnight ladies!!

Bonjour from cold Canada this morning!

I am SO glad to see that despite all the little hurdles, we are all finding our path/way through. Little by little, taming the beast, and reajusting every day according to the new information.

spookisgirl - great news on the clean scan!

TeriMP, sorry for the issues - we're here with you!

Cherylfg - YOU ARE 50% done the nasty part as of today - just repeat that ad nauseam in the next 5 days, to keep you going til you emerge out of cycle 2.

RVgal and Lilp07 -you guys rock!

Can't remember who wants to shave their head with a razor, but everywhere I read not to do that, to avoid a cut/nick that could get infected. This is why I shaved my hair to 1/8th of an inch. When it will start falling, I will see my hairdresser for a good shampoo so that the hair falls in her sink, not mine (she is a BC survivor too and suggested that I come to her when the time comes).

As far as SEs go, I was able to work without a hitch on days 4 and 5 (after resting and doing not much on days 1-2-3) but left the office in mid-afternoon on day 6 with flu-like symptoms. Thanks to this forum, it reminded me that this is normal and that I was likely not actually coming down with the flu!

I am now navigating between paranoïa and laissez-faire lol. Hard to find the balance in between.... For example, I went to the convenience store yesterday, as I have a newfound craving for grilled cheese sandwiches (I have had one everyday for the past three days). So after buying cheeze and english muffins to keep the calorie-count low, I get to the cashier. She is sneezing, blowing her noze, and... Handing out cash. I changed lanes but in the end I don't know how fragile I truly am or if this is too careful for nothing? i lso enjoy ready-made food and coffee-shops - not sure if if I should just continue going or avoid entirely for the next six months?

One thing I am happy about is that I decided not to drink during my chemo (alcool definitely brings my immune system down so I don't want to mess with that) and so far a glass of wine is definitely something I don't think I would enjoy. And I am so scared I might take a dislike in it that I am going to pass until I am sure I will enjoy it again, especially bubbly wine lol.

Bon, time for snack no 2 (grilled cheese sandwich!). i have no choice but to spend what I eat so tonight will be at least 30 minutes of stationary bike while watching my favourite series... I tried on day 5 and it was surprisingly easy. Also scheduled a tennis lesson for Friday. Can't wait to report how that goes - I am scared to death to tire out but it will be such a mental victory ;0)))

Do take care, I think of all of you often!

Marjorie

P.s. Thanks for the compliments about my headshape lol.

Good morning Ladies, nice heads and wigs! As far as the little tiny hairs left from the cuts, I left them fall out. I wash my head with Johnson's Baby Shampoo and most of them went down the drain. But the ones left behind, I used duct tape. Really I did! My hairdresser told me to massage my scalp and that should help. Since my hair is coming back in, I still use baby shampoo but I use my old conditioner. That seems to work well. And smells good too.

I hope everyone is doing well!

OMG RVGal!!! You totally look like... You with short hair - great pick!!!

Now I have a comment, and a question: first, I have to say that I have rediscovered the simple pleasure of eating sn apple. Yes, an apple. I keep it for the end of the day when I am parched and keen on going home - the sweet uicy taste of a Granny Smith and other spples have literally almost made me shed a tear, since my mouth is typically so, so dry!!! In writing this, I am now understandng why I am also enjoying carrots, peppers, cucumbers and grape tomatoes with hummus - heslthy, but most importsntly nice and cold in the mouth...

So that brings me to the question: do you have any low-calorie snacks ideas to share? i want to make a big list before I go grocery shopping on the weekend. This is only the beginning so I am not tired of my current options yet but thought I'd ask for input. i bought a huge box of popsicles but it's so cold up here they make me shiver lol - I will enjoy those starting in May I guess, but not befor...

Thanks for any suggestions - I will entertain them all, as long as rhey are healthy (exception made for Kraft Singles - cravings do not count!!!)

Tennisfan

tennisfan...it is great to hear you talk about playing tennis!! It was one year ago TODAY that I had hip resurfacing surgery (I flew to South Carolina to have this instead of a total hip replacement--primarily so I could keep playing tennis!)

How about adding tangerines to your shopping list..they travel well and are cool and juicy! I like Wendy's pudding cup suggestion too! And Wendy--your wig looks great! Can't believe that's borrowed and such a good color on you!

Speaking of not shaving for infection reasons...I read on another board that if you've had a SNB that you should NOT shave under your arms with a razor...but use an electric razor instead to reduce risk of lymphodema? I hadn't heard this before...anyone else?

Thanks, kjybaby, for the link for Lolly's Locks. I'll check that out!

I am in the middle of my first chemo right now. So far so good. (The only "kink" was before treatment when they wanted to collect my deductible. Guess all the other appts hadn't shown up in the insurance yet. Luckily I had all my receipts...but seriously--with my core needle biopsy, echocardiogram, numerous consults, then SNB under general anethesia...and you don't think I've met my deductible?! Really didn't need that little bit of stress right before I was to get started, ya know?!

Congrats on your good news, Jenn!

--Lorie

Hi Lorie

I was told to not shave with a razor after the node biopsy too. I was told to use an electric.

Hey ladies, I'm going to apologise AGAIN for not having be around much ... have been reading through all your posts and am loving all the positive vibes and the great photos.

After several ups and downs, my oncologist finally decided to go ahead with chemo and I had my first treatment on Wednesday. Given the problems with my liver, she has decided to shelve the AC component of the treatment for now and has decided to go with Taxol, Herceptin and Perjeta weekly for twelve weeks. Wednesday and Thursday were a walk in the park for me with minimal side effects - dry mouth, a little nausea and that's it ... today is a completely different story ... I feel like I have a severe head cold combined with a really, really bad hangover ... horrible headache, nausea, an upset tummy and terrible fatigue ... have had a very quiet day at home (spent most of the time in bed) and am hoping for a better day tomorrow. Also hopeful that as I am having treatment every week, my body will have a chance to recover before the next session.

Thinking of you all xx

Sending you both virtual cold vanilla puddings and a little hug this morning!

This is a nice reminder that I cannot excpect the same reaction at each cycle. i put in my mind that cycle 1 was the worst so I guess I need to reset my database :0(((

Keep going, you're onebig step closer to the finish line!!!

Marjo(rie)

thanks Tennisfan for encouragement and hugs! Neither cycle is worse or better just a little different. Going with the flow works best for me too!

Oh sweethope, I have never questioned starting the chemo really but on my good days I wonder if it's still working! LOLThat's how crazy this all is right?

Hi ladies,

I have to say it is so inspiring to see all of you in your glory with your new hair cuts. . I did shave my head before my first treatment but still uncomfortable with my new look.

Today seems to be the turning point, I am starting to get energy back and feeling generally well. First. 7 days were torture but I know I can make it through!!

Sweethope - I know exactly how you feel, I did question whether all this sickness I was feeling from the chemo was worth it (as I did t feel sick knowing I had BC). But now that I am past the hump and physically /mentally feeling better I know it was the right choice. I will deal with this cancer now and hopefully never again!!

Torylass - welcome!! I know it's not a place anyone wants to be, but everyone here is so supportive and offers great advice it a eat to listen!

Have a great day all!

Dear sweet hope I want to share with you that I am from Louisiana. I spent the first 10 years of my life in Luling and the rest of my childhood and adolescence and Hammond Louisiana. Have spent much time in New Orleans. My family still lives in Hammond. My sister lives in Slidell

I am so sorry that you're having side effects. Have you called your oncologist to see if there is anything they can do about your symptoms? Given how you're feeling I don't think it would be unreasonable for them to give you something for your bone pain and insomnia. Keep in touch and let us know how you're doing. I do think this chemo is worth it. For me anything that will prevent recurrence and allow me to have more time with my family and loved ones is worth whatever suffering I have to go through.

We are all with you and wishing the best for you and helping you feel much better very soon!

Love,

Kristin

Marjorie have you tried celery? Full of water. I also read watermelon is a great chemo recovery food due to the water content, the antioxidants, and fiber-i do realize it has a lot of natural sugar, but.....

I really like pea protein shakes with frozen organic berries, almond milk, a dash of vanilla and cinnamon, too. You can also blend really well washed greens in this smoothie for extra benefits. The pea protein I have is from NOW foods with 1 gm of carbs and no sugar. It has 24 gm protein per serving.

Thanks for your cheer. Let us know how that tennis lesson goes-way to go !

Love Kristin

Cherylfg, I wanted to ask how your children are doing with mommy going through this?