Starting Chemo February 2015

Chloesmom, I had a rash on my neck and shoulders. It was pretty itchy, so I called and was seen. They gave me a steroid, which wiped it out.

Cher22, I went to work the day after my port placement. I was pretty tired the day of the procedure, but felt fine after that. I hope it goes well for you too.

I am day on day 12 and feeling much better. My appetite is better and the aches are gone. I am glad to get a week or so of feeling good before my next infusion on Feb.18. So far, no sign of my hair falling out, but I am afraid my days are numbered. It is weird to think it will just start falling out soon. Still haven't bought a wig, and am having a hard time deciding if I really want one. I might just wear hats, scarves, and turbans. We shall see how I feel once it is actually gone.

Ewt717, how are you feeling? I hope better now that you are farther out from infusion day.

Hope everyone is doing well. So far I feel like this is not an easy road, but definitely doable. We shall see how the next round goes.

Hi Chloesmom, keep riding the bike, you will have down days when the recliner looks good! Exercise is a good thing. The less we do, the more we do less.

hi all, I joined the group that said starting chemo in January. I wanted to join this one too if that's okay Bc my chemo actually starts 2/19. I am really glad to read all the suggestions on these forums!

Hi cubbieblue, you will find a lot of answers here to all of your questions. I hope you manage chemo well, and move on.

Hi Sugar Cakes, I would call the MO, or the nurses if you can today. Both arms and spreading ? You could also look up the SE of your drugs on chemocare.com. I had all the unusual SE's, but I would get it checked out.

hi Chloesmom,

Even short walks are helpful. Good idea on the walking stick. My knees are funny too, but it gets better with some exercise. I use baby wipes when needed, cooling comfort. Hope you feel better!

hi ladies,

I am from the August 2014 chemo group. I would love to donate some head scarves and hats. My hair is coming back, and yours shall too!

Anyone interested please pm me your address.

Bippy

How is everyone doing on the hair front? Feeling anything? At times, my scalp feels tingly but what's left after my cut hasn't starting falling yet.

Cubbieblue,
It could be worse. We could be in Boston! you never realize how much your hair keeps your head warm until you lose it. Last time I started in July, but the hair didn't start to come back until December.

Hi momof32015,

I'm ahead of you by a day and am on AC for a total of four times every two weeks. This has been really rough, mostlly because of a constantly queasy stmoach in spite of meds. I've been using ondasetron, but next time might try another med that the nurse suggested. It's been almost a week and I'm just beginning feel somewhat normal. Hang in there, You can make it.

Thanks for the advice Beachbum,

I am going to start chemo next Monday (AC 4x every 3 weeks) and am wondering what my experience will be like. I will try to drink drink drink. I remember right after surgery when I was taking meds 6 times a day I was drinking what seemed like a lot (of course they all needed to be taken with a 'full glass of water' and was hardly hungry. I tried on wigs today and looked absolutely weird and foreign to myself. I may order one online -- if I am going to look strange I may at least try to do it for less than $100... This weekend I get my haircut, my first in over a decade. and then hats hats hats!!! (I am so done with snow...)

Rosileo I hope your stomach calms down,

Momof32015 that sounds like an awful feeling -- I hope it goes away for you soon.

Anybody else going in soon? Stay warm, feel well all!

hi Ladies, just checking in, I was where you are now exactly one year ago, in the Feb. 2014 thread. I just want to pass on big gentle hugs to all you fabulous ladies starting this part of your journey. There will be difficult days ahead for you, but never beat yourself up for feeling blue ,sick "lazy days" , not exercising like you use to .....or eating lots of various sugery , doughy food. Do what ever it takes to get through this. The list of things to get through chemo , really helped me..... And talking to all the great people on this site. Drinking water , the day before chemo and the next 24 hours, I drank a lot ...and it did help, I had glasses of water all over the house. I look back now a year later and think holy crap...did I go through all that. I still have minor side effects, my hair has grown back....I had really short pixie hair by the time summer came...was getting tired of my wig by then too. As I read all your stories for February chemo starting, brings tears to me. I send so much love to everyone starting out in the crazy chemo ride, sending also the strength to get through all of it.....and you will get through it!!!

((((Big gentle hugs to all ))))

Today, day 8 of Cycle 1, I have felt pretty close to normal and haven't taken any meds for pain or nausea. I realized what I thought was a rash on my forearm is a rash or bruise from the IV. It's what I assume drug users that "shoot up" have on their arms??? Anyone else?

Gardengirl, thank you! It helps to imagine myself where you are today, a year from now

I keep hearing the same about drinking water. I have done ok, but I should and will do better.

My sister dragged me to the gym today and I was on the treadmill for 40 minutes. It felt good! I need to at least walk, preferably outside in fresh air, every day.

Spring can't get here fast enough.

I love reading the boards and this thread especially. Stating to prefer it over talking to the BF. Uh-oh...

Welcome Hope! Everyone here has already been on the same wild ride! I had AC together, so just ask if you have any questions. It will help to drink alot of water, I drink 4 to 5 bottles a day especially on chemo. Try using plastic forks and spoons, and some food will be better cold or warm, but not so hot. Jell-o, popsicles, and fruit bars are easy snacks if you don't feel well. Fresh fruit and frozen grapes can help also. A big thing for most us was constipation on chemo and pain meds. I used Sennokot-S the night before chemo, and for the next several days as needed. But there are a lot of helpful hints to get you through this. You got this! If you need help, just ask!