Starting Chemo February 2015

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  • Ldavidson17
    Ldavidson17 Member Posts: 12
    edited March 2015

    I buzzed my hair Saturday, or better yet my husband did.  We were supposed to go to my sister-in-law's salon but a horrible wreck on the freeway prevented us.  So we did it ourselves at home and I'm actually glad it worked out that way.  What has surprised me most is that it turns out I'm a scarves and hats girl.  I was so stressed about getting a wig before and now I can't stand wearing it.  I'm a pediatric home health social worker so I do reluctantly put on the wig before doing a home visit.  But I only put it on right before and it comes off as soon as I'm back in the car.  I am so surprised as I was really scared to even think about wearing the scarves previously.  But I've worn a scarf out to the movies, to Walmart & to work and it all turned out great.  I've decided to stop worrying about what other people think and doing what makes me comfortable instead of what I think will make other people comfortable.

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  • TNBCinSTL
    TNBCinSTL Member Posts: 17
    edited March 2015

    Ive been doing out with nothing, just bald. After I was treated so poorly at the wig place (I wanted a fun pink wig, not one that looked real, and they wouldn't let me try it on???!!) I said to heck w/it, I"m just going bald. When the little ones (I help out at my daughter's preschool) look at me for a bit, I say "are you looking at my silly hair cut?? isn't it silly?! but it's good luck, do you want to make a wish?" some do, some don't but it helps to make light of it and make them feel comfortable. Kids are so sweet and say the darndest things ;o)

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  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited March 2015

    Hi live, I named my wig McKenzie, and she may been on her former owner's head! And they have Mr. Potato available, and yep I'm getting old. This is making me feel like I am 80!

    TNBC, I took Claritin 1 hour before the injection and for the next 4 to 5 days as needed. But I also took Tylenol #3 with codeine when I had to take it with Taxol. The bone pain was severe for me.

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  • TNBCinSTL
    TNBCinSTL Member Posts: 17
    edited March 2015

    thx so much Beachbum, glad to know. Getting nervous, ppl say it's rough.....it's enough with the SE from chemo, not looking fwd to the pain too ;o(

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  • PJfive
    PJfive Member Posts: 14
    edited March 2015

    Thank you SweetHope, Darumama  and TNBC for your concern. I wouldn't wish this stuff on anyone but it is nice to know there are others who can relate.

    SweetHope you say dej' vu but I think it is more like the freaking Twilight Zone. Your baseball analogy is spot on as well as your other symptoms but what really caught my eye was the dates of your surgeries, 11/12/14 and 11/24/14. The 11/12 date was the day I found the lump in my breast. Having had a surgical biopsy back in 1997 that was benign, I instantly knew this time was different. I decided not to panic and waited ten days to 11/24 incase it was just a result of an over consumption of caffeine and my monthly cycle. No such luck. What are the odds we would share the same problems and be linked by those two dates? I am going to take the name SweetHope as an omen that I too will begin to heal as well as you have. I also pray that your ECHO is good news.

    TNBC, like you I am usually a very positive person. These complications have thrown me off my game a bit but I am now starting to get back on track. Please feel free to give me a good swift kick in the ass if I start to slack off again. Happy I loved the hair and video. I think your kids are adorable and the expressions on their faces are priceless. I haven't lost any hair yet but I hope it happens soon so I don't have to shave my legs. (See I am looking for the silver lining).  Also wanted to mention I take Claratin the day of my infusion  and for seven days in a row total. I have not had any bone pain or any other SE's.

    Welcome Nina,wrmbrownie,funnyclassygal and Cher. Hope you all do well without too many SE's.


     

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  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited March 2015

    As far as the nails are concerned my skin was peeling and cracking so much. I was getting big deep cracks that were almost bleeding and big dry blisters that were peeling so I have been throwing the kitchen sink st them. The edges of the nail were burning like when you bend a nail backwards and between the tea tree and lemon balm they haven't been hurting.

    I HATE my wig too Ldavidson. Am a pediatric home physical therapist, but not working as can't lift kids safely yet, am too tired with chemo, and am afraid to be around runny noses. Guess I will have to deal with it come Summer.

    My go to head covering is something they showed me at the cancer center. You take and old T shirt and cut it across under the arms so you have a big tube. Put the hem on your forward. pull the back into a roll and with make a figure 8 twist it into a roll and bring the rest out over the top like a crown, or just twist it and tuck it in the back like a bin or rosette. Nice and soft and light.

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  • live_deliciously
    live_deliciously Member Posts: 346
    edited March 2015

    tnbc . I don't think there is a formal process for clariton with neulasta but what I've read Is the shot in addition to helping you reproduce white blood cells also triggers histamine which is allergic symptons. So the clariton reduces the histamine release. I take it the day of my ct infusion so one day before the neulasta shot. Then I took it for 5 days total. I did not take aleve. Its starting to be allergy season for me anyway with trees so it helps me there too.

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  • Bikerbabe17
    Bikerbabe17 Member Posts: 116
    edited March 2015

    Hi everyone, I've been feeling sad the past few days and dont really understand. Seems like I'm always on the edge of tears. I've so much work to get done, this is my busy season at wor, and I just can't seem to get myself motivated to do much of anything. I get home from work and just have enough energy to eat and then off to bed. I'm meeting with a counselor tomorrow, maybe that will help. I've a birthday coming up soon, 55 and bald, not what I was thinking where I would be at this time in my life.

    Good to read that everyone is hanging in. For those of you having treatments this week, I wish for good days, for all of you.

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  • Damselfly
    Damselfly Member Posts: 62
    edited March 2015

    Oh Bikerbabe I'm sorry you're feeling down. Cancer just screws up hopes, dreams, and plans, or at least puts a big pause in there. To me you sound tired as much as anything else. I hope the time with the counselor helps, and that this crappy period in your life brings you to a better place sometime in the future. And at the very least, one step forward is one step closer to the end of all this. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way, and hoping you find rest and restoration.

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  • TNBCinSTL
    TNBCinSTL Member Posts: 17
    edited March 2015

    beachbum, I'm sorry ;o( it's a roller coaster isn't it? i wish I could give you a big hug, hold ur hand, let u cry......it just plain stinks and I know there are ups and downs. I have been on lexapro 10mg for about 2 weeks and I think it's helped with my bubbling over of emotions. Not to force meds down ur throat, but sometimes in life we need them, this is one of those times (for me).....just putting it out there and hope u don't think I'm overstepping...

    praying for a better day for you tomorrow xoxo

    (thx all for the claritin tips, I think I'll take w/chemo and for a few days and keep fingers crossed it works!!)

    wishing you all a good night w/sound sleep and a brighter day tomorrow!

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  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited March 2015

    My dear friends, we are all tired, and we have all come so far but we still have a ways to go. We have laughed and cried, and have endured things that we wish had never happened. We have learned so much about who we are, and learned even more about those that love us. For us and for them we will fight another day.

    Has anyone been gaining weight on chemo? I am having a hard time dropping the weight, and it is very frustrating. While most of the side effects have resolved, the weight gain and runny nose are making me crazy! I just need to get my game on!

    Thank you, you are all amazing!


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  • live_deliciously
    live_deliciously Member Posts: 346
    edited March 2015

    i just had my chemo 2 yesterday and told the Dr how hungry I am all the time. Not the first few days after ct but the next week I feel like a pig. She said she hears that all the time with BC patients. Not so much with other cancer types. And the runny nise still kurks but its spring allergy time here roo. Sounds like we all have our moments of just fed up with all this crap butt what choice do we have but pick ourselves up. I know we are inspirations for others even those not going thru this. We are bc warriors! I am so happy I have this group. It is really therapy for me.

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  • Damselfly
    Damselfly Member Posts: 62
    edited March 2015

    Live_Deliciously and Beachbum I am not gaining weight but certainly not losing it, which is frustrating because I really don't want to eat much right after chemo and I am exercising every single day. I am not supposed to be losing weight according to my MO but I could drop 15 lbs and be at a healthy weight. I gain about 5 lbs the day of the infusion, lose it over the next few days and then my appetite comes back about the time I am over both nausea and the big C. Maybe it's just my body's reaction to having a digestive tract that's not hurting for a while. ANd of course that's when I am eating meat and keep a little food coming in throughout the day to try and combat fatigue. I think I am just overthinnking things. But yes, I am with you on the cravings and battling with weight.

    TNBC good call on the Claritin, and I would suggest that you try and keep moving. I think exercise of some kind, especially weight bearing, may help the bones stay flexible and do what they need to do. I always felt good once I got moving, but sure needed a rest when I was done!

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  • SugarCakes
    SugarCakes Member Posts: 353
    edited March 2015

    TNBC, that pic is beautiful!  You're beautiful.   All you ladies are looking good with your short cuts, also.  I was kinda surprise that I didn't look totally crazy in my baldness!  My 4 year old son loves my bald head :)

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  • vr423
    vr423 Member Posts: 29
    edited March 2015

    I starting losing my hair today, 13 days since first chemo. It's not easy, but I think when it's all gone it will be ok. I'm planning on having a friend shave it off this weekend.

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  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited March 2015

    vr423, that was the hard part, the beginning. I shaved mine off right after the first chemo. I couldn't wait. I just wanted to be the one to take it off and go to my wig. It was something I could control my way and I wanted to say when. But as soon as I did, I felt so much better. And fussing over hair when I felt not so good, was really a blessing. I could just shower, do my make up and do my hair in 60 seconds or less. And my hair is already over a inch long. So while it can be disturbing, it really does go by pretty quick. Take Care, hugs. Cheryl

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  • Cher22
    Cher22 Member Posts: 18
    edited March 2015

    'Vr423. I was where you are on Sunday day 14. So scared and upset but I knew it was the right thing to do. So I had my friend who does my hair shave my head on Monday. And started wearing my wig . I have been getting anti-compliments on the way from my friends the now. However it was still on my head drive me crazy tonight while everyone was asleep I went and shave my head down with a razor and shaving cream feel so much better

    TNBCnSTL. Wrote uou back. I hope you are ready for Friday. I am trying to get myself up for Monday. Seeing the picture of you completely with your head shaved inspire me tonight and I found myself in the bathroom shaving my head down to nothing the stubbel was driving me bananasOk tired today from yesterday. Had a dr appt and had to call oncolgist and get mouth rinse Presc. Have a sore on my tongue . Been rinsing w baking soda and have the biotene mouthwash and toothpaste but still got one.

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  • Cher22
    Cher22 Member Posts: 18
    edited March 2015

    pa my new avatar pic is me in my new hair!!!

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  • MaryJC
    MaryJC Member Posts: 350
    edited March 2015

    I'm happy to hear you ladies are getting thru the hairloss portion of this. I know it was hard for me too. But once on the other side of it and the unexpected blessings you get like courage, realization of your true beauty, hot showers n more, seems like treatment is a lil more tolerable. Hairloss seems like the most anxiety wrenching part of this journey. So to approach it suggests that the rest of this we'll be champs at too- and I'm not just talking about those meesly other SEs, I'm talking survival, cure!

    Beach bum did I read your hair is growing back already?!?! I think I'm jealous ;)

    (Haha, my stupid auto spell had put 'growing bacon'. Now image THAT as a side effect lol)

    Hugs to all

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  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited March 2015

    My sister got me some soft stretchy cloth hair bands. They make a nice anchor for slippery scarves or scratchy hats.

    Sometimes around the house that's all I wear to keep my head warm but not hot. It's cold here so I sich up hats all day long as I go in and out with temperature changes

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  • Damselfly
    Damselfly Member Posts: 62
    edited March 2015

    Mmmm bacon hair. Now that would make a girl popular!

    I shaved when I started to see large patches of scalp through my hair, which is even more alarming than baldness. And my DH and I were pleasantly surprised that my head looks OK -- haven't seen it since the baby pictures. Have fun with it,VR23, you will be fine on the other side. The only real difference now is friends of mine who didn't know what was going on do now, which is fine with me.

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  • Bikerbabe17
    Bikerbabe17 Member Posts: 116
    edited March 2015

    VR, my hair too, is starting to fall out.  Since my hair is so short at the moment, I haven't noticed it to much, but other parts of me it is becoming quite noticeable.  My scalp is sore, and hurts to sleep on.  Counting down the days until the next treatment, but have a birthday before then and am going to celebrate with friends.  Feeling a bit better today, not quite so sad.  Just have to power on thur it and know it will be better on the other side.  My brother shaved his head, for me.  Were going to take some selfies, my mom joked we would like the baby pics on her dresser.

    Do you have a wig yet?  I'll be ordering one today when I go get my blood drawn.  They gave me a catalog, said pick out what ever I wanted and they would order, no charge.  People's kindness can be so overwhelming at times.  I am so use to being the one who gives, not taking.  I decided to get a long hair one, I haven't had long hair since I was a pre-teen.  Strawberry blond.  Thought I might as well have some fun :) 

    But Bacon Hair, now that would make me the popular girl...

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  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited March 2015

    the wig fitter told me a lot of people don't like them too long. Get caught in your clothes and can get pulled off.

    My hair has been patches of stubble since was shaved 3 weeks ago. Today it started to fall out 5 1/2 weeks into chemo. Looks like my husband cleaned his electric razor on a towel when I dried it this morning

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  • Nina2015
    Nina2015 Member Posts: 16
    edited March 2015

    Thank you, things did happen very fast, but I have accepted this is my life for now. I am keeping a positive outlook and have a great deal of supporters. However, not many people I know have gone through this, so it is good to have this board to help.

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  • Bikerbabe17
    Bikerbabe17 Member Posts: 116
    edited March 2015

    Chloesmom, I'm mostly going to wear hats and scarves.  But thought having a wig just in case there are days I want one would be a good thing.  I'll be sure to keep in mind your comments about it getting caught.  If it's too long, I can have my stylist cut it.  It's just one of those things I've always wanted, so I'm going for it.

    I just did a presentation to the students wearing my hat, and it wasn't as difficult as I thought--for me at least :)  My co-workers don't seem to care what I have on my head, so perhaps in the warmer weather I'll be going bald and following in TNBC's steps :)


     

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  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited March 2015

    did you check out the cover of People magazine in October? Joan Lunden looked amazing on the cover without hair

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  • PJfive
    PJfive Member Posts: 14
    edited March 2015


    Hello Ladies, I had my second infusion of AC today and it was uneventful. My hair started falling out a little yesterday and today it is coming out in clumps. I have an appointment after my Neulasta shot to get it buzzed off tomorrow.

    Chloesmom what is happening to your hands and feet sounds horrible. I hope your MO prescribes something to give you some relief if the tea tree oil and lemon balm don't do the trick.

    Bikerbabe17 I am glad you are feeling better today. Everyone of us will get the blues from time to time. We will all deal with it differently. Some will try counseling, some support groups, meds, rants and perhaps just a good cry. Whatever you choose to do know that we are all here for you and we get it. You are never alone. Now that is out of the way, let me be the first to wish you a very Happy Birthday. Now more than ever it is important for us to celebrate the milestones and special moments in our life and I hope you have a blast.

    MaryJC I think you might be onto something with that bacon idea.

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  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 1,053
    edited March 2015

    Yes Bikerbabe Happy Birthday.

    Years ago they lowered the speed limit for a while and the saying was "55 Alive". Celebrating you being on the road to healing

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  • Nina2015
    Nina2015 Member Posts: 16
    edited March 2015

    How many of us are on this board? I know I am late, but could everyone post a little intro about them self (non cancer related if you want). I'm nina, I'm 26 and I love my 19 month old daughter Grace to the moon and back. I love diy, travelling, and reading. I'm stage 3 and staying positive, because, well, what alternative is there ;)

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  • wrmbrownie
    wrmbrownie Member Posts: 114
    edited March 2015


    I'm 48 and have 4 kiddos (2 grown girls although one is almost 24 and at home again) and two boys (10 and 6.) I live in TX and drive an hour and half to get my treatments every week (started with Taxol first and will do A/C afterwards.) I'm doing #7 tomorrow and will get an ultrasound to see if my tumor has grown/shrunk. I'm married and hubby works in a job where he is gone 2 weeks at a time. I love traveling, baking (although my diet has transformed lately to one where I don't eat any sweets,) and swimming.

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