Starting Chemo March 2015

Nice to see all of the pictures. I didn't take one today. Wasn't feeling too lovely. No makeup. I looked good on Easter though. I was having a great hair day. Now I am mad I didn't take a picture.

Hi Sprite - Welcome and sorry we have to meet this way. I also have read pimples all over my head (folliculitis). I talked to my MO about it today and he said to just watch it since I had a really good white cell count. I know someone else on here was given something for it . I think it depends on your MO and your blood work.

Katy - Thanks for your compliment! I'm still not very confident about my appearance so it meant a lot!

Bekah - How are you today? Worried about you.

BB - Loved your picture! You looked so relaxed and serene

Hiya Sprite! I'm honored you've been lurking among us and that it helped. We have certainly helped each other! I'm sorry for the reason you're here though. A big hug and wishing you the best during your course. Please, since you feel you know us, drop by often and let us get to know you too! Glad you're going to LGFB. Well worth your time. Even if you aren't feeling your best, it's only 2 hours.

Speaking of LGFB, one of the nice gals yesterday was an old hand, having been through chemo twice now. We started talking about the nose running thing, which we were all complaining about last week. She said just like all the rest of the hair on our bodies, the nasal hairs thin and go. One of the things we never appreciated about nasal hairs is how they slow down and stop (until evaporated, I guess) nasal drip that is constantly draining in our bodies. Jimmie just pulled his finger out of the dyke! Uh oh!

And hugs going out to a few sisters MIA for a few days.... I know we all have our lives to attend to...but I miss you!

Shaz- our fearless leader, not really MIA, and hoping you are just finally able to get out and do a few things

Joanna (SCouqui) - out of the hospital, hoping you are getting back to real life

Karen (PrincessOfMeh)- perhaps hitting a gigantic bottle of champagne over the bow of some huge cruise ship to launch your new book

CKonicki (who recently tragically lost her brother on top of all the other malady in her life)

And many others, who, although not listed (because I have chemo brain) are still thought of, loved, supported and cared for. Universal hugs and love going out to all

Me, too. Everytime someone is gone for a few days, I worry about them.

Checking in from spa day. It was relatively uneventful and not as scary as round one. I do know the SE didn't really start until about day 3 and day 8 so I'm not fooling myself I'll get off scott free but grateful for a peaceful night so far.  I did find out MO added the Neulasta shot to my plan so I go back tomorrow. Apparently the WBC's were pretty low last time and this is to hopefully avoid the terrible fatigue/flu like symptoms. I got my Claritin and started it tonight but forgot if I'm supposed to take more than the rec dose...any feedback? I took one and can get the instructions tomorrow.

Sounds like everyone's been busy dealing with different things and we have some new friends on this thread. Welcome to you and thanks Katy, for bringing up our sisters MIA for a few days. I hope they are just enjoying some good days but my thoughts are with them and you all!

Will be back after I get some rest..it did kick my butt sitting for six hours with powerful chemicals coursing through my veins (and killing that big C).

Sleep well all

Diane- glad all went reasonably well today and fingers crossed for the rest of the week.

I take 10 mg Claritin starting the morning I'm to get the shot. Then 4 more days after.

I think it has helped me because I've had only minor bone pain and lower back ache the first time. Of course, there's no real way to tell if it works. Only if it doesn't. Hee.

MaryEllen- so very sorry about the hair stress. I wish I could help somehow. I certainly hear you about all the "side costs" there are to all of this. Incurred plenty over the surgery and with chemo.... there is no end in sight to the spending. But I feel I'm within my rights to make myself as comfortable as possible. A gentle hug coming your way.

Slothabout- when you recommended the coconut oil with lavender from Whole Foods I was so bummed because we have nothing like that around here. But Amazon had it! Yay! It was delivered about half an hour ago, and I'm planning to use it tonight! Happen to have the flannel sheets on right now because it's been cold lately. For here anyway.

Does it not get the pillow case greasy? Do you put a paper towel down or anything? I've never put anything on my egg before. Kind of nervous

Diane,

Congrats with round 2 being over! The fatigue hit me a little quicker this round. I've had much more nausea, but the aches/chills/fevers that I fought during almost all of round 1 haven't returned. I had pretty bad diarrhea on day 2-3, and the sore throat/runny nose are still there, but they have been very manageable.

Don't be afraid to be ask for (and even demand) fluids, Ladies! My MO finally agreed to bring me in for fluids on day 3 PC this time, and it made a world of difference. I go for more tomorrow (day 7 PC). Hoping that knocks out this pukey feeling.

Katy, I'm glad you found the lavender coconut oil! I'm excited to hear how you like it! I've found that coconut oil absorbs pretty quickly and hasn't left any residue on my sheets, but I do start out with a cap on when I go to bed at night. you can use a spoon to scrape it out of the jar and it melts right away in your hand. I use plain coconut oil after my shower in the morning and save the lavender for bedtime as I've found it helps me relax and fall asleep easier by keeping it as part of my getting ready for bed routine.

BB I hope the pain in your hands is short lived and gone within a day or two , it sounds like a version of the bone pain we all feel especially on those first few days after a treatment.

I don't think I would take more than the recommended dosage of Claritan. But I am a chicken.

I wouldn't be able to rub anything with a smell on my scalp because the smell would keep me awake. I know I am strange. Sleeping conditions have to be perfect. I sleep with a fan on every night too.

For the nubby hair thing-- I had my DH take his electric razor and pretty much shave the nubs off. It was driving me crazy and I couldn't sleep. It still wants to grow back a little, but not as much as before.

As for me, doing fine. My 3rd infusion is tomorrow. It was supposed to have been last week but with the fiasco of being i the hospital my MO decided to postpone a week.

The worse SE for me is change in taste of food. I've been fortunate to not have anything else in terms of lingering effects (knock on wood). I love coffee and right now it just doesn't taste right I've still been drinking it to avoid the caffeine withdrawal headache. I keep reminding myself that come July, infusions will be DONE and I can have some semblance of returning back to "normal".

You look nice, Joanna! I am glad you are feeling better.

ARe you ladies doing weekly or biweekly Taxol?

Once I'm done with AC I'm supposed to start on weekly Taxol for 12 weeks.

I'm actually wearing a dress today I used to not wear them as much because of leg shaving. Now that my hair isn't growing back and the days are warmer it's much easier to just throw one on!

My Taxol is weekly, for 12 weeks.

When I woke up this morning, my hands felt OK, but now they're starting to hurt a little. Not as bad as last night, but the day is young.

Regarding false eyelashes - at my Look Good Feel Better appointment they said we shouldn't use them on chemo due to irritation, sensitivity, etc. Does anybody have any experiences with it yet?