April 2015 Chemo Crew... Starting in April? Please join us!

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  • ThePrincess
    ThePrincess Member Posts: 424
    edited May 2015

    KBEE great photo And YAY FOR BEING DONE WITH AC!


    What do you mean icing your feet? Why and what is it supposed to help? Thanks!

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited May 2015

    Andrea, I don't know what kind of hats you like ,but Under Armor ball caps are a thin, breathable material (and are cool and not as hot as others) and have an elastic band inside which helps them fit better and stay on. I had one before all of this, and asked for more for Mother's Day, so I now have a better color selection. Glad the sores are clearing up.

  • StacyMc329
    StacyMc329 Member Posts: 48
    edited May 2015

    imageyay. So excited to have AC#4 done.!. Feels good to say it's half over:) hope you all have an easy treatment week.!. I was a bit down last week after treatment 3.. So I feel quite better this week so far. Feel I have alil bit of positive steam to get Me thru another couple weeks.!. Pic from my daughters confirmation a few weeks ago.

  • ThePrincess
    ThePrincess Member Posts: 424
    edited May 2015

    CONGRATS Stacy!!!!!!

  • Stephmoen
    Stephmoen Member Posts: 563
    edited May 2015

    everybody looks so good in your wigs!! I'm still not happy with mine she gave me a great deal it's real hair for 500 but it's soooooo thick I think it looks weird I don't have another appointment until Tuesday I feel like everyone knows it's fake when I wear it so I don't. But if I try it on at home my 14 month old looks at me and gives me hugs she misses my hair that makes me sad she used to play with my hair every night while she fell asleep..I guess what's most important is that I'm there when she falls asleep now and for many years to come

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited May 2015

    Steph, a hairdresser who does wigs should be able to thin it out for you. Thankfully, my normal hair person is a barber actually, but she works all of the shows which come to Des Moines and does wigs and make-up. She has trimmed and thinned all of my wigs and it makes a big difference.

    Princess, I keep my socks on and put my feet on ice packs when I return from runs. It constricts the blood vessels. I have no idea if it will help to prevent hand-foot, but it will not hurt. I also will ice my hands, feet, fingers and toes during Taxol. I did during Taxotere too. Hopefully it'll reduce neuropathy and nail loss.

    Stacy, High five on the last AC!!! Love the picture.

  • Rpayton
    Rpayton Member Posts: 235
    edited May 2015

    Hello all! Getting used to the wig but can't wait to get it off and breathe. You all look great in your wigs! Here's one of mine. After #2 definitely feeling the fatigue. And definitely finding out who true supporters are at work vs back stabbers. Geeesshh not enough to battle our lives. Grateful I'm strong enough to defend myself and my rights and not be walked over.

  • Rpayton
    Rpayton Member Posts: 235
    edited May 2015
  • ThePrincess
    ThePrincess Member Posts: 424
    edited May 2015

    Your wig looks great!! Very Natural!!!

  • Alibeths
    Alibeths Member Posts: 656
    edited May 2015

    Loving all the pics ladies!!!!! Your all beautiful

  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited May 2015

    What a crew of beautiful ladies! Congrats to everyone who is graduating from AC this week! Hope everyone is feeling well today!

    Song for today is an oldy but goody. ..Cocky by kid rock! Because sometimes it's hard to be brave, but we all look so Damn good and are so Damn tough! I was so down the last few days, but your support pulled me through. I'm so greatful!

  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 1,216
    edited May 2015

    Everyone looks so great! Keep the spirits up Ladies, we can do it!

  • mich74
    mich74 Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2015

    Everyone's wigs are looking great!!

    I picked mine up a week ago and don't like how it looks or fits, It definitely needs cut and styled for me. I've gotten used to going to work and out in public without anything on my head but the sparse blonde hair that is left.

    I am enjoying all the song ideas, great idea.

    Sending strength and perseverance to all getting treatments this week.

  • lovlilynne
    lovlilynne Member Posts: 405
    edited May 2015

    Andrea, you might have a few days before it gets totally annoying - that was day 17 for me, just like they said (here on the DB, not my doctors!). I wish you were closer to me, I just got back from a meeting with a friend who gave me 6 brand new wigs! I could give you one to tide you over :-)

    KB!!! Congrats on last AC, all that you got done today, and contrats to DD on her award. Hope the SE stay away.

    Stacy, congrats to you too. Are you half way through? Or are you doing 12 wk T?

    ERNurse1 - love your pictures, you rock both on or off wig. My buzz is concentration camp - I would scare people if I went commando right now.

    Yesterday after work I went grocery shopping, and I am still paranoid about the wig, but looking closely at every woman's hair, because, really, who do you notice that obviously has a wig except for NeNe (I mean, really?) or Kim (disclaimer, I DO NOT watch TRHOA), and I see this woman with a shaved head - she had a 5 o'clock shadow, and mostly dark gray. I had an urge to talk to her, but then though it would be way too intrusive. What do you say anyway?

    Renee, I love your wig too - what's up with work? BC sure does put a different perspective on everything though, doesn't it? I'm the same about "breathing", and my head still itches. I almost tore it off today to scratch my hole head, but then I remembered it was a wig, not a hat!

    Sheila, love your look - very natural, I would never have guessed it was a wig.

    Chemo brain, I can't remember anything else.

    Lynne

  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited May 2015

    Lynne, if I could I'd give you a prison delousing buzz cut high five....cause I got one as well. 3 frigging treatments in and the little beggars are still singing " should I stay or should I go".

  • Rpayton
    Rpayton Member Posts: 235
    edited May 2015

    Had an interesting situation at work where I had to stand up for myself and actually get HR involved. Don't let anyone push you around because you are going thru chemo. Know you have rights, call someone out when they are mistreating you or disrespectful. I'm not usually a confrontational person. I prefer to lay low, do my job well because I take pride in it and I don't expect an award for it. It amazes me how colleagues can talk about you behind your back, plan your workload, even a boss go so far as to communicate around you like you no longer exist. And then say they know what you are going thru?! Really?! When I have that gut feeling I am being stabbed in the back, I go with my gut. Sorry for the rant and negativity. I hope it helps any of you here that might be feeling the same. Don't be afraid to stand up and defend what matters to you. We will make the best of it girls!!! Hoping for low side effects for us all this week.

  • Positive_spirit
    Positive_spirit Member Posts: 218
    edited May 2015

    Lynne, the wig looks fabulous and your post made me share a few tears. I love this group for the compassion. I am getting used to scarves and hats.

    Gingerchi - how did you do with AC3?

    Lemondec - so glad pneumonia is coming to an end and you have time to rest.

    Rockerwife - thinking of you as you recover from hospitalization

    All you ladies inspire me. Hang in there through this treatment phase. Littleblueflower...let's sing that music through these hair drops, chemo, and SE. We are all going to get there.

    My daughter (7yo) had a fever of 104 on Monday/my chemo day and I was scared to get sick from her. She is better now, and I am hoping the bug stays away from me. Anxiety is not a good thing.

  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 1,216
    edited May 2015

    Lynne, when you said you wanted to talk to the lady who went 'commando' but weren't sure what to say- I wanted to share with you what happened to me. I was starting radiation and it was really hot here- I was so sick of the wig, the itching, the heat, the feeling like my head was being suffocated, the worry of it slipping (can you tell I hated it!) anyway I decided I was going to go without it and figured the hospital was a good safe place to emerge for the first time. As I was walking down a long tunnel passage to get to rads, a woman was approaching walking in the opposite direction- she stopped when I got near and she said 'you look so beautiful'! Well I'll tell you, I really needed to hear that and I walked a foot taller because of that kind gesture. I'm still looking for the right circumstance to pay it forward.

  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 1,216
    edited May 2015

    Ladies I'm waiting for my spa! My DH had to drop me off early before his workas we live 11/2 hours north of my hospital and I arrived at 6:30 am! It's like a ghost town here- lots of time to catch up on posts! Hope everyone is feeling well and those joining me today have good blood counts and an easy day!image

  • fmmbw
    fmmbw Member Posts: 41
    edited May 2015

    I ate yesterday (twice) and today breakfast!

    Going back to work tomorrow to finish the school year. Only 2 more weeks, so won't have to worry about the wig as students won't be there when I work in the summer. You guys look fantastic in your wigs!

    Thanks for everything, you guys fight like a girl!

  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited May 2015

    Anyone had problems with thrush in their throat? My throat is very swollen and my tongue is white and patchy...just called my MO and waiting for a call back. Weird thing is its only on the left side of my throat...

  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited May 2015

    ugh. MO says its just mucousitis.....bad news is if it doesn't heal up soon they will delay my last AC for a week...

  • Stephmoen
    Stephmoen Member Posts: 563
    edited May 2015

    what is mucosititis I'm sorry littleblueflowers that's not fun do you need antibiotics?

  • thsizit7
    thsizit7 Member Posts: 35
    edited May 2015

    KBeee Love the picture with your daughter, you and your wig look great! I hope mine looks that good! I am so impressed with all these ladies wigs, they all look so natural, y'all are just a bunch of strong, good looking women! Most of you are younger than I am, not so sure I will look as good going commando, but I will have my wig, bangs, halos and lots of hats and scarves so I am ready. I'm going tomorrow to get my head buzzed, hair is starting to come out every time I brush through it.

    I go next Tue for 2/6 PHT treatments. MO says that since I have had literally no SE, other than hair loss with first treatment, that I should expect the same with 2nd. I hope she's right!

    Gotta run, I'm off to make another flower run, still have a few more empty pots and containers to fill. Trying to get my patios and decks done, in case the SE do creep in.

    Praying that you all have a low SE, happy day!

  • sheshe3
    sheshe3 Member Posts: 70
    edited May 2015

    Shari, wishing well to you and anyone else who has SPA today.

    Littleblue, I looked up mucositis and it looks like it really sucks! So sorry for this added SE. Hopefully the MO can get it under control soon and you don't have to delay your last AC. Feel better...

    Renee, sorry for your troubles at work, People can be so inconsiderate and mean! I hope all resolves and you can just go back to doing your job peacefully. There's so much already to deal with w/o that crap!

    fmmbw, glad to see you are able to eat some! GL with finishing out your school year.

    Kbeee, Congrats on getting through the AC. You're a champ and I so admire your stamina.

    ! have so enjoyed all the recently posted wig/wigless pics! You are all beautiful strong women! Yea for us!!!

    I will go to spa tomorrow morning for TC #3. Not one bit looking forward to it, but will be glad to get another one in my rearview mirror! GL to all who will be joining me!!!

  • GingerChi
    GingerChi Member Posts: 252
    edited May 2015

    AC #3 is in the books as of yesterday I've had more nausea this time, but today that's improving! I keep popping the Zofran. I'm scheduled to finish up AC the day after Memorial Day. The nurse told me yesterday that if I can make it thru the Red Devil, I can make it through anything. I'm a little worried about starting Taxol tho..... It seems like among our group, there are more bad reactions to it?

    Positive Spirit: How are you feeling after your trip to the spa? I hope you are doing well! Thanks for asking about me!! :)

    Kbee and Stacy...CONGRATS on finishing AC!!! WooHoo!! Wish we all lived close enough to throw you a party, that's something to celebrate!!!

    Speaking of Spas...slv58, thats a nice facility you're using! I bet the infusion center is nice and comfy!!

    fmmbw, YAY on being able to eat!! Hopefully your new meds will get you through to continue treatment!!

    Really, really happy for those of you who are feeling great!! :):)

    So sorry for everyone going thru sucky side effects! Its like something new crops up all the time, As crappy as it is, it shows us how strong we are....we just keep on fighting!!

    I love all the pictures..you ladies all look lovely, and did a fabulous job choosing wigs!! They all look very natural! The pictures posted of your families are great too...beautiful ladies and beautiful kids...and that includes the fur babies too!

    This is something I started doing the past 2 treatments......thought I'd pass it along. I've made up a big pot of vegetable beef soup to have in the fridge. I wasn't up to eating it yesterday, but had some today for lunch and I tolerate it well. I'm sure I'll get tired of if eventually, but so far its gotten me through the first days post treatment when I haven't felt like cooking.

    Headed out to a lymphedema consult in a few. Since that appointment is in the building next to my MO anyway, I'm going in for the Nuelasta shot rather than doing the on-body injector this time.

    Hope all of those having treatment today are doing well!

  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited May 2015

    GingerChi, my side effects for CT have been pretty manageable.

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited May 2015

    Gingerchi, I echo the soup thing. I likes soup last time through so this time, the week befoer chemo started I made a few GIANT pots, divided it up and froze them. Tuesdays and Thursdays chemo week friends bring me meals, but soup is defrosting now for tonight. I often eat that all week long. It is one of the few things that appeals to me...and gives me extra fluids...bonus!!!!!

    Sheshe, hope all goes well tomorrow!

    thisizit, so happy you've done so well so far. Happy gardening. I hope to get more done on Sunday.

    littleblue, when my friend had that they put her on an antifingal and an antibiotic so it did not get infected and she could keep treatment on time. Make sure you do salt/baking soda gargles to help too. Sorry you are dealing with that; it must be so hard to eat.

    fmmbw, so very happy to hear you can eat. Glad you can get back to school for a bit.

    slv58, That's quite a facility! Hope all goes well today! I have a couple friends who've gone commando the whole time and have to say I truly think they look so beautiful. You really notice people's eyes and other features more when the hair isn't blocking them taking center stage. I go commando at home nad my kids nad their friends don't care, nor obviously does hubby. When I work late nights I do while at the station but I put my wig on for EMS calls (but obviously not for fire calls).

    Positive spirit, when my kids are sick, I have a Lysol fest on all door knobs, keyboards, light switches, and other things people touch all the time; it seems to help.

    RPayton, So sorry you are having to deal with that at work; that is just horrible. Your wig is very, very pretty!

    mich74, I had my wig trimmed and it really helped.

    Lynne, It does take a bit of time to get used to the wig. I wish my real hair that I had looked as good as my wig though; it's the hair I always wanted, but never had, which is probably why I don't mind it too much.


  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited May 2015

    I didn't get a wig and the response to both commando and scarves/caps/schmatsas has been positive. Of course, I softened up work with this last summer with the cut pictured below. Contrary to what you may imagine, administration put it in their fancy materials for big donors (it was a fundraiser to decrease the cost of an international service trip for my undergrads).

    image

  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited May 2015

    Wow, ksusan, you look great in that mohawk!

    Congrats to everyone graduating from AC this week!

    Nope, MO didn't give me anything for mucousitis except a prescription for magic mouthwash, which he said wouldn't help it heal but would numb it. Im just gargling like crazy with salt and baking soda right now. So annoYing! He didn't want to give me antibiotics or antifungals yet since it's not infected and my GI tract is so raw. He said if it isn't healed up enough, then he will delay treatment for a week because I need time to grow a few more layers of hide on my throat. Ugh...gross.

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