Chemo in June 2015

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  • AGerl
    AGerl Member Posts: 16
    edited July 2015

    Mel2015 - I had similar issues with the TCH+P...I have barely left the house in 3 weeks out of fear that a bathroom was too far. Everything I ate was quickly evacuated that I thought I would be too dehydrated to do my weekly treatments. I did a daily shot of Immodium each morning to get thru the day. Fortunately/unfortunately, my insurance refuses to pay for Perjeta so we shall see what the lack of it affects me. But the nurse told me to try those silhouette panties rather than pads in case I do have any incidents.

    As for chemo pause, I was told that Replens 2x a week will keep the interior tissue moist and plump, and to use a more silicon based lube for insertion.

    My periods were synced up to the chemo treatments, but Chemo #3 did not have any evidence. Last time it was light for 5 days, which is unusual.

    Good luck my fellow Warriors! We got this!

    - Alexandra

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  • AGerl
    AGerl Member Posts: 16
    edited July 2015

    oh yeah, I have also lost my mind - chemo brain is hitting in full force!

    Here is the photo I saw something wrong:

    image

    After chopping 18 inches off...

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    WIg 1

    And bald with acne:

    image

    My drs have suggested L-glutamine for neuropathy. You can get it in health food stores. It supposedly helps to rebuild the amino acid chains that help protect your nerves

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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited July 2015

    Agerl. I am taking l-glutamine 10gms 3 times a day to help prevent neuropathy. I also take b6 50 mg a day. I am hoping it helps prevent the neuropathy.

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  • EnigmaticFox
    EnigmaticFox Member Posts: 54
    edited July 2015

    Eaglemom, sorry that I fell off the face of the earth there! This week was rougher than I'd expected for side effects. I think I may actually have that hand/foot syndrome starting too, darn it! I'll have to start lotioning my feet (and hopefully I won't slip and slide around the bathroom).

    As promised, here are some photos! First, the "before" shot (this was last fall sometime):

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    And then, there's the "after hair" look (the photo isn't the best, apologies -- I'm not good at selfies, apparently!):

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    This is my favorite headscarf, it's my "blue sky" look:

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    And here's a selfie I took in the mirror, after getting my wig fitted:

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    Julie, I'm SO happy to hear that your scans were clear!

    Here's another weird little thing I noticed...I have one of those phones where you can put your finger on the sensor and it recognizes your fingerprint and unlocks. But lately it's been taking more and more tries to unlock. And as of yesterday, I haven't been able to get it to unlock with a fingerprint at all! So today I looked closely at my fingertips...and they're all weird-looking, with little cracks running through at odd angles! No wonder my phone wouldn't let me in! Is this happening to anyone else? I sure hope my fingerprints go back to normal later on...

    Favorite thing this week: frozen grapes (just wash 'em, toss 'em in a freezer bag, and put 'em in the freezer. Super easy!). I forgot how much I liked them, and they don't seem to set off the "weird taste" problems like a lot of other things I'm eating and drinking, so they're a good hydration option!

    Serenity and best wishes to all my June chemo buddies!

    Take care,

    --Sherri (aka EnigmaticFox)

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  • AGerl
    AGerl Member Posts: 16
    edited July 2015

    EnigmaticFox (Sherri) - you are rocking all those looks!

    I am starting to get those strange crackled fingerprints. I noticed that my iphone was not responding as much to the touch, but I usual type the numbers anyway...although lately, I have not been able to touch type very well on the iphone screens - my texts look like I was drunk texting.


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  • AGerl
    AGerl Member Posts: 16
    edited July 2015

    hartrish - Do you take the L-gutamine on a full or empty stomach? Does it matter? After this chemo (#3) my hands and feet are not feeling quite right.

    Thanks - Alexandra

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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited July 2015

    Agerl. I have taken it on full stomach

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2015

    Not that this is a compliment you've ever wanted, but - wow, you're wig looks great! I've been on the fence, but my hair is rapidly shedding. Guess I'll go get fitted

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  • HighTops5280
    HighTops5280 Member Posts: 11
    edited July 2015

    My second treatment (TC-H -- Taxotere, Cytoxan, Herceptin) is Tuesday and I sure hope the experience I gained after Round One proves useful. Don't want a repeat. Zofran meant no nausea at all, thank goodness, but then there was the constipation from that. To keep it from getting too bad I started right away with Senokot S. My gut really hated it and after several miserable days I ended up combating diarrhea instead. Imodium didn't help at all; I should have filled the prescription for Lomotil right away but didn't. As a result I ended up back at the Cancer Center twice that week for saline infusions to rehydrate (lost 7 lbs). Once I started the Lomotil, there was almost instant relief. The lessons: Colace only, no Senokot. And Lomotil if needed. This week, week 3, I've felt just like the old normal me.

    Well, except for the hair. The morning of Day 14 my hair was fine. But by late afternoon, almost 14 days to the hour since the first treatment ended, I found I could pull out scary amounts of hair. I've always worn my hair pretty short, but I was still grossed out in the shower the next morning when I had to keep wiping loose hair off my face and couldn't seem to get it all rinsed out of the tub. Got it buzzed immediately to 1/4 inch. There were no tears; I was just relieved to not have to experience another shower like the first one. And yes, the sticky lint roller works wonders every day to pick out the loose stubble.

    Still haven't settled on a particular cap or scarf solution. I'm retired and dress very casual (it's Colorado, after all). Best thing so far seems to be a bandana tied do rag style or, a brilliant suggestion from my daughter-in-law, a buff. Hundreds of patterns and colors to choose from and several different ways to wear them.

    Oh, the Neulasta. Started Claritin the morning of the shot and took it daily for about 5 days. Took Tylenol or ibuprofen when the twinges in my hips bothered me on about 4th and 5th days. My MO said other antihistamines might work as well but Claritin is the only one that's been tested in study.

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  • Brightsideplease
    Brightsideplease Member Posts: 34
    edited July 2015

    Hello everyone,

    Boy you ladies look really pretty bald! My head looks spotty like a bad melon. Chemo#2 has been weird. 2nd day I was up and painting my daughters room...but I clearly overdid it, as I've practically not moved for the last two days since. I've gained 4 lbs and feel like a lump. Just walking my dog around the block is a chore. I've got family coming tomorrow through Thursday, and I'm so hoping this is a low maintenance visit. I can barely take care of the kids let alone more folks.

    Today was my 18 yr wedding anniversary and Wednesday I turn 43...wondering how time has passed so quickly? Sleep well friends:)

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  • Tikitorch
    Tikitorch Member Posts: 6
    edited July 2015

    Hello all....round 3 of AC kicked me in the pants; just coming up for air now. Dreading #4. Happy anniversary brightside, & happy birthday!

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  • Natejordlee
    Natejordlee Member Posts: 61
    edited July 2015

    Hello All !! Heading in for round three this morning of the FEC ( last one ) then move on to the Taxotetere next cycle. Hope everyone is doing well . Lucky so far on the FEC as far as side effects besides hair and fatigue. Great information in everyones posts!!! On hair I bought a great wig and scarves and hates.. and in the end I am going out bald unless i will be in sun.. it's just too hot !! Happy Anniversary and birthday Brightside! I love the pics so i decided to share mine ( the wig i wore once to my sons grad ...lol)

    Pre shave ( I had cut 10 inches off already but the hair was falling out in clumps).. My cancer team .. Mom, best friend and daughter ( she shaved some of it)

    image

    The day after out picking berries ( removed hat for picture)

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    The sassy wig

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    Stay strong warriors !!



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  • TheyCallMeCommodorable
    TheyCallMeCommodorable Member Posts: 38
    edited July 2015

    Good morning ladies! Got a chuckle about the comments on Chemo-pause. I am not happy with how this is playing out for me! I was well into menopause. Nine months with no period and on the home stretch! Day 11 after my first TC treatment and guess who pays a visit? I had a full blown period. Now I wonder if I'll get another one. I got no sympathy from the nurse at the oncologist's office. Just some snarky comment that you aren't in menopause until you've gone a full year and my year is starting over again. I'm 55 in 3 months, I don't want to be fertile!!!

    I haven't been brave enough to take a picture of me sans hair. But, below are pictures of me on Day 1, first treatment and 2 weeks later sporting my new wig. I think I have been able to pass it off as real!


    imageimage

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  • Rebecca54
    Rebecca54 Member Posts: 78
    edited July 2015

    Good wigs ladies! If I ever get the energy Ill go to my closet and take a photo of mine. It's just not comfy, think I will only wear when we go out at night. And, Theycallmecommodorable, if I get my period because of this chemo I might poke my eyes out! lol!!!! I mean really!!!

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  • lizannee
    lizannee Member Posts: 16
    edited July 2015

    TC # 2 today. I will know how the week will be tomorrow. Nulasta shot tomorrow. All of my blood work was normal and I had gained two pounds back of the five I lost during chemo first week. My port had a blood clot but two hours later it dissolved and we went on with the chemo. Hoping for a good week!

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  • cloudynight
    cloudynight Member Posts: 40
    edited July 2015

    Guys, your wigs look really good. I am impressed.

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  • Natejordlee
    Natejordlee Member Posts: 61
    edited July 2015

    Treatment three today.. after a 3 hour delay because of bad counts from Friday (which they forgot to call and tell me) we retested and all was good ! During Chemo I mentioned how sore my arm was since my port and off I was shipped to ultrasound and its a blood clot in the arm prob from the port. Now blood thinner injections to add to the mix. Wasn't the best day but its over. So to my sisters watch out for signs of blood clots they told me there are very common but I had no idea,

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  • Brightsideplease
    Brightsideplease Member Posts: 34
    edited July 2015

    Hi all, Great pics!

    Thanks Tikitorch! :)


    Natejordlee I'm so sorry you have a clot, but really glad you voiced your concerns and they found it!


    And lizanne you too :( I guess they're common?


    And TheycallmeC....you win! Seriously I'll stop bitching about mine now! Chemo pause and smooth legs were the two things I was looking forward to! Sleep well:)
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  • eaglemom
    eaglemom Member Posts: 76
    edited July 2015

    Wow! Great pix everyone

    Vitamin B6 and L-Glutamine are on my shopping list. My MO said they would be fine to take and I'll start before I start the Taxol.

    Sherri; your kiwi head looks a lot like mine did! Except my hair was only about 1/8" long when it was at that stage. I shaved it all off since then. I'll post some photos soon. Hopefully tomorrow after work. Thanks for the reminder about the frozen grapes. I stuck some in the freezer when I saw your post.

    Happy belated anniversary Brightsideplease and Happy Birthday! My birthday is Wednesday as well, but I'm 10 years older than you.


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  • eaglemom
    eaglemom Member Posts: 76
    edited July 2015

    Ok; here are a few photos of me and my do-rags.

    My bald head after shaving off the 1/8" "kiwi head" stubble;

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    One of my cotton do-rags;

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    I like to wear 2 of the nylon do-rags together so I can braid the nice long tails;

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    Here are all my cotton do-rags;

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    And all my nylon ones;

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    I bought the blue cotton one from a local shop for $7.85 and then got all the rest from wholesaleforeveryone.com shipped to me in Canada for less than $19 US! The blue and red tye-dye ones are the same brand.

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  • lizannee
    lizannee Member Posts: 16
    edited July 2015

    Looking good Eaglemom! Day 3 of TC # 2 and it is on! Following pattern from TC#1 but maybe a little more nauseas .Ii am getting a ride to work cause the heat index is 106. Wig on! It is hot!

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  • Brightsideplease
    Brightsideplease Member Posts: 34
    edited July 2015

    Happy Birthday Eaglemom! You look beautiful :) Have a lovely birthday!!!

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  • Selmada
    Selmada Member Posts: 18
    edited July 2015

    Hi. Just found the board so totally new. I started chemo June 1st with weekly taxol (so I'm actually T(Taxol) + AC). I'm catching up reading what and where everyone else is but wanted to pop in to day hi.

    This is all still new for me. I see the hairless shots and feel right at home though. When my hair started the rapid thinning, I let my 6 year old twin boys help me shave it. It's still just thinning more and more each week (only the grey seems left now). But I'm okay being bald.

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  • cloudynight
    cloudynight Member Posts: 40
    edited July 2015

    Re: B6, a friend of mine who also happens to be an MO and I have had several conversations about it. He's not convinced by the evidence for it. Don't take too much: Large doses of B6 (like 500 mg-1 g/daily) can actually cause peripheral neuropathy (although there have been cases where taking less for long periods of time have also caused it.) The recommended upper limit is 100 mg/daily.

    He's also not all that wild about glutamine. He told me that the best way to prevent neuropathy is to realize you're having it, tell your MO, and adjust your dose down appropriately.

    It's interesting that so many MOs recommend supplements. I'm on the skeptical end of the spectrum, so I'm not taking anything except for Biotin, which has improved my nails in the past.

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  • TheyCallMeCommodorable
    TheyCallMeCommodorable Member Posts: 38
    edited July 2015

    Welcome to our group selmada! Wow! 6 year old twins! You are an inspiration. Managing all that life is throwing at us and managing a household with young children at the same time needs to be recognized! I hope you have a good support system.

    Mysunshine, I haven't seen anything from you in a while. I hope all is okay! You were the first to reach out to me on this board and I haven't forgotten. All of your helpful tips were spot on!

    I went to a Look Good Feel Better class today. It was awesome and I recommend it to any of you that haven't participated yet. Your local American Cancer Society will put them on. Lots of free products, tips on makeup (even if you aren't a big makeup wearer) and lots of other info.

    Stay strong

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  • magbrew
    magbrew Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2015

    Hi Everyone,

    I'm new to the group, my friend Badger on here refereed me to the Chemo in June forum.

    I'm not sure how to post on here, I hope I'm doing it correctly.

    I want to thank all you beautiful ladies you are a true inspiration. I started this journey on June 25th with my first round of TC, Nulasta shot the next day,

    I go in every Wednesday following chemo for blood work, then chemo on the 21st day following.

    My question is blood work. Has anyone had there red blood count drop? If so how many treatments have you had? It took about a week for my white count to come back up and two and half for my platelets. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

    My second round of TC is tomorrow.

    P.S. You ladies look beautiful, I started loosing my hair on Thursday of this last week and I've have had a emotional time embracing it.

    You all are a huge inspiration for me to shave it off.

    _______________________________________________

    Mags age 52, Oncotype dx 32Dx 03/03/2015, IDC, Left <2.8cm, Stage 2B, Grade 3, 1/9 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (Surgery 04/09/2015 Radical Left Mastectomy with Axilery Lymph Node Removal No- Reconstruction / 1 Lyph node was full.Chemotherapy 6/25/2015 Cytoxan, Taxotere

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  • LostLittle1
    LostLittle1 Member Posts: 28
    edited July 2015

    in the chair now getting my #3 cocktail. coloring in my adult coloring book. lol it's pretty relaxing when I can get the neuropathy to give me a break. image

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  • EnigmaticFox
    EnigmaticFox Member Posts: 54
    edited July 2015

    I love all the photos -- everyone is looking so great! Eaglemom, I especially love your "do-rags"!

    Welcome, selmada and magbrew -- the more the merrier! Selmada, how has the Taxol been for you so far? I'm going in for the last of my AC infusions next Monday, and I'll be starting Taxol after that, so I'm very curious as to how different it will be.

    Littletatas, is that the ZenDoodle coloring book? My mother-in-law got that for me, and I've only colored in a little bit so far. Maybe I'll color more next week when I'm zoning out in chemo fog. :)

    Cheers and good wishes to everyone; I'm offline for most of the weekend, and will be back in the chair on Monday (my halfway point). Hope everyone is doing well!

    Take care,

    --Sherri (aka Enigmaticfox)

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  • Espanola
    Espanola Member Posts: 32
    edited July 2015

    hi, I'm on day 21 (7 days after AC #2) and my scalp is hurting. It tender to the touch and actually hurts to lay on a pillow. Is that normal?

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  • Natejordlee
    Natejordlee Member Posts: 61
    edited July 2015

    Espanola _ I am not sure if your hair has started falling out yet but mine was very sore when it did. I had a very sore scalp and a few irritated follicles. Some of it felt like I had worn a tight ponytail all over and some just hurt. I think its par for the course keep an eye for folliculitis, On a side note once i buzzed it pain went away completely!Sending you positive vibes.

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