Starting Chemo in October 2015

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  • AmyBeader
    AmyBeader Member Posts: 90
    edited November 2015

    thanks Jclc83! What a bummer with SS. Ibuprofen works better for me too, and my MO said it was fine.

    Kimmer- meant to tell you I love your wig! It looks real.

    Sunkissed- I got my PT referral from my breast surgeon, and I know my MO has their list as well.


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  • rosepainter
    rosepainter Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2015

    Hello Everyone!

    I have been following this group for quite some time as a "lurker".  I finally decided to come out of hiding this morning. 

    My first infusion was on October 12th.  I had my second yesterday.  So far the second one has gone much better that the first. Today I have to get the Nuelasta shot so that could be an issue.  That shot was a huge problem for me first time out.

    I think what brought me out was all of the great pictures of everyone with their new haircuts and wigs.  I too have the latest  style in haircuts, the buzz, and I have bought a couple of wigs.  I'm getting used to the wigs now that I have no hair of my own but I'm like some of you I'm okay with the "come as you are" look when I'm home.  I haven't had the nerve to go out in public like that yet. 

    Are any of you having issues with extreme diarrhea?  My chemo nurses say that it is an issue with the chemo regime I'm on.  I notice a few others are on the same thing.  I have had problems but have been controlling them with Imodium.  I'm hearing that it gets much worse.  Is that what you all are seeing?

    I do enjoy everyone's posts, thanks for sharing.  I'm slowly learning everyone's name and personality.  Its good to know there are others out there with the same issues.

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  • Jclc83
    Jclc83 Member Posts: 246
    edited November 2015

    Welcome Rosepainter, I'm glad you finally came out of the shadows. I have learned so much from my fellow "Octoberers" more than from my doctors really.

    My 3 yo granddaughter wanted to know if I was still her Grandma if I didn't have hair. She jokingly calls me "Grandma with no hair" I can't tie a scarf worth a darn, wigs are uncomfortable and I have justembraced being bald. I just wear earrings to feminize my look. I also bought a shirt that says "No Hair, Don't Care!" My feelings exactly.

    I deal with diarrhea but I just remember it's just my body getting rid of the poisons. Eat bananas and rice. GI side effects get better.




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  • AmyBeader
    AmyBeader Member Posts: 90
    edited November 2015

    welcome Rosepainter! I have IBS and am on the same cocktail as you (minus the Perjeta). I had to get a prescription for Bentyl, which is an antispasmodic. I think is is helping a lot with the GI side effects.

    I have been going out in public with my beanies, but not naked yet. i have a great wig but the beanies are more comfortable and we are having a lot of rain.

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  • rosepainter
    rosepainter Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2015

    Great to meet you both; AmyBeader and Jclc83!!

    Jclc83; try YouTube for some great scarf tying tricks.  I like the one where you use the pony tail bands instead of actually tying the scarf. I can't tie one worth a darn either but I actually had one look pretty good with the pony tail bands.

    AmyBeader, I had read your comment previous to my doctors meeting yesterday and meant to ask him about the Bentyl.  (I have awful cramps with the diarrhea!!)  Of course, I was nervous about getting the 2nd infusion and forgot to mention it. 

    Again, thanks for your posts - I look forward to seeing everyone's comments during the day!!

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited November 2015

    rosepainter, I have had a hard time with diarrhea. My doctor gave me a prescription for Bentyl, which calms the stomach cramps and limits some of the diarrhea. I still had to take Immodium about every other day, though. I'm on day 16 and the diarrhea is better now.

    When did y'all decide to buzz your hair? My hair is coming out in snatches, although I'm not bald or anything. I don't want to do it too soon, but I'm thinking by the weekend. I'm a community health nurse and I don't want to have to go out on home visits with half a head of hair. I do have a wig, but it hasn't been fitted to my bald head yet. Maybe I should buzz it tomorrow?

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  • igay1ord
    igay1ord Member Posts: 193
    edited November 2015

    mustlovepoodles....I say buzz it now! I did mine this past weekend, and I actually love it! My head/scalp doesn't hurt anymore, and it has cut my time on getting ready for work! This is just my opinion, but I believe your patients would probably have a ton of compassion for you seeing that you, too, have some medical issues that you're having to deal with! Don't feel uncomfortable with your buzzed head! I'm wearing mine all the time! I actually hate wearing beanies, hats and I'm not even going to do a wig! My head just sweats too bad! All that matters is I'm comfortable, and if someone else is uncomfortable with it, that's their problem, not mine! We have too many other things to worry about than their feelings!

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  • homeschool4us
    homeschool4us Member Posts: 255
    edited November 2015

    Amybeader, you are so color coordinated and cute! Even your blanket matches!

    Jclc83, I agree about the ibuprofen working better. That takes care of a lot.of the side effects I endures last round. My.MO said I could take 600mg every 6 hours.

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  • homeschool4us
    homeschool4us Member Posts: 255
    edited November 2015

    Durhamgirl, hope you stay feeling good!

    Rosepainter, welcome!!

    Mustlovepoodles, I buzzed mine as soon as it started coming out in clumps. It made me feel like I was one step ahead of the hair loss. A little more in control. I buzzed it Saturday night, and now today, Tuesday, I would say 1/3 of my buzzed hair is now gone.

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  • homeschool4us
    homeschool4us Member Posts: 255
    edited November 2015

    image

    After stomping my feet and crying for awhile about having to do so much now to leave the house (I was brush and go, no make up before), I finally found decent look to go to the store. A halo amd a beret. Too bad it is is in the 70's out. Off it came the second I got home.

    And don't get me started on the lopsided breasts since I had a single mastectomy and no good bras or prosthesis yet.

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  • Andraxo
    Andraxo Member Posts: 410
    edited November 2015

    Welcome Rosepainter!

    Looking hot homeschool! I love it and it is totally in style - yay you!!

    Second chemo was yesterday and I was so sleepy during it because of extra Benadryl and steroids to hopefully ward off another allergic response. So frustrating because there was no way to rest despite the sleepiness. Benadryl and steroids battle each other. Very little sleep last night.

    Feeling great today not even a speck of nausea (have yet to need any nausea meds during chemo as long as I keep eating) and I ran 5 miles at a good pace. It almost makes me wonder if I didn't get chemo and somehow got a placebo! Of course all the side effects will kick in soon. In the meantime I'm working from home. still worried about not getting Neulasta in terms of my energy in a week and if it was really the cause of the hives.

    Rosepainter - I've struggled a little with diarrhea since chemo began but I was having that problem a bit before chemo that no one could figure out. It's never been anything bad enough to take meds for. I hope that continues.

    Must love poodles - it is liberating to get rid of the hair. I failed cold capping my first round and I'm less stressed worrying about my hair now that I'm bald. I love it!!

    Happy Wednesday everyone!

    Love and hugs to you all!

    Andra xo


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  • MamaBexar
    MamaBexar Member Posts: 102
    edited November 2015

    imageIt wasimage

    My turn to join the Buzz Club. Had it done yesterday. I decided the 2nd most boring thing in the world was sitting watching my hair fall out and form a bird nest at my feet. My son thought my new wig needed a hair cut. He said it looked "shaggy" I explained that was why it was called a shag haircut.

    I am not self conscious about wearing a wig. Every one wore them in the 70's. ( ask your mothers).In fact some of my friends never stopped. So I went with a different and color than my usual.

    P.S. After seeing these I wish I had thought to use some make-up.

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  • Kimmer33
    Kimmer33 Member Posts: 386
    edited November 2015

    Andra, great to hear from you, thought about you yesterday! Benadryl and steroids - not a good combo. Hope you get some rest today/tonight.

    Mamabexar you are beautiful! It does feel so much better doesnt it?

    Homeschool, i love the halo/beret! Where does one find that? Online? I could pull that off as another daily option - so cute

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  • Andraxo
    Andraxo Member Posts: 410
    edited November 2015

    beautiful MamaBexar - with and without hair!

    We are rocking this ladies! We are strong!

    Xo

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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited November 2015

    I'm in the November chemo group (Nov 10th) but really enjoying following along here and seeing how gorgeous all you ladies are looking. Have my scarves ready and I have hired a wig from the Cancer Council Wig Library. We are coming into summer here in Australia so not sure how often I will wear the wig in the heat but wanted to have one "just in case". I can keep it as long as I need it, swap it as often as I'd like, (new style and colour every week if I want) and it was only $50. The money goes toward more resources at the wig library. Jclc83 I knew I'd be terrible tying scarves too so I cheated and bought mine pre tied.

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  • Jclc83
    Jclc83 Member Posts: 246
    edited November 2015

    Good luck with your chemo Smurfette! I think the first is the worst because you aren't sure what to expect. Don't be afraid to treat those SE's.

    I even downloaded videos from YouTube, played them over and over and just not sure the scarves are me.

    I laughed at myself twice today 1) cleaning the counter I put away my comb finally, guess I don't need that for a while and 2) being practical just trying to finish up the shampoo that I have which is voluminizing shampoo. My bald head is still the same size after I use it 😋

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  • homeschool4us
    homeschool4us Member Posts: 255
    edited November 2015

    Andraxo, thanks amd I'm glad you are feeling pretty good and I hope it continues!

    Mamabear, you look great and I thought you were wearing makeup! Your eyes are gorgeous!

    Kimmer, thanks! I got the halos at tlcdirect.org online. Look under hair for hats. They aren't very expensive at all.

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  • homeschool4us
    homeschool4us Member Posts: 255
    edited November 2015

    smurfette, that sounds like a great deal on the wig!

    Jclc83, lololol on the volumizing shampoo!

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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited November 2015

    Ha ha. I laughed at the "volumizing" shampoo too.

    Love your halo and beret homeschool4us. Looks great.

    I also bought a fringe to poke out from under my hats and scarves.

    Frames my face a bit as I normally wear a fringe.

    Hats and scarves do not become me at all. Sigh.


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  • El_Tigre
    El_Tigre Member Posts: 520
    edited November 2015

    Hi all

    just checking this board out. I started late Sept and gearing up for my last AC on this Friday.

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  • igay1ord
    igay1ord Member Posts: 193
    edited November 2015

    homeschool...love your look! It totally suits you!

    mamabexar...you look wonderful! And I too thought you already had makeup on! You're one of the lucky few who look wonderful without any makeup on! Wish I did!

    Smurfette...love that you were smart and bought pre-tied scarves! I'm going to have to Youtube scarf tying...I have no clue how to do that!

    Andraxo...had my 2nd treatment today...ugh...so wired from all the steroids! Hubby works out of town, but called me a few minutes ago. He just laughed and laughed at me because he could tell I was on the steroids again...my mouth just would not stop! My crash will come Friday morning, which is when I'll get my shot of Neulasta. And you're very right...We Got This -- We Are Strong Ladies!

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  • nottoday
    nottoday Member Posts: 162
    edited November 2015

    Dear all,


    I was an October 2014 chemo starter. So it has been about a year. I just wanted to wish you all well. Seems interminable when you are going through it, but then it's over and you can begin to move on. My advice: pamper yourselves heavily with sleep, meditation, good books, chocolate, new jewelry and whatever strikes your fancy to get yourself through this time.

    I'm feeling great, now. You will get there, too!

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  • Kimmer33
    Kimmer33 Member Posts: 386
    edited November 2015

    igay1, hoping for no side effects for you, one thing i do like each round of chemo is knowing what to expect, so if you know your worst day is friday, you can plan for it!

    I have my third infusion this Friday, then only 1 more of AC, and on to Taxol.

    We got this!


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  • Kimmer33
    Kimmer33 Member Posts: 386
    edited November 2015

    hey a quick question for you ladies...

    When are you all done chemo? And if you are doing radiation, when does that start for you?

    I am finished chemo Jan 18, 2016 and begin rads a month after that, so February.

    It would be fun to head into a January or February rad board with y'all

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  • AmyBeader
    AmyBeader Member Posts: 90
    edited November 2015

    my last chemo is Feb 2, so Rads will probably be in March for me.


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  • AmyBeader
    AmyBeader Member Posts: 90
    edited November 2015

    thanks for your inspiring words Nottoday!


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  • MaggieMae123
    MaggieMae123 Member Posts: 38
    edited November 2015

    Hi Rosepainter, I have been dealing with the diarreah for a week now. I have been taking Imodium but it doesn't really seem to do too much. I had to get a Herceptin treatment on Monday and they gave me some extra fluids to help hydrate me. I am supposed to drink 8 cups of water a day but that is so hard because it tastes so weird. Everything tastes off. Thinking of calling the Dr. office later to see if I can try something different for the diarreah. I don't know if Pepto Bismal is allowed or not. Anyway, glad to see that I am not the only one with this problem and hope everyone can get rid of it soon. Take care.

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  • igay1ord
    igay1ord Member Posts: 193
    edited November 2015

    Kimmer...my last chemo should be January 27th, 2016...if all goes well! Radiation should probably start in February.

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  • Kimmer33
    Kimmer33 Member Posts: 386
    edited November 2015

    maggiemae, i was told to drink anything, doesnt have to be water, as long as it's fluids. Popsicles? Gingerale

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  • Jclc83
    Jclc83 Member Posts: 246
    edited November 2015

    I'll be finished with chemo in January. Starting radiation and Arimidex right after probably Feb too

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