Starting Chemo December 2015

Hey Ladies! Going for chemo #6 today. I'm still doing pretty well with minor se's.

For the ladies still having itchiness with wigs are you using wig caps? I'm successfully using a pantyhose for a wig cap and someone else recommended a bamboo wig cap. There are more recommendations if you search on YouTube, Google/bing or use the search function of breastcancer.org. I still have stubble on my scalp too.

I get the heartburn too! I'll have to try Pepcid - just been taking Tums, but it's too much for that. The wig is going better today, but not much. I figure if my hubby can wear a ball cap ALL the time, I can get used to this darn wig sooner or later. This one is the one I got from our local cancer center. There wasn't much to choose from there and NOTHING even close in color. The one I got is much, much lighter than my normal hair color. I shock myself every time I go by the mirror! My co-workers have all be nice and say it looks good. I had to take the scissors to it this morning and give it bangs - couldn't take it in my eyes any more. It does look better than my self-given real hair hair cut! Just taking it one day at a time....2 treatments down, 14 to go!

While I should be working, I've been messing around and doing the math and figured out that today I am 1/4 done with chemo. There seems to be an abundance of "sugar causes cancer" news articles around right now (or maybe I'm just now noticing them) but I say screw it! I'm getting a banana split tonight to celebrate!

That being said... anyone have issues with their eyes? Mine are super dry and sensitive. I feel sinus pressure too. When I walk down the hallway the "wind" stings my eyes. Of course, my first thought goes to brain cancer but I'm pretty sure that an over reaction and its some sort of side effect. Like a distant memory... what did I do before I had cancer to focus on? Probably say "Oh. I have a head ache." Pop some tylenol and move on. Now I google for hours.... Again. I should get back to work. Or at least focus on that banana split.

Hello ladies. Hope all are doing well.

Pezgal, I had problems with my eyes. Dry or running, one or the other through AC. Eased up during taxol if I remember right

Hang in there ladies. It does end

Taxel #6 done and 6 more to go! Then 4 AC.

Opt4: I have a slim long face and I'd benefit from rounding it up a little. So your friends could be sincere in their opinions. Maybe it'll happen to me in a few more weeks.

Pez: Yup, your comment is funny 😁! I'm not giving up on sugar. I met a 15 year cancer survivor that drank alcoholic beverages several times (by mistake 😉), and of the chemo only did 6. It's difficult to tell what will prevent recurrence for you or others. I'll let the meds and care team do their job. I'll modify some things to assist, but not drastically. As soon as I'm done here, I'm drinking some vanilla spice eggnog before it spoils. Regarding eyes, I have preexisting conditions and with eye drops, consistent hygiene and antibiotic ointment, the dryness and sores have improved.

birdie: Thinking of you. Please continue being proactive. Get others to assist if possible. Your rare se's could give your care team a stimulating challenge and break the monotony of standard protocol. Keep us posted. There's lots of smart and resourceful people here too.

And for those that have heard a quote "black don't crack" I say neither does light brown or mixed. Take a look below:

Popping in from sept to say try a lint roller to remove the stray hair stubble, use a satin pillowcase to sleep to help soothe your sore head stubble, saline nose spray for dry noses, and tear eye drops for dry eyes. Pepcid and tums help with heartburn.

KHinMd,

It seems that there were a lot of "first day back to work wig wearers" in this group. I am at work in my wig for the first time as I type and I can't wait to get in my car and put my soft hat on. This is definitely going to take some getting used to. I didn't sleep well last night and I have a bad headache, can't tell if it is from my treatment, lack of sleep, or this wig on my head. Oh well.

I also have some bad taste issues this week. My tongue feels like it is carpeted. I am hoping I don't get any mouth sores, I didn't the first time, just nose sores.

Keep up the fight!

mvspaulding - Good luck with the rest of the workday. I know tomorrow I will be taking off the wig as soon as I get in the car too. I had insomnia Sunday and Monday night. Last night I seemed to sleep better...on my couch. I'm worried about having trouble sleeping tonight due to being anxious about tomorrow. My nurse mentioned taking Benadryl when I have trouble sleeping and that it might work better than a sleeping pill in this situation. Here's hoping you are in the clear for mouth sores. I didn't experience them much after the first 2 rounds, just a slight sore throat.

Lou53 - Good luck tomorrow. Are you taking a Neulasta shot for your white blood count? I know not everyone gets the shot, and if so not after every treatment. I too also dreaded round 2. I prepared for it by telling myself that I made it through the first round and now I'm in charge because I know what to expect. I also feel silly in a wig, like it's gone lopsided and I don't know.

I debated just wearing a scarf or hat to work, but then the secret would be out. I've only told people in my group. I'm okay with more people knowing after I've completed treatment. Then I don't have to respond to questions about how I'm doing, or have people treat me like a fragile bird with a broken wing. People will eventually catch on that it's a wig, but I don't feel it will stand out as much. It's around the length of my pre-chemo hair.

My appetite is back so I feel like eating dinner. I skipped it yesterday. I couldn't decide if it was worth it since I probably would just manage a couple of bites and give up. It's sad to think that I would give up when eating. Well, sometimes I have to give up at a restaurant because I'm full, but I take it home to eat later.

mvspaulding- I got a script for nystatin for thrush. I swish and spit and it works fine. I used it prethrush after round 2 and it really helped. Just had round 3 today so I'll use it again before the day I get thrush and continue until it's better (2-4 days)They tell you to swallow it but I don't want to. I works fine with the swish and spit.

As far wig wearing goes, I'm not wearing mine. I have it and got it styled like my hair yesterday but I hate the way it feels. I'm confident enough to go bald and the reaction has been great so far. Another women wearing a wig at the chemo center today looked at me like she was happy to see my head. Maybe I'm giving her the courage she needs. I don't know, maybe not. There was just something about the smile she got when she saw my bald head. All the pics I see on this thread are of beautiful women...with or without hair. Do what makes you feel the best😘 Keep shining beautiful ladies✨

A common thread seems to be about wigs, so I'll add in my 2 cents!

I made it through two half days with the wig plus hat. I think it looks pretty good, but I ended up with a headache both days after just a few hours. I actually switched out my wig for my soft hat just before leaving work and got a couple of positive comments about it. Thinking I may just wear a soft hat or head covering to work next time. The headaches are a drain. I figure people will surely get used to it and quit asking questions eventually; or at least I hope!

Hello ladies, Hope you are having a great day.

Birdie, sorry to hear about your chemo SEs and troubles, but glad you had a good day today and managed a walk and a smile.

Memba, we are on the same treatment schedule. I had Taxol #6 today as well and will have 6 more and 4 AC. Question for you--were you told why you are doing Taxol first? I ask because my BC ladies who accompany me to chemo both had AC first then Taxol. Love all your looks and can attest to 'Black not cracking' as my 69 yr old Mom and I get mistaken for sisters all the time. And I'm not giving up sugar either, moderating it sure but not giving up things I enjoy that have not been definitively proven to have caused my cancer.

KHinMD, sorry to hear about your eating and wig issues. Have you tried a wig liner? They are cheap and puts a barrier between your scalp and wig. I still have hair/cut into short afro but I also moisturize my hair and scalp with a dime size bit of moisturizer and have no issues with an itchy wig. It also helps that it is cold here and my wig is more like a hat with hair. Glad to hear you have your appetite back. I wish mine would go away at least for a couple days. My weight is creeping up

Karenbo, your headache may be your wig but it may just be the infusions or any of the pre chemo medications. I have had a low grade headache every other day after not having had a headache in many, many years. But it sounds like you have other head options and my hat with bangs is indeed my favorite.

Ladies, you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers and this nightmare would be so much worse without your posts, info, advice, and well wishes.

Nebraska I have never been advised to avoid soy. But, I chose to remove soy products long ago as it mimics estrogen. In addition, soy is almost always GMO which to me is unacceptable. If you find that you can't avoid soy and its products, be sure it is organic, then it won't be GM. I keep soy to a minimum which means I read labels.

so very sorry to hear of your challenges Birdie with your first treatment. Hoping the palliative care doctors can put together a good plan for you. What side of Atlanta are you in? I am in the north side.

Yes that lovely Taxotore did notwaste any time taking away the hair. I am caught everyday between being creative or just being damn comfortable. Comfortable wins tonight!