January 2016 Chemo!

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  • buttaflydiva
    buttaflydiva Member Posts: 88
    edited January 2016

    lifealoft, I'm doing ac and my 3rd day was the worse.  it seems to get a little better each day.  it just seems like theres a different se each day. todays se is pain from the neulasta even though ive been taking my clairtin.  I swear I was thinking on day 3 omg theres no freakin way I can do the rest of these treatments. but we can do this!!

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  • Cathytoo
    Cathytoo Member Posts: 667
    edited January 2016

    LovedToFly...love your photo. You still look beautiful. I am just 7 days past my first infusion. My hair is still thick. Can't believe it will fall out, but I know it's inevitable!

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  • Char1110
    Char1110 Member Posts: 61
    edited January 2016

    Zinny I'm cold capping too. I'm not shedding anymore than usual yet, but I'm only on day 10. I think you are a few weeks further along. I am hoping to make it all the way with the majority of my hair. My scalp seems to be pretty dry. Not sure if it is the chemo or the cold caps:-)

    Miss bee I have a fit bit and I think Jill has one too! I wil send you a message

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  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited January 2016

    thank you Cathy I got my hair buzzed a few days after my first infusion. I kept tugging, it felt so solidit was impossible to believe it would start falling out. It really started coming out around day 15! Gave it a little tug, and came out with a finger full of hair. By the next day I noticed it coming out everywhere

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited January 2016

    Nclark6-

    Welcome to BCO! We're glad you've joined our community, and hope you find the support you'll need as you start your treatment. Good luck tomorrow, we'll be thinking of you!

    The Mods

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  • LoveMyVizsla
    LoveMyVizsla Member Posts: 813
    edited January 2016

    That first week, I was telling myself I couldn't do it either. This week is so much better.

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  • Geeper
    Geeper Member Posts: 164
    edited January 2016

    Nclark6- Welcome BC sister, you've found an awesome support group. Everyone here is so welcoming and full of knowledge. Good luck tomorrow.


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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2016

    Ok, it's the night before chemo #1 and wow have I been going up and down emotionally today. I was really teary and scared earlier today, but then I had a massage and a chiropractic adjustment and have gotten lots of loving notes from friends so I'm feeling better. I've been to the drugstore and stocked up on my anti-nausea drugs and laxative and have just now taken my steroid. Now all I have to do is pack my snacks and entertainments for tomorrow and try to stay positive. Oh yeah and try to get some sleep. o.0

    Zinny and LovesToFly: thanks for posting a timeline of how your post-chemo week goes, that was helpful to look at. I realize we are all different and of course our chemo regimens are different, but it was a good reminder that it can take a few days before the real discomfort sets in.

    Nclark6: I start tomorrow too. I'll be thinking of you. We got this.

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  • buttaflydiva
    buttaflydiva Member Posts: 88
    edited January 2016

    good luck to you that are starting tomorrow. I was terrified the night before my first chemo,but I gotta tell you the actual day of chemo is probably one of the best days of the cycle. It's not even close to being anywhere near as bad as you fear it will be.

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  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited January 2016

    good luck ladies!

    Here is my blog post from my first infusion, it might help! Learn from my mistake and take antinauseant ASAP if queasy! This cycle I did and it was so much better!

    https://fancypansy.wordpress.com/2016/01/06/not-a-chemo-virgin-anymore/



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  • Geeper
    Geeper Member Posts: 164
    edited January 2016

    Quixhobbit, it's normal to be scared. I was pretty emotional myself, but couldn't wait to get started. You and Nclark6 will do fine. I packed magazines, books, and Mehndi designs coloring book but I haven't been able to do much reading because the benadryl drip makes me sleepy. I try to take advantage and just doze off.

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  • Geeper
    Geeper Member Posts: 164
    edited January 2016

    LovesToFly- I love your blog! I love how you're always smiling.

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  • buttaflydiva
    buttaflydiva Member Posts: 88
    edited January 2016

    lovestofly-love your blog. What a great way to document your journey!

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  • tracyrosed
    tracyrosed Member Posts: 4
    edited January 2016

    thanks for your teeth recommendations.. my teeth are killing me.. I have a cabinet full of the Biotene products, and Mom is sending more.. I will touch base with my On. tomorrow to see what further I can do.. but this is awful.. I have beautiful teeth.. hate to see that change.. but thanks for your words.

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  • tracyrosed
    tracyrosed Member Posts: 4
    edited January 2016

    I just have to share.. I am upset tonight. Yesterday I was supposed to get my Neulasta shot.. upon arriving at the Dr. office, I was told that my insurance wasn't going to cover it, so I should go home until they figure out what to do. I didn't go home, instead I stayed at the Dr. office and fought with them for a resolution. The resolution is Gaintex. Which I have no opinion on, for I have never taken either. That medicine will be delivered to my home for self-injection. Yes, I know I should be grateful that a resolution was reached.. but the fight and the headache that followed I feel was really insensitive on their part. I really try to be so efficient with all that this BC encompasses to maintain a peaceful environment.. and my Dr. drops the ball on my medication.. Thoughts..?

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  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited January 2016

    thank you Geeper! I've been blogging since 2007, the focus has changed many times!!!

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  • sarah_sunflower
    sarah_sunflower Member Posts: 47
    edited January 2016

    Hi all,

    what should i be expecting with the hair fall business ? Like, would I see myself somewhat bald straight after a shower ? Or will it be gradual over a few days ?

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  • jensgotthis
    jensgotthis Member Posts: 937
    edited January 2016

    sarah_sunflower,

    I'm on the T/C treatment too and on day 14 I noticed when I tugged lightly on my hair, multiple strands would come out easily. Then the next morning in the shower, I'd say that I lost about 20 to 25% of my hair. I lathered up with shampoo and it just started coming right out. I made a little mound of it on the soap ledge so it wouldn't all go down the drain and was pretty shock at how much was there. Then I had the same thing the next day. Mine has come out more on the top, and my sides have remained thicker. The next few showers, some would come out but it was a lot less, and in the last few days I seem to have stopped shedding in any amount more than normal. I look like Lidia Bastianich who is an Italian chef on PBS with bad hair loss. Just had my second chemo today, so I'm curious to see what happens. If it doesn't come out the rest of the way, then I'll go shaving it off. The thought of losing my hair was much worse than the actual losing of the hair if that makes any sense. I've got my wigs and some chemo caps, and it now just seems like my new normal. Good luck. This isn't even. #cancersucks

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  • jensgotthis
    jensgotthis Member Posts: 937
    edited January 2016

    I had round 2 of my chemo today. That part went ok - uneventful and feeling ok so far. They tried the bone marrow biopsy before the infusion. First off, it's a terrible idea not to be sedated (even mildly) for this. The doctor was having a hard time getting to the same part of the bone that he had numbed so he called it off and will reschedule it with ultrasound guidance. Turns out that the hip MRI was inconclusive that we have nothing to worry about so he'd like to biopsy that one too at the same time, all under some level of sedation.

    I'm trying to be calm about all of this but it's the difference between being stage 3 vs. stage 4. This testing won't likely be done for a bit since the results won't change the treatment I'm on right now. Waiting game continues.

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  • Shiningstars
    Shiningstars Member Posts: 7
    edited January 2016

    Hi quixhobbit,

    I know how you feel. I'm on cycle 1 day 5. Yesterday, I felt like giving up. Constipation and then diarrhea. Having one of those I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel day but today is much different. I am less tired and more normal. I think I just need to take it one day at a time. Will think about tomorrow. I noticed you are in California and so am I. Please PM me if you are interested in chatting.

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  • sarah_sunflower
    sarah_sunflower Member Posts: 47
    edited January 2016

    jensgothis,

    thanks for that, I am beginning to think the anticipation is really more scarier than it actually happening too. Hair every where has become a bit of a nuisance for me. I have put on one of my beanies to avoid having to deal with hair everywhere, on my clothes, bed and floor. I am like a fur animal shedding hair everywhere. I am on Day 16 of cycle 1, and yesterday when I lathered up I lost some hair on my head but not enough to see my scalp yet but it totally freaked me out when it started coming off, I didn't want to come of the shower and look in the mirror and suddenly see myself bald. Somewhat gradual scalp visibility would be so much better. Although I have mostly lost about 90% of my hair down there (pubic hair). It just came off ! Surprised it didn't hurt at all, so much better than getting a brazillian wax.

    I hope your staging test can be done sooner and with less pain as possible. Waiting game can cause so much unnecessary worries.

    This group of women are some of the bravest and strongest I have come across. xoxo

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  • LoveMyVizsla
    LoveMyVizsla Member Posts: 813
    edited January 2016

    TraceyRose, it's not your doctor, it's your insurance. Some of the insurance companies won't cover the bone marrow shots until your counts come back low.

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  • Myraknits
    Myraknits Member Posts: 264
    edited January 2016

    hi, I'll be starting in 10 days..also HER2+ . Sending you lots of strength... We can do this! I keep reminding myself, the side effects won't be forever...just until we get rid of the bad stuff.

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  • Honesty2021
    Honesty2021 Member Posts: 4
    edited January 2016

    I'm with you had my first chemo Monday no side affects. So just waiting it out. No bone pain eithe

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  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited January 2016

    my hair loss and scalp showing was gradual from day 15-20. Not nearly as bad emotionally as I anticipated.

    Cycle 2 Day 3 now. Hope it's a good one. Yesterday was great, no real SE just a tad tired.

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  • robyn31024
    robyn31024 Member Posts: 51
    edited January 2016

    paxton 29 My wig shop actually just caters to cancer patients and being one herself was wonderful. She took all my insurance info and took care of everything. My wig was $400 but my part was $100, but she said she would let me know if i even owe that since i probably met my out of pocket. Then with chemo since rolled into 2016 she said i will def meet my out of pocket and should be able to get another i liked without anything out of pocket. :) Hope your is the same. And the hair with TC starts to shed heavily pretty much 14 days on the dot like i was told. I still have a good bit of my buzzed hair but is falling out everywhere, itchy and driving me nuts. Lol i just wish it would go already! Good luck with your treatments!

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  • robyn31024
    robyn31024 Member Posts: 51
    edited January 2016

    I finished my 2nd out of 4 chemo yesterday! Halfway. Pretty uneventful like last time. Kept ice in mouth entire taxtotere this time instead of smoothie and hoping that will keep those stinky mouth sores away, which has been the worst SE for me. And so far my labs bounced right back with no neulasta so going to keep skipping it for now. Good luck everyone! Wishing everyone minimal SE's!!!!

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  • robyn31024
    robyn31024 Member Posts: 51
    edited January 2016

    lovestofly- your wig on blog is really cute, looks so natural. I was really cold for a few hours after my infusions. Took my big blanket and computer. looked like i was moving in . Then had the heater turned up in the car which I'm sure was roasting the hubby! Hope you are doing well.

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  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited January 2016

    good luck Robyn!

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  • onehumpedcamel
    onehumpedcamel Member Posts: 10
    edited January 2016

    After my first treatment on the 21st I was really really tired and nauseated for the first two days. It's gotten better since, and yesterday I spent all day cleaning my kitchen. It's never been this clean! I was told this is a side effect of the anti-nausea meds, and I am welcoming it. Constipation was bad for about 4 days, with Senokot and Docusate and veggies and pruned it was resolved only to return. I had even switched from coffee to tea because I just couldn't drink coffee. I think this made it worse. Now my sister who is going through the same thing gave me a tip: drink it cold. Lovely ice coffee is my new drink of choice.

    About the probiotics: I wasn't told anything by my doctor, but we had an orientation session at the hospital, and the nutritionist said to avoid probiotics because even the normally good bacteria can proliferate and take over during chemo. Not sure what to believe...

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