Starting Chemo December 2015

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  • Twirp26
    Twirp26 Member Posts: 178
    edited February 2016

    mvspaulding, I got my eyebrows at headcovers.com they were $50 but are made of real human hair. They can be reused so it's not a one and done thing. I have also been using that gel on my brows to try and save them. They are thinning a bit so I may just skip getting another tube and use my $50 eyebrows😉 No kidding!! All this stuff is expensive!! Ps, good for you working everyday! It is really impressive. I am sure it takes a lot out of you but also keeps you active and moving. I miss subbing sometimes but between the germs kids have and lack of bathroom opportunities, it scares me😉

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  • Karenbo
    Karenbo Member Posts: 61
    edited February 2016

    I haven't purchased any or tried them yet, but a new breast cancer friend at chemo recommended eyebrow tattoos from Etsy.com They are waterproof and supposed to last 2-3 days and run about $5 to $8 in price. I may check them out if I lose more of my eyebrows.

    The Neupogen injection is kicking my butt today. Had to increase to 3 injections each week since my blood counts keep dropping so low. Stinking back and neck spasms. Ugh!! Hopefully it will do the trick and I can get chemo # 8 tomorrow!

    Love all the recent chemo pictures! Beautiful strong women! (and fantastic shirt Twirp!)

    Look out cancer - you don't have a chance against any of us! Stay strong ya'll!

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  • chinacat
    chinacat Member Posts: 78
    edited February 2016

    twirp I got the same brows. We'll be brow twins. I went with the #17. Based on the reviews they can last several months if you care for them. I got the adhesive remover to use on the brow backs. I don't need them yet but I suspect I have a week or so. As for my nails, I'm not the polish type. Kind of a plain Jane. I wear more makeup now but thats so I look like a girl since I'm not into wearing my wig.

    So I found out that my steroid infusion was almost double with taxol than it was with AC. Boy I sure felt the effects. I didn't sleep a wink last night and I have been extremely agitated. Thankfully my husband is understanding (well now that we know it's not me, just the steroids). I will be requesting less next time. For anyone starting taxol for the first time, keep this in mind so you know why you're not you for a day.

    Mvspaulding I thought about painting my nails dark but then how would you know if it helps? You can't see them. Plus I need to understand the why and I can't find anything or anyone who can explain how keeping light off the nails would be beneficial. I'm a bit of a freak though and I don't really like to paint my nails. And, since it's winter, my toe nails don't see any light and they are changing as well. Who knows. Getting poisoned repeatedly does strange things. Lol.

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  • mvspaulding
    mvspaulding Member Posts: 446
    edited February 2016

    yeah, like I said, I have no factual proof it works. I kind of like keeping my nails painted though because like you said anything that makes you feel feminine helps.

    Sorry about the spasms Karenbo, hope it gets better.

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  • Lyra10
    Lyra10 Member Posts: 59
    edited February 2016

    Hi ladies! I read about the dark nail polish too and keep applying it. I've been doing great the last 2 weeks, gaining too much weight so I'm gonna get after that! Back to ten hour days at work but when my head hits the pillow I'm down until the alarm. I got another couple wigs and some colored clip ons with different colors, listen who's going to tell me to take it out of my wig?!? 🤗

    Meet with my surgeon next week and will find out his suggestion for a plastic surgeon to start the process of reconstruction, nothing was put in place when I had my mastectomy so I will be starting from scratch! I have read all your posts about the tissue expanses, sounds painful?!?

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  • Lemint
    Lemint Member Posts: 162
    edited February 2016

    Hi Lyra10, I've been using dark nail polish since I've started chemo. I've done 4 with 2 more to go. I also ice my hands and feet during the taxotene. I've had no problems except occasional sore cuticle's. They said my blood counts are down and I'm anemic. Does anyone know if I should take an iron supplement. Forget to ask yesterday. Thx

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  • puremalarkey
    puremalarkey Member Posts: 30
    edited February 2016

    Toes still hurt but not now bad enough to need pain pills. Good news my taste buds are back and I'm going out to eat tonight in my SOCKS !!image

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  • stotamom
    stotamom Member Posts: 41
    edited February 2016

    Finished my last round of AC! So glad to have that done and under my belt! Next week I go for my echo and a follow up appointment. Not 100% when I start taxol but it will be in the next two weeks or so. Does anyone notice dark spots on their face appearing. I have quite a bit but more so along where my hairline used to be. Seems to just keep getting darker. :(

    image

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  • jodes001
    jodes001 Member Posts: 92
    edited February 2016

    image

    This was #8. I have #10 on Monday. Call me strange, but I'm nervous to be done and return to my "normal" life. I've gotten so comfortable staying home, sleeping in, painting and hanging out with family and my dogs!! I have been so lucky to have minimal SE's......The worst are, nose problems, bowels, and my scalp always feels like someones pulling my hair. ( I still have 1/2 inch to 1 inch of hair, very thin) I have also gained 6 - 8 pounds which I'm really not happy about....:/ I'm also nervous about 6 weeks of rads, 5 days a week, and I'll be back at work. I told my MO that I'm going to negotiate with the rad doc and get that # of weeks lowered!

    I have so much admiration for those of you that have kids, are still working, and have very bothersome SE's...

    Hugzz

    Jodi

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  • mvspaulding
    mvspaulding Member Posts: 446
    edited February 2016

    Well very glad it's Friday but unfortunately had to get a fill after work and now I'm having a lot of pain. Only bright spot is she says I won't need any more fills since I'm going a little smaller than I was pre-surgery.

    Lyra glad you found some fun hair!

    Congrats on being done with AC Stotamom, no dark spots for me just red bumps, lol. Wish my stubble was gone like yours though!

    Go out in those socks Puremalarkey! Lol

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

    You girls really lift me up on tough days, and I truly wish you all the best.I started my revised chemo cocktail on Thursday ( from Taxotere, Carboplatin, Perjeta, and Herceptin all at once to only Taxol and Herceptin) The previous mix put me in the hospital for 5 days and in bed over 2 weeks after that. I don't feel any side effects at all from this one...yet! Other than slight fatigue which is a constant regardless. Of course I think the next 2 days will tell. Im wondering if that first killer chemo infusion may have acted as a "vaccine" and made me immune to any future side effects, LOL! Although the ONE chemo took ALL my hair, I'm wondering if my eyelashes will go away now with Taxol? Oh! another plus is no Neulasta needed now! That's a relief. The bone pain was unbearable. I've read that these 2 drugs are very effective for triple positive, ( HER2+) and I wonder why my ONC went all gung ho with the 4 drug chemo right off the bat! It almost made me give up chemo all together, and I was terrified to get in that chair Thursday. But my 2nd opinion Dr. totally agreed with this treatment for 12 weeks, then Herceptin only for a while after surgery and maybe rads. Which is a whole new and hard choice I will need to make. I am told by both doctors that a lumpectomy will suffice, but I read repeatedly that ladies deal with it coming back in the other breast a surprising number of times and that scares the doo doo outta me! I would just as well have a double mastectomy and be done with my boobies all together. I'll be 60 in a couple weeks and my precious hubby agrees that we don't really need them anymore, :) Good night sweet ladies. Hugs and sparkles! Heidy

    PS, you all look mahvelous!!

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  • lawyer180
    lawyer180 Member Posts: 36
    edited February 2016

    Stotamom, I also noticed the same thing along my hairline. I just assumed it was sun damage/spots that was either there all along and I just never noticed....or they're yet another present from my new best friend AC.

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  • PezGal
    PezGal Member Posts: 99
    edited February 2016

    Stotamom I don't know if it's the same thing or not but I've developed these small brown spots (almost looks like liver spots or small stains) on my hands and feet where my skin is peeling. Although It does not peel off. Deeper in the skin. Strange.

    Yea Birdie56, stick to it! Best of luck this go-around! I stated the taxol/herceptin/perjeta regiment this week. Today actually... Which is probably why I'm up at 3:30am.

    Fun facts, brought to you by steroids:

    1) Did you know that cytoxin (the C in AC) is a derivative of mustard gas (the WW1 chemical war fair agent)? Strange, and amazing, how science works!

    2) Taxol comes from the bark of the Pacific Yew plant. This conifer grows from southern Alaska to Northern California. I probably unknowingly see this tree every week, completely unaware that it's brethren will aid in saving my life. I want to find a seedling and grow it (in a pot till we have our own forever yard). Not that I'm going to eat the bark or anything 😝, but I just kinda want the reminder. Again, science... Crazy. SMH.

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  • Lyra10
    Lyra10 Member Posts: 59
    edited February 2016

    My friends took me out to happy hour yesterday afternoon after work for my birthday ( left work early even) but don't you know that I'm going to add klutz to my list of SE! Missed a step & roller the ankle & landed on my butt!imageNot sure what hurt worse my pride or my ankle! Tonight I get Teppenyaki and I might have a beer!

    Have a great weekend

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  • redrock75
    redrock75 Member Posts: 34
    edited February 2016

    Lyra, hope your ankle is better soon! Where do you get your treatment here in Vegas? Maybe we will run into each other one of these days! I go to the comprehensive cancer center at southern hills hospital.

    Birdie, glad the new chemo is treating you a whole lot better than the first one and that you can continue treatment.

    I'm finally feeling better and so so happy that I won't have to deal with the AC nausea and neulasta pain anymore! I have lost 15 lbs since I started AC. Now just nervous about what taxol will bring. I still have my eyelashes and eyebrows and really want to keep it that way!!

    Happy weekend everyone!

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  • Lyra10
    Lyra10 Member Posts: 59
    edited February 2016

    Redrock I get mine at the CCC on Peak Dr. My doc is out of that office. I did my LGFB class at yours though! So glad you're out of pain. And my ankle will be ok, thank you

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  • LiLNutmeg
    LiLNutmeg Member Posts: 30
    edited February 2016

    Went for my oncology appointment on Thursday;  with my  blood sugars spiking over 30, the IBS, bone pain and the bottom from hell -  I've finished my 3x3 FEC infusions and suppose to start Docetaxol on Monday;  Oncologist will have me take it weekly for 9 weeks in a lower dose instead of higher dose every 3 weeks.    I'm bummed (no pun intended on the bowel stuff) about weekly infusions but sure hoping the S/E calm down.

    Have painted my nails with black polish and am ready for the ice mitts and booties ... here's to a S/E free week.

    Wishing you all the best

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  • redrock75
    redrock75 Member Posts: 34
    edited February 2016

    Lyra, that one is SO much closer to my house (peak dr) but I really love my MO so I go the extra 20 mins to southern hills.

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  • chinacat
    chinacat Member Posts: 78
    edited February 2016

    I'm on day 4 post 1st taxol following AC. It is totally different feeling. AC made me beyond exhausted and I usually had a headache (migraine). I was also constipated. I really never felt any side effect from the nuelasta. One time I had minor bone pain that subsided with ibuprofen. So far I feel none of the AC exhaustion or headache. I've had hot flashes, shortness of breath, tingling in my fingers and mouth and the big D. The worst is that I have horrible bone pain. I'm confused if this is from the nuelasta or the taxol. Ibuprofen (600mgs every 4 hours) isn't touching it. I just took a Claritin and will continue it but that might take a couple days for relief. Any advice??

    Thanks!!

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  • Sheri64
    Sheri64 Member Posts: 113
    edited February 2016

    Just when out for nice dinner with DH early Valentine'snight. Day 12 since first TC treatment and no hair loss yet very worried it will be next week and I don't have a wig appointment with ACS until the 22nd.

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  • lawyer180
    lawyer180 Member Posts: 36
    edited February 2016

    My 3rd AC treatment was last Tuesday and I thought most of the nastier SE had passed...but in the last few days, I am extremely emotional, depressed, moody, nasty and really out of sorts/out of control, which is not normal for me. I'm 41 and assume I'm in chemopause (last P was 12/29). Is it chemo SE, menopause, just normal cancer emotions?? Will it pass in a day or two?

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  • Twirp26
    Twirp26 Member Posts: 178
    edited February 2016

    lawyer180, I had my treatment on Wednesday and it seems that on day 3/4 after my treatment I get that way, real emotional, totally moody and bitchy as can be. I am also not normally bitchy so I think it throws people off. I have to take steroids day before of and after and I am wondering if it has something to do with going off of them. My body also trembles and both my eyes twitch like crazy for a few days. I hate it! Know you are not alone! I will be your sister bitch😉 Feel better!!

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  • Twirp26
    Twirp26 Member Posts: 178
    edited February 2016

    imageme and hubby at MardiGras parade.

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  • redrock75
    redrock75 Member Posts: 34
    edited February 2016

    chinacat, are you on weekly taxol? If you never got bone pain with the neulasta after AC then I wouldn't think this is neulasta pain. I'm starting weekly taxol on the 16th and I don't get neulasta with it since it is weekly

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  • Fran1969
    Fran1969 Member Posts: 11
    edited February 2016

    I have begun taking glucosamine supplement. Osteo Biflex. Turmeric as well. Terrified of taxol at this point with the horrid bone and muscle pain from Neulasta AND will be continuing the on body injector as Taxol will be given every 2weeks. First Taxol this Monday.

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  • mvspaulding
    mvspaulding Member Posts: 446
    edited February 2016

    you look happy Twirp! I feel bitchy this weekend. I'm in pain from my fill and I need to have some fun on a weekend like I used to. You look like you are having fun! :)

    Cancer sucks y'all

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  • Fran1969
    Fran1969 Member Posts: 11
    edited February 2016

    Does anyone else have loss of sensation like almost the same tingly thing I feel in my feet and hands from the neuropathy but in my vagina. I'm super worried going forward with Taxol because that's what I'm told is the real neuropathy monster. I mean it's not stopping us by any means BUT ... Is this going to get worse. I know some in the AC-T regimen get the T first so maybe someone knows.... Anybody


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  • chinacat
    chinacat Member Posts: 78
    edited February 2016

    redrock I am getting taxol every other week, 4 times.

    Fran I am happy to say that I have had no neuropathy in my V!

    All of you bitchy ladies, for me it's the steroids. But we are going through so much that a little bit of bitchy is OKAY! Its a SE and we have no control. At least that's my story, and I'm sticking to it;)

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  • Karenbo
    Karenbo Member Posts: 61
    edited February 2016

    Re: bone pain - I'm on weekly taxol and get some nasty bone pain and back spasms every time they make a change in my Neupogen injections. Usually only lasts for 24-48 hours though. Tylenol and a heating pad seem to help a bit. Hot showers too.

    Finished taxol #8 on Friday; 4 more to go!!! Have some intermittent mild numbness in thumbs, finger tips and toes, but fortunately none in the V! Just started taking some L-Glutamine powder to try to offset the neuropathy.

    Great picture Twirp! Looks like you were both having lots of fun. That's what we all need! It's hard, but trying not to let stupid cancer ruin all my fun.

    As for emotions, forgetfulness and any intermittent bitchiness, I blame it all on chemo! (even if it isn't 100% accurate!) That's my story too Chinacat! :)

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  • chinookmom
    chinookmom Member Posts: 45
    edited February 2016

    Hello all~ So happy for those of you who have finished your chemo! My chemo finishes 3/31. Then recovery, lumpectomy and radiation i'm guessing in April/May to start rads.

    stotamom~ You still have eyebrows! I'm on a different chemo regimen but still have most of time. You've made me hopeful that i may keep them.. I have a very similar complexion to you. My skin has been extra sun sensitive & I've gotten a couple of spots on my checks.. My head is almost always covered when i'm outside so I haven't gotten them on my hairline. When my NC is done I'll need a couple good trips to the dermatologist to get my skin back to looking good. I've had glycolic peels and had darks spots frozen off so next fall/winter i'm sure i'll have some clean up to do.

    Fran1969~ A few weeks ago i did have some weird vibration twitch thing happening in my right labia. Thought i was going mad and found some online thread from years ago that still had people posting with the symptoms. Mine just ended up going away and i never really knew why. Does Claritan help you at all with the Nuelasta? It greatly reduces the hip & joint pain i was getting. I take it a day before the nuelasta shot.

    Karenbo~ I have heard that The Melt Method is really good for hand & food neuropathies. I actually have their whole kit to try but haven't done it yet. https://www.meltmethod.com/store/product/hand-and-...

    Twirp26~ How fun! Great photo. Thanks for sharing! :)

    mvspaulding…~Sorry to hear you have been dealing with post fill pain. I think you get a pass for the bitchy feelings.. It does suck! I've passed my first week after chemo so while still dealing with stomach & nose side effects feeling much better than last week. But i so know that while you are feeling that way it seems like it will never end.

    Sheri64~ One thing i wear more than my wig is a halo of hair (made from my own hair shaved off 12/31). I had mine done at a place in los angeles, but they just found this one online that will use your own hair. http://www.chemodiva.com/FQ_Chemo_Halo_Wig.aspx My halo is mode of two rows of hair on monofillament & probably more like a hair extension halo that you can add under your own hair to build volume. I just find it more comfortable than my wig and have had some square head scarves made to tie over my head. I found a scarf size that worked for me (28" minimum square) and just this weekend bought some cotton voile and cotton silk voile fabric to have about 8 different versions made. I went to a fabric store in town and ordered some online. I've been working from home so I don't really need to dress up that often & in LA its more casual even when i do need to go in to an office for work (i freelance & work at different companies all the time).

    lawyer180~ I'm 45 and think i've finally hit chemopause as well. Which i'm happy about because the 2 periods i had during chemo have been awful. Lasted for weeks and not being able to use tampons. Also i can't take NSAIDS so i'd just have to deal with the cramps. I hope the moods start to even out.. I do feel warm all the time. As though I'm running a temperature.

    Lyra10~ Glad to hear you ankle is on the mend. No falls, but i sure do know that klutz feeling. Definitely have chemo fog myself.

    puremalarke… Hope you had a wonderful and tasty dinner out! In your socks :) Hey its amazing the things that aren't important these days. Feeling good and tasting food is such a treat. So happy your toes are started to feel better.

    Hope everyone has a good start to their week! xo

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