January 2016 Chemo!

LovesToFly...I think bald is too distracting. I would wear what you feel is most comfortable. If you're uncomfortable it will show.

Geeper...I can so relate to what you wrote about being independent. I'm also very independent and on top of everything. It comes back to kick you in the ass when you need support...like now. People ask "How are you?" I tell them I'm doing great and that's that. Not one person has offered to go with me for my next infusion. Finally, I asked a friend if she would take me, drop me off and then pick me up. But, I'll be there alone while poison is flowing. It does help to know that others are having the same experiences. I do think breast cancer is so prevalent that it really scares our girlfriends. It's very scary. It could be them. And chances are it might be one day. I have 8 very close friends who are survivors. It's a damn epidemic‼️

Cathytoo: Thanks for the eyebrow link - I didn't know there was such a thing!!!!!! Here's a youtube video I had before I saw *your* solution. I think she likes the Anastasia brow stuff, luckily I have that stuff gathering dust in my make up bag gathering dust: She's not the vlogger who intro'ed me the Jon Renau Zara wig. But has great make up tutorials for chemo patients and stuff.

FLBuckEye: You hit the nail on the head with having life shoved up the ass this year - my mom passed away, my grandmother, my favorite great aunt, a close friend of cancer (who I wasn't there for), another friend committed suicide, a 10 year relationship ended.....on and on....

I have got to say, you are some ridiculously gorgeous baldys in this group. Seriously!!

The friendship/relationship thing is really strange, isn't it. For the most part, I have been amazingly lucky with tonnes of support. One of my friends set up a meal train https://www.mealtrain.com/?a=aw&gclid=Cj0KEQiA0Na1BRDlkqOcyczng5cBEiQAnEDa2Nbkbuk-HuHvS6oPgmz3GqKYQQtEIteHlSBi0NEIxLAaAgiK8P8HAQ which has been amazing - though I have had to ask people not to bring food when I am feeling well, but really they all just want to do something to help and it is lovely to be able to play lego with my son and not worry about dinner:)

I am amazed by what some people will say, though. I have been off work essentially since I was diagnosed, which happened during my summer holidays, mostly because I am self employed (physician) and well insured, and you can't really work part time and get your benefits, but also because my work is an "all in" where I can't really call in sick, and I have someone to replace me until I am finished all of this. I have done really well walking lots and trying to meditate ( fell off that train for a bit) and feeding myself good healthy food every day, and spending much more time with my kids. I was amazed to hear that one of my colleagues was reported to say "I heard she could be working." It has been some inconvenience to others and they have had to pick up a bit more, but really?! Begrudging me time away to deal with breast cancer? Yes, there have been many days that I was well enough to work. That doesn't mean that it is in my best interests, nor that of my patients, as no doubt, I might be a little distracted, or might have some trouble keeping all of the billion balls in the air as was my old norm.

Weighing in on wine, I agree on only drinking it if is lovely:) and I too adore Zin's, Pinots, and jammy blends:) My MO said 3 glasses a week max, don't think that will ever be my norm, but I will not begrudge myself a glass now and the after all this- but I am a "eat the real and delicious food, appreciate it, stop when you have had enough" type who loves cheese too much to ever give it up:) But, I don't think I will drink much hard liquor, not that I ever did - our empties after a crazy camping weekend usually totalled 2 drinks per person per day!

Look at how beautiful everyone on here is?!! Happy Sunday ya'll.

Im on day # 6 after chemo #3 and I'm just coming down from feeling like crap. Neulasta really did me in this time. I was fighting fatigue and mild dehydration and it felt like and uphill battle.

For anyone going through constipation, I just got over a serious two day constipation episode with the help of Smooth Move tea.

Sorry for the poop talk but here goes..

I blame my chemo and carb food cravings for this. Most recently I have craved mashed potatoes, hoagie subs, fries anything full of carbs. I finallly got my fix on Friday and had a sub sandwich. I also has mash potatoes earlier this week. Match that with not drinking enough water and taking iron tablets everyday and BOOM. Constipation.

I tried taking two Colace tablets, did nothing. Warm water and lemon. Nothing.

I drank a big mug of Smooth Move last night (two teabags) before bed as directed and woke up early this am and finally had a bowel movement. Had about two more after that. Its has senna leave and orange peels along with other herbs. From my understanding it's not to be taken for long period of time.

Hope it helps someone.

Cathytoo: Sorry about that!!!! I had it pulled up and everything - and you know, I thought it even posted the actual youtube video rather a click link - maybe that was the problem. I'm going to try it a different way. And just in case the scarf wrap link didn't pop through either, I'm including it for Jill.

Recreating Eyebrows with Makeup Youtube

Scarf Wrapping Videos

I just went through my chemo book and it said to start using a baking soda gargle mix before mouth sores start. Has anyone started doing this?

I've been so contrary since I got home. I feel terrible for my BF. I know it's the hair thing, that's when it started. I guess it could be chemo, too, or c) all of the above. I just only have a little bit of time here and I don't want to spend it acting like an asshole the entire time before I have to go back.

So obviously I'm spending too much time online. But one thing I've been longing for is one of the hair extension companies to sell wigs. I mean, I have waist length human hair extensions that are SUPER THICK - my hair stylist was amazed when she saw them that I paid $300ish for. Paying $400 for a synthetic shorter hair wig sort of chaps my hide. The seller I get these to die for extensions doesn't sell wigs - jerks. But I found one that does, AND they're having a sale!!!!! I've had this seller on my radar for extensions, but just hadn't tried any. I love my Bellamis and there's only so many sets of hair I need. So here's the link if anyone's interested - you can pick the length and the weight of the hair, too, which is a bonus so that you can really match your own hair. Natural hair can be styled too. And full lace means you can part it any old way and it still won't scream WIG.

Irresistable Me Wigs

I can check the grams and compare them to my extensions, I have some that are super duper heavy and a set that is more "normal."

Lol, anything that makes me feel like I might look like I do in my av pic makes my heart flutter. I feel like a vain idiot. It's no wonder I have to see the Body Image Therapist and she wanted to punch me last week for being so stubborn. Well, not that bad, but I'm set in my ways and I was brought up by a Southern old school mom who would literally take away my white clothes after Labor Day. Ha! So you can imagine the rest....

Hi Ladies!

I 💗 January's group!! We are such a chatter box 😀 Even though I start chemo on the 23rd.

Cathytoo - when I was on the plane 2 guys kept coughing behind me. Someone posted earlier when we were talking about it to watch out from the back bc I was worried about the front. Ha! After my whole empty row was disinfected and I passed wipes behind me and wrapped my scarf around my whole head. 😁 😷

Jinx27 - TY for the Smooth Move info. I know I will need it. #storyofmylife in that 🚤

Lovemyvizsl - 😂 Hilarious eye rolling emoji! I'm going to add that in our emoji chat function!

Frill - I read Latisse works saving eyebrows. Put it on prior treatment and continue through duration. U could try now as it will grow them. I'm going to try it and will check out your videos. TY! Good info on extensions. My stylist thought I was crazy a couple years back bc I have thick, long hair and told him to make it touch my butt. 😝 It was my typical birthday what can I do to myself...peels, derms, botox, hair, tan, etc. 💅Don't feel bad. Nothing wrong w caring how we look. I'm cold capping for my hair. I have to try it n donate that freezer. It's normal n LA. They have the freezers in the cancer clinics. What's the water app?

Lovestofly - I'm in the same boat w a bestie. I had to distance myself from her bc she kept dropping the ball and thinks it's ok bc we all know how she is. Then, she gets mad when I don't jump when she says. Plays passive/aggressive crap. Plus, she's an emotional wreck w my cancer and her life. Always about her. I just check in periodically and had to tell her how it is.

I'm thankful for all of my bffs that have jumped in when I didn't want them to. 🙏 I am always the friend that brings everybody together and I'm grateful for all of them. We are having a chemo planning party bc I need help w cold capping, otherwise I wouldn't mind going alone bc I would work the whole time. It was nice to go to a dr appointment alone..ha. We've been documenting so someone always had to film. My docs ask where is the entourage at when I'm alone. I kept it all to myself for the most part about cancer and I don't complain bc I'm super independent, but the hardest part is not having a boyfriend. It's hard being alone on that aspect. When I think of my 12 year old and who will take care of her if something happens to me. I have been seeing someone, but it's not defined. I do think cancer has opened his eyes more about me as we've known each other for a long time and it has brought us closer. Right now it's about me. Cannot get wrapped up in him. Just stx being alone. Sometimes, you just want someone to hold ya and say it's ok to cry. (I only cry in the shower when I do.😂 I'm a total jokester especially dealing w cancer. My sense of humor is silly, but a day without laughter is a day wasted. Charlie Chaplin?.) Plus, our schedules are crazy and I'm back n forth between 3 cities. I believe what's meant to be will be.

Ok, pulling up my big girl panties and going to knock out some work. Skipping Super Bowl parties bc I'm tired of talking and my gfs can talk for me there. Start fertility treatments this week! 🙏 For a great harvest!! On a good note FB approved us and we submit to Apple this week. It's going to be a very happy, crazy, ride🙌

Thank you for letting me vent. Glad I'm not alone on the friendship and alone feeling. 😘

And.....GO BRONCOS🏈

MB12 ...best of luck with cold capping. I'm on third TC chemo and so far so good. Let me know if you have any questions.

Frill...I do the salt and baking soda mouth rinse. It's 1/4 baking soda to 1/8 salt. I make up about 30-40 Dixie cups before each chemo. I stack them up and keep some in the bathroom and in the kitchen. I use Biotene at work because it's easier. No mouth sores yet.

LifeAloft...Hi...you and I are in the same boat...with one difference. I'm doing TC. My second infusion is Wednesday. I've found that all this has made me stronger. Still very scared and apprehensive about my future...but more realistic. After all, what can we do but play these lousy cards we've been dealt. I don't have a shoulder to cry on. My husband died suddenly last March. I miss him terribly, but I think he'd need more comforting that I. He'd be very frightened for me. So, it's actually been his absence that's given me more strength. My big girl panties are on good and tight‼️‼️ Good luck with your next infusion. Hope it's easy for you.

My first neulasta shot gave me terrible pain in my hips, back, thighs, and shoulders that I described as the worst flu like pain I had ever had. I didn't take my claritin as I was supposed to, and it lasted 3 or 4 days. The nurse had warned me that the most common sites for the pain were hips/lower back and the sternum but that everyone is different. I'm so sorry you are having pain but I think it may be normal. I was surprised (and delighted!) that I didn't have the same pain the second time around with the neulasta (but I also took my claritin). Hope it subsides for you.

LoveMyVisla...take a Clariton and one Aleve right now. Continue for 10 days just to be sure. The pain you are having now should be gone in a few hours. Maybe take another Aleve today. I read that white blood cells are made primarily in the sacral area of the back. That's why you are feeling pain in the lower back and hips. Hope you feel better quickly!!

Cathy~so sorry to hear about your husband, but yes, we are strong! Thank you for the well wishes, infusion 2 is in the books and now I wait for the side effects. Best wishes to you for an easy cycle!! Hugs!

Lovemyvizsla, definy take Claritin if you can, it makes a huge difference. I stopped too early last time and the pain started, but within an hour of taking Claritin, the pain was gone, never did take any pain reliever. Good luck! Edited to add that I see you have been taking Claritin, ignore my poor reading comprehension 😝

Where are you at in your chemo cycle Rockstarteach? I found on my first round it came back more quickly, by week 3 it was pretty normal but each round after got longer and longer. I'm 4 weeks post my last TC and it's still not "right".

I get my shot the day after infusion so my MO has me start my Claritin the day of infusion and continue for 7 days. Others have been told to continue for 10 days. Since it's just Claritin and we're approaching allergy season anyway I've been staying with the longer dosing (maybe 8 days or until I forget to take it