January 2016 Chemo!

The hair is gone and I am into the head covering phase. I have tried 4 different wigs. They are nice but I always feel like I have on a bad Halloween costume. Anyone else have this experience?

i have several wigs, but I really hate wearing them. im much more comfortable just wearing a scarf or something light, or better yet nothing on my head at all. luckily my kids, friends, and co-workers tell me all the time to just run around bald, but it gets cold sometimes. I went to the lgfb thing too and even though there were only 4 of us there, and I was the only who didn't wear any makeup so I could play with the make up they give you, it was fun. they give you a bag loaded with some great makeup and skin care products. if any of you have a chance to go to one of the classes, it is totally worth it.

I'm still working full time, however I take 3-4 sick days every three weeks. I take off my chemo day and the weekdays after, and then go back to work the next Monday. I do work from home a bit on my off days, but not much because I am currently in a contract where there is not much for me to do at home. My contract ends on March 31 I don't know exactly what things are going to look like then! Normally I'm a social worker working with kids in foster care, I don't think I could manage a caseload right now. My contract is providing on-site technical support, which is much more suitable to my current condition. I guess, if I do not get the supervisor position I applied for, I will need some pretty major accommodations. Luckily I am unionized so whatever I need I will get

Working was very important to me. Obviously money is an issue, but it's not the biggest issue. The biggest issue is I think I would get very depressed and lonely if I wasn't working. I do not do well with alone time and everybody in my life works except for my mother, who would drive me crazy if she was with me all the time. My kids are both school-aged. I need something to do during the days that I am feeling mostly OK. Even on the days I take off during chemo when I'm not feeling great, I get lonely and depressed very easily!

I'm working full time, but I work from home. Yes it sounds nice, but it's constant, media companies are 24/7. I usually travel about 6x a year (sometimes more) but that's on hold until after radiation, which is pretty far out at this point. I take Thursdays off for treatments, but work Fridays (steroids are still kicking.) I've been getting more tired on the weekends but by Monday I'm fine. I think I would still be doing the same if I were in an office. When I start AC, it may be an entirely different story, but I don't know.

Paxton - I totally get it, my output is not nearly as what it usually is. But frankly, I don't think I'm going to look back and say, "Gee, I wish I worked harder while on chemo." It is what it is. Frankly I'm probably working at a much more suitable, normal rate instead of always being online.

I am working full time and have to save as many sick days as I can for my surgery and recovery. I get treatment on Fridays and go back into school on Monday. I may take off this upcoming Monday because I'm usually feeling pretty tired and icky, but like Jill, I think it would be hard to stay home and be in bed. It's almost a blessing that I don't have enough sick days. I will take the days without pay if round 3 and 4 really wipe me out.

You guys who are working are my heroes! I have been out in disability since my BMX on 12/01.. Expected to return to work by mid-lateJanuary but AC has done a number on me so my MO, is keeping me out until I start taxol. There are days I wish I was at work for the mere distraction and normalcy, but on the days after infusion I count my blessings that the last thing I have to worry about is work. (Luckily my disability pays me 100%)

Valstim, my MO says she will give me at least 1-2 days of neupogen during Taxol. You can't use Neulasta because you can't take it 14 days before your next chemo. Neupogen you can take 24 before your next chemo.

I've been looking for a legitimate reason to quit my job for years! If this isn't a good reason, I don't know what is. I just need to figure out when to put in my resignation. I haven't worked since my surgery in December. I only worked two days, but am the manager of my HOA of 1700 properties. I know my coworker is going to be very upset, but I have to live my life.

Paxton29...Headcovers.com is totally reliable. I had to return something and they sent a return authorization immediately.

Pauline, my periods have worsened and yes I have the bloody clots. It finally quit after five weeks. I have fibroids, so that's contributing.

What grade do you teach? I get infused on Thursday and take the next week off to make sure wbc are ok. You are amazing for making back on Mondays.

I teach middle school social science in a private school. PTO is the same each year for us, but we can rollover sick days. I've always thought being a guidance counselor would be a neat job. I'm glad you're able to return to work. That takes some pressure off if you don't have to teach all day.

A note about periods, a former bc patient said don't use tampons because of how chemo depletes moisture. She had a bad experience with tampons tearing her and getting an infection.

YoungBRCAgal...Welcome‼️ I'm a few days behind you. My 3rd TC infusion is 3-7. How are you doing after 2 infusions

Anyone here experience flakey scalp? My hair started falling out around day 15 so I ended up shaving because it was just gross and embarrassing. I draw the line at hair in my food. But now I'm having super flakey scalp which is just gross. Anyone doing scalp care out there?

Cathytoo, I can definitely tell it is cumulative. The flu-like symptoms and the nausea were worse round 2. So it makes me more nervous going forward next time. But I'm hanging in there. Hair loss was an ego deflater. But the whole not having to shave my legs thing does not suck. Silver linings. How are you responding to yours?

Well, my BC has spread to my bones so I'm stage 4 now. My onc was very optimistic that its responding to the chemo and that we will be able to control it with hormone therapy. I"ll just be on it for the rest of my life. He talked about long-term survival. I guess I"m lucky that I'm ER+ and PR+. A lot to come to terms with though.

((Jen)) No words, just hugs.