Anyone.Starting Chemo in October 2016?

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  • deemendoza
    deemendoza Member Posts: 84
    edited October 2016

    Hello,

    Starting my treatment on Thursday October 20th, AC + Taxol (?) 8 infusions total. I'm doing the artic cold caps hoping to keep this frizzy type 3c curl that at one point drove me crazy but since I was told I needed chemo this time around I've found a new appreciation for it.

    I tried capping yesterday for practice (room temp) and boy oh boy did I wake up sore anyone else have the same reaction? Just looking for ideas that could possibly make this a bit easier.

    I'm I the only weird one anxious to start already? Anxious in the sense of getting it over with the not knowing what is ahead is really making me mentally sick. I figure if I start that's one less and n I'll know more or less the effects I have to deal with.. anyone else working? I only plan on taking the infusion day (Thursday) and the next day leading to the weekend. Hopefully I'll be able to come to work. Any tips on how to deal with side effects at work?

    Thank you ladies.

    I did it once and I'll do it again.

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  • Al12
    Al12 Member Posts: 79
    edited October 2016

    deemendoza, Hi I am working through chemo and Im only taking thursday off for chemo day coming to work on friday and my side effects kicked in for the weekend and I was back at work on Monday. I haven't taken any extra days off yet. My second time doing chemo is this Thursday and will be doing the same as last time. While I was at work I was just a little slow and felt like I had the flu. Good luck!! it's worth a try if you need to go to work and see how you feel and play it by ear. My job is good to me and would of let me go home early if I really got sick but I was fine.

    what is your chemo meds though mine are AC + Nuelasta for right now and I only go once every 2 weeks so far this is managable at work. Once I start getting chemo weekly I will see how that goes but I'm hoping to go to work through that as well.

    Miles, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

    JR74, My daughter is going to be 11 from staranger things and I was thinking doing the same thing and walking with her except I'll buzz my hair for it. I thought hey why not since I will probably start losing my hair by then.

    It's so great that everyone here is so positive and makes such a big difference. I am enjoying reading everyone posts.

    so far I have been making cancer jokes daily since I am now dealing with it at work. If you know me this is not a shocker but it keeps my team mates comfortable around me where they don't have to feel like they need to be more sensitive. Keeping it light.

    wishing everyone a good day!

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  • Miles
    Miles Member Posts: 62
    edited October 2016

    Al12: What are some of your cancer jokes? I would love to hear them.

    My nerves are kicking my butt today. I will be leaving for my first Chemo in 2 hrs....

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  • deemendoza
    deemendoza Member Posts: 84
    edited October 2016

    @Al12, thank you!

    @Miles, sending positive vibes and asking God to shield you in his divine mercy.


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  • b2alicia
    b2alicia Member Posts: 64
    edited October 2016

    Hi, DeeMendoza!

    You are my twin, Dee! I am also starting on Thursday, 10/20, and I feel the same way you do.. anxious to get going, afraid at the same time, but ready to fight, fight, fight, and plow on through, and get past this. I will be holding your hand tight and cheering. *hugs*

    Betty

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  • Al12
    Al12 Member Posts: 79
    edited October 2016

    MILES, try not to get too nervous wishing you a smooth 1st time. I honestly cant think of the jokes now it's more of that I'm laughing at myself here. I'll just say stupid things about having cancer. I was saying how I would start a blog for family and friends and I would have an entry that start as " is that a lump or your just happy to see me" when I talk about how I found a lump.

    just now I realized at work that my hair started to fall out. I have curly hair and I always wear it short so I never brush it and would never notice it that way. I was in the bathroom just pulling on it and it actually came out so I came back to my room and started pulling it out in front of my coworkers like "look what happened" and I was laughing cause otherwise I will cry. I think I will go home tonight and have my husband buzz my head so I can acclimate to it. Funny I used to have my head buzzed many times in my 20's

    b2alicia, wishing you a smooth ride on 10/20 too. I too am getting chemo that day but it will be my 2nd time.


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  • Julesbabe55
    Julesbabe55 Member Posts: 39
    edited October 2016

    Miles - hope all went well today. Let us know how you are doing.

    Dee - I'm working as well - have a formal work from home arrangement with my job - I manage projects so it's easy to do from home. Strange though - I've been feeling the urge to go into the office. If it wasn't my total fear of coming into contact with someone who is sick and getting sick myself, I would. Going to ask my MO next week when I go for my 2nd treatment - I'm on AC & Neulasta every 3 weeks.

    AI12 - if you think of any jokes, pass them along!

    I think I mentioned yesterday that my hair started falling out. It used to be longer before I cut it so I was always pushing it back. Instinctively I did the same thing this morning and came back with more than a few strands. So I did it a couple of more times and more hair. I didn't cry - a good thing for me. Just kept telling myself "you knew this was going to happen". So the funny part of all this - it's a little windy around here today. I had to go for bloodwork and then went to get myself some hats. And all the time I was worrying that 1) a stiff wind was going to blow my entire head of hair off my head or 2) the wind would blow only part of my hair away and I would look like Donald Trump on a bad hair day. Needless to say, neither happened and I'm still shedding.

    Julianne

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  • Abracadabra
    Abracadabra Member Posts: 1,369
    edited October 2016

    Hi everyone,

    I am having a stellar day! Went swimming this morning, then my husband drove me to the Cancer Society to look for a wig. I lucked out, and almost immediately found one that I liked ... human hair, nice colour, nice length. The volunteer was so kind ... she also gave me a couple of headwraps (one of very soft bamboo, mmmmm), a wig stand and a brush. I was so pleased. The only small problem is that the bangs are a little long, but my hair dresser can customize it for me. Yes!

    I was so energized by my morning that I decided to buzz off all my hair. Yes I did. We have a clipper set that I have used many times on my sons when they were young, and so it was really no big deal. Number 3 clipper all over ... bing, bang, boom. It felt great to get rid of all that hair, as it had been drifting down all over the place and was driving me crazy.

    On a roll, I artistically (in my opinion) wrapped my head with a lovely scarf and went out to do errands. Nobody batted an eye ... I felt fine being out and about in a headscarf, and it was really comfy. So, I felt like I checked several things off my list of things to do today.

    image

    Welcome, DeeMendoza!

    Good luck to all of you with chemo scheduled for this week.

    Have a lovely evening.



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  • Abracadabra
    Abracadabra Member Posts: 1,369
    edited October 2016

    Al12 and Julianne - your posts really connected with me. I have short hair, and often ''style" it by pushing it back with my fingers. Same thing happened to me this morning ... pushed hair back from my face, and a lot of hair pulled right out. I did it again ... same result. So I ran to my husband and said 'Watch this!' ... and again. It was like I was performing a weird magic trick.

    I wanted to go swimming, but my dilemma was all this damned loose hair. So I gamely put on a fabric bathing cap and swam without problem. Once back in the change room, l left the cap on until I was fully dressed, then gingerly took off the cap, afraid of what I would find. My hair was in a classic 'hathead' mess, but the problem was that every time I tried to move it into place, more would come out in my hands. It was a nightmare ... I felt like pulling the bathing cap back on and driving home that way! Eventually I just flattened it all down with water and scurried to my car. This was a big motivator in my decision to buzz it off this afternoon.

    This chemo journey certainly takes us places we never expected to go ....

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  • Julesbabe55
    Julesbabe55 Member Posts: 39
    edited October 2016

    Barb - you look fabulous! Great job with the scarf. Which video did you looks at? I opted for hats and pre-tied scarves - not sure I can master the tying thing. Also thinking about shaving my head this weekend. The drip, drip, drip of the falling hair is killing me and part of me wants it to be done with already.

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  • Abracadabra
    Abracadabra Member Posts: 1,369
    edited October 2016

    Julianne - Thanks! I started off looking at the tutorials at wrapunzel.com, then I just looked around YouTube. Then I played with scarves for a little bit ... I find the best ones (for me) are big rectangular scarves that are light-weight, patterned cotton (ie. breathable and they don't slip) and preferably without fringe as it is just another thing to tuck in. I was really impressed how well a headscarf can stay on once it's tucked in ... no need to pin anything down. And now that my head is buzzed, it's even easier.

    It's funny ... nobody wants to lose their hair, and yet knowing that it will likely happen, it feels almost like a relief to finally have the process underway (for me, anyway). As I was waiting for it to begin, I began to think of it like this: when the hair starts to drop, it's my body telling me that the chemo is working. It's attacking all fast growing cells, and if the hair follicles are under attack, so is any cancer lurking in my body. So oddly, I'm cheered by the falling out of my hair, because it means that the chemo is getting the job done! Go chemo!! Sic em, boy!!!

    (I can't get your notion of having your hair blow off your head in a strong wind out of my mind ... can you imagine!? And the Trump hair thing ... let's not speak of that ever again!!!!!!!!)


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  • b2alicia
    b2alicia Member Posts: 64
    edited October 2016

    Barb, you look just BEAUTIFUL!! I love your scarf.

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  • Abracadabra
    Abracadabra Member Posts: 1,369
    edited October 2016

    Thanks Betty. The scarf is one of my thrift store finds ... I'm completely addicted to thrift stores (to my husband's dismay). I find it very relaxing to cruise a thrift shop and to look for things I don't see in regular stores ... I tell my husband that it's cheaper than therapy!

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  • BevSue
    BevSue Member Posts: 12
    edited October 2016

    Miles-Happy Birthday !!!🎂

    Deemendoza-I am also working during chemo. My first chemo is also on 10/20. I will be glad to get the first one done, done and done....I am taking Thursday off for chemo and working on Friday. Hope all goes well for you.

    B2alicia-Hope all goes well on Thursday.

    Barb-Great pic

    Have a good evening everyone 😀

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  • Al12
    Al12 Member Posts: 79
    edited October 2016

    Abracadabra , You look beautiful!!! I love what you did with you scarf. I too came home and after dinner my husband and kids buzzed my head. we video taped the whole thing and put it on FB. I never came out on FB I personally called all my friends and family but this video felt absolutely right. I am so relieved and now I feel like I can move on with my treatment and I'm not afraid.

    so when I was at work today and I pulled at my hair and clumps came out I got nervous my body got all tingly. I went for a walk almost crying in the street. When I came back to work I made light of it and we all joked about it. I joked how I'm going to go to the barber downstairs and shave my head. I ended up telling my husband what happened and he got upset because now it all seems so real and we both almost started to cry. so after dinner we decided that he will buzz my head and we will tape it and the kids will do it too. It was the best thing we ever did. we both feel so good about this and there was no crying. I also found out my head shape is not so bad. I really thought my head will be flat in the back like my brother but it's not. so here is my pic of what I look like. I plan on going to work like this tomorrow with out covering it up.image

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  • b2alicia
    b2alicia Member Posts: 64
    edited October 2016

    A1, LOVELY head!

    Miles, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

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  • Abracadabra
    Abracadabra Member Posts: 1,369
    edited October 2016

    Al12 - You look amazing! I love your story. No matter how much we think we are prepared for the hair loss, it is still a shock (you know it's going to happen, you see it happen, but it just doesn't seem real!). I love the fact that you took hold of the situation and made it work for you and your family, and that it felt "absolutely right".

    Have an excellent day tomorrow ... you look great!

    Barb

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  • Connie1230
    Connie1230 Member Posts: 192
    edited October 2016

    Abracadabra and Al12, you both look great. I so admire how everyone is handling the hair loss so far. I hope I do this well; I expect mine to start coming out at any minute. It looks horrible anyway; it needs colored and is longer than normal. I always wear it pretty short so did a normal cut last time I thought I had this timed better as far as the haircut and coloring.

    Has anyone had an issue with a fever? Mine started elevating this afternoon and I am about to drive myself bonkers taking my temp. I feel fine but this concerns me. That is one thing the dr. was very specific on. If it gets to 100.4, I have to call in. I normally read at 97.4 and it's gotten up to 99.2. I really don't want to sit up all night worrying about this. I know it's not the thermometer as I have 2 new ones that are reading the same. She did prescribe an antibiotic Monday when I was in but I'm not to take it without calling and checking in first.


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  • VLH
    VLH Member Posts: 1,258
    edited October 2016

    Just a quick note for now...

    I was bummed at today's one-week checkup to learn that my neutrophils are 0.5 so I am supposed to wear a mask if I go out, no fresh fruit that can't be peeled, etc. I was planning to indulge in huevos rancheros and buy a fresh fruit bowl at Costco after my appointment today, but no over medium eggs or pre-cut fruit. Worse, I have to take antibiotics for a week. With my blasted seroma infection, I've been on antibiotics almost constantly since August 9th. I knew Neutropenia was a possible side effect, but thought it would be something I might get after a few treatments, not right out of the gate.

    I shouldn't whine when some people have ended up in the hospital after their initial treatment, but I'm gonna just a teeny, tiny bit.

    Mumble, grumble...

    Lyn


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  • b2alicia
    b2alicia Member Posts: 64
    edited October 2016

    So today was, "What else can mess up Betty's life?" day.

    I went for my regular 6 month dental check-up today, and learned that a big 12 yr molar has a huge cavity growing, behind a filling. I'm scheduled to start my chemo in 2 days.

    Ordinarily, I would have the old filling removed, the cavity cleaned out, a new filling put in, then a new crown made, and a temporary one put on while the new one was being made. That way, my tooth could be saved. But NO, can't do that now. Now, I have an appointment tomorrow to have it pulled. I did talk to the Med. Onc. office, and they said that as long as it was done before chemo starts, I could still stay on schedule.

    Just feeling down about yet one other thing messed up by this DAMN CANCER!!

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  • b2alicia
    b2alicia Member Posts: 64
    edited October 2016

    Lyn, go ahead and grumble, and scream, and throw things, and cry. Any way that you feel is JUST FINE. If I were there, I would give you a big hug, even through isolation gowns and masks and booties and hair nets. A good hug is still a good hug.

    Betty

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  • Abracadabra
    Abracadabra Member Posts: 1,369
    edited October 2016

    Oh Lyn! Oh Betty! Hugs to you both. Nobody needs stuff that makes life more difficult.

    Lyn - Do they expect the neutrophils to climb back on their own? What a pain about the antibiotics. I have three words of advice: yogurt, yogurt, and (yes) yogurt.

    Betty - That stinks! The only positive aspect I can think of is that at least you caught it before chemo, and before the tooth became a painful problem. Stuff happens, and we handle it the best we can.

    I'm sending you both extra positive energy today. Hope it helps.

    Barb

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  • deemendoza
    deemendoza Member Posts: 84
    edited October 2016

    B2alicia: We are indeed twins, sorry to hear about your molar, good luck with everything today @ the dentist! I started my new job in August and my previous jobs ins termed at the end of August. I found my swollen axilla lymph node the day after labor day, it's been a whirlwind of Dr's visits and test I'm thankful that my oncologist has been very proactive on my matter and since she's the director of oncology has managed to link me up with all sorts of foundations to cover my treatment until my ins kicks in (mid Nov) I got a call late yesterday that there's a possibility my treatment is pushed back since not all meds have been approved :*( I'm praying they are by today as I do not want to delay treatment any further. My selfish self thinks if I keep this schedule I'll be "ok" for Thanksgiving and Christmas (non-chemo weeks).

    Al12 & Abracadabra! you ladies looks absolutely Fabulous!!!

    Connie: I'm sorry, I hope your feeling better.

    Bevsue: I may do the same the next time around, I just want to feel this one out first. Good Luck tomorrow as well, I will make sure to include you in my prayers as we embark on this journey together.

    Have a blessed day everyone!!

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  • FightingTheFight
    FightingTheFight Member Posts: 75
    edited October 2016

    Al12 - This is a late answer to your question, but I'm 32 years old and I too have had a period since starting chemo. Like you, I was surprised it came, since I thought I wasn't going to have one due to the shot they gave me. Plus, I've been experiencing menopausal symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes everyday. Such a bizarre experience. Also, I think your haircut looks great.

    I have my 2nd infusion tomorrow on the 20th. And I'm nervous, but ready to get one more out of the way. This time I'm going to be taking frozen grapes with me (based on a recommendation from someone else in this thread). I'm planning to suck on them as replacement ice cubes during chemo. Hopefully it will keep my mouth from being as affected by the chemo this time around. That was one of my major side effects after the 1st infusion, and my taste buds are still not back to normal.

    I also bought a stool softener for the first few days after chemo, if things go like they did last time. And I bought some eye drops (Equate brand) that simulate artificial tears. To be ready for potentially dry eyes. I have no idea if my side effects will be the same as the first time around, but I'm trying to be prepared. I'm also going to start taking Claritin today, in preparation for the Nuelasta shot the day after my chemo.

    Finally, I'm getting my labs drawn the day of my chemo and I pray that all my numbers look good. I've been diligently taking the b-complex, vitamin e and vitamin d3 recommended by my MO.

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  • Abracadabra
    Abracadabra Member Posts: 1,369
    edited October 2016

    FightingTheFight - Good luck tomorrow. I took frozen grapes for my 1st chemo, and I can attest to the fact that: 1) they make a delicious snack, and 2) they really keep your mouth cold (I munched my way through a zip-lock bag full of them during my session). I'm crossing my fingers for your labs ... hopefully it will be full steam ahead!

    deemendoza - I'm also crossing my fingers that you get approval for your meds and keep things on schedule.

    Connie - What ever happened with that low grade fever? Did it go away by itself ?(hoping that the answer is yes!)


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  • b2alicia
    b2alicia Member Posts: 64
    edited October 2016

    Thanks, everyone, for all the encouragement about my tooth. The whole procedure went as smoothly as it could possibly go. I saw a new dr, and he was wonderful, and he showed me the tooth afterwards. And I realized that this was the right thing to do, and the right time to do it. He even called my Med. Onc. on her personal cell phone and left a voice mail about what we did today. He will also be calling me later on tonight at home. SO relieved it's over, and so glad that you all are around, who understand why this was a big deal.

    *hugs*

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  • Connie1230
    Connie1230 Member Posts: 192
    edited October 2016

    My low grade fever comes and goes. It was gone most of the day and is back now. Tonight I am sleeping and not stressing over it. It still has not reached the not so magical 100.4. I feel fine other than today I had a horrible backache. I have no idea if this was Neulasta pain or from not getting enough actual sleep in a bed last night. I quit taking the Claratin 5 days after chemo. Today was Day 9 and I didn't expect Neulasta pain now. I really wish there were clear cut instructions on how long to take it. I'm seriously wondering if you can just take it every day for the duration of the AC.

    My husband came home with a terribly scratchy voice today. He's sleeping in the guest room tonight. It was him or me and he volunteered. I am as determined as I can be to not have the next chemo delayed if at all possible.

    B2Alicia, I have found that most people don't understand why things that are normally not a big deal become one with chemo.

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  • Connie1230
    Connie1230 Member Posts: 192
    edited October 2016

    BTW, the port nurse made a recommendation to me the other day that some might be interested in. She said if your taste buds are off even a little bit, do not try to eat your favorite foods. She equated it to morning sickness with pregnancy. If something you love doesn't taste right, it can turn you off of it for years so don't even try. Since that did happen to me my first pregnancy with spaghetti, it really made an impression on me. I didn't eat spaghetti for at least 5years. I think I'll stay away from key lime pie. I love that and even have my own key lime tree and freeze the juice so I can fix it all year. I will not allow chemo to ruin that for me.

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  • Nfullblume
    Nfullblume Member Posts: 171
    edited October 2016

    Al12 and Abracadabra, I love your new looks!!!! I'm so proud of you ladies, so positive, and such a great inspiration to those of us starting soon! Mua! 😘

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  • Al12
    Al12 Member Posts: 79
    edited October 2016

    thank you ladies for all the positivity!! I will be rocking this look until it starts to fall out in patches. I thought I had the scarf thing figured out but now I don't like anything on. Maybe I just need to get the hang of it. I was just telling my husband maybe I can just walk around the city bald. No one will even bat an eye.

    Connie1230, hope you will feel better soon. The back pain is def Nuelasta mine kicked in on day 8 on day 10 I woke up feeling like nothing ever happened to me. Nuelasta takes about 14 days to cycle through I think. I had back muscle spasms. thats how I can describe it. I have chemo today my 2nd one and I started taking claritin since Sunday. but I think you can take it everyday. I heard people take it everyday through out their treatment. I also take Vitamin B6 everyday. someone told me this also works. anything is worth the try now. My MO doesn't want me on any vitamins or supplements but any vitamin with B is ok. Also exercise is important to feel good through the side effects. I just did a yoga practice at home on line. hoping to do this everyday plus go out for a run. a lot of walking or a bike ride is good for nuelasta to be less painful.

    b2alicia, so glad your tooth is taken care of. one last thing to worry about through this journey. Wishing you smooth sailing from now on.

    fightingthefight, finally my period is going away today. I will talk to my MO today about it hoping it does not comeback. I don't feel menopausal yet even though they said I will. Today is also my 2nd chemo of AC + nuelasta. OYE. I have my frozen grapes ready and this time will bring something to eat. something light. Maybe I'll make a green smoothie more liquids the better. I am also planing on taking Marilax daily. I didn't have a problem last time going but It was hard to come out. haha. TMI. Good luck today!!!

    So my husband started a blog I was going to do it but I feel so good here talking and connecting to you ladies that I don't need that type of distraction and also he's better at telling our story. I have been keeping it light and documenting it on IG instead. I started a little notebook to document my Side effects too but I'm not consistent with it. If you guys are interested in checking it out it's https://withthesecards.com



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