Anyone.Starting Chemo in October 2016?

Abracadabra · October 2016

Julianne - What a week you've had!! In reading your post, I hear a strong woman dealing with difficult things. You are fortunate to have access to a therapist ... we need to take good care of ourselves both physically and mentally. I'm so glad you were able to find a sense of calm and strength. It's not easy an easy path we are on ... but feeling a sense of control (over the things we can control) can make all the difference.

You look great! I can absolutely imagine you wearing a scarf (Lawrence of Arabia?? Ha ... I think not!!).

My 2nd chemo is on Monday ... hoping that next week treats us both kindly.

Barb

Al12 · October 2016

Julianne, your are one strong woman. You look beautiful and I love your glasses. we will over come this and this will not define us but will make us stronger. I am so happy to hear you are reaching out and getting help if its there we should all take advantage we deserve it. I too bought things from wrapunzel even 2 pouch hats to wear under the scarfs they make you look like you have hair in a bun under the scarf. but if you don't want that type of hat underneath I do recommend wearing a skull cap under scarves to keep in place. I have been trying to get a hand of it but I feel like they are slipping from my head. will find a skull cap on amazon.

yesterday I made an appointment for a free consultation to try on wigs what a horrible experience that was. I really wanted to find something incase the scarf thing doesn't work out for me on a daily basis but all the wigs were horrible on me. I took pictures of each one and sent it to my husband. He hated them all. I always wear my hair short and my hair is naturally curly and I also recently well for the past 2 years embraced my grey hair so trying on wigs that are straight hair well thats not me. My husband prefers me just wearing scarves. I wanted to yell at him and say it's not about you or what you like it's about me and I need to feel confident and happy with my self, I still have to go to work everyday and be seen I cant just walk around bald because you like it. I was also 1st day post chemo and I was feeling very irritable. Sorry for the rant. I still want to try one more wig store maybe one in NJ. the wigs are so freaking expensive and you have to pay in full then submit your script to the insurance for a deductible. the wigs I tried were 1,300 and the real hair was like 2,000 and up. My mother in law offered to buy me one but that is so expensive and I feel if she gives me money I rather pay medical bills with that.

well just an update on how I'm feeling post 2nd chemo so far so good. drinking lots of water have no problem going to the bathroom. so far no nausea and I'm actually feeling better then the first time around. I know I'm speaking too soon. I found a really cool free youtube yoga video for a 30 day challenge and will try this hoping to do it everyday. heres a link if anyone is interested it's very gentle

Barb, good luck on Monday!!!

betty, I saw the link all the dogs are so freaking cute. I love love standard poodles. our dog is small his name is Arthur as Arthur Dent from Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy. He is a poodle and shitzu mix.

wishing everyone a lovely weekend

Alla

Connie1230 · October 2016

Julianne, I am glad to hear that I'm not the only one to sort of freak out over the hair thing. Mine has not started coming out yet. Monday, It will be 2 weeks since my first chemo so I know it's due at any minute. I have a wig ready and a few pretied scarves but that's about it. I know it's going to be a stressful day. I think everyone's scarves look great but I'm not sure that's me. I'm kind of a plain jane type person

Connie1230 · October 2016

Alla, I'm sorry you had a bad experience with the wig shopping. I wish you were closer to FL because there is a wonderful wig shop in Jacksonville that the nurse navigator highly recommended and I was very happy with. The wigs also weren't anywhere nearly that expensive. She had so many that I'd think anyone could find one and they do it by appt. only so it was just my husband and myself with the owner. My only complaint with the wig is that's the hair is thicker than mine is but I understand that is typical of wigs.

There is a website that came highly recommended to me. It's https://www.headcovers.com and I've pored over that site. However I called them and if you don't like the wig, you have to notify them in 3 days, have it back to them in either 10 or 14 (can't remember) and there's a 25% restocking charge. So while I'm not necessarily recommending that you order from them, it might be helpful to look and get an idea of what's available for what price. The wig I purchased is on their website and you will see that they discount every wig. I paid full price for mine at the wig shop so the 25% restocking is somewhat offset by the $45 price difference. It's also helpful that you can narrow it down by putting in length, color and degree of straightness/curliness and a few other criteria.

When I went to get mine, at one of my dil's insistance (she thought I should get it done before I needed it so I would have one less thing to stress over), I tried on one long red curly wig, one long blonde curly wig and one long brown curly wig, took pics and sent them to my sons and dils and asked which they preferred. My hair is short, mostly straight, and brown from a box..and I am 66 years old and not a long curly type of person! The silence was deafening and I knew they were calling one another asking each other if I had lost my mind. One dil knew I was going to do this and she deliberately remained silent. When the responses finally started coming in, it put some much needed humor in the day. My sons who are so not diplomatic didn't want to hurt my feelings and were trying to say something positive about this and trust me I looked like aging hooker. That was the only FUN Ihave had with this whole cancer thing.

VLH · October 2016

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Neutropenia Gal! Not to minimize this very serious condition, but I try to look at the light side of things wherever possible. My friend definitely took my buzz cut shorter than I was expecting, but I know it will soon be making an exit so not a big deal. Since I've always had dark, full brows & have zero makeup skills, I think losing my brows will be far more difficult. (They actually could have used a little tidying in this photo.) I don't know how drawn on brows can mimic my natural look. I've rarely worn makeup the last several years, but but will play around with the cool products from the Look Good Feel Better goodies so I'm not mistaken for Uncle Fester.

Anyone else getting brutal acid reflux? I don't know how I can possibly function without my morning coffee, but OUCH! I'm taking meds morning & night, but need to be better about eating supper earlier. I already have the head of the bed elevated.

Barb, you look great in your scarf! Love the specs, too.

Connie, you & I are on AC. The longer treatments you've seen mentioned are probably women receiving Herceptin & Perjeta on top of Taxotere and perhaps Carboplatin. That makes for a very long day.

Fightingthefight, glad the 2^nd infusion went well. What flavor packets do you like? I like ice water & drink a ton of it already, but it might be fun to mix it up now & then with a flavor.

JXmom2, we're on the same treatment plan. If we can help you with any questions for your first infusion, ask away.

Nfullblume, I was so glad that my CT contrast fluid had a lemony flavor. If it had been a sickly sweet grape or cherry, I couldn't have handled it. UGH!

Daisy777, how did the first infusion go?

Chickdudefood,I haven't seen that split of AC and Taxol before vs. 4 biweekly AC followed by 12 weeks of Taxol. Interesting how the treatments are tweaked a little depending on the oncologist.

JulesBabe, I'm sorry that your buzz cut produced tears, but glad it was balanced by calm & strength. I haven't tried a scarf yet. I'm a bit of a klutz & don't know if my blasted encapsulated shoulder will let me perform the maneuvers that look so easy on the Wrapunzella (sp?) videos. I worry about being too hot with many of the scarves. Has anyone found a lightweight pre-tied scarf? My Feel Good Look Better class was very disappointing when it came to head covers, but I recall one scarf they passed around felt like a comfy fabric for a "hothead." I need to look through my photos to see if I happened to be smart enough to photograph the label. Probably not!

Betty, loved your poodle photos! I have friends with the breed, both toy & standard. When the Neulasta ad on TV talks about being home with your support team, I always think, "My support team has four paws & two tails." ;-)

JR74, I'mglad the buzz cut helped with scalp pain. I know my allergies will punish me, but this fellow Texan has the back door open (with screen door to keep the West Nile skeeters out) & the fan running to blow fresh air through the house. Summer seemed to hold on FOREVER this year. If you'd like, send me a PM to let me know where you live.

Ella22, just wanted to say howdy & welcome!

Miles, how's the temperature today?

Al12, with Taxol on the horizon when the AC is done, thanks for the tip on alerting the nurse to the tingling. I wonder what medication they give to counter the effect? I've only had the single AC treatment & didn't have an icky taste / smell with flushing, either with my infusion or during the two weeks I had to flush my IV ports with Heparin & saline at home. I think the nurse told me to hold my breath so maybe that helped? My insurance will only pay $350 toward a wig and I can't afford to any more pay out-of-pocket so I'll probably just have to go with the donated ones I got & try to find someone who trims & styles them. The bad thing is that if they goof on cutting the wig, it won't grow back. Re: the yoga video, with two bad knees, just getting on the floor and, more importantly, back up, would be my first challenge. :-D

Whew! Longest post on the planet today!

FightingTheFight · October 2016

VLH - My favorite flavor packet for water so far is Wyler's pink lemonade (from Walmart). It has a tangy/tartness that my stomach handles well. And the taste stands out better. So much of my food tastes muted now.

Al12 - I understand your frustration over your husband's reaction to your hair, and not understanding that this is one circumstance where your feelings trump everything. My boyfriend has moments where I don't think he grasps the stressful nature of what's going on.

Day 2 post 2nd infusion and things are going ok. I got up earlier to make myself some toast and quickly got dizzy and had to lay back down. I ended up taking a second nausea pill and just drinking a nutrition shake I snagged during my last infusion. I've always appreciated my space and have never before minded living alone, but times like today it would have been great to have someone else here to make that toast for me. It's too simple to call someone over to help with, but enough that I didn't feel like doing it.

Ella22 · October 2016

VLH- thanks for the welcome! Love the photo!

Fighting the fight- wish I could have made that toast for you this morning.! I don't think i could be so strong to be by myself.

I had a rough night last night, slept for about 2 hours then up all night running to the bathroom. I ache everywhere! Even my teeth! I

Abracadabra · October 2016

Ella and Fightingthefight - Hugs to you both. Hang in there ... hoping your SEs back off soon.

VLH - You are such a woman of mystery! The mask just serves to accentuate your lovely eyes (and eyebrows ... I'm jealous ... mine never fully recovered from some overplucking back in the '80s!). I've also been wondering about the whole 'drawing on eyebrows' thing ... makes me think of the Carol Burnett skit where she played Norma Desmond from Sunset Boulevard! Uncle Fester?!!!!!! Never, lady!

Mouth sores were my side effect du jour ... woke up with that feeling like I burnt the inside of my mouth from eating scalding hot soup (except that I didn't). It affects the roof of my mouth and the surface of my tongue, and it feels like there is at least one canker sore lurking as well. I filled my prescription for magic mouthwash, and swished then swallowed when I got home. Really hope this stuff works because otherwise it's going to be really hard to eat anything solid. It contains Benadryl, and I'm yawning already ...

I suffered with acid reflux during the week after my 1st chemo, and gave up coffee cold turkey because my stomach just couldn't take it. Thought it would be brutal, but oddly I don't miss it at all. I have a green tea in the morning instead.

Best wishes to you all.

VLH · October 2016

Fightingthefight, pink lemonade sounds good. I definitely lean toward citrus flavors over berries or grape...well, at least when it comes to Sonic slushes. ;-) As much as I enjoy my independence, I agree there are times that it would be nice to have someone available to help. When I had the IV antibiotics, trying to hold the Ace bandage to get it started was ridiculously hard. Last year, I rebuilt a an 8 foot tall fence, mercifully only 10 feet wide. Without a gate, I had to make a dozen trips through and around the house for tasks that would have been easy with someone to help pass things through. It's not beautiful, but it hasn't fallen down yet so I deem it a success.

I went a little thinner for a couple of years in the mid-70s, Barb, but am glad I resisted the trends and kept my brows. That Carol Burnett skit was a hoot although her "Gone with the Wind" homage is my favorite. My eyes are quite small so, annoying as they are at times, glasses work to my advantage.

I just got home from lunch with my best friend and her 96 year old mother, who's become my "Mom away from Mom". The latter is a multi decade breast cancer survivor. I had planned to wear a baseball cap , however, it was sliding up on the back of my head. I'll try adjusting it and hope that helps, but I felt quite comfortable out in my buzz cut.

Here's a weird non-chemo side effect. Since my diagnosis, I swear that my hair and nails have been growing far faster than usual. Since killing the cancer cells stops the fast growing cells, like hair and nails, from thriving, does that mean the cancer has been running amok & stimulating their growth? Kind of a scary thought since the infection delayed my chemo by weeks :-(

Lyn

deemendoza · October 2016

Hi ladies, you guys are such a great Knowledgeable group. I'm 2days post chemo and starting to feel a bit better.. anyone else on emend, nulesta, or dexamethasone? Anyone suffering from severe headaches and heartburn? I did the cold capping thing and while the first few minutes were cold I really didnt feel frozen is that normal? I wish they would really state all the side-effects from that alone like having your bite a bit off. Glad I was able to run water through this head. I was starting to look like a bad version of Diana Ross. Can't wait to gently wash it tomorrow. Hopefully I'll look half decent for work on Monday. Any tips on what you girls are eating? Nothing seems appetizing.

Hope everyone is out enjoying the weekend.

Dee

Abracadabra · October 2016

Hey Dee,

I also got Emend and dexamethasone, and also had bad headaches and heartburn/acid reflux. It only lasted a few days, and for me the headache was the worst of the two.

Food-wise, things that worked for me after chemo included greek yogurt, buttered toast, toast with peanut butter, grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken noodle soup, and cheerios with milk. Even if I didn't feel like eating anything, I would choose one small thing and eat it, just to keep my energy up. I would graze during the day, then eat a small portion of whatever we were having for dinner. If I ate too much at once, I felt like it was just sitting in my stomach undigested, and then I would get heartburn.

So glad to hear that you're feeling better. Have a nice evening.

Barb

b2alicia · October 2016

Hi Dee! My twin!! Did you work on Friday? ^{How did it go? I am not doing the cold cap, just planning on going bald.}Fortunately, my cancer center has a weekly volunteer who gives out free wigs from the ACS, so I already have one that is okay .

However, I DID do the ice packs on my hands and feet while getting the taxotere (miserable), and I also asked them to let it drip in as slow as possible. Not sure if it will do any good but can't hurt. And yes, I am also doing the Neulasta gizmo..did it today, but started the Claritin yesterday. Also doing the dexamethazone as well, but I'm being a BAD girl and only taking half dose , but for an extra day.

Abra, my mouth has been really bothering me today too. Thank you for reminding me that my dentist's office said they could call in a scrip for that mouth wash. I'll check on that Monday.

VLH- SO glad you saw Percy and Dillon!! Really, Dillon has been almost more than I could have dreamed for. When my sister came to visit, she said she wanted to just ''eat him up with a spoon". And I know Percy can't help it that he has all those issues.

Ella - welcome! I love these ladies.. Nowhere else can anyone understand what's happening right now. I JUST finished my first chemo session 2 days ago and I'm still not sure what to expect.

I have more stuff to talk about! But maybe later tonight...'FOODS TO BUILD UP WHITE BLOOD CELLS'

Also, how to get 60gr of protein a day. Tricky

Connie1230 · October 2016

Dee, I'm also on all 3. I had very mild headaches for a few days but the heartburn was awful. I started taking Prilosec which the Dr. had on her list to take if necessary. After 1 Prilosec, it went away by the next time I ate. But that first time, I really thought I might keel over. I have had heartburn occasionally in the past but nothing like this. I didn't even realize the headache was an actual side effect as I wake up with them occasionally.

I hate to even say this because I'm afraid I'll jinx the next chemo on Monday but I have eaten anything and everything normally with no problem. I know that can't last. My only slight nausea was caused by the smell of an aftershave of my husband's which has been retired for the duration. Now my dr. did give me Ondansetron to take every 8 hrs. as needed. Someplace on this website I read to NOT miss one of those and I took it faithfully for 5 days which she said was fine. She also gave me 2 other nausea medicines which I never took.

Glad to hear your cold capping went ok. I guess I'm wondering if that maybe contributed to your headache? I'll be really anxious to hear how well it works to keep your hair.

Avnigro · October 2016

hi I've started chemo October 14th. Stage 2 ILC grade 3 estr+ prog+ was something called the red devil along with another toxin -4 treatments every other week followed by tamoxifen every week for 12 weeks. Then double mastectomy. Went fine for the first 4 days after chemo and then my body decided to give itself an infection and here I am day 3 in the hospital wth neutropenia (low white blood cell count-came in at 0) and with CDIF. Has this happened to any of you? I started throwing up, diareah fever-just had to be put in a hospital. Scared for my next chemo. I'm 43, an avid ultra runner, triathlete. Arg

geneskirt · October 2016

Whew!! Alive and well after the crazy pulminary eloblism thing! Needles every morning at 6am hasn't been fun. Thanks for the well wishes ladies xx

HAIR LOSS
I'm shedding like crazy! (Day 16). I still have a full head of hair but I think i've lost about +30% hair volume and if i run my fingers through my hair, out comes 10 strands.... repeatedly. Scalp is tender -like when your hair has been in a ponytail too long. I will try to post a video of what that looks like for those that are curious.

I have to say, each one of you that have posted videos and photos look absolutely radiant with your chic new pixie's, scarves, pretty glasses and earrings!! Beautiful and strong!

Julianne, When I read your post I realized we are in the same phase of hair shedding (1st chemo treatments were 3 days apart). Thank you for posting - i think tomorrow is 'cut 'day for me . I'm not sure how I'm approaching work on monday yet !!??

WIGS
I have a wig waitng to be picked up. Hope I like it! I have to say, the wig 'consultant' (private, out of her home) has been my 'stylist' and go-to support person for 'anything I need at a moments call... include 'the shave' if I need it. Bless her heart! I also bought soft organic beanies for home. I could have ordered a wig online but I am glad I have her to help me make the right choice for me.

JR74 · October 2016

Julianne, you look beautiful! And I'm not just saying that! I'm shedding like a puppy dog in July. I actually went to Walmart (dog food run) earlier without a hat. And as my 15 year old pointed out, " no one stared or judged" lol it felt like a really big deal to me. Good night

chickdudefood · October 2016

Hi everyone,

Thank you all so much for all your posts and tips. My daughter is visiting from NYC this weekend and we have a fairly long list of SE items to pick up from the drugstore and grocery store; thanks to so much great advice.

I had a rough night last night following the port insertion, but as soon as I was able to take off the bandage this morning and shower things improved greatly. I think the bandage was twisting the wires and putting pressure on them. I'm sure there will be plenty of sleepless nights ahead and I don't enjoy them, to say the least. I was happy to find some friends, also sleepless, on Facebook, so the helped pass the time.

A big weight came off me today when I was able to tell my daughter in person about my BRCA 2 positive gene test. She took it really well and it's a huge thing for a 25-year old to contemplate. We'll go to the genetic counselor for her on Monday and have her blood drawn. (We also have early voting in my town so we'll get that task done which will save me from standing in line at the local elementary school on Election Day.)

She returns to New York on Tuesday morning and I go in for my first chemo on Tuesday afternoon. I had been so worried about telling her. With every step--the surgery, the port, this conversation--I'm feeling lighter and more positive about the future. Waiting is really difficult. I am planning to enjoy every moment of this weekend. We've already treated ourselves to takeout Mexican food, an on-demand movie, and she helped me organize all of my chemo and SE stuff, which was in a really nasty "is this really happening" pile in the corner of my bedroom. We also sent away for lymphedema sleeve #1. (I'll get 2 so I can have one while the other one is being washed.) #1 looks like a yoga-type tattoo. I can't wait for it to arrive--my physical therapist says I can start with yoga as soon as I get one, and I know this will be very important in my progress.

As for wigs, a couple of weeks ago I went onto the American Cancer Society site, picked out two that looked reasonably like my own hair--they were each well under $200, one may have been under $100--and took them to my hair stylist, who made them look a little less fake. Since I work from home, I may not wear them very much...somehow I see the winter passing with me in a very soft cashmere cap that was my big indulgence. I live in a typical New England large, old, high-ceileled, barley insulated drafty house that's really hard to heat, so I'll need something on my head 24/7. We all (I live wth 4 guy friends) have bought mattress pads with heaters (much nicer than electric blankets) and I can even warm my bed before I get in it--much less expensive than using a space heater to try to warm up the whole room.

Again, thanks, everyone. I'm going to try to stay in the present moment and not anticipate the chemo experience too much until I'm actually in it--but thanks to you all I feel prepared for just about anything.

Best,

Kate

VLH · October 2016

Geneskirt, the embolism sounds SO scary! How did you happen to have a CT scan? Did you have symptoms that concerned the doctor? I hope you like your wig.

Kate, I can't imagine having to disclose the BRCA gene news to your daughter. Knowledge is power so it's good that she'll be aware of the risks, but it must also be intimidating. I'm glad the port-related pain has eased.

Between my still enlarged breast and the port location, I'm beginning to wonder whether I will ever wear regular bra again. It's been five months already. I hated wearing one and that puppy would come off the second I got home; however, only being able to wear sports bras when you're buxom really limits the wardrobe choices.

Lyn

Al12 · October 2016

b2alicia, love the wig. it's very spunky!!! and it looks like it fits your personality! keep taking that claritin daily the nuelasta SE can kick in on day 8-10 post the shot given. Thats what my nurse said. last time I mine kicked in on day 8 only lasted one and half days but still very uncomfortable.

connie, thank you for the advice I will check that website out. there is a list of places I got from my hospital where to get a wig and I will try one of them. This time I'm taking my husband with me. I think it's better to see them in person then me sending him pics. I think he is freaking out that this shit is real sorry for my language.

VLH yeh I'm not sure what meds they give for that but I def don't want to have the numbing issue for years later. Now it's another thing to worry about. I will also look into icing just because one nurse said it doesn't work doesn't mean I shouldn't try.

FightingTheFight, I know we are going through this but I know it's hard for my husband too. I am getting frustrated with him when I feel he's not being sensitive with me at times and then I need to stop and realize it's got to be hard on him too. Our lives just turned upside down. I wish someone was there for you in the morning in taking care of you. I have lived alone before I met my husband and I know that feeling all too well when your sick and you have to do things on your own. hope your feeling better today.

Avnigro, welcome! but so sorry you had it rough. hope your getting better. Did they give you a nuelasta shot after the chemo. This makes your body produce more white blood cells. I'm on same treatment as you except I will be doing taxol for 12 weeks and on top of that prejeta and herceptin. Then I will have surgery. I'm also 43 and a runner well I want to get back into it. I always admired ultra runners. I only have run 1/2 marathons which I love and I trained for NYC marathon but never ran it because it was that year that Katrina happened and it was cancelled so this is something I still need to do.

Kate, welcome! that sounded like a hard thing to do with your daughter but glad to hear it went well. wishing you and your daughter well and getting through this hard time. keep us posted on how your doing.

geneskirt, I would love to see the video. I am shedding so much too and I know it's time to shed cause I'm getting kind of grossed out of all the little hairs everywhere but I'm just not ready. I am though going to venture out to work tomorrow with a head scarf. we'll see how that works out for me. hoping it does not unravel.

well 3 days post 2nd chemo and pretty much felt same as the first chemo but more mentally drained and feeling a bit depressed this time around. I think the lose of my hair is getting to me cause now it looks like I have cancer and there is no hiding it now. I feel the sensitivity in my skin and body hurt everywhere if you touched me. felt same pressure in my neck and head and had a headache for a while. Today I'm feeling better but am feeling nauseas. My friend came over yesterday and that perked me up a bit she brought me peppermint tea and I have to say it's helping a lot with the nausea so I don't feel like I need the back up nausea pills. I'm having more friends come to visit today I think this will help from feeling too sick. It feels the more I lay around the worse I feel. I walked the dog and that felt better too. I think I might do a bit of yoga hopefully that will help with some of the body aches.

wishing everyone a happy Sunday!

Alla

Julesbabe55 · October 2016

Lyn: I picture you with a cape flying through the air as Neutropenia Girl! I think in blue tights. Haven't experienced bad acid reflux though had a few bouts of the big "D" this week. Not sure if it was a late side effect or a reaction to what I ate with too much olive oil which is not unusual for me. Either way, I will tell the nurses when I go for treatment #2 on Tuesday & see what they say. The bouts came at night after dinner so I took the Imodium which seemed to do the trick. (TMI maybe? Happy )

Ella & FighttheFight - hope you are feeling better. Try moving around - even a short walk. It might help.

Fightthefight - you are one strong lady trying to do this while living alone. Please keep posting when you feel up to it so we can help you along the way.

Avingro - so sorry about the hospital thing. That's one of my fears too - getting an infection and winding up in the hospital. After my first infusion, my neutrophil score went down to .16 by the next week. I was scared sh*#tless and lost it at the treatment center even though the nurse told me it was to be expected. I had had my Neulasta shot the Thursday before and was convinced it wasn't working. There was another woman at the center getting treatment who assured me that all would be fine & she had a score lower than mine and drove 9 hours to Maine after getting the news. Went back for bloodwork three days later and my scores were back where they should be. Maybe your onc will adjust your dosage next go round. I'm asking my onc if she is adjusting anything for my second go round based on what happened the first time.

JR74 - funny thing happened yesterday - had errands to run and since it was windy here, decided I needed to wear a hat. So, I put two on mainly because I didn't know whether I would be cold or not. By the time I finished shopping in one store, my glasses were hurting because the hats were so tight on my head. Got in my car and took both hats off & drove to the next store. Then the big dilemma - put the hats back on or go bare headed. Sooo, I put my big girl panties on and went in the store without anything on my head - secretly I was daring anyone in the store to stare at me or say something. Like you, no one seemed to care. It was a revelation - people will still treat me normally even though my hair is shorter than short, thinning and I will start looking like I have male pattern baldness soon enough. Question - is male pattern baldness a good look for a chick?

Barb - how are the mouth sores? (another fear of mine - there are so many!) Did the magic mouthwash do the trick? I too gave up coffee when all this started & haven't missed it. I was never a big drinker though - 1 cup a day at the most so it wasn't too hard. Had my first cup in a long while this morning without sugar mind you. Not too bad if I must say though I will keep the intake to a minimum and drink more tea.

Alla - I too am getting freaked out about the short hairs that keep falling but I am getting used to this short look so kind of want it to stick around for a while knowing deep down that it won't. I can see my scalp in some places so I try not to look in too many mirrors. Hope you're feeling better today. Don't worry about the scarf - I'm sure it will be fine and you'll look great. Did you get the gel from Brian Joseph? I've been using it for over a week now & crossing my fingers, toes and anything else that I can at least save my eyebrows and lashes through all of this.

Treatment #2 is Tuesday and I'm starting to get nervous all over again wondering about SE and will they be the same/different as last time. I "knock wood" every chance I get that the experience is the same. Going to have some lunch soon and then either go for a short walk or try some yoga. Just want to get some movements in today - I haven't taken a walk since last Wednesday (did yoga Thursday) and I feel like I'm going to pay for it with this treatment - hoping that's not the case. BTW - has anyone noticed the hair on your legs disappearing? I've been so focused on the hair on my head that when I went to put lotion on my legs this morning, I was surprised that they felt as if I had just shaved them - smooth as can be. That was an "aha" moment.

Julianne

Abracadabra · October 2016

Hi everyone,

I just came back from a walk and it's a gorgeous Montreal autumn day, complete with clear blue sky and swirling red/orange/yellow/brown leaves falling from the trees. I live very near to the St. Lawrence River, and so I always walk along the waterfront and marvel at how beautiful it is (regardless of the season!).

Happy to report that magic mouthwash worked great for me! I used it last night, then again this morning, and my mouth feels so much better. It contains a mixture of Benadryl, a corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation), and an antifungal agent (to address infection). I highly recommend, and will continue to use it regularly to stay on top of the situation.

So today my hair is falling out like crazy (20 days after 1st chemo). It's very short because I buzzed it earlier this week, but my head has been itchy and today in the shower it just kept coming out. I dried it with a towel, and it still kept coming off. Then I remembered something I had read in earlier forums ... I got out my sticky lint roller and got to work. It worked very well ... I just kept rolling it over my head and it was incredible how much hair came off. It did not come off evenly, so now I have a 'patchy' head, but it feels much better.

Tomorrow is chemo#2, so I stocked up on groceries today and made a list of dinner suggestions for my husband for the week using the stuff I bought. I guess I'm as ready as I can be!

Betty - I like your wig-pic. The colour suits you so well, and your smile is radiant!

Welcome Avnigro. I'm so sorry that you've had such a rough time, so early in your treatment. You sound like a very (very!) physically fit person. It will serve you well in getting through this. I used to run marathons when I was younger, and now try to stay fit through the gym, swimming and yoga. It was such a shock to me when I was diagnosed with BC ... I'm in great shape, I eat well, exercise regularly. What???? I still exercise regularly during treatment, and find it to be very helpful. Hoping you will be out of the hospital and feeling better soon.

Alla - Sorry to hear about the nausea ... I was really helped by drinking ginger tea ... they say that ginger is great for easing nausea and it worked for me. The particular tea I have contains ginger, chamomile and peppermint.

Wishing you all well on this lovely day.

Barb

Melindawv · October 2016

hello everyone glad to hear that so many are doing well and I am very jealous of that! For me I went back to work on Monday and then the bottom fell out and I have lost 12 pounds in a week and have not been able to keep anything "in". As someone on another thread called it the big D I believe it and have had it! The dr even put me on something stinger then Imodium and it still hasn't helped, I just didn't know that so maybe ch liquid could come out when you weren't putting any i your body?! Sorry if that is to much for some of you ladies . But the good news is that the Dr on Friday said that she could see a difference in the swelling under the arm and the skin pulling and feel of my breast and she actually said the tumor seemed to be smaller and that is only after 8 days! I am so thankful for that and these SE are well with it then!!!

Hope to return to work this week again and hopefully work more then 1 day. I have treatment ever 21 days so I need to go back before the next treatment. Also since I have 5bags of wonder my treatment does take about 7 hours to do.

Trying to keep up on everyone and appreciate everyone talking in here.

JR74 seems we are on the same path and both had some weight loss and SE I think you are about a week ahead of me so please let me know how the second one goes and I am praying for both of us that is goes better.

Kate. I am waiting for my gene results to come back as well and know what you are going through but so glad that your daughter understood and took things so well. My daughter is 23 and has already had a lump removed and need these results both for my benefit and hers. So glad that she is there helping you and available to talk with. Mine has been very helpful and supportive as well. Makes you sad that they are in this position but proud at the way they respond

Talk soon

Melind

geneskirt · October 2016

Hi Al12, Here's some info on the complimentary LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER Programs to help women with 'appearance side effects of cancer'.

Look Good Feel Better -American Cancer Society http://lookgoodfeelbetter.org

Look Good Feel Better -Canadian Caner Society http://lgfb.ca/en/

Look Good Feel Better -United Kingdom http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk

Look Good Feel Better -New Zealand http://www.lgfb.co.nz

Check out all of these international LGFB programs!!! https://lgfb.org.au/international-programs/

Wow!

geneskirt · October 2016

b2alicia Betty, Is that a wig? If it is it looks SO cute and natural! Love the colour too! P.S. I checked out your doggy thread -Such a cute idea as I believe our 4-legged members are an important part of our care. My pooch is the reason I try to go for an hour long walk each day and I believe it is helping with side-effects. x

I would LOVE to learn more about 'foods that increase white blood cells'. I just haven't got around to researching myself yet

geneskirt · October 2016

Lyn!! So sorry to hear about the Neutropenia Yikes!Are you in hospital or managing at home.
I just read an article on BC.org this morning morning http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/csf-meds... Are you on Neulasta or Neupongen?

geneskirt · October 2016

Al12 Alla, I'm going to use your '30 days of Yoga' THANK YOU for posting x

geneskirt · October 2016

I just thought of another tip for

PREPARING FOR 1st CHEMO TX:
Pick up extra boxes of 'Thank you' notes... you will be amazed at all the ways people will lighten your load and help in so many different ways. I think taking the time to express gratitude has been healing for me xx hugs

Al12 · October 2016

Hi everyone, well I am back at work as usual but so emotional today I wonder if that is also part of the SE. I couldn't stop crying I guess because today I came to work with my head covered. It doesn't look bad but it's for real now feeling. Tonight I will have my husband shave everything off. My head is now full of bald patches. I've had my hair short all my life and this still effects me so deeply. I really thought I will call out sick today but woke up feeling ok and felt better once I took a shower. I was able to get kids ready for school and do their breakfast routine and get myself out the door. overall 2nd chemo behind me now I hope.

Julianne, I totally forgot to purchase that gel. I went on the website and it says that it's better to start before chemo and I'm already 2 chemo's in. let me know how it goes for you. Looks like I'll be drawing mine in. LOL

barb, I'm feeling less nauseas today and I had peppermint tea that helped a lot yesterday. I might run out and get some ginger tea later to keep at my desk.

Geneskirt, thank you for all the sites I'm checking them out now.

have a lovely day everyone!

Alla

VLH · October 2016

I'm at home, Geneskirt. I had the Neulasta pod and it seemed to work perfectly. I didn't leave the house for four days, but went out to lunch Saturday. I'm extremely tired and occasionally dealing with nausea and D, butt mostly doing fine. Fingers crossed that my numbers will be back up tomorrow so chemo #2 won't be delayed. I am worried about some neuropathy in my right hand. I associate that SE more with Taxol rather than AC so it's disconcerting. I'm very right-hand dominant and my left shoulder encapsulation increases that preference so anything that affects the right hand or arm is bad news.

Re: my port, I reached up to twist the rod on my blinds and experienced a searing pain. I open & close those the blinds at least once daily so it must have been an odd angle or something that made Mr. Port so grumpy. Anyone else experienced that? OUCH!

Al12, I'm sorry that you're feeling down. I'm sure it's especially challenging at work where people do a double take when they first see you.

Barb, sorry to hear about the mouth sores. Luckily, I haven't had that SE yet, but my gums seemed tender so I switched to brush heads for sensitive guns and am gentler than usual using the electric toothbrush.

Melindawv, ohmigosh, 12 pounds?!? You must have been so miserable. I'm very sorry that chemo has been so tough on you.

Julesbabe55, me in blue tights? That would be scary rather than insuring! 😀

Lyn

geneskirt · October 2016

Alla, I just got off the phone with work as well,. I cried when I told my co-worker that I was going to pass on a public workshop today because my hair is falling out (I haven't got things quite figured out yet). We talked and came to the realization that part of what upsets me (us) is having to 'explain' things or 'talk about cancer'... xx I just want to 'go to work' like normal and not bring 'chemo' with me.

Make sense?

Love & light,
Elle

Anyone.Starting Chemo in October 2016?

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