Starting Chemo in Nov 2016

I'm glad to hear Thanksgiving, although maybe different than years past, has been good for all the Americans here. Java...having everything delivered sounds pretty cool!!!

I'm holding up pretty good after my 2nd infusion. Meds are keeping side effects away. Waiting for nurse to come now for my hydration.

I went to a Look Good, Feel Better workshop last night. Wow! I can't believe the amount of stuff they sent us home with!! It's amazing!! I learnt some tricks to use if I do lose my eyebrows/eyelashes, but also just in general too. I'm not a big makeup wearer, but at least now I know how to do everything! It was a good night, and I'm glad I did it. If any of you have access to one, you should go!!

I feel so much better this morning. Thank God that awful bout of indigestion is over, and I hope it's gone for good. It began late Wednesday evening and ended late Thursday night. I didn't have much experience with indigestion (thankfully), so I was quite surprised when it came on (until I realized it was more than likely chemotherapy related).

I previously mentioned it was heartburn, but after looking it up, it seems to be indigestion. I had to see what the differences were between indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux. Heartburn is a symptom, whereas, whereas acid reflux and indigestion are both conditions.

I'm so very, very glad we have this wonderful forum to share with others. Sharing is caring. I hope you all have an amazing, beautiful and blessed day. (((hugs)))

amw5, thanks for explaining the distinction among the stomach upsets.

Hi November Chemoladies,

Just popping in to say hi and thanks for the well wishers.

I am done with my 2nd FEC infusion yesterday. It went for only 2 1/2 hours, much faster than before which was 5 hours. Except for a headache and tummy discomfort around midnight, everything about is ok. Same take-home meds as before. My MO told me to be ahead of the SEs this time. Gonna have my Filgrastim shots next week in anticipation for the low wbc.

My hair is almost gone, only my humor remains. Lol

I hope all the wonderful ladies here are fine. For those about to take their first infusion and those with follow up treatments, my prayers are with you.

Hugs to all,

Gina

amw5 Here is what people are using Claritin for for cancer:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/6/topics/...

LatinMixy--what an awful thing to go through WITHOUT being a chemo patient. Sometimes it feels like your getting kicked when you are down--hang in there!

I'm actually feeling back to normal EXCEPT that I finally lost all my taste this afternoon. Anyone else experience this? When I spoke to the nurse the other day she asked if my tongue felt like I had burned the top layer off. That's exactly how my mouth & throat feel. Kinda numb and taste changes, well, until I can taste no more. Thank goodness it was AFTER Thanksgiving! I was excited I was finally getting my appetite back and now the joy of eating is gone. Awesome...

Good luck, next week, Haninging_In_There. Reading through the whole thread takes time but there is a lot of good information. And in the top threads, too.

Hey All,

I'm on day 5 after round one and feeling pretty good. Fatigue kicked in yesterday for a bit in the afternoon and passed quickly. Last night before bed my jaw was sensitive and neck a little stiff. I'm attributing that to the Nuelastra and thankful it's mild so far. I think I'm going to stop taking the meds for nausea & ease up on collace and miralax a bit today. I'll keep the ibuprofen handy and stick with the Claritin.

Pamela - I'm sorry to hear about your loss of taste. Hopefully it will be temporary! As for me, I can really relate to Javamamas "cancer won't let me be me this year'. I shed a few tears yesterday missing my day to day normal life. I'm a go go go type and this new pace makes me a little sad. But again, this is temporary and shall pass!!

Pamela-eat popsickles during your infusion so you don't lose your taste. Sort of works like the cold caps for hair.

dianarose: I smell too! My left armpit just stinks. I haven't noticed my pee, but I definitely have different Body odor.

Hi everyone,

Wow, yesterday was a big day for me - it started with a visit to my MO, where I found out that my scans (CT and bone) were clear!!! That was the biggest relief - I've been waiting literally months to find out just what we're dealing with. Now we know, and it all feels a bit more manageable. I got my chemo start date - this coming Monday! Pretty scary, but it's got to be done, and the sooner it starts the sooner it will be over. I'm so glad to have all of your tips to help me through.

Hanging_in_there - you and I are starting our treatment the same day - I'll be thinking of you!

Yesterday afternoon, I went for the big haircut. It was pretty weird... I've worn my hair long for most of my life and had no idea what a short cut would look like on me. Figured I'd better find out, though, since it's gonna be short for a long time after I get through the bald phase! :-) Here are my before and after shots. I think the cat (Frank) isn't quite sure what to make of this!

Hope you're all having the best weekend possible!

Yes! For a few seconds I felt defeated. But I hate that negative mental state. I concentrated in the blessing of discovering the issue while it was manageable, that I have a terrific medical team, that I have an incredible supportive and loving husband, that my BC was caught on early stages, that my mom is still healthy and is also with us helping... I counted my blessings one by one, and got over the shock and sadness. LOL! Unfortunately, my dad was not so lucky, and when his colon cancer was detected, he had only 3-4 months to live. Those few months were horrible. Watching your love one just dying in front of you... and nothing can't be done. He passed in April 2015. I miss him every day. I was given a better chance and I will take full advantage of it.

Round 3 is quickly approaching! Tuesday it is!

Thank you Nfullblume. I will check out Native deodorant. I've started to use epsom salts during the chemo cycles. My daughter, who is a dancer, uses it a lot

Nextstorm, that has to feel good!! If you go to your closest American Cancer Society office, you can reap the benefits of someone who did the same for you! A couple of the ladies got free human hair wigs from their local offices. I got a monofilament one. My local chapter actually gives out two for free for those with cancer.

Hey Nfullbloom, I will like more information about those essential oil's. Where do you get them from and what was the exact name of the oil you used with the pleasant smell?I am having some difficulty with smells and would love something that smells nice.

Thanks!