Chemo
Comments
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I was terrified of chemo. I
I was terrified of chemo. I had 4 rounds of Taxotere/Cytoxin. As you already know, everyone is different, but I have to say it wasn't as grueling as I thought it would be. Losing hair is traumatic, but you'll find lots of options to deal with it. Be sure to ask any and all questions on this site concerning side effects, feeling, etc. because someone has the answer or suggestion. Take care and I hope all goes well for you. P.S. If you have sleeplessness come here. I spent many a night with lots of company.0 -
Hi Jean,
Good luck with
Hi Jean,
Good luck with starting your chemo. In all honesty, it was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. But, I just finished 6 rounds of it last Thursday, and you can do it too. The side effects hit everyone differently. I had 4 rounds of AC, and then 2 rounds of Taxotere. The AC made me really tired, constipated, and I had alot of back and shoulder pain. They tended to get progressively worse with each treatment. The Taxotere, on the other hand, gives me the exact OPPOSITE stomach issues, after both infusions I developed a red rash/burn on the palms of my hands, painful & skin actually peeling off. Hot flashes & heart burn are really bad on T also. Funny thing, I haven't lost all of my hair. Although it did really start falling out about 2 weeks after my 1st chemo, I had my husband shave it for me with the clippers. I still have quite a bit of stubble on my head & it actually started growing again. With Taxotere I did lose about half of my eyelashes so far, and my eyebrows have really thinned out, not sure if i will lose them still or not. Lost hair everywhere else (armpits, southern region, even my nose hairs!) - EXCEPT for my legs!! I still have to shave my legs twice a week!!
My eyes & nose are constantly runny - im sure because of my lack of nose hairs! My scalp got sore & tingly feeling right before my hair fell out & it really helped me to sleep with a soft cotton cap on when I was going through this and also the first few days after having my head shaved -it hurt my head moving against the pillow. The steroids do keep you up, but you can get a sleeping aid from your Onc to help with this. My Dr gave me a really mild one - Restoril, it doesn't knock me out right away, doesn't make me feel completely out of it, just helps me doze off & doesn't make me feel super tired the next day. I dont have ativan, but I do have xanax for anti anxiety. Seems like I needed that more in the early stages, right after my diagnosis, than i did in treatments. Keeping as positive outlook as you can will help you through this tremendously. It IS crappy, but you do what you have to do to get through it so you can recouperate and be healthy again. Drinking alot of liquids will help also. My taste buds have been effected by the chemo, and I get heartburn alot so mostly I drink cold water, milk, and green tea. Ooh and Vitamin water xxx flavor! Pop gives me terrible heartburn, and after 2 treatments I lost interest in my daily morning coffee also. Staying hydrated helps to get the chemo flowing out of you quicker, helps to avoid constipation, and just helps you feel better. I recommend taking a stool softener for 3 or 4 days starting the day of chemo, to help prevent constipation. After my 1st chemo i was miserably constipated - but if you take the stool softener you can help prevent that, and avoid having to take laxatives to get relief, and the gas & cramps & general ickiness that comes along with laxatives. I've found that appetite wise - since my taste buds are affected, I've had different "comfort foods" that helped get me through each treatment. 1st one I just drank carnation chocolate instand breakfast for a week. Then it was salads or Subway sandwiches with extra lettuce. Then it was buffalo chicken wings, then white cheddar popcorn...i guess my point is, just be sure to eat to keep up your strength & fuel your body. Find what tastes good to you & keep that on hand.
Ok I think I've gone & written another one of my books on here! My mom just started chemo also, 3 weeks ago, so I've been helping her out with everything also. I just feel for ANYONE who has to go through it, so if any of my advice can help you out, then that makes me happy. Please ask away if there's anything I can let you know about!
*hugs and BEST of luck to you in starting your chemo*
Heather0 -
I just started chemo wed oct
I just started chemo wed oct 13 it wasnt as bad as i thought it would be so far i heard it gets worse with time but they did tell me to expect hair loss within 2wks so not looking forward to it but drink lots of fluids eat lots of fruits and vegatables 1st 3days are the worst but now im ok till i have to go again in 20days but like you said not everyone get the same reaction but the side effects will be there so good luck and God Bless You0 -
chemo is not as awful as you may think
relax and take a deep breath. it will be okay. the most important thing is to drink a LOT of water. different chemo drugs have different side effects. we all react differently to them, but it's not as bad as it was 20 years ago. there are good anti-nausea meds, they help a lot. i am a fresh fruit and vegetable person, but found that my digestive system didn't appreciate that type of diet, snd the first few days after chemo i didn't want to eat - jello was my friend, so were instant mashed potatoes. and normally, i don't like instant mashed potatoes.
i know the hair thing bothers all of us - the anticipation of losing my hair was MUCH worse than the actual event - had long hair, halfway down my back and could not imagine not having it. when it started falling out with a vengeance, i had my head shaved. when i looked in the mirror, i realized i look just like my dad (i was always daddy's girl) and then i was okay with it.
i wish you lots of luck jean, i think i remember reading that you are from wisconsin - where are you having your treatments? i am going to froedert in milwaukee. if i can be of any help to you, don't be afraid to ask.
sending you good thoughts and hugs, heidi0 -
Starting Chemo tomorrow
I'm starting tomorrow, monday. Yup, I'm scared but I've read posts from here and other groups and it helps me feel a little better. I'm sure tomorrow I will forget what everyone said and be terrified but we shall see!
Hair loss scares me. I also have long hair. I've always been known physically for 2 things, my hair and my boobs! So loosing my hair is huge and then after chemo I am having a bi-lateral mastectomy so there goes that too!
I will be cutting my hair this week but not shaving it until I see how it falls out. I guess I'm hoping that I wont loose it and don't want to shave it just in case...wishfull thinking I'm sure.
I started taking dexamethasone today I guess for inflamation? My cocktail is carboplatin, taxoderne(sp) and herceptin. The c/t for 8 treatments and the herceptin for the remainder of the year. I will be going one every 3 weeks.
Looks like there are a few here who recently started chemo. How are you doing so far? I find I've been gravitating towards other bc patients for obvious reasons.
Looking forward to hearing from you
Lauri0 -
Jean and Lauri .. Heatherbelle .. statements are correct ...lauri67 said:Starting Chemo tomorrow
I'm starting tomorrow, monday. Yup, I'm scared but I've read posts from here and other groups and it helps me feel a little better. I'm sure tomorrow I will forget what everyone said and be terrified but we shall see!
Hair loss scares me. I also have long hair. I've always been known physically for 2 things, my hair and my boobs! So loosing my hair is huge and then after chemo I am having a bi-lateral mastectomy so there goes that too!
I will be cutting my hair this week but not shaving it until I see how it falls out. I guess I'm hoping that I wont loose it and don't want to shave it just in case...wishfull thinking I'm sure.
I started taking dexamethasone today I guess for inflamation? My cocktail is carboplatin, taxoderne(sp) and herceptin. The c/t for 8 treatments and the herceptin for the remainder of the year. I will be going one every 3 weeks.
Looks like there are a few here who recently started chemo. How are you doing so far? I find I've been gravitating towards other bc patients for obvious reasons.
Looking forward to hearing from you
Lauri
chemo affects us all differently ... I am here to tell you that there is life, after chemo and it's side efforts.
Please hydrate .. all day long
Please program Oncologist telephone # into home/cell phones
and Never never ever feel like you are brothering, bugging or asking a silly question to our ACS - Warriors - Sisters in PINK, or Onc and his staff.
We are beautiful, loving women who will temporary be bald - bandana's work great, so do hats or fancy scarves -- going bald is liberating, but it is getting chilly.
And to those of you deciding on a bilateral Mactmy .. My new ta-ta's look fabulous!!! Size C .. solid - get what I mean, Lauri - no gravitation - haha!
Strength and Courage:
•☆.•*´¨`*••♥ Vicki Sam ♥••*´¨`*•.☆•0 -
chemo uugggVickiSam said:Jean and Lauri .. Heatherbelle .. statements are correct ...
chemo affects us all differently ... I am here to tell you that there is life, after chemo and it's side efforts.
Please hydrate .. all day long
Please program Oncologist telephone # into home/cell phones
and Never never ever feel like you are brothering, bugging or asking a silly question to our ACS - Warriors - Sisters in PINK, or Onc and his staff.
We are beautiful, loving women who will temporary be bald - bandana's work great, so do hats or fancy scarves -- going bald is liberating, but it is getting chilly.
And to those of you deciding on a bilateral Mactmy .. My new ta-ta's look fabulous!!! Size C .. solid - get what I mean, Lauri - no gravitation - haha!
Strength and Courage:
•☆.•*´¨`*••♥ Vicki Sam ♥••*´¨`*•.☆•
Worst thing I ever went thru, but I'm here and doing oh so well. You will get thru it. We will all be here for each one of you, so post often. Think positive, maintain a winning spirit.
Maybe chemo won't be as hard on you. Let's hope. Take care
Jennifer0 -
I get a TAC cocktail on a 3
I get a TAC cocktail on a 3 week cycle. I've completed 3 of six treatments. And I've had every side effect on the list, but they have all been manageable. Don't try and 'suffer through' a side effect, if it's bothering you talk to your docs. There is a way to manage every one of the side effects.
I agree with everyone who said to drink lots of water. I like Smart Water because it has electrolytes, and I start two days before treatment. 3 or 4 days after treatment, I go back to regular water. I also like the vitamin water, but prefer the power c flavor.
My doc did prescribe Ativan, and I do take it as needed. I took it the night before and the day of my very first treatment. Did the same for the second treatment, but not the 3rd. I now take it just when the insomnia gets bad. It can be addictive, so I'm careful.
As for foods, eat what sounds good to you. My docs stressed the importance of proteins and calories. I do keep the carnation instant breakfast on hand. When nothing else sounds good, but I know I need something I drink that or use it in a smoothie. I also keep cans of soup and a couple frozen meals on hand, they are quick to prepare and (if you pay attention to labels) can be nutritious.
I hope this helps. Please ask any questions you have, everyone here is wonderful. You will get many answers along with support, compassion, and understanding.
Hugs to you,
Linda0 -
chemo...gravitation etcVickiSam said:Jean and Lauri .. Heatherbelle .. statements are correct ...
chemo affects us all differently ... I am here to tell you that there is life, after chemo and it's side efforts.
Please hydrate .. all day long
Please program Oncologist telephone # into home/cell phones
and Never never ever feel like you are brothering, bugging or asking a silly question to our ACS - Warriors - Sisters in PINK, or Onc and his staff.
We are beautiful, loving women who will temporary be bald - bandana's work great, so do hats or fancy scarves -- going bald is liberating, but it is getting chilly.
And to those of you deciding on a bilateral Mactmy .. My new ta-ta's look fabulous!!! Size C .. solid - get what I mean, Lauri - no gravitation - haha!
Strength and Courage:
•☆.•*´¨`*••♥ Vicki Sam ♥••*´¨`*•.☆•
LOL Vicki I do get what you mean! Thank you
Chemo went well, the benadryl they gave me before herceptin kicked my butt tho but they said I wont need it again. There is no way I could drive home after that. My sister drove me, I sort of remember. slept on the couch for an hour or so until my bf got home. I was feeling okay today, had my first neulesta shot. Felt a little yucky after some time. Tired but I think it's from running around today. I'm spending the rest of my night vegging and drinking water. I will have to try that special water, I like the vitamin water too.
Thanks for the encouragement and suggestions!
Lauri0 -
Hi
fear of the unknown is the worst!
i will be finishing up with adriamycin/cytoxin this friday, then on to 12 weeks of taxol. i have to say, i have been ok. first treatment was the hardest. they had me on a high dose of steroids twice daily, i had really horrible headaches and dizziness. (i also decided to walk "the race for a cure" the day after my treatment, which probably didn't help my incredible fatigue. lol.) they lowered my steroids dose since then, and gave me hydrocodone for the headaches and muscle aches. no nauseousness, i take emend for 2 days after. i get my treatments on friday and have 2 days to rest, to go back to work on monday. i'm usually pretty tired, but it's doable!! i hope it's the same for you! i didn't have problem sleeping. i have xanax for when i need it, and take melatonin at night.
i'm not someone who takes a lot of medicines, but since chemo, i've needed it! take the meds!! don't suffer.
loosing my hair was very traumatic. my advice? shave it off before it really starts falling out in clumps. the day after my 2nd treatment, it started coming out. i shaved it on the 3rd day. for me, it felt a lot better just taking control of the situation. it felt terrible running my fingers through my hair and it coming out like that.
YES! lots of liquids help a lot! don't get dehydrated.
good luck, stay positive!!! you can do this! let us know how you're feeling.
*hugs*
carrie 0 -
heatherbelleHeatherbelle said:Hi Jean,
Good luck with
Hi Jean,
Good luck with starting your chemo. In all honesty, it was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. But, I just finished 6 rounds of it last Thursday, and you can do it too. The side effects hit everyone differently. I had 4 rounds of AC, and then 2 rounds of Taxotere. The AC made me really tired, constipated, and I had alot of back and shoulder pain. They tended to get progressively worse with each treatment. The Taxotere, on the other hand, gives me the exact OPPOSITE stomach issues, after both infusions I developed a red rash/burn on the palms of my hands, painful & skin actually peeling off. Hot flashes & heart burn are really bad on T also. Funny thing, I haven't lost all of my hair. Although it did really start falling out about 2 weeks after my 1st chemo, I had my husband shave it for me with the clippers. I still have quite a bit of stubble on my head & it actually started growing again. With Taxotere I did lose about half of my eyelashes so far, and my eyebrows have really thinned out, not sure if i will lose them still or not. Lost hair everywhere else (armpits, southern region, even my nose hairs!) - EXCEPT for my legs!! I still have to shave my legs twice a week!!
My eyes & nose are constantly runny - im sure because of my lack of nose hairs! My scalp got sore & tingly feeling right before my hair fell out & it really helped me to sleep with a soft cotton cap on when I was going through this and also the first few days after having my head shaved -it hurt my head moving against the pillow. The steroids do keep you up, but you can get a sleeping aid from your Onc to help with this. My Dr gave me a really mild one - Restoril, it doesn't knock me out right away, doesn't make me feel completely out of it, just helps me doze off & doesn't make me feel super tired the next day. I dont have ativan, but I do have xanax for anti anxiety. Seems like I needed that more in the early stages, right after my diagnosis, than i did in treatments. Keeping as positive outlook as you can will help you through this tremendously. It IS crappy, but you do what you have to do to get through it so you can recouperate and be healthy again. Drinking alot of liquids will help also. My taste buds have been effected by the chemo, and I get heartburn alot so mostly I drink cold water, milk, and green tea. Ooh and Vitamin water xxx flavor! Pop gives me terrible heartburn, and after 2 treatments I lost interest in my daily morning coffee also. Staying hydrated helps to get the chemo flowing out of you quicker, helps to avoid constipation, and just helps you feel better. I recommend taking a stool softener for 3 or 4 days starting the day of chemo, to help prevent constipation. After my 1st chemo i was miserably constipated - but if you take the stool softener you can help prevent that, and avoid having to take laxatives to get relief, and the gas & cramps & general ickiness that comes along with laxatives. I've found that appetite wise - since my taste buds are affected, I've had different "comfort foods" that helped get me through each treatment. 1st one I just drank carnation chocolate instand breakfast for a week. Then it was salads or Subway sandwiches with extra lettuce. Then it was buffalo chicken wings, then white cheddar popcorn...i guess my point is, just be sure to eat to keep up your strength & fuel your body. Find what tastes good to you & keep that on hand.
Ok I think I've gone & written another one of my books on here! My mom just started chemo also, 3 weeks ago, so I've been helping her out with everything also. I just feel for ANYONE who has to go through it, so if any of my advice can help you out, then that makes me happy. Please ask away if there's anything I can let you know about!
*hugs and BEST of luck to you in starting your chemo*
Heather
what is with that?? the leg hair growing back?? i was so looking forward to not having leg hair! DAMNIT!! LOL.
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PS:carriesoup said:Hi
fear of the unknown is the worst!
i will be finishing up with adriamycin/cytoxin this friday, then on to 12 weeks of taxol. i have to say, i have been ok. first treatment was the hardest. they had me on a high dose of steroids twice daily, i had really horrible headaches and dizziness. (i also decided to walk "the race for a cure" the day after my treatment, which probably didn't help my incredible fatigue. lol.) they lowered my steroids dose since then, and gave me hydrocodone for the headaches and muscle aches. no nauseousness, i take emend for 2 days after. i get my treatments on friday and have 2 days to rest, to go back to work on monday. i'm usually pretty tired, but it's doable!! i hope it's the same for you! i didn't have problem sleeping. i have xanax for when i need it, and take melatonin at night.
i'm not someone who takes a lot of medicines, but since chemo, i've needed it! take the meds!! don't suffer.
loosing my hair was very traumatic. my advice? shave it off before it really starts falling out in clumps. the day after my 2nd treatment, it started coming out. i shaved it on the 3rd day. for me, it felt a lot better just taking control of the situation. it felt terrible running my fingers through my hair and it coming out like that.
YES! lots of liquids help a lot! don't get dehydrated.
good luck, stay positive!!! you can do this! let us know how you're feeling.
*hugs*
carrie
constipation was horrible for me! i guess you'll have to wait and see, apparently some get diarrhea. i take stool softener the day before chemo and actually need it daily for about 5 or 6 days after. constipation made me feel so much worse i have it under control now! lol. 0 -
Carrie-carriesoup said:heatherbelle
what is with that?? the leg hair growing back?? i was so looking forward to not having leg hair! DAMNIT!! LOL.
My leg hair NEVER went away completely! Neither did my hairy arms!! AND - 3 days after my last Taxotere infusion, I actually had to call my Onc because of an inflamed HAIR follicle on my leg that's swollen & painful, had to ge antibiotics for it! Imagine that!!0 -
Hi Jean
When I went through chemo last October, my how time flies, hair loss was the worst part of it. I loved my hair. I didn't have nausea at all, just some stomach cramps. I liked the Chunky soups with crackers. By day 8 after each chemo I started feeling better. I did take vicadin for leg aches for about 3 days too. You'll get through it. Just rest is all you can do.0 -
Leg haircarriesoup said:heatherbelle
what is with that?? the leg hair growing back?? i was so looking forward to not having leg hair! DAMNIT!! LOL.
Carrie & Heather, Don't fret...after menapause you'll probably loose most leg hair permanently. 0 -
chemo
Jean:
I feel your pain! I too started chemo October 14th, the day after my 46th birthday! Not a birthday I ever want to remember! My regiman is Carbo, Taxotere, and Herceptin for 6 cycles.
I first came to this site right after I was diagnosed and reading all the post scared me half to death! I never came back until now. I'm now ready to meet people like me, young scared, and in the beginning of chemo!
I'm a nurse and I keep thinking this is the worst time in my life to be a nurse because I know more than I want to already! It took me being forced to go to a chemo class required by my MD before chemo started before I could listen/read about side effects because I already knew! I think I'm just starting to roll out of the "shock phase" after being diagnosed in July 2010.
I was so anxious and depressed I was dibilitated! My docs finally put me on Effexor 150 mg and Xanax 0.5 mg....I feel so much better mentally. After loosing 45 lbs I am eating again and attempting to get back into my normal activitiy. Not that I don't have depressing days still sometimes but they are far and few between.
I've been told many regimens by others for instance: while sitting during your chemo infusion drink something icey cold...it is suppose to help keep away mouth sores. Vit E and B6 according to my Onc doctor help with blood flow and can possible reduce neuropathy. And Zinc is suppose to help with the metallic taste. Of course I have no idea if any of this works but I'm willing to try anything!
I'm scared to death to loose my hair! I look terrible with hair above my shoulders! I have no interest in wearing a wig except for maybe having a cute hair style. I keep thinking it will possibly start happening next week and where will I be when it happens? Please Lord, don't let it happen when I'm standing over one of my patient's beds! I know I'm not going to handle the hair loss well. I feel like I'm waiting on a bomb to go off. One day I'll have hair and the next I won't! My husband says: "it's not like it's going to be 1:00 in the afternoon and all the sudden it all falls out at once".....of course I know that, but it sure feels that way!
My first chemo wasn't nearly as bad as I thought! I know it gets harder as it accumulates in your body but like others say....drink plenty of fluids all the time.
Good luck and I'll be praying for you and everyone as we battle this adventure!
Tammy0 -
Hair Losslauri67 said:Starting Chemo tomorrow
I'm starting tomorrow, monday. Yup, I'm scared but I've read posts from here and other groups and it helps me feel a little better. I'm sure tomorrow I will forget what everyone said and be terrified but we shall see!
Hair loss scares me. I also have long hair. I've always been known physically for 2 things, my hair and my boobs! So loosing my hair is huge and then after chemo I am having a bi-lateral mastectomy so there goes that too!
I will be cutting my hair this week but not shaving it until I see how it falls out. I guess I'm hoping that I wont loose it and don't want to shave it just in case...wishfull thinking I'm sure.
I started taking dexamethasone today I guess for inflamation? My cocktail is carboplatin, taxoderne(sp) and herceptin. The c/t for 8 treatments and the herceptin for the remainder of the year. I will be going one every 3 weeks.
Looks like there are a few here who recently started chemo. How are you doing so far? I find I've been gravitating towards other bc patients for obvious reasons.
Looking forward to hearing from you
Lauri
Lauri:
I'm with you! I keep praying daily that God will allow me to be the "one" who doesn't loose their hair! I know better of course, but I can pray!
I'll pray for both of us!
Tammy0 -
one Chemo downTxRn64 said:chemo
Jean:
I feel your pain! I too started chemo October 14th, the day after my 46th birthday! Not a birthday I ever want to remember! My regiman is Carbo, Taxotere, and Herceptin for 6 cycles.
I first came to this site right after I was diagnosed and reading all the post scared me half to death! I never came back until now. I'm now ready to meet people like me, young scared, and in the beginning of chemo!
I'm a nurse and I keep thinking this is the worst time in my life to be a nurse because I know more than I want to already! It took me being forced to go to a chemo class required by my MD before chemo started before I could listen/read about side effects because I already knew! I think I'm just starting to roll out of the "shock phase" after being diagnosed in July 2010.
I was so anxious and depressed I was dibilitated! My docs finally put me on Effexor 150 mg and Xanax 0.5 mg....I feel so much better mentally. After loosing 45 lbs I am eating again and attempting to get back into my normal activitiy. Not that I don't have depressing days still sometimes but they are far and few between.
I've been told many regimens by others for instance: while sitting during your chemo infusion drink something icey cold...it is suppose to help keep away mouth sores. Vit E and B6 according to my Onc doctor help with blood flow and can possible reduce neuropathy. And Zinc is suppose to help with the metallic taste. Of course I have no idea if any of this works but I'm willing to try anything!
I'm scared to death to loose my hair! I look terrible with hair above my shoulders! I have no interest in wearing a wig except for maybe having a cute hair style. I keep thinking it will possibly start happening next week and where will I be when it happens? Please Lord, don't let it happen when I'm standing over one of my patient's beds! I know I'm not going to handle the hair loss well. I feel like I'm waiting on a bomb to go off. One day I'll have hair and the next I won't! My husband says: "it's not like it's going to be 1:00 in the afternoon and all the sudden it all falls out at once".....of course I know that, but it sure feels that way!
My first chemo wasn't nearly as bad as I thought! I know it gets harder as it accumulates in your body but like others say....drink plenty of fluids all the time.
Good luck and I'll be praying for you and everyone as we battle this adventure!
Tammy
Had my first treatment monday. Tuesday I felt okay then went for the Neulasta shot. That afternoon I felt yucky. From Wednesday to today(saturday)I've felt crappy. Queesy, headache, tired as heck! My tongue feels like a cat tongue and my lips are dry. Drinking lots of water but I had some vitamin water yesterday and it tasted so good!!
I'm obsessing over my hair. I keep touching it to see if it's coming out. I know I shouldn't but I am. I was thinking of dying it before it falls out. I always wanted to try red! I read though that you should not dye your hair while on chemo....there goes that idea!
Today, I am actually awake and I'm going to go do something. Not sure what yet. I've been inside on the couch since Tuesday.
I'm going back to work on Tuesday for a little while. Just 2 days a week but I need to go to work! Not only do I have no money since disability hasn't kicked in but I'm going stir crazy! One of my jobs is a phlebotomist in an oncologist office of all places! I love phlebotomy and it's sort of theraputic.
I can't go back to work at the hospital though. I'm an EMT and because of the port, can't do heavy lifting. Plus the onco said I shouldn't be in an environment where I can catch something from a sick patient.
My nose is running constantly which is annoying.
Yesterday, I was able to eat and opted for junk food. I had waffles and some soup so it wasnt all bad but the entemens chocolate cake wasn't necessary. LOL0 -
second chemo mondaylauri67 said:one Chemo down
Had my first treatment monday. Tuesday I felt okay then went for the Neulasta shot. That afternoon I felt yucky. From Wednesday to today(saturday)I've felt crappy. Queesy, headache, tired as heck! My tongue feels like a cat tongue and my lips are dry. Drinking lots of water but I had some vitamin water yesterday and it tasted so good!!
I'm obsessing over my hair. I keep touching it to see if it's coming out. I know I shouldn't but I am. I was thinking of dying it before it falls out. I always wanted to try red! I read though that you should not dye your hair while on chemo....there goes that idea!
Today, I am actually awake and I'm going to go do something. Not sure what yet. I've been inside on the couch since Tuesday.
I'm going back to work on Tuesday for a little while. Just 2 days a week but I need to go to work! Not only do I have no money since disability hasn't kicked in but I'm going stir crazy! One of my jobs is a phlebotomist in an oncologist office of all places! I love phlebotomy and it's sort of theraputic.
I can't go back to work at the hospital though. I'm an EMT and because of the port, can't do heavy lifting. Plus the onco said I shouldn't be in an environment where I can catch something from a sick patient.
My nose is running constantly which is annoying.
Yesterday, I was able to eat and opted for junk food. I had waffles and some soup so it wasnt all bad but the entemens chocolate cake wasn't necessary. LOL
It's been almost 3 weeks already! My hair started falling out on Halloween. Not giant clumps but large groups of strands. Yesterday after a shower I got quite a bit out when I combed it so I went and got my hair cut just below my chin. All one length figuring since my hair is(was)very thick that one length will last longer and cover any thin spots. The girl cutting my hair said I still have a ton of hair. You can't tell anything is missing.
I know when it's coming out and from where. My scalp starts to hurt right before and it seems to be coming out evenly in different spots each time.
I'm going to try the supplements that were suggested here(sorry, I forgot who) I hope the side effects arent as bad but I wont need the benadryl so at least I wont be falling asleep constantly.
My onco gave a script for something to prevent thrush and I'm taking acidophilis to help too.
So next week I'll be able to say 2 down, 4 to go! I can't wait until January when I'm done!
Lauri0 -
Suzzetteheidijez said:chemo is not as awful as you may think
relax and take a deep breath. it will be okay. the most important thing is to drink a LOT of water. different chemo drugs have different side effects. we all react differently to them, but it's not as bad as it was 20 years ago. there are good anti-nausea meds, they help a lot. i am a fresh fruit and vegetable person, but found that my digestive system didn't appreciate that type of diet, snd the first few days after chemo i didn't want to eat - jello was my friend, so were instant mashed potatoes. and normally, i don't like instant mashed potatoes.
i know the hair thing bothers all of us - the anticipation of losing my hair was MUCH worse than the actual event - had long hair, halfway down my back and could not imagine not having it. when it started falling out with a vengeance, i had my head shaved. when i looked in the mirror, i realized i look just like my dad (i was always daddy's girl) and then i was okay with it.
i wish you lots of luck jean, i think i remember reading that you are from wisconsin - where are you having your treatments? i am going to froedert in milwaukee. if i can be of any help to you, don't be afraid to ask.
sending you good thoughts and hugs, heidi
Hello Heidi:
Had my hair buzzed by a really nice woman ... Suzette. She wouldn't let me pay her. She said her mother had BC and is going to Froedert..could that be you? Anyway now an trying to find a scarf that looks good. Go for 2nd Chemo on Tuesday, Nov. 9th.0
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