First treatment day begins in 2 days!

PainInTheBum
PainInTheBum Member Posts: 97 Member
in Anal Cancer #1

It seemed like an eternity for this treatment to begin when actually it was only a couple weeks.  First chemo and radiation in 2 days.  One way I'm looking forward to it and on the other hand terrified.  But, I know, the sooner it begins, the sooner it will all be over and I can start to heal myself.

 

Cancer doctor informed me yesterday that any hair loss I might experience would begin in 3 weeks so I went in the bathroom this morning and cut off my hair to about chin length.  My hair was very long and I kept it in a ponytail.  Thought about going to a salon but why bother paying for a cut when in 3 weeks I may lose it all or good part of it?  I feel better already about it.  It's just hair and will grow back.  I've got plenty of cute baseball caps I plan to wear if I lose it.

 

 

Comments

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    edited April 2019 #2
    PainInTheBum...

    Hi,

    My hair was about shoulder length at the time I was diagnosed and although I never did lose it all it did get quite thin and dry. It was about 3 weeks that I started losing it on my pillow case and in the shower so at that point I cut it to about chin length as well. 

    Everyone reacts different but this chemo generally is not known for causing the bald head so often associated with cancer patients, yet most people do experience quite a bit of thinning. I suppose it depends on how think your hair is to start with. I think it was smart to trim it right away and will make whatever you need to deal with along those lines easier.

    My nails also took a hit, dry, cracked, and ridged!

    When my hair grew back it was as thick as before AND a little less grey and my nails (other than one odd toe nail, lol) are strong again as well!

    I have a feeling you'll do great!

    katheryn

  • PainInTheBum
    PainInTheBum Member Posts: 97 Member
    #3
    eihtak said:

    PainInTheBum...

    Hi,

    My hair was about shoulder length at the time I was diagnosed and although I never did lose it all it did get quite thin and dry. It was about 3 weeks that I started losing it on my pillow case and in the shower so at that point I cut it to about chin length as well. 

    Everyone reacts different but this chemo generally is not known for causing the bald head so often associated with cancer patients, yet most people do experience quite a bit of thinning. I suppose it depends on how think your hair is to start with. I think it was smart to trim it right away and will make whatever you need to deal with along those lines easier.

    My nails also took a hit, dry, cracked, and ridged!

    When my hair grew back it was as thick as before AND a little less grey and my nails (other than one odd toe nail, lol) are strong again as well!

    I have a feeling you'll do great!

    katheryn

    My hair is rather thick.  I

    My hair is rather thick.  I cut it myself and wasn't concerned about it being perfect.  I guess I did an ok job because my neighbor saw it and complimented me on it and he has never complimented me in over 2 years so I guess that was good. :)  I actually prefer it shorter now.  I think I can handle it getting thinner but even if it's gets really bad I've got a few new hats. I went out today and bought myself 5 new casual pullover summer dresses that will work perfectly when I don't want clothing to rub against my skin.  They were only $9.92 each too!  I can even sleep in them and use like a "house dress".  I figured if I'm going to be puking and having the runs I might as well look nice.  I don't mind any grey hair.  I have a little right now but to me the grey is like "highlights".  Now I need to paint my toenails so my feet look good while in that "frog" position at radiology. ugh.

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    edited April 2019 #4
    PainInTheBum said:

    My hair is rather thick.  I

    My hair is rather thick.  I cut it myself and wasn't concerned about it being perfect.  I guess I did an ok job because my neighbor saw it and complimented me on it and he has never complimented me in over 2 years so I guess that was good. :)  I actually prefer it shorter now.  I think I can handle it getting thinner but even if it's gets really bad I've got a few new hats. I went out today and bought myself 5 new casual pullover summer dresses that will work perfectly when I don't want clothing to rub against my skin.  They were only $9.92 each too!  I can even sleep in them and use like a "house dress".  I figured if I'm going to be puking and having the runs I might as well look nice.  I don't mind any grey hair.  I have a little right now but to me the grey is like "highlights".  Now I need to paint my toenails so my feet look good while in that "frog" position at radiology. ugh.

    PainInTheBum...

    Hi,

    I am lucky to have thick hair as well, (with some grey "highlights" that I like too) but the hats will still come in handy especially if it is sunny where you live because the chemo may make you more likely to burn. I love the summer dresses idea as well, I'm sure they'll be comfortable. 

    Paint your toe nails extra special as it is probably the only thing that can make that "froggy" position with a beam of radiation aimed at you even a little bit less awkward!

    Sounds like you're all set!

    katheryn

  • BirdGrrl
    BirdGrrl Member Posts: 10 Member
    #5
    2 Days!

    Congrats that you can get this "show on the road" in a couple of days.

    I lost about 50% of my hair and it started falling out two months after treatment finished. Not in patches, but some pretty serious thinning. I have long hair, so I just put it up in a pony tail or a bun for a year and nobody noticed. Bonus was that all my armpit hair fell out and hasn't yet returned so no shaving there anymore!

    They have really good anti-nausea drugs so you may not have to worry about puking. When I was done with my last chemo round, they said don't just abruptly stop them but take half a pill at the normal time for a few days.

    Loose summer dresses and mens boxers were a god-send as you'll need that breeze! Wishing you the best of luck and it sounds like you are ready to go!

  • PainInTheBum
    PainInTheBum Member Posts: 97 Member
    #6
    BirdGrrl said:

    2 Days!

    Congrats that you can get this "show on the road" in a couple of days.

    I lost about 50% of my hair and it started falling out two months after treatment finished. Not in patches, but some pretty serious thinning. I have long hair, so I just put it up in a pony tail or a bun for a year and nobody noticed. Bonus was that all my armpit hair fell out and hasn't yet returned so no shaving there anymore!

    They have really good anti-nausea drugs so you may not have to worry about puking. When I was done with my last chemo round, they said don't just abruptly stop them but take half a pill at the normal time for a few days.

    Loose summer dresses and mens boxers were a god-send as you'll need that breeze! Wishing you the best of luck and it sounds like you are ready to go!

    Did you take your nausea

    Did you take your nausea pills on a scheduled time?  My say to take "as needed" with an amount I could take per day.  I guess you just take them even before you need them?

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #7
    PainInTheBum said:

    Did you take your nausea

    Did you take your nausea pills on a scheduled time?  My say to take "as needed" with an amount I could take per day.  I guess you just take them even before you need them?

    PainInTheBum...

    Hi,

    I think I took my anti nausea meds on schedule whether needed or not but still within the daily limit, and also if I remember correctly they gave me one (different than the ones I had to keep at home but the name escaped me) anyhow, they gave me one when I went in for chemo. I sipped lots of water throughout the day, ate popsicles, and nibbled crackers to always have something in my stomach and that seemed to help.

    The first treatment did not leave me feeling sick at all and it was kind of weird because I expected some big wave of something, and there was nothing...I did however have an adrenaline rush from finally taking that first step toward wellness! 

    I will be thinking of you and praying for a great day!

    katheryn

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #8
    PainInTheBum said:

    Did you take your nausea

    Did you take your nausea pills on a scheduled time?  My say to take "as needed" with an amount I could take per day.  I guess you just take them even before you need them?

    PainInTheBum...

    Hi,

    Just wishing you a problem free day tomorrow!

    katheryn

  • PainInTheBum
    PainInTheBum Member Posts: 97 Member
    #9
    eihtak said:

    PainInTheBum...

    Hi,

    Just wishing you a problem free day tomorrow!

    katheryn

    Thank you Katheryn.  Can't

    Thank you Katheryn.  Can't sleep.  So anxious.  In one way I can't wait to begin and in another I don't.  I'll let you know how it goes.  There's no turning back now!

  • PainInTheBum
    PainInTheBum Member Posts: 97 Member
    #10
    eihtak said:

    PainInTheBum...

    Hi,

    I think I took my anti nausea meds on schedule whether needed or not but still within the daily limit, and also if I remember correctly they gave me one (different than the ones I had to keep at home but the name escaped me) anyhow, they gave me one when I went in for chemo. I sipped lots of water throughout the day, ate popsicles, and nibbled crackers to always have something in my stomach and that seemed to help.

    The first treatment did not leave me feeling sick at all and it was kind of weird because I expected some big wave of something, and there was nothing...I did however have an adrenaline rush from finally taking that first step toward wellness! 

    I will be thinking of you and praying for a great day!

    katheryn

    I'm hoping I have the same

    I'm hoping I have the same reaction today.  I've got my pills lined up, plan to take ice water with me and eat something light before we go.  Thanks for the prayers!  I can never have enough of those! :)

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    edited April 2019 #11
    PainInTheBum

    Sending good wishes your way that today goes well.  You can do this!

  • PainInTheBum
    PainInTheBum Member Posts: 97 Member
    #12
    mp327 said:

    PainInTheBum

    Sending good wishes your way that today goes well.  You can do this!

    Thank You!

    Thank You!

  • pializ
    pializ Member Posts: 508 Member
    #13
    Pain in the Bum

    Yay! & you're off! Good wishes for getting through treatment, & know that you can post any questions you may have. There's always someone here to help. 

    Liz 

  • PainInTheBum
    PainInTheBum Member Posts: 97 Member
    #14
    First day done!  So far no

    First day done!  So far no side effects.  

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    edited April 2019 #15
    PainInTheBum said:

    First day done!  So far no

    First day done!  So far no side effects.  

    PainInTheBum...

    Yay! Check this day off that calendar with a big 'ol smile. As I said earlier...I too had no negative effects in the beginning and seems like thats pretty common. You're kind of waiting and expecting and all prepared and then its like, hmmm...what was all the hoopla about! 

    The treatments have a cumulative effect and so while I'd love to say it will stay that way, it probably won't as things go on, yet there are some who really seem to have less than others throughout. I will surely be praying that is the case for you. 

    I guess for now...celebrate the uneventfulness of today. 

    Again, yay!!

    katheryn

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    edited April 2019 #16
    PainInTheBum said:

    First day done!  So far no

    First day done!  So far no side effects.  

    PainInTheBum...

    PS. Remember to drink drink drink water! Lol

  • PainInTheBum
    PainInTheBum Member Posts: 97 Member
    #17
    eihtak said:

    PainInTheBum...

    Yay! Check this day off that calendar with a big 'ol smile. As I said earlier...I too had no negative effects in the beginning and seems like thats pretty common. You're kind of waiting and expecting and all prepared and then its like, hmmm...what was all the hoopla about! 

    The treatments have a cumulative effect and so while I'd love to say it will stay that way, it probably won't as things go on, yet there are some who really seem to have less than others throughout. I will surely be praying that is the case for you. 

    I guess for now...celebrate the uneventfulness of today. 

    Again, yay!!

    katheryn

    I'm hoping I'll be one of the

    I'm hoping I'll be one of the ones "who really seem to have less than others throughout". :)  One day down!  My husband keeps telling me to just take it one day at a time.  Each day under my belt puts me closer to a cure and working on recovery.

     

    Thanks Katheryn.  It helps to not feel alone on this journey and I really appreciate any info and tips I receive.

     

    Donna

  • PainInTheBum
    PainInTheBum Member Posts: 97 Member
    #18
    eihtak said:

    PainInTheBum...

    PS. Remember to drink drink drink water! Lol

    Yep!  I keep a tall glass of

    Yep!  I keep a tall glass of water with me at all times and drink as much as I can.  Spending lots of time peeing!  The hardest part of today was having a full bladder while radiology was taking pictures, doing tatoos and then radiation.  I couldn't wait to hit the bathroom when it was done!

     

    I remember hearing the more water you drink the quicker you can get the "bad stuff" out of your body.  I was told my urine may turn purple from the chemo.  If it does, I'm sure glad I was warned.  That would have really shocked me!

     

    Donna

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #19
    PainInTheBum...

    Yes, its true about flushing the as I call them "unused toxins" from your body. 

    Haha on the purple pee...just in time for Easter! Lol (I've heard that but don't think it usually happens)

    katheryn

  • BirdGrrl
    BirdGrrl Member Posts: 10 Member
    #20
    PainInTheBum said:

    Did you take your nausea

    Did you take your nausea pills on a scheduled time?  My say to take "as needed" with an amount I could take per day.  I guess you just take them even before you need them?

    Nausea Pills

    Yes, they were scheduled. If I remmber correctly, one in the morning and one at night. And like the commenter below, I had the expectation that I would be overwhelmed with feeling ill. Actually, I had NO nausea throughout treatment which was pretty cool as there were enough other items to keep me busy. I'll tell you a quick funny story about my very first day now that you are through yours.

    Day 1, my sister takes me to the chemo lab which was scheduled before radiation. I have my anti-seasick bracelets on (actually wore them the whole time). I have my cup of ginger tea with ice and a straw because that's what they say to do. I have my crackers and I've taken my anti-nausea meds and I'm absolutely terrified. The nurse says she'll be in later as she needs to eat her scone first and she doesn't want to be cranky so she needs to eat her scone. Allrighty then.

    She finally makes an appearance and hooks me up to an IV and then adds a bag to it and leaves. At this point, my sister disappears to go to the restroom and I'm sitting there all by myself in this pale green recliner that is obviously from the 80's and totally freaking out. My head starts swimming, I feel ill, and I'm thinking - "I can't do this! This is just too hard! I can't imagine 96 hours of this... I can't do this!!" I then tell myself to suck it up, it's short term, it's a bump in the road and I CAN do this. So things start settling down and the nurse come back in the room (my sister is still in the restroom).

    So I asked her, what is that I'm hooked up to? She said "Saline with some steroids to prevent nausea." Oh my. At that point, I realized it was (for me anyway) mind over matter and I'd get through this. Whenever things got bad, I went back to that day to help me laugh and remind me that I will get through this as will you. Please keep us posted, we are here for you!

Discussion Boards