Ladies going through chemo - how are you doing? Or those just starting or curious

Abbycat2

Editgrl said:

ConnieSW so glad

you mentioned the TLC site.  I just went there and saw some things I think I will get.  I have always been awful at wrapping scarves and I really love those kerchiefs.  I am definitely going to get one of those.

On the hair loss front, my scalp is beginning to hurt, so I guess I am getting close, but nothing is falling out quite yet.  Tomorrow is 2 weeks post 1st chemo, so I'm thinking I'll begin shedding soon.

I also registered for a Look Good, Feel Better workshop later this month.  I don't wear a lot of makeup, but if they can show me how to fake eyebrows decently, I figure it's worth it.  I have essential tremor, so any use of eyeliner to help define my eyes is probably going to be out of the question for me!

Hi, Mary- Sorry to meet you under these circumstances

But- you came to the right place. I lost my hair early at the start of chemo and basically it all fell out within a few days. I cut my hair short when the hair loss process started. I never shaved my head and I read somewhere that it was not recommended. I lost my eyebrows and eyelashes after chemo #5. Ouch, that was difficult to handle because I thought I looked ill. My scalp hurt when the hair was falling out. I received a port at the hospital. It was outpatient surgery. A port is a MUST so that the veins in your arm are not burned. Believe it or not- adjuvant chemotherapy finally will end, your hair will start growing back about a month later and life will return to a more normal state. My hair came back quite curly but is now beginning to be less so (1.5 years after chemo ended). Before I started chemo , I visited the local American Cancer Society office and was treated like a queen! I selected two wigs that I wore faithfully. They were free! ACS offers other wonderful services, too! Check it out- it was a much needed support to me that was offered  at one of the lowest moments of my life. I will always be grateful for that!

Warm Wishes,

Cathy

Double Whammy

daylady said:

Sleeping Solution

My naturopathic oncologist has me on 10 mg of Melatonin, 30 min before going to bed.  Works like a charm!  I have no trouble sleeping at all.  She started me out on 20 mg. but it left me feeling a little groggy so we cut back o ten and it provides the same sleep support without the grogginess.  Have told several of my friends who have trouble with insomnia about this and it worked for all of them as well.  It's worth a try!

A word about wigs

I wear wigs because my hair did not all come back after chemotherapy for breast cancer (it is a known but rare side effect of Taxotere).  I look like the crypt keeper with less hair.  I do not find wigs hot and my theory is that it's because there's no hair underneath to "insulate" and trap the heat.   I shave what hair I have.  I shave it for 2 reasons:   the wigs fit better and stay in place better and frankly I'd rather have it gone than look at what I have.  Its' absolutely useless.

My other comment about wigs is there are some good yet inexpensive wigs available.  Wigs often look wiggy because they simply have too much hair.  A good hairdresser can thin them for you.  I have this done to almost every wig I get.  I now order them online because I know what colors, styles, and brands work for me.  My wigs look better than the hair most of my friends , but of course, I would prefer to have a full head of hair again.  Not gonna happen, so you make the best with what's available.  For me, that's wigs.

I did not wear wigs during my chemotherapy.  I am also retired and don't know what I would have done if I had to got to work.  I was not at all ashamed of having cancer and did not have to worry about losing a job or being targeted at work when ill,  so I did not feel the need to try and look well.    I had beautiful scarves and headcovers (still do and I wear them a lot instead of a wig).  These are my two favorite sites for scarves:  4women.com and  turbandva.com.  They make wonderful gifts, if someone wants to get you something.  Both are a little pricey for a temporary situation, but since mine turned out not to be temporary, I treat myself to a new one as a "fashion statement"now and then.  Most of the hat type covers I got were from headcovers.com, but for scarves, these really can't be beat - because you don't have to tie them and they're really beautiful. 

That's my comments about wigs and headcovers.  Hope it helps someone (I also have no eyebrows and very few lashes - permanent makeup!  Some get that done before starting chemo, but be sure to check with your oncologist - it's tatoos afterall, and the liner hurts).

Suzanne

TeddyandBears_Mom

ConnieSW said:

Have you

been to the American cancer society's TLC site?  You can also order their catalog.  I liked the cotton kerchiefs with the lightly padded/ quilted part that goes across your forehead the best.  It helped it stay in place and was more flattering than just a flat scarf.  They also come in a soft interlock knit if you want a solid color but they are a tad warmer.  When it gets cooler in a couple months, let me know if you are interested in a very flattering, comfortable interlock knit cap that my daughter found on etsy.  The designer is a cancer survivor.  I'll ask my daughter to help me recall the name of the shop.  Before cancer I could never stand anything on my head, no matter how cold it got.  Now I've become a hat person.

TLC Site

Hi Connie,

I haven't been there. I'll check that out. The quilted scarf sounds interesting.

I have ordered all of my things from headcovers.com.  The models all show covering their ears.  That is not comfortable for me. So, I am putting it behind my ears even though that does give a hint to my baldness.

Winters in Florida don't get cold very often.  So, I probably won't be able to wear a knit cap. Thanks for the offer.

Even bald, I still sleep with an overhead fan and then one that blows directly on my head. With the AC running. Darn hot flashes! :-)

Thanks,

Cindi

TeddyandBears_Mom

daylady said:

Sleeping Solution

My naturopathic oncologist has me on 10 mg of Melatonin, 30 min before going to bed.  Works like a charm!  I have no trouble sleeping at all.  She started me out on 20 mg. but it left me feeling a little groggy so we cut back o ten and it provides the same sleep support without the grogginess.  Have told several of my friends who have trouble with insomnia about this and it worked for all of them as well.  It's worth a try!

Daylady

Thanks for the tip!

TeddyandBears_Mom

Double Whammy said:

A word about wigs

I wear wigs because my hair did not all come back after chemotherapy for breast cancer (it is a known but rare side effect of Taxotere).  I look like the crypt keeper with less hair.  I do not find wigs hot and my theory is that it's because there's no hair underneath to "insulate" and trap the heat.   I shave what hair I have.  I shave it for 2 reasons:   the wigs fit better and stay in place better and frankly I'd rather have it gone than look at what I have.  Its' absolutely useless.

My other comment about wigs is there are some good yet inexpensive wigs available.  Wigs often look wiggy because they simply have too much hair.  A good hairdresser can thin them for you.  I have this done to almost every wig I get.  I now order them online because I know what colors, styles, and brands work for me.  My wigs look better than the hair most of my friends , but of course, I would prefer to have a full head of hair again.  Not gonna happen, so you make the best with what's available.  For me, that's wigs.

I did not wear wigs during my chemotherapy.  I am also retired and don't know what I would have done if I had to got to work.  I was not at all ashamed of having cancer and did not have to worry about losing a job or being targeted at work when ill,  so I did not feel the need to try and look well.    I had beautiful scarves and headcovers (still do and I wear them a lot instead of a wig).  These are my two favorite sites for scarves:  4women.com and  turbandva.com.  They make wonderful gifts, if someone wants to get you something.  Both are a little pricey for a temporary situation, but since mine turned out not to be temporary, I treat myself to a new one as a "fashion statement"now and then.  Most of the hat type covers I got were from headcovers.com, but for scarves, these really can't be beat - because you don't have to tie them and they're really beautiful. 

That's my comments about wigs and headcovers.  Hope it helps someone (I also have no eyebrows and very few lashes - permanent makeup!  Some get that done before starting chemo, but be sure to check with your oncologist - it's tatoos afterall, and the liner hurts).

Suzanne

Suzanne

Great information. Thanks for taking the time to share.

pinky104

daylady said:

Hair loss

This was the part I hated the most.  But as soon as it started coming off in chunks in my hand, I had my husband shave it off.  My daughter had already taken the lead in getting me hooked up with a vendor who only worked with women suffering from alopecia and chemo hair loss, so I had a wig ready to go as well as scarves and other head coverings.  The funny part?  Everyone liked my wigs better than my hair!!  Got a little scary as I wasn't sure anyone would like me in just my natural hair anymore.  But surprise, surprise...I have had blonde straight hair my whole life that I kept styled to the max.  My hair came back in black, white, and curly!  The curl relaxed over time but not the color and everyone loves it!!

daylady

I had a girl approach me at the hospital where I worked and say to me "I like what you've done to your hair."  I had tried to match my natural color with my wig, but the wig I ordered came out quite a bit lighter in color.  When I explained to her why my hair looked different, she looked mortified.  I used to work with a girl who came down with Hodkin's Lymphoma.  She went to a hospital Christmas party after her hair had fallen out in chunks during treatment.  Another party guest said to her "I like your funky hair."  I couldn't imagine how anyone could compliment her on what was left.  She dealt with it fairly well.

I had a friend who lost her hair due to chemo for breast cancer.  She had been a straight- haired blonde also, and ended up with brown curly hair after chemo.  Like yours, her curls straightened out.  She now dyes her hair blonde and still looks like she's in her 20's although she has to be close to 50.

I had expected to just lose the hair on my head but hadn't thought of all the other places I'd lose it.  I've even lost a little bit of my hearing due to losing the hairs in my ears that respond to sound.  I wonder how many others have had that happen.   

  

TeddyandBears_Mom

pinky104 said:

daylady

I had a girl approach me at the hospital where I worked and say to me "I like what you've done to your hair."  I had tried to match my natural color with my wig, but the wig I ordered came out quite a bit lighter in color.  When I explained to her why my hair looked different, she looked mortified.  I used to work with a girl who came down with Hodkin's Lymphoma.  She went to a hospital Christmas party after her hair had fallen out in chunks during treatment.  Another party guest said to her "I like your funky hair."  I couldn't imagine how anyone could compliment her on what was left.  She dealt with it fairly well.

I had a friend who lost her hair due to chemo for breast cancer.  She had been a straight- haired blonde also, and ended up with brown curly hair after chemo.  Like yours, her curls straightened out.  She now dyes her hair blonde and still looks like she's in her 20's although she has to be close to 50.

I had expected to just lose the hair on my head but hadn't thought of all the other places I'd lose it.  I've even lost a little bit of my hearing due to losing the hairs in my ears that respond to sound.  I wonder how many others have had that happen.   

  

Hearing Loss

Pinky, I don't think I have lost the hair inside my ears yet. But, something that I am experiencing is a sharp pain in my left ear for a few days after each weekly chemo treatment. It is not constant, just a quick pain a few times a day. I get other strange sharp pains like that on other parts of my body too.  Like my teeth. And, around my port and the associated shoulder.

Anyone else get this?

Thanks,

Cindi

AWK

TeddyandBears_Mom said:

Hearing Loss

Pinky, I don't think I have lost the hair inside my ears yet. But, something that I am experiencing is a sharp pain in my left ear for a few days after each weekly chemo treatment. It is not constant, just a quick pain a few times a day. I get other strange sharp pains like that on other parts of my body too.  Like my teeth. And, around my port and the associated shoulder.

Anyone else get this?

Thanks,

Cindi

Yes

I get pain in the shoulder where my port is for a day or two post chemo.  The other thing is my gums retract for a day or two also which freaks me out, then it all goes back to normal.  -Anne

ConnieSW

TeddyandBears_Mom said:

Hearing Loss

Pinky, I don't think I have lost the hair inside my ears yet. But, something that I am experiencing is a sharp pain in my left ear for a few days after each weekly chemo treatment. It is not constant, just a quick pain a few times a day. I get other strange sharp pains like that on other parts of my body too.  Like my teeth. And, around my port and the associated shoulder.

Anyone else get this?

Thanks,

Cindi

I had forgotten

But you lose your nose hairs which means you lose their function.  I won't be more graphic.

NoTimeForCancer

mary8237 said:

hair loss

I was recently diagnosed with UPSC  stage 1B and will begin chemo in 3-4 weeks with taxol  and cisto every 21 days. How soon after treatment begins will hair loss occur? Has anyone continued to work during treatment.I need to work to maintain my insurance.  Does everyone have a port? When is it placed in office or under anesthesia? I appreciate your response.I have so many guestions.I  feel blessed I found this site.

mary, I am sorry you have had

mary, I am sorry you have had to find us, but you will get answers to the questions here that others can't give you. 

I did NOT want to lose my hair but about 10-14 days after the first chemo I noticed it really started to come out   I stood outside and kind of shook my hand in my hair and it would drift off in to the wind where I hoped the birds would gather it to help make their nests. 

I worked throughout.  I was out 2 weeks for surgery (Da Vinci) and then came back part time for about a week.  I worked throughout chemo and radiation, only taking the day off for chemo since it was an all day process. 

Everyone is different, so I was lucky to be able to work as I did, but there are other reasons as well.

NoTimeForCancer

Abbycat2 said:

Hi, Mary- Sorry to meet you under these circumstances

But- you came to the right place. I lost my hair early at the start of chemo and basically it all fell out within a few days. I cut my hair short when the hair loss process started. I never shaved my head and I read somewhere that it was not recommended. I lost my eyebrows and eyelashes after chemo #5. Ouch, that was difficult to handle because I thought I looked ill. My scalp hurt when the hair was falling out. I received a port at the hospital. It was outpatient surgery. A port is a MUST so that the veins in your arm are not burned. Believe it or not- adjuvant chemotherapy finally will end, your hair will start growing back about a month later and life will return to a more normal state. My hair came back quite curly but is now beginning to be less so (1.5 years after chemo ended). Before I started chemo , I visited the local American Cancer Society office and was treated like a queen! I selected two wigs that I wore faithfully. They were free! ACS offers other wonderful services, too! Check it out- it was a much needed support to me that was offered  at one of the lowest moments of my life. I will always be grateful for that!

Warm Wishes,

Cathy

Cathy, I am SO glad to hear

Cathy, I am SO glad to hear you got wigs from the ACS!  I had good insurance that allowed me to purchase them and donated them when I was done with treatment.  That was huge because it meant I was moving on.  I hoped they would go to some other lady who needed a perk and now I know they probably did.

TeddyandBears_Mom

TeddyandBears_Mom said:

Daylady

Thanks for the tip!

Weekly Chemo #4 Impacts - 14 to go!

I think this will be my last weekly post on "weekly impacts".  I'm happy to say that this week is following the same pattern as last week. What I have learned is that I have way less impacts when I use the meds given to counter the effects. So, anti-nausea meds at the very beginning of an issue. I added GAS-X to my aresenal and that has taken care of my stomach cramps. I continue to eat a lot of fruits and veggies and drink a lot of fluids. I use Miralax the day after chemo and that balances out any issues I might have with constipation. Day 3, post chemo day continues to be the heaviest fatigue day. So, I spend a lot more time laying down on this day than others. I have very little pain. Just a low grade headache and a few stabbing pains here and there. No joint or muscle pains that others have described.  I always have port and shoulder pain for 3 days after chemo. This disturbs my sleep for the first two nights because it is hard to get comfortable. (Not that I ever get a great nights' sleep anyway!)

Energy level never reaches the same as I had before chemo.  But, I do have 2 higher energy days each week. The day before my chemo and the day after.  Those are the days I feel like life is almost normal. I value these days because they give me the strength and resolve to see this through to completion.

I'm still not sure which way is better. Weekly or every 3 weeks? But, I will say this.... If every 3 week impacts are like my chemo #2 was, then I would pick weekly. Because that week was rough. And, left me really having to talk myself into continuing on.

So, if I continue to be really lucky and the impacts stay the same, I will post a final impacts note after chemo #18!  :-)  Otherwise, I'll post any new things.

Cindi

Editgrl

TeddyandBears_Mom said:

Weekly Chemo #4 Impacts - 14 to go!

I think this will be my last weekly post on "weekly impacts".  I'm happy to say that this week is following the same pattern as last week. What I have learned is that I have way less impacts when I use the meds given to counter the effects. So, anti-nausea meds at the very beginning of an issue. I added GAS-X to my aresenal and that has taken care of my stomach cramps. I continue to eat a lot of fruits and veggies and drink a lot of fluids. I use Miralax the day after chemo and that balances out any issues I might have with constipation. Day 3, post chemo day continues to be the heaviest fatigue day. So, I spend a lot more time laying down on this day than others. I have very little pain. Just a low grade headache and a few stabbing pains here and there. No joint or muscle pains that others have described.  I always have port and shoulder pain for 3 days after chemo. This disturbs my sleep for the first two nights because it is hard to get comfortable. (Not that I ever get a great nights' sleep anyway!)

Energy level never reaches the same as I had before chemo.  But, I do have 2 higher energy days each week. The day before my chemo and the day after.  Those are the days I feel like life is almost normal. I value these days because they give me the strength and resolve to see this through to completion.

I'm still not sure which way is better. Weekly or every 3 weeks? But, I will say this.... If every 3 week impacts are like my chemo #2 was, then I would pick weekly. Because that week was rough. And, left me really having to talk myself into continuing on.

So, if I continue to be really lucky and the impacts stay the same, I will post a final impacts note after chemo #18!  :-)  Otherwise, I'll post any new things.

Cindi

Impacts

Glad to hear that your weekly impacts are now manageable, Cindi.  It's now two weeks since my first infusion.  I began feeling pretty normal by the end of the first week energy-wise, and there was only one day where I did not take my 25 minute minimum walk.  Like Cindi, Day 3 post was my worst day as far as fatigue and generally not feeling well.  

Moving forward, I am also going to be way more proactive in heading off constipation this next round, starting with Miralax and stool softener the day after, and making sure I add softened prunes to my snacking during those first five days post chemo.  I also recommend Smooth Move tea.  It really does gently get things going if things get a little plugged up.

My stomach issues went away mid-week.  I've added Culturelle twice a day and that seems to have helped with bloating and gas.  It did not curb my appetite, but it wasn't particularly comfortable.  

And yes, I am shedding now.  Think I will have the BF shave it off in the next day or two.  I have a deep eggplant colored sofa, and now I have to clean up after the cat's hair and mine!

Going in for bloodwork tomorrow and hoping that all is good so I can continue with #2 on Friday.

Chris

 

TeddyandBears_Mom

TeddyandBears_Mom said:

Weekly Chemo #4 Impacts - 14 to go!

I think this will be my last weekly post on "weekly impacts".  I'm happy to say that this week is following the same pattern as last week. What I have learned is that I have way less impacts when I use the meds given to counter the effects. So, anti-nausea meds at the very beginning of an issue. I added GAS-X to my aresenal and that has taken care of my stomach cramps. I continue to eat a lot of fruits and veggies and drink a lot of fluids. I use Miralax the day after chemo and that balances out any issues I might have with constipation. Day 3, post chemo day continues to be the heaviest fatigue day. So, I spend a lot more time laying down on this day than others. I have very little pain. Just a low grade headache and a few stabbing pains here and there. No joint or muscle pains that others have described.  I always have port and shoulder pain for 3 days after chemo. This disturbs my sleep for the first two nights because it is hard to get comfortable. (Not that I ever get a great nights' sleep anyway!)

Energy level never reaches the same as I had before chemo.  But, I do have 2 higher energy days each week. The day before my chemo and the day after.  Those are the days I feel like life is almost normal. I value these days because they give me the strength and resolve to see this through to completion.

I'm still not sure which way is better. Weekly or every 3 weeks? But, I will say this.... If every 3 week impacts are like my chemo #2 was, then I would pick weekly. Because that week was rough. And, left me really having to talk myself into continuing on.

So, if I continue to be really lucky and the impacts stay the same, I will post a final impacts note after chemo #18!  :-)  Otherwise, I'll post any new things.

Cindi

Weekly Chemo #4 Impacts - 14 to go! Part 2

Just to update from yesterday... Monday, day 4 proved to be a very high fatigue day like my Day 3 was. This was very frustrating for me. But, it did remind me of something that I had not posted that I think is important to note... I find day 4 is my "blue day". It was last week as well. We talk about the physical hits to chemo and I think the emotional part is probably harder to define. Going to try to find the words here... Blue day causes me frustration, angst, doubt and sometimes a bit of fear. I find myself having to push the thoughts away multiple times during the day.  This is also the day that I have to talk myself into the next treatment. While I can recognize this is temporary, it is hard to deal with while it is happening. I actually said things out loud to my husband. Normally I keep them to myself. It was nice to lean on him. Even though I don't want to worry him, I needed to have him help me work through it. He did a great job.

So, I think this may be a negative to doing weekly treatments. Because there really never is a break between them to have that time to be normal and stable.  I do need to note that we found out a few days ago that a friend of ours that has been battling pancreatic cancer was told she probably has 3-4 months to live. So sad and I think it made my blue day more pronounced this time.

Anyone else experience blue days?

Just FYI: I'm back to my normal mental self today. Positive that I'm on the right track to live a long healthy life. :-)

 

AWK

TeddyandBears_Mom said:

Weekly Chemo #4 Impacts - 14 to go! Part 2

Just to update from yesterday... Monday, day 4 proved to be a very high fatigue day like my Day 3 was. This was very frustrating for me. But, it did remind me of something that I had not posted that I think is important to note... I find day 4 is my "blue day". It was last week as well. We talk about the physical hits to chemo and I think the emotional part is probably harder to define. Going to try to find the words here... Blue day causes me frustration, angst, doubt and sometimes a bit of fear. I find myself having to push the thoughts away multiple times during the day.  This is also the day that I have to talk myself into the next treatment. While I can recognize this is temporary, it is hard to deal with while it is happening. I actually said things out loud to my husband. Normally I keep them to myself. It was nice to lean on him. Even though I don't want to worry him, I needed to have him help me work through it. He did a great job.

So, I think this may be a negative to doing weekly treatments. Because there really never is a break between them to have that time to be normal and stable.  I do need to note that we found out a few days ago that a friend of ours that has been battling pancreatic cancer was told she probably has 3-4 months to live. So sad and I think it made my blue day more pronounced this time.

Anyone else experience blue days?

Just FYI: I'm back to my normal mental self today. Positive that I'm on the right track to live a long healthy life. :-)

 

Definitely

I think about four days after treatment although in the trial I have had so many other things going on that I am just starting to figure out the patterns to this.  After frontline chemo and Doxil, plus being rejected from two clinical trials and the loss of a close friend I met with a therapist a few times who specializes in patients dealing with advanced stage cancers.  I needed to just air it all out, I was so crushed at the time.  Cathy aka Abbycat, Ro and others encouraged me to do this.  I was also working and the toll of the job wasn't helping.  After meeting with her which was great, and consulting with my oncologist I decided to go on a light antidepressant which really helps.  I am still on it.  Just something to be aware of, depression has a way of creeping into these journeys which I never really gave any thought to.  No history of that prior to last fall.  having said that I do still have days where it is overwhelming.  But I know they are temporary and pass.

Are any of you experiencing chemo brain?  I have had it but wanted to bring it up too.  Any tricks?  My doctors told me to play games like Luminosity, Words with Friends etc just like they recommend for people with brain injuries to keep things "wired".

I have a treatment tomorrow and Thursday.  Hope you all are well!  Hugs, Anne

Cucu me

AWK said:

Definitely

I think about four days after treatment although in the trial I have had so many other things going on that I am just starting to figure out the patterns to this.  After frontline chemo and Doxil, plus being rejected from two clinical trials and the loss of a close friend I met with a therapist a few times who specializes in patients dealing with advanced stage cancers.  I needed to just air it all out, I was so crushed at the time.  Cathy aka Abbycat, Ro and others encouraged me to do this.  I was also working and the toll of the job wasn't helping.  After meeting with her which was great, and consulting with my oncologist I decided to go on a light antidepressant which really helps.  I am still on it.  Just something to be aware of, depression has a way of creeping into these journeys which I never really gave any thought to.  No history of that prior to last fall.  having said that I do still have days where it is overwhelming.  But I know they are temporary and pass.

Are any of you experiencing chemo brain?  I have had it but wanted to bring it up too.  Any tricks?  My doctors told me to play games like Luminosity, Words with Friends etc just like they recommend for people with brain injuries to keep things "wired".

I have a treatment tomorrow and Thursday.  Hope you all are well!  Hugs, Anne

Crossing my fingers for you

and the treatment tomorrow.

Chemo brain....I think so! Even when I feel good I'm slow physically and mentallly.

Don't remember simple things, I used to be sharp and fast.

Depresion, blue days, sure, sure, sure. Trying hard to keep my spirit, but most of the time I'm negative.

All my life I have been positive according everyone else, but myself. So, this is nothing new.

Pray for all of us!!!

Abbycat2

Cucu me said:

Crossing my fingers for you

and the treatment tomorrow.

Chemo brain....I think so! Even when I feel good I'm slow physically and mentallly.

Don't remember simple things, I used to be sharp and fast.

Depresion, blue days, sure, sure, sure. Trying hard to keep my spirit, but most of the time I'm negative.

All my life I have been positive according everyone else, but myself. So, this is nothing new.

Pray for all of us!!!

This cancer experience plays havoc with our emotions

Anne and cuculigata, it's almost impossible not to have moments of fear, anxiety or depression. Although my coping skills have improved over time with this diagnosis, it is the unknown that still sometimes scares me the most. After all, we are talking about cancer and not the common cold. It's normal to have our ups and downs. I try not to focus on my fears of what the future will bring so I just try to live in the moment. I seem happier when I stay in the here and now. The worse time for me is when I awaken in the middle of the night (like Debrajo, perhaps) and remember that I was diagnosed with Ca of the uterus. My ultimate goal is to try to live fully and to "forget" about this disease. I am making progress! 

Warm Wishes,

Cathy

 

 

TeddyandBears_Mom

chemo #5 Completed - 13 to go

So, that makes me 2/3 complete for round #2 of 6. 

I finally got up enough nerve to ask my oncologist what my chances are for recurrence.  I said that since I am phase 1A / Grade III, doing the chemo and radiation, what are they? He said that they are treating the cancer Grade since it is  aggressive; even though I had contained tumors and that he considers me to have a low chance of recurrence. I was really really really happy to get that answer and it helped confirm my resolve to go the course.

Something new: My scalp has been itching and has a rash. And, I still have that baseball size red spot on the back. My oncologist said it looks like an infection and he has prescribed a topical antibiotic. Very strange. I wonder if the clippers caused that? The doc thinks it could be from scratching it. I wash my hands about a 100 times a day! hmmmm.  I also got some minor breakout on my face that looks similar. So, who knows?

My blood levels continue to be good. Thought I would share that since some of you are having problems right now.

Chris, I hope you got the news you were looking for yesterday and can continue yours tomorrow!

Cucu, I hope you are starting to feel better from the transfusion now.

Anne, I have been thinking about you... I believe the worst part starts hitting you tomorrow. Sending lots of hugs your way!

LouAnne, how are you holding up?

Can't remember if anyone else is actively documenting. Sorry if I missed you!

Something else I wanted to share.... I talked to a lady at the chemo center while we were in the waiting room. And, I shared some things I was doing to help counter the side effects. She was having a rough time. She has stage 4 lung cancer.  Then, I saw her back in the chemo room and she thanked me for helping her. She said she wants me to be her chemo buddy and and felt that we would get along well. She held my hand and was so thankful that it almost brought tears to my eyes. So, maybe that is the purpose of my cancer. Maybe I need to go through this to be able to support others. That may just be the best silver lining around. I try to make a difference every day. So, this opportunity is a gift worth recognizing.  I have been blessed for a long time. And, have been looking for what I would do to give back now that I'm retired. I may have my answer for now and down the road too.

Sending prayers up for all of us for continued strength and resolve and opportunities for remission!

Love,

Cindi

Editgrl

TeddyandBears_Mom said:

chemo #5 Completed - 13 to go

So, that makes me 2/3 complete for round #2 of 6. 

I finally got up enough nerve to ask my oncologist what my chances are for recurrence.  I said that since I am phase 1A / Grade III, doing the chemo and radiation, what are they? He said that they are treating the cancer Grade since it is  aggressive; even though I had contained tumors and that he considers me to have a low chance of recurrence. I was really really really happy to get that answer and it helped confirm my resolve to go the course.

Something new: My scalp has been itching and has a rash. And, I still have that baseball size red spot on the back. My oncologist said it looks like an infection and he has prescribed a topical antibiotic. Very strange. I wonder if the clippers caused that? The doc thinks it could be from scratching it. I wash my hands about a 100 times a day! hmmmm.  I also got some minor breakout on my face that looks similar. So, who knows?

My blood levels continue to be good. Thought I would share that since some of you are having problems right now.

Chris, I hope you got the news you were looking for yesterday and can continue yours tomorrow!

Cucu, I hope you are starting to feel better from the transfusion now.

Anne, I have been thinking about you... I believe the worst part starts hitting you tomorrow. Sending lots of hugs your way!

LouAnne, how are you holding up?

Can't remember if anyone else is actively documenting. Sorry if I missed you!

Something else I wanted to share.... I talked to a lady at the chemo center while we were in the waiting room. And, I shared some things I was doing to help counter the side effects. She was having a rough time. She has stage 4 lung cancer.  Then, I saw her back in the chemo room and she thanked me for helping her. She said she wants me to be her chemo buddy and and felt that we would get along well. She held my hand and was so thankful that it almost brought tears to my eyes. So, maybe that is the purpose of my cancer. Maybe I need to go through this to be able to support others. That may just be the best silver lining around. I try to make a difference every day. So, this opportunity is a gift worth recognizing.  I have been blessed for a long time. And, have been looking for what I would do to give back now that I'm retired. I may have my answer for now and down the road too.

Sending prayers up for all of us for continued strength and resolve and opportunities for remission!

Love,

Cindi

#5 Another link in your chain gone!

A friend of mine who is going through chemo for breast cancer has a paper link chain, one link for each of her treatments.  After each treatment, she removes a link and loves to see the chain get shorter and shorter.  That's what we all do in some way, shape or form.

Link #2 is on the agenda for tomorrow.  Blood counts were in the low normal range.  I was concerned about the white blood count, but my doctor expected to see what she did.  And my friend, the MD, also reassured me when I showed her the results.  So, away we go. 

More good news...  I am holding on to my small weight gain.  Hoping I can gain another pound or two in the next few weeks. 

On Monday, I had my boyfriend clip my remaining hair down to about 1/4".  I was tired of shedding more than the cat and feeling hair falling on my shoulders.  My scalp doesn't seem to hurt as much with it short.  I look like a cancer patient or a member of a garage band. If I had to pick...  it wouldn't be door #1.

I got a cotton skull cap to put on under my wig and that makes it more comfortable when I am putting it on and removing it.  Cindi, when you shaved your head, did you go all the way down to the scalp?  I can see where clippers might be irritating to that sensitive skin.  But then again, who knows?

I know what you mean about washing your hands a lot.  I've got bottles of Purell scattered around the house and in the car as well. Not to mention, out at the barn.

Cuculigata, been thinking about you a lot.  Hope things have improved. And Anne, I still have a big smile on my face from your good news last week.   Hoping to hear even more of that!  That's got to make the chemo a lot more tolerable.

To all my chemosabes, hang tough!

Chris

Editgrl

AWK said:

Definitely

I think about four days after treatment although in the trial I have had so many other things going on that I am just starting to figure out the patterns to this.  After frontline chemo and Doxil, plus being rejected from two clinical trials and the loss of a close friend I met with a therapist a few times who specializes in patients dealing with advanced stage cancers.  I needed to just air it all out, I was so crushed at the time.  Cathy aka Abbycat, Ro and others encouraged me to do this.  I was also working and the toll of the job wasn't helping.  After meeting with her which was great, and consulting with my oncologist I decided to go on a light antidepressant which really helps.  I am still on it.  Just something to be aware of, depression has a way of creeping into these journeys which I never really gave any thought to.  No history of that prior to last fall.  having said that I do still have days where it is overwhelming.  But I know they are temporary and pass.

Are any of you experiencing chemo brain?  I have had it but wanted to bring it up too.  Any tricks?  My doctors told me to play games like Luminosity, Words with Friends etc just like they recommend for people with brain injuries to keep things "wired".

I have a treatment tomorrow and Thursday.  Hope you all are well!  Hugs, Anne

Chemo Brain

I have not experienced this yet, but I attended a survivorship forum where it was one of the topics.  In addition to those games, they suggested breaking tasks into smaller tasks.  I play Words with Friends with my 89 year old aunt...  who is currently beating the pants off of me.  And I've got a free Lumosity account that I've been dinking around with for a couple of years.  It does seem to wake my brain up in the morning and get things firing on all cylinders.