Post chemo recovery

Editgrl

I thought I'd start a new thread documenting how long it takes to recover from the various side effects of chemo, i.e., hair loss, neuropathy, etc.  I know everyone is different, but it might be of value for those trying to get an idea of what to expect post chemo.

I am 5 weeks post chemo, 6 rounds of carboplatin/taxol.  I did not completely lose the hair on my head, though it thinned considerably, and what was left did seem to grow a bit, though much, much more slowly than usual.  I lost underarm hair, pubic and leg hair.  Eyebrows and lashes gone.  Still had peach fuzz on my arms.  Just in the past week, my buzz cut seems a little thicker, especially in the back and on the sides.  It also looks a little more unruly than it has been, with a few hairs noticeably longer than others.  I also think I've got a few very nubby eyelashes now, which I can feel, but not see.  Still no sign of hair growing on my legs or underarms. (That can take its sweet time!)

My neuropathy was/is minor, numbness in my fingertips and toes, moreso on my left side than right, but no pain. The numbness in my right hand is almost gone and it seems to be improving every day.  Same thing with my toes.

While I didn't have nausea, I did have random stomach/digestive tract pains and gas and some heartburn.  The heartburn is pretty much gone, but the pains and gas, while diminished are still present.  I had switched probiotic brands towards the end of treatment with the new brand having a substantially higher count.  It seemed to exacerbate the gas, and I eliminated it.  That seemed to help.  I will probably go back to my original brand that's a little less intense and see how things go.  For me, the gut issues are the ones that I notice most, as I never had any problems prior to chemo.  

Please chime in with your experiences, ladies.

Chris

TeddyandBears_Mom

Good Idea

Thanks Chris.

I am 3 weeks and 5 days post chemo. I had 6 weekly treatments and 4 every 3 week treatments of carbo/taxol.  The amount of chemo and duration was the same 18 weeks as if I did the 6 every 3 week rounds.

I lost all of my hair unless you count the little white things that can only be seen with a 10 Xs magnifying mirror. :-)

So far, no hair or eye lashes or eye brows.

I still have neuropothy in my hands/fingers and feet/toes. It is getting better but still quite numb. Most of the pain is gone though. I am starting to get a bit of strength back in my hands. And, like Chris it gets a little better each day.

My stomach is only slightly queezy at times. But, I don't know if that is still a post chemo issue or because of the Brachytherapy that I just started.

My appetite has improved a bit but is still not back to normal. My normal taste buds are all just about back. Glad about that!

My blood counts have improved to the lowest normal levels. So I'm not at risk for infection now.  I actually went out to eat for the first time in 2 months. That was nice!

My energy still isn't great but is also improving a little each day. Had a bit of a set back yesterday due to the radiation.

Overall, I have little to no pain. And, I'm looking forward to having hair again soon!

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

EZLiving66

I'm almost six weeks post

I'm almost six weeks post chemo but I stopped after the third one because of severe side effects.

I have very little feeling in the fingers of my right hand with my thumb and pointer finger numb and my right hand shakes.  I dropped a mug of coffee this morning.  My left hand is slightly numb but doesn't shake.  I don't think either are getting better but at least they're not getting any worse. My toes are pretty numb too making my balance off.  I use a cane when I'm walking alone.  At night my feet feel like they're being poked by needles.  I got a prescription for this but it made my eyes spasm so bad I couldn't stand it.  The pain in my hips and legs seems to be getting better but I take half a Percocet every night before bed which helps.  The swelling in my legs and ankles is also much better although they're still swollen.

The rash on my face is getting better but the skin on my cheeks are still peeling.  My hand rash is totally gone and they're not pealing anymore.

I never lost my eyebrows or eyelashes although the rest of my hair is gone except some little sprouts on my head I never lost.  It doesn't seem like it's growing back yet.

My eyes are off especially my right one making it hard to read.  I have muscle spasms in both eyes and they water all the time.  I feel queasy after eating and have diarhhea most days. I also take probiotics since I was on antibiotics twice because my port was infected.  They took out the port but the wound is still wide open and drains....and it hurts.

My blood sugar that spiked into the 400s has come down but is still too high.  My doctor put me on Metformin.  My blood pressure that went as high as 240/160 during chemo has come down after my doctor put me on simvastatin.

My taste buds have almost come back although my tongue still feels burnt.  I've lost about 30# which is good.

I am still unbelievably tired most of the time.  I sleep about nine hours during the night on and off and take an afternoon nap.  I haven't had a nightmare for the last week but still have the repeative dreams most nights.  I've really resisted taking prescription sleeping pills but do take a Tylenol PM every night.

I have to go back to my GP next month for blood rechecks.  My B12 and folic acid were really high and my D and magnesium low.  My liver enzymes were way off too and that's probably why those other vitamin and mineral levels are off.  I am hopeful my liver will recover!!!!  Liver failure worries me the most.  Most of the side effects didn't bother me until after the third chemo.  I still haven't recovered from it! I had one bad week after my first and second rounds and then I was fine. I truly believe a fourth round of Taxotere and Carboplatin would have killed me.

Love,

Eldri

TeddyandBears_Mom

EZLiving66 said:

I'm almost six weeks post

I'm almost six weeks post chemo but I stopped after the third one because of severe side effects.

I have very little feeling in the fingers of my right hand with my thumb and pointer finger numb and my right hand shakes.  I dropped a mug of coffee this morning.  My left hand is slightly numb but doesn't shake.  I don't think either are getting better but at least they're not getting any worse. My toes are pretty numb too making my balance off.  I use a cane when I'm walking alone.  At night my feet feel like they're being poked by needles.  I got a prescription for this but it made my eyes spasm so bad I couldn't stand it.  The pain in my hips and legs seems to be getting better but I take half a Percocet every night before bed which helps.  The swelling in my legs and ankles is also much better although they're still swollen.

The rash on my face is getting better but the skin on my cheeks are still peeling.  My hand rash is totally gone and they're not pealing anymore.

I never lost my eyebrows or eyelashes although the rest of my hair is gone except some little sprouts on my head I never lost.  It doesn't seem like it's growing back yet.

My eyes are off especially my right one making it hard to read.  I have muscle spasms in both eyes and they water all the time.  I feel queasy after eating and have diarhhea most days. I also take probiotics since I was on antibiotics twice because my port was infected.  They took out the port but the wound is still wide open and drains....and it hurts.

My blood sugar that spiked into the 400s has come down but is still too high.  My doctor put me on Metformin.  My blood pressure that went as high as 240/160 during chemo has come down after my doctor put me on simvastatin.

My taste buds have almost come back although my tongue still feels burnt.  I've lost about 30# which is good.

I am still unbelievably tired most of the time.  I sleep about nine hours during the night on and off and take an afternoon nap.  I haven't had a nightmare for the last week but still have the repeative dreams most nights.  I've really resisted taking prescription sleeping pills but do take a Tylenol PM every night.

I have to go back to my GP next month for blood rechecks.  My B12 and folic acid were really high and my D and magnesium low.  My liver enzymes were way off too and that's probably why those other vitamin and mineral levels are off.  I am hopeful my liver will recover!!!!  Liver failure worries me the most.  Most of the side effects didn't bother me until after the third chemo.  I still haven't recovered from it! I had one bad week after my first and second rounds and then I was fine. I truly believe a fourth round of Taxotere and Carboplatin would have killed me.

Love,

Eldri

5 Weeks Post Chemo

Still NO HAIR! Not even a hint. No eyelashes or eyebrows either. Maybe next week?  Oh, except a darn chin hair. Go figure!

My energy level remains low. Probably a combination of the chemo and the Brachy.

My breathing is still labored when I try to do much repetitive movement. Even simple things like scrubbing the kitchen sink.

Appetite remains off. Sometimes I have a mild burning and feel queezy. Not bad, just not normal.

I continue to have little to no pain. Except yesterday my right leg and hip ached most of the day. Almost like it did when the bone marrow was building.

Neuropothy is getting better. My fingers and toes still have a numb sensation but I also have a lot more feeling in them.

Overall, feeling much better.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

EZLiving66

Anybody else lose their

Anybody else lose their fingernails and toenails after chemo?  I noticed over the weekend several nails especially on my right hand that has the worse neuropathy, are loose.  I "googled" it and sure enough, some people lose their finger and toenails with chemo.  Good night nurse, what is next??  It will be seven weeks tomorrow since my last chemo and it's still haunting me.  

I also had a bad night last night with hip and leg pain on the left side.  I'm trying not to take anymore opiates but I can't be up half the night and go to work!  I'm going to take half of a Percoset before bed and have the other half ready if I wake up during the night.  I have an 8:20 a.m. appointment for wound care tomorrow but I noticed last night that puss was coming out of an area that looks closed up.  I bet they're going to have to open it up again tomorrow - d*mn!!

Chemotherapy - the gift that keeps on giving!! 

Love,

Eldri

Cucu me

TeddyandBears_Mom said:

5 Weeks Post Chemo

Still NO HAIR! Not even a hint. No eyelashes or eyebrows either. Maybe next week?  Oh, except a darn chin hair. Go figure!

My energy level remains low. Probably a combination of the chemo and the Brachy.

My breathing is still labored when I try to do much repetitive movement. Even simple things like scrubbing the kitchen sink.

Appetite remains off. Sometimes I have a mild burning and feel queezy. Not bad, just not normal.

I continue to have little to no pain. Except yesterday my right leg and hip ached most of the day. Almost like it did when the bone marrow was building.

Neuropothy is getting better. My fingers and toes still have a numb sensation but I also have a lot more feeling in them.

Overall, feeling much better.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

You are

getting better and you'll have your hair for sure.

I recovered relatively fast and I feel good, just afraid from the spot on my liver.

So, head up and you'll be great!

Lou Ann M

TeddyandBears_Mom said:

5 Weeks Post Chemo

Still NO HAIR! Not even a hint. No eyelashes or eyebrows either. Maybe next week?  Oh, except a darn chin hair. Go figure!

My energy level remains low. Probably a combination of the chemo and the Brachy.

My breathing is still labored when I try to do much repetitive movement. Even simple things like scrubbing the kitchen sink.

Appetite remains off. Sometimes I have a mild burning and feel queezy. Not bad, just not normal.

I continue to have little to no pain. Except yesterday my right leg and hip ached most of the day. Almost like it did when the bone marrow was building.

Neuropothy is getting better. My fingers and toes still have a numb sensation but I also have a lot more feeling in them.

Overall, feeling much better.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

Cindi

Your hair will come back, just give it some time.  Glad you are starting to feel better.  You have been through a lot and your body will need time to get completely back to normal.  Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

Editgrl

Six weeks out

Hair is definitely growing out and I am getting fuzzier.  I can see quite a bit of dark hair, but I wasn't completely gray before, so hard to tell if it's more than I had before chemo.  I am excited that I can actually see my stubby little eyelashes!  They are not nearly long enough to put mascara on, but they are definitely coming back, and so are my eyebrows. And still no leg or underarm hair.

My fingers and toes are still slightly numb.  I'm guessing that this will take quite a while to disappear entirely.

My gut issues are inconsistent.  One day, I will have absolutely no pain and the next day, I will have random pains.  Still, it's better than when I was on chemo, so any progress is something to be grateful for.

My energy level seems to be pretty normal, though after driving home Saturday from San Francisco (2 hours) and attending a party Saturday night, I did feel a bit wrung out.  But I am exercising regularly, either on the bike for at least 30 minutes or walking for the same amount of time almost every day.

Eldri, at some point all of your issues will get better.  I am so sorry that chemo was such a horrid experience for you.  Everything you've gone through since would test my patience for sure!  You are so strong dealing with all of this!

Hugs, 

Chris

TeddyandBears_Mom

Cucu me said:

You are

getting better and you'll have your hair for sure.

I recovered relatively fast and I feel good, just afraid from the spot on my liver.

So, head up and you'll be great!

Cucu

I am so hopeful that the spot on your liver is nothing! I would be afraid too if that happened to me. I think you get the results tomorrow, right?

Please take the time to do something fun today to help keep your mind off of the dark side.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

TeddyandBears_Mom

Lou Ann M said:

Cindi

Your hair will come back, just give it some time.  Glad you are starting to feel better.  You have been through a lot and your body will need time to get completely back to normal.  Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

Lou Ann

In the overall scheme of things..... Waiting for my hair is not all that important.  Not to say I am waiting patiently for it though! Especially my eyebrows and eyelashes! But, my journey has been easy compared to many of our friends and I'm grateful for that.  I'm still amazed at how much you and Ann have been through and continue to live positively. Talk about an inspiration to the rest of us! And, I know there are others on our board with a similar journey and I don't mean to exclude anyone here!

I am starting to take back my independance a bit more each day. And, I drove myself to Moffitt for the last two Brachy treatments. That is major progress! I had not felt strong enough to make that journey alone before that. And, it felt so good.

I do walk my little boys every day. And, I do something around the house. Just small things. My Radiologist says 2 weeks post brachy and I won't have any side effects so I'm hopeful that will bring a marked improvement in my energy. I know the breathing issues are chemo related so not sure when that will resolve.

I'm posting for those that are behind me.  Hopefully, it will give them a point of reference for their own recoveries.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

TeddyandBears_Mom

EZLiving66 said:

Anybody else lose their

Anybody else lose their fingernails and toenails after chemo?  I noticed over the weekend several nails especially on my right hand that has the worse neuropathy, are loose.  I "googled" it and sure enough, some people lose their finger and toenails with chemo.  Good night nurse, what is next??  It will be seven weeks tomorrow since my last chemo and it's still haunting me.  

I also had a bad night last night with hip and leg pain on the left side.  I'm trying not to take anymore opiates but I can't be up half the night and go to work!  I'm going to take half of a Percoset before bed and have the other half ready if I wake up during the night.  I have an 8:20 a.m. appointment for wound care tomorrow but I noticed last night that puss was coming out of an area that looks closed up.  I bet they're going to have to open it up again tomorrow - d*mn!!

Chemotherapy - the gift that keeps on giving!! 

Love,

Eldri

Eldri

One thing for sure...... You made the right decision on stopping chemo. Your body certainly isn't up to processing the "ingredients"!

I hope all of the things you lost, are returned sooner than later!

Please let us know about your port area when you get back! Hopefully it doesn't have to be reopened.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

EZLiving66

TeddyandBears_Mom said:

Eldri

One thing for sure...... You made the right decision on stopping chemo. Your body certainly isn't up to processing the "ingredients"!

I hope all of the things you lost, are returned sooner than later!

Please let us know about your port area when you get back! Hopefully it doesn't have to be reopened.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

I went to the Wound Care

I went to the Wound Care clinic this morning - we had about six inches of snow overnight, so my husband drove me in his 4x4 truck.  They found a "tunnel" under the healed part and that's where the puss was coming from.  It was very painful as they "cleaned and packed the tunnel."  My doctor wasn't there today so I saw her PA.  She told me next week if this doesn't clear up they are going to try injecting collagen into the wound - that sounds painful!!  But....I'll take the pain to get this thing closed!! 

She also told me that SOMETIMES people who are very sensitive to chemo or the chemo seems to linger in their bodies have problems healing.  I told her about all my side effects and she said that's probably the reason this d*mn thing won't heal!!  I showed her how my fingernails are coming loose and she said she never heard of that before as a side effect of chemo.

Love,

Eldri

EZLiving66

Editgrl said:

Six weeks out

Hair is definitely growing out and I am getting fuzzier.  I can see quite a bit of dark hair, but I wasn't completely gray before, so hard to tell if it's more than I had before chemo.  I am excited that I can actually see my stubby little eyelashes!  They are not nearly long enough to put mascara on, but they are definitely coming back, and so are my eyebrows. And still no leg or underarm hair.

My fingers and toes are still slightly numb.  I'm guessing that this will take quite a while to disappear entirely.

My gut issues are inconsistent.  One day, I will have absolutely no pain and the next day, I will have random pains.  Still, it's better than when I was on chemo, so any progress is something to be grateful for.

My energy level seems to be pretty normal, though after driving home Saturday from San Francisco (2 hours) and attending a party Saturday night, I did feel a bit wrung out.  But I am exercising regularly, either on the bike for at least 30 minutes or walking for the same amount of time almost every day.

Eldri, at some point all of your issues will get better.  I am so sorry that chemo was such a horrid experience for you.  Everything you've gone through since would test my patience for sure!  You are so strong dealing with all of this!

Hugs, 

Chris

I'm glad you're feeling

I'm glad you're feeling better, Chris, and your eyelashes and eyebrows are coming back.  I am getting better too....just very slowly.  I've found that if I get a decent night's sleep, my whole day is better.

Love,

Eldri

TeddyandBears_Mom

EZLiving66 said:

I'm glad you're feeling

I'm glad you're feeling better, Chris, and your eyelashes and eyebrows are coming back.  I am getting better too....just very slowly.  I've found that if I get a decent night's sleep, my whole day is better.

Love,

Eldri

6 Weeks Post Chemo

I'm happy to report that I have a little peach fuzz on the back and sides of my head. Nothing on top yet. I can't tell what color it will be - right now it is either clear or white.

No brows or lashes yet.

Neuropothy continues to get better. Except last night I experienced that sun burned feeling on the top of my left foot for the first time. It didn't last long.

Also, I stopped taking the probiotics to see if the mild burning in my stomach would go away.  It DID go away. So, I'm back to doing what I was before chemo. Which basically was only taking Krill Oil and Calcium.

My energy continues to build. Still isn't great but at least I have started doing more each day. My breathing continues to be a challenge, but is also improving.

My weight has remained consistent. No gains or losses. That's a good thing. I'm happy where I'm at.

One thing to mention - my port still bothers me off and on. I think I will make an appointment to get it removed. Hopefully that will not come back to bite me!

Overall, I feel a little better each day.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

EZLiving66

TeddyandBears_Mom said:

6 Weeks Post Chemo

I'm happy to report that I have a little peach fuzz on the back and sides of my head. Nothing on top yet. I can't tell what color it will be - right now it is either clear or white.

No brows or lashes yet.

Neuropothy continues to get better. Except last night I experienced that sun burned feeling on the top of my left foot for the first time. It didn't last long.

Also, I stopped taking the probiotics to see if the mild burning in my stomach would go away.  It DID go away. So, I'm back to doing what I was before chemo. Which basically was only taking Krill Oil and Calcium.

My energy continues to build. Still isn't great but at least I have started doing more each day. My breathing continues to be a challenge, but is also improving.

My weight has remained consistent. No gains or losses. That's a good thing. I'm happy where I'm at.

One thing to mention - my port still bothers me off and on. I think I will make an appointment to get it removed. Hopefully that will not come back to bite me!

Overall, I feel a little better each day.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

It's great you're feeling

It's great you're feeling better every day!!  

Love,

Eldri

Editgrl

EZLiving66 said:

It's great you're feeling

It's great you're feeling better every day!!  

Love,

Eldri

7 weeks out

Big development is stubble on my legs.  Boo!  I was enjoying not shaving all these months.

Hair is coming in steadily, but thinner on the top.  I guess that's to be expected as that's where most of the hair fell out.  The hairs that didn't come out are about an inch long now, but most are far shorter.  Still hard to tell texture and color, but doesn't look too far from my natural color so far.

Right hand fingers are almost normal, left hand still some numbness.  Same with the toes. I find it odd that one side has had more issues with that than the other.  In any case, improvement continues.

As far as stomach pains go, I have discovered that my tummy wants to be fed a lot.  It's happy when it has food, but if I go too long without eating, it kind of lets me know.  Nothing severe, just a reminder that I should eat something.  This is actually a good thing, because it has not been unusual for me to skip lunch on occasion, which isn't good for me.

Other than that, I feel pretty darn normal.

I'm scheduled to have my first port flushing on Friday.

TeddyandBears_Mom

Editgrl said:

7 weeks out

Big development is stubble on my legs.  Boo!  I was enjoying not shaving all these months.

Hair is coming in steadily, but thinner on the top.  I guess that's to be expected as that's where most of the hair fell out.  The hairs that didn't come out are about an inch long now, but most are far shorter.  Still hard to tell texture and color, but doesn't look too far from my natural color so far.

Right hand fingers are almost normal, left hand still some numbness.  Same with the toes. I find it odd that one side has had more issues with that than the other.  In any case, improvement continues.

As far as stomach pains go, I have discovered that my tummy wants to be fed a lot.  It's happy when it has food, but if I go too long without eating, it kind of lets me know.  Nothing severe, just a reminder that I should eat something.  This is actually a good thing, because it has not been unusual for me to skip lunch on occasion, which isn't good for me.

Other than that, I feel pretty darn normal.

I'm scheduled to have my first port flushing on Friday.

7 weeks out for me

My lashes and brows are starting to come back. I can only see them with the 10X mirror but at least they are there! And I can feel them when I rub lightly. Something not so great is the facial hair that is coming back faster than any of my wanted hair, darn it!

I read that head hair will grow about 1 inch per month. Mine is probably 1/16th of an inch! lol I can see a little on top now but can't tell what color yet.

Energy level is SLOWLY getting better. I can now walk at a fast clip for 5 minutes. Doesn't sound like much but it is a huge improvement.  I have walked my little boys every day since the beginning of this journey (except on the real bad chemo days). But that walk has lots of "smell stops" so doesn't push my cardio along as well as this solitary walk does. My hope is to improve this to 10 minutes within the next week. My blood should be built back up from the radiation so I think that is a reachable goal.

Neuropothy continues to improve. I still do have the pins and stinging sometimes. And my fingertips and toes are still numb. Just not as bad.

My right thigh is still numb but I think that may still be from the hysterectomy.

Overall, I am feeling better and I'm starting to do more stuff. I'm still not feeling normal yet. But, I'll get there.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

 

EZLiving66

TeddyandBears_Mom said:

7 weeks out for me

My lashes and brows are starting to come back. I can only see them with the 10X mirror but at least they are there! And I can feel them when I rub lightly. Something not so great is the facial hair that is coming back faster than any of my wanted hair, darn it!

I read that head hair will grow about 1 inch per month. Mine is probably 1/16th of an inch! lol I can see a little on top now but can't tell what color yet.

Energy level is SLOWLY getting better. I can now walk at a fast clip for 5 minutes. Doesn't sound like much but it is a huge improvement.  I have walked my little boys every day since the beginning of this journey (except on the real bad chemo days). But that walk has lots of "smell stops" so doesn't push my cardio along as well as this solitary walk does. My hope is to improve this to 10 minutes within the next week. My blood should be built back up from the radiation so I think that is a reachable goal.

Neuropothy continues to improve. I still do have the pins and stinging sometimes. And my fingertips and toes are still numb. Just not as bad.

My right thigh is still numb but I think that may still be from the hysterectomy.

Overall, I am feeling better and I'm starting to do more stuff. I'm still not feeling normal yet. But, I'll get there.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

 

It'll be nine weeks tomorrow

It'll be nine weeks tomorrow since my last chemo and I found a little chin whisker. I was never so glad to see that little whisker in all my life!!  BC (before cancer) I would have just whipped out my little pink tweezers and pulled him out but not now - I am going to celebrate him as a start to getting my hair back. 

My eyebrows are still falling out and now my eye lashes, especially on my left eye where the eyebrows really took a hit.  I've been debating what to do about the eyebrows since in reality, I really only have one on the right side.  I penciled in the left one trying to match the right one which still has quite a few hairs but who am I trying to kid - they did NOT match.  So, I just pulled down some more bangs from my wig to disguise the left one and have been going out in public with one eyebrow - LOL!  I debated getting an eye patch and telling people my husband poked out my eye but most people who know him would know that's a big lie.

I've been getting my energy back too although my left hip and knee still hurt.  I even took a half of a Percoset last night so I could sleep.  I don't know if it's from the chemo or because I walk funny since the toes on my left foot are numb.

My first appointment for my three month checkup is March 22nd.  Who knows if it will be good or bad news but I do know, that until then, I am going to be happy and live my life like I don't have this "cancer monster" hanging over my head.

Love,

Eldri

TeddyandBears_Mom

EZLiving66 said:

It'll be nine weeks tomorrow

It'll be nine weeks tomorrow since my last chemo and I found a little chin whisker. I was never so glad to see that little whisker in all my life!!  BC (before cancer) I would have just whipped out my little pink tweezers and pulled him out but not now - I am going to celebrate him as a start to getting my hair back. 

My eyebrows are still falling out and now my eye lashes, especially on my left eye where the eyebrows really took a hit.  I've been debating what to do about the eyebrows since in reality, I really only have one on the right side.  I penciled in the left one trying to match the right one which still has quite a few hairs but who am I trying to kid - they did NOT match.  So, I just pulled down some more bangs from my wig to disguise the left one and have been going out in public with one eyebrow - LOL!  I debated getting an eye patch and telling people my husband poked out my eye but most people who know him would know that's a big lie.

I've been getting my energy back too although my left hip and knee still hurt.  I even took a half of a Percoset last night so I could sleep.  I don't know if it's from the chemo or because I walk funny since the toes on my left foot are numb.

My first appointment for my three month checkup is March 22nd.  Who knows if it will be good or bad news but I do know, that until then, I am going to be happy and live my life like I don't have this "cancer monster" hanging over my head.

Love,

Eldri

8 weeks out - Strange neuropothy issues

I now have hair all over my head. Still have bald spots too but at least top, sides, back all have something. It is very soft and white.

Brows and lashes continue to fill in. Brows are white and short - right side way thicker than the left. My lashes are very short but I am putting mascara on for the heck of it. Makes a total mess but still fun. Thank goodness for QTips!

I have a marked improvement in my breathing and energy this week. I am now able to walk at a fast pace for 10 minutes. I met my goal. Now, my new goal is to try the elliptical this week. :-)

Also, over this last week, I used the cool cone dialator a couple of times. It worked well. So glad Chris shared that finding with us.

Neuropothy - My feet are "waking up" and my left foot is hurting now. The back of my heel feels like I am pulling the tendon apart when I stretch my foot. It aches off and on. And, my toes burn more. The ball of my foot aches if I stand up for an extended period of time. It seems like the pain would have been worse early on, not this far into my progress. My right foot isn't hurting at all. My right leg is still numb but doesn't hurt either.  I have one finger on my right hand that hurts. My hand strength is better but still not what I would call strong. I'll take better! Improvement is what I want over time.

Something to note: I had a day where I had a huge sense of well being. I felt great spiritually, emotionally and physically. I'm generally an upbeat, positive person. And, before cancer I had a lot of days where I knew my world was awesome. It was nice to experience that feeling again. Life is good and well worth the fight to still be here. Every day is special.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

 

Gardena

TeddyandBears_Mom said:

8 weeks out - Strange neuropothy issues

I now have hair all over my head. Still have bald spots too but at least top, sides, back all have something. It is very soft and white.

Brows and lashes continue to fill in. Brows are white and short - right side way thicker than the left. My lashes are very short but I am putting mascara on for the heck of it. Makes a total mess but still fun. Thank goodness for QTips!

I have a marked improvement in my breathing and energy this week. I am now able to walk at a fast pace for 10 minutes. I met my goal. Now, my new goal is to try the elliptical this week. :-)

Also, over this last week, I used the cool cone dialator a couple of times. It worked well. So glad Chris shared that finding with us.

Neuropothy - My feet are "waking up" and my left foot is hurting now. The back of my heel feels like I am pulling the tendon apart when I stretch my foot. It aches off and on. And, my toes burn more. The ball of my foot aches if I stand up for an extended period of time. It seems like the pain would have been worse early on, not this far into my progress. My right foot isn't hurting at all. My right leg is still numb but doesn't hurt either.  I have one finger on my right hand that hurts. My hand strength is better but still not what I would call strong. I'll take better! Improvement is what I want over time.

Something to note: I had a day where I had a huge sense of well being. I felt great spiritually, emotionally and physically. I'm generally an upbeat, positive person. And, before cancer I had a lot of days where I knew my world was awesome. It was nice to experience that feeling again. Life is good and well worth the fight to still be here. Every day is special.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

 

Thanks for posting your update, Cindi

It's just what I needed today, reading about your improvement and well being gives me hope and brought happy tears to my eyes. Wishing you continued strength~

ncg007

TeddyandBears_Mom said:

8 weeks out - Strange neuropothy issues

I now have hair all over my head. Still have bald spots too but at least top, sides, back all have something. It is very soft and white.

Brows and lashes continue to fill in. Brows are white and short - right side way thicker than the left. My lashes are very short but I am putting mascara on for the heck of it. Makes a total mess but still fun. Thank goodness for QTips!

I have a marked improvement in my breathing and energy this week. I am now able to walk at a fast pace for 10 minutes. I met my goal. Now, my new goal is to try the elliptical this week. :-)

Also, over this last week, I used the cool cone dialator a couple of times. It worked well. So glad Chris shared that finding with us.

Neuropothy - My feet are "waking up" and my left foot is hurting now. The back of my heel feels like I am pulling the tendon apart when I stretch my foot. It aches off and on. And, my toes burn more. The ball of my foot aches if I stand up for an extended period of time. It seems like the pain would have been worse early on, not this far into my progress. My right foot isn't hurting at all. My right leg is still numb but doesn't hurt either.  I have one finger on my right hand that hurts. My hand strength is better but still not what I would call strong. I'll take better! Improvement is what I want over time.

Something to note: I had a day where I had a huge sense of well being. I felt great spiritually, emotionally and physically. I'm generally an upbeat, positive person. And, before cancer I had a lot of days where I knew my world was awesome. It was nice to experience that feeling again. Life is good and well worth the fight to still be here. Every day is special.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

 

Cindi

so happy for you on the progress you are making!  Wishing you continued strength

Nancy