New to this

pinkpalette said:

Welcome Lynne...join us..be a fighter!
Hi Lynne, sorry to make your acquaintance in this matter though. Anyway, we are all here to help you and each other. I'm just a few weeks ahead of you in our journey. I've just completed my 3rd infusion (half-way there 3 more to go) and it is indeed do-able and manage-able! It is kind of like a roller coaster ride. Enjoy those good days and be sure to rest if you need to, if it feels like a bad day. As the time goes, there are more good days than bad....then you start all over again. Listen to yourself and your body. Your oncologist has something to help you with nearly any side effect that annoys you. My onc. rx'ed steroids and anti-nausea meds for my side effects. My biggest complaint is the mouth feeling. Ugh! It took me 3 visits to finally get "Magic Mouthwash" LOVE IT!!!

The port can be pretty ouchy. I have the emla cream and I put a dab on an hour or so before my appt. It usually takes the edge off pretty good. It's a lot better than search and destroy on the arms, right?

About the hair. I was pretty devastated when it started to come out. It really came out fast and clumpy. But it didn't fall out in my dinner. LOL! It just looked like a rats nest in my brush. I never shaved mine off. I have a little dusting in the back that sticks out under my cap. It suits me, until I guess the rest comes off. It is too hot now for me to even consider a wig. Maybe in the fall.

Take care,
pp

tjohnson2310 said:

Hi Lynne
Welcome to the board Lynne,

I had 12 cycles of Taxol and 4 cycles of FEC. On the Taxol I always had a salty taste in my mouth. I lived off of unseasoned eggs. It was the only thing I could taste. I had some nausea but no vomiting. I was never tired. But all of that came to an end with the FEC.. I had nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Thankfully, the Neulasta did not cause any joint pain. It was not horrible but it wasn't pleasant either. Luckily there are solutions to the side effects. I stocked my medicine cabinet with over the counter remedies for mouth sores, constipation,diarrhea..you name it I had it. They came in handy. So, being informed about the potential side effects can help you be prepared to manage them.

Chickadee1955 said:

Hi Lynne.
Welcome.

I'm sure you'll hear that each of us is different. My experience was that I had slightly different reactions with each infusion. I never got nauseated, but did have the yuck mouth and became very, very tired. The effects did seem to be cumulative, but it was never horrible. I lost my hair at 2 weeks after the first infusion, but kept my eyebrows and eyelashes much longer. My taste buds returned several weeks after the last infusion and my hair started coming in pretty quickly once I was done. I took time off work throughout the chemo and stayed off for about 2 weeks after.

All in all, I found that the ladies who went before me said it best, "It's very do-able" and nothing like chemo 20 years ago. Best of luck and come back often. The Boards were a tremendous source of information and comfort to me.

Chickadee

Lynne Logan said:

You ladies are so
You ladies are so wonderful!! I admire all of you so much for your spirit, both in fighting this disease and the giving.
Yesterday I realized I didn't have many days before I was in for some real problems so made the decision to see my hairdresser for a buzz cut. I cried when she started combing out big gobs of hair but we got down to the scissoring, then the clippers. Turns out I don't look that awful. I wasn't that self conscience even with people I didn't know there.
My hairdresser is more than just that though. She is a long time friend and lovely gal. Her son walked in with a darling floral arrangement of daisies and neat things I don't recognize. He was supposed to be getting beauty supplies but went to the florist. Bunch of schemers.
The topper was a lady who was sitting nearby watching and smiling. Lisa had invited her to talk to me since she is a cancer survivor and a sweet, sweet and fun lady. I like her a lot. We got on so well that I completely forgot I had myself on a tight schedule. Blood work, head shaved and then doctor!
I'm following everyone's advice and while I'm feeling good will be doing something, anything. Taster is working so will walk over tonight and get a nice Mexican dinner. Life is good.
Hugs to all,
Lynne

Lynne Logan said:

I wore my EMLA for my blood
I wore my EMLA for my blood draw. Too bad our small hospital didn't have anyone right there who knew how to use the port. Being on a tight schedule I finally just had them do it the "old fashioned" way.
I think the previous day was the most distressing. When I ended up feeling like Big Foot in the shower with hair clinging all over me, nasty. It was actually a relief to be proactive and have some control. I put on one of the pre-folded kerchiefs that the ACS gave me and I was fine. No one is going to make fun of us after all, unless we joke about it ourselves.
When my sister and I were to walk over last night for Mexican food I whined about having to "fix my hair." ;-} She gave me the stink eye and ordered me and my wig to get hopping.
I hear you about owing those who've been so wonderful to us. My hairdresser is going through a divorce (after 25 years) and needs help cleaning her old place after moving. I'll be there doing whatever I'm able.

Lynne Logan said:

Next question
I imagine most of you have been fitted with a port. I used a Lidocaine viscous solution for my 1st infusion which was delayed by about 2 hours. I felt the puncture! I now have EMLA which should work better, I hope. That's some rather thick skin to be poking!
Does anyone use the EMLA prior to blood work? I'm just curious if it's something I should be apprehensive about or is it as easy as a normal blood draw?
Your new Friend,
Lynne

Lynne Logan said:

You all make me feel better
You all make me feel better about life in general. I can't help but keep in good spirits with the support I've found here and among my local friends. I have, with the help of my pink sisters here, decided it's alright to lie in bed staring at the walls for 10 days. But when able, get up and be my normal self. The week before treatment is not to be wasted and I've been cooking and plan to get out and do something. Anything. Too hot for a walk ;-{
Today I see my oncologist to review blood work and side effects. I know what to expect thanks to all of you. If the bw is ok, which I know it is by the way I feel, next Friday will be 1 treatment closer to the end.
Hugs to all.
Lynne

dbhadra said:

sorry that you are going through this
but glad that you found this site. I had Taxol - 12 weekly and then FEC, 4 cycles. The FEC was worse in terms of side effects for me than the Taxol.

Best of luck with your treatment,
Laura