Lots of love to all of you and i made it!!!! :)
i just wanted to let everyone know that i made it!! Yea!!! And once again, thanks for all the encouragement. If it werent for you i dont know what i would do.
lots of love and hugs
laura
Comments
-
One down, Hair, Port...
Laura, So glad that you are through one of your treatments. I am so glad you are getting a port - bummer that you didn't have one in the first place. Just remember to ask for EMLA cream (lidocaine) to slather on an hour before they need to access it. Makes the whole procedure painless and saves your precious veins! As to hair falling out - I had long hair, too. I cut it cut chin length when I started chemo and got all kinds of compliments. Then it didn't fall out in 2 weeks. Of course, I believed that I was going to be the anomaly that didn't suffer the indignity of baldness. Three weeks went by, and I still had my hair! Then it began to happen, and bald I became. Friends gave me the most beautiful scarves and hats! The only head covering I bought was a skull doo-rag at Walmart for $2.00 that I wore to rads. The techs just laughed.
I hope you got plenty of rest last night and if not, get help with some sleep aids! Take it easy. You can do it. xoxoxo Lynn0 -
One down, and over with...
Good for you, Laura! Good to get the "fear of the unknown" out of the way.
Yep, take all the meds exactly as prescribed. In most cases, they're meant to prevent side effects (i.e., the anti-nausea meds). And, keep drinking lotsa water.
Hair loss... Yeah, the thought of it is unnerving and unpleasant, to put it mildly. Had longer hair, too. I was advised to cut my hair very short before it began to fall out. So, I did - went about an inch long all over my head. Thank goodness. On the day I lost all my hair - it actually happened in the shower. Again, thank goodness because it was short enough to flow easily down the drain, without causing a major plumbing disaster. As awful as it is to be bald - it is temporary. It does grow back. And if you haven't already decided - think now about how you'll deal with a bare head. Wigs, hats, scarves - or, nothing at all. Choose whatever makes YOU most comfortable - it's not about what others think.0 -
Scarfs !
Go with the scarfs ! The gypsy look is always in !
Do cut your hair soon ! It's one decission you can make yourself and have control over !
When the hair starts to go it goes pretty fast.
1 1/2 years ago I was starting all of this.
Yesterday my doctor took me off all chemotheropy sessions.
I only have to see him once a month now for check-ups, blood tests !
I can now let my hair grow back in !
I'm CANCER FREE !!!!!
Four tumors in my left lung, and fluid around that same lung with cancer cells filled it up.
That is all gone !
Then they found out that I had a spot on my liver and a spot on my rib.
That is gone also !
I was at stage four cancer.
All gone, All gone, All gone !
I can't say that enough !
Where there is hope, you'll find me !
This is my third time with cancer.
Three times I have beat it !
It can be done ! It will be done ! And I did it !
It wasn't easy !
Loni Randall0 -
Like the Do Raglynn1950 said:One down, Hair, Port...
Laura, So glad that you are through one of your treatments. I am so glad you are getting a port - bummer that you didn't have one in the first place. Just remember to ask for EMLA cream (lidocaine) to slather on an hour before they need to access it. Makes the whole procedure painless and saves your precious veins! As to hair falling out - I had long hair, too. I cut it cut chin length when I started chemo and got all kinds of compliments. Then it didn't fall out in 2 weeks. Of course, I believed that I was going to be the anomaly that didn't suffer the indignity of baldness. Three weeks went by, and I still had my hair! Then it began to happen, and bald I became. Friends gave me the most beautiful scarves and hats! The only head covering I bought was a skull doo-rag at Walmart for $2.00 that I wore to rads. The techs just laughed.
I hope you got plenty of rest last night and if not, get help with some sleep aids! Take it easy. You can do it. xoxoxo Lynn
That sounds like a cool do rag. My co-workers are daring me to walk into the office with something like that. My CEO is a bit uptight. No room for freedom of expression.
P0 -
It is a Great Place
I agree. I love this site. I always feel better after visiting.
I had chemo Monday. Normally I try to do it on Fridays to give me time to recoup. So I am taking it easy today, off from work.
Anyway, my veins were like yours. My surgeon knew this from trouble placing IVs in me during surgery. The insertion of a port was a done deal and I love it. They just don't draw my blood from it when I am not having a treatment. This is a drag.
I had long hair. I cut it and donated it to Locks for Love. They make wigs for kids. It started falling out right about my time for my second treatment. First in strands and then in chunks. I was depressed, I cried a few days, and I mourned my hair loss. But then I put on a cap and went out into the world. You can't do anything about it.
Try to have your items on hand before you lose your hair so that you are not scrambling to cover your head. Choose what is right for you and what makes you comfortable. Wigs are hot and make me itch. I wear these caps that resemble a surgeons cap. They are comforatable and they breath well. I got them from this site.
Take care,
P0 -
Good for youLelana said:Scarfs !
Go with the scarfs ! The gypsy look is always in !
Do cut your hair soon ! It's one decission you can make yourself and have control over !
When the hair starts to go it goes pretty fast.
1 1/2 years ago I was starting all of this.
Yesterday my doctor took me off all chemotheropy sessions.
I only have to see him once a month now for check-ups, blood tests !
I can now let my hair grow back in !
I'm CANCER FREE !!!!!
Four tumors in my left lung, and fluid around that same lung with cancer cells filled it up.
That is all gone !
Then they found out that I had a spot on my liver and a spot on my rib.
That is gone also !
I was at stage four cancer.
All gone, All gone, All gone !
I can't say that enough !
Where there is hope, you'll find me !
This is my third time with cancer.
Three times I have beat it !
It can be done ! It will be done ! And I did it !
It wasn't easy !
Loni Randall
Loni-that's wonderful to hear!
And Laura,good to hear that your first chemo went well(besides having to be stuck so many times before you finally got your port)! Now hopefully you will know what to expect more for your second one-just remember about the numbing medication that the other ladies talked about for your port.
Yeah,my onc and nurses told me the same thing about my hair-so I bought my first hat(a cute one from TJMaxx)and had it with me when I went with my husband on one of his training trips right after my first treatment(he had to go on it and didn't want to leave me alone). We were gone for a week and a few days after we got back it started coming out!
Yes,like the other ladies on here said-it would be a good idea for you to cut your hair short first before it starts falling out-might be easier for you for many reasons...0 -
portaztec45 said:It is a Great Place
I agree. I love this site. I always feel better after visiting.
I had chemo Monday. Normally I try to do it on Fridays to give me time to recoup. So I am taking it easy today, off from work.
Anyway, my veins were like yours. My surgeon knew this from trouble placing IVs in me during surgery. The insertion of a port was a done deal and I love it. They just don't draw my blood from it when I am not having a treatment. This is a drag.
I had long hair. I cut it and donated it to Locks for Love. They make wigs for kids. It started falling out right about my time for my second treatment. First in strands and then in chunks. I was depressed, I cried a few days, and I mourned my hair loss. But then I put on a cap and went out into the world. You can't do anything about it.
Try to have your items on hand before you lose your hair so that you are not scrambling to cover your head. Choose what is right for you and what makes you comfortable. Wigs are hot and make me itch. I wear these caps that resemble a surgeons cap. They are comforatable and they breath well. I got them from this site.
Take care,
P
You will LOVE your port! But ... like Lynn said ... get a prescription for EMLA cream ... and you will not feel a thing with they stick you. Whoever invented the port was a genius. I hate needles and could never have made it through without the port ... between having blood drawn and then the chemo ... I would have spent most of my time passed out on the floor.
hugs.
teena0 -
Laura....CR1954 said:Oh Laura........
I knew that you would make it! I'm so glad that everything went well, except for being turned into a pincushion!
Don't forget to take your meds and take it easy for a couple of days...you deserve it.
Hugs,
CR
So glad to hear it wasn't nearly as bad as you feared. Although the vein thing wasn't cool but you'll be getting your port soon. I am to start chemo next week but because my insurance company won't o.k. the surgery for the port until after they get the results of my pet scan I might not get the port in time for my first treatment. After hearing your fiasco with it, I hope I get it in time :>)
As the others have said, take your meds. and get some rest!!
Love and Light,
Vicki0 -
Laura
Sounds like your doing all the right things. The port is a wonderful thing. I had mine put in before my chemo treatments. As far as your hair, I did the same thing and cut my hair shorter. I think it was more depressing to have it come out in clumps than it was to cut it off. The good thing is, it will return, and thats a good sign!! I feel that it means we are getting better and stronger!! Hugs to you Diane
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Thanks everyoneMarcia527 said:I didn't get the port either
I didn't get the port either but for the most part didn't have a problem. They said I had good veins. Lots of others love the port. Glad you got number one out of the way.
And loni, you are truely a warrior and survivor! Wow! And you are still so positive. I couldnt imagine being through all that and beating all you have. That is too awesome. As for everyone elses advice, i think ill make that hair appointment and get my hair cut short. And go ahead and get those scarfs and maybe a wig lined up too. Im feeling pretty well now and taking my meds and resting, so far, doing good. Thanks again to all.
Hugs
laura0 -
Loni and Lauralolad said:Thanks everyone
And loni, you are truely a warrior and survivor! Wow! And you are still so positive. I couldnt imagine being through all that and beating all you have. That is too awesome. As for everyone elses advice, i think ill make that hair appointment and get my hair cut short. And go ahead and get those scarfs and maybe a wig lined up too. Im feeling pretty well now and taking my meds and resting, so far, doing good. Thanks again to all.
Hugs
laura
Loni, so happy to hear you are cancer-free, dancing with NED! And Laura, your first day is done! Just keep taking care of yourself. Rest and let others pamper you--pamper yourself as well.0 -
WOW!! You are quite anLelana said:Scarfs !
Go with the scarfs ! The gypsy look is always in !
Do cut your hair soon ! It's one decission you can make yourself and have control over !
When the hair starts to go it goes pretty fast.
1 1/2 years ago I was starting all of this.
Yesterday my doctor took me off all chemotheropy sessions.
I only have to see him once a month now for check-ups, blood tests !
I can now let my hair grow back in !
I'm CANCER FREE !!!!!
Four tumors in my left lung, and fluid around that same lung with cancer cells filled it up.
That is all gone !
Then they found out that I had a spot on my liver and a spot on my rib.
That is gone also !
I was at stage four cancer.
All gone, All gone, All gone !
I can't say that enough !
Where there is hope, you'll find me !
This is my third time with cancer.
Three times I have beat it !
It can be done ! It will be done ! And I did it !
It wasn't easy !
Loni Randall
WOW!! You are quite an inspiration, Loni! I hope to GOD I can be half as strong as you and fight this evil monster with all that I have. It really is so scary and fear of the unknown is a bit overwhelming to me right now. I have always been a very positive person and am just hoping I can stay that way!
Keep up the fight and live life well, Loni! God knows you deserve it!
And thank you for sharing your story... it was truly an inspiration!
Marlene0 -
Wow, Loni!Lelana said:Scarfs !
Go with the scarfs ! The gypsy look is always in !
Do cut your hair soon ! It's one decission you can make yourself and have control over !
When the hair starts to go it goes pretty fast.
1 1/2 years ago I was starting all of this.
Yesterday my doctor took me off all chemotheropy sessions.
I only have to see him once a month now for check-ups, blood tests !
I can now let my hair grow back in !
I'm CANCER FREE !!!!!
Four tumors in my left lung, and fluid around that same lung with cancer cells filled it up.
That is all gone !
Then they found out that I had a spot on my liver and a spot on my rib.
That is gone also !
I was at stage four cancer.
All gone, All gone, All gone !
I can't say that enough !
Where there is hope, you'll find me !
This is my third time with cancer.
Three times I have beat it !
It can be done ! It will be done ! And I did it !
It wasn't easy !
Loni Randall
You are an awesome inspiration to us all! A three-time survivor, with very tough battles won. Again, wow!
Sincerest best wishes to you, for continued cancer-free health.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
So glad to hear you made it!lolad said:Thanks everyone
And loni, you are truely a warrior and survivor! Wow! And you are still so positive. I couldnt imagine being through all that and beating all you have. That is too awesome. As for everyone elses advice, i think ill make that hair appointment and get my hair cut short. And go ahead and get those scarfs and maybe a wig lined up too. Im feeling pretty well now and taking my meds and resting, so far, doing good. Thanks again to all.
Hugs
laura
Sorry to hear about them having to stick you so many times, ouch! I'm confused though, are you getting a port or they aren't going to bother? They just doubled the dose on my nuropathy meds and I swear I have lost my thinking abilities. Read your post twice and I'm still not sure about the port. As far as your hair goes.....I'd try a cute little short number you always wanted to do, but really didn't want to give up the long hair. Have fun with it. Have fun with the head coverings too. Remember, you will only get to do this the first time once, so do it up!!
-) Pammy 0 -
PammyAkiss4me said:So glad to hear you made it!
Sorry to hear about them having to stick you so many times, ouch! I'm confused though, are you getting a port or they aren't going to bother? They just doubled the dose on my nuropathy meds and I swear I have lost my thinking abilities. Read your post twice and I'm still not sure about the port. As far as your hair goes.....I'd try a cute little short number you always wanted to do, but really didn't want to give up the long hair. Have fun with it. Have fun with the head coverings too. Remember, you will only get to do this the first time once, so do it up!!-) Pammy
They decided to go ahead with the port that i will be getting on Monday thank goodness. Today i havent felt very well though. Im taking my one nausea med and still waiting on a prior authorization from the dr for the insurance on the other, i hope they get it going soon, its been two darn days and my pharmacy had called and i have too, another dissapointment from the onc. i have. Oh well, maybe tomorrow hopefully. Im supposed to go head covering shopping this weekend, hope i feel ok.
laura0 -
Have Funlolad said:Pammy
They decided to go ahead with the port that i will be getting on Monday thank goodness. Today i havent felt very well though. Im taking my one nausea med and still waiting on a prior authorization from the dr for the insurance on the other, i hope they get it going soon, its been two darn days and my pharmacy had called and i have too, another dissapointment from the onc. i have. Oh well, maybe tomorrow hopefully. Im supposed to go head covering shopping this weekend, hope i feel ok.
laura
Hope you get to feeling better. Have fun shopping. Tell your Onc he displeases you. Maybe he will get on the stick.
P.0 -
Laura....lolad said:Pammy
They decided to go ahead with the port that i will be getting on Monday thank goodness. Today i havent felt very well though. Im taking my one nausea med and still waiting on a prior authorization from the dr for the insurance on the other, i hope they get it going soon, its been two darn days and my pharmacy had called and i have too, another dissapointment from the onc. i have. Oh well, maybe tomorrow hopefully. Im supposed to go head covering shopping this weekend, hope i feel ok.
laura
I hope they get your meds straightened out soon. That is one that you need, now especially. I was to get my port last week but the insurance company said no, they won't authorize it until after they get the results back from my pet scan to o.k. the next step. Since I have my appointment with my oncologist Tuesday to get the results and my chemo treatment plan, they said they can then put my port in on Thursday. They had wanted me to start chemo next week but now I'll see what the oncologist says when I go in Tuesday, if he'll wait until after they put the port in.
I went headcovering shopping a little yesterday with my daughter. After looking in a few stores and only finding bandanas (I wanted a couple for when I am just around the house or want to run down and get the mail or something, we turned to the internet. Anyway, after we came back we went to this website www.headcovers.com and they had the cutest caps for reasonable. I went under turbans and on page three found an adorable cap called the Emily. Love the old time lace look of it and the price wasn't bad either. So I have decided most of my shopping for head gear is going to be online. I live in Florida (hot as heck here right now) and all of the stores already have winter hats out so that isn't going to help me at all.
I have felt a connection with you since first posting because we are so close in the same time frame in starting our treatments (and everything else that goes along with it). You are going through all the things that I am going to be feeling (and am already) and reading your posts has helped me a lot.
I hope you start feeling better from the chemo soon.
Love and Light,
Vicki0 -
What is itReikigemgirl said:Laura....
I hope they get your meds straightened out soon. That is one that you need, now especially. I was to get my port last week but the insurance company said no, they won't authorize it until after they get the results back from my pet scan to o.k. the next step. Since I have my appointment with my oncologist Tuesday to get the results and my chemo treatment plan, they said they can then put my port in on Thursday. They had wanted me to start chemo next week but now I'll see what the oncologist says when I go in Tuesday, if he'll wait until after they put the port in.
I went headcovering shopping a little yesterday with my daughter. After looking in a few stores and only finding bandanas (I wanted a couple for when I am just around the house or want to run down and get the mail or something, we turned to the internet. Anyway, after we came back we went to this website www.headcovers.com and they had the cutest caps for reasonable. I went under turbans and on page three found an adorable cap called the Emily. Love the old time lace look of it and the price wasn't bad either. So I have decided most of my shopping for head gear is going to be online. I live in Florida (hot as heck here right now) and all of the stores already have winter hats out so that isn't going to help me at all.
I have felt a connection with you since first posting because we are so close in the same time frame in starting our treatments (and everything else that goes along with it). You are going through all the things that I am going to be feeling (and am already) and reading your posts has helped me a lot.
I hope you start feeling better from the chemo soon.
Love and Light,
Vicki
with insurance sometimes? Hello,yes we're cancer patients and we need all of this!Upsets me when I hear about people having a hard time getting their anti-nausea or pain pills or even chemo sometimes because of their insurance!0
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