just starting

well I had my second chemo treatment on 2/3 - didn't feel too good until this afternoon.  Smells are starting to affect me negatively.  I had some breakfast and then I wasn't able to eat the rest of the day yesterday - had a bite or two at dinner then back to bed.  Stayed home from work today - in bed - starting to feel better. 

I've also started having some swelling in my left arm lympodema - not sure what to do for it except keep my arm elevated - I'll call my doctor tomorrow. 

When I was diagnosed of course I was in a state of shock.  It was like a dream - I didn't know what to do - who to tell.  I was at the office - I told my dear friend who I work with (she took the call from the doc) and then I told my sister in law who is also my boss and another friend who was in her office with her who is dealing with prostaste cancer - we all had a cry and then I bolted out of there.  I called my husband and had him come to the office and then I told him.  He was as shocked if not more so.  I found myself comforting him.  I didn't tell my other co workers right away - I wanted to see the doctor and have more infomation and have  a plan before I told them.  That was the

Wednesday before Thanksgiving.  Had a whole house of company for the holiday - wasn't planning on telling them - didn't want to put a damper on the day - wound up my  husband told his brother and aunt  and nephew over the course of the weekend.  I called my sister and she was going to fly down for the surgery the following week.  Kind of a whirlwind week!!

The surgery was fine - recoup went well.  Did not have reconstruction - not sure I will.  Did you have reconstruction???  Will you share your experience??  Thanks for listening

Yeah - my scalp hurts as well.  When I touch my hair it hurts.  More hair is in my brush so I think this weekend we will shave the head or at least cut it short.  we'll see!  It will be 3 weeks this coming Monday (the 4th) from my first treatment - so I guess the fall out is on schedule!

Thanks for the tip regarding the head covers - take care. 

PS Other than the hair loss and increased appetite, you doing okay??

Hey PJ - thanks so much for the info!  The hair is coming out heavier now so I must skip the short hair and go right to the shaving!

I live in South Texas - pretty warm.  I have heard from a couple of friends who are survivors that their bodies tended  to run cooler from loss of heat through your head.  Since I have what I call "tropical heat waves" (hot flashes) it might help me keep cool!

I'm trying to eat more protein and less carbs - that should help my appetite settle down - I hope.

What's your story?

I too decided to cut my hair as it was coming out by the handful.  My husband shaved it to a no. 3 and then the next day or so we went down to a buzz - the no. 3 hairs were all over the shower and my pillow.  now I still have dark stubble if you will and spots of bareness.  At least it stopped itching and tingling.  I really don't mind the hair being gone. 

I wear bandanas and when I have to the wig.  I prefer the bandanas but I need to wear the wig to work - I will gradually work in the bandanas!  I am glad to hear that the hair comes back somewhat quickly - is it the same texture, etc that it was?  

I just had my 2nd chemo this past Monday (2/4) so I have a while to go and then on to radiation.  Are you through with treatments???

Hi Lolo:

Good for you and how sweet that your husband helped you take control of your new look!!!   My first chemo was on Sept 13 and my last on Dec 27.  I was dose dense and had chemo every other Thursday.  I just finished radiation treatment #17 this morning and have 16 more to go!  So, I'm 3/4 into treatment.  I figure the last treatment is having my breast reconstructed sometime this fall and taking Tamoxifen for the next several years. 

Yes, my hair is coming back very quickly.  I have always eaten well, so maybe that has something to do with it.  Plus, prior to cancer my hair grew VERY fast.  I needed trims every 4 weeks; it grew a full inch every four weeks.  My stylist said there are vitamins in conditioners so I do rub conditioner on my scalp (plus it helps my scalp not to be too dry and tight) in the shower, and maybe that encourages hair growth.  My leg hair hasn't come back and I'm certainly not worried about that!  IT is still very short and so difficult for me to tell if it is coming back a different texture.  Some people tell me their hair came back curly at first, then reverted back to its original texture.  I just look at it as new cancer fun!!! 

Chemo is NOT fun and you need to just get lots of rest and attempt to eat.  I am divorced and so my sons were a huge help to me.  Plus friends would make soups and casseroles, freeze them and bring them over for us.  If I didn't feel like eating, my 15 year old certainly did...all the time!  My older some would come on weekends and clean the apartment, grocery shop, etc.  Good men.  Plus I find dogs incredibly theraputical.  My ex-husband "kidnapped" our dog, and so my friends would come get me and bring me back to their places just so I could relax on their sofas with their puppies.  What an incredible comforting joy that was.  And their antics always made me laugh - another great therapy. 

Great to hear from you Lola and never hesitate to reach out if you have questions, concerns, fears or tears. 

Kaye

Lolo:

Lymphedema can be a serious condition for breast cancer survivors (and others).  I had a complete dissection (removal) of the right axillary (armpit).  I had one positive node from which my surgeon did a biopsy prior to surgery and in our surgery planning session, I agreed that once he was in there, he should do as he deemed necessary.  Even though only two nodes were positive (out of 24), he removed the entire system.  Which was fine with me.  I have had no swelling in my arm.  Discuss any swelling with your surgeon.  You might need and I would suggest physical therapy.  I'm told that physical therapists massage the arm thereby moving the fluid out of the arm. 

It is very important though that you discuss this with your surgeon.  He or she would be the one best able to determine how to address any symptoms of lymphedema. 

I've begun to gently work my arm using just 2 pounds weights.  I enjoy kayaking and canoeing in the summer and I want to make sure my arm is in good shape.  This however; is with the knowledge and encouragement of my surgeon and oncologists.  Everyone should check with their team before attempting anything since every surgery is different. 

Hang in there Lolo!!!   Keep asking - knowledge is power! 

Kaye

PS - remember, no blood pressure, blood taken, injections, etc on the arm from which you had the lymph nodes removed!   You might want to look into getting the American Cancer Society's health alert bracelet to that effect.  It's important.  I'm sure other places sell the bracelets too, I just like the American Cancer Society's.