Got a Little Cocky!!

Hi Andrea,

Just wanted to give you another heads up...at my first treatment of Taxol and Herceptin they gave me a big IV shot of Benedryl in case of allergic reaction....it was like being drunk!  I started slurring when I talked and basically passed out....hilarious...I had to have my husband come pick me up cause I couldn't drive.  I've heard that that happens to some...one friend called it "DWI" - "drooling while infusing"...so, be prepared!  Good luck and is it "congratulations"? on the Taxol??  That meant halfway through to me and was a very good thing!

Take Care,

Koponen

Hi Koponen - thanks for another useful heads up.  I live some distance away from the hospital so I usually plan to get a taxi. But I guess I should warn my friend who usually comes along for support!  And yes, it is the halfway mark.  Another good reminder, because the side effects of my first regimen (FEC) increased cumulatively as time went on and I've been feeling a bit sorry for myself.

By the way, you're lucky to have a choice of wigs you look good in - I discovered, alas, that I'm not one of those people who can wear lots of differerent colors and styles!  And that I'm too conventional (or maybe just too old) to flaunt my bald head outside my own home.

All the best.

Hi Andrea,

Hopefully you will find, as I have, that the Taxol is a little easier...yes, there are still side effects to deal with.  But we're on the count down now!!

As far as wigs go...in all truth, I found it rather devastating to loose my hair.  It is totally self protection for me to find humor in situations that are difficult.  It helps me to handle things to confront them "head on" (forgive the pun!).  It is 15 below outside right now where I live.  Going around bald is not really an option for me.  So I wear hats or wigs most of the time.  I have made a joke out of the wigs, again, for me, humor works.  I have my redhead-Tina Turner cut, my short brunette-Rod Stewart look, my long brunette-Connie Chung...my pink wig is just that - in your face - I am Woman I am Strong.  As far as "looking good"?  To be honest, I'm closer to 50 than 40...not sure anybody really looks good in a pink wig...but I usually get a positive response from people when I wear it and they ask me about it!

I'm not recommending that everyone go out and buy a pink wig...but I do recommend finding something that helps make you comfortable...go to a wig place and try some on...most places are very respectful of the situation and can give you privacy...or better yet...have them close early at the end of the day and bring friends and family in for a wig trying on party...that would be hilarious!  Also, I went to wigs.com for great deals...otherwise I could never have afforded this!  You might find something that works for you.

One pink wig -$35...the emotional return I get from it-priceless!

You take care and again...congratulations on being HALF WAY THROUGH!

Koponen

Hi Koponen,

I have the opposite problem, weatherwise. I'm at the bottom of the world, in New Zealand, and we're in high summer.  Air-conditioning in private homes isn't usual here because the heat isn't extreme, but it's still muggy and humid at night.  So although I always assumed that I would keep my head covered at all times, sleeping in even one of my lightweight caps is out of the question, and I've had to get used to looking at my bald self.  I don't go out bald though (much as I'd enjoy the shock value), as I'm also closer to 50 - in fact I'm on the other side of it.

I didn't find it as devastating as I expected to lose my hair.  Partly, I think, because I don't have the greatest hair to begin with - in fact my wig is an improvement!  Also, I know it will grow back.  (Unlike my breast, alas.)

Thanks again for your good wishes. 

Hi Cressida,

Congratulations on being halfway through!!!!   Excellent!  I have one left and I cannot wait!!!

I am so ready to be done....it is kind of funny....it is probably a good thing I have to go in every three weeks for awhile yet with the Herceptin...I think I would miss everyone down in infusion too much!! 

Hope things continue to go well with you!

Good Luck and take care,

Koponen (Sandy)

Hi Sandy,

Thanks for the encouragement.I'll have to go through six weeks of radiotherapy after I'm done with the chemos.Here's hoping you get through the rest of your treatment smoothly.I bet you will because your attitude is so positive.It's wonderful to share our feelings with others.Makes us realize we aren't alone.All the best.

                                                                 Cressida

Hi Cressida,

Sharing our feelings does make a difference.  I will absolutely state that there is no way I could have gotten through this so well without the support of the women on this website...

We are here for each other!!

Just take it one step at a time...

Take care!

Sandy (Koponen)

Hi Sandy,

You are 100 % correct.This website has been a great support.It makes things so much easier when you know there are so many brave women facing the same fears,hope and excitement at eventually nearing the end of the journey...and looking forward to being totally free of chemos and radiotherapy.Most important,believing we'll get well and be able to join the band of numerous survivors for whom life will hold that much more meaning for having been given a chance to experience some more of it.I'll keep you all posted about myself and shall keep visiting your shareposts to learn of your progress.

Cressida