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Christina_55's avatar
Christina_55
Member
9 years ago

Starting chemo

Hi Ladies,   well I got results back from surgeon.  12mm Grade 2  invasive ductal cancer, all clear margins.   DCIS, 10mm High grade.  ER/PR neg HER2 +.   Had to go back for 2nd surgery to get better margins for DCIS and also have had an infusaport inserted.   Day 2 after surgery, still painful to move shoulder near infusaport but coping ok.

I am starting chemo on 5th Sept and having 3 cycles of FEC 100, 3 cycles of Docetaxel and Trastuzumab (Herceptin) for the next 12 months. And sometime after finishing chemo I will be starting Radiation. (Drs appointment for this is 14th Aug).  Been told will lose my hair, gone through all the side effects that can happen. 

Got myself a wig from the cancer council in Launceston.  They have been marvellous.   Looking at buying turbans, scarves etc.  Also planning on getting my hair cut.   Any advice on having it shaved - like how short do you go, before it falls out.  My hair is shoulder length and the oncologist said it will come out in clumps.

Well until I start my "chemo cocktail" stay happy and keep smiling :)  Christina

 

 

chemotherapy
dcis
  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hey Christina!

    Glad at least your surgery is done and you have your results now! FEC seems to be the main one where you lose all your hair my Oncologist told me. I had long blonde hair and I cut it up short to the neck before my first infusion, within the week Id wake up with hair strung all over my pillow, Id shampoo and just be losing it all in the shower, then Id brush and it was literally just falling out. So I rang my hairdresser and I saw her immediately, she buzzed cut it. Really was the best thing as then when it fell out you didnt notice it as it was stubble, so like a No. 1 buzz cut. 

    Sounds like youre well in front and positive, good luck with the chemo, it is different for everyone. Just make sure you communicate constantly with your team, and stay on top of everything with medication. Its hard going but you can do it. Only thing I learnt was to be flexible and have no expectation of how your life will be, just be nurturing and kind to you. 

    Im 8 months post chemo now and a full head of hair thick and curly LOL, had 2 haircuts now and color, Im on my way to a new normal. so within a year of you starting chemo you'll be back to having your hair. 

    All the best.

    Melinda xo

  • LITHGOW1950's avatar
    LITHGOW1950
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Christina, well done, so good that surgery is now out of the way. You will be fine on chemo, we are all different but one thing is the same that is it's important to look after yourself, rest, drinks lots of water and walk only when you feel like it.

    I had a bob hair style, very thick hair and it started falling out in clumps so my dear husband gave me a very short hair cut.....and I cried!! Anyways I never lost it all, mind you it was only 1/2 a centimetre in length. And I did not have any scalp problems.

    You sound very organised with wigs etc.  my dear friend crocheted me lots of little hats.  And she made them for other ladies having chemo. I didn't wear the wig as much as I though I would but it's nice to put on when you go out for dinner.

    take care, Anne-Marie ??

  • InkPetal's avatar
    InkPetal
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hello Christina, 

    It sounds like you're holding it together like the champion!

    Ugh, a second surgery, and having a port put in while you're still healing from it - what a pain. At least it sounds like you're getting 4 weeks separation between rounds, that's going to be far more comfortable for you.

    Heads up that your hair won't likely just fall out like an animal sheds, it can be extremely irritating - itchy, rashy, blistery etc. It might come out very slowly or comically fast, it may fall out altogether or just thin all over. Go with your gut and take the shave when you feel it's time. Personally, if I could go back knowing what I know now I'd have shaved it all of the second it started to fall and the irritation set in just so I could keep it clean and moisturised from the onset.

    Absolute best of luck for a smooth first round.

    xo Rebecca.