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Erica_Shadiac's avatar
Erica_Shadiac
Member
12 years ago

After effects from Chemo

Still waiting for my hair to thicken up on top of my head! 8 weeks since chemo finished most of my hair is growing well. Soft and curly - never had curls in my life! Happy with wig for quite a while yet. 'Happy' as in not unveiling! NOT 'happy' when it warms up - just want to rip it off!

Have about 3 fingernails that are half 'dead' - the ends have changed colour and I have to be careful not to pull them up. Large toe nails are also 'dead'. But they are all still attached. Just being careful to ensure they don't lift off prematurely. Decided to paint my nails cos they don't look so good!!

Rashes on my hands have gone. One on my forearm is good but still showing.

Tastebuds back to normal!

Trying very hard to eat well (minimal sugar). Avoiding alcohol. Learning to like green tea!

Walking daily and started a 'Mindfulness' course to help switch off the chatter in my brain! Really good - helps me sleep!

 

2 Replies

  • Erica_Shadiac's avatar
    Erica_Shadiac
    Member
    12 years ago

    By now you would have finished Taxol, Vanessa! Yippee!

    The main nail giving me concern is one of the big toes. Very little is still attached. I have been putting a bandaid around it. The others are gradually growing out - half way now - so hopefully won't actually fall off. Tips are a bruised colour and not attached (so I paint them and keep them short).

    I see Martin every Monday at 4.40pm  after radio at 4.30pm. Into last week of general radio over whole breast wall area. Next week they just do along the scar - the boosters.

    I've been lucky so far. I rub on Sorbolene every morning and evening and after treatment. My skin doesn't look any different but does feel a bit sore and hot.

    The hair on the top of my head is now starting to come through!! I anticiapte wearing my wig well into next year for most of the time (work and social occasions). But I just wear a cap when out walking and nothing around the house. I want a decent length!! Not vain!! Haha

    Very glad you are getting away before Radio starts. Radio is quick, painless and, comparatively, an absolute piece of cake. Then just Herceptin every three weeks till mid next year....

    All the best!!

    Erica

  • Atlanta's avatar
    Atlanta
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Erica, just read the last few blogs you have posted. Funny thing about the hair isn't it? Mine is also growing at the back and sides but not on top. It's kinda like a man who has a receding hairline, bizarre! I wondered what happens to your fingernails, as I have one more Taxol to go (woohoo!) and my big toenails and some of my fingernails are starting to feel tender. How do you stop them from lifting off? Bandage? I too have Martin Borg for radiation. I see him on Monday. I gather he will give me the start dates then. Before I start radio I have planned a trip with my mum and brother to Sydney. I have been making sure I go somewhere and have a break between each treatment phase. I hope your radiotherapy continues to go well! Vanessa x