Questions about chemo

Head shave went well-not bad at all! Like you, my kids did all the chopping and loved it! Think they were getting their own back for all the bad hair cuts I have given them! They didn't do the shaving but enjoyed making some crazy hair styles along the way! I will make sure I do my make up as normal but have heard that mascara can pull eyelashes out? Will invest in some nice lip glosses, dangly earrings and big sunnies!

Hope the head shave went ok.....I got my kids involved with that...made it a fun event rather than traumatic to see Mum with no hair!

Good luck with the school run! I still surprise people with my head scarf who haven't seen me at school or shops etc. & my hair went mid November. It is a daunting & challenging experience but  I always make sure to dress nicely & wear my makeup - it is good for others who perceive that chemo makes you look & feel sick to understand it is not always like that anymore......

BTW....I thought my eyebrows survived the chemo but after my last chemo they really thinned out heaps....thank goodness for a fabulous eyebrow pencil! I know Robyn lost hers same time as her hair.

Anyway, hope you continue to feel great (I felt fine with them all.....just a few hiccups along the way - check out my blogs if you want!) Big hug - Jen x

 

Hi

I'm just the same as you - I'm private and hate people knowing my business but it'll be obvious to everyone I meet now that I have cancer. I had my first chemo 10 days ago so I'm actually shaving my head this afternoon so I have the weekend to get used to it before I have to face doing the school run on Monday morning! Not many people know and as I'm still feeling normal and looking normal, no one would suspect anything! I think it'll also be the final step in acceptance....like I said, I still feel fine (have only had very mild nausea for a couple of days after chemo) but I know that I'll look like a 'sick person'. It's hard to remember there's anything wrong with you when you feel so good but the baldness will be a little reminder! On the plus side, my hair is in really bad condition at the mo so could do with a short cut!

Laura

I agree with Robyn except I had ice gloves on my hands provided by the unit, and put packs of frozen peas on my toes during the Taxol infusions. My nails are really good. No ridges or blackening after 4 rounds of TC. Another lady I heard of, who couldn't get ice gloves did the same pea thing with her hands and it worked ok. I used to take a small eskie with all my frozen peas and icy poles to suck with me. I understand I looked weird. But it worked. I also swear by high MGO Manuka honey for preventing mouth and throat problems. Our group had lunch with a lady who had used a cold cap and still had her hair. Hopefully she will see your blog and respond. Good luck. It is doable but no picnic .... Keep up the nausea meds they prescribe. Love. Julie

I agree with Robyn except I had ice gloves on my hands provided by the unit, and put packs of frozen peas on my toes during the Taxol infusions. My nails are really good. No ridges or blackening after 4 rounds of TC. Another lady I heard of, who couldn't get ice gloves did the same pea thing with her hands and it worked ok. I used to take a small eskie with all my frozen peas and icy poles to suck with me. I understand I looked weird. But it worked. I also swear by high MGO Manuka honey for preventing mouth and throat problems. Our group had lunch with a lady who had used a cold cap and still had her hair. Hopefully she will see your blog and respond. Good luck. It is doable but no picnic .... Keep up the nausea meds they prescribe. Love. Julie

I had TC chemo,and didn't find it too bad at all .I am pretty sure that TC is one of the regimes that you WILL lose your hair,so I had my head shaved 4 days before chemo.I am so glad now that I did it that way,because when your hair starts to come out,your scalp is sore to touch,and it is just one thing out of the way beforehand.My oncologist actually suggested it.I didn't have a port,so. I can't help you there.I painted my nails black,but they still changed color a bit,and now,10 weeks past chemo,some of my nails are half off.However they are not getting worse,and as they grow,they are looking better.Try not to worry too much.The most important things,are,remember to drink LOTS of water,try to get out and walk EVERY day,as it helps you feel less fatigued.Get a good mouth wash(I used Biotene mouthwash ) and also Biotene toothpaste as it is mild in your mouth.Eat what you feel like the first week,stay away from too many people the 2nd week,and the 3rd week you usually feel almost back to normal! All the best,and let us know how you are going.Cheers xoxo Robyn

I had TC chemo,and didn't find it too bad at all .I am pretty sure that TC is one of the regimes that you WILL lose your hair,so I had my head shaved 4 days before chemo.I am so glad now that I did it that way,because when your hair starts to come out,your scalp is sore to touch,and it is just one thing out of the way beforehand.My oncologist actually suggested it.I didn't have a port,so. I can't help you there.I painted my nails black,but they still changed color a bit,and now,10 weeks past chemo,some of my nails are half off.However they are not getting worse,and as they grow,they are looking better.Try not to worry too much.The most important things,are,remember to drink LOTS of water,try to get out and walk EVERY day,as it helps you feel less fatigued.Get a good mouth wash(I used Biotene mouthwash ) and also Biotene toothpaste as it is mild in your mouth.Eat what you feel like the first week,stay away from too many people the 2nd week,and the 3rd week you usually feel almost back to normal! All the best,and let us know how you are going.Cheers xoxo Robyn