I read somewhere that hair loss would occur after two weeks of chemo. The doctors and specialists really have that one under control. My last chemo was on December 11. My hair started falling out on December 25--exactly 14 days after chemo. I wonder why everything else is variable for treatments, but the hair thing!
At first, several strands of hair would come out when I brushed my hair. Then, the floodgates opened, and gobs of hair would come out when I brushed, washed, touched, slept on, or in any way had contact with my hair. I have enough hair in my bathroom trash can to house several bird, rat, or mouse families for quite a while. What I don't have is hair on my head.
I decided I needed to get rid of the hair if I didn't want to be overrun with strands of hair everywhere. My hairdresser shaved it all off on New Year's Eve.
I thought losing my hair would be the one thing that wold do me in. Amazingly, it felt like just another thing to be endured. I didn't cry, I didn't freak out, I just made the appointment and moved on.
So maybe this whole thing will be ok.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Friday, January 2, 2015
Cancer, the gift that keeps giving
It's not bad enough that I have cancer. A rare, aggressive form of cancer.
I also have to have all of the side effects that cancer brings. Sort of like a gift that keeps giving. Like what, you ask?
Acid reflux. A hot burning, feeling right by the breastbone. Have to eat small meals. If I eat too much, I burp (a lot) and the fire intensifies. Had to start taking Prilosec to control it.
Cough. A "can't stop coughing no matter what" kind of cough. I (and Bob) am awake for six nights kind of cough. Try three or four different kinds of medicine cough. The best medicine was Robitussin DM PM. I was asleep about 30 minutes after I took that.
Loss of sleep. See above.
Boils. I don't know If I can attribute the boil to cancer, because it started before I started chemo. But they are caused by a compromised immune system, so I think it counts. I had this red, inflamed, lump on my chest for about two weeks before I figured out what it was. Yup, a quick Google search, and the first picture looked exactly like what I had. Still not gone, but getting better.
And finally, hair loss. Which started on Christmas, can you believe it? All my long, beautiful, not-my-own colored hair is leaving my head by the handfuls. All of my clothes, pillows, sheets, and the floor are covered with gobs of hair. I guess I should have taken care of it sooner to avoid all of that. I had my head shaved on New Year's Eve. I actually have a fairly decent head, no bumps or indentations. It is somewhat startling to see me in the mirror after I shower. I actually look a lot like my cousin, Bruce.
Not sure what else the cancer and the treatment will bring. Hopefully no more gifts.
I also have to have all of the side effects that cancer brings. Sort of like a gift that keeps giving. Like what, you ask?
Acid reflux. A hot burning, feeling right by the breastbone. Have to eat small meals. If I eat too much, I burp (a lot) and the fire intensifies. Had to start taking Prilosec to control it.
Cough. A "can't stop coughing no matter what" kind of cough. I (and Bob) am awake for six nights kind of cough. Try three or four different kinds of medicine cough. The best medicine was Robitussin DM PM. I was asleep about 30 minutes after I took that.
Loss of sleep. See above.
Boils. I don't know If I can attribute the boil to cancer, because it started before I started chemo. But they are caused by a compromised immune system, so I think it counts. I had this red, inflamed, lump on my chest for about two weeks before I figured out what it was. Yup, a quick Google search, and the first picture looked exactly like what I had. Still not gone, but getting better.
And finally, hair loss. Which started on Christmas, can you believe it? All my long, beautiful, not-my-own colored hair is leaving my head by the handfuls. All of my clothes, pillows, sheets, and the floor are covered with gobs of hair. I guess I should have taken care of it sooner to avoid all of that. I had my head shaved on New Year's Eve. I actually have a fairly decent head, no bumps or indentations. It is somewhat startling to see me in the mirror after I shower. I actually look a lot like my cousin, Bruce.
Not sure what else the cancer and the treatment will bring. Hopefully no more gifts.
Cycle 1, Week 2
Thursday, December 11 was my second experience with chemotherapy.
On the second week of each cycle, I get two drugs: Gemzar and Taxotere. The Gemzar takes 30 minutes to infuse, and the Taxotere, 60 minutes. In between getting these drugs, I get saline to flush my veins and steroids to prevent swelling and reactions. The drugs are monitored by a machine that beeps, clicks, and shrieks the entire time.
Taxotere belongs to a class of chemotherapy drugs called plant alkaloids, which are made from plants. The taxanes are made from the bark of the Pacific Yew tree (taxus).
For being natural substances, this drug packed a wallop. Based on the first cycle, the day after chemo (officially called Day 2) I felt I could take on the world. Day 3 and Day 4 found me in bed, but by Day 5 (Monday) I was able to go to work and be productive. After the Taxotere, I was dragging on Day 2, and in bed for Days 3-6. I haven't felt energetic since.
I spoke to the oncology nurse and she was going to talk to the oncologist about tweaking the dosage. She also said not to get my hopes up, because there is so little is known about my type of cancer that he might not want to deviate from known protocols too much.
Gotta love the fact that I am so special!
On the second week of each cycle, I get two drugs: Gemzar and Taxotere. The Gemzar takes 30 minutes to infuse, and the Taxotere, 60 minutes. In between getting these drugs, I get saline to flush my veins and steroids to prevent swelling and reactions. The drugs are monitored by a machine that beeps, clicks, and shrieks the entire time.
Taxotere belongs to a class of chemotherapy drugs called plant alkaloids, which are made from plants. The taxanes are made from the bark of the Pacific Yew tree (taxus).
For being natural substances, this drug packed a wallop. Based on the first cycle, the day after chemo (officially called Day 2) I felt I could take on the world. Day 3 and Day 4 found me in bed, but by Day 5 (Monday) I was able to go to work and be productive. After the Taxotere, I was dragging on Day 2, and in bed for Days 3-6. I haven't felt energetic since.
I spoke to the oncology nurse and she was going to talk to the oncologist about tweaking the dosage. She also said not to get my hopes up, because there is so little is known about my type of cancer that he might not want to deviate from known protocols too much.
Gotta love the fact that I am so special!
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