Breast Cancer Now Forum

@Loubie25 I feel you about the hair loss. As if we don’t have to go through enough…almost all of mine is gone, just a fuzzy baby chick head (so not even sexy and totally bald)...I just finished by 3rd (of 4) rounds of TC and hoping to wrap on July 26. 6 weeks radiation starts August 22 if I stay on track and avoid Covid and every other thing under the sun. I’m grateful for the beautiful weather we are having in the Midwest (I’m in the states), but feeling lonely and isolated that I cannot go to street festivals and parties and the like. Trying to remember this WILL be done soon and I’m lucky that I’m halfway through. But the darn hair loss lasts…Hair doesn’t grow that quickly!….I’m not a short hair person and although I have a wig, it just feels I won’t be able to get away from the “cancer feeling” as long as my appearance isn’t what it “should” be, you know? thank you for all your posts and sharing. It makes me feel so much less alone. xoxo, redbean ... View more

@flower77  Just want to say I’ll be thinking of you! I’m halfway through my chemo cycles and I was terrified for the first one. It was not bad at all (my imagination was way scarier), but I absolutely know the apprehension you are feeling. My May chemo starter group has been so helpful to me. I had a very similar surgery to yours (although I needed re-excision which was thankfully successful!) as well. This group will send you amazing vibes, advice, and prayers (if you want!). Take care and know I am thinking of you! ❤️ -Redbean ... View more

Anyone else having trouble after getting a buzz cut? I had it buzzed nearly two weeks ago (hair started falling out in earnest about 14 days after first TC infusion). Wish I had taken pics then because it looked cute compared to what it looks like now. Patchy and very thin and fuzzy. But itchy! I wash the little that’s left every day or every other day, but it is still super uncomfortable. At least it isn’t as tender as it was…any advice? Thanks! ... View more

@Loubie25  sending you love and encouragement! Just buzzed my head yesterday after a week of long strands of hair everywhere. I worked from home Friday just because I couldn’t take going to work another day and needing to find a wastebasket every time I had a clump of hair to toss! (FYI much easier in the car—just opened the window!) We can say up and down that we are beautiful inside and out (which IS true and YOU ARE!), but I felt like every time I lost more hair, some of that beauty was taken away and I couldn’t reclaim it in any way. Does that make sense? And then losing it all yesterday….got a kick ass wig but still isn’t my hair. Feels like I’m borrowing someone’s head!  Best advice that other BC survivors have given me is to take it one day at a time. I struggle with that as a rule, but there are some days it feels freeing to embrace that mindset. Even if it’s just to get through the darn day!  Back to the hair loss: Amazon has gorgeous scarves at super inexpensive prices. I bought a couple to match fave dresses and that was a good cheer up. Also eyeing some Liberty of London scarves on eBay….jealous if y’all are able to find them at your thrift shops! (Remember I’m in the States) Wishing you all love and strength and resilience.  XOXO, redbean ... View more

@Soggs52  I’m on TC chemo. Day 14 and I just had long strands of hair come out when I brushed it pre bed. I color my hair so I’m used to breakage lol but this was long strands. My second infusion is June 14 so I had scheduled an after-hours haircut with my hairdresser, husband, and my two daughters! They’re excited to give me the chop! But I’m so darn sad. I don’t even have great hair! I hope I can make it til then. 10 more days?? I’m not on here too often but am grateful for all of you and the love and strength I feel here. XOXO, Redbean ... View more

@woodfire27  I’m not cold capping but dreading the day it all starts coming out. I am 3 days into my 1st TC cycle. Mouth and tongue and throat feel swollen but nothing hurts too much. Vigilant on toothbrushing and rinsing and hope that keeps some of the mouth sores away. My hairdresser offered to open her salon after hours after my second infusion so my girls (11& 15) can help cut my hair! (They actually want to lol) I just don’t want to look sick—does that make sense? So I plan to wear a wig to work, at least. It’s enough wearing a lymphedema sleeve (minor swelling post surgery, not sure if it’s lymphedema yet) and then the hair. So many emotions and heading into US Memorial Day weekend I am lamenting all the gardening and cooking and socializing and hiking I would normally do. I am not one to feel sorry for myself but it is not always easy to rally when so much is pushing you down! Thank you for all your support and kind words. I’m grateful I found this thread. We got this! ❤️❤️❤️ ... View more

  Pushkin and me! Oh you will be amazing! Have faith and courage—sending you love from here. The nurses are so kind and at least at my hospital, nothing was rushed which helped keep me calm. I brought a little stuffed animal with me (maybe silly, who cares?)—it’s Ghost from Game of Thrones, which I’ve never actually had the guts to watch but looks remarkably like our pet Samoyed (except for the crazy red eyes). When I had to go back to the office after 14 months of lockdown, my husband gave him to me as a gift! Point is, take something to do and something that makes you smile. Maybe something to hug!     ... View more

It wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be! I’m in the states (but I’ve been drawn to groups in the UK!) so in for my Neulasta injection right now (pegfilgrastim). Seems like most posts I’ve seen on here had filgrastim? I also take decadron one more time and haven’t been able to sleep much. My nurse suggested melatonin or Tylenol PM. Wonder if tomorrow I’ll feel like yuck? Went to work today and it felt good. Thank you so much for asking. ❤️ Teresa ... View more

Oh thank you!! I am new to this and didn’t realize that was a thing. Grateful for your reply!  ... View more

I know this post was from a few years ago but I am in a similar boat with chemo. ILC, grade 2, 1 positive lymph node, ER/PR +, HER2-, oncotype of 25, premenopausal. lumpectomy and SNLB (1 positive out of 4), successful re-excision with clear margins. Initially thought surgery, radiation, tamoxifen. Lymph node and oncotype moved me into chemo territory. Also doing 4 rounds of TC starting Tuesday, May 24, 2022. If anyone sees this, please send some goodwill this way! ❤️ ... View more