Headaches

[IrvineFriend]

Hi Ladies,

Since I started chemo, I have the headache of the century. I call it headache (singular) because it's been non-stop since starting chemo 6-weeks ago. I've searched prior threads and haven't seen a lot posted on this. I take Rx strength ibuprofen and it dulls the pain a few hours and then it's back. My onc scheduled a MRI to be safe but I'm really not worried it's anything but a chemo SE. I've tried all kinds of OTC things and they don't work. I'm hesitant to ask for a narcotic because of the type of work I do. BTW, I don't normally get headaches so this is making me extra cranky. I'm starting to really understand the tired of being tired posts. I went hiking on Saturday (butt buster) and I've NEVER been this out of shape in my life, even after high risk babies. And I regreted it because I was sore afterwards and I really wanted a week that I feel good. Just thankful I really wasn't bothered by the neupogen injection in the hospital. Seems I always feel a baseline of "crappy". Looking for what has worked. I have total respect for you woman who have gone through this. Had no idea! You're all awesome!!! I would be LOST w/o you.

- Julie

[Jackie07]

Julie,

Headache is on the list of Herceptin side effects http://www.herceptin.com/breast/ Glad your doctor is taking precautionary measures. But it looks to me you have been way too 'active' while getting treatment.

Besides hiking, working, doing ... etc., you've got to give yourself plenty of time to rest. I used to sleep two full days on the weekend after my Thursday afternoon infusion (was able to work on Friday.)

The third week after infusion is probably the easiest week. It might be the best time to do the things you like.

Leisure walk is really the best exercise, in my opinion. But I wouldn't do more than 30 minutes in a stretch.

Hope your headache will improve soon.

Sending you good vibes.

[NEDenise]

Hey!
I don't think the MRI will show anything tragic...but I'm glad you're getting it anyway. It's a good baseline picture, just in case...heaven forbid...somewhere waaaaaay down the line...they need to compare scans.

Hope you get some relief soon...headache pain is the worst!
Denise

[KDR]

Hi,
Do you have a Chinese market near you? Kwan Loong Oil is amazing for headaches. That's what I use, although I don't get them often. Rub the oil on your forehead and under your nostrils, but don't get any in or near your eye. When I do experience headaches, they are (and always have been) behind the eye and painful to the point of tears.

Another tried and true remedy for some is a glass of Coca Cola and then closing your eyes in a dark room.

Be well, feel good,
Karen

[carlatte7]

I have had migraines for 28 years...and was always afraid of having an aneurysm, thinking it was JUST a migraine...well, TCH made me feel super headachy for about a week after. Am only on VitH now and its much better. The good news...evidently cancer trumps migraines because i havent had one in almost a year! Glad you are looking into it though.

[IrvineFriend]

KDR, I'll give the herbs a try. I believe in Eastern medicine. I'm frustrated as this has been my recovery week but the headache won't go away. I was in the hospital last week and they gave me vicodin because of the neupogen shot and it was wonderful but don't want to do that for a long time. Thanks for the advise from all.

-Julie

[lkc Gumby]

Hi Julie, what helped for me was drinking ALOT of water the day before , and morning of my infusion and also taking extra strength Ibuprophen a hour before the infusion started.
If I took the IB after the infusion it didn't help.

[KDR]

Julie-Kwan Loong Oil is an oil. No herbs. Among some of the ingredients: menthol, eucalyptus.

Good luck
Karen

[IrvineFriend]

Was getting my infusion today and another patient was on her way to pick up a night guard to prevent grinding her teeth (also causing headaches). What do you know, my other complaint has been my teeth hurting and I've been chewing down pens and pencils like a rodent due to all this stress. So I think the mystery of the non-stop headache is solved - hopefully.

I'm picking up a night guard as I do grind my teeth at night and onc. prescribed lorazepam for the anxiety while we see if this is the problem. I catch myself grinding my teeth now during the day as well.

Cancer does = stress

Thanks all!