1st treatment

[Cathya]

Hi;

I also used small caps at night as I like the room cold. I found the first treatment the worse. It is amazing what you can get used to. The first time I walked into the chemo room....about 40 beds and chairs.....it took my breath away and I remember think it was going to be hard not to admit I might be sick after this....lol. Once my hair really started to fall out I had a hairdresser clip it all off...that was better as the little roots kind of hurt as they come out....perhaps itch is a better word. I lost my body and head hair on AC and my eyebrows and lashes on Taxol. There is a "look good feel better" program which is cool....they give you lots of makeup, creams and stuff and advice for how to do wigs etc. It was nice to meet with others locally going through the same thing. Ask at the chemo room as they'll know how to hook up with it. The free package is worth a couple hundred dollars.....which impressed me....lol. Watch out for constipation at first. I suffered with the first one and after that I took these little red capsules each day and was fine. The first treatment is quite a shock to your body....it also adapts. Don't drink tomato juice....it made me throw up. Keep us posted on your journey.

Cathy

[rinaina]

My oncology nurse called to find out when the next program or presentation would be but it isn't until July 17 or something so I was really disappointed but still plan on attending with my daughter. I also have a book on wigs and scarfs and caps so I will check those items out too. Thanks and I just love that I found this forum. Can't imagine doing this alone.
I am feeling great so far,,,,two days following first tx.
Rina

[Bev]

Hey Rina,

When I bought my wig, they had a package deal for wig shampoo, head coverings etc.

Bandanas, groovy scarves from the 80's ( that I wore around my neck or waist) also work. As it's summer you may do without.

It's been 9 mos since I began chemo. I have enough hair to keep me warm in summer but I feel it's not long enough to look like any style someone would purposely have done. So spend what your budget allows as you will be in this stage for awhile. Don't forget to check if your insurance pays for the cranial prosthesis. BB

[rinaina]

I might have gone a little overboard with the wig thing but heck, I have to make fun of this right? I bought this inexpensive but human hair, one piece headband and hair attached, shoulder length to wear strictly to the health club,(G-d willing I will be able to go and workout) It looks as if it would be my hair,(although different hair color, my natural color), with a thick black headband that can act as a sweatband...cheap only $35. I also bought two other fashion wigs, one synthetic replicating my highlighted hair only a bit shorter and with bangs and then I bought a human hair wig replicating my hair exactly only that will require maintenance and I don't know if I am going to like that part of it. What do any of you thing about that? It's so easy with synthetic wigs because it's low maintenance, although they do have their problems with heat and all. Oven doors, cook tops etc. Feedback would be appreciated if it isn't too much trouble. Also did a lot of you lose your eyebrows and eyelashes too. I am on A/C for chemo now followed later by taxol and herceptin.

Thanks for everything you guys are the best.
Rina