Taxol chemo #6 is done and so far, so good. I'm already nervous about next week, because I have an ultrasound on Wednesday (the day after Taxol #7) to check to see if the treatment is working. So more anxiety to deal with. Also, I ordered some cheap hair clippers from Amazon because the pixie is coming out really fast now and I'm tired of finding hair on every surface in the house. I wore a scarf to treatment today and it really wasn't too bad, not that it matters. The hair is going so that's that. Sigh.
The treatment plan won't change, Faye. After I complete Taxol I'll get the full AC cycle unless I can't tolerate it for whatever reason. IBC gets the full treatment because of its aggressive (and recurring) nature. Believe me, I want them to throw everything in their arsenal at this as long as I can physically tolerate it. I am most worried about possible heart damage from the AC, but hopefully that won't be a thing. I'm pretty sure they just want a scan to see how it's going; some cancers don't respond to chemo or they keep growing during the process. Ugh. Plus, I have a consultation with the surgeon that same day and I'm sure she wants to have the latest scans to come up with a plan. My discussion with her is going to be "come to Jesus;" I am learning a lot about different surgical procedures and the possible horrendous side-effects from that.
The hair clippers were delivered today so... gulp... it's showtime! I have dreaded the bald head for a couple of months now, but it's time.
When you are ready...go get yourself some cute and sexy wigs in different styles and lengths. If life hands you lemons...make lemonade.
I haven't been saying much here because there really isn't anything I can say that would be of any help, and I hesitate to "like" your posts because I don't at all like that you are having to go through this, although I'm sure you'd understand that. I am so sorry that you are going through this, and pray that you will get through it with the cancer gone, but everything else in working order.
I have a couple of wigs but I probably won't wear them; around the house it will be baseball caps or scarves. (And I'm afraid the "sexy" ship has sailed. )
Thanks very much, Ken. I know that you understand every feeling I'm having these days, and I hope it doesn't bring up unhappy memories for you, or more fear. I have read that a cancer diagnosis can cause PTSD, and somehow that's not surprising.
I too hesitate to like your post but decided you understand it isn't that I like what you are going through, but I admire your courage to share it with us and hope my like gives you strength. It is a way to say I care when words fail me. My like is just saying thanks for sharing and please continue to do so.
The admiration goes both ways, girl. I know you have been through the cancer mill and you understand the terror and despair. I'm glad to have a place to share, and people who understand and offer kindness. As for courage... that is in short supply.
OK, it's wig time, everybody! When the hair comes back there won't be any more hair dye in my life, so I'll try to embrace the gray (again). I'm going to have to practice with these wigs, since I don't have hair to "clip" them in place. I should have held the phone up higher.
Looking great! I think I may go to a wig if I can look that good. Gray looks awesome on you! Have you tried one with bangs?
Thanks, Faye... you are too kind. Yes; I have a "bob" that has bangs. Here are the two I bought; the one on the right I'm wearing above. I have gone gray before, then colored it again, and since Covid had pretty much let it go gray again. The wigs are very close to my natural color.
@Beth Gallagher I lost all my red hair this past year . With the autoimmune disease and meds it did a number on me head.But I like my grey hair now and you will get use to yours. Glad not to have to dye my hair anymore. You look great !