Just a couple of questions

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to know if anyone else has their scalp itching like mad whilst their hair is coming out? Any advice? I wish I could be brave enough to have it all off, but I think I'm clinging on to it for as long as possible. Getting all the loose hairs off things is a bit of a pain - cellotape comes in handy at times.

I just had my second Chemotherapy (Carbo-Taxol) session on the 13th April and I felt poorly yesterday - tired and achy. It was worse than last time. Does it get worse every time?

I think I'm starting to get anxious over all sorts of pains and niggles wondering if it's something to phone the Doctor or hospital about. You're told to look out for certain things and to let them know if you feel unwell, but you don't know if it's something to be expected or that it's just paranoia. Today, I've had pain down the side of my left hand, and pain in a varicose vein. I expect everyone will say I'm being stupid, but if I phone the hospital where I'm having my treatment and they tell me to go in, it's such a long way to travel and we have no car. I have to rely on others, if anyone is available.

Sorry for being a pain.

Best wishes

Tubs

Itchy scalp is the warning that it's coming out--mine itched one day and I scratched and a hunk came out in my hand. Once it starts coming, it'll be faster and faster. As to your side effects--I found that each chemo was different from the other one. I had some where I felt awful and some that weren't bad at all. I still find that to this day. Don't assume that each chemo will be worse--your counts may take a bit to rebound but they watch those so carefuly. I'd at least call about the vein and hand--it may be nothing or a sign of a clot or neuropathy.

Hello Tubs!
I had the itchy scalp after my first chemo. It was painful to the touch too. I kept my scraggly hairs until last week when I noticed my hair was growing! Of course you have to look hard to see it,but its hair!!! I didn't want to cut those scragglers until I saw regrowth. The eyelashes are coming, I can feel them but can't see them.

The treatments do get easier. Did your Dr. up the dosage? That throws you a loop. I get weird pains. I think my lymph nodes are sizzling sometimes. . And aches between my knees and ankles, that whole bone.

I have #5 tomorrow. You won't believe this today but it goes by fast. Hang in there!

Hi Tubs,

Guess I was lucky with this also. I did not have an itching scalp but I definately would recommend keeping your hair and scalp clean at all times. I am a hair washing freak and my worst fear was that I would come out of the shower bald one day and that is exactly what did happen.

I also had 6 treatments of taxol and carboplatin. Days 2 and 3 after the chemo were the worst. Oh how I can remember that "bone pain" and I definately do sympathize with you.

Hang in there. There is a rainbow at the end of it all.

Rosalie

Thanks to everyone that replied to my post with their encouragement.

I saw the doctor about my painful vein. He said it was Phlebitis and gave me some cream to put on and told me to wear some support. It seems those sexy Anti Embolism stockings may be coming out again.

Has anyone else had the problem of painful veins in their legs when going through Chemo? I have had varicose veins for years starting after being pregnant with my second child, but I haven't had pain for a while.

I would appreciate anyone's thoughts.

Tubs