head to toe

Here's a report and a question, 11 weeks post-chemo.

I have hair! OK, so it's only 3/4 inches, but I am so gratefully done with hats and scarves. First, as others have reported, it was so fuzzy -- like kitten fur. I took to slicking it down with a thick skin cream and then a couple days ago I noticed it now looks more like hair than a cheap sweater. Maybe the skin cream did the trick. How did others deal with the fuzzy stuff?

Some hair (like my eyebrows!!!) seems thicker than ever and I swear those dark hairs on my chin are growing 10 times faster than my head hair.

That's the lighthearted and fun news. Now for the problems -- the worst lingering things are my neuropathy, and, I've been a wee bit emotional lately. I just read an article that one third of women with advanced gyn cancer suffer from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) AFTER finishing treatment. Maybe that's me.

Regarding the neuropathy, I posted this question in another thread but never got an answer, so I thought I'd repost it here:

Here's my big problem -- I can no longer wear shoes. This may seem laughable to those of you who live in climates where shoes and even boots are required, but down here we live in sandals and flip flops. My daily footwear is Birkenstocks which are wonderful because they give great support but are very unencumbering. However, I want to start a walking program, but I can't find shoes I can wear. My feet are now so sensitive and the skin seems to come off easily if there's any rubbing of shoe on foot. My feet are also very wide, so even before chemo I couldn't wear "normal" shoes -- only New Balance makes wide enough athletic shoes, but even those now wear on my heels. Someone here mentioned the Crocs specially made for neuropathies and I got them and like them but they wouldn't really work for exercise walking. Any advice???

In the mean time my main exercise is yoga, which thankfully is done barefooted!

I try to focus more on being liberated from hats and less on the neuropathy and crying jags -- we just have to keep on going and look for the positives, right?

Any help with shoe advice would be much appreciated.

Geniemiami,
Just yesterday I was being briefed for a new treatment with Doxil which evidently causes blisters where there is friction. One of the things they gave me were fluid filled shoe liners that will stay cool and reduce friction on the feet. I don't know where you would buy these as they come directly from the Doxil manufacturers to their patients. Have you tried any of the liners by Doctor Scholls or padding that can be purchased?

Have you asked for anything to help with the crying and emotional bursts? The atavan has really helped me with that. I was very surprised as to its effect and I only took a quarter tablet.

Good luck.

Oh Genie! I'm sorry to hear you are suffering from the neuropathy. Unfortunately, I can't share anything with you on this as I haven't had to experience it, but it sounds very frustrating!!

I'm so glad your hair is growing in! I'm not going to have to have further chemo at this time and I have to admit I was really upset at thinking I'd lose my hair. The only thing that did seem like a good thing is that I'd lose the body hair too and those silly hairs on my chinny chin chin. To find out they grow back just as annoyingly is crazy!!

You are SO SWEET and I hate to think about you crying and feeling bad. I had some anxiety problems while dealing with the side affects and pain of the internal radiations and I also got ativan. I only used it a few times and now I only use it when I go in for a pelvic exam because they are so painful. It really does calm my nerves and put me on an even keel. Maybe your doctor can give you something to help you there.

I hope you are otherwise feeling well. I think about you all the time!!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by geniemiami Here's my big problem -- I can no longer wear shoes. This may seem laughable to those of you who live in climates where shoes and even boots are required, but down here we live in sandals and flip flops. My daily footwear is Birkenstocks which are wonderful because they give great support but are very unencumbering. However, I want to start a walking program, but I can't find shoes I can wear. My feet are now so sensitive and the skin seems to come off easily if there's any rubbing of shoe on foot. My feet are also very wide, so even before chemo I couldn't wear "normal" shoes -- only New Balance makes wide enough athletic shoes, but even those now wear on my heels. Someone here mentioned the Crocs specially made for neuropathies and I got them and like them but they wouldn't really work for exercise walking. Any advice???

So glad that some things are looking brighter for you now! About shoes... I have wide and now a size 11 foot. Not easy to fit. I always relied on the sandals when I lived in Los Angeles. Now I am in the mountains so I have to wear shoes because of snow, and rocks, and stickers, and critters like snakes and scorpions!

I recently on eBay got some wide athletic shoes made by Soft Spot (out of Maine I think). They kind of look between walking shoes and nurses tennies/oxfords. The ones I got are a D width and they are almost too big. I therefore placed a memory foam insole in the shoe, along with the removable insole that come with the shoe. Pretty darn comfortable!

About the peeling/rubbing skin. Maybe try a second pair of socks. Hikers use two pairs. The ones next to your foot can be thin and snug, and hopefully they can whisk away the moisture. The outer pair can be thicker spongier for comfort and support. The idea here so that the socks rub and prevent that friction from happening to your skin. You can go to an outdoorsy supply site like sierra trading post, or REI and see what kind of socks they suggest. ...Just a thought.

Good luck with this!

Unfortunately I'm not sure what's available in the US* but there's a brand of shoes called Footprints that are made by the Birkenstock company that do really good exercise shoes. Also another brand called papillio. It might be worth contacting Birkenstock in the US about them.

As for socks - if you go to a specialist running shop there are socks that they make which are two layers and are made from a wicking fabric. The ones I have are wrightsock cool mesh. Or google for them, they are really good. I don't run as it makes me need to "go" urgently but I find the socks really comfortable. Also if you go to a running shop and explain what you need they may be able to help you with lightweight shoes that suit your feet. HTH

Z xx

*I used to work for the Uk distributor of Birkenstock

Hi Genie,
Are you taking extra B vitamins for the neuropathy? My gyn/oncologist said to take 50 mgs of B2, B6, B12, everyday. it took a month or longer but eventually it started getting better.

As for shoes, I ordered these and they are very comfortable:
http://www.footsmart.com/P-Spira-Wom...ers-70958.aspx
The whole website is shoes for people with problem feet. It's wonderful. I also got clarks sandals there and they've been wonderful too. I walked a lot in them last summer.

Best,
Janie

Hi, Genie,

I'm happy to hear the good news about your hair, but was very sorry to hear about your foot problems and neuropathy. I know you mentioned wanting to start a walking program, but I wanted to pass one other option along until your neuropathy improves and your feet feel better.

My gym at work recently closed for renovations and I signed up at a new gym where Pilates is offered at lunchtime twice a week. I had taken Pilates before, but have never had a core workout like I'm now getting. This instructor was trained by Joseph Pilates' protege and she is fantastic. It is probably the most challenging class I have ever taken. Like yoga, the class is done barefooted. You might want to consider the option of Pilates with a certified, well-trained instructor until you are able to start your walking program. I should add that I am finding this form of exercise very addictive, so I suspect if you are anything like me, you may keep it in your exercise routine even after beginning your walking program!!

Take care,

MoeKay

Hey Genie, I don't have any advice, but wanted to join in the celebration of the hair!!!

Oh, yes! Let's celebrate hair.

Mine looks just about like that too, though a bit shorter and light blonde with lots of white. Let's just say it's in an awkward stage.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Vega Hey Genie, I don't have any advice, but wanted to join in the celebration of the hair!!!

Hi Genie,

I finished up my chemo Nov 28 and I had a litlle neuropathy (hands feet and tongue) at my last round. It actually seemed to worsen in late January. Its getting better now. I usually feel good after yoga or light excercise (but mainly yoga). Aerobic type sneakers are the most comfortable. I also have a lot of hair. I have peach fuzz on my face that I never had before. My eyebrows are back but seem to have a mind of their own and need taming. My Dr. also recommended Vt B complex. I'm glad you're looking and feeling better

Marcia