Posts by feralridge3

Since we're already on the subject of hair loss,
it seems like everyone here has dealt with losing their hair due to chemotherapy.
In my case, I underwent radiation on my head. Some of my hair stayed put, while other parts thinned out—though that specific part is actually growing back quite thick now. However, in the areas that received the most intense radiation, the hair is really struggling and remains quite sparse. It’s been seven months since I finished radiation.
Does anyone else have experience with this?
I can't help but wonder if the hair in those spots will ever fully grow back. 🤷
Because it's all so uneven, I've been cutting it down to a millimeter once a month, just waiting for the length to at least somewhat level out.

Angela Wright said:If you want my advice, just shave your head right now. That way, you won't deal with the absolute shock when the hair actually starts falling out, because let me tell you, it’s a sight to behold. Honestly, the visual part is much more jarring than the actual medical issue itself.
Everything is going to be fine, don't worry.🙂

This is actually solid advice. 😉
I used to view hair loss as some sort of minor, routine thing—nothing to get worked up about. I kept telling myself, "It'll grow back, no big deal," over and over again.
But then came that moment where I pulled a clump right out in my hand, and it was a complete system shock. Every time I ran my fingers through my hair, there would be another strand caught there. It was terrifying. 😢
If I ever have to go through this entire ordeal again, I'm cutting it all off the second I start my treatment.🙄

gentletiger46 said:I’ll admit, reading this has me feeling a bit paranoid. I am actually considering cutting my hair short—since I have chemotherapy coming up soon—but in my head, I’ve always pictured a stylish, short pixie cut rather than just going straight to being completely bald.😢😲😢 At what point did they actually cut their hair? When did things start falling apart? I mean, when exactly did this all begin? 🙂

🙂🙂

Look, you know, it’s really not all that bad. 😉 Just imagine how much you’d actually save on shampoo and all those other daily essentials. Honestly, if I hadn't blown all that extra cash on toilet paper, I’d probably be sitting on a fortune by now. 🤣

I used to have such long hair. I decided to cut it short right before my surgery, but then they went ahead and shaved part of my head during the procedure. As soon as I realized that the radiation therapy was going to cause my hair to fall out anyway, I just took matters into my own hands and shaved the whole thing off. Honestly, it’s a total nightmare—you’re constantly finding stray hairs all over your bedsheets, your clothes, and even on the floor. It never ends. 😠

Lisa White54 said:My wife went through something very similar before one of her chemo sessions, but she ended up receiving the treatment regardless. Your results don't look like massive deviations from the norm. I truly believe they'll proceed with your therapy.

I didn't dodge it; I received my dose. 🙄

Nancy Hernandez43 said:You know what... I just hope everything turns out okay! I truly mean it. Please let me know how it goes!!!!

There are a few discrepancies in the results.
Monocytes at 14 (normal range is 2-12)
Platelets at 137 (standard is 158 - 424)
MPV 10.9 (6.8 - 10.4)
Everything else falls within the expected limits.
I'm still dealing with this congestion, though it seems to be starting to clear up.
I am genuinely anxious to find out whether they’ll move forward with the chemotherapy or not. 🤷

Nancy Hernandez43 said:The blood work is what actually matters, regardless of how much you're pushing yourself! You need plenty of vitamins from fruits and vegetables... and I’m just crossing my fingers that tomorrow’s results come back looking good!

My mother hasn't had her treatment postponed twice yet due to poor blood counts, but after waiting seven days, everything bounced back. So, I truly believe that even if you don't make it in for chemo this time, you'll get it during the next scheduled session.

Up until now, every single one of my levels has been within the normal range.
I am not particularly worried about having to push my chemo back by a week,
it is more about the logistics—having a confirmed date for being readmitted to the hospital. If they delay the chemo, then my blood work won't be ready in time for surgery either, because the doctor based the entire surgical plan on the timing of the last chemo session. 😢
There was just enough time for me to catch the flu, and of all times, I have to deal with this right now when I really can't afford it. 😠

I’ve been hit hard by this flu—or maybe just a really nasty cold—and today marks day three. 😢
Tomorrow I have to go in for blood work, and then on Monday, I’m scheduled for chemotherapy.
The big question is: will they even let me through the door?
I’m desperately hoping that by Monday my congestion and all these other symptoms clear up, but honestly, I have no idea what my blood counts are going to look like.
They told me my chemo isn't particularly aggressive; it's just one dose every five weeks, administered straight into the vein in a matter of minutes.
Has anyone else dealt with a situation like this?

Nancy Hernandez43 said:She’s also recently taken a liking to pineapple 🤣—my father is losing his mind over it because he insists on eating "fresh" pineapple (as if it's alive or something!) for his entire dinner. Another recent development is her craving for salmon 🤣—I won't even describe how my father feels about having to eat salmon every other day... he's absolutely fed up with it. Mind you, salmon is actually quite beneficial since it's incredibly rich in omega-3 fatty acids and niacin (Vitamin B3, which is vital for cellular respiration).

pineapple? Someone told me it was good for you. I haven't had any in years, so I think I'll pick some up today.🙂
Oh boy, I can't stand fish. 😢
But, looking at the big picture, I have definitely improved my diet. When I think back to how much I used to devour gyro sandwiches, pizza, McDonald's, and Coke... now I rarely touch those things. Usually, I stick to home-cooked meals, plenty of fruit, and dairy products...
😁Anyway, I'm wasting time here when I really need to head to the farmers market to grab something for lunch.

corticosteroids. 😱
So, here’s my experience: I was on them via injection for three solid months. To be honest, I experienced just about every single side effect listed on the warning label. The bloating from that crap was unreal; I honestly looked like a parade balloon. 😁
I put on 20 pounds. 😢
A lady working at the oncology clinic told me I’d drop the weight quickly since it was mostly just water retention.
Well, I felt a momentary surge of optimism, but things didn't work out quite that smoothly for me. 🙂
The swelling eventually subsided after about three months, but the actual weight? That was a much harder battle, even after I started exercising as much as I could handle and overhauled my entire diet.
It’s been six months since I stopped taking the steroids, and I’ve managed to lose about 18 pounds. The weight loss is coming off evenly all over, which I'm quite pleased with.
Actually, "pleased" is an understatement—I am beyond thrilled. When I was at my heaviest, I could barely bend over without struggling. 🙂

Nancy Hernandez43 said:I have this gut feeling—and I truly believe—that if you're going to bother drinking juices loaded with antioxidants anyway, it's infinitely healthier and much higher quality to just make your own from scratch using fresh fruits and vegetables in a juicer!
.

I’ve heard that mixing beets, apples, and lemon is a fantastic combo.
I haven't actually tried it yet, though. I need to go out and pick up a juicer first.

lonescout21 said:I have some wonderful news for everyone here... a certain juice has hit the market in America, made from mangosteen and packed with antioxidants 🙂 my mother has been drinking it and she's feeling significantly better

Please provide us with more specifics. 😉
What exactly was your mother suffering from? After taking this, does the issue vanish entirely or just lessen?
What is the name of the juice?
How much is a serving, and what's the price point?
Where can one actually purchase it?
Don't be stingy; share the knowledge with the community. 😁

I did a little digging on Google

Sutten is used for treating kidney cancer, while
Tarceva is for lung cancer treatment.

Both of these drugs have been added to the Medicare list for high-cost medications.

Given that my failing organ is worth about a dime (is it actually a dime? I can't quite recall, and who was it that said that?), and since it clearly isn't valued much anyway, I'm certainly not expecting access to something like these two treatments.😍

Susan Ruiz76 said:That incredibly expensive medication is most likely Sutten, but you should try reaching out to Wunderkind. She actually posted on this forum a few days ago.

Thanks! I'm going to head out and track that down now.

Found it.
It states that it's used in the treatment of kidney cancer.

Nancy Hernandez43 said:My father would probably say that people either have no clue how to act or they put on this fake persona because they’re terrified of being a nuisance. It’s been that way from day one, regardless of what stage we're in—whether it's my mother dealing with her illness or those of us who are healthy. Honestly, this sickness was the only thing that truly sorted out our circle; it showed us who our real friends are, the ones willing to lend a hand without any hesitation or awkwardness.

My mother is lucky enough to have a hobby that keeps her motivated at least once a week... she does a lot of sketching, and it really helps her stay out of her own head for a bit.

People truly lack basic social graces in situations like this.
We really ought to publish a handbook on etiquette for crises. 🤷
The worst part is when I run into someone in town and they start making these pathetic excuses about why they haven't reached out since I was admitted to the hospital. Then, the moment we part ways, I can practically feel them sighing in relief. 😢 These kinds of interactions drive me to actively avoid certain people—those I'm almost certain will make any encounter with me feel forced, clumsy, and just plain uncomfortable. 😢

Nancy Hernandez43 said:My mother goes absolutely overboard with Nutella pancakes, like she's trying to set a world record. 👍 It’s just how she is; she has her cravings, and we aren't about to stand in her way. I'd say she goes through these intense phases where if she finds something she likes, that’s all she eats for days on end.

That is exactly my kind of person. 😍
One of these days, I will make up for this incredibly long-winded post. 🙂

Maria Lee54 said:feralridge3: I completely understand where you're coming from. I know exactly what it feels like when people in your own circle start avoiding you under the pretext that they "don't want to be a burden," when in reality, those are the very moments you crave conversation just to distract yourself from these grueling times. Honestly, I feel just as isolated. If I could just step out of my house without being entirely dependent on someone else, things would be so much easier... I can count my true, sincere friends on one hand, and I am endlessly grateful to them for their help and understanding. Unfortunately, there have also been those who helped me only to turn around and criticize me for it. All I said was, may God forbid anyone ever has to experience what this is like, and I prayed for everyone to stay healthy forever.

The absolute worst part is running into someone in town and watching them visibly change direction just to avoid passing me. It’s not like I’m contagious. 😁
It is quite interesting how nobody "wants to be a bother." There are times when even I don't want anyone near me, but I've noticed that when persistent friends force a social interaction upon me, my mood improves remarkably fast.
I often tell people to push through my moods and insist on hanging out regardless, because human contact is vital. I even tell them to just show up at my door unannounced so I don't end up turning them away. 🙄
Being dependent on others is a miserable state to be in. I felt such a massive boost when I managed to return to a somewhat normal life, which is why this relapse is hitting me so hard right now. I'm trying not to dwell on what lies ahead. Sometimes, it feels like ignorance truly is bliss.
Maria Lee54 — Send me a private message and let me know which city you're in.
You never know; we might live close enough that I could keep you company.

Nancy Hernandez43 said:Based on what you wrote—and honestly, based on everything I’ve read here and experienced firsthand—it’s a harsh reality we have to face: there just isn't enough empathy or support available when you're facing an illness this severe. That’s exactly why you have to prove to yourself that you can shoulder so much on your own; eventually, you'll find the strength to succeed through it all.

I've noticed a recurring pattern whenever I get hit with bad news—like hearing about a recurrence, for instance—where certain people just "bolt." They hide behind these polite excuses about not wanting to "burden" me. 🙄
But those are precisely the moments when I crave company most, just to keep my mind from spiraling into the situation at hand. Instead, many people feel awkward or uncomfortable, leaving me feeling incredibly isolated during my darkest hours.
Fortunately, I have a few close friends who stay by my side consistently.
They've managed to outlive me by at least three times over. 😁

Nancy Hernandez43 said:As long as you can maintain a consistent eating schedule, that’s generally a positive sign. Though, I have to say, I can only imagine how frustrating it feels when you're actually craving something specific and you just aren't allowed to have it!

To be honest, I rarely even feel the urge to eat anything at all lately, so food doesn't really feel like some kind of overwhelming pressure or a constant demand on my time. It’s been months since I’ve had even the slightest craving for something like Nutella pancakes...😁

Nancy Hernandez43 said:My oncologist was incredibly adamant about using Beta-glucan to bolster my immune system, and after digging around online, I’ve found plenty of testimonials suggesting it really does work. Honestly, even just taking a single capsule a day could make a difference, so please, be sure to give it a try. I know it’s a bit of a hit to the wallet—we ended up paying quite a bit for ours too. $233 I think I caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of my eye while I was browsing at a local CVS, or maybe it was a pharmacy near the downtown clinic—it’s all a bit of a blur—but I’m fairly certain I saw some kind of medication being stocked that I haven't come across before. $157Look, I’m not going to sit here and claim I know more than what I've already said—that it helps. I am certainly not making any assertions that we are looking at identical dosages here, especially considering the other product comes at a much lower price point.

I was just looking around town to see what the damage would be if I wanted to pick up some Glucan, and honestly, even the cheapest option in my city is still costing me an absolute fortune. It’s getting ridiculous. $210It’s that one bottle containing 60 capsules. And those ones from... $157 Which ones are you talking about? Usually, those with the brown label tend to be the smaller packs—like the 30-capsule bottles.

My mother was mentioning some medication to me today. She claims it’s quite effective, but goodness, it sounds incredibly expensive.
($16000...but she couldn't quite recall the name.
Does anyone actually have any idea what’s going on here?

Maria Lee54 said:Exactly. For me, the absolute nightmare isn't just the diagnosis—which is incredibly rare to begin with—but the fact that the tumor is lodged deep within my pelvic bone in such an inaccessible spot. It’s extensive, and its location makes everything so much more complicated. That’s likely why your doctor mentioned you were lucky that this specific treatment was even an option for you; if things were positioned like mine, we might be out of luck entirely. I truly appreciate your kind words, and I am praying that you find healing just as quickly as I hope to.

I have crossed paths with several people on this journey who are facing circumstances very similar to yours.
I have come to the somewhat grim realization that the location of a tumor is often far more critical than whether it is classified as malignant or benign. I mean, sure, it could be benign, but what good is that label if it's growing in a place where surgeons can't actually reach it to get it out? 😢
I just hope we both find the strength to make it through all of this. 🙂

Susan Ruiz76 said:It is essential to force yourself to eat—that is a massive factor in the overall battle. If you find yourself lacking an appetite, ask your doctor about getting a prescription for Metformin syrup.

Things aren't quite bad enough on my end to require anything to jumpstart my appetite. I've managed to establish a routine, and I try to stick to it. The only thing that really gets under my skin are those phases where I can only stomach one specific type of food because everything else tastes revolting. However, those cycles tend to shift, so eventually, my body gets what it needs.
I have been taking one capsule of Glucan daily for seven months now. Whether it’s actually doing anything, I can't say for sure. I will say this, though: I haven't had a single cold or even a sniffle all winter... so perhaps it is boosting my immune system. 🤷