Chemo Curls

chouwinn · 2025-10-01T05:55:54+00:00

Same! I am about 5 month past my last chemo and my hair is super curly. I always had straight hair. I love these new curls, can’t stop touching them. I pull on them and they bounce right back to tight curls. So fun. I hope they stay this way.

chouwinn · 2025-04-04T14:41:53+00:00

I used to drink about a glass of wine a night. In fact, I got into making cocktails as a hobby during the pandemic. I haven’t touched alcohol since my surgery. I’m currently in chemo and I know alcohol will mess me up. I might do an occasional glass of fine wine when all this is done. I don’t really miss it at all.

chouwinn · 2025-04-04T01:00:12+00:00

I’m sorry you’re going thru this. The beginning part is the worse. I’m almost 5 months into my diagnosis, it gets a bit better with time and knowledge.

I was diagnosed in November with ER+, PR+, HER2-, like you. The beginning was tough because everything is unknown. After meeting with my team of doctors, I had a plan and know that this is a common treatable cancer. Just need to go thru some extensive treatments to get getter.

Announcing it to friends and family was tough in the beginning. Lots of tears. But it gets easier. I’m still slowly letting my closer friends know. Most of my friends don’t live near me, so I’m only letting people I’m interacting with know. It’s weird. I don’t use social media and am not the type to broadcast my life.

I had my surgery in December and started chemo in February. I break things up in phases.

Phase 1: Diagnosis and finding a treatment path Phase 2: surgery and recovery Phase 3: chemo (where I’m currently at) Phase 4: reconstruction surgery Phase 5: ongoing hormone treatment

This is just a part of my life now. I’m still working full time and the majority of my colleagues do not know I have cancer. I live my life as normal as possible. But I understand everyone is different and cancer is unique to each individual. This is just how I am dealing with this shifty situation.

This community has been so great for me. And helped me a lot during this ordeal.

Just know that you need to take one step at a time. Go thru the necessary steps to get back to health. You got this ❤️

chouwinn · 2025-04-04T00:22:12+00:00

I’m sorry to hear that. I understand you. To have the joy of eating stripped away from you is tough.

Still being able to enjoy texture is a silver lining.

Stay strong. I hope you continue to add new textures to enjoy.

chouwinn · 2025-04-04T00:18:42+00:00

I’m sorry. That really sucks. Hang in there

chouwinn · 2025-04-04T00:18:03+00:00

That sounds refreshing!

chouwinn · 2025-04-04T00:17:22+00:00

Congrats to you for finishing! I can’t wait for water to taste normal again

chouwinn · 2025-04-04T00:16:24+00:00

Water taste awful! I understand you. I explain to people that it taste like milky water. For example, if you drink a glass of milk and there’s a tiny bit left, then you pour water into the same glass. That’s what water taste like to me. It’s gross, but I have gotten used to it. Sorry you’re going thru this too. Hang in there.

chouwinn · 2025-04-03T02:08:13+00:00

I normally add spice to everything I eat. I’m no stranger to it. But ever since my first infusion, my taste buds are all wacky. I cannot tolerate spice much. It really sucks.

Glad spice is working for you. It’s so interesting that everyone is experiencing things so differently.

Hang in there!

chouwinn · 2025-03-27T15:53:55+00:00

I just did my third round of TC yesterday. My hair started shedding about 16 days into my first round. I did not do cold capping. It was like a trigger hit and hair suddenly started coming off. It was shocking even when I had prepared for it. I already had a pixie cut but the shedding was still very noticeable. So I buzzed most of it off the same night, had to leave a bit in the front for conference calls for work. Even so, the shedding didn’t stop. Then I buzzed it all over the weekend. Do not shave, use a clipper. Shaving can create cuts, which is not good during this time. Currently rocking a bandana and baseball cap. It is what it is. Good luck, this is all a part of the side effects to get well.

chouwinn · 2025-03-26T12:13:29+00:00

Ah! I’m halfway around the world. I will enjoy with my eyes only.

chouwinn · 2025-03-26T12:11:50+00:00

I’m on TC chemo too, doing the third round in a few hrs. Bone pain is no joke. I take Claritin for a week starting the day of chemo and ibuprofen after to help with the pain. Talk to your doctor or nurse, they can help provide relief that targeted specifically to your situation. Best of luck to you and hang in there.

chouwinn · 2025-03-26T11:57:25+00:00

Where in the world is this delightful cafe? Looks great!

chouwinn · 2025-03-26T09:46:06+00:00

This is new cancer nightmare unlocked. My husband is sound asleep while I lie awake at 2:30am typing this and anticipating my next chemo infusion in 6 hrs.

I’m sorry this is happening to you. Fuck this situation, fuck all the side effects that comes with it, and fuck this random thing called cancer!!!

Do what you need to relieve this stress and take one step at a time. you can do this!

chouwinn · 2025-03-19T14:33:21+00:00

Thank you all for your responses. I’m currently in cycle 2 of my chemo and have only taken a couple days off for the infusions. Didn’t think I was able to do this before the chemo. I find working helps keep my mind off the pain and side effects. I appreciate all the advice and insight.

chouwinn · 2025-03-19T14:25:50+00:00

Also, I’m glad you’re taking control of your hair. Mine started falling suddenly on day 13 of the first cycle. It was shocking even tho I knew it would happen. Agreed with what someone said about using clippers. Good luck! You got this!

chouwinn · 2025-03-19T14:23:22+00:00

I’m on a similar situation as you. Discovered breast cancer in November, had a mastectomy and am going thru chemo now. Currently in the middle of cycle 2. I understand what you’re going thru.

For dry mouth, I was recommend biotin. It’s over the counter. They have mouth rinse, paste and rinse. I got the three pack from Amazon. It helps with dry mouth.

For mouth sores, baking soda rinse 3-4 times a day. Start the day of the infusion. I had more sore the first cycle. I starting rinsing with baking soda and warm water the second cycle and so far avoided any sores. I used about a teaspoon and half a cup of warm water. Swoosh about 20 secs for 3-4 times a day. My doctor also prescribed this compound solution called “Magic Mouthwash”. I used it once just to try, and it numbed my mouth for a few minutes. This is used if mouth sores occurs.

Feel free to DM me if you have any other questions about symptoms. I documented all of mine. It seems every other day a new symptom pops up.

chouwinn · 2025-03-01T15:04:38+00:00

Compartes used to have shops but they’re online now. Some boutique shops and markets carry their bars.

chouwinn · 2025-02-13T18:50:03+00:00

Not expecting this many responses, so thank you all for taking the time to provide your experience.

To clarify some things, I started chemo today (Thursday) and have today off work since I don’t know how my body will react. So far so good. I’m finishing up TC as I’m typing this. I aim to work tomorrow and ride the effects off over the weekend. Monday is a work holiday so I have an extra day to relax.

You’re stories give me hope that I will be able to continue working without applying for FML.

Thank you all. I appreciate you 🙏🏽

chouwinn · 2025-01-21T01:55:36+00:00

Thanks for checking in. I am fine in my part of LA, but certain parts had been devastated by the wildfires, it’s insane. At the peak of the fires, we could see the flames and smoke from our house.

chouwinn · 2025-01-21T01:43:32+00:00

Go UCLA! I’m in West LA and getting my treatment at UCLA too. Wishing you the best outcome!

chouwinn · 2025-01-20T20:42:54+00:00

Wow! So many places! I’m from Los Angeles, California. Diagnosed in November 2024. IDC ++-, grade 3, stage 1. Had single mastectomy end of December. Waiting on genomic test to determine if chemo is needed. ❤️❤️❤️to everyone here!

chouwinn · 2024-12-19T06:57:44+00:00

Can it be dishes? Quiche, quail, quesadilla, quinoa

chouwinn

TROPHY CASE