Got results back from my PET Scan yesterday, not good

[KS Toronado]

Last edited Tue Jun 21, 2022, 04:18 PM - Edit history (1)

PET Scan was for cancer, it showed cancer in my neck lymph nodes in addition to the tumor on my vocal cords.
Said I'll have to take chemotherapy. Looked up cancerous neck lymph nodes, I have most of the symptoms.
Does everybody lose all their hair during chemotherapy?


On edit: Doctor told me not to overexert myself so I called around and found someone to mow my grass today,
while paying him I asked if he was watching any of the Jan 6th hearings to which I got a no and a negative
statement about them. I responded with "Well as a lifetime republican who voted for tRump I believe he's headed
to prison. Lot of big name Rs turning against him and they're getting death threats for doing so. Reminds me of a
Fascist regime, first go after journalists and shut them up and then go after everybody who disagrees with you."
The looks of confusion on his face was delightful, ended with "You should watch them."

I lie to all repugs in my red town that I'm an R, easier to talk politics with them if they think I'm one of them.

[spooky3]

1. Sorry to hear this. Good vibes to you as you undergo treatment. Nt

[usedtobedemgurl]

2. I am so sorry.

I hope you beat this thing. Sending positive thoughts your way.

[blm]

4. ((KS T))

[Walleye]

5. I lost my hair, sort of had baby hair fuzz. It all grew back, came in curly

It came in like a little Afro. When it got longer it turned into sort of a 40s Joan Crawford. Finally cut it and now it’s back to being fairly straight so hang in there and lots of luck. Cancer sucks. But you must deal with it. I hope you beat the damn thing

[2naSalit]

6. Yikes!

I hope the treatment isn't too disrupting.

Some of my friends, five, who have had chemo in recent years didn't lose their hair. They had a variety of forms of cancer. I don't know what's changed in chemo but that's what I noticed.

Sorry to hear that you are going through this, do take care and do what you need to stay positive and upbeat, which is a challenge in itself, I know, but do try.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

33. Yes... There's some kind of cap you can wear during treatment.

[2naSalit]

71. That's interesting...

Last edited Tue Jun 21, 2022, 05:24 PM - Edit history (1)

Thank you.

I have never gone through cancer treatments and I don't like to pry with my friends.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

72. Yes my sister did. She lost her hair. It's something about

wearing the cap that keeps one's scalp cool. We really didn't know about it until it was too late. She was a trooper through it all. Her mentality was to just take each day at a time and to do what the doctors advised her to do. Eventually it's over. She is well now and her hair grew back beautifully!

[2naSalit]

74. My dad...

Had cancer decades ago and he lost his hair but he started out with kinky hair and when it grew back it was wavy like Victor Mature's!

[Laura PourMeADrink]

84. I absolutely love that memory of yours !!!!!!!!!

[Johnny2X2X]

7. Stay strong

Hope they caught it early. And no, not everyone loses all their hair for Chemo, it depends entirely on the type of chemo you get. Some chemo therapies target only cancer cells better and leave healthy cells alone. When your oncologist puts together a treatment plan for you, you'll find out if the chemo that should work best for you will cause no, full, or partial hair loss.

Good luck.

[BumRushDaShow]

8. (((KST)))

Hoping that will take care of it and sending healing vibe.

[livetohike]

9. Sending hugs and positive thoughts for your treatment.

Hang in there and please update .

[PCIntern]

10. As a clinician my advice to you is to speak to

your trusted doctors and staff and be very very careful listening to people online. There are a million reasons for this and although many have good intentions, their experiences are anecdotal and thus untrustworthy to an extent with respect to your particular case. No offense intended toward anyone but your particular history, treatment, and chemotherapy are all contributory to your experience.

[xocetaceans]

29. I want to amplify this response to the OP.

Solidarity and support can be gained through online discussion and/or commiseration. However...

Only a person's physicians and healthcare team have access to a person's individual situation. Their advice is the most important thing that can be followed. If that advice is unsatisfying, seek a second physician's opinion - not an online cacophony of voices that may mean well, but likely have no subject knowledge or specific information.

That statement being amplified, I wish the OP all the best in terms of health outcomes.

[Mz Pip]

32. Agree completely

The Internet is a dangerous place, so much misinformation. If you think it was bad with Covid, multiply it by a million.

When I was diagnosed, I vowed to not “do my own research” and to just smile politely during my friend’s well meaning advice.

Listen to your doctors. They want a positive outcome as well.

Good luck! ❤️

[shrike3]

66. I listened to podcasts at Mayo and Sloan Kettering.

And other major hospitals. Their opinions coincided with those of my doctors, and made me feel better.

[PCIntern]

70. Terrific!!!

[shrike3]

65. Same advice my brother gave me. He is an oncologist.

He said, "A lot of people will be giving you advice. Or telling you what happened to their loved one. You are not their loved one. You are you. Listen to your doctors." I did.

[Ferrets are Cool]

11. Sending good thoughts and vibes your way

[HAB911]

12. Little consolation, but

know you are not alone

All the best to you

[UpInArms]

13. Hoping for the best treatment and outcome for you,

Dear KS Toronado

[blueknight73]

14. I'm truly sorry you are going through this,

My friend who did chemo had very blond hair, after chemo it grew back brown!

[babylonsister]

15. The 'good' news is

you've identified what you have to do to attack this.

My sister had stage 4 breast cancer and got zapped with radiation and chemo, which required insertion of a port to more easily administer the chemo. And yes, she lost all of her hair but Amazon has an amazing array of hats, caps, etc., that will help with keeping your head warm. She loved them.

She is also now cancer-free, so hang in there and know you have lots of support here, as most of us know people who have had cancer and will be very encouraging as you fight through this.

[ratchiweenie]

80. I also have a friend who went through the stage 4 breast cancer chemo/radiation regime. Her family

is from Jamaica. She started wearing those marvelous knitted Jamaican hats. Her hair grew back but we all insisted she go on wearing those marvelous hats. She is the coolest looking 75 year old in the neighborhood. Who knows. You might find a whole new you that loves hats and never even knew. I am so very sorry for what you are going through but let's hope there may be some silver linings.

[Hortensis]

16. Sorry to hear. Of all the times people have had cancer, though,

if they could have they would have chosen now.

No experience for the hair loss. But a big smile for a relative's way of dealing with it. She got tired of wondering how much more of her long (determinedly) red hair she was going to lose, shaved her head, went out and bought new earrings, and upped her minimal "retirement makeup" game for her edgy new look. Hers all came back, btw.

Go get it, KS.

[WA-03 Democrat]

17. So sorry to hear this

Love, prayers and best wishes to you!

Get well!

[PittBlue]

18. All the best to you.

Treatments have come a long way. Sending love and peace.

[Celerity]

19. So so sorry to hear this KST. Stay strong, and fight it hard, plus look for the best

doctors.

[piddyprints]

20. My very best wishes for you

for a good outcome.

My cousin had breast cancer. The chemo made her lose her hair, but I don't think that happens to everyone. Her sister came over and shaved her head for her once it was clear what was happening. Strangely, it made her feel so much better! Then she started having fun with scarves and such. I'll admit she is braver than I could be. She's past her 5 years, has a full head of hair, and feels great.

We're all pulling for you! You can beat this!

[Wingus Dingus]

21. Best wishes to you for a tolerable treatment and a full recovery.

[fightforfreedom]

22. Have you talked to your doctor about the newer cancer treatments?

I am being treated with Keytruda for melanoma cancer. Your hair doesn't fall out. I did not need Chemo. Every cancer is different, that's what I have learned. What type of cancer, how early is it caught, how far it has spread and where is it located all matter in how doctors will treat your cancer. Ask lots of questions and get on line and educate yourself as much as you can.

I had to make decisions that were a toss up, if you know what I mean. Tough decisions and you hope it is the right one.

[sarisataka]

23. My MiL is going through chemo

For pancreatic cancer. So far it is going excellently. No sign of hair loss, minimal nausea; the day after she feels energized followed a a day of fatigue.

Hope your experience is similar and best wishes for your recovery.

[ancianita]

24. My highest hopes are with you, KST. You can do this!

Re hair, no, not everybody loses it but most do. Your doctors' people are good at helping you find what works for you. If you don't care for the usual hats or other head gear, bald and fuzzy is also very cool.
Be who you must be and know that we're all rooting for you. You can do this.

[appalachiablue]

25. So sorry to her this, all the best & pls. let us know how things go.

[SheltieLover]

26. Sorry go hear of your diagnosis, but glad treatment is available

Healing vibes on the way to you! 💓💓💓

[TNNurse]

27. Not every chemo drug makes you lose your hair.

I do not know which ones. I knew a woman who had colon cancer and she did not lose her hair. I and every other breast cancer patient I have known did lose every bit.

Hair grows back. It is a temporary result of the treatment and if the treatment works...losing hair will be worth it.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

28. You will be in my prayers

[OLDMDDEM]

30. Sorry to hear the news.

I wish you well in treatment.

[Lonestarblue]

31. I wish you excellent results from your treatment.

The only thing I can offer is to find the best cancer doctors available in your area, especially those specializing in your form of cancer. I have friends who have undergone extensive treatment for different cancers over the past couple of years. Both are okay now, but their treatments were done by specialists. Not every oncologist knows the best treatment for all types of cancers. If in doubt about treatment, get a second opinion from a group like the Mayo Clinic or MD Anderson in Houston. They are among the best.

[wnylib]

34. Sorry to hear that the Pet scan results weren't better.

But, remember that we are with you, KST, will keep you in our thoughts, and are sending healing energy. Please keep us updated during your treatments.

You also might want to ask your doctor about cancer support groups. In addition to our support, the moral support and encouragement of people who are dealing with similar feelings and experiences can be beneficial.

[barbtries]

47. i think this is great advice.

in a different context (death of my daughter) the peer group counseling was so very important. My loved ones didn't "get" it and these people did, because they were living it too. The same dynamic I think could easily apply to the cancer journey.

[wnylib]

58. Yes, I think the support of groups going through

similar situations is very helpful, especially when they are situations that have a deep emotional and psychological impact that people outside of such experiences have not had.

Sorry about the loss of your daughter. I lost a close relative several years ago, in a situation that most people do not experience. Not a child of mine, but a relative for whom I'd had a great deal of responsibility for a long time.
My friends stood by me and that helped, but supportive counseling went steps farther in dealing with it than my friends could have done. It was encouraging and good to have my friends' support. I am glad that they were there for me. But the counseling helped me come to grips with my feelings in ways beyond what my friends were capable of.

So I think that a cancer support group might be helpful, too.

[CentralMass]

35. Best wishes to you.

[NJCher]

36. oh no no no no

Not one of my favorite posters!!!!

[wnylib]

60. One of mine, too.

[mercuryblues]

37. The things they don't tell you

Not everyone loses their hair. It depends on the type of chemo and how you react. Wigs are hot and uncomfortable. If you choose to wear a wig, don't go expensive. I got a $20 one off Amazon that I got more compliments on than my $130 one. They are only temporary. You lose a lot of body heat through your head. Get a few beanie caps for sleeping.

Another heads up. Take some nausea meds before leaving for chemo and when you get home. Even if you don't feel nauseous. You can adjust it according to your needs. Trust me on this. Make sure your Dr pre orders you your nausea meds.

Upload a few game aps on your phone.

For me it was get blood work done, wait for the results, wait for the pharmacy to mix up my chemo, then get the chemo. That whole process can take 1 to 2 hours, depending on how busy they are. The thing is, chemo is expensive and they aren't going to mix it up until they know for sure you can get it. So, bring a snack, a drink and something to pass the time.

And of course, best wishes for your outcome.

[CaptainTruth]

38. I'm so sorry. Stay positive & focused & beat it!

Keeping you in my thoughts...

[bronxiteforever]

39. Sending you good vibes KS Tornado!

[c-rational]

40. Good vibes to you KS Toronado.

[USALiberal]

41. Good luck!!!!

[Liberty Belle]

42. A coworker didn't lose his hair during chemo.

Most do, but it depends on the type of chemo, I think, and each individual's response. He had lymphoma, and the chemo worked.

There are some great wigs, scarves, etc. you can try if needed.

I hope the chemo is successful and that you'll be cancer free.

[Emile]

43. They have made amazing steps combating cancer. Stay

positive!

[Fla Dem]

44. I can't imagine the feelings you are going through. Hang in there KS.

Just a side comment...COngrats on your 8,000 post. Just sorry it had to be this one. We're all pulling for you.

[niyad]

45. Sending hugs and vibes for best possible outcome. Your DU family is here

for you.

A friend recently underwent chemo and radiation for colon cancer. Her hair thinned a bit, but regrew quickly afterward.

Adding my congratulations on your milestone.

[barbtries]

46. So sorry to hear this.

I think you can ask your doctor if your hair will fall out so you can get ready for it if so. I think it is very common. The least of your worries I would think: just get well!! Hair grows back.

[minstrel76]

48. My heart goes out to you.

[arlyellowdog]

49. Chemo has come a long way

They have great meds for nausea now. I worked the whole time, just knew day 3 and 4 afterwards I would be tired. I lost my hair, and like another reply, I went with it. It also grew in curly and the most beautiful silver. It’s kind of straight now.

[highplainsdem]

51. Sending healing vibes and hugs, KS T. I'm so sorry about the scan results, but

I have a number of friends and relatives doing very well after cancer treatment, in some cases several decades after.

Chemo does usually cause hair loss, but your hair will grow back, and I know people who wore wigs in the meantime.

[PaulnFortWorth]

52. Cancer

I'm in remission from throat cancer. My neck lymph node on my left swelled up. Biopsy showed it to be cancer. Another spot behind my tongue was also cancerous.
Went thru chemo and radiation therapy. My throat swelled and I was unable to eat. Needed a g-tube to feed myself. The cancer center in Fort Worth, TX provided the high calorie high nutrition liquid (Boost).
My chemo was once a week. My radiation was daily. Both lasted seven weeks.

Side effects:
The hair on my face stopped growing but I still have hair on my head.
My taste buds don't work as well.
My saliva doesn't produce as well either.

What helps:
Colgate Hydris for your dry mouth
Vicks VapoCool spray numbs your throat

Avoid before radiation therapy:
Oils
Cough drops

Since this isn't a private msg I can't send pics of what to expect

Good luck! There are plenty of people who are willing to assist.
PaulnFortWorth

[iemanja]

53. My mother didn't loser her hair during chemo

but they gave her a milder drug than usual because she has weak kidneys.
Regardless, the hair typically grows back when chemo is finished.

[LuckyCharms]

54. So sorry to read this.

I've never had cancer (except for skin cancer, knock wood) but I have had some scary health shit. It doesn't feel very good.

I think the only reasonable advice I can offer is "the mind lives where the body lives".

Go into what the young people today call "beast mode".

All of your thoughts should be geared toward healing yourself. Real, genuine positivity is going to help you immensely. Push negative thoughts out of your mind. Deliberately replace them with positive thoughts. Do things that make you happy. Find the beauty in everything.

You're strong, you're a beast. Cancer is beat every day. You will beat it too. Do what your oncologist suggests and destroy that cancer. You will do it. You will be ok.

Don't worry about the hair, it will grow back. Wear hair loss as a badge of honor, of strength, of courage.

Sending good thoughts your way, each day. Keep us updated.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

55. Best wishes and DU hugs to you from Kentucky.

Stay close to friends and family as well as us on DU. Perhaps consider journaling your experiences.


KY.......

[KatK]

56. Wishing you rapid and complete healing n/t

[Wicked Blue]

57. I'm so sorry

I hope your treatment goes well

[Nevilledog]

59. Well, fuck. Really sorry you have to go thru this.

Some good ideas in this thread, and DU is a great community for support. Lean on us!

[Old Crank]

61. A couple of women friends

Had chemo and lost their hair. They opted for getting henna tattoos on occasion
instead of wearing hats.
I think they liked the caring attention of the act.

Best of luck for you.

[ProfessorGAC]

62. Take Care

That's a bummer.

[woodsprite]

63. So sorry to hear. Some chemo drugs don't make you lose your hair.

I had carboplatin and paclitaxel every 21 days for 6 rounds. By the 2nd round, I was losing my hair. Three months after completing the cycles my hair had grown enough that I felt comfortable going out/about without a scarf or wig. Now 6 months out and my hair is about 3" long. I'm also now 4 months out from finishing 25 external/3 internal radiation treatments.

I will say that my center was VERY good at managing chemo side effects. They started you on steroids the night before, then loaded you up with IV anti-nausea meds before starting the infusion in the chemo suite (those meds lasted 3 days). Then they had prescribed prochloroperzine and Zofran for me to use as home. I felt well enough that I only used 2 Zofran, and maybe 20 prochloperzine from May through November. The worst days for me were days 4-8 of each cycle, mainly due to the Neulasta shot (joint pain) -- but the Neulasta kept my white blood cells up to acceptable levels so none of my chemo treatments had to be rescheduled. I would say the worst residual side effect I've had is neuropathy in the last 3 toes on each foot. That may end up staying with me, but all the other chemo side effects have gone away.

Wishing you all the best! Sending many healing thoughts, good vibes, and prayers your way.

[Vinca]

64. So sorry to hear your diagnosis. It must be very frightening.

[Staph]

67. Been there, done that (though my cancer was endometrial).

I won't repeat everyone else's advice, but add one comment, from my brother-in-law the cancer surgeon -- losing your hair is a good thing!

Assuming that your chemo is the kind that can cause hair loss, losing your hair means that the cancer is working! Chemo is designed to affect fast-growing cells, like cancer cells, which means that it also affects hair follicles. All that hair in the shower drain is a sign that the chemo is slowing those fast-growing cells.

My hair came back in curly! I was hoping it would turn red.

[KS Toronado]

75. "hoping it would turn red." wouldn't you prefer BLUE?

Being a Democrat?

[Staph]

77. Giggle! Snort!

[budkin]

68. I'm so sorry

Fuck cancer

[spanone]

69. My mom lost her hair, my brother never did....during chemo.

Take great care of yourself....we're pulling for you all the way!

[Skittles]

73. hey

don't worry about your hair, if you lose it then so be it, proudly ROCK that bald head.....do whatever it takes to kick cancer ass and know this: someone is ALWAYS here on DU, we are here for you

[Demsrule86]

78. I am so sorry...feel better. The treatments available today are so much better. If you

can get medical marijuana...do it. It really does help with pain. Hubs now uses it.

[electric_blue68]

79. Dang, KST! May you be Free of Cancer sooner than than later!

[Akoto]

81. I know it's difficult, but please don't give up. My dad was diagnosed stage 4 last year.

He had a lot of surgery and was then placed on heavy chemo for a good while. It has since changed to a new dose every other week. He has not lost any hair, if that alleviates your concern on that front. Their prognosis was that he'd be long dead at this point, he's still alive and going.

It's a good idea to not overexert or stress too much, but I think trying to continue leading as much of his normal life as was reasonable has allowed my dad to continue doing as well as he has. He wanted to get back to work and was there as soon as the doctors cleared him. I think it was a mercy to be back to tending the course rather than being at home, thinking about it.

[brer cat]

82. I'm sorry to hear of this diagnosis.

I hope you tolerate the treatment well and recover completely.

[Raine]

83. I'm so sorry 🌹

[flying_wahini]

85. Chemo is a lot better than it used to be. Give it a chance. Take some vitamins and

Take care of yourself. Eat some ice cream, too.

[Meowmee]

86. so sorry to hear this

and I am rooting for you to have a full recovery, take care and take it easy.

[rampartc]

87. sorry about the pet scan

i just spent 2 years of chemotherapy and radiation for a tumor un my tonsil and salivary gland. finally got the tumors shrunk enough that the surgeon could get in and take them out. i feel better every day.

the chemo is getting better and they may use more immune system enhancers than the actual chemo (which, yes, took all my hair but is now growing back.)

and don't worry about politics. your most important job is to take care of yourself.

good luck and stay in touch. we have a sub board for cancer support.



https://democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1146