Starting Chemo in June 2005

danahollis · June 2005

OK... I started this new thread so we don't confuse all the previous June ladies. They seem to have such a nice group going on there... let's do the same.

I just got my port put in yesterday. I remember going into the operating room, all the setup with the various techs and the decision on the music selection... tech decided on "Train" as he hadn't listened to them in a week or so. . I remember getting 2 doses of some antianxiety meds/antibiotics.... remember meeting the surgeon.... I remember him saying that he was going to get started... then I woke up in recovery. I wasn't technically under... but I was out. They told me I wouldn't remember anything... LOL! so I could tell them all my secrets and not feel guilty later!

Oh my was I sore last night. About midnight, I got up and took 2 Tylenol 3's I had left from my surgery last week and that helped a lot. I am still sore this morning. I feel about as good as one can while having a foreign object in my chest and a tube stuck in my jugular. Gotta laugh about it right????

Anyway, I think I'll feel fine by next Wednesday which is when I start Chemo. (June 8th). My oncologist and I decided on dose dense AC x4, and dose dense Taxol x4, followed by radiation. After that I'll be having a hysterectomy because I also have Grade 0 Cervical Carcinoma in Situ.

I'm off to the doctor for a follow-up. I'm getting to know the hospital much better than I'd like!

Ok... who's next? Share some info and keep us all posted!
Big hugs to you ladies!!!
Dana

Analemma · June 2005

Hi, Dana,
I met with the oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic yesterday and discussed doing my chemo at a hospital closer to home (not that CC is very far, about 40 minutes). So today I've been on the phone to two local hospitals, and can't even get an appt with the onco until 6-13 or 6-17. So maybe I'll do the downtown one after all. Also got my path report and it's bumming me out real bad - I had expected 1 cm tumor and (maybe) one node. Came back 2cm, 5 nodes, grade 3. So I want to start chemo asap. I also go back for a bone scan and CAT scan next week. This really sucks! Onc at the Clinic said he would do dose dense AC X 4, T X 4. Then rads. I'm ER/PR - , but her2/neu isn't back yet. I just want to get started on treatment NOW!
Brenda

mary1220 · June 2005

Good luck girls and yous are aleays welcome to visit us Junies of 04. Hugs, Mary

danahollis · June 2005

Hi Brenda! Sorry to hear that your path report wasn't what you expected. But it seems to me that there are just so many unknowns with this cancer that you just can't predict anything. So don't get bogged down on the specifics... I know it's hard not to.

You are doing everything that you can possibly do to ensure that your cancer is treated. Everything will work out. Just keep your chin up!!!

My hospital is about 40 mins away as well. I know what you mean about the drive... but it won't be forever. Take a day at a time and just keep on keepin on!

I've been tangling with my company's third party short term disabilty manager. I got denied once and it's just been a mess. Nothing has gone smoothly for me and I'm sooo frustrated. I'm truly tired of the additional stress it's causing me. I just don't want to have to think about my job anymore. Can't I just get some time to focus on me? Why do I feel like a criminal for wanting that?

Yep... understand the just wanting treatment now deal also. It seems like I've been waiting forever! I don't want any more delays! Just get the show on the road before I drive myself nutty!

Anyway... I'm here for you! Keep me posted! If you want to chat anytime, let me know.

HUGS!
Dana

saleboat · June 2005

I'm starting soon too-- I'm seeing the Onc to confirm my treatment plan today-- I think I'm going to do a trial w/Herceptin. Not looking forward to it-- (am I only the one who fantasizes about walking out of the Dr's office and never turning back?)

Right now my husband and I are doing an IVF cycle, which has been nice since it focuses us on the future. Given the timeline that I'm on, it looks as though my first chemo may be the week of our first wedding anniversary-- hopefully my Onc will take pity on us and schedule me for after that. Gosh, you know how when you're getting married and thinking about all the things that could happen to the two of you-- this was never even in the Top 100!

danahollis · June 2005

Hi Saleboat!

Nope... I don't think you're alone in that fantasy! Mine has a part where they say... "OOOPS, we made a mistake! You don't have cancer!"

Oh... your first anniversary? Congratulations! Wow! Well that's something great to focus on! I'm happy that you have someone to help you go through this process with... I'd be lost without my dear husband. He's been a pillar of strength for me. This experience can bring you closer together if you let it.

Good luck at the Oncologist today!

HUGS!
Dana

rmmom · June 2005

Dana I start Chemo on June 6-at least I think I do- a bit of mix up with blood work this morning when I had my port put in. LONG STORY that will be laughable next week. --Brenda I am in the Akron area. Been told onocology gruop is great but wondering about my doc since she keeps asking"would you do it again?"

danahollis · June 2005

Welcome BevN! Glad you joined us. How's the pain with your port? I'm still feeling a bit not the best. I'm definately uncomfortable... and feeling kinda whiney. I think I'm the most sore where I can feel the little tube just under the skin that goes into my jugular vein. Was your placed into your jugular also? Is that a common placement? Yikes... this is all just way too much medical for me... I'd so much rather be watching it on TV where it doesn't seem quite so real. Ya know?

Good luck ladies!
Dana

NancyM · June 2005

Hi Junies! I met with the oncologist yesterday, but I go back next week for part two of the consultation because she had an emergency with another patient. The appt. is the same day as the initial consult with oncologist #2 (the back up plan doctor!)

Dr. #1 said I can't have dose dense because of having my spleen out...it is a source of some types of WBC that take care of strep and pneumonia type bacteria so she doesn't want to push my immune system. She told me I will have a 30% chance of recurrance after the chemo is done. Anyone else have such a prognosis? Kind of bummed about that!

Looking forward to spending the next 6-8 months (and then rads??) getting to know y'all real good.

Yours in sisterhood...
Nancy
Stage IIb, IDC, grade 3, 2/21 nodes +, er/pr/her2 -
enjoys vegetarian cooking, walks in the park, my grandson

danahollis · June 2005

Hi Nancy! You're so cute!

About those recurrance odds... remember... you'll have a 70% chance it won't come back! Keep that in mind!

Hugs!
Dana

NancyM · June 2005

P.S. Dana...thanks for starting this thread, and I'm glad your port surgery went well. I can only imagine having another tender area! I'm still sore from the axillary dissection. I went for my pre-chemo Pap smear today because of your girly thingy you had to have done. I'm all about the early screening stuff now! Nancy

bmck · June 2005

WOW I feel like a got hit by a freight train! It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be but I am feeling the affects of it tonight. Got some antinasue pills so will be really good about taking those. I feel really weak and tired. is this normal? It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be but the gal did have a problem getting the needle into my port so that really hurt!!! Hopefully I won't have that problem each time I go in for chemo, which thankfully will only be every 2 weeks! I am also have to go in for an ultrasound on MOnday for my uterius and my ovaries just to be on the safe side and then if that shows up something then I have to have more tests done. I am not looking forward to that but if it means catching another cancer early then I am all for it! Okay I must go and get some rest or drink lots of water or who about both! Thanks!

Cathi

kimBe · June 2005

Thank you Dana! I had peeked into the June group and for some reason not brave enough to start one for this June so I have tailed along in the May group-will probably post both places-another opportunity for confusion-I had my port put in yesterday and was scheduled for my first chemo on next Monday, but my oncologist is in town this weekend-so even though my 10:00 port didn't happen til noon I was only l0 minutes late for my 1:00 chemo. My best friend took me as I know I can tell her to leave and she'll go do something-my hubby would just go pace and since I really didn't know what to expect thought that was better-he'll do fine with the chemo though-was afraid it would be a bunch of bald, crabby sick people but it wasn't. I'm not sure the surgeon was in OR-I never saw him (maybe he ate lunch). Was worried as my BP was 140/98 when I left-but today it was 112/60 so have to find something else to fret about I guess. Don't recommend mediterranian salad with raspberry vinegerette dressing for lunch but I was hungry. Anyway about 9:00 last night I took my anti-nausea pills (which I didn't have the night before) and by 9:15 they were helping a little bit but Jim convinced me that maybe it was indigestion from the salad also and I took one tums and did great....took one antinausea this morning and have felt good except being tired all day. I worked about 7 hours and have a one hour commute each way (cept Jim caught a ride to Great Falls and drove me home). This discussion board is great and am looking forward to meeting all of you....good luck and have a wonderful weekend.
KimB

JanieMarie · June 2005

Hello June starters! I was a September 04 starter and I usually don't butt in on these threads because they are really "Your" space, but I just have two comments:

Cathi - The pelvic ultrasound is not as bad as it sounds. I had one a few weeks ago and aside from having to drink a bunch of water before they put the camera "you-know-where," it was no big deal. I hope nothing comes of it for you! I will be sending you good thoughts!

KimB - I had an hour and fifteen minute commute, each way, to work! I found I had to take off of work the day of chemo, naturally, and at least three to four days after. It wasn't the nausea that got me it was the tiredness - so be careful on the road. Sometimes it's hard to remember that by the end of the day you're gonna be dog tired, then HAVE to drive an hour home! Yikes. That was hard on me.

That's it -- hang in there ladies, this will be over before you know it! (I know, I know, easy for me to say right? My last chemo was 10/21.) Take care - Blessings, good thoughts and ((HUGS)) to all of you as you start this journey of your treatment.

Janie

zeamer3 · June 2005

Hi Ladies,

Nice to meet you all! I will be starting chemo probably the week of the 13th. I opted not to get a port at this time and I hope my veins with hold up so I don't have to. The thought of it has me freaked out! I'm 1 week post left breast mastectomy for lobular ca, er/pr +, her2neu - , grade 1, with 5/15 nodes positive. I will be having 4 AC & 4 Taxotere, dose dense. I'm just glad to be getting started! It will be great to share our experiences with each other!

Analemma · June 2005

Bev, are you doing treatment at the Clinic? I did arrange for my chemo to be there, especially since I really like the oncologist I talked to on Thursday. Looks like I will start on the 13th.
Brenda

Rene23 · June 2005

Guess I'll stop lurking and join in.
I start chemo 6/16. Joy. Monday I get my port put in. More joy.
I am also doing dose dense. AC x 4, no T or radiation. I had a mastectomy about 2 weeks ago, still having discomfort from the expander. This whole scary trip will be a bit easier having others to share it with, so I'm grateful for this thread.

Rene
IDC 2.6cm, StageII, 0/6 nodes, ER/PR +, HER2-

raro · June 2005

Hi, all, I guess I get to join you. I have my onc appt. this Friday to determine what to have and when. He wants me to do A/C and T all together, says "You're young, you can handle it." I sure hope so!
I had 2 lumpectomies, 26 lymph nodes removed (8 pos),mastectomy for DCIS and IDC, stage III, ER+, PR-. Her2 is in question at this point. They put in a port a month ago, and the skin is still reddish and itchy. It is freaky having something right under my skin. I am wondering (since I didn't see it)how it makes it easier than using a vein. I mean, do they just jab the needle in, or what?!
It looks like I may qualify for a federal medicaid program that will pay for chemo at the nearest hospital (crossing fingers), but the weird thing is, I'll have to spend the night, have the nulasta shot the next morning, and then go home, go figure. Something to do with their not having a special wing for chemo, so that's how they handle it.
I'm glad to meet all you ladies and know I'm not alone in all this!
Rebecca

danahollis · June 2005

Just wanted to say welcome to all of you!

Raro... I know... the whole port thing is very odd. I just got mine last Thursday. I was laying in bed the other night watching tv and fiddling with my remote and then dropped it right on my chest where the port is. OH... did that hurt! Brought tears to my eyes! I'm very clumsy!

Anyway... when I went to chemo class and toured the Infusion Room, there was a man there who was just getting hooked up with his port. He let me check it out. He said it works GREAT! I have a link to an insertion here if you want to see. Dana's Journal

I've never had many IV's started before, thought I was healthy! But as of late, I've had several surgeries and twice now they've messed up my IV and blew the vein out... that HURTS! I'm happy that I won't have to be poked at so much now that I'll have the port for them to use.

Anyway... NOPE... you're NOT ALONE!!! We'll be here for you!

Cyber Hugs!

sungem77 · June 2005

i'm going to be starting chemo this week too. i just dont know with which doctor yet. there are 2 i like. one i really like is kind of far from me. 45 minuts, but he seemed really open and not pushy and very positive. the other i liked also, more of an old timer, close to my house. i know i'm not going to get as much attenton from him tho.they are both offering different treatments as well. the first wants AC/T dose dense. the other is very flexible and has suggested about 4 different treatment options. did any one else have an onc give them lots of choices? i'm really adamant about not getting a port. i really dont want one. i have good veins and i just dont want to go thru another procedure if i can avoid it. anyway, i will know my plan within a few days. decisions, decisions. i wish everyone healing and happiness. rest assured this time will pass for us.

sally

saleboat · June 2005

Hi Sally-- I'm with you on the port-- I was kinda surprised that my Onc didn't push one-- but I'd rather try to go with my veins then have another procedure-- although I'll also be having a year of Herceptin, so who knows I may wish for a port. As for the many options that your Onc gave you-- sounds overwhelming. Did your Onc leave you with a clear sense of what the pros/cons of each would be?

Good luck.

Rene23 · June 2005

As much as I don't want to go through another surgical procedure, even an outpatient one, I just don't want to deal with IV's anymore if I don't have to. It seems like I've had so many lately.. and I'm usually stuck more than once before they get it right. The one in crook of my elbow is usually the one they have to use and the thought of trying to keep my arm straight for 2 hours or more isn't appealing. The other thing that my onc had mentioned was how caustic the Adriamycin is if it gets under your skin. I'll just feel better not dealing with any of that. Hopefully the port won't be too uncomfortable after a while. I still have a port under my arm for my expander, so what's one more?

sjstrader · June 2005

Hello All. I started my chemo June 1, and today I am feeling somewhat great! I was able to work day 1 and 2, and only had 1 really bad 3rd day. Today I have my appetite returning and the tiredness is abateing.

Analemma · June 2005

I asked my onc. about a port and he said they would try it without one if I prefered, and if one is needed they will insert it later. I have good veins in hand, wrist, and elbow, so I think they'll have enough choices. Too bad they can't use the left arm for some of them (surgery side).
Brenda

bmck · June 2005

To those how have started chemo is day #2 the worst? I had my first a/c treatment on Friday and today I am feeling so naseaded (SP?) and my head hurts like hell! The only reason that I am on this stupid computer is because I have an auditing research paper due tomorrow and I haven't even started it, I am suppose to be finding articles to write my paper on but found myself here instead! Could someone help please! If this is how I feel after the first treatment how am I going to feel after the 3rd treatment? I only have 4 treatments total every two weeks but am told that I will get worse with each treatment is that true??? YIKES, I don't want to do this anymore!

cathi

kimBe · June 2005

Cathi-I had my first treatment on Thursday and hope that today is the worst. Felt fine Friday-okay Saturday but pretty puny today. Feel like I have a sinus cold on top of everything. Will keep you posted. And nothing sounds good to eat.
KimB

danahollis · June 2005

Just wanted to say I'm thinking of you all and hoping you are having a GOOD day! A year from now, June Chemo Ladies, we will be CELEBRATING! It's gonna be a tough road, but it will be worth it!!!

HUGS!
Dana (OK, I'll stop cheerleading until ummmm.... tomorrow! )

ToniL · June 2005

Hi. First time posting..first time with cancer...had my first chemo on Thursday...just moved to Indiana from Kentucky and I don't know anyone here yet! I was surprised that I felt so icky after the first treatment. And, I feel like I sound very boring, but I'm just tired and fighting being sick. Anyway, just wanted to say Hey..reach out a little and I promise to make for better reading next time.

Toni

JoMac · June 2005

My first chemo was June 1st. The first three days I was so tired and seemed to drift off to sleep from time to time. I also got a bad headache day three. Then miraculously on day four I started feeling like myself again and on day five (yesterday) I walked on my treadmill for forty minutes. It felt great.
Then I organized my "un hair" accessories for next week when my head will be bald.
I think my wig looks like something Sharon Osborne would wear. It has "tons" more personality than I do. But maybe there will be days when I will want the illusion of hair.
In the meantime I have all the hats and scarves I could possibly need.
today I hope to walk again and maybe even roast a chicken.
I hope that doesn't sound awful to those of you still downing the compozine.
My next treatment is the 15th. This means I will miss my daughters graduation from High School. Her Dad will be there so maybe she will be able to not feel to bad about it.
She is having a heard time with my diagnosis. I know it is because she loves me but it is awkward just the same.
JO

rmmom · June 2005

Port pain isn't so bad. It was achy the day after and felt as if I had been punched in the back of shoulder yesterday(did they prop me up or something?)
Just got back from first dose of chemo and feel great. Actually feel like I should be working hard to get things done before the effects catch me-wonder if that is normal. Hope all is well with you and all the junes out there
Bev

rmmom · June 2005

Hi Brenda
No-I'm not at the clinic which I am familiar with through health problems with my dad. I know several people down my way going here and they really like the ocon clinic(as much as that thing can be liked) I am in akron and know people familiar with this department(isn't that sad to know all these sick people?) They loved the nurses here and after my first treatment today I agree-my nurse was so helpful and worked with me a lot. However should I win tons and tons of money I will have do something about the waiting room there. Makes me want to run and hide under the covers

Starting Chemo in June 2005

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