Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

Minigrace

Hi,

This is my first post. I am starting chemo on Jan. 5. It will be four doses of AC three weeks apart, then 33 radiation treatments and tamoxifen.

I was just diagnosed in October. The tumor was an invasive ductal carcinoma about 13mm x 7 mm. I had a lumpectomy and axillary node dissection on 11/15/06. The margins were close so I had a reexcission on 12/12/06. Also had a bone scan and a CT of my abdomen and lungs. All clear but for one small spot on lungs which we will be monitoring. Doctor thinks probably not significant since lymph nodes were clear.

I've been doing so well but having a total meltdown tonight.

Minigrace

Whoops, I don't think I've figured this posting thing out yet. I had a mediport installed when the reexission was done. Pulled the steristrips off today and unfortunately a huge hunk of skin with it. Still have the drain and whole breast bandaged. It itches like crazy. I think my throat was irritated by intubation during surgery. Feels like I need to cough up something but can't. Somebody please tell me that I can do this - I am so afraid and lonely.

Minigrace

ERS2006

Hi Minigrace
I guess we don't have a choice...we have to get thru it...I'm scared to death...not sure which drugs my onc is selecting...She may put me on a 3 month program...Are you looking into a wig, false eyelashes or eyebrows?? I so hate having to lose my hair...I believe the whole process wouldn't be so bad if we could keep our hair....
ERS

teacher06

Hey Jan. Girls,

I'm a Dec. starter so I'm just far enough ahead of you to be past my first A/C. It wasn't a bowl of cherries but I got past it in just a few days. The next week I actually felt great. Tomorrow I go for my 2nd A/C and I'm not nearly as scared as I was the first time. You can do this! The fear of the unknown effects of the chemo was almost more overwhelming than the actual chemo. My hair has started to fall out and I'm not freaking out as much as I thought I would. Have your wigs and hats ready ahead of time and you'll be ok. I wish you all peace of mind! You can do this!

Debi D.

Rodie

Minigrace: I've had a few meltdowns this week too. Also diag. oct-- Friday the 13th to be exact. This is my second cancer in 4 months--lymphoma in June. What a year-so I'm entitled to a couple of meltdowns right? This week the results of the OncotypeDX test were received. I fell in the gray area -- scored 19 -- so I'll start AC soon. First EKG on Tues and then need to see when port will be installed. Hang in there. I know I can deal with the hair loss--I think but the weight gain--crap!! We'll get through this.

I send you hugs.

Amera

I think the reason the hair thing might be so bad is that it's potentially so public. If I could go through this and only reveal it to the folks of my choice, I'd feel so much more in control of the whole thing. I guess wigs can look great and like real hair, but still, *I* will know it's not real hair.

I also think it will finally hit that this is the real deal when my hair begins to fall out. I have been mentally preparing for chemo and side effects since my diagnosis, but being bald will make it hard to put on a happy face and get through it.

And Carolin, I have completely let my diet and exercise go to hell. I was a runner and gym rat before my dx but between surgeries/dr appts/ gettting caught up on missing work and/or preparing to be out, I have really let it slide. I've also been stress eating and can feel my clothes getting tight. It's a really slippery slope, I fear. I have read that being in shape and continuing to exercise helps to get through chemo and decrease overall mortality from bc, but I am having a really hard time. I also just saw a study that says a low-fat diet in hormone receptor negative women decreased recurance rates by a huge percentage. You'd think that would be enough to motivate me but not so far.

I meet with the onc for the first time tomorrow, and I'm sure that's why I'm over-eating. I guess that's my response to stress these days. Blech!
Amy

Minigrace

Hi, ERS,
Yes, I already have a wig and have ordered a couple of hats, turbans, etc. I am taking the Look Good, Feel Better Class on Jan. 15 - I think they give you advice about eyebrows etc in that class. I don't have much eyelashes anyway so I guess that won't be a big change. I did have shoulder length hair with no bangs but just got it cut up to chin length with short bangs, which is similar to the wig I bought. I thought the bangs would help disguise the eyebrow problem.

Thanks for the replies. I am feeling a little better today, nerves wise but physically not so good. Apparently surgery irritated by trachea, which is all swollen and painful, hard to talk. I have some antibiotics and supposed to take Aleve twice a day for the swelling.

Good luck to you all. It is such a relief to have someone to talk to where I don't have to be careful what I say. You know sometimes the people who love you can't handle everything.

Minigrace

KAud

Count me in for starting chemo in January. I'm stage III, SNB +, doing chemo first and surgery later to shrink tumor. I hear this can be standard for my group of people. I am scared of starting chemo but more scared of dying so what are you going to do. I have been looking at wigs on the internet to prepare myself. I agree that the whole hair falling out thing is like adding salt to a wound - totally sucks. Hoping to meet some nice people going through the same hell so we can share combat stories and SUCCESSES!
Talk to ya soon!
Karen

Lynn12

Hi,

This is my first post to this board. I'm really glad I found this board.

I will be starting chemo in January as well. Was diagnosed with ILC on Nov. 7th. RB mastectomy on 12/4. Stage IIb 7.5cm T3,N0,M0 ER/PR+. I met with my Onc on 12/15 and was so glad when he said to enjoy the holidays, we can start in January. I also have a 2nd opinion Onc appt. at Dana Farber on January 3rd.

I'm getting my hair cut tomorrow. I know it will only be about a month until my hair falls out, but thought I'd get a short haircut to prepare. Thinking it'll be less of a shock at that point.

I'm having 6 rounds of cytoxan/taxotere 3 weeks apart. Anyone else getting this particular combination?

I think I'm going to get a port installed as well, just don't want to waste my veins.

This chemo thing is by far the most scariest to me. I know we'll all get through this, so glad to have some company!

Lynn

Amera

Hi Lynn, I think I have the same treatment sched as you. May I ask who you are seeing at Dana Faber? I am for sure getting a second op. after my meeting with the local onc today. It was a nightmare. I didn't feel at all comfortable with the doc and the treatment center was dark and depressing. I cannot imagine not dreading every second of being there. The dr today was very inarticulate about my treatment and botched a couple of things in my file. It was clear she hadn't read it before meeting me.

I think Dana Farber will be make me feel more at ease even though it's a bit of a hike. I was told when I called last week that the earliest appt would be Jan.2 but will call again now that I know for sure I want to try some place else. I feel worse about chemo and bc today after going there than I have since my diagnosis. Not a good thing. I need a cheerleader not someone to feel sorry for me--as it felt like the office staff did. They kept hugging me and telling me how sorry they were I was there. I was crying but it was weird. I even heard them discussing "poor me" while they thought I was out of earshot. I do not need that. We will get through this though.
Amera

Lynn12

Hi Amera,

So sorry to hear you had a hard time at your local Onc today. I was so glad after my appt. last week that both my husband and I liked mine.

My appt. is with Dr. Leroy Parker at Dana Farber on Jan. 3rd. I didn't pick him because I didn't really care which Dr. I had because I hear they are all good. I'm on the waiting list for an earlier appt., but they said it probably won't happen because of the holidays.

Are there other Oncs closer to you that you can try? Dana Farber is 2 hours away for me and I'm only going for the 2nd opinion. Although I think I'm going to go to Beth Isreal for reconstruction because they do DIEP.

Lynn

Ihopeg

Minigrace,
I went to the Look good, feel better class last week.They really give you some good tips about wigs and makeup! Also, even though I am not a scarf wearer, they did some amazing easy things with them. They show you how to apply makeup so that it doesn't get contaminated and cause you to get sick. The makeup is amazing. There are many different brands for anything you need, including Estee Lauder and Chanel. It was really a great class. They even said that there are wig salons that give discounts and even wig banks that give them for free.

We are going on vacation this week and I am so nervous about the whole missing boob thing and the clothes that probably won't fit anymore. Any suggestions? Ilene

vlfr

GilRodie,
The MUGA and Echocardiogram are different ways of getting the same info. Adriamycin and Herceptin can both hurt heart muscle. So before chemo you are getting a baseline test so to speak. Something to compare against later.

Echo used sound to create a "picture of the heart muscle movement. MUGA uses radioisotopes attached briefly to your red blood cells to create pictures of your heart pumping. The technician can then calculate an ejection fraction which tells how well your heart pumps.

I just had a MUGA a couple days ago.

BTW: there is another discussion group talking about wigs. If you get a RX for a hair prosthesis from the onc most insurance companies will cover it.

I start chemo Wed. I hope. So I can go home to my family for Christmas.

Vicky
ER, PR neg HER2 + Still waiting for staging.

IowaCindy

Hi~
I think I will be another member of the class of Jan. '07. When at the surgeon's today for a follow-up after port placement, she told me to talk with the oncologist at my Friday appointment about starting after the holidays. "There's no need to rush to start and cause problems with the holidays being just next week. See what she says."

So I'll be back this weekend after I've clarified the plans.

I am happy to have found this place. The organization makes finding topics of interest easy. Everyone seems very helpful and concerned. I think this place will be a great support in the coming months.

Have a good week, everyone!

Cindy

irelandmb

Hi GilRodie,
I know how you feel. My son makes his communion in May and I will most likely be bald for that also.
But I guess it's a case of pay now or pay later.
My son's are 7 and 11. I feel I need to do everything the first time to ensure that I am free of this BC. Being scored 19 on Oncotype is hard, because you see yourself just outside the "You don't need it zone" and you are placed in the "We're not sure if you need it zone". But I guess the answer to the dilema is - Take the treatment or go around wondering should I have taken it, is there one cell floating around somewhere. That's my take on it. Not happy about it, but that's just how it is for me.
Keep me posted of your decision. I am going for 2nd opinion to ensure that the prescribed Taxotere and Cytoxin is the mildest hit I need to get.
Will keep you posted.
Cheers...

Bama13

Hi, I'm also starting chemo in Jan. 2007. My cancer was found Aug. 28th from bleeding nipple. On Sept. 20th I had a lumpectomy, milkducts, and central lymph node removed. The pathology report came back with more cancer...... HER2 invasive, tumor was 1.6 cent., clear lymph node. On Nov. 13th I had a left breast mastectomy with free lap reconstruction. (took skin from my stomach to make a new boob.) At the same time I had reduction done on my right breast.......the pathology report came back with cancer in that breast. Radiation has been ruled out and I must have another mastectomy. Just this past week I got my Oncotype DX test results and I'm a 25, so now I have to go thru chemo before having my mastectomy. What bothers me the most is my Oncologist had my results of the Onco.Dx test for 6 weeks. We didn't realize that until we got home and was looking at our copy. She received the results on Nov. 2 and gave them to me on Dec. 12th. When we asked how soon I would start chemo, she said ASAP. She said they want to have chemo started within 80 days of surgery and I'm about 89 days and counting. So we have decided this Oncologist doesn't seem to be on top of my tests and results so I'm trying to get into M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Tx. for a 2nd opinion. I should find out tomorrow. We're talking almost 4 months that I have been sliced and diced on and still no chemo started.
I'm taking Aromasin and the hot flashes are terrible. I'm so glad I found this site, because I read about some of the medicines some of you are taking that really help. Like most of you, I dread the chemo worse than the surgeries I've already had. I don't want to lose all my hair either!!!!
God Bless all of you and thanks for letting me vent some of my frustrations.

ERS2006

Hi Ireland
I'm also starting Cytoxan & Taxotere W/Herceptin Jan 2nd...I will be taking it once every 3 weeks...Looks like to me that the worst side effects are hair loss & lossening of the fingernails...What a rotten deal

ERS

ERS2006

Hi Lynn
I'm also starting Cytoxan & Taxotere w/Herceptin...4 treatments w/8 more months of Herceptin & 5 Years of Tamoxifen...Let me know how you do!

ERS

RaeMN

Good Luck to all of you. I am a January 2006 Chemo gal. Next year you will look back and wonder where the time went.

Make sure you all ask for help if you need it from your family and friends....don't be a martyr during this time.

I wanted to agree with the Look Good Feel Better classes offered. If you can get to one, please do. It was wonderful to get the tips, and fun to meet other gals going through the same thing you are.
Also, please check with the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY in your state. They offer one free wig and hats or scarfs to anyone going through chemo or radiation. They are new wigs and you get to try them on and have a good time picking one out.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL.....IF I CAN BE OF ANY SPECIFIC HELP TO ANYONE, LET ME KNOW.....

FROM SOMEONE WHO WAS WHERE YOU ARE LAST YEAR THIS TIME.

Rae (53 from Minnesota)
1.5 cm, ILC, chemo, radiation, now on tamoxifen

Dar1

Hi - just found this thread. I'm also starting chem Jan.3. Diagnosis - 1.5 cm IDC, ER+/HER-, node-, Stage 1, grade 2. I'll be taking 4 rounds of AC. Going for the wig on Thursday - we live in a small city, so I hope they have a decent selection. I agree about the bald thing. It would be a lot easier to accept if I could keep my hair. Some of the other side effects sound like pregnancy to me - but they were tolerable because they meant I was having a baby, not receiving cytotoxic drugs! But being bald is a different story all together. Makes it all public, even with a wig. I'm confused about the low white cell counts - can I go to the mall? See my granddaughter? Do I have to be a hermit to avoid getting an infection?

Rodie

Hi VLFR. I had my electroc. today. At this point I know I'll start chemo in Jan because no time now for the port to be installed. Thanks for explaining the differences in heart tests.

Happy Holidays--next year this time it will all seem like a dream! I think???

Rodie

IrelandMB. I decided to have the treatments. In your case I wouldn't have hesitated--you are younger than me and two young sons. Don't worry I'm sure to the communion boy you'll be the most beautiful mom just as my daughter tells me about being the beautiful MOB.

We'll get through this. I'll be receiving AC. I was hoping the port would have been installed this week so I could have had my first session the end of December but that's how it goes.

Have a beautiful Christmas with your loved ones. I can't wait for Katie and her fiance to arrive on Saturday from Boston.

I send hugs and pray each night for my "sisters".

teacher06

Hey January Girls,

I'm a Dec. chemo starter who just buzzed her head and found out how cold it can be around the house without hair! First of all...it wasn't nearly as traumatic as I thought it would be. I think I had stressed over it so long that the actual event was anticlimatic. Anyway, I want to tell you about the softest hats. I ordered them online from Land's End. I ordered little toboggan type hats in a fabric called Nanotex and some cute little hats from their online catalog outlet in the same fabric for only 4.99.

Best wishes for the happiest of holidays.

Debi D.

thomcat

To the January Girls:

I've quickly read through some of your posts and you guys are having the same concerns and apprehensions I did. I'm a member of the "Starting Chemo in Dec 2006" but actually started my first tx of AC on 11/28/06.

I was dx in 8/06 with IDC, 9mm, grade 2, NO node involvement, ER/PR+ and Her2- and am premenopausal at 48. I took an aggressive approach and requested a left mastectomy. My surgeon commented, "you'll probably have to do hormone therapy" but once I consulted with the onco it was suggested chemo, AC/T. It was like being dx all over again! I took the Oncotype DX test and the results came back as an 18. My onco told me, "your an interesting case" because I was on the borderline with my tumor size and Oncotype test. She gave me the choice of CMF vs AC/T but I chose AC/T because I don't ever want to look back and think I didn't do everything I could to get rid of the beast.

I was SO scared and apprehensive when I went for the 1st treatment but now that I've been through it, it wasn't as bad as I had anticipated. My hair has been coming out for the last week and I had it buzzed this past Mon. I thought I would be devastated but it really has not bothered me that much. The side effects of the chemo that have bothered me are fatigue and slight nausea.

The worst part of chemo is having to do it with a 6 yr old son. He has only been told limited info - not the "c" word - because we've had too many incidents with it hitting too close to home lately. We are SO afraid he would freak out so I've just told him I'm on medication and one of the side effects is hair loss. He didn't ask any other questions but if he does I'll answer honestly.

I'm hoping my story may help comfort some of you. Sorry it is so long. It's therapeutic for me right now.

All in all, I want to say hang in there and take one day at a time. As you've probably read or heard elsewhere, "it's doable". I always wondered what everyone meant by that and now I know.

Wishing everyone a happy holiday.

Hugs,

Cathy

vlfr

Thanks for your post. I'm stressing out too much about the hair. Hats - I should have put that on my Christmas list.
Vicky

vlfr

I had my first chemo yesterday. A/C. Since I didn't have surgery first, the port put in Monday and the chemo Wed were my "reality checks". I fought crying all the way into the doctors office. There was a lot of comraderie and I had to admire the "crazy lady" passing out candy and keeping everyones spirits up. Be prepared for all the strange sensations in your body when the chemo is infused. I had the zofran and dexamethasone first so it wasn't the nausia, but cold sweets, blood pressure bottoming out, and general disconfort. I brought a book but couldn't really concentrate. My husband sat with me. If you can have someone go with you do. Its just comforting to know that you can grab their hand. AND its is long. I was told 2 1/2 hours, it was more like 4. On the way home I picked up the meds. Zofran is very, very expensive. I got 30 pills for $238 and that is will good insurance. (They paid $952). If that is going to an issue for you. Tell your doc up front. Most of the drug companies have programs to supply free meds but you've got to ask. I took the good avices from the "Wig Board" and and got an RX for that too. I like hats too but I want options.

I hope this helps those who are awaiting their first. I can't tell you how much ya'all are helping me.

teacher06

Ouch! That Zofran is pricey. My ins. must be really good...I paid only $30.00 for 12. Zofran works so I guess it's worth it. 30 pills should last you a long time. Not as much nausea with round 2 as I had with 1, thank goodness.

Good Luck to All!
Debi

JT6911-2006Dec07

Well Ladies, Found out 12/21 that I too will do starting chem in January. 6 rounds 3 weeks apart then onto 7-8 weeks of rad. So many questions and thoughts running through my mind. I hate crying so much. Did that and I'm tried of it. Thinking of cutting my dark brown hair very short and bleaching it red or blonde. I'm asking for any tips and what to have on hand or what has worked or working for you. It's only been 3 months on this very long trip and I'm trying not to let it get to me but it's hard some days. I feel so bad doing this to my family and I know I did nothing. It's hard for the care taker to be taken care of.

Amera

UGH, last day of work yesterday. I'm a high school teacher and will not be back until Aug/07. I told the kids. It was hard as some of them looked stricken--even though I kept it light. It was tought though. Many of them have relatives who've gone through it. When they asked what they could do for me I told them to not gossip about me (the rumor mill will have me gone by Christmas), GRADUATE, and not give the sub a hard time. They were all on board yesterday but we shall see. I wonder when this will all hit? I've been so busy with work/Christmas I haven't had time to *really* think about it (aside from my nightmare first onc. visit).

Have a wonderful holiday everyone. We deserve to let go of this bugger for a day or two, right? See you all back in Jan. my chemo sisters. I am so thankful for you all.
Health, Amera

teacher06

Amera,

I am a teacher too, but at the opposite end...first grade. I was out for surgery in Oct., then again in Nov., then my mom died, now I'm on chemo and not going back this year. It feels weird. This is my 30th year and I was planning to retire this year. Now I guess I'll do one more to make up for it. I haven't had much communication with my kids, the counselor handled most of it for me. We have had a couple of our moms in my school lose the cancer battle during the past two years so it's a pretty hard topic. My school is very active in Relay for Life and I am planning on walking the survivor's lap this year. I probably could manage to go back for the last few weeks of school, but after a winter of chemo and then rads in the spring, I think my body will just be too beat. Good luck to you as you begin your chemo in Jan. I'll have my 3rd A/C Jan 2.

Debi