Starting Chemo in May 07

katymom

What is the biotene mouthwash and where do you get it?

katymom

I'll be getting TCH also starting May 3 with any luck. It has been postponed twice because my white cells were too high. Are you taking decadron before the chemo? We'll have to keep each other posted! What day do you start? Are you every 3 weeks?

cinrae123

Katy,,,,,,,,good luck to you on May 3,,,,,keep us posted ok? As far as decadron,,,yes, I will take two the night before and two the morning of chemo. And also the shot of neulasta. Hang in there,,,,,,lets hope you can start on May 3 and get this ball rollinnnnn,,,,,,,,,right?
Take care,,,,,,,Cindy

katymom

Good luck tomorrow! I start on Thursday is all goes well....we'll have to keep each other posted...

chemo072

Quote:

---

hi all, this is my first post - I'm starting chemo tomorrow A/C 4x, every three weeks, maybe two if I do OK with the white count and side effects. I decided to have my hair buzzed off - my hairdresser did it for free on Fri. AM. and my son and daughter-in-law had haircuts on Sat. that are really short, in solidarity. I look sort of Buddha-like and am getting used to my "new look". After the A/C, it's 6weeks of rads, then Taxol and Herceptin for a year. Also got a second opinion from a comp. cancer center onc. who agreed with the local onc. that made me feel good. have had lumpectomy, and all the scans; C/T, bone and PET. did I say I'm 70, and otherwise in great shape - looking for NED in the future!

---

Hi AZ Willow! Being 70 in great shape you probably feel better than I do - best wishes to you, and welcome...Let us know how your first A/C goes. I envy you your peace with your Buddha like hair....

and re: "getting this show on the road" - that's exactly what I was thinking....the times that I wasn't thinking about running away to the Bahamas. LOL. I'm ready and I'm not, all at the same time. I did make my appt to have my head shaved with a very sweet hairdresser, so that's making it more real. Other than that, I'll cross the bridges when they come.

It's stunning to me how much work prepping for all this is - tomorrow I finish the bone scan, bone density baseline and dental exam, and Wed have my wig shaped and meet with a gyn. onco, just to be on the safe side as a CAT scan found some odd stuff

Good luck everyone!

No surrender, your tips are gold. Sorry that you've done this before, but isn't it great that there's a treatment? That's what I keep thinking, as scared as I am of the chemo, as scared as I was of the mastectomy, thank goodness there are treatment options.

Take care all - rooting for all of you all the way.

nosurrender

Hello May-jor Cancer Kickers!

Nadola, did you start yesterday? And how are you feeling?

Hello AZ Willow! you are all set. Sounds like you are on your way to NED!!

Katy, you are starting on Thursday? I have to keep better track here! You can get Biotene in any drug store. I got the mouthwash, toothpaste and rinse in Target!

Cindy, that is the same thing I am doing with the decadron.

Amyam, any tip I can provide or remember or experience I will pass along here!

Mandy, I hope you are doing ok right now! You should be getting your infusion as I write this. I love that song. Did you know that JD wrote that when he was feeling really bad one day and it was non stop raining? He wrote it to think of better days and better times that would come, and they did. That is just what it will be like for all of us with this chemo.
It may be "cloudy" now... but if we continue to think about the sunshine we will get through this!

One thing girls, as you know I did this once before and I want to REMIND YOU-
chemo does end and your life goes right back to normal. I had a blast for five years. My chemo WORKED! My cancer did not return, I got a new one- and that is rare. So trust me, this is doable and before you know it you will be done.

OK GIRLS! GO GET EM!

JudyWI

Well I start for sure May 1oth. Had my MUGA test yesterday and passed. Blood test tomorrow to test my clotting factor and friday in goes the port. I still do not know what arm of the clinical trial I will be in. Should know this week. Was told to plan on a long day the 10th. Will have a information and what to expect, drugs to help with side effect talked about and given the first few hours. Have not dealth with the hair loss to come yet. I am sure they will be able to give me idea when that will start to fall out. I have shorter hair now but it is very thick so will be a change. Have decide not to get a wig. I am home most of the time and will just deal with a hat or scarf when I go out.

sylayne

Hi everyone. I'm starting chemo tomorrow and I'm a bit nervous (especially after reading that Emend patient info thingee). I've told a few of you I lost my job last year (caught my boss stealing and he was hoping to get away with it), eventually lost my insurance, and then found the BEAST the next month. I had IDC and a lumpectomy, no clear margins, went back in still not good margins. I need a mast now. I couldn't find the doctors I needed that will accept Medicaid until I traveled across the state to USF's Moffitt Center. Meanwhile, my onc was getting nervous about the wait, so I start chemo tomorrow morning and we'll worry about the mast later. Seems I may have DCIS now but the onc is more worried about the wayward little suckers than the ones that are trapped. I'm er/pr +, about 1.5 cm, her2/neu -, 3 of 11 nodes positive.

Like Mary does, I'll start with AC every other week x 4 and the T every other week x4. So it'll be about 4 months. I'm scared but just being here with you all helps a bunch.

BTW, I'm gonna have FUN with the hair thing! I plan on cutting it short this week and making a party of it! When it grows back I'll die it pink (or something) and spike it! My 70+ mother is just like that so she'll have a lot of fun playing with me. (yes, she really did die it pink and spike it just a couple of years ago!!!!)

Sheree

lwy

hi guys,
good to read about how everyone is doing. this month is starting to pick up for all of us, so many of us starting chemo soon. I get my port on friday and my first dose of chemo monday. not so worried about the chemo itself, just worried about the cancer coming back! Just want the chemo to KILL it all! Got my premedications today. good luck to everyone.
Leslie

cinrae123

okie dokie Leslie,,,,,,,,,,Monday is our big day. I've had my meds for a couple of weeks now and I am good to goooooooooooo. Lets get this show on the road and be done with it, right?? I dont remember,,,,,are you doing it every 3 weeks or every week? Has chemofog set in already and I havent even started yet????? LOL

Cindy

sylayne

I used to be ten foot tall and bullet proof - now my sign says "As is." I'm scared.

Anonymous

Hi all!

In spite of a mild head cold, I did get my first treatment today (FEC). The process itself was fine. The anti-nausea meds made me feel a little (pleasantly) dizzy and drowsy. I definitely needed a driver to come home. We brought the portable DVD player and watched a movie.
The whole process took about 3 hours from walking in the door to walking out.

Other than starting the IV (I really hate when they get the needle in and then start to move it around!) nothing was uncomfortable. I was cold so the nurse brought me a nice warm blanket (THE best invention in hospitals ever!) I was given a nice heat pad to put on my IV arm which was cold and than at 10am, the cookie cart came around - which was great because I was hungry. At that point I was so very happy and comfortable!

I was hungry when I got home so ate a little bit then too. I slept well last night but was awake at 5 am so I had a little nap at about 3pm, I felt quite nauseous but it only lasted for about half an hour and went away when I got up and had some soup. Then at 5pm I felt kinda rotten...this lasted for about an hour and a half then I felt good, got up and went to a meeting and came home just in time to take my anti-nausea medication (Hallelujah for those meds!!!!!) Right now I feel good! (Touch wood!)

It's really odd - not like a stomach flu or regular upset stomach...I don't know how to describe it but for me, it starts and stops quite suddenly! Overall, today has been a very good day - I am surprised that I was nauseous - I was expecting it tomorrow - so am a little anxious for what tomorrow will bring but again, I have strong drugs to take if needed.

So for now - all looks good - I realize it's really early but I am taking every bit of positive that I can and for today - it was positive!

I hope everyone who's started treatment is also doing well
and to the people about to start - I'm thinking of you and hoping things go well!

Good night and take care.

cinrae123

Hi Mandy,,,,,,,,,I'm glad today went well for you. And hope tomorrow and the rest of the days go good also. Are you doing chemo every 3 weeks? Lets hang tough girls,,,,,,,
Cindy

cinrae123

Good luck girl,,,,,,,,,,,I will be thinking about you,,,,,,,,,,hang tough.
Cindy

cinrae123

Nosurrender,,,,,,,,,,how are things going for you? Just checking in on ya........
Cindy

chemo072

Quote:

---

I used to be ten foot tall and bullet proof - now my sign says "As is." I'm scared.

---

Me too. Used to be fearless, dealt with hard stuff like I was in "the zone." Now, scared. A lot.

lisaelder1972

Hi girls,
Nice to meet you all and very glad that you have become part of our BCO family.You will find friendship and invaluable advice from all the sisters who walked the path before you.I found myself turning to the site when I would wake up at 2:00 am,terrified,there is always someone here to talk to.I had 4 dose dense AC and 4 dose dense Taxotere.My last treatment was November 13,2006.And I am very happy to say I have hair now lol.I remember very well the fear before my 1st treatment.After that you will feel a little more at ease.Some will get sick and some not so bad.The important thing is take the meds even if you aren't sick.I had Neulasta and Arenesp shots and I did not catch even a simple cold the whole time.It seems like a lifetime ago now.The most traumatic thing for me was losing my hair.But,it will be back.I will post a pic later so you all can see.If I can help any of you in any way just PM me.Stay strong.

Hugs,
Lisa

lwy

Cindy, I'm doing TCH every 3 weeks. I know, my memory is shot and everytime I do something forgetful, my husband jokes that i have chemo brain even though I haven't started yet! I'm afraid of what my memory will be like once I actually start! Good luck to you on Monday!
Leslie

sylayne

Hi ladies (fellow brave combatants).

I just got back from my first chemo (AC). The anxiety leading up to it was SOOO much worse than the actual experience! I haven't had an appetite at all lately, but when I got all hooked up and comfy, I asked my wonderful guy if he would go and get us something to eat. I thought a roast beef sub from the deli sounded good and that's exactly what I got. I ate the whole darn thing! Well, we actually split a large one, but I ate my whole half!

I feel a little bit tired but I felt tired when I got up this morning, so I'm not sure the meds have anything to do with it.

I'm a little concerned about keeping all my medicines straight cause I'm taking a few others for back disease and depression. Anyone find those little boxes with your daily doses help a lot? Any other ideas?

The rest of this post is only if you want details about the actual treatment today. I know some people don’t want to know it all and others, like me, the more information the better.

So… I wanted to post right away, especially for those of you scheduled to start in the next few days or weeks. Seriously, it wasn’t hard in the least. I don’t have a port – am deciding on whether or not to get one but the doctor wanted to get moving on the chemo so we used an IV for this first round. My nurse was very good at it and they don’t usually bother me too much anyway. So unless that freaks you out, no problem because the rest was pretty much a cakewalk. I had a tag team of support – my fiancé took me, one sister showed up in the middle for almost an hour, another sister came for the last hour. I went in at 10:00 and was home by around 1:00 pm (it’s only a 5 minute or so drive). I thought my guy would want to go back to work after sister one showed up, but he wouldn’t leave. I didn’t necessarily want him to so that was fine with me. The room had about 9 big recliners in it and there were I think five others there when I came in. Little by little they finished up and one more woman joined us about half way or so through my treatment. The nurse decided to look in a closet and ask if anyone wanted a water bottle – I took two bottles of water with me and I think it made her realize the others didn’t have anything. I drank my full two bottles by the way – I’ve been listening to what I’m reading! Drink lots of water!!! Well, the water bottles led to little sample kits of biotene and she gave me a thermometer and offered other stuff like blankets. I said I love to get little goodies and that kind of opened everyone up a little. There were more smiles and a little bit of conversation (everyone was so quiet when I came in). She also gave me samples of Celebrex to help with the possible bone pain. She came back and gave me another water bottle – I guess she knew I’d be drinking it up!

Anyway, back to what happened – she put the IV in, took some blood, then hooked me up to saline. During that time they ran a full test for my blood counts (not sure what all of them are, but the red and white counts are important, as is iron). I’ll figure out the rest. They also sent some blood to a lab for kidney and liver functions, but those all came back fine last time anyway. All my tests and counts were “excellent” she said. Amazing how someone so “sick” can be so healthy! (Thank you again, God.) She talked a little bit, told me a few possible side effects (like my urine being dark orange) then put a couple of steroids, another anti-nausea drug, and Zantac (like for heartburn) in the next IV bag. Oh – I forgot – I had to take a pill called Emend an hour before the chemo. Also for anti-nausea. The next bag was the Adriamycin – it’s red and that’s one they especially want to watch for any reaction to. She said if you feel pain, heat, or anything unusual they need to know right away as it may be leaking. I didn’t feel a thing. The last bag was the Cytoxin, I was in good spirits, never felt pain or discomfort, and felt well cared for. I have to go back tomorrow to get a shot of Neulasta that helps keep your infection fighting white blood count up. That’s the one that can give you some bone pain though. She said if I get anemic I might take Aranesp. It was a lot of information but all in all rather painless and easy to deal with.

I know this is only day one, but I was already prepared to get pretty sick since I was first diagnosed. I still have a lot of hope that I won’t get THAT sick, but I’ll deal with it no matter. I’m pretty resigned to the hair loss. That’s just not a real big deal to me. Except, how will I EVER learn to draw decent eyebrows!!!!

I know this is long, but I hope it helps someone. Like I said, the anxiety and fear was the very worst part of it so far. And I don’t think I could get sick enough to overshadow that - it was truly horrible. Good luck, I’m hoping to hear how you all are doing. I’ll keep you posted.

Sheree

cinrae123

Good for you Sheree,,,,,,,,,,Im so glad it all went well for you. I guess sometimes we get ourselves worked up ahead of time and find out it all goes ok , huh? Hope and pray that it continues for you. You sound like a very positive gal...........good deal. I am glad you posted about your first treatment,,,,,,,mine is coming up on Monday, so I thank youuuuuuuuuuuu. Hang tough,,,,,,,,,,,,
Cindy

Bernadine

Hi there
I started on monday morning had blood test, picline put in and muga test and then chemo everything went well during the day I have FEC treatment to. I was dizzy and drowsy after all that.The whole process took from 7am to 3;30pm went home and was sick til 10pm I think my body was in shock after all those drugs,I was never sick in my life and not a pill lady.So I slept preety good the rest of the night and the day after still was nauseous,the extra mural (nurse) came to check up on me and my pickline was stuck had to go to the hospital to be plushed out and went well. Came home and rested was pretty nauseaded took my pills, today I'm back to my old self, but you have to take the pills that they gave you because you won't feel better so listen to them. Good luck to the others who's going this week. Hope you feel better than me

cinrae123

awwwwwwwwwww Im sorry nadola that you arent feeling well,,,,,,,hopefully it will get better huh? Good thoughts are going out to you. Hang tough.
Cindy

sylayne

I'm so sorry Nadola, for how rough it was for you. Hopefully (here goes a prayer being sent up) it will settle and become easier.

Cindy, good luck - yes, we do get ourselves worked up a bit. That's why I wanted to post the details right away. I know several gals are starting real soon and feeling just as scared as I was. When we pulled in the parking lot, I said, "Ok - I'm going in to kick some butt and I'm taking names!" Good luck and keep me posted.

Sheree

wedbizqueen

Hi LoulouBell,
You and I are identical with the chemo treatments except I start on Monday, May 7th. I, too, am apprehensive about the side effects. I own a wedding facility and wouldn't ya know it, it's the height of wedding season and I HAVE to complete these weddings for the next 6 months or go bust! I have my wig, pretty black hat and my "supplies" suggested on this board for my first chemo day. I'm hoping my good days will fall on the latter part of the weekends so I can direct/coordinate these events. We are supposed to avoid crowds but hello! how can I do that? Well, I just wish you all the best and I'll keep you updated on my progress with the chemo and hopefully I will be totally surprised by my reactions. Hugs to you and all the others "sisters" on this board. I have learned so much from this discussion board that no class would have ever taught me.

nosurrender

Sorry you are feeling bad Nadola. My best advice has always been- TAKE THE MEDS EVEN IF YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE YOU NEED THEM...
And sometimes we learn the hard way...
But if your meds did NOT work the first time then tell your onc and he can switch them or adjust them.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE SICK THROUGHOUT THIS!!

Everyone starting tomorrow GOOD LUCK!!

KICK SOME CANCER BUTT!!!!

Love,
g

chemo072

Sheree - the details help enormously, thank you! That's EXACTLY what I wanted to know - e.g. "what will the experience look like?" Wish me luck tomorrow, A/C #1.

Running around like a madwoman trying to get everything done before hand, don't quite understand how y'all do it. Just not enough time in the day. Off to take a xanax, trying not to freak out, anxiety and fear are two variables that ARE within my control.

Mom's coming and the apts a mess - she's going to have to clean. Have to go into work at 7 am, yikes. Did get my teeth cleaned, and the wig styled, have an appt to have my head shaved on the 14th.

Best wishes all, and wish me luck!

- Amanda, www.imaginebrightfutures.wordpress.com

Anonymous

Good luck tomorrow Amy! You'll be just fine!

Today is day 2 for me and it has been really good. I wnet to wrk for most of the day and went to watch my daugher's badminton finals tonight. I haven't had much of an appetite but it's not like I haven't eaten! Those anti nausea meds work really well! The only thing I'm noticing tonight is that my mouth is really dry (my nose too) so I've been sipping water. I will brush my teeth with biotine tonight and hopefully that will also help.

Just a note that my chemo experience was very similar to sheree's - the whole procedure itself was really nothing and my husband and I were the only ones laughing because we were watching a funny movie. There were only 3 others getting treatment at the same time as me and 2 were visiting with the people who brought them and the other was sleeping!

Wishing you all luck with your upcoming treatments (for those about to sail) and hoping the side effects stay managed for those who've already started.

Nadola I hope you're feeling much, much better! I'm getting FEC too - 6 rounds! Most women seem to get the A/C - T treaments...are you Canadian?

Wedbiz - I'll bet you'll be able to keep up wiht your busy schedule for the summer - I hope you have some back up help though just in case! What a fun business you're in!

Take care everyone!

Anonymous

I was jsut going over the threads and am trying to keep eveyrone's start date organized...so this is what I've come up with (hope I haven't missed anyone or made any errors)

NoSurrender - April 25

Aliere - April 26

MaryAllsion - April 27

AzWillow
Mandy
Nadola - May 1

CrystalCat (how are you doing??)
Sheree - May 2

AmyAm
KatyMom - May 3

Iwy
Wedbiz
Cindy - May 7

JudyWi - May 10

Jayanada - May 17

Louise - May 24


I think that's everyone...of course, I have no way of keeping track of everyone's second treamtents since we're all on such different schedules but I know it will come up as we chat!

Again - good luck everyone - regardless of where you are on your schedule - I think of upi all so very much...always sending positive thoughts and energy!

cinrae123

Thanx Mandy for jotting down everyones start dates. I meant to do that last week,,,,,,,but got busy,,,,,,,,,,ummmm and lazy, lol
Cindy

cinrae123

Post deleted by cinrae123