How long is a normal chemo session?

ILovePamela

Hi,
Can anyone tell me the time frame for a typical round of chemo.? My girlfriend had her first session 6 days ago & we were told that she would have it once a week for 3 weeks, then 1 week off for the next 3 months. Her doctor told her she would have a "short round" of chemo, but this seems really extensive to us. She has had severe pain & fatigue since her first treatment & is really scared to go in for the second one which is scheduled for tomorrow. I'm scared too. She's so weak.

vkfrainbow

Welcome! What is your girlfriend's diagnosis?

In the short time since my partner was diagnosed (right breast IDC Stage 2) several weeks ago, I've since learned there is no "typical" anything in this disease.  In her case, she had a month's worth of Arimidex (oral).  When we got back from our son's wedding, she had a port put this Tuesday and her first A/C treatment was Wednesday.

We have 3 more A/C treatments, each three weeks apart with weekly blood work. Then the treatment switches to Taxol on a weekly basis for 14 weeks.  THEN a bilateral mastectomy some time April 09.

We take this all ONE DAY AT a TIME and just deal with what is right there.  The past cannot be changed and the future isnt here yet.

Hang in there - talk to your onco. the chemo folks and ask questions there too!

StubMac

Oh wow.

First, I have to say, hang in there.  My partner's course of treatment started with the bilateral mastectomy and then chemo.  She's chose TAC which consisted of 6 total treatments, 3 weeks apart starting on 7/3.  Her last treatment will be on 10/15.  With each one, she did get a little more fatigued, and right now, she's pretty whipped.  But, since she is coming up on the last one, we have hope that the battle is almost over.  My partner was diagnosed with stage IIB IDC.  I agree with Val, ask ask ask questions of everyone.  Also, one day at a time is the only way to do this.  I do not believe that I have ever been this scared in my life, and I'm not the one going through it.  Understand that scared is normal, and find all the support you can.

Take care, Kath

NoH8

Mine were about 3 hours for a/c and a little more for taxol and herceptin.

sns

I think it varies by chemo type and I suspect somtimes by chemo nurse. Mine usually lasted about 2 hours for the FEC and about 1 1/2 hours for herceptin.