Starting Chemo April 2009

tulipbebe

Hi All,

I didn't see a thread for April so I thought I'll start one.  I'll be starting sometime week 2 or 3, depending on when my period comes.  My DH and I want to conserve our fertility first through IVF so the eggs gotta be taken out before chemo starts. 

So far, I've seen 4 oncos.  3 for ACH and 1 for TCH.  Think I'll go with ACH although I really prefer TCH.  Anyone else out there?  Would be great to share the thick and thin of this ordeal together

Members:--

tulipbebe - Dx 02/25/09, 2 cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/1 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+

sakura73 -  Dx 1/22/2009, ILC, 2cm, Grade 2, 2/17 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

dbOak - Dx 2/3/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

TBB - Dx 01/19/09, ILC Stage IIb, 9+nodes rt and sent lt +, ER+/PR+, HER2-

txgal - 

jlp - Dx 2/13/2009, IDC, 4cm, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-

sherrimo - Dx 2/24/2009, IDC, 2cm, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

Nadine54 - Dx 2/24/2009, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 1/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

comingtoterms - Dx 1/9/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage II, Grade 2, 0/27 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

Pamelamont - Dx 1/26/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2-

TMD - Dx 1/15/2009, ILC, 1cm, Stage IIIa, Grade 1, 4/9 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

jax65 - Dx 2/11/2009, IDC, 3cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/1 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-

aoandrews43 - Dx 01/23/09 2.8cm, stage IIa, grade 2, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR- HER2-

inthemoment - Dx 2/20/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+

chelev - Dx 2/14/2009, IDC, 3cm, Stage II, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

Laurie - Dx 2/20/2009, IDC, Grade 2, / nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2-

Lena - Dx 2/9/2009, IBC, 6cm+, Stage IV, / nodes, mets, ER+, HER2+

giglgrl - Dx 3/2/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIb, ER+, HER2+

Daisy47 - TCHx6, Hx1yr, Tamoxifenx5yrs

Believe1 - Dx 2/2/2009, Stage 1, Grade 2, clear nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

rebeccar - Dx 2/24/2009, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/1 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+

stephanie1 - Dx 1/26/2009, IDC, 3cm, Stage IIb, Grade 2, 3/18 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

WasaBlonde

sherrilynne... - Dx 3/10/2009, 2cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+

lindatwo - Dx 12/15/2008, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

vicbils - Dx 2/13/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/9 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

TSmith - Dx 10/28/08, IDC, Double Mastectomy 1/20/09, 4cm, Stage III, Grade 3, 1/6 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-, Chemo Tx 4/23/09

florbo - Dx 1/20/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage II, Grade 2, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

Paula3558 - Dx 2/2/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage II, Grade 1, 2/19 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

aris - Dx 1/29/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage Ib, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+

ikat - Dx 1/29/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, 0/5 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

joyceyg -  Dx 2/12/2009, DCIS, Stage IIa, Grade 2, 1/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

bombus - Dx 3/4/2009, IDC, 3cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/1 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-

mariemarie - Dx 2/3/2009, ILC, 2cm, Stage IIa, Grade 2, 2/15 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+

nico1012 - Dx 4/2/2008, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIb, Grade 3, 5/15 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

Mittenmomma - Dx 02/05/2009, IDC 1CM,STAGE IIA,GRADE 2,1/15NODES,ER+, PR+, HER2-

jeezy - Dx 2/20/2009, IDC, 3cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/1 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+

ljh58 - Dx 3/11/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIb, Grade 2, 4/4 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

rinna40 - Dx 2/23/2009, IDC, 3cm, Stage II, Grade 3, 0/13 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-

Lesleyanne67 - Dx 3/27/2009, IDC, 5cm, Stage IIIa, Grade 2, / nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

nyelene - Dx 03/24/2009, IDC, 2.6 cm, Stage 2, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2+

HelenNC - Dx 1/10/2009, 2cm, Stage IIb, 1/18 nodes, ER+, HER2+

vicbils - Dx 2/13/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/9 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

luckofthedraw - Dx 1/19/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIIa, Grade 2, 6/10 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

AmylsStrong - Dx 3/2/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIa, Grade 2, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+

Alaina - Dx 3/20/2009, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIIb, ER+/PR-, HER2+

shannon56 - Dx 3/20/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER-/PR+, HER2+

lindatwo - Dx 12/15/2008, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

hrf - Dx 2/6/2009, ILC, 2cm, Stage IIb, Grade 1, ER+/PR+, HER2-

DUTCHinAtlanta - Dx 1/15/2009, IDC, 1cm, Grade 3, 0/7 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-

joanmac52 - Dx 2/2/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, ER-/PR-, HER2-

jeanohio47 - Dx 4/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage II, Grade 3, 2/6 nodes, HER2-

colette37 - Dx 3/17/2009, IDC, 5cm, Grade 3, ER+/PR-

rkclund

Titan - Dx 3/18/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/5 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2-

Alaina - Dx 3/20/2009, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIIb, ER+/PR-, HER2+

jlp

sakura - I think I'm going to get an ear length bob on 5th April, which I've had in the past and really loved (except for the daily blow dry before work...)  I should have 10 days to enjoy it before the buzz cut!

sakura73

Good plan!

tulipbebe

jlp - I've changed the post.  Pls check if it's correct.  I think my chemo brain is already starting even tho chemo hasn't started yet!!! 

Girls - Good luck with the hair cuts!  I'm gonna let my longer than shoulder length hair thin out naturally and probably get a wig or two. 

It's funny ... I was wondering what I would look like with a bald head.....thinking back.....be careful what you wonder!!!

I gotta check out those sites sakura!  I'm thinking head coverings are probably a lot airier than wigs.  Be strong Lou.  Think of it as a new image and you're gonna emerge from this much stronger and more beautiful than ever

sherrimo

I am also starting in April.  Going with AC+T and may get into a clinical study that adds Bevacizumab depending on my Oncotype score.  I had my hair cut short yesterday, looks really cute, should have had it done a long time ago.  I am not worried about fertility, my daughter is graduating high school this year and going off to college in the fall.  Good luck to all of you.

tulipbebe

Welcome sherrimo! 

What does Bevacizumab do?  My onco has not told me about this drug yet.

sherrimo

Apparently this a study they are conducting, clinical trial at this point.  The drug was originally intended for colorectal cancer but has shown some promise in lowering recurrence in other types of cancer including breast cancer.  I thought, what the heck it's not like it is replacing any of the other treatments, just adding on.   Bevacizumab also known as Avastin blocks the growth of blood vessels in the tumor.  It is approved for treatment of metastic breast cancer.  The study I am thinking about going in is to see the benefit of non-metastic cancer.  I was a little leary about getting into a clinical study but I figure if people don't do these types of things, cancer may never get cured.  I would be concerned if they were replacing the standard chemo with this but they adding this on to the regular regiment.

tulipbebe

It's awesome that you're volunteering for this clinical trial....most people with your prognosis don't want to do it.  Only those with more advanced stages choose to undergo the trials.  Thanks for being so selfless

txgal

I'm going to start FAC on April 14th.  Is anyone else getting FAC?  I'm getting a central line put in on April 13th (not a port...temp IV line for chemo) which I'm not looking forward to, and then on the 14th they start the first of four treatments.  It's a several day process.  Day one is 1/2 the F, all the C and then home with a portable pump to infuse the A over 48 hours.  Stay home on day 2 then back to the center on day three to have the pump removed and get the other half of the F.  Anyone have anything remotely similar to this schedule?  I don't think I've run across anyone who doesn't get this all in one go.  Would be interested to know other people's schedules.  Thanks!

tulipbebe

I'm getting the AC-T-H.  But from what my onco told me, it's always better to spread it out (especially the A) than have all in one shot.  The body takes it in better and the SE are more manageable. 

Btw txgal/TBB - mind if you share with us your prognosis? Would love to have a complete members' list. Thanks!

jlp

Cooking tonight... I am getting my port on Wednesday, and husband is out of town, so I am making chicken casseroles and lasagne so I won't have to cook the rest of the week.  There will be some left for when I start chemo - who knows if I will want to eat it?!

I am not looking forward to getting the port - I've seen many reports of it being more painful than breast surgery.  I had my lumpectomy/SNB on 3/4 and I have been sore ever since in the area between the two incisions (fluid/swelling). I still can't wear a bra all day, so I'm hoping the port heals faster than that.

I was asked to consider a clinical trial of TCx6 vs. TACx6.  They want to find out if the TC works as well as TAC with less side effects - if it does that would be a great treatment advance. I still might go in the trial - there's a 50/50 chance I would be on the same treatment anyway, just not sure yet as I don't know if my insurance company would still cover all the treatments if I get TC as apparently its not officially approved.  But I've seen lots of people on other threads say they are getting TC... so maybe the insurance would not be a problem (it will cost them a lot less than TAC + a Neulasta shot each time!)   Has anyone else had issues with insurance for a clinical trial?

LAM2009

My mom will be starting chemo q T/C x 4 Rx.  Her Onc. said she would not need a port.  I was wondering if this is unusual.  I have read many posts where ladies have had a port put in.  Her BS originally told her she would require one.  When we went to see Onc. two weeks ago, he said she would not.  I am a little confussed.  Thanks for any information.

sakura73

Hello all  - I got my pixie cut  and I love it! You should definitely consider getting a cute short cut, even if only for a few weeks (mine will fall out in three). Might as well take what pleasure we can from all this crap.

jlp

sakura, the haircut really suits you - I hope I look any where near that good!  I went to a party on Saturday with my hair down for a 'final fling' - I made a friend take a pic of me from the back and I'll try to get a copy and post it some time. Lou.

tulipbebe

sakura!  what a cute pixie cut!! suits you totally!!  now you're making me consider the pixie cut seriously. 

jlp - based on the bcirg rpts, TC is just as good/if not better than ACT for her2- so don't worry.   btw, is ACT the same as TAC? where are you placing the port?  my onco suggested one for me as well but i'm not sure coz I don't want scars on my shoulder (meaning no strapless or tube tops!)  

LAM2009 - usually the port thing is optional.  maybe the onco thinks your mom has good veins so they will do the needle thing each time?  alternatively she can do the catheter as well.

Girls!  We need to stock up soon.  Let's prepare for the chemos.  Any suggestions on things to buy/do before the big day??  I'm gonna get a lot of tissue, a nice little bowl by the side of my bed (in case I need to puke into it)......nice mood music to induce sleep......take off my nail polish soon, buy wigs and scarfs and hats, good socks to protect the feet from dehydration....that's all I can think of for now.  Btw, do we still get our periods during chemo?  I forgot.  Or does it become less and less until we temporarily (permanently for some of us) menopause? 

Nadine54

Another new person to our April 2009 Chemo group here.  On the hair topic, I have had thin hair on top for many years...I was pretty good with styling my hair where it wasn't so noticeable.  Had my hair long and short and long and then more short.  I had decided I was going to grow my hair long long again...and then BC came and brought me an unwelcome surprise.  Thought surgery would be enough...nope now treatments and the soon to be shaved head.  Going tomorrow to look at wigs.  I figure since I will have no hair, I will just get some nice looking wigs.  Bought some turbins this evening and going to get scarves soon also.  And wouldn't you know it I have complained about bad hair days...man what a trip there!  My hair this last week has been a mess.  But hair will grow back, THANKS GOODNESS!  My problem over all is having seen both of my parents in resent years going threw chemo and its still fresh in my mind the sickness and all that they both went through.  If I could just shake those images maybe I could chill somewhat.  I am a control person...time to only control what I really can control.  So with April 1 coming up I am only trying to think of simple things.  My mind is in overdrive...I am not in this alone and we will all hang in here together.  So ladies...gets do it together.

Nadine54

Lets see how much of the world us special April ladies can cover.  Such as...I am in Idaho. 

sakura73

I'm in Melbourne, Australia.

In relation to preparing for the big day, I have got lots of good tips from the Shopping List for Chemo thread. Have bought mouthwash, wet tissues, senna, imodium, lots of fruit juice, ginger ale, little tubs of fruit puree, and so on. I recommend that thread to you all. 

tulipbebe

Welcome Nadine.

I'm in Singapore currently.  Was from New York but got posted to Singapore for my DH's job.  Really am not liking it here even though it's a great city country.  

Saw the shopping list for Chemo.  Great help.

jlp

I am in Virginia.

ACT vs TAC: ACT and TAC are the same combo of drugs, but I think "TAC" is used if you are getting all three together, vs. "AC-T" is typically 4 doses of AC followed by 4 or 12 of T from what I have seen. For me, the less total treatments the better - I just want it over with!

I've made an appt at the American Cancer Society to look at wigs on April 6th, the day after my haircut. And I've done most of the pre-chemo shopping, though the bowl for the side of the bed is a nice idea I had not thought of.  I haven't stocked up on food except protein drink mix that was on sale last week... and 2 big tubs of active yogurt from the local farm. I'm planning to send DH to store with orders daily for what I fancy .

My port will go on the right - not sure of exact placement (Left side tumor) but I am not worried about having a scar.  My onco said to get one because both taxotere and adriamycin can trash your veins - I was already feeling like I could not take more needle sticks in the arm after 3 weeks of surgery and tests and that's without toxic chemo drugs going in!

tulipbebe

To prepare for chemo, I watched Dying Young again.  DH said it's too dramatic coz it's just a movie. 

I got that bowl idea from Dying Young as well as Nip/Tuck

comingtoterms

Hello all,

Add me on to the list.  Seeing ONC on April 2 - we'll go from there. I have been a real rebel about the hair thing.  Last week, after years of coloring my own thick, wavy brown hair, I had it colored red, highlighted in honey, cut, blown out and flat-ironed at the salon!   Probably seems like a ridiculous thing to do, but I felt like I needed some TLC and I looked great and felt great. Even though I know it won't be mine for long, I will have those couple of hours and some pictures to remember it by.  Funny thing, months before I was DX, my hair began falling out in clumps.  No one ever did figure out why.  Maybe it was my preparation for what was to come.   A question: How long after the initial ONC visit does Chemo typically begin?

tulipbebe

hello comingtoerms...welcome to our support group!  you mentioned your hair following out in clumps.  mine has been for the last couple of months and I still can't figure out why.  now i know i'm not alone.  maybe it's a symptom of breast cancer! 

anyways.....usually chemo can start as soon as 2 weeks after the surgery.  but can wait as long as several weeks....depending on your prognosis.  you need to shop around for an onco you're comfortable with....another important factor would be the quality and friendliness of the nurses

comingtoterms

 Tulipbebe,    

Really?  Your hair was falling out before DX too?  Were you losing weight as well?  I even lost my derriere!  Suddenly went from a nice bummy to a flat bummy for no apparent reason...Maybe they need to start a research project on this???  I am being seen at Roswell Park Cancer Inst. here in Buffalo NY.  They have been wonderful all the way around and I feel confident with the care I am receiving.  I feel so blessed to have a research center 1/2 hour from my house.  Isn't it great to know that we are not alone with some of the weird symptoms we have been experiencing?  It certainly does my heart good!  Thank you!  Tammy

tulipbebe

Morning Tammy!  I wish I losted some weight.  I gained in fact.  And with chemo, they say weight gain is possible too.  Maybe you'll get your bootie back!!!  I think a research project is definitely warranted...so people know more about symptoms of bc!!  And can detect earlier. 

K....have a good day all of ya!  Hugs

pamelamont

Hi everyone!

My name is Pam and I am so thankful for everyone on this website.  I spend my entire day on this and I have found it to be a Godsend.  I too will be doing chemo the 2nd week of April due to my OncoDx score of 35.  I will be taking 4 TC's and radiation following the chemo.  (which I do not understand why radiation is required after chemo, any thoughts????). My onc told me that the chemo I will be taking has less side effects but, what I have learned about taxotere I find that hard to believe.  I am also entertaining the idea of having a port installed in my arm.  I am terrified of needles!  Does anyone have a port and what are any thoughts on a port? Also, is there anything I can due to build up my immune system or whatever else to prepare for this journey we are about to undertake?

Thanks to all of you!

Pam

comingtoterms

Pam,

I can only help you with the radiation question:  typically you need radiation if there were not clean or large enough margins after your lumpectomy or mastectomy. Radiation is focused on the surrounding tissue.  If the margins were big/clean enough after surgery, you would just be doing chemo.

If I am providing false information, please anyone, let me know!

Tammy

jlp

Hi Pam, welcome!

I was told that radiation is a MUST if you have a lumpectomy (my situation). If you had mastectomy then it depends on your individual risk e.g. was the tumor close to the skin or chest wall (which means you would be at risk because they can't go too far when removing the tumor). 

I just got my port implanted today. It is in my chest about 3 inches below the collar bone, so it won't show under all but the lowest cut tops. It felt like someone kicked me in the shoulder straight after the procedure, but now (after about 3 hours) it feels fine - but maybe that's the vicodin! Oh, and I have to keep the dressing on and I'm not allowed to shower until Saturday! Good excuse to use the jacuzzi tub for a change.

I've had about 20 needle sticks over the last month for tests/meds and I could feel the effects on my arm veins getting worse with each one. The IVs for my surgery and port implant (in my hand) were painful and made my hand and arm feel freezing cold - I'm hoping the port will make the chemo much easier.

I started losing weight as soon as I found the lump (I put it down to anxiety) so far I've lost 10 lbs but I'm not too unhappy about that - just wish some would go from the thighs!! I also noticed some other weird stuff, like my sense of smell was suddenly more sensitive to certain things - one day I left a half glass of wine on the counter and the next morning the smell of it was overpowering to me.

My onco nurse said it was very important to have a healthy diet with plenty of protein as the white blood cells need that to rebuild after treatment. And of course over the next couple of weeks be careful to avoid sick people as you don't want to be starting chemo (they may even make you wait) if you get a cold or flu!

Hope everyone is well, Lou.

TMD

How did it go?  I am getting my port on Friday.

TMD

Greetings.  I will be starting my chemo in the next two weeks.  My doctor has recommended TAC for 6 cycles.  I am nervous but ready to get this thing going.  I have been thinking about the clinical trial with avastin (5103) but I am not sure.  Is anyone else considering this trial and if so why?  By the way, I have purchased two hats and one wig!

jlp

TMD - were you asking about the port implant?? It was this pm. I was given a 'sedative' type of anasthesia and they said I may stay conscious, but they also gave me benadryl as I'd had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic a few days ago, so I was out cold! So far it has been MUCH easier that the lumpectomy/SNB. Just going to bed now and I'll take a couple of tylenol pm to ensure I can sleep though the night. I am doing 6xTAC as well a couple of weeks ahead of you - I'll report back on side effects and we can compare our progress!

More on weird symptoms - I have noticed that I seem to have 'chemo brain' before chemo! I used to be very articulate and good at making my point in meetings - these days I find myself struggling to find the right words and lose concentration easily. I put that down to anxiety / more important stuff than work on my mind!

good night, L.