Starting Chemo April 2009

rebeccar

Hi Everyone, My name is Rebecca and I am starting chemo (Taxotere, Carboplatin, Herceptin) tomorrow - APRIL 1st. 6 cycles, 3 weeks apart. July 15 will be the last treatment if I stay on schedule! fingers crossed, wishing everyone lots of strength. - Rebecca

Nadine54

Well April Fools Day is here...had a great nights sleep.  Sipping on a nice cup of coffee and will do some water chasers.  We are about an hour away for the treatment center so going to have juice and more water to drink on the way...want those veins to be bright and perky for them.  Little nervous, but will pop a anxiety pill to keep the nerves under control.  Marching forward.  Sure hope I have a nurse who can poke the first time.  Will be back later today to let you know how the "party" went. 

First got to tell you...my oldest daughter sent me this cute little bag...in it there are six little people.  The six are called "worry people" they are supposed to take the worries away.  Its just for fun, however I am packing them in my purse and will let them take the stress away.  Just for fun anways.

 Back for a brief update later today.  Remember ladies we are in this together, through thick and thin we will all march to the our end dates and rejoice!

Sending all of you many hugs, smiles and tons of good thoughts,

Nadine

giglgrl

Well, here it is April 1st.....I guess this is no April Fools joke. I got up so early today. Might be just a little nervous. This is it, first day of Chemo....I think the not knowing how it is going to feel is probably worse than the actual treatment will be. Well, the clock is ticking, I guess I will go shower as best I can(still can't get the port site wet) and head off to the hospital. Good Luck to anyone else who has the joy of starting today. May we all get thru it with as little side effects as possible! Yikes this is getting real!!

Believe1

I dont get my port until this Friday, and havent heard anything about not getting it wet?  How long is that for??

vicbils

Hi everyone! I've been scoping out this website for a few days now, and have gained a ton of knowledge! I was diagnosed 2/13 with IDC, Stage 1 Grade 2, 1.9cm, and 3X5mm areas in R breast...0/9 lymph nodes were +, and I am ER+/PR+, HER2neu -. Wow!!  What a mouthful! And to think...only 2mos ago, I wouldn't have understood any of that!!

I had a R mast on 3/18, and am seeing onco Dr today (wants to do chemo...I just don't know the regime), and then my cardio Dr after...some underlying heart issues, ECHO already done, and port scheduled for tomorrow, if I decide to go thru with this (after hearing heart specifics).

If I do go thru with this...am hoping to get this show on the road in April.  Also had first fill yesterday...actually a bit more uncomfortable than I thought it'd be!

Just wanted to join in...also, I was told no showering for a week after port insertion, and no lifting for 2wks...Just started back showering...this stinks!!

comingtoterms

Hi Tiffany,

I too, thought foolishly that chemo wouldn't be necessary for me, and like you, was devestated when I was told it would.    Losing a breast was far easier psychologically than this is!  But you are right.  Every day I come to this post and learn first-hand how others are handling the things that I will be confronting only days from now.  Family and friends are wonderful, but I know I have a tendency to try to protect them (that's the way I have always been!), so it is nice to know that you don't have to put up any false pretenses here.  Embrace it.  A question for the other ladies who just started:  Do you find you need all the supplies on the "chemo-prep list?"  Or are there some basic things you simply could not do without?  If someone could let me know before I go running out this weekend to buy everything, I would really appreciate it!!!  Thanks everyone, and welcome, Tiffany.  Sakura - glad to hear things went relatively well for you.  Was it a nice thing to have that overnight in the hospital?   Keep us up on it all, won't you?  I am anxious to hear how jlp/Lou did as well.... I will be thinking of you, giglgrl, nadine and Rebecca........texgal, I know where you're coming from, when I was diagnosed in January, my husband was unemployed (he finally found a job one week before my surgery, talk about grateful!)) and he had a broken leg from when a ladder collapsed while he was doing some work at my mom's house. So he  was in terrible pain, full of plates and screws and on crutches!  The couch barely cooled down from him before I was on it!  But life goes on.  I just keep telling myself that the universe will eventually realign and I trust that it will. Oh, yes.  One more question?  What are some opinions about having family members with you when you talk with the oncologist?  My DM has attended every one of my tests/appt.because she has wanted to be supportive.  My DDs ages 21 and 23 have been to many.  My DSs, 17 and 8, to none, as per my wishes.  My DH has been to all but one.  I am leaning toward just dealing with the chemo part with  my DH only.  I feel like they don't need to hear all this..... I don't want to hurt my DMs feelings and push her away.....but I feel like she has been through enough.......I really could use some help on this.....I don't know how "down and dirty" this appt. is going to be.....

stephanie1

Hello

Add me to the list please. I am starting April 6th

Anonymous

Hi, everyone.  Well, tomorrow is the "DAY" for me.  Took my first round of steroids this morning, and tried out the ativan I called and had prescribed, because my anxiety level was starting to get out of control.  I'll take it again tonight and maybe tomorrow, although the ONCs office told me they would be putting Xanax or something like it in my mixture as well.  I will be on TC, 4 rounds.  I think I am ready, though very nervous, mostly because it is unknown.  Used to the super short hair now, and am not really nervous or anything about losing it - I'm coming to terms about it and am now thinking, you know what?  I have just cut off a lot of years of damage, and when it falls out, it will come back new and ready for more!!!  I think I'll be able to handle the SE, really just nervous about starting it all.  But then, I can say, I only have three more!  Or two more!!  and finally, one more!!!  My husband will come with me - he's taking the day off to make sure I am okay, and I hope to go back to work on Friday and then am taking the entire week next week off, to see what kind of SE I have and how they are.  I'll work from home as needed.  I have some of the items from the checklist - and most we already have, like stool softener and immodium (depending on which way things go and if I even need them), tissues, bathroom wipes (for home, work and travel), gum and throat lozengers, anti-bac gel for work, home and my purse.  I've been slowly stocking up on foods that might appeal to me, and that will be easy for my husband to prepare if I don't want to or can't.  I am feeling a little "buzzed" from the steroids - just feel I'm moving a little faster.  Still sore from the port placement on Friday, I bruise really well, so I'm very colorful, and the port feels weird still, and I get sore if I use the arm too much, which is all the time, because it is my left arm and I'm left handed.  Plus, I am still sore on the right from the lymph node biopsy, so I"m kind of penguin like - can't reach my arms very high up yet, it's almost funny.  Wish me luck and I'll report back on my experiences!!

sherrimo

Hang in there Tiffany.  We are all here for you.  Everyone thinks I am handling this so well with a great sense of humor and all.  They haven't seen me when the tears fall.  As I said before, get through this and have a party at the other end of this hell.  I was hoping to start chemo in mid-April but I met with the onc today and we are starting next week.  I have a port put in on Tuesday and 1st chemo on Wednesday.  Maybe getting it going is better that putting it off.  Originally I was going with AC every 3 wks for 4 sessions, then Taxol every week for 12 weeks then radiation.  Now we have decided to go with the dose dense AC every 2 weeks, then taxol and radiation.  Can anyone give me their experiences with this.  So many decisions, want to make sure I am making the write one.  Tiffany, I haven't got my oncotype score back yet but I actually want it to be on the higher side.  Sounds strange but I don't want a low score then have to make the decision to do chemo or not and then sit around for years wondering if I made the right decision.  That test isn't that old and I'm not sure how I feel about the findings.  I have already decided to go ahead with chemo no matter what the score is.  I'm going shopping tonite for my chemo shopping list.  There are some great ideas in the Chemo-before, during, and after forum.  I also ordered a wig and going to have my 17 year-old daughter help me pick out some cute hats and scarves.  Boy I will find any excuse to go shopping!  Sherri

TBB

Sakura:  I am so proud of you that you made it through the first couple of days.... (not sure how your time works there)  I hope that everyones 1st treatment goes as well as yours....

To all:  My mom told me a really neat thing to do that one of her clients that had gone through BC a few years ago did.  Get a calendar and go backwards with your treatment dates.... Say like this is your 6th one and only 5 more to go... Look at it as a positive number..... just a thought but I think I will try it and see if it is easier.  ANYTHING to make each treatment easier... best of luck to all of those that are starting treatment this week... many prayers and positive thoughts !!!!!

TBB 

jlp

After a sleepless night (due to the steroids??) I got my first chemo today. It went very well.

I put the Emla (lidocaine / prilocaine) cream on the port site just before leaving home, (I covered the cream with a mylar coated dressing, but the nurse said Saranwrap works just as well!) and by the time the needle was put in I did not feel a thing!

I was given more steroids, Aloxi and Emend first, then taxotere via pump, adriamycin from 3 syringes pushed by the nurse, then the cytoxan via the pump.  I didn't have any bad reactions and felt fine after the session, which lasted about 3 hours.  The nurse did say that the worst will come after I stop taking the steroids (i.e. Friday) Tomorrow I have to go back for a neulasta shot - hoping that goes just as well! 

Felt good enough to go with DH to the mall straight after treatment to look at watches (he wants a new one for his birthday end of April). Took compazine before heading to the mall just in case, and another one with my evening steroid dose - so far no feelings of nausea, but after I got home crashed for a couple of hours, a little bit of pins and needles in feet, a couple of hot flashes, and feeling thirsty. Oh, and there's the red pee from the adriamycin!

For those of you who are wondering about getting the port, after today, and comparing with the IVs I had for surgery, I would say GET A PORT! The recovery from the port insertion was not too bad - after 1 week the site is still sore if I rub against it accidentally, but 99% of the time I don't know it is there. I was told not to shower for 3 days after the port insertion. I do have a small teddy bear with me in the car who sits on my tummy and holds the seatbelt away from it for me!

Hope everyone's upcoming treatments go well! Lou.

Blondie1964

I would love to join this group.  I will be starting chemo the week of 4/13.  Just decided today.  I am terrified and would really like to have others to connect with while I am going through this.  You all sound like a great group of women.  I would so love to be a part of your team!

 Julie N

Believe1

Welcome WasaBlonde,  Your not alone in your feeling terrified, believe me its all I can think about.  Its the last thing before going to sleep and the first thing that hits me in the morning.  Mine is set for April 10th, and to be honest, I just want it to hurry up and get here so I can have the first one done and know what to expect.  You will love this board, and you will find yourself making time to pop on and off.  I have learned alot of things that were never mentioned to me by my oncologist.  Just tid bits of information that is going to be so helpful to me and others.  Like one being, drink, drink and drink some more.  Noone yet has mentioned how important its going to be to drink, because it helps with the side effects as well.  Another thing is the special tooth paste for dry mouth and sores, it was called biotene.  Someone mentioned it on the board, so I went and picked it up today at Meijers.  Now that is something I never would have thought of.  Matter of fact, I have a pile of sticky notes with all kinds of things I have pick up from this board.  Things I want to ask my oncologist about, things I need to pick up before getting started and just good idea things.  Anyway, you will love the board and everyone here, I do!

sherrilynne

Hi my name is Sherri.  I just met with oncologist first tme yesterday, so the info is sinking in.  He says that I will start chemo treatment in about 3 weeks and then after Radiation.  Not sure if it will be port or IV for chemo.   Thank you so much for all the info, it really helps when you don't know what to expect and great to have this forum with great info and insight.  I had lumpectomy and syn node biopsy on 3/20/09.  I have CT scan this Friday and back to oncologist next week.  I'm in sales so it's hard to know if I will be able to continue working with treatment, some people say yes so I will definitely try hard.  I guess I need to try on wigs.  My mom is a BC survivor, had Mas 30+ yrs ago and is now 76 years old.  She said she would help me find a nice wig.  It is all really sinking in and when it gets quiet can sometimes feel alone.  I am workin to stay positive...I know we all have those moments but I know we will get through this.  The key word is "through".   I look forward to getting to know all of you.  Sherrilynne  

lindatwo

I think I am the only one here who was diagnosed in December, and just finally will start my first chemo treatment on the 9th of April!  I had a left mastectomy in Feb. with a tissue expander, and just had my last saline fill yesterday.  Not looking forward to the bald look, it's right up there with having one boob three inches higher than the other (and for the summer no less!) Guess the rest of the reconstruction will have to wait until mid-summer. Funny how we think we are the only ones going through this.  God Bless the internet for bringing us all together!

vicbils

Hi everyone...Just had my port today, and it really wasn't all that bad, although I'm sure a part of me is still "under the influence"!!  Not a bad place to be tho!

I met with onco Dr and cardio Dr, and have decided to do treatments of A/C and 4 of T...total of 8treatments, every 2wks. I told them I want to wait til after Easter,so prob will start the mid-end of April I must say, I actually felt relieved once I had made my decision. Not looking forward to this (who does??!!) But conficent I am doing whats right for me!

Good luck to all of you starting...the information you post is priceless!

Vic

TSmith

My name is Tonya. Diagnosed with IDC, triple negative, grade 3, had double mastectomy on 1/20/09, and am waiting for the call for my port appointment and MUGA heart scan, and have my first chemo date on 4/16/09. Which may need to be delayed as I was told I need to have any dental work done prior and I have 7 teeth I need to have pulled and a partial denture done so I don't know if I'll be ready on the 16th.  I'll be doing 8 rounds CA and 12 rounds of Taxol. The doctor has asked that I participate in the avastin trial but I am not sure I can handle what they want me to do let alone another drug. I'm not feeling much like Superwoman these days, and I sure as heck don't look like her

Anonymous

Hi, everyone.  Had first round of 4 of Taxotere and Cytoxan today.  Was not bad at all - I was initially terrified about the whole "how do they access the port" process, since my port was inserted last Friday and it is still bruised and sore, but the chemo nurses are wonderful, and they sprayed a numbing cream on it, and and she walked me through it very gently, had me take a deep breath, blow it out and it was just a little stick through my skin into the port.  It was awesome - they did the blood work there and then started me on the anti nausea and additional steriods, I didn't need additional antianxiety since I took ativan at home this morning, and then the cytoxan and then the taxotere.  I felt a little weak and lightheaded afterwards, whole process was about three hours.  I brought a book, a tote bag with some animal crackers, craisins, water, etc. and my husband came with me to make sure I was okay.  I was in a comfortable recliner, with a blanket and pillow, and I brought socks (it's always cold in their office) and a sweater.  They take your height to mix the drugs properly, along with your weight and temp.  I'll let you know how I feel after the steroids wear off on Saturday - right now, I'm sore at the port site, which is normal, and still a little lightheaded and tired.  I was starving, we had a great turkey sub afterwards and my husband ran out to go get some brownie mix so we can have a brownie tonight.  I'm going to try to work some tomorrow, but have taken all of next week off to monitor the side effects once the steroid is done.  I have blood draw next Thursday and my next round (yeah - round #2 of 4!!) is on the 23rd of April.  With luck I'll be done by 1st of June and can move on with my life, radiation and all of that.  I will monitor closely when my hair begins to thin and fall out - I cut it very very short last week, very traumatic, and now that I know the "process", it's not so scary.  We can do this!!!  We will overcome this disease and we will win!!!  Peace to everyone.

txgal

WasaBlonde...one of my best friends lives in Flower Mound!  I'm down in Houston and I start the week of the 13th also.  On the 13th I get labs done and meet with the onc.  On the 14th at 8am I'm having a temp IV called a central line put in, followed by the first shot of chemo, then home with a portable pump for the A, then back on the 16th to have the pump removed and the last half of chemo for that session.  Rinse and repeat three weeks later.  It's a process but that's the "protocol" where I am.  I'll be thinking about you since we'll be starting the same week.

florbo

Hello!

I'm starting my first chemo cycle tomorrow. I will be on TC for 4-6 cycles.  I just don't know what to expect personally.  Everyone's experience seems to be different.  This forum does have great tips for getting through chemo.  I just want this to start so it can be over with soon. 

Believe1

Hi ladies, I think I had my tx wrong, so I called the doc office yesterday to be certain of what I will be on and she said, 4 rounds of the AC, for 5hrs, everyother wk, and then I go to 12 rounds of the T for 1/12hrs, every wk.  Anyone one else doing this one?  I heard the first part will be the toughest, but atleast I can get it done before my kids get out of school for the summer.  The second round ( the T ) he said the side effects arent as bad, and I really hope so, because my kids are 5yrs and 7yrs and I want to do all thous fun things this summer.......ya know.  I am not crying anymore, or sleeping, I think I am getting my head back in the right place again, but April 10th is coming soon. 

tulipbebe

A Huge Big Welcome to the new folks.  I've posted all your names and dx.  If I've missed anyone....SORRY!  Pls PM me so I can add you on. 

To March Chemo posters, thanks for dropping by and giving us encouragement and tips.  Come back often!  We're like neighbors I suppose

So many of you have started chemo....and felt it's do-able. That's great to hear.  All of us who hasn't started are kinda freaking out a little as the day draws closer.  Mine is April 13. 

Hi Believer1 - I'm also on AC and T then rads and Herceptin.  AC is supposedly hard ... but it probably depends on each individual's reaction.  The oncos have all kinds of drugs these days to manage SEs so don't worry. 

angie27

Hello April 2009 chemo ladies:

I just wanted to stop by, and wish you all luck as you begin your treatment, I was right were you guys are right now last year, so I know  how you feel.  If anyone needs a natural recipe for diarrhea, please let me know.

Nadine: I enjoy reading your post, we have a lot in common. Hang in there, you all seem like a strong group of woman.

Love and Hugs to all of you.

Nadine54

Lab work went fine however, chemo nurse wants the next lab works taken in the hand since my veins decided to be stubborn when the IV's she was trying to hook up for the IV's, she had to find a new site on the arm.  No big problem once it was in and flowing.  Was given Aloxi, Alivan, and Dex first~~~then Texotere and Cytoxan to follow.  Actually fell asleep for a bit during the Cytoxan.  Then yesterday and to go back for an injection of Neulasta. Doc told me I could use a use commercial mouth wash if I like.  Do have a mixture of 1 tsp of baking soda, 1 tsp of salt. Mix dry ingredients together in a closed container.  When ready to use, mix dry ingredient  (1/2 t. to 1t.) in cup of warm water. Gargle. Don't drink.  I did use this mixture last night and it wasn't bad and seemed to feel so much better than a commercial mouth wash. I also brush my teeth a lot, mental think there.

My only real problem is bad sweating at night.  Not hot flash type just down to the bone wet.  So far this has been the worst feeling, like having a sticky swimming pool in the bed.  I keep praying like there's no tomorrow and do believe that is helping. Doc gave me a bunch of meds to take home for near everything.  My doc was such a sour puss when I first met him a few weeks ago and he finally smiled...sure made me think he was normal.  Funny how that simple smile helped. Hubby is going to all of the appointments with me and is the brains in in it all.  He remembers and writes down everything.  Pretty darn good nurse also.  He has all of the meds under control and a chart so he knows what was given when.  He has me loaded down with comfort goods so when he is gone I have pretty much anything I need.  I sure lucked out with this guy.  All I basically have to do is chill and he has everything else under control.  How darn lucky I am.

Well so far so good really.  Real glad to see all who has joined out April forum.  Thinking about all of you every day and wishing nothing but the best to all.  We are in this together and I do know we will all get past this and go on to enjoying a warm wonderful summer.  Can't mention spring here in my little Idaho town since it thinks winter is back.  Keep the heads high girls and keep those smiles coming and always remember to laugh each day.  Many hugs and kisses and good thoughts to everyone.

jax65

Hi everyone,

Just got home from 1st treatment am doing  TCx4. Didn't get much sleep last night but buildup was worse than actual treatment. They did have to poke me a couple times I have tiny baby veins I warned them. Feeling a little sleepy got a little lightheaded but so far so good, Will check in again later.

bombus

hi all, 

i just found out yesterday that i will be starting chemo on april 15th and will be getting a port installed on this coming monday. i really think i am more scared about the port than the chemo.  i am doing dose dense so will be going in every two weeks instead of every three weeks. i am also participating in a clinical trial for avastin which is why i had to wait until the 15th for the first chemo. the study calls for there being at least 4 weeks between surgery and chemo.  

Blondie1964

txgal,

That's cool that you have a good friend out my way!  And that we'll be starting our chemo the same week.  I'm meeting with my onco's assistant next Tuesday to go over the details of what my schedule will entail but the plan is to do the TCx4 - not sure how that all compares to what you are doing but I will be very interested in following your progress none-the-less and will continue to share mine as well....

All -

I am looking for advice about wigs - real hair versus fake, any recommendations that you've heard period...I ordered one from a catalog a month or more ago, still has yet to arrive, worried about how it will look, really really wanted to be able to try it out before the hair loss comes....in case I need more alternatives...I know I still have some time but don't want this to be something that is hanging out there too long...

My next two weekends before chemo - shopping for hats/scarves with my daughter who is 10 and wants to be involved and getting anything else I can think of in order before the day...spending quality time with my husband and kids...enjoying life as I keep reminding myself I need to do every day...one of the key things that has come from all of this for me is the reality that I need to slow down and ENJOY more...!

 I am very thankful for everything that I've read thus far about individual experiences and so wish the very best for all of you....you all sound so strong and I hope that I can be that way as well once the chemo experience starts.  As I have heard from others, and as I felt before my surgery as well, I almost wish that it would hurry up and get here so that we could start the process of getting this done....

 Julie from Flower Mound

sherrimo

I want to thank everyone for their great advise and words!  My chemo has been moved up to next week on the 8th.  I am having the port put on on the 7th.  I too am in the avastin clinical trial (5103) and the PACCT-1 trial.  I am also more worried about the port than I was about the actual lumpectomy and chemo.  I said earlier that I was hoping for a somewhat high oncotype score so the chemo decision would be a no-brainer, well 35 was more than I bargained for.  I just want to get things going. I am hoping to be done at least with all the chemo by late August when we move our daughter into college.  My docs have been great about trying to schedule things around her high school graduation and party.  Hang in their girls, we'll get through this together!!  Sherri

florbo

Hi All,

Just like jax65, I got home from my first TC treatment today around 7 hours ago.  The anticipation of the treatment was worse than how it actually was.  I chewed on ice chips most of the time and drank lots there and still now.  I feel tired and a bit dizzy.  I do hope the steroids won't interfere with my sleep tonight...

aoandrews43

Hi,

I also had my first TC treatment friday morning - went very smoothly, I went to my son's baseball event last night. Up in the middle of the night due to the steroids, but basically still feeling pretty good. The anxiety was definitely worse than the infusion process itself.