Starting Chemo in July 2009

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  • PAP
    PAP Member Posts: 142
    edited July 2009

    JACEE...I have Emend for nausea and Dexamethasone (steroid) that I take to the center with me.  Because the Emend is so very expensive they don't have me take it until after the blood work is drawn and I am cleared to proceed with tx.  Since they are also infusing a steroid and anti nausea med prior to the "magic juice" I do not need the oral meds any sooner than that and so far after two treatments it has worked just fine.  If in doubt about taking your own meds, just call the onc nurse and ask her the day before your tx what their procedure is there.  Patti

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  • eliz46
    eliz46 Member Posts: 71
    edited July 2009

    Thank you lori i will let them know next time. .....eliz

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  • eliz46
    eliz46 Member Posts: 71
    edited July 2009

    Hi linda keep me posted i start chemo on tuesday .are you haveing tax/cyo treatments.eliz

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  • LovingLifeToday
    LovingLifeToday Member Posts: 39
    edited July 2009

    Hi everyone, I'm Elizabeth and this is my first post :-)  I have read a lot of posts on this site and I will have to say... you ladies have loving hearts and a wonderful sense of humor!!   Laughing

    July 20th will be my first chemo day! It was scheduled for the 13th, but I was concerned because my port just did not look right... nor felt right... I was put on a different antibiotic. I must admit I do feel a bit lopsided with this port... I seem to have two boobies on one side and none on the other... lol    This is what my chemo onc has in store for me... 4 rounds/three weeks apart of Adriamycin and Cytoxan followed by 4 rounds/three weeks apart of Taxol along with 1 year of Herceptin.  The day after each chemo I will receive Neulasta.  After chemo is done, I will go to a different onc for radiation.  

    Started as Pageant's Disease then developed a tumor that grew from a 2.1cm to a 7cm plus 4 nodes in just 14 days!

    First Mammogram and US: May 29, 2009 ~dad's birthday Frown  2.1cm  Bi-rads 5

    Second Mammogram, US and biopsy: June 5th  3cm Bi-rads 5, nothing in the nodes

    Mastectomy and 10 nodes removed:  June 12th  7cm and 4 nodes positive

    Port plus 9 staples!!: July 7th ... so much for not wearing metal to the PET scan and to the Echo Cardiogram

    PET Scan: July 8th  Clean!! Laughing

    Echo Cardiogram: July 9th  Healthy

    Chemo: to start July 20th  yippee!! Undecided

    I have posted my cancer story in my profile if anyone wishes to read it :-)  

    About me:

    I am a portrait photographer and I specialize in children and babies' theme portraits. My website is posted in my profile. I was married for 21 years before I left my ex. I co-owned a business with him for the last 13 years we were together. It was what he wanted to do... me... I wanted to be a photographer. I had to teach myself because he would not let me go to school.  I was also a stay at home mom for 20 years and did a lot of volunteering at my two wonderful children's schools. My son is 23 and is in the Army. My daughter is 17 and is going into her senior year of high school.   I am often asked to donate wall portraits to fundraising events like churches and Galas. Last fall I donated 16x20 plus sitting fees to the Gala being put on by a local hospital to raise money for breast cancer!! Innocent  I've asked God to show me the direction I need to go... I now know some of where I'm headed... I would like to be able to raise money for breast cancer through my photography. I want to start the project off by taking images of women who are going through or have had breast cancer.... I want these portraits to include our feminine, nurturing and strong side. I want to find places that will hold Galas and fundraisers to help women with breast cancer and I want to use the images to put faces to this beast. If you live near Palm Coast FL (1 hr south of Jacksonville and 30 north of Daytona Beach)  or plan to visit... please contact me Smile  Any ideas would be greatly appreciated  

    I am engaged to be married in the near future to an absolutely wonderful man!! God is awesome!! I met Dave 3 months after I left my ex and we are both fortunate to have one another!!

    (((Hugs to all)))

    ~Elizabeth~

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  • PS73
    PS73 Member Posts: 469
    edited July 2009

    Hi Triple Js!  Its nice to read these posts - very inspiring.

     I got great results from my one week apt w/ the nurse - she said, whatever you're doing, keep doing it.  Good info on the scalp as my hair is thinning as we speak.  Connie, my friend, I will put you in my good thoughts on Monday.

    me.  I live in Franklin Lakes, NJ (not a tv housewife whatsoever -opposite).  I was married June 27, 2009 and dx w/ cancer April 24 (one year to the day of working at the number ONE supporter of breast cancer research).  We cancelled (postponed) our honeymoon to Thailand to December 010 where we will stay in a tree house in chiang mai, sit with the Asian Elephant for a day studying their habits, take a Thai food course AND a jewelery lesson (go Lori!) and then hang in a hut at thebeach.  Im 35 yrs old and no bc in my family so it was a shock but not as devestating as people expected.  Im a survivor - always have and will be.  Im getting a rescue cavalier puppy tomorrow. I pray more than I used to (with my husband, which I find very rewarding) And. Im going to make this fucking disease look fashionable and kick its ass along the way.  cheers Js

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited July 2009

    Hello everyone.

    I didn't get on my computer yesterday and now so many posts to read. I got my port yesterday and I was wiped out for the rest of the day. I had to be at the hospital at 7am and then just lay around for hours as they were running late. I was put under deep sedation rather than a general and was told I might hear things, but I was out like a light.

    Michelle - I am having a little trouble swallowing on the port side. (as opposed to the starboard side - pathetic attempt at humor).

    Eliz - I was in recovery for a while because of low blood pressure - which is ironic as I am on medication for hight blood pressure.

    I have to say this port is more painful than the surgery for lumpectomy/nodes. I think the different anaesthesia just knocked for a loop.I slept hours during the day and then all night even though I woke up many times, but that is normal. However it is done now and hopefully I can get started with chemo soon.

    Everyone seems to be doing so well. Newbies - this is a great group of ladies.

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  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited July 2009

    Welcome Elizabeth....wow, what an aggressive tumor you had. So glad you are rid of that!! We start chemo on same day, both on A/C. I'll follow with 12 weekly treatments of Taxol, then rads, hormonal therapy. Wish I was in FL, I'd love to see your photos.

    Lori....I guess what I felt was so unusual about mine, is how mine was not aggressive , Grade 1, and HER2-. Just shouldn't have gone anywhere!! But we all know this disease has a mind of its own.

    Pap...Thanks for the info. I guess I'll just take what meds I have with me and see what I need then. My onc said I'd be there 5 hours...is that what everyone else on A/C is doing?

    I don't have to take Neulasta after 1st treatment. Onc said if I bounce back I won't need it each time. But the first time I don't I'll be taking it after all treatments. Go WBC's!!!

    Just some FYI....my dentist told me if I get mouth lesions from chemo, he has the ability to zap them with a laser and they will immediately go away. Good to know, hope I don't need it.

    Not knowing what to expect from 1st treatment Monday. People are wanting to bring meals to our family. Will I really need it?? Onc said days 3-5 will be my worst. Are meals brought in necessary? Not that I wouldn't love it, but just don't want it if I'm able to function.  For a good meal, I can fake alot of symptoms...lol

    Welcome to everyone.....pre chemo brain is setting in. I now have to read posts with a pen and paper in hand and take notes abou what you all are writing. So I can remember names and such.

    best wishes,

    Joni1

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  • BlessedOne2
    BlessedOne2 Member Posts: 106
    edited July 2009
    jaycee and other ladies - I started on A/C yesterday about 5 pm.  The dr had prescribed adavan (sp?) so that I would sleep through most of the procedure.  Having a bed surely did help.  So far today I'm feeling pretty good.  The lidicaine cream is EXCELLENT.  It even helped when the nurse kept poking to find the prones on my Power Port.   I did ask her if she wanted my helpLaughing.  I've been up for a while now so I think I will get some rest while it's quiet.  My DH has gone to run some errands.   Be back in a few days.   I wish everyone a good weekend.   (Wanda)
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  • LindaSueH
    LindaSueH Member Posts: 70
    edited July 2009

    Giggles....

    I haven't had a fill yet for my TE....do you feel it????  I'll be praying for you tomorrow!

    Linda

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  • lovemyfamilysomuch
    lovemyfamilysomuch Member Posts: 1,585
    edited July 2009

    Dear Eliz46 and all,

    I am a little further along in the journey than you guys; chemo last winter and rads in the spring.  Eliz46 I live in New Hope, and would love to offer any support and encouragement that I can!

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  • BerkeleyKim
    BerkeleyKim Member Posts: 390
    edited July 2009

    Hi to July chemo ladies:

    I'm just dropping by from the January Jewels chemo thread to offer you all encouragement and hope. It does end!!! I had 4 AC followed by Taxol x 12 (equals 5 months of chemo), and was able to work part time teaching through my Taxol. Drink LOTS of water, and take those anti-nausea meds if needed while on AC. Also, I lost weight during AC but gained it back plus some while on Taxol--a big regret now. Those steroids made me hungry! Just a heads up...

    LovingLifeToday--saw your post. There's a January Jewel (our name for ourselves!)--ddlat, who does photography, and recently has used her images to encourage early detection. She might have some ideas for you too. Good luck!

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2009

    Hi Everyone, Day 8-still doing great.   Went to onc for lab reading today-all counts good & strong-hooray.  Have the rest of my dates for treatment (I'm taxotere/cytoxan).  #2-July 30, #3-Aug 20 & #4-Sept 10 with Neulasta shot each following day. 

    Joni-I didn't have anyone bringing us meals (would have loved it), but as it turns out, we didn't/don't really need it.  You can probably always freeze stuff if you don't want to use it right away!  Take advantage of the help, I'd say; every little bit you don't have to do, gives you energy for something else.

    Joni2  

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  • nowaynotnow
    nowaynotnow Member Posts: 26
    edited July 2009

    Hi Ladies,

    Well today was the day, I buzzed my hair and couldn't be happier! It feels so much better and one step further along in the journey. I put on the wig and my husband and I went to dinner with a good friend. He thought I looked ten yrs younger, true or not, it felt good. I even treated myself to an apple martini, I know it is a no no, but I felt I deserved it. 

    I'm so happy I took matters into my own hands and buzzed it, it really frees the mind and I feel so much better!

    Prayers and happy thoughts!! 

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited July 2009

    Ladies who got ports - how soon can you/did you take off the dressing. I was told to do it today (got port yesterday) but I am reluctant to take it off!

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2009

    Gill-I was told 48 hrs on the dressing, but to leave the steri-strips alone underneath, which I did.  My port was originally placed 6-26, revised w/2nd surgery 6-28 & the steri-strips just came off 7-11.

     Joni2

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited July 2009

    Thankyou Joni. It seems so well stuck down I can't imagine peeling it off!

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2009

    Stand in the shower & soak it off or put a wet cloth on it & soak it that way.  Don't just pull! Surprised

    Joni2

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited July 2009

    Gill & Joni2:   I don't have any dressings...they used glue to close my incisions...makes me nervous since I cannot put anything on the site for 48 hours and I worry about infection. Also no showers for 48 hours...I feel like my skin is crawling and really want to take a shower...uuugh!

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    Well welcome Elizabeth!Smile

    Jacee-I personally didn't need anyone to bring me meals as I wasn't very hungry, but my family starved for a couple days! Actually I froze up a couple meals (chicken pot pie and a casserole) for their survival. If people want to help, I would ask them to bring something that was frozen or at least freezable for your "off" days. Hopefully you won't NEED them and can just enjoy a day without cooking.

    Gillyone-I was told 5 days before removing the dressing. Even then it wasn't completely healed and I ended up putting another bandage on because it was leaking (for lack of better word)

    I think I got an answer to a prayer!! I've been looking for someone to hire to help with my business and have gotten no replies. Yesterday out of the blue I got 4 calls. All seem like good candidates. Perhaps I won't have to close up the biz after all!

    Ya all have a great day, keep these post coming, they are so helpful and keep a smile going around here.

    Day 12 after Chemo. one and hair still intack..........everywhere.EmbarassedEmbarassed 

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  • LovingLifeToday
    LovingLifeToday Member Posts: 39
    edited July 2009

    Joni1~ Thanks for the welcome :-) I'm very glad to know that the dentist can do something about the mouth sores... I get them just drinking orange juice Frown   We will have to compare how we feel Smile  I keep reading about ice cubes and Gatorade.... I'm going to make little Gatorade ice-cubes to take with me!!!

    BerkeleyKim~ Thanks for stopping by and the info... I'll check ddlat and see what she's doing Smile

    Gill~ I changed my bandage the day after and found nine staplesUndecided I had the staples removed 7 days later and then he glued a bandage on it... I took it off last night (2 days later).

    Pauldingmom~ Thanks for the welcome and congrats on your answer to prayer!! I'm glad you won't have to close up shop!!

    o2behealthy~ I know about that really needing a shower thing... I used plastic wrap and LOTS of tape!! I also draped a hand towel over my shoulder to keep the water from beating down on it!

    Happy Friday Everyone!!

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    I'm curious as to why all the different port type surgeries. 7 staples? Wow! I honestly didn't even have the steri-stirps. Just some gauze and a clear sticky bandage. Is everyone getting the Power Port or is there some other gizmo out there. Perhaps it's because of my layers and layers of flab that they didn't need to stitchEmbarassed just stuff and tape. And I agree, the port was more painful than my lumpectomy but still very do able. Just as the node was worse than the lumpectomy. I think it is like real estate, location, location, location. 

    Anyone having trouble with little blister/hive type things. I've got them on my hands and doc. said it was due to the Taxotere. I also heard from my nurse that the second Neulasta shot generally has less side effects than the first one. Prayer #2 answered!! 

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2009

    I agree PauldingMom, the different types of surgery closures on the port is bizarre; you'd think it would be rather universal.  Mine's a Smart Port CT Power Injectable Port according to the blue & white "Live Strong" type bracelet that came with mine!! It's not my type of fashion statement so I'm not wearing it but I am carrying it in my purse in case I'm in an accident and unable to communicate.  

    Joni2

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  • lorijo1993
    lorijo1993 Member Posts: 40
    edited July 2009

    My port was glued but the site became very bruised and 1/2 of a inch popped open, I put a clear dressing over it, iced over night the first night, It is more painful than the lumpectomy. Starting my 3rd day after Taxotere/Cytoxan, finished my Decadron doses, now I am hungry and nothing taste good, yesterday I tried everything from fish sticks, fries, potato chips....I couldn't even tolerate the fries or chips in my mouth, ended up drinking carnation instant breakfast (I think it has 8 grams of protein).sweet the only thing it can taste. thats not good because I have cookies hidden somewhere in my kitchen!

    Lori

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2009
    The thing that tastes best to me right now is Safeway brand Homestyle Vanilla icecream--and that's not good because I can just take the carton & down the whole thingTongue out
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  • PAP
    PAP Member Posts: 142
    edited July 2009
    I think we just need to eat whatever tastes good during this first week post chemo....no matter what it is!  The docs keep saying protein protein....so as long as I get some of that and whatever tastes good...I go for it!  I find if I don't eat I get really weak and feel worse.  At least that's my excuse! Laughing Patti
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  • Amy_T
    Amy_T Member Posts: 12
    edited July 2009

    Had my first taxol chemo treatment yesterday.  So far no side effects other than feeling a bit ran down today.  More details and pic on my blog:

     http://aymzbc.blogspot.com/

    Amy_T

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    Lori-yep I went through the same thing, nothing sounded good except sweets and citrus. Drank lots of water with lemon in it. Finally found some Key Lime Pie and that hit the spot. Try peanut butter if that sounds good. It was the only protein thing I could tolerate. Did you know you can melt P.B. in the microwave and put it on ice cream? It only takes like 20 seconds for 2 Tbls. so be careful. 

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2009

    And then add the thick chocolate syrup!  YUMMMMMMMY!

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited July 2009

    Thanks everyone for the port info. The nusre told me I could take the dressing off yesterday but I didn't. Took a shower today - decided it must be ok if the dressing could come off. It is still well stuck down after the shower.

    Had my last scan today - MUGA. Thank goodness. My arm looks terrible with all the bruises. I am very fair skinned, red hair and freckles and everyone putting in IVs says we are the worst! So it often takes a couple of attempts to get things going. I think this port is going to be a good thing.

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  • White929
    White929 Member Posts: 53
    edited July 2009

    Hi All Triple J's!  I had my first tx 15 days ago....no hair loss yet.  I've been waiting, but nothing.  I assume this will start in the next few days?  My transmission went out in my car this amYell UGH!!! 

     Joni2:  A girl after my own heart... I LOVE ice cream!!  Any of it...all of it and with everything on top!  I'm not sure what kind is my favorite although I'm partial to Breyers! 

    My port is a Bard Power Port....works like magic!

    No problems eating....at all!  I was hoping to cut back and lose some weight...but I'm exactly where I was before starting chemo....too big!

    Hugs to all of you...glad to hear not too many SEs happening!

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