Wondering what to expect.

stlrepke

Hi ladies,

I'm curious if any of you could tell me how you felt after chemo. Looks like mine could either be AC once every two weeks followed with 4 treatments of Taxel or 4 treatments of AC once every three weeks followed with the 4 treatmens of T. I'm not sure why or what the difference is between doing it every two weeks compared to every three weeks. This is my second go round with cancer and chemo but after 7 years things have changed, hopefully for the better. I don't know what to expect from these new drugs although I know one of them is the same as I got 7 years ago but other than that this is all new. This time around I also have some little ones to take care of and am worried about how many 'good days' I will have. They are 3yrs and 16 month old little boys and are used to being very active along with their mommy. If I could hear some of your stories I think that would help alot, I know everyone is different but it's still nice to hear what others have experienced.

Thank you!

samiam40

Hi.  I'm sure someone who knows will chime in here soon, or you could also check out the Chemotherapy topic--there is usually a thread dedicated to each chemo regimen. 

I noticed your screen name stlstroller.  Are you in St. Louis?  If so and you want to swap stories, send me a private message.  I'm also a mom of young kids who has recently been through mx and chemo.

econmom

Hi Stlstroller,

I am originally from St. Louis, now living in upstate NY.  From June-October 2008 I received the same chemo course you are anticipating (age 39/40). You can do this.  It was not nearly what I imagined.  (i.e. it was easier)

While chemo side effects are a personal thing, here is my experience:

For AC, I received chemo on a Thursday, Friday I felt a little bleechy, Sat. I felt the worst--flu-like, really.  By Sunday evening I felt pretty good, and I would wake up Monday morning feeling like myself again.  I took Emend for 3 days after the chemo and this did a great job controlling nausea.  I did not have much of an appetite, but no nausea or vomiting.

For Taxol, a much easier experience than AC.  Minor "pins and needles" feelings in my feet for a few days.  Again, Saturday after treatment was the worst, with some muscle aches.

I had two Taxol, then due to allergic reactions, two Taxotere.  Taxotere was a breeze for me.  There was some impact on the fingernails and toenails (ridges, breaking easily).  The worst part was the Decodron taken before treatment.  The post-steriod crash is brutal.

Throughout the 16 weeks, there is a cumulative effect of fatigue.  Some part-time help with your toddlers will be useful to you can rest.  My own children were 6 and 10 at the time, so they were able to amuse themselves and were less demanding of my attention.

stlrepke

Thanks for your responses ladies.

Econmom, I feel so much better after reading your experience. It sounds like this go around with the new drugs will be a lot easier than what I went through 7 years ago and I am so thankful for that. And we did end up hiring a nanny to help out. Now I'm just waiting to find out when I can start. I still have one surgery to go and possibly another one since my reconstructed breast skin is not doing well. Can nothing just go as planned??

I hope all is well with you now and again thanks for letting me know your experience.

Theri