Starting Chemo Feb 2010?

mofend

Steroid buzz going on here!  Definitely not usually on the site so early, but I couldn't sleep.  It's kind of nice having the house quiet and actually not getting called to find something, do something, or whatever, by my loving family!  Anway, second treatment yesterday - no problem other than the sleep thing but that will resolve by tomorrow after done steroids.  It was definitely easier this time - I didn't get the huge buzz from the Benadryl (bummer - I kind of liked that), and I felt very normal in my head when we left - I think I could even drive today, which I didn't attempt last time. 

 Back to answering the how did you find out question - routine mammo in November after being diligent since I was 40 and had a benign fibroadenoma removed after my first mammo.  Had just been in to see my surgeon in June and was clear and then got this news in November - have to say, it was very quick - they actually had me in for the mammo, walk to next room for ultrasound, and then to the next room for the biopsy - I was out of there in about two hours with pretty much the dreaded news.  They called to confirm three days later - the day after Thanksgiving - very stressful holidays. which sounds like a lot of us went through.  So, that's that - just shows how quick this stuff can grow, which scares the crap out of me, but my scans were all good so hopefully with throwing all this chemo/herceptin/radiation/tamoxifen and whatever else they have up their sleeves at this thing, I'll kick it's butt. 

Will hopefully have more details about the Philly thing in October soon, for those interested.  Should be fun - have a great day, you lovely bald ladies (and not so bald, or not bald at all)!   I'm really bald - crack myself up when I look in the mirror actually - can't help it - it's funny looking - Mo 

l  

me2u

hi beth3172, at times i have drippy nose however not very dry nose, perhaps you can check with your ONC.

would love to meet up with all you lovely and wonderful ladies in philly however am staying at the far end of the globe

hope everyone is staying strong and well, the light is getting nearer by the days!!!

ariesrottie

Hi Girls! I am 52 and my insurance was running out... So I went for my yearly mammo in the beginning of Dec /09. My last one was Sept/08// Not bad just a few months late... Well I was called back for a repeat. with a sono. And they sent me for a Stereotypic Biopsy and. I found  out on Christmas Eve I had 3 spots on my left breast... rather small but cancer... My Christmas was horrible... I went for a bilateral MRI and it was there that they told me I would need a mastectomy for they were far apart from each other and I need a mastectomy.. I decided to do both for I sisn't want to go thorough this again ,,, and 1 month after my diagnosed . I had my surgery with reconstruct on right away.... I alway knew deep down that I would have to get chemo .. So when my onco test came back a 25... I started.. They really wanted me to do it for my mother had ovarian cancer and then lung... (Thanks mom) She has been gone 8 years... Now they want me to go for brac testing and have my ovaries out after chemo... Later in the year.. Have to finish reconstruction and finish my chemo.. The only thing I fear is that I finish with this breast issue. They take my ovaries and they find something else.

Any way off to do some errands and I wish everyone a healthy happy day...

Courage and strength.

Hugs,

Donna

ennayttap44

I found out at age 54.  In March 2009 I went for mammo cause I had a lump smaller than a pea.  The tech said, "it is just a cyst."

 2 weeks later saw my dr.  The only purpose of exam was the "cyst."  She couldn't find it, until I pointed it out to her.  She asked when was last mammo, told her 2 weeks ago, you should have report.  She failed to tell me that the report made NO MENTION OF THE CYST, or anything else.

 It grew throughout the year and was painful.  In doing internet searches, nothing raised my eyebrows.

Finally, on Jan 4, 3 days after my father died and the beginning of a new deductible year for insurance, I saw the doctor.

Jan 11 mammo and ultrasound.  The radiologoist said it wasnt there last year..........I said, look at my intake forms!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jan 12 surgeon and biopsy.

Jan 14 partial mastectomy.

Feb started chemo. 2/6 TAC, 33 rads to come.

The "cyst" was 3.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches when removed.

Iamstronger

Beth3172-i had a super dry nose and sore throat (guessing due to dryness)  week two for a few days.  Then it went back to being a drippy faucet. 

Burley-someone i know actually did use tape. That clear packing tape.  She said it worked better than the lint roller she was using. 

It is day 17 for me and i know the hair falling out is coming. I probably should just shave it and be done with it and move on.  But, i just can't bring myself to do it until it starts falling out. Other than that, I am doing well.  Hope everyone else is feeling good too.

Verene

CinD

I hope everyone is having a good morning. It is strangely comforting to read how everyone got here.I'm just so thankful to have all of you to share this with, although it ticks me off we have to be here at all. I'd rather be partying with all of you in Philly even if it is a few months away! Mo, I spent several years in Wilmington, DE, but am now 1,000 miles south of there. I still have family up that way, but I don't know if I'll be able to make it there later this year. Put me down as a maybe?

It is amazing how many of us were pretty healthy, eating well and exercising before our diagnosis. I was the same way and even had my family teasing me about what they called the "healthy crap" I eat. I watched them go to McDonald's and such places every day while I was eating lentils and spinach, and I was the one who ended up with cancer. Strange. I like to think that maybe all of that healthy living kept the cancer from being worse than it could have been. 

Has anyone found good information on diet while going thru chemo? Most of what I see says to eat anything we want. I wish I could find some good information for those of us who are lucky enough not to have intestinal issues. I feel bad typing that, because I know some have had some major struggles with intestinal issues. But for those of us who are able to eat anything, I'd like to know what is best for rebuilding our bodies while going thru chemo. From what I can put together, we should have more protein to rebuild the body and more fruits and veggies to help the immune system. Also, whole grains are mentioned as being positive. I wonder about things to avoid. All I can find to avoid while on chemo are certain herbs and spices such as curcumin.  I'm trying to eat a fairly balanced diet, a little heavier on the protein than usual.  And, I've added cruciferous vegetables back into my diet, something I had limited before because of a bad thyroid. Has anyone found any good diet information for chemo patients who can eat anything?

Take care, all.

Cindy

ginadmc

Thanks for sharing your stories about how your BC was found. I, too felt a lump but assumed it was a cyst. It was in the same place (left side) as one that had been aspirated 10/2008. After routine mammo, I had calcs that showed in rt side and had a repeat mammo (rt side only) 5/2009. I often wonder if I should have requested bilateral mammo at that time. Back on regular schedule, 11/2009. After routine mammo, diagnostic mammo, ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy, then the diagnosis 12/2009.The cyst I had felt was in front of the tumor which was close to my chest wall. When my surgeon did lumpectomy, she took the cyst with it. I'm 48 and this is the only health issue I've ever had. No family history, both parents alive and well. Feeling pretty well after first chemo (2/26). Was foggy headed and tired Mon-Tues, better later in the week. Had major upper body aches from Neulast shot. Don't know if Claritan helped or not.

lbreedl

CinD: I have several books which are good, Anti Cancer, David Servan-Schreiber. The author had cancer, very interesting read. Another is What to eat if you have cancer, Maureen Keane and Daniella Chace. Both of these books suggest cutting back meats and increasing vegs & fruits. They offer many other practical and some impractical ideas, you be the judge. My Dr. does not want too much Vit C or antioxidents during chemo, she said it can lessen the effectiveness. I definately don't want that so I am only taking C in a multi. I have started taking 5000iu Vit D3 but have not had my levels tested. This topic is big in bc right now, there is a very good thread here that has lots of good info about it. Basically it seems most docs just say eat healthy during this time and don't stress over having to eat a new way. Just get yourself through it and you can regroup later if you feel its needed. Do you feel that Dr's dismiss some of the nutrition & suppliments as not important or unproven? I do. When you figure it all out, you can explain it all to me! LOL!

CinD

lbreedl, thanks for the information. I've read good things about Anti-Cancer by Servan-Schreiber but haven't read the book yet. Looks like it's time for a trip to the library.

I'm scared to take anything extra right now because I don't want to mess up the chemo, but I never was one for many supplements. I was always afraid of making my body off balance by taking too much of this or that.

Most likely they just don't know if anything that we eat will reduce the effectiveness of chemo. That's probably why they tell us to eat anything. I've kind of gone by that with chemo, but I am craving a few things I don't normally eat. I wish they would understand that many of us are fairly healthy eaters who don't mind tweaking their diet a little if it would help treatment. Let's hope more emphasis is given to nutrition by the professionals. I don't expect food to cure cancer, but I would bet it can help to reduce the incidence rates or severity of individual cancers.

Cindy 

mebrown

The way I found my BC was by accident really. I had an indent beside my nipple but the gyn said it was nothing. I had a mammo in Mar 09 and nothing showed up. I went for a routine physical in Oct 09 (sugar problems) and told the doctor about a pressure in my left side. The doc sent me to get a CT and they happened to get the bottom of my left breast. He referred me to a surgeon. As with all of the others the waiting for the results of the biospy was aweful. I'm just glad they found it when they did, even though they were looking for something else. Interestingly, I do not have the pressure on my side anymore since my mx.

My second treatment went well, tired and have chemo brain so if something doesn't sound right in this post, please excuse it. 

 Leta17 - good luck with your treatment today. 

frosty1

Age first:  49.  I hit the bit 50 in September.  Not really the way I wanted to commerate a milestone year.  I hadn't been in for a routine physical or mammogram in about 5 years, so thought that since I was laid off, I would get it all scheduled.  My doctor felt nothing.  The mammogram saw suspicious calcifications and had me come back two days later when the mammography doctor was there.  More squishing.  They didn't like the spread and the amount of calcifications so I was scheduled for a biopsy the following Tuesday (so this was 12/1, then 12/, no 12/8).  Got the call Friday 12/11 that it was DCIS and scheduled me to meet with the cancer team, get lab work and an MRI.  MRI found more DCIS and a shadowy spot under the nipple.  Wanted to do an ultrasound and possibly 2 more biopsies.  Up to this point, no one felt any lumps or saw any out of the ordinary even after we had the diagnosis.  Ultrasound 12/22.  Now had 2 large areas of DCIS and a shadow under the nipple.  One more biopsy on 12/24 (merry christmas).  They decided not to do the one under the nipple since the DCIS was so extensive they were recommending a mastectomy.  Since my right breast was free and clear, decided to just do the simple with SNL on the left.  Came back postop with extensive DCIS and two small invasive tumors, clear margins, no lymph nodes.  ER+/PR+/HER2+++ -- so chemo, Herceptin and Tamoxifen.

Bambaloos

Hi there - had my first chemo in Feb 2010 - just had my 4th treatment of weekly Taxol.  This week the side effects are starting to kick in - nausea, stomach problems and hair loss, not to leave out nose bleeds and aches and pains.  At least I know the chemo is in my system. hopefully doing it's job because I feel so rotten!!! I just found this website and am thrilled and blessed with all the amazing support and encouragement I have read on here, sending healing thoughts to all the Ladies.

Ezscriiibe

Bambaloos, so sorry you had to come here, so happy that you found us!

me2u

hi bambaloos, sorry to hear about your side effects. be strong and we will all put throught this together!! welcome

little update on me: previously i posted a question if anyone has reduction of chemo dosage due to the side effects and i have decided with my ONC to stick to my dosage but up my antinausea meds (drowsy pill to make me sleep most of the time), so will get through my 2nd treatment on 10mar in better shape.

ariesrottie

Morning girls.. Today is day 8 after chemo.... Yesterday I felt Like I did before my diagnoses I don't know if it was the sunshine or what ,,, But I will take. it...

Today- I feel the same just a little tired didn't sleep to well , but I go to the PS for a fill today.

Catch up with you later.... Feel great today Ladies with Courage and strength

Jessica--- Hope you feel good today . Sorry about your SE

Donna

CinD

Bambaloos, welcome! I hope those side effects are going away and you are feeling better.

Today is one week after my second treatment, and I've only been plagued with a couple of days of flu-like symptoms plus some back pain last night and this morning. It looks like the back pain is because of the Neulasta, which was given five days ago. The same thing happened as far as the back pain after my first treatment, and at the time I thought it was because my period was coming on then. Since it is exactly one week, just like last time, I guess I was wrong before and it really was the Neulasta. At least the back pain is no where near as bad as last time, more of an irritation than anything, so I'm feeling very lucky. I haven't had that tinny taste this time, which has really helped to feel good. 

I hope everyone is feeling good.  Sending out healing thoughts to those having problems or just feeling blah. Stay strong. Spring is just around the corner.

Cindy

teemee

Hi all,

Finally I can back on the bus--saw my oncologist today, and we are starting chemo week of 3/22. I'll be spending the next two weeks trying to keep healing from the staph infection, and trying to find that strength I had before the infection hit. I think being SO sick while I was so scared (it was only a few days before I was going to start chemo) really took its toll. 

The biggest help to me with my fear is this board. Thank you to you beautiful people who share your experiences. I am calmer for having read them. Now, I just need to find my mojo. Anybody seen it?

Be well,

Toni

me2u

Hi Cindy, glad to know your 2nd treatment is better than the first, gives me the encouragement Hope your back irritation go away as the day goes by.

Hi Toni, rest lots, eat well and your strength will slowly returns. As someone has previously said, chemo is doable and its only temporary. Continue to be happy and think positive!

ariesrottie

Hi Girls! Toni----we are all here for you.... I will be having my second treatment if all goes well on the 18th.... Stay strong.. this site and the girls are amazing. They will help you with any question fears, anything.... They are here for you and everyone.... Use this board it helps us get through. Eat good and get plenty of fluids.... REST........

Cindy- glad your 2 treatment went ok.... Did you take the claritan for the aches and bone pain... It helped me.... Only 1 day of bad SE. on day 3.

Feel good sisters... Enjoy the beautiful weekend that they say we are going to have.

Courage and strength,'

Donna

ariesrottie

Tomi_ what meds are you going to be on??? Did your oncologist give you any information? There are different sites for different meds... This might also help you.... Listen to what the girls say.... It's like the BIBLE.....They know they been through it..... I listen to every word. And ask questions all the time.

Hope this helped.

Donna

burley

Hey all-day 2 after my 2nd treatment yesterday.  I feel pretty good-a little doped up from the Compazine, but other than that, fine!  Couple of dry heaves last night, and mild nausea today-nothing I can't handle.  Also had my Neulasta today-I swear that shot stings so bad, it's almost worse than getting poked in the port!

Finally, there were two people my age in the treatment room...other than them, everyone there is at least 20 years older than I am, and look like they're on their death bed.  It was good to see people like myself who look good and seem to feel ok-that may sound terrible, but it's hard to feel "well" in a room full of people who look like they're dying.  Had a crazy old guy offer me some of his Jack In The Box...um, no thank you sir, but thanks for asking.   They provide coffee and danish, plus chips, granola bars, cookies...very nice.

I'm fighting off my kids' colds too, and it's a bummer I can't take any vitamin C or Zicam!  Hope everyone is feeling well and coping with their SE's-have a good evening!

makmak

Burley- although I don't get the Neulasta shots, I was supposed to until they switched my chemo regimen... I had many women offer me this advice.. Get the shot in your stomach instead of your arm.. and it doens't hurt.. Just a suggestion I'm passing on as I didn't have that to deal with.. but ask your nurse/Dr.. I was told it works..

Marina

mofend

Definitely stomach for the Neulasta shot - haven't had any issues at all, so that's my vote.  Day three after treatment and I feel pretty good- a bit of acid reflux but I'm gnawing on the Zantac so it seems to be keeping it in check.  This round seemed definitely easier so far - I know things can change but I don't have that buzzed feeling in my head (it was fun to a point after the first one, but it got old!).  Anyway, hope you all have a great weekend - we're getting there and I truly appreciate each and every one of you for your advice and support.  Mo

Grazie47

Toni - so glad you are on the road to recovery. 

I know what you mean about being scared, I think one of the side effects of BC is terror.  Before BC I never would have obsessed over every little thing in my body.   Yesterday I had loose stools, I was beside myself - Oh no is this the way it's going to be from now on? How can I go back to work if I have to go to the bathroom every hour?  Maybe something is wrong with my colon!  Like I said before - it's a head game.   

I thank God every night for this site, it sure answers a lot of questions.  I'll bet the Oncologist are also thankful for this site, otherwise they would be fielding calls all day long.

riley702

Hi. I was diagnosed late Jan., age 49 (port), started chemo (clinical trial) Feb. 16. Avastin/Taxotere/Xeloda X 4; then Avastin/Adriamycin/Cytoxan X 4; evaluate for surgery after that and go from there.

I've had no problems with the port other than I need to slip some padding under bras with thinner straps. My port's on the right, so seat belts are only a problem when I'm not driving. My winter coat pads my seat belt right now, but my infusion RNs have suggested one of those sheepskin sleeves to wrap around my seat belt's shoulder strap when it gets warm enough to ditch the coat.

The port was put in the day before my first chemo, and I guess ignorance was bliss not realizing some ladies have problems with them. I was all "Great, no needle marks, bruises and/or ruined veins all over my arms! Good idea." My chemo has been good so far (I know! Very early days yet!); they've warned me the second set of drugs are going to be rougher (the A/C).

me2u

to my knowledge, the neulasta shot is supposed to be administered at the fatty part of our body, usually the stomach. its a 10-day slow release immunity boaster jab.

hi riley702, am on AC x4, then Taxol x12. the AC's ok, doable

Leah58

The nurse warmed my Neulasta shot for quite a while before she administered it into my stomach (plenty of fatty tissue there.)  I read that if it is warmed up properly, it does not sting very much.

I have spent quite a bit of time talking to a customer service rep at my insurance company.  She's a breast cancer survivor and she advised me to eat a lot of spinach salads, some sweet potatoes, snack on almonds, and not to forget to eat lean protein when I felt better. 

Also, she said it is an especially good time to cut down on sugar and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables instead.   I must admit that my DIL's freshly baked oatmeal cookies were "good medicine" this evening.

Eating small meals every 2-3 hours helps with nausea.  Zantac really helped my acid reflux and doesn't seem to interact with any of the chemo drugs we take.

I am getting pysched up for my 2nd TC treatment on Tuesday.  It is reassuring to hear that your next treatment SEs are similar to the first treatment SEs.  Not that I want them again but I feel more prepared.  I am armed with Zofran for the nausea and Ativan (lorazepam) for the steroid rush.

Thanks for all of your help!!

teemee

Thanks everyone for your good wishes

Donna, I'm on the TC x 4, then rads, then Tamoxifen. I was supposed to start 2/4 (which is why I'm even in this group!) but got a horrible staph infection at the end of January that had me hospitalized, etc. So, a long delay to get myself even more nervous. Today I turned a corner--I want to do it tomorrow, just to get the darn anticipation over with. Before I would have done almost anything to avoid chemo.

So I'll be a March girl, but my friends are here so I'm double dipping!

CinD

Good morning!

Toni, that's great that you've turned the corner and that you're now ready to get the chemo over and done with. I'm glad you'll be posting here too even if you're officially a March girl.

Jessica, thanks for the good thoughts. They did the trick, because I had very little back irritation after I posted yesterday. I feel really fortunate that I only had a few small dull bursts of light pain in my low back. The last time the pains were sharper and more frequent. 

Donna, that's great that you only had one bad day. I still feel like I'm getting by so lightly with so little side effects. You asked about the Claritin shot, and I don't take that. 

My husband gave my last Neulasta shot in my rump. The first one was in my arm, and it was painful. This second one in my rump was only a little pinch. The first time, I don't think it had time to warm to room temperature. The second time, we made sure it was left out long enough to warm up.

Hi Riley. That's great that so far your chemo is going good. 

Leah, thanks for the nutrition advice. I've been trying to do a lot of the same as was suggested. Upping my protein has been the hardest thing for me, since I'm not a big meat eater. Every day I have beans and yogurt, but I've had to add in more meat. I ended up making a huge baked pasta thing loaded with chicken breast and lentils, adding in whole grain pasta, lots of spinach, a touch of olive oil, and baked in a tomato sauce. It's a pretty complete meal nutritionally, and it takes me about four days to get thru half of it. I freeze the other half.  Good luck on your second treatment this Tuesday.

I hope everyone is feeling good. Take care.

Cindy 

frosty1

Teemee -- we are happy to welcome you to the March Girls Club!  4 of us started this past week and we keep adding to the party.