Chemo May 2011

lifelover

Sorry so many Ladies are joining this thread but we can support each other through it all :-)

As to eyelash glue:  do they work with contact lenses?  Is there a glue for sensitive eyes that actually works?  Any advice out there?

TIA

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Hi Ladies!  I will be joining you in this forum.  I will be starting chemo in May with date still to be scheduled.  I will be receiving Adriamycin/Cytoxin for 4 session followed by Taxol for 4 sessions (every two weeks).

I'm 32yo, ILC and IDC combined with right mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy and axillary dissection completed.  I am being treated at Kaiser Permanente, Fremont, CA.

I look forward to connecting with all of you during this journey. 

Best of luck,

Laureen

cothi76

lifeover- not sure bout sensitive eye glue. You can always check. You probably wanna make sure its not too much glue on the base of false lashes when you apply. 

LaureenRomero07- We live near each other, kinda. I'm being treated at Washington Hospital in Fremont,where I was living. My salon is in Pleasanton but Ive recently been staying in Modesto with my family recovering 

Trinh 

sundermom

Hi ladies!  I'm a member of the January 2011 chemo group and decided to pop over and wish you all the very best as your start your treatments.  Many of us in the Jan group are finishing up now and I know I had a hard time envisioning myself crossing the finish line during those first few weeks.  There are medications to manage almost any SE that you might experience, so don't be afraid to ask your MO!  Chemo shouldn't have to be a completely miserable experience.  One day at a time . . .

Tammy

charlottesmama

Hi Ladies! Just checking in from the Feb 2011 Chemo Gals. 

I can't begin to express how scared I was pre-chemo. I read all the November and December 2010 posts, as well as the January 2011. You know what? The anticipation is the worst part. At least it was for me.

If you're reading the previous months' threads, you know that the chemo "cocktails" and their side effect are different for each person.

Here's what I can tell you about my chemo experience: I had 4 rounds of dose dense A/C every two weeks. Other than losing my hair, I had no side effect worth mentioning.

Now, about the hair. Yeah. You're gonna lose it. Not fun, but it WILL grow back! I know that's a panacaea, but just think about all the bald or balding men you know. Their hair is NOT going to grow back! I cut my hair super short (picture Jamie Lee Curtis) and donated it. The rest fell out in the shower 21 days after my first chemo "date". Yeah, I was freaked out and cried, but pulled on my big boots and hustled off to the salon to have if shaved. Not being a wig girl, I've just worn a funky baseball cap out and about (check out cafepress.com for some fun "cancer" hats), and recently, with my VERY sparse growth have opted to go topless! It feels pretty good. Even kinda sexy with the wind ruffling the little baby bird feathers on my head, and caressing the bare skin.

So, hang in there May sistahs! It sucks now and will suck for a few more months. But it's gonna get better and you're gonna kick cancer's f*cking ASS!

Peace on y'all.

Michelle 

Loviesmom2

Hey girls. I guess I'm the newest kid on the block then. Sucks to join such a group but it is wonderful to have you here with me in the trenches. I've been sort of a voyeur since February . Denial I guess. Then surgery said "oh yes you are in this club" (mx 4/1/11). Now I start AC X4 and T x 12 on 5/2/11. They didn't give me much recovery time but oh well. Have been fearless and strong until now. I feel strong and encouraged but I just hate the idea of knowingly going to be poisoned on purpose. So much of my past has been don't eat this and stay away from that and drink only purified water. Well blah blah blah. Please forgive my ranting as if I'm exclusive, it's just so awful! Anywho, thanks for listening and I need all the help, prayers and encouragement you have.

DebRox

Went to my first visit to first MO.  Two more to go next week.  Looks like I won't start anything for at least 3 more weeks due to healing.  I'm only just out of surgery one week ago.

At that appointment I felt like the MO was trying to throw everything at my cancer as in over treating the cancer while discussing 2nd and 3rd generation chemo treatments only in addition to hormone therapy.  Is it normal to feel that way?  I do not have any lymph node involvment but do have lymph vasular invasion and my grade was upped to a 3 from a 2 by 1 point.  I left somewhat confused by the menu of options.  He did decide to request an oncotype dx test, but given a high ki-67 score of 50, I'm sure my oncotype score will be at least intermediate to high.

The shocking thing he said was the chemo is to treat distant recurrence at which I have a 2/3 chance at recurrence according to his knowledge.  I don't understand how they come up with those figures.  I really seems like a mathmatical equation and historical data analysis.

Anyways just wondering how those of you who are on chemo chose the chemo cocktail most beneficial for you?

determined3

thanks for the tip about mac. i will be going there. can you use that if you have no lashes too?

Loviesmom2

Hey DebRox. My onc didn't give me options. She said in a matter of fact tone, " oh this is the standard treatment and timeframe ". It was as if one size fits all. AC x 4, then T x 12. I'm not anti- chemotherapy but I am a med professional and know by experience and common sence that one size does not fit all. Ladys please chime in. I'm on pins n needles because my day 1 is this Monday. I've read a few topics on what to bring and what to expect but how do you hold it all together. Stay positive, ok, think happy thoughts, ok ... HELP!!! It's poison. If a drop spills anywhere a team of super sweepers swoop in with has mat suites suitable for Japan to clean, and this goes into my veins in a few hours from now. Please...

Loviesmom2

Hey LaureenRomero07. Looks like we've got the same cocktail. Since I'm rolling out before you maybe we can knock this madness out together...

lorenar

 So sorry you ladies are having to go through this. I will be doing #3 of 12 weekly taxols next week. I can remember a few months back, I didn't think I was ever going to feel half normal again. But when you make it to the taxol and herceptin for me part, you actually start feeling almost normal again. So always remember there is a light at the end of this tunnel. And we are as a family all in this together to help each other with any prayers or advice or just to listen. I at times would not known how to do as well as I did without venting my fears to everyone else who is just as scared. If you can get your doc, to give you some ativan at will make it some easier. Before they did me I was up all night peeing and anxious all the time. Now finally Im sleeping good. Take care ladies and remember You can do this.

Cyborg

I start Monday.

Cyborg

Wonder what the decadron is going to feel like

Anonymous

It's going to give you energy and helps keep you from getting nausea....I always found I was raring to go after I got it and had a difficult time sleeping, then a few days later would crash....but that was just how it affected me. 

carabear

Hello Ladies! I start chemo on 5/5. So instead of enjoyng a margarita on Cinco De Mayo I will be having a chemo cocktail! LOL

I will have 6 cycles of TCH, Herceptin for 52 weeks. I am 32 years old, ddx on 3/7, IDC/DCIS in the left breast. MX of the left breast 3/31. It has been a whirlwind, that is for sure. As much as I am not looking forward to this, I am sooo ready to get it over with!! 

Robyn_S

Hi everyone! This week was the first relatively pain free week post BMX a month ago! It has been lively having all the swelling go down and scars start to pale away! Now for the fun stuff! I am healthy enough to feel optimistic that chemo will not be as bad as I have anticipated. I start on Tuesday 3/5 with FEC x 3 & taxotere x 3. I have been following the march 2011 forum and find the advice and camaraderie to be uplifting to the spirit! I am planning on working during treatment and if well enough maybe wangle in an OS conference that I have been looking forward to all year before this inconvenient BC business! Life is too short to let pass by without enjoying the moments!

Stocked up on Scarves and hats- not a wig woman! Like the idea of fooling around with false eyelashes- though not experienced in using them- will possibly end up looking more than slightly demented lol ! Looking forward to the end of the year with all of this behind - have 25 rads after the chemo- the perky new foobies better be spectacular!

Good luck to all our May club members!

Cyborg

I am so glad we are all together.

jrh1953

I am also starting Chemo this week. I will have port put in on 5-5 and first chemo 5-6.  I am not at all excited about this. My oncotype score is 18,  right in the middle of the gray zone, but I choose to err on the side of caution.  This will not be the most fun summer on record. I am to have 4 treatments 3 weeks apart.  I plan to work as much as possible.  I am a dental hygienist (the only one in a small town).  We can all help and lift each other up.

lifelover

Rsummerr:  I'm having the same chemo plan as you are; 3 FEC and 3 Taxotere.  I start on the 9th of May.

I bought my wig today and I actually really like it and given the cool weather we have here in England I think it will be comfortable.  I also bought some scarves and hats for at home wear.  I ordered some MAC lashes and adhesive as recommended by many of you.  So, I'm prepared for anything.

They won't stage my BC until my scans are complete because they're worried about metastisis.  I think I'm most worried about this but I am going to fight back to good health whatever it takes.

judyfams

Ladies,

I posted here earlier - as I finished my chemo in Sept. 2010. I had 6 rounds of cytoxan/taxotere and I remember being terrified during my first treatment - especially when the nurses who came to handle the chemicals wore gloves and then put the empty bags in a medical waste container.

What helped me to get through the remaining treatments was to visualize the chemo molecules seeking out and destroying each and every cancer cell.  Sounds corny now, but it really works as you are sitting there with the chemo dripping into you.  As the drops dripped down I envisioned a "war" going on inside my body between the chemo and the cancer cells - and the chemo winning!

I wish you all good luck with your chemo - and no adverse side effects!

Judy

determined3

hello may buddies, i am officially in chemo april 2011, but i decided to pop in b/c i just finished my first round of ac on yesterday. aside from the grave lack of communication from the staff regarding almost EVERYTHING, it went okay. if you have a port, you should not feel much of anything, just a little sensation when the meds go in..like when your iv is being flushed.

i will say that i did what i was supposed to with regards to meds to avoid getting sick. took all my meds to no avail. soooooo, the only think that may have done me in is that i ate turkey sandwich from potbelly's i got. still, i had ginger tea, ginger ale and the meds. once i had my 'bathroom break' my tummy felt better. 

so, i hear that my exp is not common so don't expect to feel as suck. i actually called my doc. last night. so as i am writing this sat am, i am feeling fine. but it will go eat a LIGHT breakfast and start w/ meds again. 

so, based on my exp, if i could do it again, i WOULD eat the lightest thing that i could......just so the meds could pass. i have to wonder if something did not agree with me. nothing spicy...

good luck may buddies

BioAdoptMom3

Had my first treatment yesterday and overall it went well.  It took about five hours (T/C).  The infused steroids kept me awake until about 2 AM, but I slept fine after that, and had me eating everything in sight from about 9 PM!  Big mistake though was that I ate a piece of pepperoni pizza DS and his GF had delivered last night, about 11.  I am dealing with incredible heartburn and stomach pains today, but hopefully with the Milk of Magnesia tablets I've been taking, and th Tums, I'll get through that SOON.  Waited a little too long to take my Compazine last night as I did get somewhat nauseaous before going to sleep, but that's gone today thankfully and I am on top of it, every 6 hours today. Good luck to all the rest of you who are starting soon, or continuing with your current or new treatments!  We're all in this together and you are all on my prayer list. 

Nancy 

Cyborg

BioAdoptMom3

It sounds like you are on the same program as mee. I am doing T/C. I am doing Decadron. I am also prescribed Compazine for nausea. I am going to go to Trader Joes today and get some frozen fruit. That seems like it would be something I can stand.They told me that I will need to be hooked up to the line for a few hours and that the first visit, like you will take about five hours. My boyfriend is going to take me the first visit and then my friend is going to take me the next day for a Neulesta shot.         

Take it easy and keep all of us posted. I take Decadron tomorrow...                                                                     

MamaV

Good luck to all of you starting this week.  Keep up with drinking TONS of water and flush those toxins out of your system.  I was so sick that I had to upgrade to the granddaddy of all anti-nausea meds - Emend - what a life saver!

Finished Taxol 2 of 12 on Thursday and go for 3 next Thursday - much easier on the body than the A/C. 

Hang in there ladies - we are all in this together - We are strong!

cothi76

I get my port installed on 5/3/11.

@DebRox-I had a choice of AC-TH or TCH. My oncologist said the road she suggest is the AC road but was okay if I decided to take the TCH. I didn't know I had a choice to make. I just thought surgery and then chemo. Well if I take AC it is harsher but puts strains on the heart and has a very small % of causing lukemia!? Ugh..its like one kick after the other. TCH route for me is not as harsh but than its not as agressive in fighting the cancer. After researching and speaking to other doctor friends and fellow BC friends, I've decided on AC-TH. 

Because they're poisoning our bodies does anyone have any suggestions on how to prepare organs to stay strong during chemo? besides the old faithful H2O. 

Cyborg

I read the April 2011 thread. I'm getting scared!' I was so relieved to get the chemo started and with people I wanted to have chemo by. So now I am worried about everything. I going to dark places. And I am frying to be hopeful. I am afraid of my feelings too. I am getting some frozen fruit for some nutriom and fiber. If I get really honest--- I am sad about losing my hair bit I am happier to move toward health. A real mixed bag. But overall it would be really crummy for me to be ungrateful in any way.

Nico1012

Cyborg and ALL May 2011 chemo starters ~ There are 2 very helpful threads full of tips for getting through chemo with minimal se's. I will post them now and please feel free to "bump" them anytime so that your whole group may benefit from the info. Best of luck to you ladies!

Nico

40-years-old-now

I am not sure when I will be starting chemo, late May or June. I have not seen the onocologist yet (not till May 9), still healing from surgery. Ouch. (April 21)

So I may join you ladies also. Oh I am 38, married (for 18 years) with a 6 year old daughter.

Biggest worry: loosing my hair (I know that is vain of me)

Candice

lifelover

HI Cyborg,

Just let the feelings come and go as they need to.  Some days I hear you being so very strong and positive and that is good but it is also good to let the sad frightened feelings come.

My biggest fear:  I don't tell any of my family or friends but I feel that I'm going to die - I don't know why - I know that most BC is treatable but for some reason I feel so sad about losing my life.  I'll bet I'm not the only one to feel this way so I keep reminding myself that these feelings are my head processing all the difficult things we're going through.

Ladies, I hated looking at myself in the mirror yesterday when I was trying on wigs.  Especially when they put the stocking cap over my long hair and I had to try on scarves and hats.  Most of us are vain to some degree but it is a shock to see yourself looking "sickly".  I don't think I'll ever get used to it but I'm going to try to laugh and smile because I know I'll look and feel better if I do.

Loviesmom2

Hey Lifelover. You just go ahead and laugh and smile. But don't let your smiles be generated by fear let them shine forth from a place of victory. Fear is a natural human emotion but it can cripple you if you let it. Sickness and fear are foreign and should be treated as such. They both come to visit but not to stay because you send them packing. Don't dwell on your potential stage or what the docs might report, what matters is that you have an enemy to defete and you have the means to defete it. Stay focus on your victory and when fear comes, just beat it down like the evil it is. We are victorious and winners. Stages, mets, nodes, all just extra junk to put your mind in distress. You're young, strong and will die of very old age. Here's to 90 something...