Is there a July 2011 group?

rabbit

Frances, please keep us posted, I'll be sending you good vibes and prayers  

rabbit

hi shinypop, here's to us not having to many SEs! 

I'm not sleeping great, I did after the first day of chemo, and a few decent sleeps, but last night (night 4) was pathetic, woke up to pee every few hours, really restless sleep, I've been told that the steroids contribute to keeping you up and I took my last dose last night, for this round of chemo, so hopefully I'll get a better sleep tonight! 

misswim

Glad to hear the port insertion was not too traumatic......mine is Thursday first A/C on the following Thursday. We will get through it....... so glad to have support here

FrancesC

Hi Rabbit hope you have a good sleep tonight.  Sweet dreams.  I hate it also when I cant sleep.

Jamie30

Yesterday day was day 5 after my T/C.  I felt okay.  A little queasy a little tired.  We had my sons birthday party at a bounce place at 2.  By the time it was over and we were home I was really tired.  I layed down and took a quick nap.  When I woke up I was sick sick sick.  IDK what happened.  I woke up and started throwing up.  I got that calmed, ate some soup, took a med, and it eased off.  I was fine enough to go to the fire works that night with my kiddos.  IDK what happened but I sure hope that doesnt happen again.  I live my motto.  One day at a time but sometimes it is one minute at a time.  On  good note, I woke up feeling pretty good today.  I wasnt hurting in my legs this morning. I am not overly nauseas this morning either.  Both are good things.  YAY  maybe I will make it!!!   Heres to everyone else for a good day today!!!!

rabbit

hi Jamie... what exactly does T/C mean? glad you are doing better this am! I hoping my day 5 isn't bad! Are you getting chemo on Tuesdays? 

shinypop

Hey Rabbit, since I've taken roids before for other things I knew that they would keep me up. You should be taking them in the morning. That way they won't affect your sleep. 

rabbit

I am supposed to take 2 pills, 2x a day, morning and night for 3 days after each treatment...guess I need to take an ativan at night lol

Jamie30

Hi rabbit.  I am doing taxotere and cytoxan.  I do have mine on Tuesdays.  It hasnt been horrible but not pleasent either.  Today has been a good day.  Other than having a really dry mouth that is a little sore and a few quick trips to the potty today has been pretty normal.  After reading so many post I was totally ready for everything to be gone by day 4.  My onc told me that I may be having some reactions due to my biological make up.  She blames the rash and breakout on my "Irish Skin".  I havent had to take any meds today so it has been a really really good day.  Now I am a little paranoid as to when my hair will start to fall out.  I kinda feel like I should get it over with just to get rid of the constant looking to see if it is falling out.  My head is tingly feeling but I have gotten use to that.

shinypop

Gets up, looks at steroid bottle, sticks foot in mouth. Oooooh, twice daily you say? ooopsies.

rabbit

Jamie, I noticed I was a bit red in the chest the last few days, guess it's a reaction I'm having as well. 

shinypop, yep 2x a day, but only for 3 days after treatment so yesterday was my last dose....heres to hoping I get a good sleep tonight! 

Jamie30

My steroids are also 2x a day.  I take mine the day before, day of, and the day after treatment.

rabbit

strange how different we do it, mine starting the day after chemo for 3 days...yesterday was my first day off of them and I finally slept good but I did take an ativan last night, that helps me sleep more solid. 

shinypop

I think we are prescribed the same dosage, I just didn't follow the directions very well. For my first round of chemo, I've been able to tolerate the nausea very well. 

pinkpalette

Hi!  I am new here.  When I saw a July chemo group I knew it was my time to register.  I don't know all the terms yet, but I'll give it a try.  Diagnosed in April. Lumpectomy 2 months ago - Stage 2, 2 cm.  Additional excise of tissue, Lymph node biopsy - normal, Sentinel Lymph nodes - removed 4 - all normal.  Port inserted.  6 procedures total.  ER - PR - Her2 + . 

Chemo to start 7-11-11 Carboplatin, taxotere - 6 rounds

Herceptin - 1 year    

Rads - 2 mo.

Needless to say, I'm filled with terror.  I didn't take the chemo room tour - because I thought if I went - I'd never go back.  I'm ready to do this and slay the "beast"!!!

shinypop

Hi Pink palette. welcome to the group. You and I aren't too far from one another. I'm in PG County. Don't worry, I didn't take the "tour", but my onco nurse took me up there to take a peek around. If you have the time, take a gander at the June group. It will give you an idea of what to expect. 

Valbee

Jamie30, that's what my steroid dose is as well. Oncology nurse at chemo teaching told me part of the reason was to prevent a reaction to the Taxotere.

I was pretty impressed with everyone in the chemo suite. Personality-wise, I think they'll be good people to deal with. I've dealt with some bad medical staff before, so this is a bit of a relief!

paulamati

Hi pinkpalette you are not alone in this....I have almost the same diagnostic, but my was 4 cm and i have 6 out of 13 lymph nodes with cancer and i had a mastectomy.im actually going to start with the same chemo, if you chek the forum its a topic with Taxotere,Carboplatinand Herceptin TCH..its very helpful.

USinGermany

I am starting chemo today, July 5.  I am in Europe and on 6 cycled FEC regimen.  First night here they keep you in the hospital for "observation".  Received no nausea medication for before, but most people I know in US did for night before, during and after.  

Very nervous...

rabbit

hi USinGermany, please post how the first cycle goes. I am sure you will be fine, I had no effects or problems at all until 3-4 hours after the treatment and then it was just fluish symptoms with some nausea that didn't last too long. I am guessing in Europe they do things a bit differently, I would be surprised if they wouldn't give you something before or during...best of luck to you, we'll be thinking of you. Think of it as one down, 5 to go, there's always a bright side!

kris1

hey ladies, guess it's my turn to join....looks like I will be starting AC/T some time next week.  Had BMX June 13th (right side prophlylactic) with TEs. Due to node involvement I need bone scan this week-assuming all goes well my onc says we will start chemo which will be followed by RADS and Tamoxifen for 5 yrs. Thank God for finding this thread, the not knowing is for sure the hardest part and everyones posts are a big help!

FrancesC

Hi Kris1 - sorry to have you here but you will find a lot of comfort from all the posts here.  All the best to your treatments.  

pinkpalette

Greetings shineypop, I dig that name --- makes me laugh.  I can certainly use a little giggle lately.  Thanks for the kind welcome to the group.  I feel awfully alone and appreciate all the info and advise on this site.  I am really anxious about starting the chemo.  I peeped in the chemo door and got all teary and sad.  I know I'll be a wreck, so I'm glad my husband will accompany me.  Everyone here is so strong.  I hope I'll be strong too! 

pinkpalette

Hi paulamati,  thank you for the reply.  You make me feel so grateful to have found this website.  I will check around the other forums.  This is a huge website of info.  When the Onc. talks to me,  I just feel so overwhelmed and I feel like my brain can't digest it all.   I never been so frightened.  It really is comforting to hear your reply.  Have you started your first chemo? 

Jamie30

Just popping in for an update.  Yesterday (Day 7) was great.  I was almost back to normal.  I had a really dry mouth and one sore on the corner of my mouth. Biotene helped that out.  Today (Day 8) my mouth is so much better.  Still have the one sore but it is not bothering me.  I am SOOOOOO glad that I am feeling back to normal!  One chemo down and 3 more to go!!!!

Hope everyone is having a good day!!!!!

rabbit

hi Jamie

I have had a pretty good day today, day 7 for me. Had to take an immodium yesterday, a few loose stools but not too bad. Heartburn has pretty much stopped...still have that "fog" going on, guess that lasts for 5 months LOL 

pinkpalette

kris1, I will be starting next week too!  I absolutely agree that this thread is a blessing.  I will be getting 6 rounds of chemo every three weeks, with herceptin every week for 1 year, plus the rads after the 6 rounds of chemo.  Its the unknown that is worrying me now.  The 6 surgeries are behind me, but the chemo is really upsetting me, and I haven't even went yet. 

Allenan

Hello Everyone,

I would like to join this group.  I am starting chemo either on the 11th or the 18th.

Would like to go through this experience with others.    Still thinking about which regimen I will be getting.

Were any of you ladies told what to get or was the decision on what to get left entirely up to you.  Just curious.   

Thank you for starting this group.  Hope I can contribute.

beccad

Hello , Ladies,

I will not be joining you since I had my chemo from Oct '10 to Feb '11.  Just wanted to let you know that it is doable.  Remember to drink lots of fluids, take any antinausea meds that are given and if you get a Neulasta shot the day after chemo take a claritin and aleve the day before, the day of and the 2 days after the Neulasta shots.  I don't understand why, but it helps with the joint pains.  Oh and for the owies from the tape, ask your nurse to use alchol wipes when pulling off the bandages, it helps to melt the adhesives and does not pull or tear on your skin as much.

 I would seriously think about a port.  Depending on what chemo cocktail you get, some of the chemo drugs can be very hard on the superficial veins that they would use in your arms.  I have also had mine used for a couple of other procedures since it's insertion.  It will come out when I have my reconstruction done later this year.

Beccad 

pinkpalette

Welcome Allenan,

I am starting next Monday, maybe just like you.  I am quite apprehensive, but this forum is a wealth of info.  I really feel part of a kinship, along with other women who are going thru the same thing as me.  I am from a small town, and elected not to go to the big city hospital or treatment centers so I could be close to home and community based. I feel pretty much alone.  My onc told me what I was going to get and how I was going to get it. He coordinated the best route to take for recovery.  I put my absolute trust in God and my onc.  I know I am in the best hands.