New to all of treatments!

theatercat

Forgive me if  my questions have been answered in previous posts. I had my first visit with my oncologist and radiologist all in the same day,Still battling a seroma . Long story short oncologist recommended chemo.CYTOXIN 21cdays x 4. DOXRUBICIN 21 days x4. TAXOL weekly x 12.NEULASTA every 21 days x 4 after chemo. I was told I will loose my hair within 10 days after first treatment. Also I will be given drugs not to be nausous. Radiation 33 days after chemo. It all sounds so overwhelming  for just a small tumor and 2 sentinel nodes involved. My doc says there was probably hundreds of millions of cells in that one tumor. Has anyone got a second opinion? I want to live I have two young children, grandchildren. It seems if the cancer does not get you the side effects will,especially the potential heart problems. Still have to get PET scan.  A mugga test to see how my heart contracts. Also a mediport. Any feedback would be greatly welcomed!

IllinoisNative

Usually day 14 - after your first treatment -  is when you lose your hair...Day 14, my hair was coming out in long strands.  I was warned not to go over day 18 without getting my hair shaved.  They told me it was more traumatic when it falls out all over the place.  Before chemo began, I visited a cranial prosthesis provider (insurance may reimburse if you get a wig through them).  She helped me pick out a great length with a color that complimented my skin tone.  So my anxiety was lessened knowing I had a great wig that I felt confident wearing in public.  So on day 14, I called my wig person up and said I needed to be shaved.  It was not as traumatic as I thought it would be.

I was not nauseous with chemo at all.  They gave me drugs just in case and told me take them preventatively so I wouldn't get nauseous.  I took one and never needed another one.  I was on steriods the day before, day during, and the day after chemo.  It made me very hungry.  I never lost weight.  In fact, I gained 3 lbs.  Ha!   

You're treatment plan sounds very standard.  My doctor was not a fan of the Neulasta shot if I didn't need it.  It does have some side effects - bone pain, etc.  I never needed it so I was happy about that.  

I had  heart scan prior to chemo and it came out good.  No lasting problems there.  The mediport was a life saver.  I have bad veins and I heard from people who didn't get one, that chemo ruined their veins.  I had some soreness from that surgery and it took me a while to get used to the feeling of having it inside me.  Now, I don't even notice it.

Radiation was a piece of cake compared to everything else.  Although it was a pain to go every day...especially since I was working.

You're tumor is small but it's invasive...which means it has the potential to spread.  And since it's in your nodes, chemo is a given.  You can get a second opinion, it may help you feel better about your decision, but it sounds like they are doing what's standard for your makers...mugga test, etc.

Good luck!!!  

mebmarj

All the information coming at you is overwhelming at first.

I agree, it sounds like your docs have a plan for tests and treatment.

I highly advise the port. Makes things a whole lot easier to get lab done and the infusions.

Hair may start coming out day 12 to day 18. Going progressively shorter helps.

When you go to appointments,take someone with you for them to be able to recall info for you too. There is so much to remember and write down your questions for your doc too, that way you'll get the answers and help you need. Invest in a journal to write down when you had symptoms of this or that, helps to plan for your next cycle of when you can and feel like doing activities.

Best wishes to you. -m

Southamptonmom

You can read through the thread: June 2011 A/C & T Groupies Unite!  You can get through this. I am on AC #3 and still have half a head of hair. The hair never bothered me. I DO however find a lot of support on these boards. I wouldn't know how to get through this without my sisters here. Lots of luck to you.

judylynn

I had the same treatment as you're describing.  Honestly, it wasn't nearly as bad as I imagined it would be.  I didn't have nausea because of the medications they gave me before the chemo, plus they gave me pills for it.  It was totally worth doing it if it means I will be free of cancer.  This is just my opinion.

Judy