Starting chemo November 2012

Tlym

Michelle-A good cry, a hot bath, and a cup of tea and you'll be like new again!

Dakota-I also had issues 3 days pre-chemo with my neupogen. After 5 phone calls, I finally got it all straightened out and the shots came in the mail day before infusion. If you have time, you may want to shop for your wig this week before starting chemo, while you're feeling a bit stronger. I have to admit, I did squeeze in a little pity cry there for a few minutes over the weekend while I was feeling crummy over the SEs. Didn't last long, though, and I found my big girl panties and carried on.

Mainegirl-I have been taking claritin for the neupogen shots. Still a bit achey but not unbearable. Can you believe I have given myself two shots in the belly already? 

Yes, ladies, you never know how strong you can be until being strong is your only choice! We are here for you.

Dakota212

TYLM-

Can u believe that I just went back to work last week. I was hoping to get there this week or next. Do u need appointments for the shops? How do I know what is a good wig? I am doing it more for my kids, they don't want me out in public without one, but this task is going to be tough to fit in

Tlym

Dakota-I think a good wig is just one in which you feel comfortable in. Where are you located? Many cancer centers have wig shops on site or can hook you up with Look Good Feel Better. http://lookgoodfeelbetter.org/ I notice they have a 24 hour hotline, so give them a call and see if they can help. Hair loss usually doesn't happen for a few weeks, so you do have time after chemo starts. Just thought you might want to look into it while you are feeling stronger. Good luck!

5LuvBugs

Dakota: we are very similar in dates, cancer types, meds and treatments.  I am having my first treatment tomorrow - scared but ready to get this things started and overwith.

Michelle:  Go to this American Cancer Society site and order the Tender Loving Care catalog www.tlcdirect.org , they have wonderful wigs and all kinds of hair dodads. most wigs are $46!!!!!  I already purchased several and had my long hair cut short - I am ready girl!!!:o)

Everyone: Tonite was difficult for me because my classmates "class of '65 are having a pizza party - I am usually in charge of everything but tonite I decided not to go because I didn't want to be subject to germs and set myself up for infection.  Anyway, we are a small group and I decided to type a note of what was happening in my life, then I went there for 5 minutes and read it = Even though I burst into tears every time I mentioned the word "chemo" , I was able to add some humor to my little speech.  Of course I cried all the way out the door but I'm glad I did it - at least they will have heard it all from me instead of on the street, they all clapped, wished me luck and said they loved me..I believe they do.   This is tough for all of us but we are "strong we are invincible, we are women"!!!!  (Old Helen Reddy song for those of you who don't know)..  OK girls, chin up - we are going to do this together...:o)

5LuvBugs

PS, I bought 2 petite wigs and a regular one, the petite fit great but even though I have a small head - My butt is a large ..LOL..

Laughter is the best medicine.  (Don't get me wrong, I have cried and cried and cried also)

ltmguy

Hi I start Chemo Tomorrow.... I am a mom of 2 boys 7 and 10.  I had surgery 7 weeks ago for my D/M with TE  then they had to go back and do a washout on one side after  had an infection and was on IV meds for a week.  I am a week and a half post op from that and feel better than I have in weeks and am ready to get this part started.  I will have a port at 6:30 then TE filled and then Chemo so a big day.  I will let everyone no how it goes.

5LuvBugs

Wow you do have a big day ahead.  I had my port put in on Oct 25 and was to start chemo the next day but then along came Hurricane Sandy and the east coast (I'm from NJ) was a mess.. So here I am starting the same day as you.  I just packed a day bag and it looks like I'm going to the Electric Chair!!!  LOL  Good luck and post tomorrow night

Tlym

Ltmguy-Welcome and good luck tomorrow!

TriciaM-So glad you went to the party and felt surrounded by love. Hoping tomorrow goes well and the SEs aren't too bad.

I'm still achy from the neupogen shots but glad to have a little appetite back. No more anti-nausea meds for this round. Hoping to feel "normal" in a couple more days.

5LuvBugs

I heard those shots are worse than the chemo.  I will go get a Neulasta shot 24 hours after my chemo treatment, of course that will bring us right into the next Noreaster storm due Wed afternoon.  At least I only have to go 24 miles and my husband will take me.  So girls what shall I expect, headaches, joint pains...all over pains....At least if we know what to expect we won't get to scared...

5LuvBugs

One more question, how long do you feel "down: after chemo. and how long do you "stay away" from germs.

 I have 5 grandchildren ages 1-9 and they are use to grandma getting them off the bus, playing and clowning and mostly cooking big family dinners = they all know I'm going to be tired but I'm sure going to miss my little lovebugs around(2 live next door, 3 live 2 miles away)

Dakota212

Tricia and lmt-



Good luck today !! I am going to give my shots myself so I don't have to make the trip back in. Let us know how it goes.

5LuvBugs

Thanks. How do you put those hearts & onco score in your profile

Dakota212

Tricia-

If u go under settings and under signature u can put anything in there please let me know how u make out I am anxious !!

txjunebug

Hello everyone.  I'm new to this board.  Diagnosed 9/20, lumpectomy 10/8, re cision 10/22 and chemo here I come.

I start chemo on the 16th.  Have chemo class, lab work, etc on Friday the 9th.  Will know which chemo regimen I will be on then, too.  Port installed tomorrow. 

Stress level is high.  I'm having a hard time at work.  Being the "go to" person for my boss and she's trying to get as much crap done this week as possible.  I want to scream "give me a break".  I want to try and work thru treatment but just don't know if that will be possible.  An hour commute one way, a demanding boss and chemo just doesn't look like it will mix well.  I have a meeting with her today to discuss objectives.  Part of me wants to yell "my objective is to survive chemo!". 

Tlym

Tricia-I had chemo #1 on Friday and I am still a little in a chemo fog. I do believe my SEs were not as bad as I expected, but worse than I had hoped for. I was thinking that being young (44) and healthy, I might just sail right through...not. I didn't have much nausea, but I had a lot of stomach cramping which prevented me from eating, drinking or sleeping very well. Taking an ativan knocked me out and did help me to sleep through day 3. Then the bone aches came with the neupogen shots, which I have been giving myself at home. Claritin was recommended to counteract the SEs but hasn't helped me much. I added two ibuprofen to my cocktail today, so let's hope today's shot will bring less discomfort. I have had a great attitude through all of this, but honestly, chemo has gotten me a little down. I've had a couple of teary nights, but everyday is getting better and I hope to feel normal by the end of this week.

TxJunebug-Welcome and hope we can be a source of support to you. Working through chemo sounds tough to me, although I do know ladies who have. Are you able to take any disability leave? BTW, I'm a fellow TN as well.

txjunebug

TLYM - Hi! Hope you're getting some relief with the ibuprofen.  

Yes, I have short term disability but it's only 12 weeks.  I have to not be able to work for a week or more to get the benefit.  Sucks because all my time off is for the same reason.  Good thing DH is the breadwinner in the family. 

Anyone purchased stuff from tlcdirect.org?  Wondering about quality and how true sizes run.

marianelizabeth

TLYM, my MO thinks that S/E from Neupogen are mitigated by having them every other day which I am doing second cycle and no S/E at all. Are yours daily?

Tlym

Marianelizabeth-Thank you, I did see your post on the October thread about every other day, so I tailored mine a bit. I was told every day, but I gave myself shots every 36 hours. One hour into my third shot now with the addition of ibuprofen and am feeeling pretty good. Hope the aches stay away because I promised to go with my DD this afternoon to take her high school senior portraits.

So now that I'm feeling a little better, I am totally craving a cheeseburger, french fries and chocolate cake...and I usually eat an organic, vegetarian, fish and chicken diet! Yikes!

Pbrain

Ugh, can I join?  I start this Friday...I'm gonna be so bored because the herceptin alone takes hours.

Dakota212

Txjune, pbrain

Welcome. I start on Thursday. Join the club!!!

Sneakychiquita

Bring on the cheeseburger, fries, and chocolate cake!  Glad to hear you're feeling a bit better, TLYM.  

Wow, busy week for starting chemo.  You're all in my thoughts.  And I feel so useless compared to those of you who are working through all of this.  Much respect.  

Looks like I probably won't start chemo until December 3rd so I'm going to use the time to get in the best possible shape I can.  I finally feel I've healed enough from surgery that I can pick up the intensity a notch or two.  Although I've been told I'm not going to feel so great once I start on the meds to help with harvesting eggs.  Lots of swelling in the abdomen, I've been warned.  Oh well, I can think of worse things.

Hang in there, everyone!

Tlym

Sneaky-You go girl! Being in great shape will help you go a long way in beating this crap! I also had the luxury of staying at home pre-chemo, and it helped me a lot with getting my mind into "warrior" mode. Do you already have kids? I started childbearing fairly early (age 26), so mine are 17 and 15. Have you been tested for the BRCA gene mutation? I only ask because you are young. I was shocked to discover my mutation came from my dad's side...he was one of three boys, so nobody knew.

michellej1980

I hope you stay in our November group though Sneaky!



I had my central line put in today. The insertion site is so itchy. And just as I stopped getting itchy cleavage syndrome too!



Welcome pbrain! How many cycles will you have?

Sneakychiquita

Tricia and Itmguy - Hope today went as well as it could and there are minimal SEs for you.

Michelle - oooh, i hate the itchy wound thing.  Best of luck not scratching.  And you can't kick me out of this group, even if you wanted to. November all the way!

TLYM - I have a 6 year old girl and really thought my baby making days were over seeing as her father and I separated quite awhile ago, but I did revisit the idea of having another child not long before the whole cancer thing - I started seeing a nice man who is 9 years younger than me and who is really good with kids.  I'm still not sure if I want another kid even if I do meet Mr. Right when this is all over, but it's nice to have it as an option in case things do fall into place.  Very grateful for this clinic's generosity in providing this service free to cancer patients who are likely to be infertile after treatment.  

5LuvBugs

Hi Girls, well I made out very well today and my first "chemo Cocktail" went down smoothly.  Glad I had the port cath after all, even though it made me crazy for the last 10 days.  No problem at all, I took Decadron yesterday, today and tonite and again tomorrow.  I took Emend and another pill just before the chemo started and I will take one tomorrow and the next day.  DRINK lots of WATER all day and through your treatment, it gets the chemicals out of your body faster and you have less chance of getting sick.  I go back tomorrow for the Neulest shot which will probably make me achy next week but it will build the white blood cell count.  I have been overly agressive with my infection control.  Have Purell at the front and back door for whoever walks in; have a gallon of bleach by each toilet and I flush the toilet 2 times like I was told to do for 2 days after treatment. I bought a new toothbrush, and Bioetene mouthwash and toothpaste; Bought fruit and veggie wash, a new sponge, lysol kitchen cleaner, etc...Boy if I get an infection I'm gonna scream....

5LuvBugs

Oh one more thing, tonite I made a delicious steak and string beans.  I heard that I needed lots of protein to build up my blood count when it starts to drop, so this was it..Also been eating peanut butter. I swear I'm going to get through this with flying colors..At least I'll get healty trying...  Have a great day....

Tlym

TriciaM-Glad to hear your first infusion went smoothly. You are well prepared and wishing your next few days to be SE free!

Ltmguy-Hope your day went well!

Sneaky-So glad your clinic provides the service free of charge. Having options in life is good!

Dakota212

Tricia-



So glad it went so well. So hope it continues!!!



Thinking of u ltmguy.

Anonymous

Hi Ladies! Just joined the site, as I was looking for resources and support concerning all aspects of BC treatment. I will meet with the Onco next week to schedule chemo - 6 rounds of either TC or TAC, although I've seen others refer to that as AC-T rather.  Hoping to learn and share with others going through the same.  Friends and family can provide support only to a point, as they can never even imagine what this is all like.  And txjunebug, I hear your frustration loud and clear.  My boss has the same demeanor.  I was in good shape and eating healthy pre-diagnosis. Now, post surgery, I am only walking maybe a mile a day and eating complete crap! I just can't seem to pull myself together to refocus on my health.  I am not quite 4 weeks post surgery, and just had drains removed last Thursday, so I haven't even begun arm exercises. Really worried that I'm going into chemo in this shape. 

Is anyone looking at additional treatments while doing chemo, such as yoga, message, reiki? I've been spending a lot of time looking for these treatments to complement the chemo.  There are so many appointments to coordinate, and I work full-time, it is very distressing.

Live Fiercely!

Tlym

Welcome Skimommi. I have been getting weekly acupuncture and taking herbs since diagnosis in July.  My tumor was actually smaller on excision in September than previously measured on ultrasound and MRI, something I considered unusual taking into account I am triple negative-typically very fast growing. I will be receiving my first acupuncture since starting chemo tomorrow and plan to continue throughout treatment. I also hope to get in the gym for some yoga and stretch classes as well. I'm a firm believer in the healing properties of the mind-body practices. BTW, the different abbreviations correlate to the order you receive treatment: AC-T is 4 tx of AC followed by 4 tx of taxol. TC is taxotere and cytoxan for 4 tx. TAC was not offered to me, so I'm not familiar with it.