Starting Chemo February 2013

caitlin61

Thanks for all the useful tips MelroseMelrose.  I am scheduled to start 6 rounds of T/C this Thursday, Feb. 7th, barring any last minute objections from my second opinion oncologist.  Saw her in early January and she strongly recommended I have a mastectomy right away, rather than trying neoadjuvant chemo - followed her advice, and was definitely the right thing to do, since a second tumor was found in the same breast, along with a lot of lymph node involvement.  Having another short consult with her before starting chemo, just to get her take on the planned regimen.

I'm planning to try the finger and toe icing, unless my MO objects (can't think why he would).  I figure it can't hurt and it might help.

chgogemini

I'm starting chemo on Thursday and I'm freaking out. I can't eat hardly sleep. It's always on my mind and I don't Know how to feel good. I'm dwelling!!



I'm so terrified I want to cancel

LisaMM

Chgogemini, I feel your anxiety! I start tomorrow morning & I feel like I could throw up sometimes when I think about it. I wish I had some magic words to make you feel better, but I don't. I have found alot of helpful info & tips in these posts from everyone who's already been through this. There seem to be many more posts that are positive vs. negative. If the anxiety is getting to be too much you should talk to your MO about it & they can get you a prescription to help. I hope you can feel better soon!

ywheels22

LisaMM and chgogemini: I also start tomorrow and am scared. I wish someone could tell me what it will be like for me, but unfortunately everyone reacts differently and treatments are different. I guess I am trying to look at it as we are not alone and many wonderful women on this discussion board have gone through it and made it. Some seem to manage better than others and again, everyone is different. I found a few women who are having the exact same treatment I start tomorrow and they each had different responses to how they did with side effects, what their side effects were and how they managed them.

At least it helps to know what you might expect, good or bad. I agree, if you are very worried, ask for some meds. I am going to ask about a mild pain killer to have just in case. I am not sure if that is standard. Good luck to both of you. I am thinking, when we are through with this (my last treatment is May 8) we'll wonder what we were so worried about!!!!

hope49

Hello Feb ladies!

I am just popping over from the January group to wish you all the best as you start this phase of your treatment...you are all stronger than you may know and you will get through this!  Our Jan group has really bonded and have been a great source of strength for one another, so share your fears, tips and help each other hold it together.  It will pass quicker than you think and once you have that first session under your belt you'll feel a lot better. I remember waking up during the night after my first treatment, and just knowing I was still alive at that point was a big step for me...I have tried to remain as positive as possible and never looked back.  So big (((hugs))) to all of you this week...stay hydrated, let your MO know about any issues so you can ward them off right away and keep the faith...you're going to be just fine

melissa119

For all of you ladies who are starting chemo tomorrow or this week..... Relax. I know it's really hard to do but take it from someone who was a nervous wrech before my first treatment and so worked up! Believe me anything you are telling yourself it will be is far worse than it really is! You will get thru it and come out on the other side of the tunnel soon enough! Drink lots of fluids, take the meds as prescribed (don't wait til you feel sick), if getting the neulesta shot check with your MO if you could take Claritin which helps with any bone pain you might get. If you feel you need meds to calm you down ask for them! Don't try to be a hero! We are strong. We know that but it's silly to suffer. Your MO will gladly give you something. three treatments in o asked for something and my MO gave me Xanax. I took the Xanax each day of treatment to calm me down and relax a bit and get my BP down! Lol. It helped a lot!

Just remember you can do this! It is killing all of those horrible little cells that might be floating around in there! You are all stronger than you think :-)

Good luck and I wish you all minimal side effects. Anyone have any questions please ask. PM me is would like. I would be happy to answer your questions fears etc! Many women on here helped me thru and I am here for anyone that needs help :-)

Melissa

ywheels22

Melissa119: thank you very much for your words of encouragment. They really help. I am starting the exact same treatment you went through. While I feel as prepared as I can be (took Claritin, got my anti-nausea meds, drank a ton of water today) the fear of the unknown is there. As much as I dread it, I will be glad to get it over with so at least I will know what kind of side effects I will experience and when. I just pray the SE's are not that bad.

Congratulations to you on being done and beating this!

LisaMM

I can't thank you ladies enough for the words of encouragement, they are greatly appreciated!

Anonymous

Dear ladies

I know how scary chemo can be...having gone through it.  I didn't even have my regular MO there the first time I had an infusion and got her substitute...who made me even more scared (I complained to my MO and she said that doctor would never substitute for her again--and she didn't).

If you are at all able, try to turn this negative into a positive: I tried to believe that every side effect I felt was proof that the meds were getting in every nook and cranny to destroy cancer cells. I tried to welcome the chemo meds into my body as my weapon against a premature death.  I told myself that I could feel bad for a while since I knew it was temporary (it was). It really did help me remove some of the negativity I felt.  You may not be able to do this, but it was beneficial for me.

Claire

tangles

Well just poppong in for an update. Friday's Chemo went well. Felt Ok sat and so so Sunday. Started getting pretty tired Monday and today was pretty bad. Spent most of the day in bed VERY VERY tired. Upset tummy, achey, headache. I am praying this wont happen everytime. If so there is no way I will be able to funtion at work. Hoping and praying tomorrow is better. Did my share of crying today. I have been keeping up on the nausia meds and taking advil. Got a re check Friday so maybe they will have something else they can do for me. I had so many women say Chemo didnt effect them at all maybe I am just not going to be one of the lucky ones:-(

Rdrunner

Chemo is scary when you are waiting to start .. but you can do it. take the meds and do what they say. I started today, I feel a bit off and sinus are botherng me a bit, had a steroid rush I think when I got home, took the dog for a long walk. Hoping I can sleep tonight. Everyone reacts different and we are all not on the same drug but you will be fine and you will get through it.

IamNancy

i start next week - the nurses mentioned anti nausea drugs but never gave me a prescription... I thought maybe it is something they were gonna give me when I get there but now I am wondering if it was something I was suppose to take before I got there?

Rdrunner

The way it worked from me was my onc gave me prespription for them and I filled it .. the pharmacist reviewed blood work and said yep good to go, take your meds and 30 mins later I was in the chair. I was given very speciifc instructions how to take the steroids and anti nausea meds which I have followed and so far so good.

LisaMM

IamNancy- my onco gives a bag of fluids with premeds in it before the chemo infusions. I would check with them and ask what their routine is. I also asked them to send my prescriptions in before I got there so I had them ready to go.

Melrosemelrose

Ladies- Just wanted you to know that some do not receive pre-chemo drugs to take prior to having the first chemo.  If you didn't receive a prescription from your onco before your first round of chemo, rest assured that you will receive some anti-nausea drugs in your IV saline fluid prior to receiving the actual chemo.  If you want, you can always call your onco's office to reconfirm whether you need to take any pre-chemo prescription meds or you will be receiving them with the first round.  It's always okay to call.  I know that I didn't always hear everything my onco said in my first appointments with her even though I knew she was talking.

GMomMarty

I just was given my final test results from having Lumpectomy January 3rd; I will need to have Chemo and Radiation Therapy. Scheduled to have MediPort placed Thursday February 7, (my birthday) then teaching session Tuesday the 12 and start Chemo on Wednesday the 13th.  Anxious, nervous and wanting to be done with all this. Reality is that I am stronger than the cancer and have a will to survive.  I am glad that there are others like me to bond with here.  I have read several threads and am encouraged.  Keep the encouragement coming.  Thank you all.

kkmom

Hi LisaMM,
 I went  for the wig consultation. It was funny, I was so anxious.  I met with the Consultant, cried and tried on a couple of wigs and choose one. It was a simple process, one in which I came out feeling like “I am going to get this wig, but I am not even sure I will need or want to wear it”. I like the caps and scarves more. I felt confident, safe and okay –with the whole situation. Losing my hair had been a very difficult thought, after leaving the Consult, it didn’t seem to have so much power over me. 

You sound like me, I have also been writing down my food, water, exercise and potty schedule.  
In turn, knowing tomorrow is coming is a relief and I welcome it. I plan on finishing May 22 also.  I will let you know how things go.  

I will keep you in my prayers 

kkmom

Jenn-UK,

Lord, you made me laugh out loud - with losing your hair - comparing it to a wet hamster.  That was so funny.  I went for the wig consult today and I was so nervous.  I cried, picked out a wig, it went ok.  As I was driving home, I thought, "that wig is not that big of a deal, I am not even sure if I will wear it or not".  

I start Chemo tomorrow on Wed, February 6.  I feel okay and I expect everything to do okay.  Breast cancer has shown me that the women of the world which have this stinking disease are powerful and strong.  Even though, not by choice, I am proud to be a part of of this group.  

Thank you so much for the laugh.  It did me good.  

McKatherine

Checking in. Finished round one of TCH today. Hubby went with me and camped out with his laptop. He actually got to wok some. (we were there just under 6 hours - they run the herceptin very slow the first time).

Doing well tonight. A few moments of wondering if twinges are side effects or just normal things that I'm noticing more.

Took preemptive anti nausea meds before dinner and bedtime.

So far so good, though!



Hang in there ladies. Calming prayers for everyone starting later this week.

LisaMM

kkmom-thinking of you as I'm getting ready to leave this morning!  Glad the wig shopping went better than you thought!   I think I had the same feeling of this chemo can take my hair, but I have a backup, so there!  Hope things go well for us today!

Lmimp64

Hi. I'm joining the group. I'll be doing 4 rounds of tc chemo. Scared and sad. still have pain from BMX, so not looking forward to this or to losing hair. Went to support class and the girls there who did tc said their eyebrows and eyelashes were lost the month after they stopped. Seriously? My wig consultant said to come in right before my second treatment to shave my head. Is that too late?

Melrosemelrose

Lmimp64- As for when is the best time to get the super super short haircut, that is really up to you.  The head hair may start falling out 10-14 days after the first chemo.  If your chemo is every 3 weeks, then what the wig consultant told you about coming in that last week before you have round #2 is just about right.  One thing to know is that you will not wake up one morning and find that yourself completely bald.  Initially, the hair starts to fall out a little and will seem like a few more strands than usual.  Then the pace picks up.  You may notice also that your hair texture feels a little different-- drier and straw like.  I never shaved or buzzed my head but did cut my hair to a super super short boy haircut.  It was like a  personal science project for me to see if all of my hair would fall out because of the chemo.  Surprisely, it did not all fall out but a majority of it did.  By the end of my 6 rounds, I was left with a sparse thin veil  of hair all over my head.  It was comforting for me to feel those few pre-chemo hair left.  Yes, I found that rubbing my head felt good and was comforting.  So if you find yourself doing that, just know you aren't the only one who does that.  Wishing you the best.  You will decide what works best for you and what you can handle.

Lmimp64

Thank you so much, Melrose. I appreciate the information.

Strike_Two

Hi, everyone!  I've been reading this thread and want you to know that I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.  

I had my port placement on January 31st, and will be starting chemo sometime this month.  I have a second meeting with my oncologist tomorrow to discuss my treatment plan.  (Because of the severe infection I developed when my body rejected the TE on my right side, my docs wanted to wait until I got a bit stronger.)

Can't say that I'm excited to get started, but I'm tired of the waiting. KWIM?

jayjayc

melrosemelrose,



thank you sooooo much for the hair comments....... everyone has been wonderful with providing enough information but you're the first person i've seen who said you didn't end up shaving and gave a pretty concise description of the hair loss progression.....



i'm one of those who thought i would wake up and be bald..... or go bald the next time i brushed..... i've been lossing my hair for just over a week, but since i started with super thick hair i still look okay (super thin and straw like with the start of a bold spot on the top)..... so i kept putting off the final shave (i'd already cut off about 9 inches to start)...now i'm thinking i'll ride it out, maybe cutting it super short so i can wear my wig.. but not go bold (unless it happens naturally)...



it probably seems silly to all of you super awesome women that just got it over with... but if i end up with a couple of hairs that just less time needed to get it all back (okay sillly and probably stupid thoughts)...

IamNancy

jayjayc - I don't think you are being silly at all... with so many hair posts, I believe lots of us worry about losing the hair..to me it sounds like the worst side effect of treatment - its the one I fear the most.. so like you, I'd be happy with a few hairs left also.. I already bought my wig, chemo starts the 13th, I figure I have about 3 weeks left with my own hair <sigh> - I never realized how vain I am.

Lmimp64

Iamnancy - looks like we are starting the same regimen about the same time.



I think we worry about hair as it truly separates us from other people visually. We look like cancer patients without hair, or wearing scarves. I also worry because we will not have cute clean shaven heads like Sinead O'connor or stars in movies. We will have wisps of hair that are going to make me feel like Mr. Magoo or some other very old gentleman.

IamNancy

Lmimp64 - if I have wisps of hair, I will shave it.... that would be better than looking like Mr Magoo!!

I do think you are right - its the visual announcing that we are cancer patients that I fear...

LisaMM

First cycle done, 5 to go. No problems with the infusion at least. The next week will tell the tale I suppose. Neulasta tomorrow & hoping that the Claritin does the trick for that. All my nerves for today were really for naught after all....just try telling that to my brain!



To all of us facing impending hair loss- I don't think any feeling we have about this particular problem is wrong, vain, or silly. Our hair is something that is an important part of our appearance. I keep trying to tell myself that this is a temporary situation, not that I don't have my moments when I do think about it. We're all in this together, feel free to vent anything you like. I'm sure there are many of us feeling the same way!

Melrosemelrose

Just wanted to let each of you know that you will get over the initial shock of the hair loss and move forward.  I had a pivotal moment in the shower, the morning that I realized that my hair was definitely on its way to leaving me.  A rather large handful of hair came out when I ran my fingers through my hair.  I looked down and could see the shower drain had accumulated there plus what was in my hands.  I had a moment then to either lose it and have a meltdown in the shower or to say out loud, " Well, there goes the hair and now I just need to make sure I clean out the drain."  I chose the later.  I know that not everyone can emotionally do that and don't expect anyone else to do that.  I will also tell you that I got a lint roller and used it to get the hair off of me, my clothes and everywhere as the hair fell out.  I also slept on a polyster satin pillow case for a while since the hair tends to stick into the fibers of cotton pillow cases.    I had a wig that I never wore.  In fact it is sitting in the same plastic bag that I received it in; and it is having abandonment issues.  I wore baseball caps, knitted hats, straw/felt hats, Buffs, and bandanas to cover my head.  In the car, I always took my head covering off and just didn't care who saw me driving by without much hair.  If it makes you feel any better, I did start growing a little duck fuzz after my 4th round of chemo.  It felt so wonderful to rub my head and fuzz!!!  I became PFC on August 7, 2012 and stop wearing head coverings in early October 2012.  I went to a formal gala event without a scarf or head covering or wig and decided that was my coming out event.  Again, I know the hair loss is just one more emotional and physical situation that you will learn to accept and deal with in your own ways.  Whatever you decide to do, always remember that you are beautiful.  That inner beauty that each of has will come shining through!!!