Chemo May 2013

Ukkate

I'm starting chemo on May 13. Anyone else starting in May? Getting the port on May 6th. I'm nervous - so uncomfortable with this tissue expander and having a hard time laying down, so I can't imagine being exhausted! Also, I have my daughters Bat Mitzvah on June 1 and I never imagined I would be bald with one breast!!

Kate

IDC & DCIS. Left breast mx. HER2+

myboby123

Hi Kate and everyone:

i will be having my first chemo Monday, May 6.  AC dose dense  (4 times every other week) then followed by T (weekly for 12 weeks).  I am nervous to start yet i can't wait to start.  Does that make sense? 

I am so glad to have found this forum during times like this.  Thanks for being here.  Hugs to you all.

Eleanor

JennaJMU

Add me to the group! I'm starting May 2nd and I'm doing AC *4 every 2 weeks and Taxol *12 weekly. Not looking forward to it but the sooner it starts, the sooner it ends!

Stacie

Ladies guess what. You will wake up one day and it'll have been a year since you began chemo. I started in April 2012 finished in June then did RADS. I am not 100% my old self but I am close. I travel full time for work and am on a plane as I write this. YOU CAN DO THIS, YOU WILL DO THIS, AND YOU WILL SURVIVE THIS.

MichelleRN78

I am starting May 2nd also.  I will be getting my port on the 1st.  Will be taking Carboplatin, taxotere and herceptin.  I totally understand the expanders being uncomfortable, I am scheduled to be filled for the first time this week.  Should be a super fun (exhausting) week.

young

I am starting May 2rd. Very nervous cause my stomach is very sensitive to all kind of medicine.

Still working fulltime and with kids to take care of. Taking medical leave May 5th.

Rose57

Hi Ladies-I will also be starting chemo on May 2nd!  I had my port put in on April 25th which I am very grateful for since my veins don't want to work!  I will be receiving T/C chemo for 4 times every 3 weeks and was wondering if any of you had heard if you need to have people staying with you for the first few days after chemo.  I live alone but hopefully my support system is as willing as they say!!!

myboby123

hello everyone:

do most of you intend to continue working full time during chemo?  what type of arrangement have you made with your employer?  i am eligible for short term disability for 90 days and then long term disability.   I would prefer to take a leave during the entire chemo period (thru the end of September), however, i am concerned about my job security.  my job protection ends after 90 days. 

Now, in order to process my short term disability request,  I need to provide length of leave to my employor.  i know many people continue working thru chemo.  But i prefer to take it easy.  Should i request 3 months and then extend it if necessary?

Eleanor

JMR5280

Add me to the group starting A/C on May 2! Had a port put in and sentinel node biopsy on April 19. Was supposed to start chemo on April 25 but developed shingles and small infection at biopsy site, so it was postponed until May 6. I was both relieved and bummed, but it has been the longest period of time since this started that I haven't had to have a test or procedure or doc appt - 6 whole days!!



Good luck to all of us! It can only make us stronger, right?

Ukkate

I too don't know what to do about work.  I was off for 10 solid days after the MX and then I went back last week for a few hours on Monday & Tuesday, off on Weds/Thurs and did a full day on Friday.  My Onco filled out my disability paperwork but it's really confusing to know what time off I"m going to need, and my direct manager is not being really supportive about what time off I might need.  I guess in my mind, I'm thinking that I'll need the 5 days following chemo off work and then I'll be able to go back for the next two weeks til I start up again.  I also DJ on the weekends (weddings and such) so I've planned my chemo sessions for Mondays so I can feel as good as possible by the weekends, but I think I have my last gig on May 18th (booked before BC) so I might see if I can move the chemo to Fridays after that so I'll have the weekends to recover and not need so much time off work.

I don't know if you'll need someone to stay with you after chemo.  I guess it's that first session that will reveil all the answers!  From what I have heard from friends who have been thru this, the worst is the extreme fatigue - so you might just be happy to sleep and not be disturbed...

What are you ladies planning to do about hairloss?  Just wait til it falls out?  Shave?  Have you bought wigs yet??  I had my hair cut a bit shorter during my recovery from the MX but it's still a decent length and I don't know if I want to buzz it down.  My onco seems pretty sure it will fall out on day 16.

I'm most worried about side effects from meds.  I'm really sensitive to stuff too.  Ah - it's all quite crappy really isn't it?  And I've had TONS of pain from the TE the last 24 hours too - I guess it's the nerves waking up again but OUCH!!!  Yesterday I had to shower with just one hand - if I keep the other hand pressed against my "foob" it seems to help the pain.

lpc

I too start chemo May 2nd. Every 2 weeks for 4 months. Scared witless but also anxious to start and be done with it! Am feeling great from 3/27 left mx and spasms from te have subsided. So not looking forward to feeling scrappy again!

LJaeger

I meet with my oncologist for the first time May 9th. I'm guessing we'll start chemo soon after that, since I'm already 7 weeks out from my surgery (the doc didn't have a sooner appointment open). I'm ready to start, though I can't say I'm looking forward to it...

My hubby is buzzing my hair off this Saturday. I normally cut his hair, so we'll just plan on a "salon day" at home. Ha. I wanted to be in charge of something (aka: I'm taking my hair off, chemo isn't), and also wanted to give myself some time adjusting to the new look before it starts falling out on it's own. 

Good luck to everyone as they start treatments this coming week! 

Moderators

Hi May Gals!

Just stopping in to provide some helpful links, starting with the main Breastcancer.org site's section on Chemotherapy, including what to expect, types of chemo meds, and side effect management.

There are some really helpful key threads here in the Chemo forum too!

Great tips and practical advice on the following discussion board threads:

• Tips for getting through chemotherapy
• More Tips (and a Shopping List) for Getting Through Chemo
• PORT PLACEMENT: Detailed description of process
• Head Covering Options for Hair Loss
• wig advice
• Cold Cap Users Past and Present, to Save Hair

Also, Last Month's Chemo thread might be informative!

Hope you find this helpful!

--Your Mods

Jo-B123

Hi, i have just finished dose dense A-C/ taxol. I am 52 and a self employed piano/music teacher. I have been working out for several years and have had extensive knee surgery in the past.



I found the A/C part of the chemo to be more "intense" than the taxol. I felt somewhat "buzzed" for a few days. With day 1 being chemo day, i found day 2 and 3 pretty good...thanks to the steroids. Day 4 and 5 were sleepy days, but i did manage to teach one or two classes on those days. By day 6,I was up to 3 classes and day 4, all 4 classes. I had a big blip when I came down with pneumonia and then shingles and missed a month of work.



The taxol was much easier on the brain, but did give some pain, which was focused where my surgery had been (the knee surgery involved cutting my right tibia)



With both parts of chemo, I was able to go out, drive and live, albeit at a slower pace than my normal... I have been called "high energy", so I did find it frustrating at times.



All in all, most days I feel quite normal. I have kept up with my workouts for the most part...skipped them when my leg ached too much or if I was really tired or planning a day out. I didn't need a port and my veins held up fine.



I start the next phase - radiation - on May 9.



I wish all of you the best. The first time is so scary as the fear of the unknown is the worst thing. I am sure the nurses at your clinics will be as wonderful as the ones I met. Be sure to ask questions, use the triage phone nurses when you have questions.



I found that chemo wasn't the horrid scary thing I thought it was. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but thanks to those who have gone before us, it has improved!

lpc

Hi all

I have been on disability since mx on 3/27. Would love to be working but Ps wont release me until 5/13. Am hoping to work thru chemo as I am going stir crazy at home. Am blessed to have employer who pays for short term disabilty.



I have ordered a wig and am able to donate my hair and pay it forward. Not sure when the cutting will begin!

Netter

Thank you for your post.  I am not starting chemo until June 5 for insurance reasons.  Going for a port flush May 6 and will get a hint of what is to be.  I am also a private piano teacher.  The wait to get started has been a worry but I know that by this time next year it will be great to look back and see that it is finished.   Good luck "radiating":-))) 

Pattysmiles

Greetings!



I have been following the April Chemo group, thinking I would be there. Now I am scheduled for chemo on May 6th. Learned a lot off of the April group, I recommend going back and reading up!



Tonight I attended a look good feel better workshop. Received a free makeup kit, they gave demo on how to apply it, a free wig and the wig care products and even a wig stand.

I highly recommend looking into the program. You do NOT have to sign up at the location you are having treatment , you can pick a date/time that works best for you.

Here is their link. http://lookgoodfeelbetter.org/



Ljaeger, I am in Yorktown...not far! I went and got my hair cut short (for me)...was shoulder length and permed, now it is straight and short! That was a huge difference for me, it took me a while to get adjusted, and then from what I hear , within 14 days after my chemo I should start losing my hair. So I will be planning on shaving it.



Thse boards have been very helpful. I am looking forward to moving on with chemo so I can hopefully enjoy some of my summer with my kids.

Pat

lpc

1 day to go. Shopping to do but oh well will sit in the sun for a bit and enjoy the day

LJaeger

Pat- are you getting your chemo nearby in Westchester? You never know, we may run into each other! I'll be getting treatment at MSK's branch in Sleepy Hollow. 

I plan on going to a look good feel better workshop soon (As soon as my hair is shaved). I tried watching online how to tie turbans and headscarves, and I think getting help in person is going to be better. I'm amazed you even got a wig at the session - that's great! I don't know if I am going to search one out, but if they have them there, maybe I can pick one then.

lpc- awesome that you are donating your hair. Wish mine were a little longer, it's too short to donate anywhere now.

As for tissue expander pain, I am looking forward to being done with fills! Yesterday was supposed to be my last time, but I was pretty tight after just getting half of the ccs in. I felt slightly victorious after telling them I was happy to come in one more time -- and they agreed. My last fill before yesterday left me pretty achy. I don't know what all the rush is about!  My "dose" after the first fill during surgery was always 50-60ccs. How people manage lots more than that I don't know. I guess we're all different, even if it comes down to our ribcage size, etc. 

JennaJMU and myboby123- looks like they have you on dense dose chemo - do they give a reason for that? I am wondering if I'll be on an every 2 week or every 3 week schedule...

Well, we're half way through the work week. For those of us still attempting the 5day/week work rotation, that's some good news!

Laura

Ukkate

Laura, I'm jealous you are at your last fill. I've only had one and it was 75cc. I was so tight after that I had to wedge my scarf in my cleavage to stop the pressing on my sternum.

I used to live in westchester too - in Port Chester, White Plains and Yonkers. I came to the USA in 1991 as an au pair from the UK and never left

momand2kids

Dear May Chemo group

I just wanted to check in and let you know that YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!

It is scary (I think the anticipation of chemo is the scariest part).  Lean on each other..

There are so many people here who have been through it and are just fine.  There is life on the other side, I promise!!!  I am almost 5 years out and life is normal and great.... I had 4 rounds of A/C and radiation after my lumpectomy.  I did really think it was the end of the world.  My kids were 12 and 7 and I was so worried about them. 

Life has returned to its regular chaos.  While I did work through chemo, I now think that I might have taken more time off.  It can be tiring.  But do whatever they tell you, drink lots of water, take the anti-nauseau meds...first time is the hardest because it is unkown.

I wore the same clothes each time in my least favorite colors--and after the last visit had my husband take them to the dump.  I did not want any memory of it.... a little extreme, but it worked for me.  Do what works for you..... I found that I was treated on Friday, felt like a flu coming on on Sat, Sunday and really did not feel good enough to get to work on Monday or Tuesday-but was back in the saddle on Wed.  I was treated every other week, so it went quickly. 

Good luck--you can get through this!!!!

okiecountrygal

Add me to the May group.  This is my first time posting but I've been lurking since this all began back in January.  Everything about this has been confusing.  Who knew there was so much to know about breast cancer.  I was one of those naive people that thought breast cancer was all the same.  I am tentatively scheduled to start chemo the 7th. I will be receiving TCH, 6 cycles every 3 wks and then Herceptin every 3 weeks over the next year.  All I can think about is how this is going to consume the whole next year of my life but I want many years after this, so I feel that this is my best treatment option since my tumor (though small) was termed high grade and HER2+.  Any other HER2+ gals starting chemo in May?

I am self-employed and am hoping to be able to keep working as much as possible throughout this whole process. I own an antique store so I don't have to work very hard while I'm here so that will help. I'm lucky to have a supportive family to help me get through this.

I too am very nervous.  The unknown is always what gets to me.  I'm attending a chemo education class this afternoon which will hopefully give me more of an idea on what to get ready for.  I have really long hair and am debating on when to go get the "short" haircut. 

I'm glad we have this group.  Let's all support one another.  WE CAN DO THIS!!!!

Ukkate

Shelly, I'm grade 3 HER2+ also and had to have a mastectomy as i had tons of DCIS in the same breast. My nodes were clear so I'm only having 4 chemo sessions and no rads but weekly hercepten for the next year

lpc

So many questions. What to wear...I am prone to hot flashes. What to take with me! Have been warned I will be there 6 or 7 hours tomorrow husband will be there all day. Will I want to eat? Hikes this is overwhelming me!

Jo-B123

Hugs to those who are starting chemo in the next few days. This is a scary time for you. I do hope you feel some relief from your stress once you get through a round or two. The first round of a/c was the hardest for me.



If your nose gets dry inside, ask your chemo nurse about a libricant especially made for the inside of your nise...it really helped!

okiecountrygal

Ukkate - It's odd how different oncologists go with different recommendations.  My nodes were clear as well  and very small tumor but it seems they are hitting me with the whole regimen followed up with rads.  Oh well, guess if I get the works, that gives any cancer less chance of surviving it. 

Ukkate

Shelly, you'll get the rads because you still have your breast!!! Not sure why you r getting 6 chemo sessions though.

Ukkate

Ps. How old were you at diagnosis Shelly?

LJaeger

Wow lpc - the first session is a 6-7hr day? Ouch. I knew it would take a while, but I hear that it's not that long after the first session. Hopefully that's true. We had the same surgery on the same day; I may be looking to you for chemo advice! I'm guessing I'll be ACT chemo too, since we're the same ER+/PR+ HER2-.  I guess wear layers to the treatment.  I figure I'll wear something I can strip down to that's pretty cool if I start to get warm, and if I'm cold supposedly people like to bring blankets along for comfort, that should cover the other end of the spectrum. Glad your hubby is sticking around for the treatment. Mine is too. We're lucky.

Anyone here have cancer in the inter-mammary nodes? That's the one piece of the puzzle I wish I had more info on. They haven't told me much about it, other than the chemo and radiation should fry the cancer. I guess it'll be a good benchmarker to show them how nicely the chemo is working? That's the idea I'm focused on to stay positive.

Also, anyone have any suggestions for bras? I feel like my expanded boob is some fake porn star leftover, hanging on like a coconut on a tree. The other boob is just sitting there like usual, looking natural yet slightly paltry in comparison. I've given up wearing bras, because the fake side just cannot be corralled correctly with my old (now underwireless) bras. There is so much more side-boob there that it feels ridiculous. I've been wearing dark tank tops as a substitute and also wearing shawls or sweater coverups over the tank tops to avoid giving anyone too much of a glance of the remaining nipple I have. Sigh. At least there is some humor in this cancer we have...

LJaeger

UKKate -  hopfully the fills will get easier. Once the fills started to round out a bit, there seemed to be less pressure on my ribs (I was having pressure on my lower outer rib). Before you know it you'll have a matching breast, and you'll wear a beautiful outfit for your daughter's Bat Mitzvah. For the pain now, perhaps request a smaller fill at the next session so they can take their time? The one fill I had where I was really uncomfortable, the nurse mentioned to me that I should take 2 hot showers a day, and let the warmth relax the muscles. You can even massage a bit while you're under the warm water. I found myself doing some stretches against the shower wall. Whatever helps. 

Ukkate

Thanks for that advice. I still have really bad nerve pains each day and have to shower with one hand holding the breast!!! I hope that goes away soon. That was the only good part of the expansion. It took that pain away for 2 days