Starting Chemo June 2013!?!?!

Netter

Annie,  We all are supporting you.  Just keep thinking next year it will be you supporting all of the newbies:-))  You can and will get through this.  Day 2 after 2nd infusion.  Still feeling very well.  I know the other shoe is going to drop soon  but enjoying the good times.  Jorman, must seen very lonely for you, but you are as much a part of all of us as anyone is.  WE all have a very BIG thing in common and support you.  Prayers for all of us and our oncos that they will get the doses and meds for side effects that will make it easier!

Melrosemelrose

Jorman- There is a discussion forum for Male Breast Cancer here.  Here is the link: http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/51 .

Here is the name of one of the men who has been on these boards for over a year that you might want to reach out to.  His name is Charles Pelkey.  Here is a link to his info:  http://community.breastcancer.org/member/146637/profile .

Another man that I came across these boards when I was searching for some chemo guidance is Firstcall.  Here is a link to his info: http://community.breastcancer.org/member/143239/profile.

Hopefully these gentlemen can give you additional support so you won't feel so alone.  Breast cancer is breast cancer and the treatments are what they are.   Just want you to know that I'm glad you found this site and have come to this thread for info, support and help.  If you have questions about your chemo, please post them.  The more you educate yourself about your treatment, the more in control you will feel.  Sending many many HUGS to you and your family and lots of positive, calming and healing prayers, thoughts and energy.  You and your family will get through your time in chemoland.

Dyvgrl

Anyone have any good ideas for a fun head shaving party? My chemo starts Tuesday - and since I'm getting 4 rounds of AC - it's a given it's coming out quickly. I'd rather just buzz / shave it first - and adjust rather than watch it fall out in clumps. Ugh! Anyway - trying to make lemonade out of lemons - I know some of you have had parties - just looking for ideas to include my kids so this isn't so hard on them...

MaineRottweilers

Had my first infusion of TCH about 13 days ago. I broke out with a horrendous rash on day 11 that my Oncology team is pretty certain is a drug reaction to Herceptin. I'm horrified that I won't be able to use Herceptin any more or will have to be on mega doses of steroids to use it. My Cancer is HER2/neu positive only and this targeted therapy was my life line. Is anyone else out there drug sensitive to Herceptin and still able to use the protocol? I've heard there are several experimental drugs but they are always used with Herceptin. Not looking forward to forging ahead into the unknown.

Hope everyone else if feeling well.

raysnbucs

Well had my first round of TC two weeks ago today. And today, my hair started to go. Noticed it frist in a rather private place. This caused me to run my fingers though my hair and it was falling out so easy. Not sure if I will shave it tonight, or just let it fall out. I know it really did make this real. Before this, I have felt good now I just feel numb. Like most women, I am darn proud of my hair. Especially, the pretty color I got from my mother's mom.

Dyvgrl

Raysbucs,

I feel you, I think this is why I wat to shave mine so badly I just don't think I can bear to have it fall out on me. A few glasses of wine and friends around me and I'll get over it. But waiting from day to day seeing it slowly come out, just too real for me. Reminds me how sick we are during chemo and the reality of it all. I think I'm just gonna roll with the head shaving party and avoid the emotional turmoil. Everyone is different tho, but I do understand your pain. I love my curls!

annika12

Sitting in the chair with the first A/C so far so good!! Broke down a few times but the nurses and doctors are so sweet. Found a great lady next to me making me feel so comfortable .Now lets hope it continues with no nausea!!!

Pattysmiles

Annie,

You will be fine....I hope you have been reading the board to see how "easy" it is. Naturally I do t really mean "easy", BUT I think compared to years ago, and what the majority of us THINK chemo is all about (puking, hair loss, near death tired etc) you will find it is "easy".



Personally, I have and few side effects...

.heartburn,which I started Prilosec right away.

Nausea, not too bad, but I started my prescription Zofran right away

Avoided bone pain by taking Claritan 24 on day of and next 7days after the Neulasta shot

Tiredness...took some naps. AND got up and moved more to "walk it off"

Hair loss...cut my hair short to a pixie and then even shorter and wear my favorite buff head coverings www.buffusa.com. (I still have my hair, but it has thinned out a lot)

Taste bud changes...I LOVED watermelon for something to eat at this time. Others say lemony flavors or pickles or spicy.



By day7 or so I have been able to go back to the gym! (I am NOT a health nut, but have been trying to do my elliptical and some weights on a regular basis)



Be sure to drink a lot of water (or other liquid if you cannot tolerate water) on The day of chemo (helps them find your good veins if you don't have a port...also helps to get those toxins OUT of you). Drink more water that day and the days after...usually by day 2 my taste buds don't like plain water so I look to alternative liquids.



This is one more hurdle to get through, take it one day at a time and you will be fine. I hope your surgical recovery went well. You CAN do this.

Pat

Malika79

Alibeths,



I am more nauseous my second round too. I had my 2nd round yesterday. I had the worse whole head headache. I feel a little better today and had my neulasta shot today. Keep on track with your nausea meds and keep a journal of your down times. Good luck darling.

Robin-Lynn

Hi all, I'm on day three post my second treatment of AC, good for the first two days but the nausea is really bad today. I'm taking Zofran and Compazine, any suggestions for what next? Does the Ativan help with the nausea or just make you sleep through it? Have a busy weekend so want to feel better!! No hair loss yet, probably matter of days.

Dyvgrl

Annika12 you can do it!! Hang tough girl, I'm right behind you. Start Tues...

Melrosemelrose

Robin-Lynn- The Ativan is for anxiety and does help one sleep.    As for the nausea, call your onco/infusion nurse asap to get some help.  Don't wait and think it will get better on its own.  It is okay to call your onco anytime 24/7 because it's the onco's job to help you with the side effects.  Your meds can be adjusted to help you now and also adjusted for the next round.  Hope you are taking your anti-nausea meds on schedule with plenty of fluids and with food.  Those drugs can cause nausea themselves if taken on an empty stomach.  Hope you feel better soon.

Annika12- You got this first one!!!  You are doing great.  The same suggestions as to what to do during the next few days..... hydrate, hydrate, hydrate with water, gatorade, ginger ale, tea, popsicles, watermelon, grapes, etc.  Take your anti-nausea meds on schedule at the same time every day with plenty of water and a little food.  If you start to have side effects that seem to be escalating, call your onco asap to get some help.  Just have to not be afraid to make that phone call to get some help.  The onco and any of the oncos on call can adjust your meds and can suggest how to handle the side effects.  Wishing you minimal side effects. 

anniej76

Thank you Pattysmiles... that post was really helpful!  Thank you everyone.  As strong as I feel - when I cry it makes me feel too sorry for myself - and I don't want to be.

Dyvgrl - you are on the same exact track.  I start Tuesday, with A/c.  I also had my mastectomy on May 23rd - I had a double.  Please let's keep in touch thru this.

Miasara

Dlm, netter, sara, malika, alibeths, ingrid, val, annika, robin....wow, there are so many of us this week. I'm next. Got my bloodwork today and getting #2 tomorrow. I'm worried this one will be worse than the 1st.

Patty, thanks for the recommendation of the buffs website. I ordered a couple. They look really cute. I just cant see myself wearing the wig I got.

Hoping all of you have little(or no) side effects. Take care everyone.

IngridJ

Hi all,

Welcome Jamon, Anniej...

Hope that first chemo goes smoothly Annie. Don't know what regime you are on, but my second TC has been almost completely side effect free.

Good luck w cold caps!!! If you look through this thread you'll see I really wished I'd given them a go!! Wish you well, stay on top of the meds, drink masses of Gatorade and you will get through it...

Tracy- hope a herceptin person chimes in.. Hopefully that the anti allergy drugs will enable you to keep taking the herceptin..? It seems like a wonder drug from all I've read...There is a separate thread on the board just for her+ I think, have a look...,

Raysnbucs and Dyvgirl; good luck with the hair....Once it starts to go it really goes so...

Malika and Annika good luck over next few days...

Take it easy everyone, be kind to yourselves...!!!

IngridJ

Miasara

Just saw your post.. 2nd was good for me- hope same for you.. Fingers crossed.

encyclias

As a suggestion, ladies, as your hair falls out, go to the beautician or barber shop and get a buzz cut (about 1/4") rather than shave your head.  A shaved head is a slick, slippery one; scarves, ball caps, wigs, etc. just tend to slide off.  A buzz cut will act somewhat like velcro and help keep your coverings in place.

Learned this from the young woman who owns the wig shop here.  She is a Hodgkins surviver.

Hope you all do well with your chemo. 

Carol

annika12

After an hour and a half drive home in heavy traffic and bad storms Im on the couch waiting for some light dinner. Took my meds, feel a little nausea but not bad hope it stays that way!! One down 15 to go

puppymama09

Well I had my first appt with my Onc yesterday, he wants me to get an oncotype test done so now it is probably gonna be another 3 weeks before I even know my treatment plan. I am kind of irritated because I asked my surgeon about that test he said I really didn't need it that due to my age I would be needing chemo that appt was over 2 weeks ago. I could have had the results back by now instead of waiting another 2-3 weeks. The appt yesterday was basically a waste of time and I live over an hour away from my drs.office. My Onc is pretty sure I will be getting chemo, but wants to be positive, I guess that is good, I just want to know my treatment plan, I feel like I can't plan anything because I just don't know what or when I will be doing it.

annika12

Nausea setting in BIG time....taken all my meds....what to do????

SherryMarshall

Annika - don't get stressed out, deep breaths, take your meds, if no better soon call the onc on call. Hugs and prayers for feeling better within the hour.

Puppymama: I was diagnosed in January, and did all that same 2 weeks here, three weeks there crap. Then finally, surgery scheduled for April 10th with no chemo or rads. Surgeon sent off my cancer for onco testing, and another 3 weeks before I got the results (54!). So now I need chemo! What a shock to everyone involved in my treatment. I didn't start chemo until June 20th! I felt your pain back then, but it gave me more time to heal from my surgery and learn so much more about breast cancer!

{{{{{{Group Hugs}}}}}}

IngridJ

Puppymamma- the oncotype score will give further insight into your treatment, even if you're fairly much set for chemo, at the least you'll know how aggressive or not the tumour was... Mine was just in the intermediate/low range, but only just, and I had pretty much decided to go ahead with chemo unless it was below 15 so.....

Still feel ok about it- the waiting sucks though..... Seems thats all we do in the beginning..Feel your pain...

Annika- hope its settling down for you..

((((Hugs))))

annika12

I called the doc on call he called right back and told me to double up and di every 6 hrs instead of 8 !!!! Hope it works

Melrosemelrose

annika12-  Glad you called the doctor!!!  Hope you feel better soon and the yuck feeling gets under control.

Dyvgrl

Anniej76,

I had my mastectomy on the 23rd as well! On June 19th I had my port installed and reexcised tissue to widen the margin to 6mm. This supposedly will keep me from getting the radiation boost at the tumor site. Will still need the standard chest sweep but we are trying to salvage as much breast tissue as possible for reconstruction. Hoping for a well done free flap. Go in tomorrow for another fill on my TE. Today I used my port for the first time. I was really freaked it wouldn't work, or hurt, but really it was ok. I didn't even use Emla and it was no worse than a stick in my arm (which usually ends up being 3 or 4 sticks) so I feel better about the chemo on Weds (moved my dates cuz I wanna start on Thursdays so my bad days hopefully are on the weekends. The 4th is a no go so they switched to the 3rd then Thurs after that. Tmi I'm babbling. Keep well ladies!!

Pattysmiles

Miasara, I live in my buffs. I debate wearing scarves, but the buff is so darn simple. Funny story, I had bought two new blouses/shirts at Kohls. Two of my buffs are similar in the colors of those clothes so it looks like I coordinated the outfit! I often wonder when I wear those clothes if people think I am a cancer patient or just "chic and coordinated!" Lol

Consider taking your buff shopping to color coordinate!



Annika- hope the new dosage works for you.

I remember when I left my first chemo infusion I asked the nurses which of the two nausea meds I should take if I felt ill (Zofran or compazine). They said definitely the Zofran, as in their opinion it worked better. They then proceeded to tell me I could take it every 6 hours if needed, OR could go to 4 hours BUT if I were to be taking every 4 hours I had to call AND I could expect a headache. So, long story short, ASK YOUR DOCTORS if there are problems with your meds not doing what you need...they can be adjusted!



Pat

Dyvgrl

Pat,

How did you wear your buff? Like a cap? I watched the video but wasn't sure if it would stay on my head lol

Dyvgrl

Today my nurse told me Ativan was also for nausea. It's from the Valium class of drugs and I can say first hand Valium works wonderfully for nausea. Might give the Ativan a try...

dlm425

Annie so sorry for you if your doing ACT cold caps or nothing will help its a given. I just finished round 2 and I can t stop crying I'm so sad. This Sucks so bad my hair down to my waist dark brown with blinded highlights falling out all over. Nurse told me day 17 is the day have 2 day left. Ive never had short hair let alone no hair but than again ive never had cancer either. So wish I could find a pill to put me to sleep till Thanksgiving (:''''"""""""

dlm425

What's a buff ill be bald by sunday