Starting Chemo June 2013!?!?!

dlm425

I have 4 treatments of AC and 4 treatments. Of taxol start June 13 every other week as tolerated

Dyvgrl

Getting my port installed June 19th - no word on when and what type of chemo - should hear from doc today. Let's get this show on the ROAD. Rads to follow unfortunately. My first tumor was over 5 cm with 1/9 lymph node and at 43 my rad onc said - no choice lady - you need it. Odds he gave me were 35% chance of recurrence without rads. With chemo AND rads, I'm down to 5%. I'll take it! Had my UMX on May 23rd, had a TE put in and he was able to fill it almost 3/4's already so I'm doing well. Back at work today...

Netter

Just got home from 3 days in the hospital.  Dehydrated, dry heaves, body ache.  Just wanted to die.  Thought I was doing better to come home.  Now, awful gas pains and diarrhea.  Not going back..............  I pray tomorrow will be better.

Dyvgrl

Just thought I'd post this - My PS prescribed Valium for nausea during my UMX. Not sure if that's allowed during chemo, but it worked like a champ and fast. I was vomiting like crazy from the anesthesia - DH called PS - he said - well didn't they give you valium?? take that! So now that's my go to for nausea. Just curious - has anyone taken it during chemo?

Alibeths

No, I had no idea that Valium helps!!!

NETTER--I'm so sorry!!! I have been thinking about you b in so sorry to hear that. Hang in there gurl. Xoxoxo

dlm425

Netter you were the hospital on iv fluidsl? Nnone of the antinausea meds worked? Ive was so worried about you not looking forward to Thursday. Where do you live? Glad to hear your home.

dlm425

Alibeths We really have to kick some ass on Thursday:)

Alibeths

We will!!!

OceanWarrior

Netter - oh no.  You must be totally drained.  Sending healing vibes your way and will be thinking of you.

Rain - I cried when I read that you had to go to work today.  Hope you are managing.

Me, I actually had a much better day.  Just need to get the bowels moving.  Hang in there everyone.   

Gma04

Hi everyone I too I'm starting chemo the last of June. I am very scared. I got my port today.

It is there so that when you get chemo they will not have to stick you every time.also when they check your blood. Need to know if anyone out there has purchased a fake boob. Where and and what kind? Do not want to invest a lot on it since I will be having reconstruction after chemo. Hugs for everyone,!!



Gma From Texas

dlm425

Ok strong Ladies Im heading to work today and tomorrow. Start my poison on Thursday 1:15. Post tonight hope all is well or at least better.

annika12

So sorry Netter- will keep you in my thoughts and prayers !!!

GMA04- the place where I ordered my wig has all kinds if other stuff including bras and temporary boobs. Now I live in MI but Im sure if you google you will find a store by you!!

IngridJ

Hi everyone;

Sorry Netter you had a rough time:(

Glad Ocean and Rain you have weathered the storm

Dlm and Allibeths good luck for Thursday.. Will be thinking of you and fingers crossed for uneventful time...

If I've missed anyone else, hope it goes ok..

Feeling fairly normal physically on day 8, bit more tired/emotional than usual..hair still there...just....

Got my sweet 12 year old son beside me to cheer me up )

Gingergirl1

Hi everyone. I just started my chemo on June 5th. I have been reading the boards for awhile and thought I would join in.



Today is day 7 for me. The first 4 days I did fairly well, no nausea, still felt pretty normal, except taste buds. Got Neulasta shot on Day 2 and took it with Claritan for 4 days. It seemed to work for a couple of the days and then aches and pains started settling in and are still here. Sometimes it is okay and sometimes a little more painful. My biggest thing so far is the fatigue which started about day 4. I feel like I am ninety years old when I try to walk around. Even find it hard taking the dog for a walk. Hopefully this changes soon as it will make the next three treatments harder.



I feel bad for the people that have to work through this as I don't know how I would have done it! Thanks for sharing your stories, fears etc. as it is nice to know there are support systems out there for us woman going through breast cancer!

option

Hi,

I had my surgery over 2 weeks ago, and still waiting on the Onco type results. Talking with a couple of oncologists, but likely will need chemo, but not sure which drug combination to use yet. I'm 34 years old, and reading the possible side effects is quite scary.

It's good to have this support group help us all get through this.

Netter

I finally feel among the living.  The pain has settled in my lower back, but Extra Strength Tylenol cuts it.  Have lost 10 lbs.  I am wondering if I am having such a terrible time because of my age, will be 64 next month?  My doctor is afraid I will have to go through this every time, (3 more).  Happy note............going to get my head shaved tomorrow, chemo is not going to determine when the hair comes off, I AM!!!!!  8 of my close women friends are going to the beauty salon at 10:00 in the morning for support.  I am serving mimosas and homemade twists from a wonderful baker in my town.  I doubt that I will be able to eat or drink, lol.  BTW, I live in Western Kansas.  I am planning on getting pictures to post for you all to see.  Wig is ready to put on   Ginger, I understand the feeling like a 90 year old, so painful.  Claritin hasn't helped for me but Extra Strenght Tylenol has.  Eat a little something with it to coat your tummy.  Thursday ladies, PRAYING for you!!!!!!

OceanWarrior

Netter - hooray so good to hear you back.  And lady, I love your hair salon party.  Talking about taking control and with fun along the way too.  Very inspired by you.  Look out Western Kansas!!  Don't think each round will be as difficult as the first one.  I'm sure the oncology team will have a better plan for you for next cycle.  

dlm - have a good couple of days at work.  Good distraction?

Dyvgrl - hope the Dr calls today with your protocol for chemo - remember so well the "Let's get the show started" feeling.  

option - welcome, sorry you have to join us but glad you did.  

Gingergirl - welcome.  Notice you are in Canada too, I'm British Columbia, we are practically neighbours.  (even used Cdn spelling)  Feeling old along with you.

Ingrid - happy to hear day 8 is good and your boy is keeping you company.

Good wishes as well to everyone I've missed.  Hard to keep up with it all.

Today is day 6 for me.  Hoping its a good one - so far, so good.  Trying coffee 1st time this AM to try to help things get moving.  

Dyvgrl

Gma04 - I'm going to get a script from my BS today for a prosthetic - go to Nordstroms with the script and they will fit you with a bra and silicone foob and bill insurance for you. I have a TE so I won't need one for too long - but 8-9 months is a long time to go being lopsided for me. Right now I'm at work and a little crooked - but it's ok - I have a super support system here.

Ocean - I'm going to call myself - this waiting crap doesn't work for me and this whole process is just ALOT of waiting. Ugh!!

Alibeths

Ocean-- U couldn't tolerate coffee?

OceanWarrior

Not sure if I couldn't tolerate coffee just know that before this morning I didn't want any.  Too strong of a smell.  I wanted only very plain, mild, clear things during the rough period.

annika12

Port went in yesterday...ouch my neck is on fire!!! But today I have a fever, blood work came back good so home and bed for me. Hope it won't delay my tuesday 18 chemo start!!!

Melrosemelrose

Gma04- I had purchased a mastectomy camisole last year before my UMX w/o recon surgery.  It came with removable fiber foobs.  I'm been using one of those fiber foobs as the insert in some of my sports bras that have pockets.  This seems to be working fine for me.  I'm planning to get a silicon foob in a few weeks.  If you are wondering why I haven't gotten before now.... well.... the fact is that it hasn't really bothered me or interfered with my life that I have only one boob.  I know that the way I handle things is not the same as others.  Just call your BS for a script for the foob.  Depending upon where you live, there may be some women's medical boutiques that sell the foobs.  You can check out the American Cancer Society's online catalogue for those, head coverings, wigs, etc  http://www.tlcdirect.org/ . 

Alibeths

Had my port today. My neck is soooo sore! And I'm exhausted. Chemo tomorrow!!!! Haven't packed a bag yet!!!

Sweetie1972

Hi all! I go tomorrow for my blood work and chemo class. First round on Friday!

Curlylocks

Hi Ladies,

I hope you dont mind me "budding in" on your thread.  I am a 7.5 survivor (diagnosed at age 41) with idc, 4 cm tumour, 3 positive lymph nodes, grade III.  I was so terrified prior to starting chemo I wanted to run away but wasnt sure where I was going.LOL  The thought of entering that hospital to have poision put into my viens not knowing how it was going to affect me scared the crap out of me!  I had 6 months of chemo, 4 a/c and 4 taxol, once every 3 weeks.  The first round was the worst as I was violently ill for 13 hours straight.  I was given the more expensive anti nausea and it didnt work on me.  The 2nd round I got the anti nausea med changed to Kytril and it worked like a charm, I was never sick for any of the remaining 7 rounds.

A few tips that helped me survive the long months of chemo:

Dont eat a heavy breakfeast or meal prior to treatment.  The first treatment especially let your body be your guide on how much and what you eat.

Avoiding greasy or spicy foods will help.  If you dont feel like eating anything heavy, eat plain yogurt and crackers.  KEEP HYDRATED!  Drink lots and lots of fluids, mainly water as it will flush the chemo drugs out of your system faster.

If you are having side effects that are bothersome, contact the emergency call number for your chemo nurses.
Make sure you keep the letter handy that your oncology clinic will give you should your temperature go above the recommended guideline and you have to go to the hospital....you will be given #1 priority with this letter.

Use senakot (stool softner) a few times a day as recommended to help with constipation, the chemo drugs will constipate you.

If you need pain meds or are prescribed them for chemo drugs like taxol or taxtoere (they tend to cause bone pain around day 4-6 after infusion), take them!

Get lots of good movies, books, puzzles to do if you to keep you occupied when you cant get out and about.

Bring a friend or family member to occupy your time during your treatments.  It can be a long wait all by yourself!

Try to exercise lightly every day to keep up your stamina.

If you are tired, rest...listen to your body.  The fatigue from chemo, especially since it is accumulative can be really hard to deal with.  Be easy on your self!

If someone offers help with kids, dinners, errands, etc...take them up on it!  Time to be selfish and take care of you.

Shave your hair before it starts to fall out in clumps, it is much easier to handle emotionally when YOU have control of when it happens.  Hair does grow back, yes it sucks big time to loose it all but in the end it is a small price to pay for Life.

Smile, it does get easier and before you know it chemo will be over with.

Chemo brain is real, my memory was affected for quite awhile.  It does get better, I can add numbers in my head again.LOL

All the best to you ladies travelling this chemo journey, it is not easy.  I am proof that you can come out the other side!

Michele

dlm425

Netter glad to hear you feel better. Alibeth thought chemo was Thursday June 13? Ingrid glad to hear you're spending time with your son.:) curlylocks very refreshing g to hear hour story. Is it unrealistic to say I would be going to work on Friday day after chemo? Nelasta in the morning than work. Could I do it.

Netter

So glad to hear from you Curly!!!!!  Gives us all hope  I hope that I can get something that will keep me from throwing up next time.  I now know what hell is like and I don't want to go there!!!!!!!

Gingergirl1

Curly locks - thanks for your post! Any information from people who have travelled this journey is appreciated. I've got three more treatments left and can't say it will be soon enough to be finished. My main complaint has been the fatigue and some aching and bone pain, so I guess it could be worse.



Ocean warrior - nice to have a fellow Cdn. In this group!



By the way I do have one coffee each morning, even though it tastes like "s..t".



Take care of yourselves everyone!!

puppymama09

Hi everyone, I have been reading your posts and decided to finally join in.  I will be starting chemo very soon just not exactly sure when.  It has been very helpful to read all of your posts and what it is like for you and what I may be experiencing soon.  I'll be checking in soon, hopefully with more info on my own treatment.  I just want you all to know that I am thinking about you!  It is also nice to hear from you all who have been through it and get your advice.  These discussion boards are truly a life saver!

OceanWarrior

Curlylocks - thank you for posting.  Good to hear from a vetran.  "Never sick again for the remaining 7 rounds", I want that too!  One down, seven to go. 

Hope its been a good day for everyone.