Starting Chemo July 2013

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  • momx2
    momx2 Member Posts: 109
    edited July 2013

    Tx# 1 is TC every 3 wks then herceptin for a year

    Tx# 2 is AC every 2 wks 6x then TH weekly then herceptin for a year .

    I have an arrhythmia and hypertension

    But my EJ is 65 % which is normal

    Thank u for your reply , all input is needed . Overwhelmed :'(

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  • BabyRuth
    BabyRuth Member Posts: 264
    edited July 2013

    I have a love hate relationship with my port.  I love that it saves me from so many needle pricks but I hate the way it looks under my clothing.  You can definately see mine under certain shirts or blouses that I wear. It also feels weird when I exercise.  My first one was on my left side down really low, and this one is on the right side up near my collarbone.  It does make driving much easier as it does not rub with the seat belt. 

    I highly recommend to ask for some EMLA creme to put on before you go for your chemo.  I put mine on about 1 hour before treatment and it helps to numb the site so you do not feel them accessing your port.   I have a very low pain tolerence so I need all the help I can get!  The chemo nurses used to just grin when I walked in because I would slather the creme on me. I did not want to feel a thing!

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  • PaEaglesFan
    PaEaglesFan Member Posts: 277
    edited July 2013

    Ladies, my 1st TC was 1 year ago today and I wanted to offer my encouragement to you.  There IS light at the end of the tunnel.  I had 4 treatments and ended the day after Labor Day.  By Thanksgiving I finished my Rads and started my Tamoxifen.  By Christmas I had hair again :)  (I know that's what you all wanted to hear lol)  I decided to let my hair grow longer than it had been before and have only had one trim since it came back and that was just to get them even and have the icky ends trimmed off.  It's about 4" long now and growing nicely.  
    My best advice to you is get lots of rest, drink lots of fluids and be vigilant about constipation.  Many of the meds they give to prevent nausea will really mess up your system.
    Prayers for you all to have minimal side effects and your treatments to pass quickly. 

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  • Hannariggs
    Hannariggs Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2013

    Hi Shannah, 

       I was also given the choice of ACT or CT.  It was a long excruciating decision, but I decided on the ACT. Both treatments basically take the same time, although CT gives you 3 weeks to recover in between treatments whereas AC gives you 2.  My cancer is small but aggressive too, so I chose the AC because I have come this far and there is no going back so I wanted the best chance I could get at removing any stray cells.  I dont want any regrets in the future.  If it comes back I can at least say I did the best I could to try and beat this demon.. always go forward and never look back.  Try to enjoy a happy 4th  everyone and just know my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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  • puppymama09
    puppymama09 Member Posts: 77
    edited July 2013

    Gma04, thinking of you today!

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  • Gma04
    Gma04 Member Posts: 62
    edited July 2013

    Hey puppymama09

    That was sweet of you to think of me let me know when you go for your first treatment .

    I did not sleep good last night. Than today I found it was because of the steroids I took.

    However so far just feeling tired and sleepy. It went rather well. Just tiresome. I prayed a lot last night for a calm heart and body and it was just so!!! Just pray that it keeps it that way. The next 3 days will tell the tale so I hear.WE CAN DO THIS WE ARE STRONG!!!

    Lot me know when you go in . Oh by the way onc. Say no to the icying of the nails. He said they were doing it 15 yrs ago and interfering with chemo getting thru so I chose not to. I'm not going thu all this just for nail. They said they only had one lady loose one toe nail. And it came back out. They will turn dark but polish will cover it. So thanks again and let me know.

    I will check in Tmr TEXAS HUG AND PRAYERS COMING YOUR WAY. Gma04

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  • puppymama09
    puppymama09 Member Posts: 77
    edited July 2013

    Gma04, glad things went fairly well for you, let us know how the next few days go for you. I have an appt on july 17 then I will find out my treatments the waiting is killing me! I had heard that about cold caps so I was wondering about icing nails, I agree, not worth it, if we are gonna go through this might as well get the full benefit. Keep praying and yes we can get thru this hugs, susan

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  • Hannariggs
    Hannariggs Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2013

    GMA my thoughts are prayers are with you.  Let us know how you are doing as many of us are right behind you and beside you.....God Bless us all  

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  • soriya123
    soriya123 Member Posts: 662
    edited July 2013

    Thank you all for your support. Yes, let's fight this stupid cancer together. I have 2 small kids too,11 and 7. My family usually do outdoor camping every year. No camping this year since mommy is sick :'(

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  • momx2
    momx2 Member Posts: 109
    edited July 2013

    Hi Marsha 1970 , thank u for input .

    Tx one is AC biweekly for 6txs then TH

    Tx two is TC every 3 wks 4x then Herceptin. I have preexisting arrhthymia and HTN . One onco conservative the other aggressive .

    I've decided to go with aggressive , no regrets

    Port placement next week then tx begins

    Hardest part my kids have no idea , telling them is going to be tough

    Wishing everyone health !

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  • honeybunny96
    honeybunny96 Member Posts: 120
    edited July 2013

    port placement July 9.. ACK! Chemo starts July 12.. can I run away now? just a little emotional at the moment. Cry

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  • soriya123
    soriya123 Member Posts: 662
    edited July 2013

    Honeybunny (hugs)...I'm scared too. Hang in there, we will go thru this together.

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  • Gma04
    Gma04 Member Posts: 62
    edited July 2013

    Hi , and good morning. I posted this already and I don't know if it went thru. Because I had not logged in. So I'll re do. It's 1:00 am I can't sleep because of the STEROIDS. Yesterday was my first chemo round of CARBOPLATIN,DOCETAXEL,HERCEPTIN. BEFORE THAT I HAD ZORAN for nausea BENADRYL and more steroids. I still do not have any side effects. I'm been praying and then praying again. I do feel a little out of sorts not my normal self. Please don't let being afraid take over you pray for a calm heart. Please let me know how you are all doing. WE CAN DO THIS!!! TEXAN HUGS GOING OUT TO EVERYONE .

    I will let you all know about day 3 so far not bad.



    Love gma04

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  • Laura5133388
    Laura5133388 Member Posts: 577
    edited July 2013

    Just dropping by to make sure you have all heard about cold caps. I used them and kept all of my hair, alleviating one very visible side effect of chemo.

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  • Hannariggs
    Hannariggs Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2013

    Happy 4th of July Sisters!  There are alot of things that bog us down but we are still here and it is a beautiful day.  Even though all of our treatments are around the corner.  Don't let the unknown wreck your today.  Hard I know.  I think the closer I get to treatments the more anxiety I feel.  I am hoping it goes away once treatment is started.  But for now enjoy the fireworks.  I will be thinking and praying for all of us...

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  • Mellie289
    Mellie289 Member Posts: 156
    edited July 2013

    Happy 4th of July to everyone! I also plan to not let this ruin my day.

    I will be working with my boyfriend to move some of the little things from his place into mine since he's moving in next weekend to help me get through chemo. I feel lucky to have a great guy who is stepping up during this time when I've seen posts of others whose SOs have left after the cancer diagnosis. It's hard for me to be all doom and gloom about this when I'm around him laughing. Yesterday, he was telling me how he plans on giving me a mohawk for a day before he'll clip my entire head down and he has some temporary orange hair dye for it from an old Halloween costume. He knows I'm upset about my hair falling out and is already lightening my mood about it. I think it's going to be a good day. 

    One of my friends at work yesterday said it's hard to believe all this because I look so healthy. She didn't see me when I was really suffering after the surgery, mind you. I do feel really good right now  (finally!!! 4 weeks later, ALND has healed enough!!!) and I am probably the healthiest (other than cancer) that I have been as an adult since I worked hard the last 2 years to lose weight and be healthy. It is a strange thing to feel so good and know that I'm going to be pumping poisons into my body soon... but no more thinking about that today! Smile

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  • Rambo50
    Rambo50 Member Posts: 140
    edited July 2013

    Thinking about you, Gma04!!! Hope you got some sleep and that your holding up well {hugs}.



    Mellie289, looks like you and I have a similar dx - I neglected to enter my DCIS grade 3 as another issue beyond the IBC grade 3, stage 2b.



    Like most of you, this is such a shock that I'm praying is but a bump in the road of life - we'll be stronger women for it in the end :):):)



    Soriya123 - hate you can't do your family camping this summer - you'll just have to plan something extra special for next year!!! I'm hoping to get at least a long beach weekend in before I start my new job (Did I share how incredible these folks are!!! Taking me in despite my new dx and allowing flexibility with my schedule and duties - God is GOOD!)



    BabyRuth - we're in the same geographic area :). Where are you getting treatments?



    I love having others to chat with and share this journey. I've started an e-notebook with all the hints and suggestions I'm gathering; something that I know will help me cope ;)



    Happy 4th from rainy Georgia!!!

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  • momx2
    momx2 Member Posts: 109
    edited July 2013

    Happy 4th everyone !!

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  • Brook21679
    Brook21679 Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2013

    I guess I will join this group. :-) I start chemo on the 18th. 4 weeks of AC and then 4 weeks of T. I go every other week, so it looks like I should be done before Thanksgiving. I feel a bit unprepared compared to some of you. I was hoping to just need radiation but found out two weeks ago after my lumpectomy that the tumor was bigger than they thought and the cancer was in one node that they removed. I just visited the chemo place yesterday. I haven't cried yet and everyone keeps praising my positive attitude but today I feel like bawling.  

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  • zimmy
    zimmy Member Posts: 12
    edited July 2013

    Have a Wonderful July 4th

    Peace to you all :) 

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  • DXat32
    DXat32 Member Posts: 29
    edited July 2013

    Jnprsn-I meet with my oncologist for the first time on July 15th too. I am so anxious to start chemo; I just want to get it over with, so I am hoping to start later that week or early the next week. I have two little girls ages 6 & 4 that I need to have energy for so I hope for minimal side effects. I am a school teacher too, so if this cancer had to come , I guess this is the best time since I am not teaching in the summer. Make sure to touch base back on here when you begin chemo round #1. Good luck to you.

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  • PortlandLady
    PortlandLady Member Posts: 37
    edited July 2013

    Hi!

    I've been lurking for the past few weeks hoping denial would keep me from having to participate, but no, that didn't work so here I am!

    I was diagnosed in June with Stage II Triple Negative BC. The main lump is quite painful so I'l coming to the conclusion that it has to go. But I'm so afraid of the chemo - was hoping to avoid it. However. my oncologists firmly believe that not only is it necessary but they want to do it first. So yesterday I had the port surgery and got it in my arm instead of my chest.(As it turns out my amazing surgical oncologist was also recently diagnosed and had a port in her arm. Figured, if it's good enough for her, it's good enough for me!).

    I start chemo on July 11: 4 treatments 3 weeks apart of Taxotere and Cytoxan. My MO says it's a pretty gentle therapy - would you agree? I'm most terrified about hair loss so ordered Penguin Cold Caps today. I hope I'll be able to manage them as I'm by myself and not sure who will be able to assist for so many hours that it takes to use them. But I'm determined to give this a try. 

    The other thing that worries is that I'm a widow (to cancer) and run a business that my livelihood depends on. My MO thinks I'll only have one down day 3 days after treatment and be pretty OK the rest of the time. I'm hoping that's true - although I know everyone reacts differently. 

    Anyway, thanks to all of you for your wisdom borne of this horrible disease. Sorry we have this in common but thanks in advance for your love and support - back atcha!!

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  • BabyRuth
    BabyRuth Member Posts: 264
    edited July 2013

    Brook21679- I start my treatments on the 18th also. We can be chemo-partners! I know what you mean about wanting to bawl. It can be so hard to try to be positive all the time.



    Rambo50- I live a little North of Atlanta and use the Northwest Georgia Oncology center in Marietta. How about you? Where are you doing your treatments?



    Our 4th of July has been full of rain! Most of the fireworks have been canceled. I will miss all the beautiful lights in the sky! I hope all of you that have started your treatments are feeling okay. I wish you all a spectacular firecracker night!

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  • soriya123
    soriya123 Member Posts: 662
    edited July 2013

    Ladies,

    I will start Chemo soon, I know that i will look sick and pale and all that,  but sometime I still want to have some color on my face.  Do you have any reccomendation on what type or brand of face powder,eye liner, eyes shadow or blush I should use.  Have you heard about Brian Joseph's brows and lashes and Lindi skin care products?  Would you recommend me these product?  Thanks a lot  ladies!!!!

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  • encyclias
    encyclias Member Posts: 302
    edited July 2013

    soriya, I used all my regular make-up during chemo.  Hope the chemo goes easy for you.

    Carol

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  • Rambo50
    Rambo50 Member Posts: 140
    edited July 2013

    Brooke21679 - I bawl too :(:(:( I try to cry when no one's looking b/c everyone thinks I'm so strong! Hope they're right!!!



    BabyRuth - I'm northeast of ATL, in Gwinnett :) I'm listening to some neighborhood fireworks in the rain right now ;-)



    Soriya123 - I've signed up for a program called Look Good-Feel Better sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Go online and see when they have a session near you, if not, they'll send a free video and makeup. The session is supposed to demonstrate how to use makeup during chemo, as well as scarves, wigs, etc. you get to keep the makeup :)

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  • kayezzy66
    kayezzy66 Member Posts: 116
    edited July 2013

    HI,i had my port put in on the 28th of June,and start chemo the 9th.I ask about all the things for hair ,lashes,nails,and my oncologist said it comes from the inside out,and wouldnt help...the unknown is very scary...nope this whole journey has been .I also cry alot too.All the Drs,say is up your meds for depression.Sure im depressed,but im also mad as hell.Especially when someone ,knows someone ,and they had bc,and they are doing great..that person has not one clue ,how it feels.But im very gratful,that it could have been worse...i will get through this!!!!!

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  • Nocompromises2013
    Nocompromises2013 Member Posts: 292
    edited July 2013

    Hi Ladies

    Australia calling... well saw my onc today and she has put me on TC 4 cycles = 12 weeks. I start  on July 11th ..yikes...Portland Lady we must be twins .. hope you are right about it being gentle on me but TOUGH on any lurking C cells !!! ..i will be thinking of you :)

     no  port since only 4 sessions.. (only 4 says me... i had figured it would be 6).  

    Rambo50...we also have that Looking good, Feeling Better here in AUS  and i am going to that tomorrow.

    Good luck to everybody on this thread.. i am loosing track of so many names...

    NC x

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  • Laura5133388
    Laura5133388 Member Posts: 577
    edited July 2013

    Portlandlady,  You definitely will need a helper for your cold caps. I found that I had more volunteers than I needed, and I am sure you will as well. People really want to help you and this is one way they actually can.  Please check out the thread "Cold Cap Users Past and Present to Save Hair", it is full of great tips and advice.

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  • bikergirl
    bikergirl Member Posts: 112
    edited July 2013

    JeriGrace-

    I am seeing my onc today. Got the OncoDX results back a few days ago-score was 20/intermediate and chemo/rad was recommended.  Will probably start chemo soon-most likely have a port.  I am there with you,sister.  But I am scared as hell.  I want to know if people are working during chemo.  I am a nurse and think I would like to go on short-term disability so I can rest.  What is everyone's opinion?

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