Starting Chemo October 2014

Trekgirl

Had 1st visit with my MO. I start my chemo on 10/8 with Cytoxan/Taxotere, 6 rounds then a month off then 6 weeks of rads.  Then he proceeded to tell me that in one of the scans a "possible" spot was noticed on my liver. I go Sat. for a ct scan of my abdomen. He seemed to act like it was no big deal and that it was a standard thing and prob nothing. Not sure if that was true or if I just saw his poker face. I also wonder why my surgeon didn't tell about this at my last visit. Tomorrow I have an appt. with a nurse to go over the treatment plan and get some helpful hints. Should be about 2 hours. Also have to stop and pick up the drink stuff for the ct scan. I still can't believe all of this.

kerensa75

trekgirl I will pray that it's nothing! I'm glad you go Saturday so the results are back faster. Will be thinking of you.

I also start on the 8th 

hyphencollins

Trekgirl, I'm sorry to hear that you are going thru more testing and pray that it is nothing.  I have very similar stats as you and my MO wont do scans UNLESS there are symptoms at this stage because they are likely to be false positives, so your doc probably wasnt giving you a poker face but was trying to reassure.  So hang in there and keep us posted.

Tx went well yesterday.  Felt fine during it.  The Adriamycin irritated my vein and so they had to start a different iv for the Cytoxan.  Funny thing was that I didnt feel any pain or irritation but my skin got all red and starting getting bumps near the iv.  Once they flushed it out and gave an ice pack it went stopped right away.  Feeling ok this morning.  Was fairly nauseous last night, but tolerable.  Took the meds this am and feeling better.  Getting my haircut later this morning.

Welcome ml14333!

Question for you ladies-  how open are you/do you plan to be with acquaintances about going thru chemo?  Im not trying to put it out there neccessarily but I find when people ask questions (what made you decide to cut your hair short?) I find I cant come up with anything better than Im going thru chemo.  Not that I mind being open (and I certainly do need to go into detail), I just dont want to make people I dont know real well feel awkward ( theyve seemed ok thus far).  Would love to hear what you all are planning to do.

kerensa75

hyphencollins, I am very open about it. I don't just go hey...I have Breast cancer and am starting chemo. BUT if anyone asks questions or anything then I am very open. If my experience can help even 1 person than it's worth it to me.

Are you documenting your journey?

Becca9800

hyphencollins, I'm open too about my situation, I wear my heart right on my sleeve. You should see the 'pity looks' I get. They're so frequent that I've decided instead of letting them continue to cause me distress I'll turn it into a contest, who has the best pity look. So those that know me know my 17 year old and youngest son was killed in a car accident three years ago, a year later my grandson was born with very serious heart defects and had open heart surgery at 4 months of age. 4 days after being discharged from the hospital his dad, my 3rd oldest son, was hit head-on by a 3x drunk driver going 74 MPH in a 35 MPH zone. My son was so critically injured he was not expected to survive the first 24 hours. He was in ICU on a ventilator for 13 days before he stabilized. And now, less than a year later, I'm diagnosed with breast cancer. It is a lot but my grandson and my son are doing wonderful. Baby is meeting every developmental milestone and his daddy returned to work just this week, only 10 months after the crash.  My cancer, if you have to have one, is the best bet. I feel very blessed actually. But oooohhhh those pity looks, I couldn't bear them before I changed my perspective. Now we have some really good laughs after receiving one, though not at the sender's expense because I do believe they genuinely feel bad and I sincerely appreciate their concern. Scoring the looks is just another coping mechanism, a way to get through all this garbage. It's way easier to laugh than to be angry or sad. I'll tell you though, if my mama were alive she would win the contest hands down. She had THE best pity look ever! 

Keep your heads up, Girls. This too shall pass. 

HollyD

I started my Taxotere/Cytoxan yesterday 4x for 3 weeks also. I'm here in Chicago, diagnosed June 2014 and had BMX July 11. Had to transfer care from one hospital to another that would accommodate cold capping. I am about to take my Neulasta, but would rather throw it in the trash bin right now. I'm more scared of this than the actual chemo. I wonder if it's absolutely necessary? With 4 kids here, probably so with all the germs they bring home, ugh. I've been taking Claritin all week so if I get the guts to do it I'm praying it won't knock me down for too long. I have a headache just stressing about it. One down, three to go. Has anyone not taken theirs? Is my mild regimen really going to kill off my WBC so severe I need to put this stuff in my body?! Such agony over this, read too much online

HollyD

Trekgirl they found a spot on my liver as well on MRI, had to get a ct scan to look closer and it was exactly as they assumed, hemangioma which are very common, large population of people have them and don't know it. I was told similar to birthmarks on the liver. Try not to stress too much about it until the results, although easier said then done. I'm guessing why your doctor didn't seem too concerned, even on MRI I think they know if it's malignant by the shape, only using a ct as confirmation. My docs didn't seem too concerned which made me feel better. Prayers to you either way 🙏.

wendeeB

Hy Holly,

I just took my neulasta at about 4 pm today.  I administered it myself and had zero pain.   Ive had one claritin, 600mgs total of advil and so far so good.  The MA said claritin D (*had* to be, but she couldn't tell me why.  MO said plain loratadine, I tend to believe an MD over an MA)  

Are you concerned about the injection,  the possible bone pain, or potential future SE (if any)

Hope you are well.

speedcat88

Trekgirl I had some areas on my liver as well.  Some calcifications in areas which showed on the CT scans.  MO wasn't a bit worried about them and neither am I.   

Holly take the generic loratadine, don't take a chance.  You won't be a bit of good for your kids if you're in the hospital with an infection.  I started taking the loratadine 2 days before the chemo and had the Neulasta shot yesterday.  Painless.  Still taking the loratadine.  I haven't had any bone pain except in my left knee which was giving me problems before.  My MO nurse said loratadine was fine.  It's all about the active ingredient.  Your MD must have a deal with Claritin.  

hyphencollins I'm pretty open about my situation.  It's amazing to me that among my acquaintances that I may not have seen in a while there are some who will let me know they have been there.  I haven't really gotten a lot of the pity looks.  I guess because I look like I am handling it so well.  I cover well.  

Feeling a little more fatigued on this second day , took a nausea med this morning, but haven't really felt any nausea.  I am a little fuzzy headed and made quite a few mistakes here.  

Hugs 

speedcat88

One more thing.  The Neulasta stays in your system for 10 days.  So keep taking the Claritin.

Mulligan

I'm drunk off my chemo cocktail so I'll keep this short hope everyone is doing fine. 

My first chemo session was pretty good knock on wood. I got my neulasta today too and they do it in stomach area so I didn't have to request it. . I happened to take Claritin last night and I took another one b4 the chemo and will do it for (4) days  after. I can barely read or even remember why I posted this ugh nap time!!!!!!

*edited cause my brain was moosh, had a quick 20 min nap now the clouds are slowly lifting.

Trekgirl

Thanks to all for your show of support. This place is saving my insurance co. money in therapy fees . I'll worry about the liver issue if it becomes an issue.  One thing that I've noticed going thru these posts is that most of the people out there that are diagnosed like me, Stage IIA, Grade 3 have had mastectomies. I'm a little concerned that my dr's weren't aggressive enough? I know you don't get the real staging until after surgery but I did ask if in hind sight I should have had that done my MO said no. Another thing is no one has mentioned to me Neulasta or Claritin like a lot of you posted. Does that get sprung on you at your 1st session or something?

okkim

Wendee thanks for post. Gives me hope. Still a week out. PET scan Tuesday before they decide what cocktail to use. Frustrating day but Dr did give me buspar to help ... thankful for that.

Ladies, we can do this ....... I think. Have to be strong. Can't let our cheerleaders down (hope I can live up to their expectations). 

Mulligan

Okkim- neulasta is usually offered the next day after chemo, since it's Friday my doc had them do the shot at the end. Some docs don't use it at all. My doc said Premera Blue Cross is denying claims to pay for the shots to their patients lately.

Neulasta helps boost up your cell counts, the Claritin helps the SE of neulasta which is joint pain. So far I saw majority of the ladies take Claritin the day before the neulasta shot and through 4 days after.

BookLady1

Hi! I ordered a wig. The styles have names - mine is April. My daughter and the great wig stylist made it a good time in all this mess.  I start treatment Tuesday and I am going to stop finding projects around the house that "have" to be done - all I HAVE to do is show up for treatment. And pack my chemo bag. Oh, and buy generic Claritin. Thanks to you all, I feel as prepared as I think I can feel. Thank you.

Becca9800

I'm having a port placed next Friday and my first chemo is tentatively scheduled for 10/15. Of all the possible non-life threatening  side effects, losing my finger and toenails kind of freaks me out. I've only come across a bit of info about how to handle this. Are there any good resources you can send me to for information?

Also, losing my hair doesn't bother me except when it comes to my eyelashes and eyebrows. Again, there isn't too much I've come across about this. 

HollyD

thank you wendeeB! I had my friends mom come over and poke me after reading risks/benefits as far as pain but everyone seems to fare well with the Claritin and Tylenol/ibuprofen. The anxiety of administering to myself didn't help! I took it about 9pm last night, my back is a little achey but I'm soaking in Epsom and drinking tons of H20 along w the Claritin and others. Thanks for your response! 

Mulligan

Hello everyone!

becca- you can try doing a couple of things to not lose your nails both fingers and toes. Put tea tree oil on the day of chemo and the next day. During your chemo treatment soak your toes and fingers in ice. Some, ladies bring ice bags, frozen peas, etc. take a tour of your chemo rooms to get an idea of what is there for you and what you can expect. It was nice to know where the ice machine, snack areas and bathrooms were located before I got there. Good luck!

So my 1st treatment went pretty good. I did have 2 bouts of diarrhea when I got home but it may have been party because I've been constipated the past few days from the stress so I took an exlax in the morning in case the meds would make it worse.

Only other issues I have is all night and even now my fingers and toes are tingly and numb feeling. I've had poor circulation all my life but I just want to make sure this is normal SE. Anyone else ever had this happen?

hyphencollins

Hi everyone. I hope everyone is doing well and hanging in there.  Welcome to everyone new, I look forward to getting to know you.  I'm day2 past infusion.  Not feeling great but tolerable.  I have had bad headaches so they took me off the zofran and taking compezine, which makes me sleepy.   But my head is better and I'm not nauseous, just unsettled, so its ok.  I probably could be more active today, just lazy.

Hollyd, I got the neulasta yesterday and my MO only recommended Tylenol if needed.  So far ive been fine although I have been taking Tylenol for headaches anyway.  Hope you are SE free because it seems like it can prevent further issues down the road.

I may have posted this yesterday but I got my haircut into a short bob.  My three year old said she didnt like it!  (She's into long princess hair). Oh well, its only temporary anyway!

Thx everyone for the reassurance about being open about chemo.  Its just weird, isnt it? 

For those starting tx next week, make good plans to enjoy this weekend. 

wendeeB

Hey y'all.

A little more than 48 hours post infusion. I've kept my workouts consistent (bench and OHP Friday,  stadiums today, and walking will be tomorrow, plus working Friday)  but im constipated  I'm guessing its the corticosteroid and the zofran.  Zofran makes me sooooo sleepy too.  I've taken one a day since infusion day and dont think I will take any more,  I feel like im pregnant-tired!  Total fuzz brain.  I'm finally feeling normal-ish again.   Definitely NOT normal,  but ok.  

About halfway complete with my hats, and bought a monster high beanie XD I just don't think I can do a wig.  Time will tell.

I hope all my sisters here are enjoying their weekend best as possible,  and that to those of you on the starting line that we've alleviated some of your jitters and concer

MJS1266

Hi Ladies,

I'm starting my chemo treatments October 14th.  Unlike most of you, I will have chemo first before surgery as we already know that I have a positive lymph node.  I have been on a bit of a whirlwind with diagnosis on September 23rd; IDC, 1.6 cm Stage IIa, 1 lymph node, ER+/Pr+ Her2- node.  I feel fortunate to have gotten appointments very quickly and not having long waits with too much time to obsess.  I have genetic counseling on Monday, it takes two weeks. Tuesday meeting with the PA to get details of the process. Friday having CT and Echocardiogram, and next Monday will get a port.  I'll have dense dose adriamycin and cytoxan for 4 cycles then 12 weeks of taxol.  I felt confident with my teams advice but am reassured to see from other posts that this seems to be the standard for my dx.  I'm working on my to do and to bring list and appreciate all the suggestions, already ordered tea oil.  I plan to go wig shopping next week and get a few hats and scarfs.  I hope everyone's treatments go smoothly.

Mulligan

Welcome MJS you start on my Bday!  Sounds like you have been on a whirlwind. mine was quite the opposite and dragged out from the bottle neck on my 1st Onco but I got a new Onco and am happy with the plan. I'm glad to see you are confident with your team.

ml143333

Hi ladies!

When I got home on Friday, my BS called and my port placement will be on Monday, 10/13/2014.  I have to be there at 6:45 am and the surgery will be on 8:45 am.  She said it will take about an hour and then once I come out of anesthesia, I can go home.  I asked about going to work for a few hours and she said that wouldn't happen. 

I do have a few questions.  She said she will go in through the mastectomy scar, thread the vein and come out further up.  Where will it be?  Near the cavicle?  Will it be noticeable in anything other than a turtle neck?  If so, can I just put a bandaid over it?  How do I care for it for the next 6 months?

 

Mulligan

Hi Mandy (ml) there's a thread on what to expect for your port surgery and even a link to a site that shows where the port is placed. I have mine about the same area. Portacath

I have 2 scars from the port surgery. They have youtube videos on the process if you dare check it out. The first scar is up about 4 finger widths above the port scar, I guess that is where they fish the vein for the port and then they made the second larger opening to place the port through.

They put bandages on the area and you keep it on until your first session. As long as the scars are closed you don't have to worry too much about caring for it. I had a bit of time with my issues of allergies to tape/adhesive. You can see my pics in my rant thread and see the 2 scars if that gives you an idea. Yours may differ since you said they would be going through your mastectomy scar? Adhesive allergy near port

Hope that helps, good luck!

April8

I had my port put in on my right side during my bilateral lympectomies because my lumpectomy on my left side was very high on the Breast. It's connected to the major vein in my neck. I find it annoying but it's not that big of a deal. I'm wearing cowl necks and higher neck shirts. You can always throw a scarf on if you are worried about it being noticeable. I haven't started chemo yet but I've been told it's the smart move to get a port placement. Best of luck with the surgery!

PeggyG6020

I also have allergic reactions to any adhesives. My surgeon just packed my breast with gauze, and put on a surgical support bra. But, the post op nurse put tape on me, and then realized her mistake, and ripped the tape off along with my skin. So, the next time I had surgery, I had them write on my shoulder-No adhesives, no bandages. My surgeon also used glue instead of steri strips, which don't bother me, but she didn't want to take any chances with the steri strips. Make sure they write it right on your shoulder, so they don't make that mistake again.

Ly5486

lyancy5486

Can someone tell me what is in achemo bag?  My first chemo treatment is thursday

Mulligan

Peggy, I'm also allergic to steri strips. I know now after so many reactions and this latest bout to now say use NOTHING BUT Tagederm ONLY. I thought it was clear as it was written on my file, on the board in the OR and discussed right before I was taken into surgery. This new place didn't have the allergy wrist band that I'm use to them putting on so maybe that was the case but the shoulder thing is a great idea! 

Lyancy, the chemo bag is something you put together to take with you on your chemo treatment ie: book, ipad, blanket, hard candy, pocket tissues, lotion, eye drops, medications, etc. you can find a good list from here Chemo bag tips

Take a look at these two threads in the link above.

• Tips for getting through chemotherapy

• More Tips (and a Shopping List) for Getting Through Chemo

Hope that helps and good luck on Thursday!

Yurmani

Add me to the list! Starting chemo on Friday the 10th. Woohoo!  Was initially shocked at finding a walnut size lump at work but thought "surely it's just a cyst!" Then the mammo and ultrasound-and because I work in healthcare,  I just had to research what cancer looks like on Google-- and there it was! The same thing I saw on the monitors was listed as IDC! By the time the biopsy date came and I asked the dr what she thought it was,  I was pretty sure what she was going to say and was coming to terms with having the big C. So now I'm ready to get this thing going! Thankful for groups like this to compare notes with and get support from! 

smkbow

I start today, went scarf shopping yesterday with my  15 year old. Picked a wig and promised her I would let her see it before I buy. I didn't think shopping would be so hard. Good luck to everyone.