April 2015 Chemo Crew... Starting in April? Please join us!

KBeee

My chemo bag has a tiny cooler with bags of peas for icing, a couple of wTer bottles with ice for sucking on ice to prevent mouth sores. I bring my iPad, and a thin blanket. I bring a charger for my iPad. I somtimes bring a book or Sudoku puzzles. Mostly just things to entertain myself. I have a friend driving me this this time. I also hVe2 friends going through chemo...and both of them are also there this Tuesday. It'll be a party

sheshe3

Beachbum and Kbeee, thanks for some great ideas. I'll definitely be adding some snack items and a blanket. My previous go round I didn't know about the ice chips. I had a terrible time with mouth sores! I'll make sure and bring ice!

KBeee

Anyone starting this week.........hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! We got this!!!!!

Who's headed to the chair this week? Looks like I am there Tuesday, right after my port is inserted

littleblueflowers

CT scan tomorrow at 11....I feel like I'm staring the grim reaper in the face and I'm starting to lose the will to stick my tongue out at him. And this was the first day I actually felt normal since surgery. Now I just want to cry but I can't because my husband is already freaking out and my parents came to town to support me. I can't lose it. I just cant. Not until after the results anyway. And I realized I can't even shave my armpits anymore because I don't have any feeling in them and I might cut my arm off. OK , sorry, it's a real pity party here in my head. I'm really scared. Thanks for listening!

x1mel

I'm over here having a pity party, too. I haven't had very many of them since all of this started in November, so I feel like I'm due. Every single step I take seems to take at least one week. Nothing is moving at the speed I want it to. My mastectomy was Feb 13 and I don't even have a start date for chemo yet. I don't know what type I will be getting, or if I will need a port. I don't know what to tell my job. They are ready for me to come back to work & I need to feel normal again. I'm not married or even in a relationship & I wonder why anyone would ever be interested in me after all of this. I was just an emotional mess before, now I can add cancer & reconstruction to the list. I could really use a nice strong man to hold me & tell me I don't have to be strong & tough. I'm tired of taking care of everything. My parents have been the BEST, & there is no way I would have made it this far without them.

OK that's enough.

Will I need any diagnostic test before I can start chemo? What kind of long term effects can I expect? I have heard people talk about chemo wiping out your immunity to diseases. Does this mean that I will have to get a tetnus shot & measles & chicken pox, etc? I'm worried about working while on chemo because I work at a major university hospital. We have the sickest patients in the region & I'm just not sure if my job is going to allow me to avoid those with serious infectious diseases. I am an x-ray tech & I work the night shift. My department does not allow a person to come to work with any type of restrictions, so I am not sure how things will play out.

None of this has really seemed real to me, but the idea of chemo is starting to make me feel pretty anxious. What do you all do when you start feeling anxious over this stuff? I have been spending too much time playing computer games.

Beachbum1023

Hi littleblueflowers, You so got this! Come to the threads and vent away all you want! That's why we all help each other. I finished AC/T on 11/25. But I am waiting for you and everyone else to finish this. I put on my cancer killing butt kicking boots and stomped my way through it and out the other side. Have fun with your family, you have a whole lot of loving and living to do, don't waste that time on cancer. You have enough time to "do" cancer. Your husband must love you to the moon and back, take advantage of that. And your parents are coming to support you. That is fantastic to have so many caring and supportive fans in your corner. Save your tears and fears for when you come here to find support with all of us that get it. I can only give so much to cancer, I have given plenty and I am ready to move on and get my life back.

Don't worry about your armpit, part of mine has moved a little after surgery. I was told after rads that the hair probably won't grow back and I won't sweat on my right side. Could be worse! And I know how scared you are, but so is every single person here on the boards. We wouldn't be normal if we weren't scared. It's okay to have a pity party now and again, just not a lifetime of pity.

Stay here on the boards, you will meet the strongest and kindest women ever. Pour your heart out, and you will have all of the support you need 24/7. I so wish I could say that this is easy, nothing easy about it! But I will help you, nobody here ever walks alone. I am following those that have gone before me, and I am waiting for you. One step, one day at a time. Good Luck! Cheryl

Beachbum1023

x1mel, Nothing about BC is fast, on time, or when we want it. It is all about hurry up and run, then wait. A positive attitude will serve you well, with a lot of patience thrown in. I am 58 and single, I so get having to carry the load. But I can focus on me, and not worry about all of the things life can bring to our day. Take care of you, that is so important now. This is all about you and your future. If you think you may want extra support, talk to your Social Worker. Join a local support group, or maybe confide in a special close friend. But take a long deep breath and try to relax and just focus on what you truly need.

Before chemo I had a ECHO, CT, PET, MRI, US, and mammogram. And I always had a CBC and metabolic panel done the morning the day before chemo. It just depends on your Doctor. You may want to have your teeth cleaned before chemo. Your MO will tell you what you need and when. I also had my flu shot and my pneumonia shot but that has to be worked in around the chemo, ask your MO. They will get you going.

I play games on my iPhone, read, cook, whatever works really. I made a necklace for a friend for Easter the other day. But it is best to stay busy, and keep your mind busy too. Exercise is great, or maybe a new hobby. Everyone finds a way to cope. So come here often, you will find everything you need here. But time spent worrying does not change the process or the outcome. But you can do this.

Read through the other chemo threads, you will find a lot of help from the others that have started before you. Just ask, you will have a lot of help. Take care, let me know if there is anything I can you with. Cheryl

GingerChi

Looks like I'll be joining the April crew too! I saw my MO and she'll recheck me on 4/7 to decide if I'm healed enough to start chemo. I'll be 6 weeks post BMX then. This week I have a consult with a surgeon for the port.....then bone density test, Echocardiogram, and chest x-ray. MO's suggested treatment is AC (1x every 2 weeks for 2 months) then TH (1x per week for 12 weeks), then H. She's going to try and get my insurance company to approve Perjeta as well.

I'm nervous and knew it was coming, but consulting with the MO made it seem very real all of a sudden. I'm taking one thing at a time. Right now my biggest worries are going under the knife again for the port, and if the echogram is going to hurt my incision!!

I went wig shopping yesterday...didn't buy but got an idea on what I'd like. My insurance covers one, so I'm going for it. Not sure how often I'll wear it, but at least I'll have that option!

Lynne, your haircut Is really cute!! I know what you mean about your hairdresser....my cousin is mine and she hasn't volunteered to do the shaving when the time comes...so I'm not going to ask her.

Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences. Big hugs to those starting treatment this week!!

Beachbum1023

Hi Ginger, I have a new ECHO every three months, and my port is on the left side. I have never had a issue with the ECHO. I find it rather relaxing. The room is darkened, and the techs always answer any questions I have during the test. They usually take about 50 minutes, then I see my Cardiologist right after it. Nice fast results!

The port incision is very small, about 1", and I had no issues with it. I had it done at noon and went home as soon as I was awake. I worked 10 hours the day after. The annoying thing is the seat belt strap in my car. I have a cute small stuffed puppy that rides under my seat belt and keeps it off my port. And he makes me smile, a good thing!

Good Luck, you got this! Cheryl

Beachbum1023

Hi KBeee, so sorry you are back in line at the chemo bar! But I will be joining the chemo line again soon. Great advice on the water, water, water, it served me well through AC/T. I still drink like a camel

I forgot to add Biotene mouthwash, it helped me, no sores!! And I always took a freezer ice pack to put on my neck during the infusions, and never had the headache. Maybe good for you too.

It sounds like you are planning a party with all of your friends at chemo! Nice. and wonderful support. I always wore a bedazzled tiara to chemo. I told me nurses it had super powers. Yep a little crazy, but the laughs were so worth it. Then all 5 of the infusion nurses started to wear them every time I went to chemo, Tiara Tuesday! Maybe you need a little fun for your chemo group........just sayin. It was great fun. I even wore my tiara to my last day at rads. The Doctors and techs were cracking up when I went in to change and came out in a gown and tiara doing my happy dance. I find a little humor goes a very long way.

Take care, I hope you have your cancer killing butt kicking boots ready to go! I wish you the best. Cheryl

littleblueflowers

Thank you so much for being so kind and encouraging. Ok....attaching suspenders to big girl panties now to keep them up. Deep breath. Hugs to us all....

Supernannymom

Hi LK, and SheShe!

Thank you for the advice and encouragement! We are in this together, and that is why we are here!!!

KBee! I am headed to the chair on Thursday morning...first round of AC. The anticipation of it all can be overwhelming. but I really try to use mental discipline and focus on the now. I will focus on Thursday when I get there...if that makes any sense!

So I ordered an embroidered bag from ebay, and I am putting all of my chemo stuff in it. Lip balm, snacks, ect... I figured I would make a special bag for me to use- and just keep it full with things I need. That way I have one 'go to' place. I will keep you posted with how it works.

My port, which I received last Thursday is healing but still gets sore. The thought of someone sticking a needle in it is less than amusing.

This week: Pet scan, blood test, follow-up with surgeon and then off to the first dose of AC in 'the chair'. I wish you all a wonderful week!

sheshe3

Hi littleblueflowers, thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way for your test today.

Hi supernanny, I'm in the chair with you on Thursday. I can't remember where I read this, but it seems there is a topical tx cream to numb port site before chemo. Has anyone heard of this?

Welcome gingerchi!

KBeee

Little blue, let us know how the test goes. I know they are necessary, but they produce anxiety!

sheshe and suppernanny, good luck on Thursday...wishing you maximum cancer killing and minimal side effects.

Ginger, welcome...sorry you have to be here! I hope you can find a nice wig. I love mine. It is the hair style I always wanted but my finiky hair never would cooperate!

Pty parties are welcome here. We all getnit. There will be good days and bad. If we can vent here, it shields our family from some of it.

I am at MO's office now. In waiting room before blood draw and appointment

x1mel

Well, I just got a call & my chemo starts tomorrow! I guess I don't need any tests or a port. I will be getting Taxol & Cytoxan once every 3 weeks. I am ready to put this behind me.

lovlilynne

Hi April Ladies, thinking of all of you that are starting this week. Wishing minimal/no SEs for you all.

LK - thanks for that tip, that's a good one. I'm usually so much into the details on these medical things, but for some reason, I just don't want to know. I probably would run screaming if I truly knew what these chemo drugs are doing to my body. I have been a very healthy person all my life. I had never had any anesthesia before bc surgery. I get a cold about 1x a year (and work through it). I sleep well. I am regular. This is going to make me sicker than I have ever been in my life. That thought alone makes me want to skip the whole thing.

KB - can't wait to see pictures of the big shave. How was the swim meet?

DH and I had a nice getaway. I surprised him with a cooking class for dinner on Saturday night. It's actually a demonstration at a cooking school, and they feed you the menu that they demonstrate. This one was about pairing wine with seafood. It was great, and he was surprised and touched.

I bought a cap/hat thing at a thrift shop we went to for $2. I also got some earrings - I'll post a picture when I get a chance. I feel funny buying things for when I have chemo when I don't know yet 100% that I will be doing chemo, but I figure I can always use earrings and hats!

I took off the last steri-strip over my incision. It's looking good. Still numb, though, at the incision site, and still a big, hard lump right underneath it.

Question for the BTDT - what's the deal with your nails during chemo? Polish (dark/black) or not? I read somewhere to do it that it helps, and then I read that you can't have dark polish because of monitoring your oxygen saturation level during treatment.

One week away from team meeting/treatment plan. This will be a busy week - I have several after-work commitments, and I'll be preparing for spring breakfast at my house on Sunday.

Lynne

www.workingmom2three.com

lovlilynne

Sheshe - forgot to add, yes, there is a creme, you get a script for it from dr., I believe it has lidocain in it, and you put it on about 1 hour before appt. and cover port with press and seal or plastic wrap to keep it on site and away from clothes. Def ask your doctor about it.

KBeee

The cream for the port is called Emla cream (I think). I did not have a port last time.

Lynne, Glad you enjoyed your getaway!

x1Mel, We'll be in the chair together tomorrow. I'll toast you with my water!

Nails....Taxol and Taxotere can be hard on nails. I ice during treatment to help prevent it. Clear it with your MO first. I have read that they can become more sensitive to light on those drugs too, and dark polish is supposedto help. Last time I did ice, but did not use dark polish. I lostone toenail and no fingernails.

lovlilynne

Thanks Kbee - I've heard about the ice, but honestly the idea of ice on my hand or feet is not desirable! I'm always cold, and my feet are always freezing, so putting ice anywhere on my body - I'd have to be in 90 degree+ and having a hot flash, and even then I might defer to a cool cloth :-) I even skip ice in my drinks most of the time. I'm thinking I'll try the popsicle route for my mouth.

-Lynne

Beachbum1023

lovlilynne, I did not ice my nails, and I am ok with that. They did turn funky colors, but they have all grown out except for my two big toenails. They are about 50% right now. You can try some clear polish with a tint or fun glitter for sparkle for the summer. I just thought I had bigger fish to fry than worry about it. What chemo are you going on? Popsicles are great, lots of flavor, and I never had mouth sores. I used Biotene mouthwash also, big help. Good Luck!

allicat1214

Hi ladies! Good luck to all starting this week!

I just got a call that I was able to get into my clinic's weekly Chemotherapy Class this afternoon! So I'll be taking notes and asking lots of questions!!

I'm still on fence about which way to go: CT or CMF. Maybe I can get several questions answered this afternoon that will enlighten me.

Good luck to all!

Supernannymom

Hi SheShe my MO prescribed a lidocaine cream...she said to put it on 1 hour before my appointment and cover it with saran wrap. She said they will clean it off at the center!

Beachbum1023

SheShe ask for the lidocaine cream, it works great. I never felt a thing. I also use it when I have to go for my monthly port flush.

GingerChi

Thanks for the reassurance Cheryl!!

I love all of the tips being posted...I'm getting my chemo bag ready!!

Good luck tomorrow x1mel...let us know how it goes!! I see We're both from Bama!!

sheshe3

Thanks kbeee, lovilynn, beachbum, and supernanny for answer on the Emla lidocaine cream! I have put in an email request for the prescription. Hope I hear back before chemo day.

sheshe3

Kbeee and x1mel, good luck tomorrow with chemos. My thoughts and prayers for you.

Copperlisa

Count me in for April. I start on the 20th with Cytoxan, Taxotere and a side of Neulasta. I'd start sooner, but I have a new fashion accessory that is attached right now. My wound vac and I are good friends for the next little bit, as it tries to convince my skin that it really ought to adhere to the muscle again! Med onco says he won't start without the vac being gone a couple of weeks, so I'd best kick it in gear. I'm going to be proactive and take the shoulder length hair back to my 1 1/2 inch spike this week. It's a lot easier to lose that way. Wishing y'all the best of luck as we roll into April on Wednesday.

littleblueflowers

KBeeee and sheshe...thanks so much for the encouragement! My CT was clear and tumor markers within normal range, so I will be heading to the chemo bar April 9 the same day I get my port in. I really don't know what I would do without you all! On a non BC note, right after I got the good news about my scan, my husband got a call that his helicopter went down with only one survivor who is in very critical condition. Wondering if I can send all the prayers and good thoughts everyone has sent me to the survivor that he can fight to live. Does that make sense? I feel so blessed and great ful and lifted up. Sorry to go off all rambling...good thoughts for health and strength to you all Xoxoxox

Beachbum1023

Hi littleblueflowers, Congrats on the clear CT and tumor markers!! That is great news.

I am so sorry about the helicopter accident. I do hope that your husband is ok. I will send a ton of hugs and well wishes to the survivor.

littleblueflowers

thank you so much beachbum! That means the world to us! Xoxox