Dreading tomorrow

JustDiagnosedToday

I'm seeing a Oncologist for the first time tomorrow. I haven't been prepared for any of this from day one 12/17/2014. But having chemotherapy has been the worst thing to accept!!! Any advice ladies???

SelenaWolf

Sit down this evening and write down any questions that you have regarding your diagnosis and treatment. Ask for a copy of your Pathology Report if you don't already have it and have the MO go over it with you, so that you can understand the findings completely. Take someone with you; having an extra pair of ears can be a godsend. Ask about the drugs that your MO will be using and why he/she chose them. Have them explain the risks/benefits of your proposed treatment plan and how these risks/benefits pertain to you.

Chemotherapy is hard, but do-able. You can get through this.

Moderators

Hi JustDiagnosedToday,

In addition to SelenaWolf's great advice, you may be interested in checking out the main Breastcancer.org site's page on Talking to Your Doctor About Chemotherapy for some tips on what to ask.

We hope this helps!

--The Mods

Sam2U

You can do this!!!  Chemo is not fun, but it is doable. 

Amandajb

I had my first Chemo on Friday. You can do it, I've had a tough few days but now my symptoms are settling I'm ready to fight this. I wasn't prepared just read up on what I was having, listened to the nurses and doctors. Just wear layers and take a blanket, reading material and drinks. All the best xx

Beachbum1023

JustDiagnosedToday, Welcome to the group, you will have a lot of support here 24/7. And you will have real time honest answers to all of your questions. Ask the MO what cocktail you would be having and why. Ask if it is dense dose. Ask about all of the side effects that would apply to your cocktail. What tests have you already had? Do you have copies of everything so far? Will you need a port? How soon will chemo start? What test will you be having before chemo? Ask about any issues that may be a permanent side effect. Are you having radiation or surgery? Have you seen the Breast Surgeon or Plastic Surgeon if needed? Have your MO explain your test results. Take a second pair of ears to listen and write down info. Or record it on your smartphone. Ask anything, visit the threads and you will have answers from all of the wonderful Ladies here. Good Luck!

Missy328

I was scared, too. One of my premeds is IV benadryl and it makes me soooo sleepy! Just keep that in mind to possibly have someone go with you or leave time for rest afterwards. Other than that, they have great meds for nausea. Make sure you're thoroughly hydrated one to two days before chemo and a few days after (to flush the kidneys). I agree with all of the above for your MO appt, I have a binder with dividers for each "topic". Medication handouts, lab results, dr/nurses info/cards, pathology/results, your medication list, paper for notes, etc. best of luck

Beachbum1023

Sorry Just, I forgot you can check all of the chemo info at www.chemocare.com. It is from the Cleveland Clinic.

JustDiagnosedToday

thanks ladies!!! I've had my binder since my first appt with my surgeon. I've already talked to her about the port. Something I'm making sure I receive. I've always had a phobia of needles(have no choice now). I have had someone with me at every appointment I go to. Seems like I just listen and try to take everything in. He always ask the questions for me, while I'm writing the answers. As I read other people's stories with similar diagnosis, everyone is different on the side effects. From day one, loosing my hair has been so hard to comprehend.

Beachbum1023

Hi JustDiagnosedToday, Oh the hair, I get that one. I am not a hat or scarf person, so I had a real human hair wig custom made before I started chemo. It matches my old style and color, nobody even knew it was a wig. They just thought I changed the color So having said that, I figured it out, and the cost while expensive was only about a $100 different than I would have spent on my own hair for 12 months. But the wig is super soft, and I only have to wash and flat iron once a week or so. So way worth it to me. I wear her all day every day, and she looks great. So I get the hair thingy. I will say during chemo and working, washing my wig once a week was super helpful when I felt awful and exhausted. Once less to thing to worry about. The best part, putting on a wig and being done in 60 seconds. So if having hair matters to you like it did to me, I would go for the wig.

As far as side effects go, there are plenty of others to deal with along the way. But you can do this, we will help you! Take Care!!

WinningSoFar

Maybe I'm unusual, but I couldn't wait to start chemo. Then I knew I was doing something to beat up that tumor and those circulating cells. I almost drove the oncologist staff crazy tring to get started one day earlier. I didn't know this at the time, but the actual infusion is no big deal as long as you get the premeds. I was surprised at how pleasurable the benedryl was (wow, I could do that all day!). The rest of it is more interesting than anything.

Then, I learned that it's about 3-4 days until the chemo effects hit me. It was more strange than uncomfortable. Funny shooting pains and fatigue. I never got nauseated as long as they gave me Amend.

The hair thing takes about two weeks and then you are baldish, then another two weeks and you are bald. I bought a number of wigs in different colors and styles and just tried to enjoy the differnt looks. I can't tell you how many times people would compliment me on my hair, certainly more with my wigs than I ever received for my real hair. Maybe there's a message there!

I don't look forward to chemo again, but I know I probably will have to do it again. I just try to do it with a sense of adventure.

mdg

Chemo was harder for me to accept than the BMX.  If you are worried about your hair, there are options.  I used cold caps and kept most of my hair.  No one could tell I was doing chemo or had cancer unless I told them.  It was nice to have some privacy while dealing with all of this.  Chemo was not fun, but it was doable for me.  I never got nausea at all which shocked me.  I had some tired days, but I managed to workout 5 days a week through chemo.  Good luck!