Chemo in July 2015

sureCat

My first chemo is July 1.  This is my second time with breast cancer. ACT every 2 weeks. I just hope I don't get as sick as I did 5 years ago. I had a bad allergic reaction from the iodine used to insert my port last week. It is still really red. I hope they will be able to start on July 1.

theearthlaughsinflowers

Thanks Peabrain😊 It'sinteresting that we have the same treatment plan even though we have different diagnoses. Its not ACT the whole time. It's A&C every other week for 2 months (4 cycles) then T every week for 3 months (12 cycle). Then I will have a month break before I start radiation then hormone therapy.

I don't know anyone who's done the same treatment, in fact I don't know anybody who has gone through this at all! That's why it's so nice to have this group. Thanks Michelle for starting it!

Mary- I feel the same way about vomiting. I'm so scared! And the diarrhea- I don't want to feel like I can't get out of the house. I don't take a lot of medications normally but I am ready to take whatever can help me with side effects.

Michelle- was it you who said you will shave your hair on the fourth? I'm thinking about getting a cute haircut (my daughter thinks I should do a fun color too!) before chemo starts. Something that I might not normally try because why not? It's only temporary!

I'd like to get a chemo kit ready and some caps and scarves too so I'd love to keep hearing ideas!

: ) Pam

Yoxter123

hi Ladies , hoping I can join this group , chemo delayed until today as had a few problems with drain site . First dose AC done yay! Have found this site so helpful with all the advice and information on it ... Nurses hadn't heard about clarityne with neulasta but got the go ahead to use it.Doing AC dose dense X 4 followed by Taxol / Herceptin weekly for 12 weeks.

Hope to get thru by mid November as my daughter is getting married in Sydney...( we live in Australia) ...wil have to find a really good wig as she is getting married on the harbour ..very windy....already having nightmares that I will have wig on sideways, eyebrows smudged and false eyelashes falling off in mother of the bride pics !!

Feeling ok 2 hours after first dose .....mild headache ...fingers crossed.........suggestions for chemo bag so helpful

Nurses very positive about avoiding vomiting - I had Emend ,Aloxi and dexamethasone pre chemo and have dex, odansetron wafers and metocopramide(don't know the US names for these) and they are pretty confident that I should avoid vomiting!!

Healing thoughts to everyone ......

inkster

Hi, Yoxter123! Welcome!

I'm sorry for the nightmares, but that image totally cracked me up. And echoed some of my own thoughts (what if my eyebrows are crooked and no one tells me? or I glue my eyes shut with the fake eyelashes? or I break out on my head - what color foundation do you use for scalp?). Hope you find the perfect and sturdy wig.

Glad to hear that you were feeling okay shortly after. How are you doing now?

inkster

BTW Peabrain - LOVE the squid hat!

michele123

Hi guys, well I had my port put in this morning and thankfully...it went very smoothly! I feel a little sore in the neck area but not bad at all. No pain at all during the procedure at all...i was so nervous because they said I would be awake, but they give you something to calm and relax you and it sure did. Thanks goodness. Tomorrow is the big day...day one...I am praying that it goes as smoothly as today.

SureCat...are you ready for tomorrow as well? I will be thinking of you and if I am feeling up to it...I will definitely post how it goes!

Pam...yes, I am pretty sure I will have my head shaved at our family camp on the fourth of july surrounded by my family. I am going to ask the chemo nurses tomorrow what they think of that idea, if they think it's a good idea..then it will be a go! I have bought some scarves and one cap but i am currently looking on etsy to see about getting some more. Do you guys think I am nuts??

LostLittle1

Hello from the June board. I started A/C on June 18. #2 is tomorrow. You ladies may want to check out the prior month boards to see what to expect. I did that and it helped A LOT. I've had some queasiness but never vomited and no diarrhea, actually the opposite..constipation.

michele123, I don't think you are nuts at all. I'm going to cut my hair back to about 1" tonight. I feel like I can't control anything else, but I CAN control when my hair goes. Plus its summer in Alabama so its friggin HOT.

Good luck, you've got this!!

Magnolia83

Popping in from the May board to say hello and give my support to all you ladies about to start! I have completed 4 dose dense AC and am moving on to 12 weekly Taxol/Herceptin/Perjeta next week. I am also working full-time throughout (with a lot of work from home days and a lot of nights of going to bed at 7pm!), so don't worry, you can still live life while on chemo...albeit with a few adjustments!

It's so scary at first but you will become an expert shortly. I wish there was more of a "cookie cutter" reaction to chemo but unfortunately we all react differently. Read through some previously months, there are tons of great tips and tricks for just about every side effect! The hair stuff is a bummer, but I can honestly say that the anticipation of it falling out was a lot worse than being bald (I buzzed it when it started pulling out like cotton candy...a few days after my 2nd treatment). I am so used to wearing my wig now, or my little head covers (I bought a few Buffs from Amazon...that is the brand name if you want to look them up. Tons of cute colors/patterns, and you can wear them like 10 different ways! I am thinking I will still get use out of them after my hair grows back..if I decide not to burn them! Lol). And at home I just go bald...my boyfriend is used to it at this point and so am I....so believe me when I say, you'll get there!

Aside from the advice of taking all your meds to a T, if you like ginger, stock up on ginger candies, ale, teas for any nausea (I like Gin Gins candies because I can keep them on me at all times!). The Biotene products and the salt/baking soda in water to swish with really do help mouth issues.

Make sure you eat a lot of fiber if you have constipation issues, and take your stool softeners!!! Can't recommend that highly enough. I also suggest having some of those wet toilet paper wipes handy for any bathroom issues...I never used them before but I have them stashed in every bathroom now!

Hydration is huge...I know everyone says that, but it's true. I thought that would be no big deal since I am a big water drinker anyway....until water started tasting like dirt!! If this happens to you as well, be creative with your hydration sources...fruit like watermelon will hydrate you, eat soups for meals, etc. I personally found that sparkling water/juices were easier to drink....I think the bubbles trick my tongue

Please know that while not the most fun, this is DOABLE! There may be some bad days, but I promise there will be some good ones too. Utilize this board to vent, ask questions, get support, and laugh! I wish nothing but good luck to each and every one of you!

mdoc524

Courtleboo & Peabrain - thanks - had Chemo class with nurse today & she went over the 5 drugs they give you for nausea/vomiting! I feel much better! And I agree they do not want you to experience side effects especially the vomiting!! ZOFRAN was one of the drugs 👍👍

sureCat

I received zofran and compazine. I am leary of zofran. I had a bad reaction from ultram and I think it is related. What do you take?

courtleboo

Success with my picc line today. Was not as bad as I imagined in my head. Tomorrow is the BIG day. Michele123 and Surecat good luck!

Juli24

Hi all! My name is Julie. I am 62 years old, 3 kids (sons 35 & 29, daughter 32). Triple positive, stage 2. Port put in today...can't feel anything there yet but it is bandaged well since they left the needle in. I start chemo in the morning. Not really scared.....more anxious. This is a battle I never wanted to fight but intend to win with the help of God, my awesome care team and great support group! I packed a "chemo bag" and it looks like I am moving in!! Most bulky item, my blanket. I realize they provide warmed blankets but I love mine so thought it might help. Surgeon today told me to suck on hard candy when they flush my line. We were able to take a pre-planned family trip to Cancun between this and my original surgery a month ago. Managed, for the most part, to not think too much. I'm can be my worst enemy sometimes. Was a great family bonding time!

I am including all of you in my prayers and will share any tips I get. Hugs to all! Julie

inkster

Good luck to all of you starting the chemo path today! I'll be thinking about you.

mdoc524

Thinking about all starting Chemo today - hope it went well! Stay strong 💪🏻💪🏻👍😀

mdoc524

sureCat - have not started yet & have never taken Zofran & not too sure about ultram! Maybe talk over the difference with your nurse to see which will be best for you

michele123

Ok, so....I finished my first treatment at just about 1:30 and it's 4:40 now...feeling great! It was a piece of cake! Yesterday I had my port put in and that was a little sore and made sleeping a bit uncomfortable, but today, they had to access the port of course, so when they took off the bandages...i was way more comfortable! They said it might be very sensitive when they put in the needle, but it was not bad at all. Felt like a regular quick poke like when you get an iv started. Then after that all the blood work and meds went though that....so painless! I had no funny feelings or strange tastes yet, but that probably gets worse with each treatment?? I did get cold, but they had nice warmed blankets and a heated chair and i brought a nice fuzzy blanket that my friend made me so I was nice and warm! So i am hoping that JillyB, Courtleboo and sureCat (if you were able to start today??) had just as good of an experience!! Littletatas...how is treatment two????? Please let us know! and Yoxter123 how is day two going?? I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers....Stay Strong everyone and Smile lots...even when it's hard!!

mdoc524

Great to hear Michele - hope those side effects stay away & hope everyone else that started today also had a good day!

Peabrain

I am jealous of your port. It seems like such a convenient way to do these hundreds of needle sticks. But my doctor feels that it is yet another surgery too near the BMX site and introduces risk with the vein/artery? where they have to set it.

And with the clump of lymph nodes they took from the left side, that side is in danger of lymph edema, so no blood pressure, no IVs, no blood draws, no chemo on that side.

So I'm afraid my right arm is going to look like I'm a junkie and they'll have to revert to giving me my chemo between my toes.

In fairness, my doctor has said that if it is all too much or if my right side veins become uncooperative, that he will go with a port, but I wish (careful what I wish for...) I could just have one from the beginning

dchavy

Hi everyone,

I'm Dawn, 40 year old mom of an 11 year old son. My treatment plan got flipped around as of yesterday. Originally I was going to have bmx/sentinal lymph node done then chemo and possibly rads. Now I am having sentinal nodes done tomorrow, port on Monday and chemo starting Wednesday July 8th. I am struggling with wrapping my head around the new plan as it happened so quickly. It's funny because I was so frustrated with what seemed like endless waiting but now that things are moving and treatment is just around the corner I'm full of anxiety. This too shall pass I'm sure.

I will be getting AC every other week for 8 weeks then possibly T for another 8 weeks depending on the nodes outcome.

I look forward to getting to know you all and hope that everyone's treatments go smoothly.

Yoxter123

hi everyone, well day two /three (I am in Australia so time ahead of you - when is day 1 is it chemo day ??)

Michele 123 - So far so good...... Had clarytine pre neulasta which seems to be doing great ..some aches but not too bad........hands and feet became very hot and red last night ...thank goodness for these discussion boards... Was able to check in for advice ......made strange sock holder(DH's) to hold ice blocks on feet and cuddled hand blocks.....worked real well all calmed down today

Was called in yesterday for neck Node FNB as one one scan in neck looked " active" - had ongoing concerns R side since BMX followed by axillary clearance for staging following 1 micromet sentinel node...luckily 0/22.......R wound very slow to heal...lovely drain I named Dorothy remained in for six weeks finally out last week! BS and Onc both hopeful that this is Reactive response to all infection and problems healing but need to be sure for staging ...... Many prayers being offered that this is true......

Michele 123 - so glad your first day was good hope all going well today ? Thinking of you!

Inkster - thanks for kind wishes..... We are all going to be here for each other...thinking of you too!

To all the others out there in internet land sure at, theearthlaughsinflowers( hay we are on the same regime!) , mcdoc524 gentle hugs and many positive thoughts to you alll

Managing ok ....... thoughts and prayers with everyone on this journey

We can beat this !

Leighrh

Just popping in from March to wish all you ladies well!  It's a ride..... but you can do it!!!

Mary, I just wanted to let you know that I have acrylic nails and have kept them through treatment.  I do not get them done when I know my white cells are taking a dive, but I have not had any problems with fills or anything.  I am now doing weekly Taxol and keeping them for now but MO says I might have to give them up toward the end.

theearthlaughsinflowers

So glad to hear all the good starts so far!

Michele- I don't think you are crazy at all about shaving your head with family on the 4th. I think it's a great idea! As my daughter says "you will rock a bald head!"

I'm going today to do something fun with my hair. Why not right? Right now it is past shoulder length and blonde. Thinking a short messy bob or a pixie and maybe pink or platinum! It's all going to be gone soon anywa so why not have some fun?! And as soon as it stars to go I will also shave it. : )

Hope those who started this week are continuing to feel well

courtleboo

Yesterday went so well. I was so nervouse about starting treatment. No major side effects. The little ones I do have are manageable: fatigue, dry mouth, and a little bit of dizziness with my anti nausea medicine. Hope all went well with the others who started yesterday.

theearthlaughsinflowers

magnolia83 Thank you for the Buff recommendation. I would not have know about that otherwise! I ordered 2 from Amazon and already got them. Love them!

mdoc524

leighrh - thanks so much for popping in & sharing that you still get nails done! I was planning to play by ear! I have been going to same place & same nail girl for 10 years! I hate it when I don't have nails - if acrylic not on my cuticles crack & bleed!

?? I assume you know your WBC is low from the blood work each time - right?

courtleboo - glad you had a good 1st day - hope those side effects stay minimal

Stay Strong All

Mary

hartrish

Hi Everyone. I start 4 rounds of TC on July 9th. Had my port put in last Friday. The port site was really sore for 2-3 days but feels better now.

Have any of you iced your hands and feet to prevent nail problems and neuropathy? If so, can you share your icing method.

inkster

Theearthlaughsinflowers, you and I think a lot alike: right after I found out I was going to start chemo, I had my fabulous neighbor cut my long, dark hair into a pixie and bleach it platinum. It is so much fun! I returned to work for the two weeks between surgery recovery and the beginning of chemo and got lots of high fives (and hugs from those who asked me why; otherwise I didn't tell people). I say go for it! If you hate it, practice your scarves early.

inkster

I was curious about the Buff you guys were talking about and found this amazing video showing all the ways to wear it.

http://www.buffwear.com/ways-to-wear

And the colors available are phenomenal! I may have to take my scarves back and just go with these.

Leighrh

yes Mary. I did AC every three weeks. And that second week my whites would take a dive. But come back up the next week. I go to the same place too. I've had zero problems.

WannaBePositive

At the very least, your "doctor" needs to go back to medical school, talk to a colleague, or read the medical literature are ports and port placements. He is putting you through NEEDLESS pain. You should tell him that it is your right to have an access port, and should he still resist, tell him you will have the issue put before the hospital's Ethics Board or write a letter of condemnation to the hospital's President or the Chief of the Medical Staff (or the equivalent). If, however, he runs his own infusion room or is a physician working from a small office, you will notify your state's Medical Board. All that said, I would strongly urge that you find another oncologist. I am a recurrence patient who will be starting chemo next Tuesday. Therefore, I know how difficult it can be to leave an oncologist and to locate a better one. Try asking anyone who does not work for or with this cruel, insensitive, power egoist for suggestions. You might start by looking over those cancer specialists accepted by your insurance. You can try online recommendations but be careful, b/c you will want several reviewers. Do not accept being a walking pincushion struggling with a disease he would never wish on the females he loves. You can bet he would work with doctors who specialize in port placements to do so for any of those women. I wonder if he knows that ports can be placed in your arm. The head oncologist at the hospital for my initial cancer wanted arm placement for all BC patients, but my infusion nurses advised the chest. I am glad I took their advice. But I had a choice between no port and arm port I would go with the arm w/o question!

PS Listen to your nurses and ask them about any concern or problem. They have never given me bad advice; they cared about me and all my uncertainties. They are on the front line and ego doe not get in the way of what is best for YOU!!!

My heart goes out to you. You have been brave and endured enough pain. Your demented doctor needs to hear these two things, and if he does not get the message make sure that those he must account to do hear it. You are stronger than this poor excuse of a "caregiver." Wishing you better in the future.