Chemo in July 2015

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  • mdoc524
    mdoc524 Member Posts: 336
    edited July 2015

    hi Batesburg - glad you found us & Welcome - don't think we have anyone yet in July on your specific plan - sounds interesting! You might want to browse on some of the previous month chemo threads too to see if maybe others have been on a plan similar to yours & the moderators might also have some suggestions! We here will support you thru it - together we can all make it thru this! 😀👍🙌❤️

    Keep us posted

    Mary

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  • gargengirl09
    gargengirl09 Member Posts: 46
    edited July 2015

    My husband is not very good with anything medical related. The "hospital time" is hard for him…..It's better for me if he doesn't come. The last time I had surgery, I sent him out of the my pre-op room. He was making me crazy! My friends are great! Hang in there!

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  • gargengirl09
    gargengirl09 Member Posts: 46
    edited July 2015

    Had my first AC on June 30. Felt kind of off for the next four days. I stopped taking the Decadron. It gave me a horrible migraine type headache. Once I stopped that, I slept through the night!! i'm hoping I don't have to take that again. It was awful!

    I'm feeling pretty good now. Going to venture out to Target. So far, my hair hasn't started falling out. :-) I'm a little more tired, but other than that, I feel ok. I took Claritin for prevention of bone pain after the Neulasta injection. Thankfully it worked!

    Hope you all are doing well.



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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2015

    Hi all -- sorry we're a little late jumping in here with this info, but for you, and all who join this group, we wanted to provide some helpful links, starting with the main Breastcancer.org site's section on Chemotherapy, including info on what to expect with chemo, types of chemo meds, and side effect management. Also, the Treatment Side Effects section is a great resource for tips to help manage any side effects you may experience.

    There are some really helpful key threads here in the Chemo forum too! Great tips and practical advice on the following discussion board threads:

    Also, Last Month's Chemo thread might be informative!

    Hope you find this helpful!

    --Your Mods

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  • Cheesequake
    Cheesequake Member Posts: 264
    edited July 2015

    Hi all, I thought I was on the June bus, but my June 30 chemo failed when they couldn't access my port and I wouldn't let them into my arm. It's now rescheduled to start on July 17.

    I'll be doing Herceptin once every three weeks for a year, and Taxotere and Carboplatin once every three weeks for six infusions.

    I'm gonna give Elasto-Gel chemo caps, gloves and slippers a shot, even though the infusion nurse has already scoffed at it and said she's seen plenty and they didn't work (for hair, at least).

    Good luck to all of us!

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  • ThePrincess
    ThePrincess Member Posts: 424
    edited July 2015

    Cheesequake - my MO is doing a study on the slippers/gloves to prevent neuropathy in hands and feet on Taxol - they are at 100% success in the patients before me! tips: put them on 15 mins prior and keep them on 15 mins after taxotere - she also switches me to a newly fresh set after 45 mins to keep it cold.

    Good luck!

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  • Cheesequake
    Cheesequake Member Posts: 264
    edited July 2015

    Thanks for that Princess! Interestingly the Elasto-Gel packaging specifically mentions nail toxicity with Taxotere. It doesn't say anything about neuropathy but I'm very hopeful. I don't tolerate cold well so it's going to be some work on my part to handle it well enough for it to be effective. I'll be investing in lots of dry ice over the next several months...

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  • melinda531
    melinda531 Member Posts: 27
    edited July 2015

    Hi gargengirl09,

    Just wondering.....did you take the Claritin starting the day you got the Neulasta shot and then for how many days after? I had thought you wait until the bone pain sets in to take it but I read today that if you take it the day of the shot it prevents the pain. But then I wasn't sure how many days afterward to keep taking it. Any thoughts?

    Thanks,

    Melinda

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  • gargengirl09
    gargengirl09 Member Posts: 46
    edited July 2015

    Melinda

    I took it right before I went to get the shot. The day before, the nurse said it to take it the day of the shot and for the next few days. I'm still taking it at night. Almost forgot one night, and had some bone pain. I might try and see how it goes if I don't take it tonight. Tomorrow will be one week. Good luck!


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  • mdoc524
    mdoc524 Member Posts: 336
    edited July 2015

    welcome cheesequake - sorry for your port issues - your more than welcome to our July group!

    Welcome gargengirl09 - we will count you in for July too since you started so late in June 👍

    powerthruit & inkster - hope you are still doing well since Monday's treatment 😎 and all that started last week - hoping everyone is side effect free

    And for those scheduled rest of the week - thinking of you - good luck - dchavy, want2Bcamping, bjsmiller, melinda53, hartrish, theearthlaughsinflowers & sandi211 - WE GOT THIS!! 💪🏻💪🏻❌⭕️

    Have a great night!

    Mary


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  • melinda531
    melinda531 Member Posts: 27
    edited July 2015

    Gargengirl09, thanks so much for the advice! I keep hearing they have so much medicine to control the nausea but next to that part the bone pain scares me! Good to know there's hope that I can minimize that :)

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  • rosesrx
    rosesrx Member Posts: 458
    edited July 2015

    Cheesequake, I am also doing TC + H. I had infusion # 3 on June 30th. Using the Elasto-Gel mitts and booties. Happy to report that there has been no nail changes or neuropathy. Now tolerating the cold...after about 15 min things get so cold they burn so I pretend that I am standing in burning sand at the beach. I do take my hands out to get ice to keep in my mouth. It was my MO that scoffed at me. The nurses are really supportive Remember it is only for the Taxotere infusion. Bring your blanket, I had lots of questions last time which took my mind off of how uncomfortable things were. I am sorry about the port issues and am proud of you advocating for yourself. I didn't use the cap but have heard and seen pics that is is effective.

    The mods provided excellent links. but specifically about the hair....starts the major shed around day 14=16 after first chemo infusion and keeps falling out for a couple / few weeks after. After having mine buzzed I used a sticky lint roller to keep the strays at bay.

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  • theearthlaughsinflowers
    theearthlaughsinflowers Member Posts: 23
    edited July 2015

    inkster & powerthruit~ I've been thinking of you both, how are you feeling?


    sandi211~ we are starting the same day & same treatment. I finished work for the week so now I can focus on getting ready for Friday. I have some of my meds already but need a few more OTC things and want to stock up on the foods people recommend. I'm also trying to decide if I should bring a project (crochet or knitting or drawing). Has anybody else brought something new to do to keep their minds busy? I have to admit I'm getting a little nervous but I think it's mostly the fear of the unknown. How are you feeling about Friday?


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  • michele123
    michele123 Member Posts: 17
    edited July 2015

    Hi all and welcome to all the newcomers!! A huge thanks to Mary for keeping me up to date with everyone's start dates and treatment types!!! At least we don't have to do this alone!! Its been just about a week since my first treatment and it really was not bad at all. Infusion day was a piece of cake and then day two and three I was beat and didn't eat a real lot but nothing bad at all....and each day since then has been even better!! No side effects from the nulesta (I'm sure I spelled that wrong...sorry) shot yet either....so I'm hoping that means I won't get any?? Maybe wishful thinking?? As for my hair.....on the morning of the fourth surrounded by lots and lots of family...my 24 year old daughter shaved my head (with a little help from my 7 year old daughter as well....she got to take a few swipes) while we facetimed with my 25 year old daughter so she didn't miss it either!! It was awesome....so glad I did it...I was anxious right up until I sat down in the chair and then it just felt good.... My hair...my time!! Knowing its gone is much better to me than living with the anticipation of when and how it would fall out....now I don't care :). Keeping you all in my prayers....stay strong and ☺

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  • theearthlaughsinflowers
    theearthlaughsinflowers Member Posts: 23
    edited July 2015

    Michele~ I'm so glad to hear your first week was manageable! And I love your hair story! How wonderful to be surrounded by so much love and support. Are you comfortable going out bald or are you covering up? My daughter (15) thinks I'll be able to do it with or without a coverand show people how strong I am. Bless her~ I hope I don't let her down. Did you take Claritin to help with the nuelasta or were you SE free without it?

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  • michele123
    michele123 Member Posts: 17
    edited July 2015

    Theearthlaughsnflowers....no I didn't take the claritin because my MO said most don't have side effects but she gave me the ok to take it if I wanted....I decided to chance it and so far...nothing 😊 As for my head....I am not comfortable going out (or even around the house!!) without a scarf or cap....mainly because my hair (what's left) is very gray!!!!! And I feel old!!!! But it seems silly to dye a quarter inch if hair that will likely fall out in a week....so....scarves it is!!! And I am very blessed to be surrounded by enormous supporters.... Later in the afternoon on the day I did my hair...my sisters and sister in laws and nieces all presented me with a ton of beautiful scarves and caps!!!! So nice!! ❤

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  • inkster
    inkster Member Posts: 93
    edited July 2015

    Hi all - first treatment yesterday and it went pretty well. I had a friend hang out with me and the time flew by (she's that kind of a friend). Thus far the only issues I've had are heartburn from the day-before-day-of-day-after steroid and just feeling run down, which comparatively rocks. I did find chewable Alka Seltzer heartburn stuff at the grocery store and highly recommend it. It's not too bad, taste-wise, and super easy to keep handy.

    Best of luck and huge hugs to all of you, but will be thinking lots about the handful who also start this week. It's totally doable. :)

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  • lauragirl
    lauragirl Member Posts: 20
    edited July 2015

    Hi girls,

    Im 25 years old, just got diagnosed a month ago. Started on the chemos. Am on my second cycle now. Lost my mom 2 years ago to breast cancer. Its not the BRCA genes, we got that tested already. Feeling pretty down first had to see mum go through and now me. Life is really hard. Anyway all the best to everyone here, we got to get through this altogether.

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  • Kazzy115
    Kazzy115 Member Posts: 122
    edited July 2015

    Lauragirl,

    How tragic to have lost your mom at such a young age and then find yourself faced with the same disease such a short time later. I was saddened to hear and sorry you are facing this disease.

    I hope you have a strong support network of friends and family. Know that you can do this and that so many of us online will be here to listen.

    Sending hugs and healing energy and light and love to you.


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  • lauragirl
    lauragirl Member Posts: 20
    edited July 2015

    Thank you Kazzy115. I really do appreciate it. I have a good support system from my loved ones. Its just heartbreaking i guess. Sometimes I can't believe its happening all over again. Ive been reading this blog for a while took some courage but finally joined it. Was diagnosed with stage 2a invasive ductal carcinoma. Went for my second chemo cycle this week.

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  • Mamagrammy
    Mamagrammy Member Posts: 7
    edited July 2015

    Started July 7th. TC 6 cycles.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2015

    Welcome mamagrammy and lauragirl!

    You've found the BEST place for support here!

    Please keep us posted on how you're doing...

    --The Mods

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  • mdoc524
    mdoc524 Member Posts: 336
    edited July 2015

    Welcome lauragirl & Mamagrammy - glad you found us! We will get thru this together! Let us know how you are doing!

    Lauragirl - your story just broke my heart - losing your Mom so young & now faced with the same disease! We are here for you! Glad you found the courage to jump in & join us! If you are comfortable sharing - let us know what treatment you are doing!

    Inkster - so happy to hear your 1st treatment went well & you are doing OK 👍😀

    Mary

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  • Sher0402
    Sher0402 Member Posts: 51
    edited July 2015

    Hi,

    I will have my first chemo July 17th. Like Melissa, I am 45 and have a 15 year old and 11 year old and supportive husband. I will have 6 rounds of tchp then surgery and radiation plus herceptin for a year. Thankful for all the advice and suggestions I have read here!


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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited July 2015

    Tomorrow is my first dose of TC. I think I am prepared and have packed snacks, water cup, blanket, stuff to ice my hands and feet, lip balm, book, iPad, blanket.....etc, I hope I have no reactions tomorrow, a little nervous about that. Neulasta shot and IV fluids following day.

    Made my hair appt to buzz my hair on July 22 and get bangs cut on my wig. I ordered some Buffs to see if I like them better than scarves. Should be here by Saturday.

    Thanks for all the support and suggestions.


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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited July 2015

    melinda53 and bjmiller, looks like we all start our chemo on the same day, July 9th. I will be thinking of you both tomorrow during my chemo session. I wish both of you a smooth, non eventful chemo session.

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  • JillyB
    JillyB Member Posts: 18
    edited July 2015

    So I went for genetic testing on the recommendation from my oncologist. I got the results today and all tests came back negative. I believe they tested for 27. The geneticist told me that they do not know why I have breast cancer. She is sending me the report and I will be seeing the oncologist next Thursday.

    Has anyone else had experience with this? I am stumped and don't even know what questions to ask.

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  • melinda531
    melinda531 Member Posts: 27
    edited July 2015

    Thanks Hartrish for your well wishes for tomorrow! I feel like I'm finally ready.....had one meltdown earlier today but now feel ready to get this all started so it can be one step closer to over!!!! I will be thinking of you and bjsmiller tomorrow too and wishing all of us a side effect-free experience!!!!

    This group really has been helping me cope! It's so reassuring to hear how well everyone's doing after their treatments and the tips everyone's posted are great!!

    Here's wishing us all a wonderful weekend!

    Melinda

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  • dchavy
    dchavy Member Posts: 18
    edited July 2015

    I had my first AC treatment today and it went smoothly, not as scary as I thought. I got a bit weepy when the nurse flushed my port the first time I think because it's so weird, and I was watching. The rest of the treatment was very uneventful until about halfway through the cytoxin. I started getting a headache and also very sleepy. So sleepy, in fact, that I had to stay at the cancer center about 30 minutes after my treatment ended.

    I had a bit of a rough night with nausea but it seems to be under control now. I am feeling more like myself.

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  • RuthElizabeth
    RuthElizabeth Member Posts: 103
    edited July 2015

    hi, my name is Ruth, and I start AC on Monday. Then Tuesday, I have to go back for the neulasta shot. I'm only doing four treatments. And no discussion yet about a port.

    I haven't read the posts yet, but will. I had a second opinion yesterday and she recommended doing the treatment every 14 days instead of every 21. I haven't discussed this yet with my Dr, but would like to do the 14. Thanks

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