Starting Chemo December 2015

Cisco711

Hello to all the chemo warriors!

After two years on hormonal meds my doctor told me I needed to switch to chemo; needless to say, I wasn't exactly excited at the prospect. We started with Halaven but for my body it was a disaster...a full weekend in the hospital right before thanksgiving was a bummer. Doc told me he wanted to go with Taxiol/gemzar combo. I have been truly blessed to have been NED for 15 years, but the memory of chemo never goes away.

The good news: first treatment was today and I feel better than I have in months! I spent 5 hours in the chair because after the last treatment they are playing it safe. Ok with me! They gave me anti nausea and Benadryl so I slept a bit and read. Like Opt4Life I spent the day waiting for the shoe to drop but I am so relived to feel better.

As a returnee to chemo I can only tell you what worked for me: I found a hypnotherapist who was amazing. The first treatment I had before I saw him I came home, went to bed and was miserable for days. After seeing the hypno and listening to his CDs during treatment I went home and worked in my garden! He was also very helpful after treatment was over and I was struggling to envision my future. He walked me thru my daughters graduation and eventually her wedding, when I opened my eyes I was crying for joy! A good massage therapist trained in chemo massage was also heaven.

I firmly believe in the power of medicine but it can't reach all our needs. If someone reads to you a list of horrendous SEs that has a negative effect on your outlook. By all means be informed but try to remember that there is a bright side too! Hey, if there wasn't, I wouldn't be writing this now!

My prayers and blessings to all the warriors who didn't ask to be in the field but who are strong,smart,and want to beat the beast...and they will!

Love to All

Cisco711

PezGal

I had my first treatment today. Guess I'm one of the unlucky folks that kinda feels like crap right off the bat. I have a headache, kinda dizzy. But, in chemo's defense (haha - how dare I defend it?) I had it before I started. Stress is messing with my head. Oh well. Maybe tomorrow will be better???? Wishful thinking.Drinking water like a fiend....

PezGal

Update: day after chemo, and I feel down right peppy and productive. Slight headache, but otherwise good. Hmmm. What's up with me.... Maybe it's just Friday

One chemo down, 15 to go... Oh geeze

rbylake

I had my port put in the week and am so disappointed as the surgeon placed it high and nearly in the middle of my chest. I don't have many shirts that will cover the scar, I've been wearing scarves at work--but I'm just not a scarf person. I'm trying not to sweat the small stuff, but I guess it caught me off guard.

Before the procedure my DH and I stopped by the boutique in the hospital where they give free wigs to cancer patients. Not the best selection or best quality, nothing looked nice on me at all--it was almost comical. I have an appointment tomorrow with a wig salon--I hope I'll find something that will work. I'm nervous about the hair loss, I tend to feel self conscious pretty easily.

My chemo is scheduled for the 10th. My friend who went through treatment last year made me a chemo care pack--with lots of things that she found helpful. She actually had her last chemo on 12/10 last year, and I will start on 12/10 this year. It helps to see where she is now and hoping I will be in that place this time next year.

PezGal--good to hear you had a better day today. Hopefully that will continue through the weekend.

Cisco711--thanks for your inspiring words. Sorry that you are back in treatment.

Jodes001--Good luck on Monday. I'll be interested to see how well cold caps work for you.

Nebraska917--it isn't too often that you hear of a cancer patient donating their hair. It's kind of awesome : ) Did you decide on the port or the PICC line? I wasn't even given the choice.

Opt4Life--hopefully you are feeling OK after your first round.

I'm trying to motivate myself to do some holiday shopping this weekend, I really have to get started.

Twirp26

Hi December 2015 chemo sisters. This is my very first post here. I was diagnosed on November 3rd and just had my first treatment on December 2d. This site has been so uplifting to me. I decided I should include myself into some conversations. So far I am doing ok after my first treatment. I had the Newlasta shot the day after my treatment. My hips and legs are a bit achey but bearable. Right now I feel like a ticking time bomb. I'm just not sure what side effects to expect. I wish you all the best on your personal journeys. This too shall pass

Lemint

Hi everyone, I hope all is well with you all. I started chemo on December 3rd, Thursday. Also trying to Cold Cap and it make the day go by quicker because there's so much commotion going on. I felt kind of like in a fog because I couldn't hear anything, haha. I hope the Cold Cap works. During infusion I felt fine and I felt fine when I got home just very, very, very tired. Didn't sleep a wink the night before. I still feel fine I had a little bit of metal mouth on yesterday but that's about it so we'll see what today brings. My doctor told me that SE hit between days 3 & 5. What are you all experiencing?

Twirp26

Hi. Sorry to meet you under these circumstances. I had my first chemo the day before you. I am feeling ok for the most part. It is so frustrating not knowing really how our bodies are going to respond. I seem to be having more of a response to the shot I had to have the day after. I also can't taste much. Everything that normally tastes so good is just kind of bland. I guess it's just a waiting game. I'm interested to know more about cold caps. I didn't even know they existed until recently. I have a few wigs ready to go but feel so strange when I put them on. I am not looking forward to the hair loss!!! I pray you have smooth sailing for the days to come. Be well!!

waterdog

just wanted to pop in to say that two years ago I was where you are now, losing me hair and living a life that didn't seem real. I am now done with treatment however the Hercetin and Perjeta did extend it until 9 months ago. The time really does pass and breast cancer will only be an occasional thought. Hair comes back. I worked during my entire treatment including surgery and radiation. I did it to help me feel normal. But we are all different. You are in the hard part right now. Good luck!

Twirp26

water dog, thank you so much for writing. It really helps me to hear success stories right now. It seems like a never ending road but I'm trying to stay positive. I appreciate hearing the kind words. I think it's awesome to hear people are able to work during this. I am a substitute teacher in elementary schools so I was told it might not be the safest place due to germs;) I am going to have to get some hobbies;) need normalcy right now. Thanks

PezGal

Hello! Day 3 post chemo here and I feel fine. I think I'm getting a false sence if security that it'll run smoothly for me. Too smoothly. I also think the nausea steroid that I'm on 3 days post chemo (dexa-something?) makes my brain race, like speed or something. I was very chatty and active yesterday, which hasn't been my thing as of late. I also notice a whole body flush yesterday. No fever and not uncomfortable, but enough to give me a slight pink glow. Not sure if that's from chemo or neulasta shot. My other weird symptom, hiccups on and off for the last two days

Jacklin

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this forum and have found the information and support for each other here to be, well, overwhelming in a positive sense. I am sorry we all have to meet under these circumstances. I found pea-sized lump on Oct 22 and it's now bigger than a tennis ball. At first my family Dr thought it was a cyst, especially since my mammogram and MRI were perfectly normal. The only way it could be 'seen' was by ultrasound and the cancer was confirmed through biopsy. I met my oncologist on Wednesday (Dec 2) night and started chemo yesterday (Dec 4) and find I am tired today and food tastes weird. Does anyone else have heartburn and if so, what helps? My niece is going to help cut my blonde hair (so I can donate it) and then buzz cut the last bit. I decided I'll take my hair off, not the cancer. Be strong, we can do this!!

Lemint

Hi Twirp, nice to meet you. I learned of cold caps on this site. I'll see if it works. I think this first cycle will be the worse because of loading doses, at least for me. Its kind of hard to plan to do anything because we're waiting for these SE to kick in. I had surgery on October 29th and I'm planning on going back to work in about a month in a half so I hope to know how my body will react by then. Thanks Waterdog for your encouragement, I love to read about such wonderful women who have fough the fight! !!!

Lemint

Pezpal, I had that with the steroids, like speed or something. Cleaned, cooked. The calm before the storm. I also had a flush yesterday. Welcome Jacklin

Boston2015

Hi Everyone. I was diagnosed November 6th and just had my first round of AC yesterday Dec. 4th. I am still in shock over my diagnosis. I am 39 and was diagnosed about 3 weeks ago. Can someone tell me how long side effects last after treatment? Today I feel nauseous and weak. My legs and arms feel weak but slightly getting better. This whole thing has been so scary and unfortunate or fortunately I do know anyone in my life who has had breast cancer so I am hoping this forum will help.

Thanks all.

Opt4Life

PezGal, Glad you are still feeling good. Those steroids are something. Im still feeling good too...Slept 9 hrs last night, worked out this morning, and going to do some shopping and get my wig cut to frame my face more.

Bc2015, You came to the right place. Don't be afraid (easier said I know) as it serves no purpose. Lots of great ladies and info here. Read up, ask questions, and stay involved in your care.

Jackin, you are off to a fast start with chemo. I haven't got the weird taste yet but was told to try lemon seltzer water, ginger ale, crystal light, and gaterade to conquer it. Also, plastic ware is supposed to help too.

Lemint let us know how going back to work goes. Im doing chemo before surgery so I won't be off from work until April's surgery but interested to know how going back feels.

Waterdog, thanks for the encouragement. I get a big goofy smile on my face (and. 'Thank You Lord'in my heart) when I read about the ladies 1, 3, 5, and 10 years out still living and moving forward.

Opt4Life

Hi Twirp26, I know what you mean about feeling like a ticking time bomb. I decided to just stop waiting to feel poorly and just do all the things I normally would while listening to my body when it says 'nope, not today'. I started with Taxol first which doesn't come with the Neulasta shot so don't have any experience with that yet. But there are plenty of advice on the boards about how to deal with the aches.

Rbylake, sorry about the port placement. Mine is less visible but still feels weird so I wear scarves every day now--luckily its cold in Northern VA. So nice for you to have someone close with shared experience that could make a chemo pack. I too have a dear BC friend who has guided me so far through what she experienced a couple years ago. It surw does help tremendously to calm the fear abd anxiety.

jg12705

Hello to everyone and hoping you all are hanging in there. I am day 3 and still waiting for the bomb to go off. So far, I am achy and a bit dizzy and of course, tired. Yesterday was a really rough day emotionally for me as my Dad is now in transitional care and it will be a matter of time before he is reunited with my mom who we lost in August. I am still trying to wrap my head around all this and its not easy, especially with my diagnosis and the holidays upon us.

I called today and my "new do" is waiting for me. I will pick it up on Monday or Tuesday. I am really stressed and scared when the time actually comes to lose my hair. I am pretty self conscious and I know this will be emotional for me. I know my husband says he doesn't care, but I just can't get over it.

As for those who haven't started chemo and will next week, let me tell ya.................Ativan!!! It will be your friend and help you with the anxiety. I was given a dose through the IV and slept through a good part of the treatment. And if I already said that in my other post, I am claiming lack of sleep!!!

Stay strong and be courageous!!!

Jodi

Noni

Hi ladies,

I get my port on Dec 10 and start treatment on Dec 11. I am set up for 18+ weeks, 3 on and 1 off. After my first treatment we are switching to Thursdays, which puts me at the cancer center on Christmas Eve. I have been reading up on all the hints and tips and crossing my fingers that I will feel well enough to enjoy Christmas day for my 10 year old.

Last weekend I got my hair chopped off. It's a short bob above my shoulders. I figured if it was going to start falling out I would rather clean up short strands than 2+ foot long ones.

Curious how everyone chose who to have with them for their first treatment. My husband cannot take time off so I have family and friends giving me rides. I am stumped what to do about that first day.

Peace to all the December chemo ladies.

rbylake

Just got back from the wig shop--what a difference it was to the one at the hospital. I found something that looks much nicer on me...so relieved. It will be strange to start wearing it, it's not my exact hair style--a little longer and thicker. Probably more how I'd like my hair to be.

Noni--I don't think I'm going to have anyone come to chemo with me. My DH doesn't have the paid time to take off from work and the hospital is close to my work. I think I will ask a coworker to drop me off at the hospital and have my DH pick me up--just because I'm not sure I'll be able to drive after Benadryl. I plan to read or listen to a book on tape and hopefully even sleep (Benadryl makes me tired usually). I've had a couple friends offer to come hang out with me--but I think I'd rather be alone. Of course that could all change, because even though I feel like I know what to expect, I know I don't really have a clue. Good luck to you next week.

Twirp26

rbylake, so glad you got to try on some wigs that make you feel more comfortable. I went last week with my Mom and also picked one that is a bit thicker and longer than my real hair. I figured this is my reality why not have hair I have always wanted. here is hoping to feeling good despite our circumstances.

LiLNutmeg

Hi Ladies ... I'm also a newbie.

Surgery for BMX was October 21st and also had Port placed last Thursday (Dec 3rd) and will be starting Chemo (FEC-D) on Tuesday, Dec 8th

I'm nervous to say the least and have been reading the forums to prepare for the SE. I will also be getting the Neulasta injection after each treatment. I think seeing the price tag for this shot made me more nervous than anything, however I'm fortunate that my insurance will cover it all.

Looking forward to getting to know you all and going through this journey together

nancy3434

I'm happy to hear your doing well after your treatments. I start my first Chemo On Dec 15th. I've had a double mastectomy and they had found on of my noids had cancer. So I'll be doing 4 cycles of AC every 2 weeks and Toxal every two weeks for 8 weeks. Very nervous right as well to see how the side effects will be. I am going to try the cold caps to see if I can safe my hair, but did already buy a wig it not. Thanks so much for all of you sharing your story.

PezGal

Hello! Decent news to report on my end for those worried about SE's.... (hope I don't jinx myself!) in that I feel pretty fine. Normal-ish. Counting infusion day, I'm on day 5. I know its REAL early on, but I think (hope!) not all SE's are too bad for everyone. Personally, I think it might have helped that I've had periods of pretty much felt like junk over the last few years. I'm insulin resistant and improper diet makes me feel down in the dumps, so sad to say this is kinda the norm for me. If I could only just never eat a potato again - not gonna happen!

Something of note though, if anyone has heard of this... last night while watching tv I got a stabbing pain in what feel like under my right expander and would shoot to the shoulder blade. "Righty" was my healthy, but due to BRCA1+ I decided to evict anyway. Today it comes and goes. Opposite side of heart, maybe lung? Maybe neulasta? Maybe my imagination? IDK. I suppose if it keeps up by lunch I'll call the doc to make sure its ok....

Bc_2015, I was 39 when diagnosed too, 2 weeks before my 40th. Happy birthday to me. I was all kinds of upset "How can this be happening to me? I'm too young for this! Am I going to die? What about my little son?!?" But I think no matter the age, everyone here is having those same thoughts. I was obsessed with researching and reading everything I could find. I became well informed (good) but crazy with fear (bad). My height of anxiety was before/during/after my CT/PET scan. I got out of my port placement surgery and the surgeon told me, by the way, your scans came out clear. I looked at her, smiled, and said "That's awesome! I'm not going to cry now, but I will later.." I have yet to cry about it. Something clicked in my head and I decided right then and there that this damn disease will NOT rob me of my today! I am doing everything I can medically do (I promise to get a healthy carb free diet for New Years resolution!). The future is unknown so there is no point in worrying about it, it will only mess up your 'now'. I don't know if I'm in acceptance or denial, but it feels like a pretty good place to be right now so I'm sticking it out.

CyndiNic

Made it thru my first chemo day!!!! Spent about 6 hours at the center - everyone was so nice and caring so that helped make it as pleasant of an experience as it could be. For some reason I was very nervous about having my port accessed for the first time - of course I was obsessing over nothing - barely even felt a pinch.

PezGal - I was diagnosed just before my bday as well.....not exactly the best timing but I am so glad it was caught. If I had never had my mammogram I would have had the perfect storm brewing in my boob for who knows how long.

Cyndi

Mom4272

I had my first treatment Dec. 1. No real SE besides fatigue until day 6. Yesterday,I went to see my oncologist because I felt too weak...dehydration. When the connected me to the fluids I almost instantly felt 10xs better. As much as I hate drinking water I made it through 2 liters today

Wenrisa

mom4272 glad you are doing better now after the fluids. I probably needed this as a reminder to drink more water myself. So off I go to do it now! Best wishes to you

Trisha-Anne

Hello all

This is my second go round with bc. I had triple positive bc back in 2010. Did three rounds of FEC and was supposed to do three rounds of Taxotere, but my body just couldn't handle the Taxotere. Don't let this scare anyone else, everyone reacts differently to chemo.

This time I have triple negative in the other breast, so had it off too. I start chemo on 17th December, and sort of know what to expect. I'll be doing three rounds of AC. I should be doing four rounds, but apparently you can only have six doses of an anthracycline (the E and the A) in a lifetime. Instead of Taxotere I'll be doing 12 weekly doses of Taxol - and we are hoping that is easier for my body to take.

I'm not worried about the AC, I handled FEC relatively easily. Make sure you take all the anti-nausea meds they give you, whether you feel you need them or not. It's much easier to stop vomiting from starting that trying to stop it once it's started. I felt a little queasy on FEC but never vomited.

My biggest hassle with chemo was the diarrhea, it was pretty bad for me, and now I have IBS so wondering how bad the diarrhea will get.

I found taste changes were also not nice and there were a lot of things I couldn't face eating. You need to find something that works for you - and everyone is different. If water tastes horrible, drink it through a straw, that sometime helps.

I'm hoping I'll remember some of my coping mechanisms, my brain is still reeling after having had a second diagnosis.

We can all support each other here, and we will all get through it - it's not a nice time, but it does eventually end. While on chemo some of us will have to forget taking it one day at a time, and concentrate on taking it one hour at a time, but it will end, I promise.

My life was back on track and I was enjoying it to the full. This second diagnosis shouldn't scare you all - it's a completely new primary, and apparently doesn't happen too often. I'm just lucky I guess. We suspect I may have the gene, but as I'm in menopause, and now have no breasts and no children, it's not worth having the tests for it.

My love and support to you all.

Trish

xoxo

demarie

Hi All my December chemo sisters, looks like I'll be joining finally in December. Port goes in today and first treatment is the 16th.

I am so sorry we all have to be here but so grateful to not be fighting alone.

Trish, thanks for the advice about the nausea meds, as a newbie there is so much that I do not know. I know I would have waited to take them until it felt like i was ill.

Triple positive so trying my best to keep my attitude matching my dx. Still have my monents but finally putting my plan into action is helping.

Dawn

Nebraska917

I have my egg retrieval tomorrow - hopefully we get at least a few salvageable embryos to freeze!. I get my picc line put in on Friday. And I start my first chemo session on Monday morning of TC. The doctor prescribed me my steroids, and I have clariton on hand in case they give me the neulesta shot next week. Hoping and praying for minimal side effects! I have read so much, all i can do now is wait to see how this effects me. Hopefully i do okay with the picc line instead of a port, I just didnt want to have two back to back surgeries tomorrow and friday,and since it's only 4 infusions, hopefully the picc line is the right choice.

WarriorCheryl

I am being scheduled to start Taxol and Herceptin soon, after my Doctor called today. I will be having 12 weeks of 3 once weekly series, plus a week off, followed by perception alone after that. Does anyone have anything to say about the port for the infusion? I hear there are chances for infection from it being in for so long.