Starting Chemo March 2016

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  • azrescue
    azrescue Member Posts: 116
    edited March 2016

    Hello everyone. Hoping everyone is feeling ok today. I am getting ready for my 2nd treatment on Wednesday. The nerves are kicking in a bit more then I expected for it being my 2nd. I will have a busy day as is usual for my trips. 0730 blood draw; 0820 see MO; 0930 chemo; 130pm mri guided biopsy (they spotted a mildly concerning area on the left breast) fun ... fun. Not! I HATE the mri.

    I also wanted to comment to all of you out there that have been concerned about your kiddos and the hair issue. I was very worried especially about my 9 yr old son. He is a bit anxious and doesn't like change. So, I chose to do my hair in stages. He really didn't like the first cut (shoulder length to a pixie); the next one - again he hated & wouldn't come near me for a few hours. Now, I am down to approx 1/4 in (and falling out fast) ... He actually rubbed my head yesterday & is making jokes with me about being bald. Also tried on several scarves & hats with him. He is dealing with it ... adjusting. And isn't angry about it. Does he like it? No. Is he coping? Yes. So I guess like so many others have said kids are resilient and they adapt. And they are learning valuable life lessons through it all.

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  • 786tex
    786tex Member Posts: 42
    edited March 2016

    Hi Melgirl - we must be at the same stage. I got my 2nd AC last Tuesday. By Friday my shower was a mess. I shaved it all last night and now my scalp is super irritated by everything. I read up on here that duct tape works well to take out the stubble so I am sitting in my office at work duct taping my head.....hahaha....it's amazing the things we end up doing.

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  • Jonsey22
    Jonsey22 Member Posts: 100
    edited March 2016

    Day 15. Hairs coming out 5-6 at a time but no massive shedding yet.

    Kristyn, Amazon.ca has some with free shipping g. I got a grey/pastel one. I will be styling when it warms up enough to walk outside.

    Candy

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  • Melgirl
    Melgirl Member Posts: 165
    edited March 2016

    786tex I didn't think about duct tape, funny one to explain to coworkers! Lol It's the weirdest thing to have your hair falling out in clumps. And I never really thought about my head being cold without it!

    I'm scared to go ahead and shave my head. I don't want folliculitis....when is the right time?

    So....When does the leg hair fall out??

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  • HRwinter16
    HRwinter16 Member Posts: 73
    edited March 2016

    welcome Teana and Andrea and other new folks

    And thanks for all the good info!

    Nancy, you look adorable

    My hair is falling out as of yesterday - yikes!!!

    AZrescue - thanks for sharing sweet story about your son. Hopefully my daughter will get to that place too ;)

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  • Phillipians4
    Phillipians4 Member Posts: 21
    edited March 2016

    melgirl you made me laugh! I was just wondering about the leg hair too. That is one thing I won't miss!

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  • Mecool
    Mecool Member Posts: 70
    edited March 2016

    Or arm pit hair!!!!! I'm with you all on that one, especially since I'm having to be so careful with it since surgery!

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  • Melgirl
    Melgirl Member Posts: 165
    edited March 2016

    I would like to lose my chin hair too!!

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  • DizzParkMom
    DizzParkMom Member Posts: 316
    edited March 2016

    Those of you doing A/C will probably notice the hair going a little faster than those of you doing T/C of T/Carb. I have read numerous reports by women who have T/C or T/Carb that their
    hair falls out at little slower pace. So those of you doing that first,
    may notice a more gradual hair loss. My A/C was first and once the hair started going (and we had already buzzed to about 1/4 inch) if started going pretty fast. One day, I put a towel over the sink, bent my head over, and rubbed and rubbed until I couldn't see any more little 'blades' of hair falling. It didn't all come out, but anything loose did. For a few more weeks, I felt like a patchy cat, but eventually it was all gone. So, you don't HAVE to shave it off completely. It will naturally do it's thing. Rubbing (or using tape) to get the bulk of it off gets the ball rolling and past that point of "when the heck is it going to happen?".

    AZrescue, safe travels! Glad to hear your son is going easy on you. It's normal to be nervous going back for round 2...after all, you know what you are in for....but, in a few days, you can say "Two down!"

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  • Teaner16
    Teaner16 Member Posts: 18
    edited March 2016

    Melgirl, Phillipians, and Mecool -- here's the best news! FREE Brazilian bikini wax!

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  • Teaner16
    Teaner16 Member Posts: 18
    edited March 2016

    WooHoo! I'm a third of the way through chemo as of a half hour ago! Feels like a milestone.

    There was a guy there today who has logged over 1,000 hours of chemo in the last 21 months including one run of 24/7 chemo for 5 weeks at Stanford! He has leukemia, was in remission for a year, and is back at it. The chemo before remission severely damaged his kidneys and he is waiting until he is done with this round to get a kidney transplant from his TWIN brother! How cool is that? Super great guy -- nice, funny, positive, and not bad looking. I told him I would never feel sorry for myself again after hearing his story.

    Hope everybody is feeling as well as possible. Keep smiling and loving no matter what -- they are the true healers.

    Jean

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  • 786tex
    786tex Member Posts: 42
    edited March 2016

    Melgitl - haha. I keep waiting for my leg and underarm hair to fall out but of course it keeps growing! Yes, your head will get cold. I just waiting til I had a bald spot to shave. Don't think there is really a right time. Maybe like me when you're afraid it will clogs up your drain. Every time I showered there was a mess in the drain.

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  • MFPM
    MFPM Member Posts: 69
    edited March 2016

    One more day before I start and getting myself more sick.  My blood pressure which is usually low has been 160/90 and my heart is pounding.  I rarely complain and go into things without a problem, but this is too much.  Sorry for the rant but I rarely sleep with my brain going 24/7.  I don't know if I'm physically strong enough but guess I will find out, hoping this is the right route.  Thanks to all the ladies who are being supportive and giving advice to see me through this.  I'll be back here tomorrow but Wednesday is the day. :'(

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  • Pammac47
    Pammac47 Member Posts: 128
    edited March 2016

    MFPM

    I went thru steps to get ready, but I got to be honest it was more robot just one foot in front of other. I'm a usually happy person and made all the jokes about not shaving. Alas, the truth is, this has taking a lot out of me physically and mentally. I debate everyday if I want to do this. Today is my start day and I am dreading. You are not alone and I'm sure it's more than us. To win we must fight and if this is the path our doctors choose we have to assume our best chance for success. The best part is even if we live alone with these ladies here we are not alone. Sometimes I just read, cause I need a different perspective or to lighten my mood and sometimes I have a voice. It really just feels good knowing they are here. Hang in there.

    Pam

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  • Jonsey22
    Jonsey22 Member Posts: 100
    edited March 2016

    MFPM, Pammac, I know it is a cliche but it really isn't as bad as I thought it would be. In so many ways, the waiting and not knowing was so much worse. I can deal with the acne, constipation, hairless, rashes - all one thing and one step at a time. Best of luck with the first treatment. Just breathe and soon enough you will know what to expect - what you were worried about.

    Candy

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  • 786tex
    786tex Member Posts: 42
    edited March 2016

    MFPM- I know exactly what you mean and certainly feel that way before and after chemo. I just had second chemo last week and find it difficult to believe that I have to do this for another year so I just take it day by day.

    Just remember that "this to shall pass" and one day you will be healthy and free of cancer. I told my sisters last night that next year after I am done with treatment that we are going on a big trip to celebrate so that is what I am focusing on for now.

    Stay strong, you can do this!

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  • Melgirl
    Melgirl Member Posts: 165
    edited March 2016

    LOL teaner16!

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  • Mecool
    Mecool Member Posts: 70
    edited March 2016

    I can't tell you all how much I appreciate reading your thoughts and stories, helping me to prepare for what's to come when I start next Tuesday. You truly are a blessing to me!

    I can completely understand what you're saying MFPM, everything unknown is the scariest part. My way to cope and get through is to just have confidence in myself that I am as prepared as I can be for everything that *may* happen. I have confidence in my doctors that everything they are doing for me is the right thing to prevent that cancer from ever returning to my body. I have confidence in my body that is can and will battle all of the elements the best that it can so that I can live to enjoy another day, week, month, YEARS with my family and friends!

    I strongly suggest that you do just as the ladies have suggested, take things one day at a time. Keep your mind occupied and distracted as best you can until you get over that first hurdle. Plan things to look forward to even if it's as simple as going shopping for a new outfit or pair of shoes :) After that, I'm sure it will be much easier. I'm a very visual person and have already created my count down calendar. My last treatment is currently scheduled for 8/16 and I know how quickly the summers fly by here in Michigan so that day will be here before I know it and I haven't even started yet!

    Sending happy thoughts to everyone today and always!

    ~Molly

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  • Seashine
    Seashine Member Posts: 24
    edited March 2016

    Starting my steroids this morning. That is a funny thing to say! Tomorrow is my first treatment. Last night I couldn't sleep, kept waking up with strange pains all over, I think it's just my nerves. so great to read and keep up with everyone. I so agree with the one step at a time advice. It can get scary when it seems so long and big, but today is today and right now I am drinking my coffee by the ocean with my family. Deep breaths

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited March 2016

    Greetings from the Willamette Valley, Seashine. Deep breaths indeed. Where are you doing your chemo?

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  • Nina27
    Nina27 Member Posts: 77
    edited March 2016

    Hello All,

    A quick question? Once diagnosed with breast cancer if doing chemo before surgery, how long did it take for you to start chemo?

    Thank you

    x

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  • PhillipsTL
    PhillipsTL Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2016

    Nlunn,

    I was diagnosed on February 17, 2016 and started chemo March 17, 2016. I had PET scans, other biopsies, breast MRI, ultrasounds, genetic testing, labs, and other testing before I was ready. Also has to have my port placed and my MO gave me a week to heal from that.

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  • Mecool
    Mecool Member Posts: 70
    edited March 2016

    NIunn - not quite the question you asked, as I did have surgery first, but I was diagnosed February 12th and am starting chemo March 29th. Between then I've had MRI, PET, MUGA, genetic testing and double mastectomy. I've been amazed at how quickly this has all transpired. My team does not waste any time. This all stemmed from a lump found at my annual appointment on January 25th!

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  • Nina27
    Nina27 Member Posts: 77
    edited March 2016

    Thank you for the feedback, I appreciate it.

    My hubby is just concerned that after rushing around to every doctor after the first week, we keep getting sent for other tests and hopefully chemo will begin next week +- 3 and a half weeks from diagnosis. I wanted to reassure him that the doctors are going as fast as possible and do have my best interests at heart.

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  • Mecool
    Mecool Member Posts: 70
    edited March 2016

    They are! All of those other tests are so important for them to be able to move forward with the best and most efficient treatment as possible for you! You'll be surprised when they're finally ready to schedule your first treatment, it could be really quick! When mine was initially scheduled it was for less than a week out, I was going to have less than seven days to mentally and physically (as well as purchasing everything needed!) prepare. I got bumped back a week for unforeseen circumstances but even then, they were quick to get it rescheduled again really soon. Here I am exactly one week from beginning :) As is the case with everything else, take some deep breaths and move forward one day at a time!

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  • BKGameGirl
    BKGameGirl Member Posts: 38
    edited March 2016

    My timeline was 3 weeks from dx to 1st chemo. That felt lightning fast given the number of tests (5 additional diagnostic items), visits (2 consults and 1 chemotherapy education), procedures (1 medical port plus 1 follow-up), and decisions that had to be made by my team to line up a treatment plan that matched with my specific situation. Some folks have surgery first, in my case I am having neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

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  • MFPM
    MFPM Member Posts: 69
    edited March 2016

    Thank you, Ladies for the support as I mention, no one's really here to understand or support.  An important question, hoping it's nothing but have anyone ever gotten burning, sharp stabbing pains in the breast?  It only started recently and so sharp it makes me jump but I can take pain.  It kept up while trying to sleep and is still happening today out of nowhere.  They called to confirm my appt. tomorrow and I told the girl that I'll need to see the Dr. before I start.  He is an oncologist but not a breast specialist as I had in the hospital and wouldn't even know how they would check such a thing.  At this time tomorrow I will be sitting in the chair getting treatment for the 1st time, part 1 of round 1 since he's giving me the Cytoxen but 1/2 the Taxotere and the other 1/2 next week.  Any side effects from the I.V. steroid Decadron?  So many worries and just hope I'm able to function somewhat, importantly eat!  What did any of you have for dinner, if you did after treatment?  I like my Dr. a lot, very personable but not getting direct answers or advice which is upsetting, also worried about something going wrong.  Is Cytoxin and Taxotere a very effective combo to prevent a recurrence?  Sorry for so many questions but guess we all have felt the same at some point but I wasn't given answers to any of these.  Thank you all so much again!

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  • BKGameGirl
    BKGameGirl Member Posts: 38
    edited March 2016

    MFPM - I had sharp pains in my breast and lymph nodes for a few weeks after my biopsy. Both my surgeon and my oncologist said that there are a lot of nerve endings there and chalked it up to healing after the core needle biopsy. I didn't think it was any reason not to do chemotherapy, but I have no idea of the relationship of these things. If you had any tests or anything done it could just be your body healing up.

    My side effects from Decadron were basically feeling "AMAZING" - I have so much energy and I feel really upbeat and positive when I'm on it - it's weird but I roll with it. It keeps me afloat and pretty happy all weekend (my treatments are on Fridays). I broke out into some pimples, my MO said that could have been from Decadron. I think it's a pretty "tame" medication unless you also have something like diabetes or another condition to manage.

    What am I eating? Well, I'm eating what I feel like mostly, although some of my favorite foods have dropped lower on the list. I've had some GI distress from the perjeta and possibly the taxol, so I have been keeping to small meals of anything that sounds tasty, and sticking to mostly soft and cooked as a rule (I'm not snacking on raw celery, for example, but I am eating cooked spinach). I stopped most dairy at the suggestion of my MO just this week because I had the GI distress - but I wouldn't go overboard with any particular food suggestion until you find out what you feel like. It has been a little bit of an experiment and every week has been a little different than the last. My goal is just to eat so that my body can keep on trucking through these big drugs. I keep craving cheeseburgers and I'm looking forward to having one soon this week. I also found a mango gelato that's dairy-free that I'm loving.

    Check out this website for "guidelines" for treatment of cancer by site. This is what my insurance company uses as a first guideline to authorize treatment, so I have referenced it in conjunction with the specific treatment regimen that my doctor outlined for me. If you see something here that looks like your treatment plan, you might be able to have more questions for your oncologist about why your treatment is the best for you. Just a thought. http://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/cancers.aspx#breast

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  • MFPM
    MFPM Member Posts: 69
    edited March 2016

    BkGameGirl, Thank you so much for the great pointers all around, easing my mind about the steroid and wasn't sure if I'll be able to eat "normal" food, such as a meal.  In the meantime when I only got dressed at this late hour, going through such a depression, felt the area where the pains are coming from and found a lump.  I'm ready to lose it.  SadThe Dr.'s office called in the meantime to confirm tomorrow's appt. and I told the girl about the pain.  She said to talk to the Dr. before treatment but in all honesty, am very scared with this now and since he's not a breast specialist, working out of a house, I'm sure he doesn't have the equipment to check this out, such as a sono?  I also don't want to waste any time waiting for a test, such as some places it's months!  I'd be there right now if I knew where to go!  Maybe I have to insist that he send me somewhere to have this checked since I do know of a friend who said what wasn't there 1 month during surgery was there the next.  If it wasn't for the pain, I never knew it was there and it's almost all the time now, very bad.   It's not the same as when I had the biopsies or even the surgery, just localized burning, stabbing, coming from that 1 spot.  Oh God, I hope it's not anything bad.

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  • Pammac47
    Pammac47 Member Posts: 128
    edited March 2016

    Jonsey22

    Thank you and yes it did go fine. Just tired.

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