Anyone starting chemotherapy in July?

Lindzanne

community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topics/839070?page=1#idx_23

community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topics/706846?page=58#idx_1714

I think these two lists helped me the most to figure out what supplies to get. Honestly it gave me something to do and some sense of control to get all this together during the waiting.

I see others sharing a bit about themselves and I really haven't. I'm a lifelong resident of WA state, a country girl from the Eastern side of the state which is all Cowboys and Native folks (I'm half and half, Northern Cheyenne on my mom's side---boricua, truly I am from a warrior people ☺ ). I transplanted to the West side for college and have lived in Seattle for 10 years. I was diagnosed about 3 weeks before my 36th birthday with no family history and tested negative for the BRCA mutations. I went from a visit with my PCP telling me she was 90% certain it was a benign cyst to two days later a very insensitive radiologist bluntly saying, "It looks bad". Fortunately all my other health care providers have had so much more kindness and empathy. Due to a long personal history of trauma I've been called to spend my life doing social justice work and right now am a Youth and Family Advocate at a Transitional Housing program for domestic violence survivors and their children who've fled from their abusers. It is my dream job and I am so privileges to walk with these families as they heal and recover. It also was the first job I've ever had with full benefits and a generous leave program, so I'm very grateful for that right now after years of scraping by and a poverty upbringing! I am married to a wonderful, caring, supportive partner of 10 years, after leaving my own domestic violence situation in my first marriage (I married that SOB at 23). Due to a history of endometriosis and cysts and what have you, my fertility has always kind of been up in the air, and we are child free but were just starting to discuss trying when I was diagnosed, so I am mourning that a lot right now since I know loss of fertility is a side effect and adoption (which we always had talked about anyway) is difficult if you have had cancer since they don't want to risk a child going into a possibly unstable sitiation. We have two fur babies though, Tater and Filbert, our little dogs who sure are enjoying all the time mama has been home lately! We have a full life with many friends, a family really, and I'm getting a lot of great support from my brother who lives here, and my mom, dad, sister, and step mom back on the East side.

I tend to share a lot about myself, who I am, what I've been through, and what I do, and worry I sound like I'm being obnoxious, but I remember so many times in my life I thought I was alone and was silent, and one or two people breaking their own silences helped me break mine and reach out when I needed. If I can carry that on through this situation and give back in that way, I'll consider it a blessing

Here's Filbert, curled up, our rescue rat terrier who came to us at 2 years old after being found wandering around L.A. he had rubber bands around his snout and they required surgery to get off, he still has a huge scar. 5 years later he's a different boy, happy, loved, and now knows how to play and interact with people andon't dogs alike. Tater is much more of a show off, he came to us at 7 months from a kill shelter where he had a bit of a rough go but was soon spoiled into being the little ham that he is. He is a Mexican Hairless mix, his dark spots are just bald soft skin. Who know what else he is that made him come out half and half but Mexican Hairless are the oldest indigenous breed in the Americas, considered magic by South American indigenous people. I will say his bare skin is quite the heating pad and feels quite magical.

Can you tell I'm bored?! My life stories, my dog's life stories......ok, I'll cool it for now.

boricua_63

Lindzane

OMG, I love it. I love the fact that you are open to talk about anything. Nothing wrong with that. You sound very strong and very determined.

Well, this is me: I'm from Puerto Rico, I moved to Maine back in 1995. And I been here ever since. I have three daughters, ages 28, 26 and 24. I also have my fiancé. (We have been together for 16 years)

There's no family history of breast cancer, so I'm the first one.

I do too have a fur baby, which just like you, he is very happy I'm home with him, (at least for now) and is one of the best therapies out there). Meet Zeus!!!

I am so glad to have lady's that I can talk to.

boricua_63

And your fur babies are soooo cute.

HelenWNZ

You can tell I am just waiting..........

Hi I'm from New Zealand. Great getting to know you. 52 and seemed to have lived a pretty normal life until now. Moved around a lot as a child as father was in the air force and was lucky enough to live in Singapore as well thanks to his job. Lived in London for 5 years on my big OE finally settling down when I was in my late 20's when I met my partner of now 24 years. We have 3 children 19, 15 and 11 last week.

No cancer in my family - I am the first both sides. I have a 97 year old grandmother still living in her own home. We were supposed to be flying out to Australia on the 11th of July to go and visit her but have had to cancel everything due to this mess. I hope she can keep on going another year. There was 10 of us going now only 6 are going so I am guttered as it was my idea and I organised everyone.

Being older when I had my family is one of those boxes I had to tick having started at 32 and then my wee surprise as 41 and a half complements of an I U D gone wrong.

One of my claim to fames is having a baby on my birthday on the kitchen floor - good party topic.

I work part time Mon - Thur 9 - 3 ladies hours in an accountant firm processing payrolls for the clients - actually like my job too having been there for 8 years this month. My bosses have been so good as have guaranteed my wages for the next 6 months whether I am there or not so I can't complain. The health system here is "free" so I am lucky not having to rely on insurances to cover treatment. I did go private for my operation as the hospitals are nicer but that's all and if I go down the reconstruction route I will go that way again.

Having to put up with waiting is my main gripe at the moment - I haven't met anyone yet who has not been more than nice. People have come out the of woodwork to be supportive so that has also been very humbling.

I have been checking out chemo lists as well but thought I would wait to speak to people here on Tuesday when I have my first appt to get the NZ version of things. I have cut my hair shorter and have got some headgear online from the states ready and waiting as its winter here and don't want to get a cold head.. Will probably get it shaved off once I start chemo. I have checked out wigs but am not sure yet whether I will go down that road. Have also started doing more walking and tried to be more careful with what I eat. Have lost over 9 kgs (20lbs) since all this started which a lot of was stress and of course the 4lbs cut off me.

Last but not least we have a cat - I will dig out a photo as he is quite handsome. Not overly friendly though Tiger by name and Tiger by nature!!

Take Care

boricua_63

Hi HelenWNZ

So nice to get to know people even if is online and during this journey.

As soon as my onco told me I will be having chemo, I cut my hair. (It was a mix of emotions, since I had long curly hair) my daughter has a lot of head bands and I have a few hats. And like you, I would probably shave my head as soon as I start the treatment.

It is awesome that you still have your grandma. Maybe after you finish this journey, you can go and take a very deserving vacation and visit her. (I know I will be doing that after all of this is over) (since my dad is 86)

We will beat this!!!

Hugs!!

Lindzanne

boricua what a noble beast Zeus is! He is beautiful! I'm glad to get to know some of you better--it helps me to talk about who I am, that I'm not just this cancer and helps me to hear about you too.

Helen, it seems anyone who had a baby on their kitchen floor on their birthday can get through anything. You sound like my mom--3 kids, had me at 32 and after my sister at 35, my brother was the surprise at 40.

I'm sure your grandmother and family have nothing but your wellbeing at heart and missing your trip is you doing what's best for you. My grandmother will be 96 this year and I think about how it must feel watching your grandchild go through this. I know none of this is my fault but it hurts me knowing my family is hurting for me--if that makes sense. So I can kind of relate to the feeling guttered. My parents and siblings have had to keep pulling me out a bit and reminding me they are here for me, I don't have to protect them. It's hard.

My grandparents and parents have all been so healthy despite some questionable health choices that I thought our genes were invincible and I guess I'm the exception.

I also lost 20 pounds--between surgery and now! All the waiting! I was told they don't want me to lose weight during chemo. Not sure how I will manage that but we'll see! I managed a baked potato for dinner with just a little butter and Greek yogurt. We'll have to compare notes on nausea drugs. I took the two I was supposed to today and then this evening had to take a third "backup" kind as the other two wore off. I hear some work differently for others.

I got a very short pixie cut when I was diagnosed. I had been growing my hair out and I couldn't stand to look at something I wouldn't have anymore. I actually loved it. That was almost two months ago and today I took the plunge and had my husband shave my head. I didn't want the trauma of clumps of hair coming out. I cried most of the time.......and now I'm ok with it. I was surprised to see I have a nicely shaped head! I have a ton of scarves and hats.....we'll see about wigs. For some reason it seems really high maintenance. I have a friend who wears wigs often who will take me shopping if I decide to go that route. I'm glad since I don't really know where to start.

Well goodnight ladies, or good morning, depending on where you are. I'm so glad I have found some friends here. Thank you for sharing some of yourselves.

Hopefloatsinyyc

Ok my turn to share a bit about me...

45 (was 2 weeks shy at my diagnosis) mother of twin boys who are 9 living in Western Canada. I have lived here for most my life and grew up as a single child. I was married and subsequently divorce following a terrible breakup (ex married his lover 2 weeks after our divorce was final after a 10yr marriage and is with her to this day.) I had just started to try and date again when I got my DX and that all came to a screeching halt. I feel like it could be years before I ever meet someone again with the effects of BC treatments... And that's a lonely reality.

I work as a director for a major beverage company, in charge of our National Sales force, as well as all of our sponsorships... So I normally work with pro sports teams all day. It's a job I absolutely love... And as a sports fan the perks are amazing- most my friends husbands are jealous! Haha. I won't be taking any time off from work (was back taking conference calls from the couch 2 days post-op from my BMX). Everyone is pretty accommodating (most of my coworkers don't know, but many of the teams- and the president whom I report into- are aware of my DX and are allowing me setmy schedule based on how I'm feeling. Since I am often in the limelight at charity events and big games, how this disease will affect me physically has been worrisome! My boys are great.... And have been asking hard questions but we have always been a threesome that talks and shares how we feel- so I'm proud they are getting through "mommy being sick" as well as they are. They only cried when they said they didn't want me to lose my hair (I have very long thick brown hair)... Between that plea, and my profile in my career, I have made the decision to go 100% wig- which I know isn't for everyone, but for me? I need to do it for my own psyche, my kids (so they aren't so scared) and so I can still feel confident at big events. I have ordered some basic ones that I will have to wear with hats and scarves- for around the house or at the hockey rink (my kids also play)... And then one that looks very close to my hair now for functions and events. I wasn't prepared for how expensive they would be though....wow! (Over $2000 per wig for my "work hair"!)

I had my BMX on the 23rd and had immediate to implant reconstruction- for me, eliminating the extra downtime of another surgery down the road was worth it... Though I will need revision and nipple reconstruction in 6 months post chemo. For the most part, I have been dealing with recovery alone. Friends and family have offered support, but let's face it- it's a pretty lonely journey even if you were to have a partner. For me? I find it easier to process alone I guess....though will be thankful when the time comes, for the friends who gave offered to cook or drive if needed.

I have my first post surgical oncology appointment tomorrow- where we will go through final pathology and discuss my chemo plan...originally it was looking like 18 weeks (once every 3- 6 sessions) of FEC chemo followed by tamoxifen, but I want to discuss with them, the option for a CMF protocol. We will see!

Aside from my two boys, our household also includes two cats and two turtles...so when feeling low-I'm never alone for long.

Hawnive

Aloha all, 

Ivalee here, call me Ive for short.  I am new to this group as well as new to the cancer journey. I was diagnosed with breast cancer on May 30, 2016, had a right, modified radical mastectomy on June 8 and on June 27, had my first oncology consultation. 

My next steps are chemo, HER2, and radiation all to take place over the course of a year, beginning promptly in 2 weeks. Iʻm not maʻa as to the names of my treatments as iʻve heard it only once, but before i begin (within the next two weeks) the following needs to take place; an echogram, a cardiogram, a ct scan, a bone scan and port insertion - on another island - Oʻahu. All of which needs yet to be scheduled. 

Lindsey, i like how you were proactive and took ownership for your own comfort materials. Even as far as having topical cream on hand. Something i would never think of. You inspire me to do the research so i too, can be prepared and ready to fight this head on to ease the difficulties, minimize the pain, and maximize our comfort.  Any other advice youʻd like to share? 

Im glad i found this thread to connect with all of you as we embark on similar but yet very individual paths to recovery and becoming cancer "survivors". That word has a nice sound, right? 

Anyway, good luck to everyone and i will post more later to help the sisters that follow. 

Ke Akua pu kākou, Godʻs blessings with each of us. Ke aloha nō,

Ivalee🙏🏽🙏🏽👍🏽👍🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

Daczahow

Lindsay, thank you for sharing hope you are doing well ... I am doing AC dose dense my 1st round was Tuesday so I am on day 5 the first 4days were pretty intense with nausea. I woke up hungry today and I am actually feeling kinda like my self. So far ! Did you have the neulasta shot ? I had it the day after treatment I took the Claritin that was recommended and my SE have been very mild at this point. Hugs to all! Thanks for listening!

💕Christina

Lindzanne

Hi all, so nice to hear more about you! Day 3 of AC for me and definitely woke up feeling more nauseous than yesterday.

I was prescribed dexamethasone to take for days 2-4 in the mornings, and of course Zofran twice a day, and then Compazine every 6 hours as a back up. Well, I am taking that back up because I just don't want to wait until I am completely overwhelmed with nausea to need it. I read somewhere not to wait to play catch up with the nausea and I'm going to heed that advice!

These anti nausea meds do tend to stop you up, sorry for the TMI, but I got some Smooth Move tea and it's working.

I don't know how soon mouth sores start but I am rinsing with saline and a spoonful of baking soda mixed in 4 X day followed by Biotene mouth rinse and Biotene toothpaste with soft toothbrush. No mouth pain so far, we'll see. 1 pint water to 1 tablespoon salt to make the saline solution.

Ive, thanks for your kind words. I'm trying to share a bit each day to help because it makes me feel a little less useless! I admit last night I cried feeling like, I just can't do this. I was so tired already and felt like a failure for feeling that way after only two darn days out.

Hope floats, your determination and energy are inspiring. You're right, it is lonely. I also tend to process alone and reaching out here is helping me be less alone. It's lonely even with a partner and I try to acknowledge the privilege I have in having one by my side.

Christina, today is my first infection, doing it on my own and nervous! I had just read about the claratin which I had on hand since I have terrible allergies, so I'm glad I heard it worked for you! My doc and nurse did not mention it, just said I could take up to 3000 mg of Tylenol for pain! I hope I wake up hungry and a bit more normal like you in a few days.

❤❤❤❤❤

boricua_63

Hello

I am wondering if any of you that had a mastectomy has found a comfortable bra? I had bought a few, sports bra with front zip, but it seems that the only ones that don't bother me are the one that was given to me after surgery. Any suggestions? And do you ladies still have burning sensation in that area?

(Yes, this is for chemotherapy, but maybe a little advice, since I'm waiting to see the onco on Tuesday

Thanks a bunch

Hopefloatsinyyc

boricua, coobie bras are amazing and comfortable... Plus reasonably priced! They usually have a coupon code to make them even cheaper too!

boricua_63

Hopefloatsinyyc

Thank you for the information. (My PT told me about them)

Do you know if they have front zip? I'm still not able to put my arm up all the way.

Hopefloatsinyyc

they don't (to my knowledge) but are easy to step into! I can't lift my arms either, but these are easy to pull up from the bottom and slide over your arms.

boricua_63

I'll check the web site.

Thank you

boricua_63

Hello Ladies

Tomorrow I'll be going to see my onco, hoping she tells me my treatment and when I will start. I want to start soon and beat this!! Plus I want to go on a trip and see my dad.

Happy 4th of July!!!

HelenWNZ

I see my onco in 45 minutes not that I'm clock watching lol

boricua_63

HelenWNZ

Haha!!!

Good luck. Keep us posted!!!

Lindzanne

good luck Helen keep us posted. Thinking about you!

HelenWNZ

Now have a plan. Pretty scary stuff all the same.

Met with my oncologist who seemed like a very nice person although I would rather not be meeting her. She didn't tell me anything about my diagnosis that I didn't already know except that I should have been seen sooner given my extensive lymph node activity. So we are now rushing to get started.

Blood tests and an ECG to find out that I have past damage to my heart - which isn't going to change any of my treatment options. Tomorrow I go to chemo class and then start on Thursday 7/7.

Docetaxol and Herceptin every 21 days x 3

Fluorouracil/Epirubicin/Cyclophosphamide (FEC) every 21 days x3

Then back to Herceptin to complete the 12 months.

I have a huge amount of reading to do about all the side effects so I know what I will be doing tonight. I start taking Dexamethasone tomorrow for the next 3 days and have been told to start taking pain relief so I have a build up in my system before I start for bone aches. At chemo class tomorrow I will be given more pointers on what to expect etc. Plus I have requested a referral to talk to someone professionally as I am still having trouble coming to terms with the speed of things and basically being pretty pissed off.

Brought my first block of chocolate in over 2 months as I felt I deserved it.

So that's it for the time being. Had a good study of my scars today and my surgeon did a pretty tidy job. My son split his trousers at school and I bet my needlework will not match his.

Good luck tomorrow Boricua 63

Take Care Helen

Lindzanne

Helen, definitely sounds like so much to take in and to go from waiting and waiting to all systems go must feel so overwhelming. Do you feel a little better having a plan in place at least? You certainly deserve that bar ofor chocolate---we have to take our simple pleasures where we can. It does sound like you have a proactive oncologist so that's perhaps reassuring?

Will you have someone go with you to chemo class to help take it all in? I had a whole list of questions I brought to my chemo teach. I was fortunate to have a one on one rather than a class but as you read up today it may help to have all your questions prepared even in a group setting.

I do think taking those meds in advance will really help you. Will you be doing the shots for your white blood cell count? I did my first one yesterday and took Claratin as someone above recommended and had no bone pain--of course is was my first so we'll see if that lasts.

I have been speaking with my social worker in the oncology department and have a good therapist and it has helped immensely so I hope that it does the same for you. You can ask if they work with family members too, the SW really helped my husband one particular day when we were both in the throes of panic.

Good to hear your scars are healing nicely. I'll definitely be thinking of you this coming week as you get going.

And yes good luck boricua.

Hugs to all.

ladylalatx

I am new here and struggling to keep it together today.

Diagnosed in May, lumpectomy first week in June, second lumpectomy to get clean margins and port paced last Thursday. Tomorrow I go for CT scans and bone scans and start 4 rounds of TC Thursday. This was all such a surprised as no one was able to feel it and the cancer was only found on a 3D mammogram. Today I am terrified the scans will show the cancer has spread.

I have cut my hair shorter, wigs fit/ordered/delivered and plan to shave my head shorty after chemo starts to avoid shedding. I have read anything I can get my hands on to understand more, but so far I feel like everything I eat, drink, smell, touch or even think about gives you cancer.

I haven't slept more than a few hours at a time since I got the call back from the original mammo. Please tell me this is going to get easier.

Daczahow

Okay so the Nuelasta kicked in I had my 1st AC last Tuesday and the 1st shot of Nuelasta on Wednesday. My lower back started throbbing after lunch today !! I was afraid maybe I had a kidney inflection so I called my MO she explain that it was very common for the pain to start in the lower back and to be on the 5th or 6 th day ! WTH I though I was pretty tough!! I have been through a lot over the past year and a half but I was curled in a ball crying like a baby ! The MO called in some pain meds which have made the pain tolerable but it still hurts ! ...was not expecting this at all! Thanks for listening ...hugs to all

Christina

Lindzanne

Oh no Christina I am so sorry to hear that! Ugh. I hope it improves and glad you got some pain meds!

Ladylalatx I was feeling so much like you describe just a week ago. Waiting for my scans to get done was hell. I have felt so powerless, thinking and reading and trying to learn everything I can to make myself better but also having so many anxieties about all that's out in the world or what my future holds. There were multiple people who reached out to me when I posted something similar and they too had felt the way I did just shortly before. They had pulled themselves through the hardest times and reached out to me and I didn't believe them when they said I would feel better--but I do. I think we all have to figure out exactly how we feel better on our own, because I knew that their hopeful stories didn't necessarily mean I would be ok too, but they were right that even so it will get easier. You get a plan in place and you feel more power. You get through the scary tests and get answers and whatever they are, you have information. You start learning what is and is not in your control. I think the best advice I got was that I should let myself feel all that fear, to cry, to acknowledge just how scary it was and not fight against it. I'm really glad I did that. I wallowed. And letting it out helped me get up and do what I needed to do. If you need help, there is no shame in getting meds to help you sleep or letting the people you trust most let you know just how scared you are. I don't know if any of this helps at all but I do know I was frozen, terrified and hopeless and I slugged through and am not right now. I may collapse into that again but hopefully I will have more tools. I do think it will get better. And this is a place where you will find a ton of support.

ladylalatx

Thank you. I am ultra data driven and not having all of the facts is killing me. I know once I start chemo I will be fine. I can do hard stuff - I just need to know what I am dealing with. And deep down I know that it will get easier to deal with, but today that is just hard to believe.

I haven't found much support amongst friends and family. Because I chose to have a lumpectomy, most people believe it will be easy because it was caught early. And don't get me wrong - I am grateful to the radiologist who found it on a 3D mammogram - my breast surgeon said most would not have. I just think that most people don't understand you still have to have to go through much of the same treatments regardless of stage. More often than not, my decision to have chemo has been questioned. My husband has been amazing, but I can't let him carry the burden of supporting me alone.

I will see my MO on Thursday and will let him know the anxiety I have. I know I have to rest for my body to heal. I have made myself crazy to the point that I cannot eat without getting sick. I have to pull it together fast.

HelenWNZ

hi everyone from another person who seems to have waited for months to finally get a plan in place. Today I feel I am finally moving forward in this journey. I have struggled to come to terms with things and it is like two steps forward and one step back. My sleep at night is very disturbed I fall asleep straight away but must wake every two hours. I hate sleeping on my back and right side but with the mastectomy and now dodgy arm my left side is out.. I get up and have a wee walk around and try again.

If I start a conversation I am ok with people but the folks that get in my face and I'm not prepared I cry which I hate. That hasn't changed I don't want sympathy I want normal.

I cut my hair and will get it shaved next week. I have headgear and a wig which I'm not 100% sure I'm going down that path yet.

I have googled too much against all advice so if your doing that stop - have now become a member of a few groups with my similar circumstances and Dx. This is now where I keep up with people who understand where I am at.

My first chemo is tomorrow and I started some kind of steroid today for 3 days and panadol. To get a build up in my system. I have nausea meds to take if I need them. The original meds were what I am allergic to so have an alternative.

But I tell you something if you are into signs.... My nurse yesterday was called Mary, my middle name is Mary. My doctors name is Louise, my sisters middle name is Louise. My nurse looking after me tomorrow is Frances my brothers middle name was (he is deceased) Francis. One more to go Maree I'm sure she will turn up.she doesn't like missing out.

Your allowed to rant and rave. I asked for help yesterday as in discussionswith the doctor I realised that I am pretty pissed off about this and need to let it go.

Take care your in a good place here.... Where else would you get the talk to people all over the world who get where your at.

xxyzed

To all those struggling with sleep and/or anxiety I recommend seeing your doctor for sleeping / anxiety medication. Everything is better after a proper nights sleep. You don't need to take them forever and I would definitely start under the guidance of your doctor rather than trying to self medicate from over the counter drugs.

I had my port inserted today with day surgery under general anaesthetic. After reading way too many blogs about port horror stories I have woken up with full neck and arm movement, not that I'm moving it much just in case. I start my chemo on Friday so I will get to see if the port works properly pretty quickly and I will be able to join you all in nausea and bone pain woes. Fingers crossed I manage it ok. For now I just feel like I was punched in the shoulder so expect there will be some bruising showing tomorrow under all the red cleaning solution I'm still covered in. I'm keeping the parecetamol and nerve pain medication going until the chemo starts. I figure it doesn't hurt to be pre-loaded when the chemo starts even if the port pain clears before then

Eden_E

Hello is this the chemo in July group? I'm trying to find a group. I start chemo on July 11th I have invasive ductal carcinoma. I have been on other sites like this before but for some reason I'm having a hard time figuring out where exactly to go to look for the group and topics about the group any help would be appreciated, tia 🌸

Lindzanne

It is just downright infuriating when folks think they can tell us what kind of choices we should be making about our own treatment, how we should feel, how "bad" our cancer is, etc. I haven't had that happen too much but I was mentioning it to my husband because it came up in a local support group I'm a part of and he said, well, everyone is giving him their opinion instead of me! So I guess I'm grateful I have a buffer but to have these folks think that all of us haven't thought about every little detail of our illness and agonized over every choice and then have the gall to tell us how to feel about it, it's so inappropriate. I know people want to help but respecting our space about when and how we want to talk about things would be the most helpful. That was kind of a rant but I'm tired of seeing my sisters in this struggle be bombarded with other peoples' arm chair opinions. I posted this article on my Facebook yesterday as kind of a warning about where to direct opinions and emotions----away from me! Maybe it would be helpful for you all to share too! http://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr/07/opinion/la...

Helen that is downright uncanny about all those names. I would be taking it as a sign too.

Xxyzed I had my port in one week ago, had chemo last Friday, and there's still a slight sting to it. Hoping it heals all the way quickly. I mentioned this up above but I got prescription lidocaine for day of chemo since it was still tender and it really helped when they were putting everything in.

Welcome Eden, yes you are in the right place. It is a huge website isn't it? That said it seems like there's a forum for every possible question any of us could have.

I'm on day 6 of my first round of AC and today I woke up with barely any nausea. Will try to get up and around and see if the fatigue has subsided but I felt so refreshed and good this morning after days of fatigue and nausea. To be in good spirits feels great. Maybe I'll have this down to a science--down for the count for about 5 days and then get a good week in of feeling halfway decent before my next round. I think I'm even going to work tomorrow--first time in a month since I took all that time off for surgery, tests, etc.

I always feel like I write a novel here but I'm so grateful to have an outlet. I'm very grateful for all of you and a place to vent and to get advice and also to be able to listen to you all as well. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

xxyzed

Lindzanne - Love the article. I don't know I'm brave enough to share it around though. I don't want to bother with the cream on the port. I'm just going to make sure I have someone who knows what their doing connect me up. I don't want to be used as target practice and be traumatised on the first go. That's fantastic that you feel up to going back to work. Personally I think i'll just get the hang of the side effects and what days are good and bad and then the treatment will all get changed up again.

Eden E - welcome to the group. You're definitely in the right place. You just need to make sure to save us to favourites so you can find us again. Also if you fill in your diagnosis and treatment information and make it public it helps others recognise if they are doing the same thing as you