Anyone.Starting Chemo in October 2016?

ParkCityPhotog

I started chemo (Taxol weekly x 12 wks) and Herceptin (every 3wks for a year) on Oct 3. Radiation (whole breast and pocket) is schedule for 2-3 wks after chemo ends.

To help with coping, my therapist suggested I write a blog -which I have - and I'm so trying to stay upbeat and positive! After all, docs caught it so early! I'd post the link, but I don't know if it is permitted here.

I'm a teacher, and due to the fact I cannot prevent 195 kids from coming to my class sick, I am not teaching. It's odd, but I've set up a calendar so people can "go on walks" with me, bring food, etc.

I'm glad to see that there are a few of us on similar schedules!

D

Al12

Elle,

I'm feeling much better but I did break down in front of 3 different people at work. It's my first day with my head covered so I'm hoping tomorrow will be easier. I told everyone at my job way before I started chemo about my situation so moments like today would be easier on me but I guess it's never easy. Sorry about how you felt today as well I hope it gets easier from here on. Well at least now I'm sitting here and making jokes on how I look. Everyone here is absolutely fine with me and it's all in my head and I went out for lunch and no one is even looking at me. I'm sure I've had a few head turns this morning at my regular bus stop but other then that no one cares. I go to work in the morning with my husband we both work in the city so at least I have him by my side for support. You know it's still all new to us right now and I bet as weeks go by we'll have this figured out. I hope! oh and I regestered for feel good workshop for this Wednesday.

parkcityphotog, A blog is a great idea. I was going to do it too but my husband is actually writing one for his well being. I'm just documenting stuff on Instagram and that is also helping me. You can put your link here I would love to check it out. That is also a great idea how to get your friends and family involved with you while your out of work. wishing you the best. I will be doing Taxol after AC and I'm also doing herceptin but I have prejeta added on as well. I find it interesting on how some of us have same type of cancer but on different med chemo combos.

deemendoza

Thinking of you, hoping your infusion went well today.

VLH

Welcome, ParkCityPhotog. Others have shared blog links and I'm not aware of any prohibition against it so feel free to share. I can see where your profession wouldn't mix well with a suppressed immune system. Cooties galore at school!

UGH! I'd just finished loading the dishwasher late this morning when I suddenly became extremely nauseous and lightheaded. I raced to the bathroom and had to lie face down on the less-than-pristine floor. I felt like I was burning up and could feel sweat running down my neck. These are the times I wish I didn't live alone because I really wanted a cold cloth for my face and neck. Luckily, the misery passed fairly. Once I recovered, I checked my temperature & no fever.

I used to swim and do water exercises for 45-60 minutes two or three times a week and had hoped to return to it on my good days during my unplanned, unwelcome "vacation." I can't predict these stupid nausea attacks. I hate the idea of possibly getting sick in public plus worry about contaminating the pool. A selfish teen with a contagious digestive disease swam in the pool despite being specifically told not do so and they had to drain and disinfect it. It wasn't c. diff, but some other digestive ailment that escapes me. I wish I could determine a pattern. Maybe just take anti nausea medication proactively before heading to the pool?

Lyn

Moderators

Welcome ParkCityPhotog. It must be very strange to have to suddenly also stop working. So sorry to hear that, but sounds like the healthiest decision. Glad you found us here.

Nfullblume

I bought some new hats and scarves tonight. Excited to get those in the mail. I've got my port placement tomorrow. I'm going to suggest drawing my bra outline to the surgeon. Any other tips on the port for the first few days? My lumpectomy was right side, so port will be left side. I'll check in with you guys after the anesthesia wears off. Nite!

VLH

Nfullblume, depending on where it crosses your body, you might want to get a cushion for your seatbelt. Hope all goes smoothly!

Lyn

Nfullblume

thanks Lyn, I appreciate very much. Lumpectomy and axillary node dissection were easy, so fingers crossed this will be as well.

Connie1230

Alla, I am relieved to hear that someone else is having an issue with the hair loss. Mine still hasn't come out but I know it will be this week. I have no doubt that there will be enough tears to fill a bathtub. I can talk brave, feel brave, but reality will be a shock and there's just no getting around it.

I have had no problems with my port but this is something that truly bothers me. The lump is larger than I expected. Living in FL, it's not cold so sweaters and heavier clothes are not part of my wardrobe other than a few days. This is visible when I wear more of my tops than I'd have guessed. This is unreasonable and I am making it into more of an issue than it ever should be and I know this. As much as I realize this, that's how it is. My husband thinks I'm nuts over this and his attitude about it irritates me. I think part of it is that it's a visible sign of cancer and like the hair, visible signs really bother me. Today I asked the nurse about removal of it after chemo because I have read where some drs want to keep them in for varying periods of time after chemo ends. I was so relieved when she said it could come out as soon as I wanted it out after chemo ended...in some cases the same day. That good news was the thing that made me cry today. Of course, it's 4 mos away but I have a timetable now

I went to the Look Good, Feel Better class tonight. I thought it was a really nice class. I think we'd have gotten a bit more out of it if the hospital volunteer that was there just to help hadn't jabbered on and on. But I am telling you that the turban like thing she did with the bottom part of a t shirt just blew my mind. She sent it home with me but I neglected to look at the top to see what size it was. I've got to say with a bit of tucking the raw ends, this about seems doable to me. I don't think I have the patience for some of those intricate scarves online as I think I could flunk a class in scarves tied around the neck so these look totally beyond me. But with a bit of practice I think I could do that one and out of a tshirt, it would be comfortable.

My second chemo treatment was today and it went well. I was given a beautiful quilt made by a lady in Jacksonville and I must tell you that the thoughtfulness of this just made my day. I have made a few quilts years ago and I know this is a lot of work and I will value this forever. As soon as I finish this post, I will write her a note as the nurse navigator asked her if it was ok to give me her address and she agreed.

I have finally discovered a benefit to getting old. Two different nurses today told me that for some unknown to them reason, it appears to them that the older you are, the fewer side effects you have. I am a bit of a skeptic but this I choose to believe.

I hope everyone has had a good day today and a better one tomorrow. Blessings to you all. I've read each and every story, rejoice at the good days and remember your trying days.

Charlene1

Hi everyone

I completed Taxol #3 last Thursday,  I have noticed the SE's are starting to kick in more with each infusion

along with the ones I already had.....nausea, neropathy in feet, constipation followed by the D,  I can now add....joint pain, headaches, insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, extremely dry skin and bad indigestion now the shedding of hair has begun....at the rate it is falling out I suspect by either this week or next it will be gone,  I knew it was coming but now it has started I am having a hard time with it,  I think because my SE;s have been mild and the steroids have me so amped up that I could pretend for a bit that I was not a cancer patient but the hair loss is bringing it all home and the steroids do not last as long I usually get 3 days where I am feeling like Superwoman before I hit the wall with each, last time I only got a day and a half before I crashed.

Hope everyone are coping and looking forward to getting this chemo over with.

Char

chickdudefood

Hello everyone,

It's the middle of the night before my first chemo, and although I don't have the usual signs of anxiety, like a racing pulse, I'm very definitely awake. I had a long talk earlier tonight with a friend who was first diagnosed with breast cancer 19 years ago, and she calmed my nerves a lot and made me laugh too. We are both filmmakers--me, more of a former filmmaker--and she made a film about her journey called "No Hair Day" which is really worth seeking out if you can find it.

My daughter has been with me all weekend and we had that talk about the BRCA 2 gene mutation, she was super calm and philosophical about it, and we had her genetic counseling and blood draw today. She'll get her results in abut three months, and her attitude basically is that the outcome is already known, just not yet to her, so she'll wait patiently and live her life as if there is no issue until and if there is one. Now that's a good attitude. For me, one more weight off. And no matter what side effects I get from the chemo, this is what's going to help save me, so I'm going to (try to) take a grateful attitude even if I'm beset by every single possible SE.

I got my BRCA results the evening of my lumpectomy/lymph node surgery, and I'm wondering if I would have made a more aggressive surgical choice if I'd had that information in advance--but I can't turn back the clock. I guess the decision now is whether or not to go for the bilateral mastectomy after chemo (the ovaries and fallopian tubes are definitely going) and I'm hearing conflicting information about the appropriate timing for surgery if I do want to do the mastectomy, so I'll have to research that a little bit more with my medical team. Some are saying after chemo but before radiation, others after both, and so there needs to be more information before we change anything about the current planned protocol.

I'm a little bit emotional this week because my original life plan had me going to a yoga retreat in Mexico for a week starting on October 29th, with a bunch of women I've been on retreat with before, and it give me heartache to not be able to be there. I know that in the scheme of things this is nothing, but still, this reunion retreat was so much anticipated. I suppose the good news is that my lymphedema sleeve will arrive also today, so I can start doing yoga again when it gets here, and believe me, I will. It's been a daily part of my life for so long that even after just few weeks away I can feel my centeredness shifting a bit.

Once again, everyone, thanks for being here. I have a Caring Bridge site for friends and family, but you are my sisters and I'm learning so much from all of you. I'm hoping to be able to provide some support soon--my gaze has been very definitely inward these first few weeks.

Best,

Kate

Ella22

Julesbabe55- hope treatment #2 goes well today! I took your advice and took a walk with my dog yesterday, after the worst weekend of my life, it made me feel much better. I am going to try to walk a little everyday. I went all weekend with no pain meds! Called Dr this morning and she told me to try the anxiety pills before bed. It helped a little, I got about 3 hours sleep. Im only day 6 after first chemo n no hair loss yet!

B2alicia- you look so cute!

Avnegro- So sorry you are having such a rough time! Keeping you in my prayers!

Abracadabra- You write so beautiful and positive stuff! Hope Chemo #2 goes easy for you! I love the cool walks in the morning right before the sun comes up.

Welcome-ParkCityPhoto

FightingTheFight

Thank you to everyone for the kind words and who encouraged me to post. I've been meaning to, but hadn't felt up to it.

VLH - I understand how you feel w/ your nausea spells. I had a bad dizzy spell the other day, trying to get myself some water, and ended up falling down. I had to lay there for a bit to get my bearing.

I've definitely been dealing w/ more nausea and having my stomach unsettled after chemo #2. And I've been super sensitive to smells. Like someone mentioned in another thread, I've been hating the smell of everything. Even my skin just seems to be sweating out smelly chemo chemicals.

But it's really comforting to have this forum to talk to people who understand. I only explain in generalities to other people what chemo treatment is like.

deemendoza

Good Morning Ladies,

Anyone ever wake up and just hope and pray this was ALL just BAD Nightmare? that's how I woke up today. I'm sick of thinking I'm sick or feeling sick like or wondering what else I'm going to feel as a SE. I was able to work a full day yesterday but towards the end of the night 8pmish I couldn't not keep an eye lid open. I had my neulesta shot on Friday 24hours post 1st chemo and my body yesterday was very sore. It almost felt like I had a bad sun burn, achy bones, tender to touch and over all drained. anyone experience this? I thought it would be to soon to have any of these symptoms but maybe everyone's body works differently. I know I asked this before but as anyone else having issues with eating? I'm eating well the problem is I can't seem to meal plan. I brought a bag full of snacks and fruits for the workday like on any normal day but the moment I opened the bag nothing seemed appetizing and without even eating it, it caused me nausea. Needless to say I had to run out and get a plain grilled chicken breast and that did the trick. Just curious if anyone else is experiencing this. I'm 6days post chemo and while I did the cold capping I'm constantly looking to see if my hair is falling or shedding. I think I'm prepared either way it goes, but just curious from the ladies who did cold capping and it didn't work. were you more liberated when your hair feel? and I mean it in the sense where now I feel like I'm so careful of how I touch it and how I lay down on the silk pillow that sometimes I feel like this CANCER crap is enough to worry about and having this extra carefulness with your hair to me at least is added stress. I washed my hair for the first time last night since last Tuesday and I feel like I hardly slept carefully touching it.

I used to workout 5/6 days a week (cardio,weightlifting etc) but since my dx I haven't been to the gym. I'm scared to cause more harm then good., I'm afraid of running into my classmates and getting asked where have you been, or people seeing me "sick" or getting sick period. Lord knows as much as I dislike this process I wouldn't want to delay not one single treatment.

Sorry for ranting... I'm overwhelmed.

JR74

Hello everyone! I see some new faces and want to welcome you all! This isn't a group any of us planned to be part of but here we are making the best of it!

I'm gearing up for chemo #2 this Thursday.. my hair is about 3/4 gone. This is such an emotional roller coaster we're all on, sometimes I just want to jump off! It's hard to stay positive all the time but I'm trying.

The baby shower Sunday was a huge success! My daughter is all set, and now we just wait for little Miss Charlotte! Here's a couple of pics from the big day. This was my first family/friend outing with almost no hair, everyone took it great except me! Ahh life..

My oldest daughter and I.. the second pic is both of my girls! Aren't they beautiful? I have two boys as well, but they weren't there lol

Abracadabra

Hi sisters!

I had my 2nd chemo yesterday, and it went well. Since I had such problems with nausea and dizziness the 1st time, she gave me the Emend though the IV drip (enough to last for 3 days). My nurse was able to get a good vein on the 1st try (yay!). I listened to old-style jazz on my MP3, did sudoku and crossword puzzles, and watched the wind blow through the trees outside the window. Every once in a while the sun would break through and a golden beam of late-afternoon sunshine would slant across me, like a warm hug. It was nice.

I felt fine last night ... made dinner for the family and enjoyed eating with everyone. Drank tons of water, and took Ativan before bed. Slept well, and to my relief, felt only a slight headache when I woke up today (no nausea! yes!). Went swimming this morning, then went for a long blustery walk with my son and my dog along the lakeshore ... lots of whitecaps today. Anyway, I have a sense of optimism that it will go better this week. Crossing my fingers!

Wecome, ParkCityPhotog. I'm not a teacher, but for the past 9 years I've been a very regular volunteer at an elementary school my son attended. I started do 'class mom' stuff, then ran the library for a while, then moved into the classrooms as a volunteer teacher's assistant. For the past 5 years, I've been volunteering 4 days a week at one school, and one day a week I was volunteering in a swimming program at a school for kids with intellectual disabilities. Since my son graduated from high school last year, I decided to find paid work and had lined up a paying (YEAH!) job as classroom assistant (I was thrilled!!!) ... and I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Knowing that I would need surgery, chemo and radiation, there was no way I could take the job. They were very understanding and have told me that when I am well, they will find something for me, so I am grateful to have that to look forward to. In the meantime, I'm really really missing the kids and the teachers. What a lovely inspirational bunch of people to learn from. Wishing you the best with your treatment, and hoping to hear of your experiences.

Nfullblume - I love your energy! There is a positive energy that shines through your writing, and you are a beautiful addition to this forum.

Charlene - Sorry to hear that you're going through rough times. Hang in there ... I'm sending positive energy your way.

Connie - So there are benefits to getting older? That's great, because I am getting older by the day!!

Ella - Thanks for the warm thoughts. I love those morning walks too ... so peaceful .. it's the best time of the day.

Lyn and FightingtheFight - Hope the nausea and dizziness ease up. It will get better.

ChickDudeFood - It's overwhelming, isn't it. There is so much to process, and decisions to be made, and new terminology to learn. It can be exhausting. I try to take it one day at a time .. when I was diagnosed, a girlfriend of mine gave me a carved wooden Buddha. Every morning, I rub his belly and ask him to help me to be mindful and focused, and to see opportunities to make life better for others, as it always enriches my day. It works for me ... I make decisions based on the best information at the time, then move forward without regret. I try to accept the things I cannot change, and look for the things I can change, as it gives me more of a sense of control in my life. It's about finding some sort of balance. Best wishes ... looking forward to hearing more from you.

Dee - Rant and roar! We get it! It stinks that life has to feel so hard. We are reading your post and nodding our heads. Sending you big hugs and hoping that things settle down for you.

Jen - Great pictures! Your girls are gorgeous! You must be so excited for Miss Charlotte's grand entrance. So happy for you!

Miles - Not hearing much from you ... hoping that you are feeling better! Max the dog says 'hi'.

Alla - When I sent a picture of myself in a headscarf to my SIL, she commented that I looked even more beautiful without the distraction of hair around my face. I choose to believe her. I think we are all so accustomed to seeing our hair as an extension of our face, we feel somehow 'lesser' when the hair is gone. But it's true that the absence of hair focuses attention on the beauty of the face ... we have to learn to refocus our lens. You have such a lovely face, with those high cheekbones ... hold your head high and know that you are a beautiful strong woman.

Have an excellent week to all.

Barb

Melindawv

Good Afternoon everyone. Believe me when I say you will turn the corner! I have been back at work for the past 2 days and I have been able to keep food and have some energy. So I am over excited!!! So to everyone HANG IN THERE!

JR74 you and your girls all look beautiful. I am so happy that you got to experience the baby shower and that your daughter had a wonderful day. Good Luck with Chemo #2 and I hope that this one the SE are better and that you bounce back sooner.

Alla, Connie1230, Charlene, Deemendoza and any other ladies I miss...I am right here with you all on this hair loss thing. I have avoided having it cut even shorter yet for fear that it will start coming out. My hair is just below my shoulders and I know I am not going to handle it well when it happens. So I know exactly how you all feel. I have washed my hair very carefully and dread looking in the shower to see if some has started falling out. I know everyone says it will be fine and I am sure it will be, but I agree with who ever said that it means you have cancer to everyone else and then you either have to talk about it or have to have people feel sorry for you. Which I can't stand. I admire everyone on here who have taking the scissors or even the razor to the hair. And I will have to admit some of you all are looking pretty snazzy in you hats and scarfs. But if you hear a scream from the mountains of West Virginia then you will know that my hair is leaving me. LOL I am sure once it occurs that I will just roll with the punches but until then I am monitoring the shedding.

Welcome Parkcityphoto...love that name

Kate, so glad that your daughter has such a great outlook on the testing that she is going through and that her knowing the result will only help her make informed decisions about her health and life. You should be very proud.

Lyn I hope you are feeling better and I know with your positive outlook that good days will be back very soon.

To everyone fighting the fight. Hang in there and take care,

Melinda

Abracadabra

Melinda - That's great news! I can hear the energy in your 'voice'. So glad you're feeling better. I guess this hair thing is a path we are all on ... we take it one step at a time. Have a great week.

Barb

JR74

Barb, I totally get a calm soothing vibe just reading your posts! Very uplifting. My head was so itchy earlier I thought it would be a good idea to wash it. Boy was I wrong. I couldn't help but laugh at how ridiculous I looked and my girls started laughing because I was. My son,( he's 12) didn't take it so well. Now I just feel sad and broken. I know it will come back and it's all part of the process. It is hard looking in the mirror and facing the reality of what our lives have turned into. I will shake it off and not be a sour puss but for now I'm poopy. So glad I have you girls to whine to!

BabyRuth

Hi Ladies! Just wanted to stop in and say hello! Glad you all have each other to lean on for support. It helped me so much when I was going through chemo to have a group to lean on. If you have any questions I can help with please feel free to ask. Put one foot in front of the other and get this behind you! Many hugs to you all!

Abracadabra

BabyRuth - So nice of you to say hello! It's always great to hear a friendly voice. No questions from me for now, but thanks for being there for us. Hugs to you too.

Jen - Oh Jen, I know exactly what you're saying. My son is 18 and very sensitive, and I can see his discomfort when his strong healthy mom suddenly looks so different and vulnerable. It kills me. I made a decision to keep my head covered when he can see me. I'm very open about my treatment so there's no mystery around the fact that I have cancer or the details of my treatment, but I feel better around him when my head is covered by a bright scarf and I'm wearing make-up (especially lip-gloss, my all time favourite!) I think it makes it easier on him, which makes it easier on me. This is something hard we have to get through and it's scary and sad and wrong and we grieve ... but our hair will come back, and down the road, this will just be a memory. Hang in there.

Barb

BevSue

Hi Everyone

I'm in the same boat as many of you are with the SE's and I'm hoping someone will wake me from this bad dream soon. Felt fairly good Friday and most of Saturday but Saturday evening the SE's slapped me in the face, even my scalp hurts!!. Still pushing on and working but by the end of the day I'm wiped out.Take care everyone, well wishes to all.

Nfullblume

hey guys! Just a quick check in, port install went well. Anesthesia was so much easier to handle than it was with my breast surgery. Very appreciative for that. CT scan results are back, no metastasis. Boomchakalaka!!Chemo is officially scheduled now for Nov 2 @ 2.15.

Saying a prayer for you ladies that are struggling.

I was blessed enough to get a job promotion in the middle of this rat race. It's keeping me engaged and excited for the new learning curve.

Have a good night!

Abracadabra

Nfullblume - Wow - stellar news about the 1) port install, 2) clear CT scan, and 3) job promotion!!!!!!!

So happy for you that things are going well. You just put a great big smile on my face. Boomchakalaka indeed!

Abracadabra

BevSue - Sorry the SEs are acting up ... it does get better. Sending you a gentle hug and hoping you have a restful night.

FightingTheFight

JR74 - Love the pics you posted of you and your daughters. Very lovely. You all look great.

b2alicia

Hi guys,

Quick check-in. Now 6 days after 1st chemo. Feel a bit iccky. My main symptoms are: 1. Horrible MOUTH. It feels like sandpaper, battery acid, etc,. I talked to someone Monday am at the clinic but was never ordered a script. That will be my main topic tomorrow at dr.'s appt. 2. Uneasy tummy. Not really diarrhea, not really nausea, just blah. As a result , I'm not eating much, just tiny bits at a time. I have a script for something called...ONDANSETRON. It's a small tablet that i've taken a few times for nausea which does seem to help a bit. 3. REALLY sleepy. Good thing I guess. Sleeping as much as 10 hours a day. Anyone else having the same? Blessing my dear friend Ruth for staying with me this week.

Abracadabra

Hi Betty, After my 1st chemo I started to get mouth problems, including overall irritation and sores on my tongue. I got a prescription for Magic Mouthwash (the pharmacist mixes it up from a couple of ingredients). You get instruction to either swish and spit or swish and swallow. It worked great for me ... my mouth felt much better within a day. I recommend.

My anti-nausea med. also makes me sleepy ... napping helps to pass the time!

After my 1st chemo, I had problems with nausea and dizziness for 7 days, and on the 8th day, it magically lifted and I felt great until my next chemo session. I had chemo #2 this past Monday, and this time they gave me anti-nausea meds directly in my IV ... they were supposed to work for 3 days, but here I am on day 3 with the queasies and dizziness back again. Took my meds and I'm sipping ginger tea and eating saltines to ease my tummy. Not so bad as long as I don't have to get up to do anything.

So glad you have a friend there with you. Be kind to yourself and take it easy until these darned SEs decide to move along!

Hugs,

Barb

deemendoza

b2alicia- Bah humbug twin. I'm sorry your not feeling well. sending over a HUGE cyber hug and will keep you in my prayers Ruth is definitely a blessing for keeping you company. My ONC recommended lemon heads or hard candy for the mouth sores/acid taste buds. Take it easy and try to eat something a few hours this will help with the nausea. I'm, also on the ondansetron on need bases those seem to have help me. My SE are slowly fading away except this darn heart burn my onc said to take Prilosec started yesterday but that hasn't seem to do much of anything.

XOXO

Dee

sandybee

the amend should work, glad they added that for you. I get that and and something else before my TAC, no nausea.