Starting Chemo in Nov 2016

amw5

Molly09 (((hugs))) I also had my port placed today, and I too begin chemotherapy on Tuesday, November 15. Thx for being a inspiration to us newcomers here.

The surgery for my port placement went great. I'm a little sore, but I'm sure that's to be expected. I'm so thankful for this board. It truly means so much to me to communicate with other ladies on this. You all make it so easy to 'talk with'. Thx for everything.

Hopfull2

hi ladies. I'm glad your all doing well after your first treatments. I start mine tomorrow. I'm nervous and scared but reading your posts helps me feel better. I took my 1st dexamethazone today. Suppose to help with nausea for tomorrow. Thanks. Hope posting soon

Leslie2016

Did anyone have their port placed very close to a treatment? I want the port as I have many infusions to do, but they are doing my port on the 21st and my next treatment is the 23rd...just worried how sore it's going to be for them to use it.

Pink91316

first treatment today, all went well. I did have a mini meltdown when the nurse went access the port. My port placement was the hardest part so far. It was so painful and I was bruised from necklace to my nipple area, so I kind of freaked out. I finally got my head screwed on straight and everything went smoothly. Now I am anticipating the side effects. I have my nausea meds, so I am ready.

Hope everyone had a great day!! 1 down 11 more to go!!!

Sorella

leslie2016, I had my port placement and first treatment on the same day. I was anxious about that but it wasn't bad. The healing didn't seem affected by the both on same day.

natster

pmevans50 When I was stopped up, I tried everything!!! I hadn't gone for 5 days. I know your pain. Ultimately, I downed a can of prune juice and it did the trick. Good luck.

Leslie2016

Thanks Sorella. One less thing to stress about.

Went to the bank and the pharmacy with my wig on today...trying to get more confident with it. It's a damn good wig, it just doesn't feel right yet. Working on it.

Anonymous

Hopful,

I hope all goes well with your first chemo.

pmevans50

Pink91316, so glad to hear that for the most part it went well. My first port connection hurt, as well, because the steri strips were still on so they had to get through those first, but it shouldn't hurt nearly as much next time. I had a lumpectomy and still have the numbing cream so I'm going to use that next treatment, just in case.

Natster, Prune juice huh? I was able to get myself going with a fiber filled dinner, but will definitely add prune juice to my list of options. Thanks

I had my between treatment blood work visit today and my MO told me the nausea I experienced will be consistent, but it shouldn't get worse, so I was very relieved to hear that.

I hope everyone is doing well.

javamama

My nurse Navigator said prunes are VERY helpful in getting things moving without drugs, if some are concerned about medications.

Met with the doc yesterday. All my scans came back clean. No evidence of any cancer anywhere else in my body. And my heart looks good as well. Get my port installed next Tuesday. Drop off cold caps on the Friday before I start chemo on Monday the 21st. Got my chemo calendar from my nurse navigator as well. You know, for someone who doesn't like to go see doctors or spend time at hospitals and medical offices, I am at the docs an awful lot. My worst nightmare.

I discussed several vitamins and supplements with the doc and he seemed okay with most everything. Which makes me feel better. One more thing I CAN control. As I've stated since getting the cancer diagnosis, I feel out-of-control. And not in a drank too much and danced on the table/bar kinda of way. But fell into a river with class 5 rapids and I can't catch my breath, keep my head above water, or making any decisions about anything. Ugh. I do better if I can make a decision, do something to mitigate SEs, something to feel like I have some control over a small part of what's happening.

My dad flew to me when I found out my diagnosis. And my hubby has been the bomb. My college aged kids have been freaked. But slowly, all of us are getting our heads wrapped around cancer, the disease, the diagnoses and all that comes with it. Sadly, my dad had to get home today after staying for two months. I can't tell y'all what a comfort it's been having him around. With the holidays coming up, I should get my kids to come home to help fill that hole. Family makes me happy. And having the solid support of those I love and who love me has been so incredible.

I can do this. I can face the chemo. I can face the side effects. I can.

And you guys have helped as well. Reading your journey makes the path have more light so I don't feel like I'm walking into darkness. So thank you for that!

Leslie2016

You can do this javamama!! I'm trying to remember that if the side effects seem bad, we can talk to our doctors. They do have stuff that can help!!!! Hope your kids are home soon for the holidays.

Nanpop

All of you are very inspiring. I have been feeling so overwhelmed by all the different appointments and procedures that I've gone through. But reading your posts help me see that I can get through this.

I get my port in This Saturday. I start chemo on Thursday. I have my entire schedule. I am hoping I will be able to work throughout this entire process.

Are many of you working? How is that going while receiving treatments

Leslie2016

Nanpop, I am off work, as things changed and happened so fast I just went with what my doctor said. I went from easy, no problems, lumpectomy/radiation for 2 months to you are triple positive, chemo starts next week, here's 20 appointments for tests/treatments and consultations....I was extremely overwhelmed. I went (in my head) from easy-peasy, no big deal to OMG I'm fighting for my life in about two hours. At the moment I'm glad I did as it has given me time to think, process and start to figure things out. At this point I will have a few more conversations with my doctors as well as see how I tolerate a few more treatments before even thinking about it.

Nfullblume

The holidays are going to be a little different this year, and I'm a Christmas nut! My first real breakdown came a few weeks ago when I realized I'd be bald at Christmas. I also know I have to be perfect in my timing between treatments, so I won't be suffering too much on Thanksgiving and Christmas. So...I decided I'm going to get my house prepped for the holidays super early this year. I've already set Christmas music on my car radio presets. I'm in Florida where it was 81 on my way home today, so it feels a bit odd. But I'm going to draw the season out so I've got good days and good memories! I may pull down decorations this weekend while I'm feeling good. And now....I'm really excited about Christmas!! 🎄🎄🎄🤓

fromtritotam

javamama-glad your scans came back negative!

Hopful- good luck with your first chemo!

Nanpop- I think there are a few of us who work full time. Prior to my diagnosis, I traveled about 30 percent of the time and we were preparing for an expat assignment in Hong Kong. I am still working, just not traveling and clearly not moving to Asia. My chemo day is Thursday and I am working from home on Mondays following treatment. I can work from home more if needed. I'm being as open with my team as I can and everyone has been very supportive.

Rachel-have fun with decorating! Some of our neighbors already have their lights up!

Is anyone else having discomfort with their port? I am very aware of mine and can constantly feel
It on my collar bone.

Have a great night,
Kelly

Nfullblume

nanpop, I'm also working. My injections are every other Wednesday. My first cycle, I didn't miss any work except from 2.15-5 the day of my chemo. I worked from home Wed-tues (I have weekends off) and now I'm back in the office until next Wednesday for injection #2. I think it's definitely doable. If you tell you MO your work schedule, they'll normally tell Which day would be best for injections. I felt normal the day after chemo and then your worst days, you'd be home. I find that working is a great distraction. My coworkers are very supportive too. I'm sure they'll wanna see my head as soon as I shave it. We are like family. That definitely makes it easier.

We look forward to hearing how round 1 went.

DBear

I had my first round of AC today. It went well except the first attempt to access the port was a little painful. After she got it in all went smoothly. It took 3 hours all together with the first 2 hours being various meds to keep me from being nautious and the last hour the A and C. So far I feel pretty good. I started taking claritan yesterday and I am wearing the Neulasta onpro that will inject the neulasta tomorrow at 5. I agree with those who said earlier that it feels like a snap from a rubber a few minutes after they put it on and then you don't even feel it. It has been two weeks since they put the port in and it was finally starting to feel ok until she had to mess with it to get the IV in. It feels fine now and she said that shouldn't happen in the future. She said sometimes the first time it is a little difficult.

Anonymous

Dbear, I am glad your first AC infusion went well after a problem with your port. I hope your remaining infusions will be much smoother. Try and rest well, keep hydrated and relax now. I am still envious of Dhair.

Leslie2016

DBear, I've been meaning to tell you how much I love your wig. It's awesome and suits you very well. I'll post a pic of mine as soon as I get one loaded on the computer.

Glad your first infusion is over!!

Onward...

Hopfull2

Hi. So my first infusion went well. Better than expected. I thought I was gonna have a melt down. When the nurse asked me if this was my first time I wanted to cry. But held it in I was just so scared. I don't have a port but they found my vein easy. Thank goodness. Started me on pre meds about 40 min. Then started me on my T/C about 1 1/2 hours for both. So not too bad. The cold capping was probably the most uncomfortable. I got home and felt fine. Had to attend to my 2yr.old Cuz she wanted to play. I took my nausea meds so I know that helps. Hope all days will be like this. I'm glad not to be working through out my chemo. I work at a government office with the public so there are way too many germs. Hope you all have a great day.

Anonymous

Hi Hopfull,

Congrats on your first successful chemo. Now try to relax, sleep well and keep hydrated. If you feel a little loss of appetite, eat little but eat more frequently. Plenty of hot liquids are better like hot green tea and veggie soups. Lots of fruits too. If you feel constipated, just have some solid prunes or prune juice. Constipation may be due to the effects of the anti nausea pills and other take-home drugs you have.When the effects of those drugs wear off, you might have diarrhea too. If that happens, eat apples or any other natural foods that could stabilize your digestive system. Natural foods are far better than artificial drugs, for less side effects. Use drugs only when necessary.

Dont work too hard or stress yourself. If you develop side effects, go tell your doctor immediately. Dont wait for it to get severe.

Meditate and entertain yourself with funny things, on the internet, tv or magazines. If you look funny, look at the mirror more. Kidding. Relax at home and avoid crowded areas where you could pick up an infection. Use dust mask to avoid viruses especially if you have children that sneeze. Wash your hands frequently and use sanitizers more. Also use disinfectant spray in your rooms and toilet.

These things worked well for me, I hope they work for you too.

AndPray, pray, pray. With Him, you can never fail.

Good luck and God Bless you.

Gmmiph

Hopfull2

thank you gmmiph. I'm trying to rest as much as I can but I'm always up and about cleaning here and there. And yes I'm keeping hydrated and had to cut off my coffee routine but I like tea so I'll be ok.

Thanks. Hope you have a good day.

Superstar3102

Hi. I am Michele. I start an 18 week chemo treatment on 11-16-2016. I have six treatments, on every 21 days. Looking for friends...

aterry

Hello Michelle, drawdyaccount. Which chemo treatments will you be getting?

Pamela23

So it looks like there's a handful of us starting our treatment next week. Drawdyaccount, Marigoldgirl, SleeplessinCO and I start on 11/16 I think, with amw5 and Molly starting the day before us. I'm so glad I could go back to the beginning of the thread to read what you other's ladies have endured the past couple weeks to prepare myself. Everyone is so inspiring! I've been taking notes. So much to remember but I appreciate all the tips on managing the SEs.

Anonymous

Hi Hopfull,

Eat lots of anti mutagenic veggies and herbs like brocolli, cabbage, kale, rhubarb, rosemary, sage and turmeric. They will be useful in the regrowth of healthy normal cells. Just look at my pic, No Cancer!

Nanpop

gmmiph You brought a smile to my lips. Not easy to do since I am scheduled for my port tomorrow.

Is it true that we should only eat cooked vegetables during chemo

Anonymous

Nanpop,

My MO said to have a healthy balanced diet, but more on veggies and fruits. Less fats, less sugar. I researched a little and found those I mentioned on my last post above as the veggies/herbs that promote healthy cell growth. There is more if you surf anti mutagenic foods. I have been using raw turmeric, ginger, garlic, peppercorns, and cinnamon in food and asks my MO if they're Ok. She gave no objection, as long as they are in moderation. She however cautioned me about taking too much antioxidants such as carrot because it might interfere with the anti-cancer effect of the chemo drugs.

Anonymous

Nanpop,

PS

Good luck on your port tomorrow and to your overall treatment.

Nfullblume

I've been juicing and eating a lot of veggies, Nanpop. I buy organic and soak everything in a white vinegar wash. I have only done raw fruit. Some raw leafy greens. I've read the same on veggies, so wouldn't hurt to avoid the risk. Good luck on your port. You'll need it, so good choice to get it. Don't be afraid to push the doctor on where they plan to put it. Make sure they don't place under bra strap. If you have a female surgeon, you won't have to worry about that! Lol. I promise you it's a cinch compared to your mastectomy.

Super cute, gmmiph!

Pamela23, you got this! Today is day 10 for me. I'm out for dinner at an amazing outside venue having a nice cheese plate with a glass of wine. My MO cleared me for a nice celebratory glass. I promise it's not a "I'm tied to the couch" ordeal for most, more like a few rough days.

Nite ladies! Hope you have relaxing weekends. It's in the 50s here in Florida. So scarves, boots, and fire pits abound! 🔥 🍷