Starting Chemo January 2017

M0221

Zola,

So happy port placement went well yesterday! Sounds like you were a rockstar! Sending good thoughts and prayers for your first infusion tomorrow.

The nausea wasn't terrible. An Ativan and a Zofran worked. If that didn't help I was to add Phernergan. It wasn't terrible nausea and I never felt like I would throw up. My GI tract is messed up, lots of stomach rumbling with no bathroom success. And burping, which is odd because I am on an antacid and I never burp. My Neulasta injection went off today at 4:30pm...hoping I don't get any of the bone pain. Preemptively taking 600mg of ibuprofen twice per day for seven day's at the advice of my MO. She said if I feel that doesn't help move to pain meds. So far so good!

Worst part so far is I can't believe how tired I am! Absolutely exhausted. I did get out to take the kids to the orthodontist this morning and I ordered a new wig.

One day closer to winning for all of us

Hopfull2

hi M0221, hope your chemo went well yesterday. I'm from the November chemo and I'm on your same chemo regiment. I had my 3rd infusion 1weekago. Your brave remember that and it's definitely doable.

Good luck to the January group and happy holidays.

tlgio17

Hi all, please add me to the Jan chemo group. I had my oncologist apt today and will do chemo, then radiation and hormonal treatment last. I get my port placed on the 10th. I was so overwhelmed today w all the info and apts I didn't even catch the names of my chemo drugs. Million things running thru my mind tonight. Thankful again for this site.

Traci

DiV

Hi ladies add me to the list. This is my 3rd go around. I have a chest wall recurrence. Tried carboplatin and gemzar to shrink tumor but it didn't respond. Now starting radiation and chemo (cisplatine and etoposide) at same time to try and shrink tumor before surgery. My case is grim but going to fight like hell. No matter if tumor shrinks only way to remove it is to remove parts of #2-5 ribs and amputate my arm. We are all fighters here. Prayers and hugs for all.

Naniisscared1

thanks sweatybetsy. You were right it is doable. Fingers crossed. Thanks again

tlgio17

Hi Div, sorry to hear about this being your third go around and chest wall issues.

I am from Medina OH so we are close on location. Where do you go for treatments?

Thinking of you with your fight!

Traci

DiV

Hi Tracy! Thank you so much! Yes we are close. I live in Brooklyn. I was diagnosed at 49. I've had and will have surgery at Cleveland Clinic downtown and get chemo and rads at Independence Cleveland Clinic. I'm in shock over all this and trying to come to grips with it and the drastic change to come in my life. I had ac n taxol 1st time. Didn't have to much problems. Had a little upset stomach and some neuropathy. It differs for all. Hopefully all you ladies will be fine. Where do you go for treatment? Prayers and hugs for all!

Diane

sweatybetsy

Hi Newt72 - just wanted to mention since you asked that yes, I did get an EKG and am also getting an Echo (never knew they were different tests until now lol).

Tiglio17 - I hear you on that overwhelming sensation. This is all still so new to me and it's been a whirlwind of appointments and anxiety. As much as I am nervous about chemo I am ready to get started and hopefully just settle into that part of my treatment and hope for the best.

and Div - I have no words for what you must be going through. An amputation really sounds drastic - I am so sorry you have to go through that. Keep your fighting spirit!

tlgio17

Hi Div,

Nice to meet someone in my neck of the woods!  I have been going to SWG (Seidman Cancer Center).  So far, I have really liked everyone that has been part of my team.  I did think of going to the Clinic as well since they are known to be a great place to be treated.  Is your surgery scheduled?  Will keep in touch for sure and be thinking of you.  ((HUGS))!

Hi SweatyBetsy--sounds like we are on similar paths right now.  Did you get a port installed and how is that procedure?  Such a whirlwind right now.  I want to fast forward to last treatment party. 

Hugs to all,

Traci

DiV

Hi ladies! Port procedure is easy just a little tenderness and some bruising. I'm on my 2nd one. Try not to dwell on everything, stress isn't good. Take a walk, visit friends and family! Support is so vital for our fight against this beastly disease. I stay upbeat and positive by playing with my puppy my boyfriend got me for Christmas.

Sweatybetsy hi thanks for the encouragement, much appreciated! An echo tests your heart they insert a dye into IV. Some of the chemo drugs are hard on your heart so they want to make sure there won't be a problem.

Journey365

Good afternoon all,

I just wanted to tell everyone "thank you" so much for sharing your individual stories. Many days, I have received strength from you all! I will begin chemotherapy on the 3rd of January, the particular medication will be 4 treatments of TC. I had very little fear of surgery in November, however at this moment I am full of anxiety, fear and second thoughts. Yesterday I received the different medications to take before chemo such as the steroids, cream for port, clartin and something to alleviate nausea symptoms. Again, I really do appreciate your experiences...they provide strength, motivation, determination and support!! Blessings to All!!!!!

Ang905

had my port put in yesterday ...it was a trip .. But I'm happy it's over, the doctor and nurses with me made me laugh and talk during the procedure and they played today's best hits on Pandora to keep my mind off of what was going on ..I have a bit of a sore neck and some slight pain but Tylenol has been good to me .

DiV

Journey365 hi! Glad you found us and welcome! How did your surgery go? How are you doing? You will find lots of support, prayers and stregth from the ladies here.

DiV

Ang905 hi and welcome! I had same experience with getting my 2 ports bunch of comedians keeps your mind off of things.

Journey365

Thanks DiV!! My surgery went extremely well, I had a right breast mastectomy and tissue expander put in place. I didn't have any complications at all, and was thankful for that. Overall I am doing great, the anxiety is a real pain but considering things, I wont complain. And yes this forum has been extremely helpful. I finally created an account today, but have been following for some time.

DiV

Journey365 that's great! I also followed this site my first time. Decided to join this time around so i can communicate with others who are going through this so i don'tfeel so alone.

Journey365

I'm sorry that you find yourself here again DiV, but you are definitely not alone and most importantly....this to shall pass!!

DiV

Journey 365 thank you! I try to stay positive!

kmk40

Hi I started chemo this week (December 27, 2016), but will be following this group as it's so close to January 2017. I was able to enjoy Christmas without doctor's appointments, lab work, and the usual, so it was a nice break. My first chemo session went reasonably well, just really long, as I had an infusion reaction to the Taxol. Also it was the day after a holiday closure, and it was very busy. I was there 7 hours!! I'm at Day #3 after chemo and I feel good. Just a little foggy, but I was able to work today. I'm prepping myself with the hair loss as well, I have a head cover and a wig, although it's a lot shorter than my usual cut. I'm probably going to cut it shorter here in the next 1-2 weeks. Just #11 more chemo days for me!! Good luck everyone!

Journey365

Hi M0221,

Good luck on your first infusion, my first one will be on the 3rd of January. I definitely can relate to not being able to sleep, and it's actually getting worse. Im sure the anxiety and worries significantly play a part. I'm confident we will All get through this!!!

DiV

kmk40 hi glad to have you! Yes some times you have a reaction to the drugs. Glad they got it straightened out for you and it's going better.

Gypsyatheart

I'm not sure how to be added to the group. I started Dec 27th

AC&T

+++

Invasive carcinoma, positive lymph nodes

39 years old. Double mastectomy no reconstruction

Thanks and look forward to hearing and sharin

Tburn014

We just found out today that my chemo will start January 13th. That's Friday the 13th!! I'm also doing chemo before surgery. I feel extremely fortunate that I only have to go 4 rounds.

AbbyG

Hi all!!! Not sure when I'll be starting chemo, but port placement on 1/5. Very glad I found this forum!! May you all have a Happy New Year 💕

Jens74

Good afternoon,

Please add me to the list. I stared yesterday 12/30. I will have four rounds of a/c then four of t, two week cycles.

A/C. it was a rough day! But my nurses were awesome! I had an allergic reaction to the IV Emend. not fun. but I made it through and Chemo on! since I had to wait and get a prescription for anti-nausea meds , last night was rough. Today, I feel great! I even ate a whole mushroom swiss burger!

HAPPY new Year everyone!

Provence

Hi all, just want to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Fight on in 2017! We can do this

Journey365

Happy New Years Ladies!!!!

To all the beautiful women who have traveled this road....I salute you graciously!!! May your courage, endurance and strength be the reminder to all that follows, that although we might experience some rough days, better days and plenty more years are to follow!! 🍻

Zolagirl

Happy New Year and hello to all the ladies that are joining this lovely battle with me! They say strength is in numbers and I can tell you, it sure helps having people around....no one should feel alone during something like this. So Thanks to all of you!!!

I had my 1st A/C treatment Friday afternoon. Not going to lie, I was scared shit less the days leading up, especially the night before. Ativan has become my friend. My fiance just started a new job a week after my diagnosis, so we have to pick n choose what appts he can make, but I went and saw my work family on the way to appt, my closest work friend took me and stayed with me all day ( this is important ladie's, take someone who can make you laugh, tell stories, keep you talking...for me, it was huge!) The nurses at my treatment center are so kind and amazing, ask questions all the way through...gives you a sense of some control)

Tx itself went fine for me. My port is still tender and sore so that was truly the worst part. Infusions take time, IV anti-anxiety first, then anti nausea, and steroid. Cytoxan followed with the nurse giving the red adriamycin last. That was hard to watch going in and I chewed ice chips while it was infused ( some say it helps with mouth sores...I'll try anything to kept them away!!!!) My friend told me to think of the red stuff as lava that's flowing in and wiping out the cancer cells...so that's what I did, and I got through it fine....you all will too!!!

After going home I just had a bad headache for a day, probably stress induced, and a teensy bit of nausea Saturday afternoon which sucking on ginger candies helped..been able to eat okay and no other issues so far. Keeping toes n fingers crossed. Will keep you posted on day 3 (tomorrow) and 4, as I know those are usually the ones to watch for....

Thinking of all of you to come behind me and I hope that we all have as gentle of a ride through this as we can...much love, Zolagirl

Jens74

Good afternoon,

Wanted to post and say day 3 has been going well! The senna-s seems to work well. I went out and shopped a bit, rested and doing great. Definitely eat when I am hungry and graze the rest of the time. It helps to keep the energy right. Really, a good day so far!

Happy New Year!!!

Zolagirl

Jens74,

So happy to hear that your doing well, I'm right there with you...started Friday, and since we are in the midst of a huge snowstorm we are headed out to do some shopping too.....hope your day continues great!

Zola