Starting Chemo January 2017

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  • Natg
    Natg Member Posts: 1
    edited January 2017

    Hello Ladies,

    I'm glad I found this forum. I have my port installed tomorrow (1/9) and start chemo on (1/12). I'm very scared about the days ahead, but I'm also anxious to finally be doing something to get rid of this and be healthy again. I look forward to contributing to this group and helping each other get through this.

    Stay Strong!

    Natalie


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  • IrishEyes31
    IrishEyes31 Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2017

    I am supposed to start Adriamycin on January 24th. 4 rounds, 2 weeks apart, then taxol for 12 weeks. Going today for my port "consultation".

    I feel like this is a lot of chemo to reduce my chances from 30-15% of it reoccuring. I am really nervous about the adriamycin....I am 46, IDC stage 2A. My prosigna score came back 70. =(

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  • Lilo244271
    Lilo244271 Member Posts: 40
    edited January 2017

    natg and irisheyes31...welcome. I'm sorry we have to meet on this board. These ladies are awesome.

    Natg...I am getting my port tomorrow. The majority of ladies have said it hasn't been a big deal. I am with you, I just want to get the ball rolling.

    Irisheyes31...from everyone's stats it seems to bring protocol to get AC 4x although my Taxol will only be 4x. Each treatment is individually based.

    Hugs and love.

    Lisa

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  • MexicoHeather
    MexicoHeather Member Posts: 365
    edited January 2017

    Hi. I met with the surgeon today and am waiting for my pre-op work for the port placement. I really should have brought a snack and tasty beverage! Rookie mistake, I'm sure.

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  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited January 2017

    So I finally got the CT appt, the Echo appt, and then to find out when I called again last week MO still had not put in for port placement. I asked that she did it stat because I want to get this started so I can be finished. She said I could do first chemo thru the vein, but since I had LMX I only have one good arm for labs, etc not going to blow that. SO I wait!

    Emotional today for me, as daughter was here again for 5 days for our family Christmas and she left to go home. As a mom I am happiest when both my kids are in the same state.

    Doing my look good feel good class today. I hope it is good, will definately report back.


    Mexico what did you need to do for port pre-op wise?

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  • MexicoHeather
    MexicoHeather Member Posts: 365
    edited January 2017

    Goincrazy8: It was a review of medications and blood work. She said that I did not need an EKG because I was under 50. I did have one done in October, and it was fine. So port insert is at 9 am. My husband is going to be able to get me to from and make me some lunch.

    Sometimes the comments get to me.

    Yesterday: "Well, WHY did you get beast cancer?"

    Today: "Are you going to lose all your hair? You have beautiful hair."


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  • MexicoHeather
    MexicoHeather Member Posts: 365
    edited January 2017

    IrishEyes: I just read a pdf about Prosigna testing. Perhaps post menopausal women with DCIS get to have low scores, but otherwise, it seems like this test is a way to assure a patient that chemo is the best practice. Will you have chemo before the surgery?


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  • HoneyBeaw
    HoneyBeaw Member Posts: 212
    edited January 2017

    Will be starting 4 rounds of TC starting next Monday, would appreciate any information any of you have concerning side effects and what you have done that help with side effect.

    Just found out today that I also had at least 1 positive node which I was not expecting, was told from previous Pet scan nodes were clean and went from 2A to 2B. This has got me all upset and set me back in my positive outlook terrible....so thankful my husband and daughter are by my side

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  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited January 2017

    Did the look good feel good class tonite. Went with a friend who just finished chemo for ovarian. Received a nice supply of makeup, moisturizer, eye shadow, face makeup eyebrow pencil lipststicks. We had so much fun. Some Estee Lauder, Almay, cover girl, great bag of makeup for free.


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  • BG46TN
    BG46TN Member Posts: 286
    edited January 2017

    HI everyone, I"m from the Nov group....but wanted to pop in and say hi and you guys will get through this! I just hit my 1/2 way point, finished 4 rounds of AC and about to start 4 rounds of Taxotere on the 20th ( 3 weeks in between each) I had very minimal side effects so don't be scared, it is possible!!

    I find that a positive attitude and trying to keep your life a "normal" as possible is best at keeping yourself feeling pretty good. Of course listen to your body, rest when you need to and tell your MO when you have any pain or issues that bother you a lot, or make you unable to function...they always seem to have a "bag of tricks" to help make you feel better.

    Irisheyes31, I am also 46, and the AC was not bad at all....really, I don't even have a port, I just use my veins for all treatments ( I didn't have any surgery yet)

    I had the Neulasta on body injector...and only had minimal aches and soreness about 24 hours after it goes off....hot baths and advil helped with that. I had it placed on my belly...I had it on my arm for my first treatment and had WAY worse pain...so thats something to think about, not sure its related. I also take Claritin from chemo day for at least 6 days after.

    Good Luck ladies! we are all Warriors!!

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  • dp1
    dp1 Member Posts: 21
    edited January 2017

    Hi everyone,

    This is my 2nd go around with this dreaded disease. It has been 15 years, so things are different. I am having chemo this time and Thursday is my first day. They told me it will be a long one- 7 hours. I am nervous and hope all goes well. I have a port now, so that was new to me. I think the unknown makes things extra scary. Hope everyone here is doing well with their treatments so far. Fingers crossed till Thursday. I just turned 57 and got the horrible news right before the holidays. Now that the holidays are over, reality is really sinking in and my journey begins


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  • Lilo244271
    Lilo244271 Member Posts: 40
    edited January 2017

    Tlgio17...thinking and praying for you today as we get our ports.

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  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited January 2017

    Good luck Port Ladies, I am still waiting for auth.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited January 2017

    Good luck to all of you getting your ports! Hang in there!

    dp1, we are sorry you are going through this.... again!

    We're all here for you!!

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  • MexicoHeather
    MexicoHeather Member Posts: 365
    edited January 2017

    I am back from port placement. I would say that it looks like somebody implanted a large marshmallow on the left side. The area is sore, but the incision is small. The tube I can feel faintly.

    They did a lower leg IV to compensate for the lymphedema risk and to keep out of the surgeon's way.

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  • Lilo244271
    Lilo244271 Member Posts: 40
    edited January 2017

    Port placement went well. I am a little sore today but iced it over night. I also got my last drain out YAY. So it is not too bad. Echo and Chemo Training today. Then....I get to rest from Dr appts until next Tuesday.

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  • IrishEyes31
    IrishEyes31 Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2017

    Thank you for responding! I had my lumpectomy on 11/28/16. Met with oncologist for the first time on December 15 th. He ordered the prosigna then. Due to the holidays, test results came back on January 5 th, same day as my appointment. Merry with my surgeon this Monday the 9th. I am having my blood work and EKG today. The port goes in on Monday the 16 th. Chemo starts when I get back from my cruise. Started looking at wigs last night...

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  • IrishEyes31
    IrishEyes31 Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2017

    Thank you for sharing. Getting my port on Monday.

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  • newt72
    newt72 Member Posts: 16
    edited January 2017

    Lilo - Yay for getting your last drain out! My surgery is planned for after chemo and the thought of going home with the drains freaks me out more than anything, lol.

    My port placement was last Friday and I was pretty sore and tender the next day, but since then it has not been bad at all. The area around it is itching like crazy though.

    Did someone named "Cindy" from this group send me a friend request on FB to join our group. Just want to make sure you are from here before I add you :) Please let me know if it is you, thanks!

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  • bccpa
    bccpa Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2017

    Hi ladies - I'm a newbie to this group but started chemo 1/6, going ok so far, really don't like my port but it may be more of an attitude towards it rather than a physical thing. Would love to be on FB group too in case I don't log all the way onto this blog.

    Good luck to all the port placements, I know they are wonderful during treatments, keep that in mind!


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  • newt72
    newt72 Member Posts: 16
    edited January 2017

    bccpa - Please send me a friend request or message on Facebook and I will add you to our group. Search for Cher Cline Newton. What is your first name so I can watch for the request. Thanks!

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  • bccpa
    bccpa Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2017

    Hi Newt72 - I just sent a friend request, sandy. Thanks for including me!


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  • kmk40
    kmk40 Member Posts: 42
    edited January 2017

    Hi there! I had my 3rd round of taxol and herceptin yesterday. It's weekly for 12 weeks. Just #9 more to go! Monday I noticed a lot more shedding than usual. I refused to wash my hair yesterday, as I knew I would be getting chemo and couldn't deal with what would happened when I washed. Today, I finally felt I had to wash it, my scalp felt itchy, and it was coming out in huge strands. I covered the shower drain so it wouldn't stop it up! So I went and got a 2nd wig that is more similar to my current style. I need to make the call to my hair stylist but I'm procrastinating! Wish me luck. I guess it's time to bring out the book I bought to share with my 8 and 6 year old daughters about my hair loss :-) I was hoping it wouldn't happen until after treatment #4 but I guess it's different for everyone.


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  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited January 2017

    went today for Cat scan and the machine broke before my appointment, now I have to go back again tomorrow

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  • DiV
    DiV Member Posts: 231
    edited January 2017

    Hi ladies, just an update. I would love to address each and everyone of you but i'm just super tired also have a slight queasy stomach. Doing radiation and chemo at the same time is alot. The fatigue is awful. 1st day was 7 hrs, rest of week is 3-4 hrs. After treatment monday i get a break for 2 weeks then start cycle 2 then i finish up radiation then have petscan then surgery. Dreading my surgery but staying positive and strong! My case is one in a billion. I pray and wish the best for all you ladies! Stay positive and strong! Kick some cancer butt!

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  • tlgio17
    tlgio17 Member Posts: 191
    edited January 2017

    Hi ladies,

    Thanks for the prayers, port is in. Sore so ice and Tylenol are my bff's right now. My first round of AC is tomorrow and I am nervous. Hoping all goes well with minimal side effects. Got two wigs today for when I need them. What a rollercoaster ride.

    Prayers for all of us fighting!

    Traci

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  • GingerGrace58
    GingerGrace58 Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2017

    Could you add me to this group? I was almost 9 years out before my diagnosis on my remaining breast....starting chemo January 17th. Worked through my last cancer journey. I am BRAC I positive so I have chemo and another surgery to take out my ovaries. Maybe it's just that I'm 58 or maybe I'm not as dumb as I was at 49 ....worried about working with AC..I wasn't good with nausea when I was pregnant with my kids. How bad is the nausea? Can I drive to work after taking meds? Glad to meet all of you. I can't imagine doing this with young children at home. You all are brave women!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited January 2017

    Welcome, Gingergrace!

    We're sorry you find yourself here, especially after such a long time since your last dx, but we're glad you've joined us, and hope you find the support you need to get through this. You'll find lots of great info and advice about AC in the chemo forum (you can search by keywords using the search function on the left side of your screen). We hope you have an easy time with it!

    The Mods

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  • M0221
    M0221 Member Posts: 45
    edited January 2017

    Newt72,

    I just sent a Facebook request (MJ Brown Davis). Love the Facebook idea. I will come here as well, but so many posts and I miss a lot. Thanks for setting it uo

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  • M0221
    M0221 Member Posts: 45
    edited January 2017

    Sorry I went amongst the missing ladies. I have a lot of catching up to do on here.

    I did so well with my BMX and port placement. No complications, really no pain. I went into chemo overly optimistic, naive and unprepared for the side effects.

    My second infusion is January 18th and with the help of my MO we are hoping to avoid complications and the side effects of the first infusion. There were so many and I try and only post positives here so I won't list them all but geez it was rough.

    My thoughts are this: I have chemo every 21 days. I had 10 absolutely horrible days. That means that I will have 11 days that are good or at least tolerable. That means I am having more good days then bad days. Which means I am WINNING.

    The hardest part is watching my son and daughter (15 year old twins) watching me go through this. I feel like I have (the cancer has) stolen some of their innocence, their carefree life, their joy. That makes me sad.

    I pray for each and every one of you and I hope that treatments are going well and are bearable.

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