Chemo starting in August 2018

cefinkc

Good Morning -- I didn't see any posts on August 2018 Chemo, so thought I would start one. I had surgery first (lumpectomy) June 29th, and getting ready to start TC (taxotere/carboplatin) August 1st. Anyone else starting in August?

Ingerp

You might want to ask the Mods to move this to the main Chemo group so people with different dx's will see it.

cefinkc

How do you do that? If Mods are monitoring this, can you please move to the main Chemo page? Thank you! And thank you Ingerp!

Ingerp

I have PM'd the mods before. I think it autofilled--whoops--I just checked and the "Moderators" are in a drop-down box under "Send a private message". Include a link to this thread and ask if they can move it. Happy to help!!

Krysm7

hello cefinkc

I too am starting chemo on August 1st. I'm doing DC (docetaxel cyclophosphamide).

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cefinkc

It is nice to meet you Krysm7. I'll check in on you next Weds. I meet with my doctor tomorrow to learn Chemo 101. I'll just put my head down and plow through this

Krysm7

Hi cefinkc. How was your Chemo 101.. So much to learn and do! I went on Tuesday for mine But now might be delayed because of small infection in sentinel incision. which chemo drugs are they using for you?

Gingerobrien

I just met with my doctor today. I learned the most about my cancer today meeting with the oncologist. I knew this would be the visit that would help me the most.I start Chemotherapy (paclitaxel) + Herceptin on August 23rd. I will have treatment every week for 16 weeks of the Chemotherapy. I am so happy to finally have a plan

Krysm7

Hi Gingerobrien,

I agree, feels so much better once you have a plan in place. I too feel so much more settled.

cefinkc

Hello again so sorry for the delay. My husband decided to sneak away for a few days before chemo starts. The Chemo 101 was so helpful. I will be starting Aug 1 with Taxotere and. Carboplatin every 3weeks for 4 treatments. I’m so sorry to hear that you have an infection, Krysm7! Welcome Gonge

cefinkc

oops. My husband and I! Ha ha

cefinkc

This is a great thread to read ladies. Very informative!

Topic: More Tips (and a Shopping List) for Getting Through Chemo

MarlaM

Hi and thank you cefinkc for starting this thread. I'm back again for my second round of chemo. I was diagnosed in Jan, and in Mar, my docs decided my outcome would be better if I started with chemo to try to shrink my tumors and help with the chances of clear margins before having BMX. I had my last of 4 infusions of TC on May 29, and had by surgery on July 10. Last week I got the disappointing news that my margins were not clear. In fact, my oncologist believes that a lot of cancer was left behind, and he is recommending that I now do 4 infusions of AC, one every 3 weeks (same schedule as TC). It was almost like getting the cancer diagnosis all over again and I'm having a really hard time coming to terms with starting chemo again. I didn't have too bad of an experience with chemo the first time around, but it still wasn't pleasant. I managed to get through it with no lasting side effects and my hair is finally starting to grow back. It even feels like it will be as thick as it was before. Now I'll go through losing at all over again and I have a new worry about the SEs. I'm so sad and scared.

The March chemo group was so helpful getting through it the first time, so I'm glad to have you all this time around. I'm so sorry that we are meeting like this. My family and friends have been so supportive but they're not in my shoes. Best of luck to all of you. We'll get through this together.

BCSilverLining

Hi Ladies!

Yes, thank you for starting the August group! I will begin TC on August 9th. 4 rounds total, every 3 weeks. I am not looking forward to this at all. I am filled with anxiety and feel like this process takes a little piece of my soul every day. Im sad all the time.

MarlaM- I cant even imagine hearing my margins arent clear. How are you coping with that news? I am usually so up beat a positive, but these days gloomy. The hair loss...I am going to cold cap. Have you ever heard of it? Maybe that would help you bear getting through it again. I cried this whole weekend...its the only thing I can think to do....I am so sorry and hope this time, the chemo kills it all!

SunnyChilly

Hi all,

I am starting my chemo, TCx4 every 3 weeks also on August 3rd. My oncotype score is 23 and my MO recommended chemo to cut 7-8% off cancer spreading. I was totally not prepared, somehow always sure the score will be on the lower side. Took me a while to decide to go with it. So after almost 2 months after my lumpectomy, here I am finally saying yes to chemo.

I did lots of reading on this forum lately. So many good tips and good vibes. So glad I found this place!

I will do cold capping, just ordered penguin caps. Will start training my hubby soon... I will also use cold packs for nails. I will look ridiculous on chemo day with all the gadgets. Haha...

I am not sad anymore, a little scared yes but determined to fight through. So many other brave women did this before us with flying colors, we can do this too. Let's cheer for each other along the way until we reach the brighter side.

We got this, ladies!!!

cefinkc

you are welcome. This will be a great support team! MariaM: I am so very sorry for Having to go through this again. That really stinks. Please stay positive, put your head down, and plow through it as best you can. I pray that it will go quickly.

BCSilverlning: I love your site name!! You go girl! We have the same treatment regimen. What is your diagnosis?

SunnyChilly: very nice to meet you, we also share 4x3 TC treatments.

I got my port implanted this morning, but wouldn’t you know it — I got an air bubble when they looked at the X-ray post surgery, so they admitted me overnight to make sure it is absorbed by my body (common). I’m looking on the positive side that it is forcing me to take it easy and rest in the hospital as I tend to overdo at home with 2 boys.

Not doing cold capping, but found an AWESOME wig store that is owned by a Triple Negative survivor, and is very positive and empathetic. She only sees chemo patients or people with extreme hair loss. I felt so good there (well as good as I could be).

BCSilverLining

cefinkc-

Let me first say, my diagnosis came as a complete surprise. Was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, stage 2 on April 30th, 2018. This day is so significant....my 35th birthday and the day I was supposed to begin a new job (I still started May 1st). It's been a whirlwind since then.

My screen name has background too. I used to be very heavy and lost 120 lbs. By the 2nd year of keeping it off and constantly trying to tone up my body, I still could not get my lower tummy to tighten and my boobs were saggy. Always said I wanted a boob job and a tummy tuck. So, when the Diep Flap was an option for me I jumped on it. That was my silver lining from breast cancer. Little did I know my flap would fail and ultimately end up with an expander. I had 3 surgeries in 3 weeks and now working on filling my expander while doing chemo. Reconstruction on my breasts will be Dec. 19th, 2018.

I wont have to have a port, but have grown a phobia of needles now. Filled with anxiety over that. Im SO happy you found a wig that you are haopy with 💕 Not losing my hair was the only way chemo was bearable for me.

What is your story? Anyone else want to share?

VL22

Hi ladies! Sorry you are all here - it sucks yes, but it is doable.

I finished up my 20 weeks of ACT chemo 12/21/18. I had a port which for me was a God send - do many needles! Put numbing cream on that thing and you’re good to go.

As soon as you have SEs tell your nurses and doctors and Dr assistants. Sometimes they may downplay them - dont let it happen. You may get SEs that aren’t even listed! Hopefully you get very few or none.

Rinse your mouth with salt water religiously- many of my girls who didn’t had mouth sores.

Don’t try to do it all - accept the offered help.

Realize this is a marathon and not a sprint. You’ll fell great some days, then angry, then scared to death. Truly no one understands it those who have gone through it. We get the sadness.

I got a crew cut before I lost all my long hair - it made a horrible process much easier. I had a wig and lots of scarves but worse none of it - baseball cap and other hats mostly.

I’m 7 months out from chemo and 5 out from rads. I’m not going to lie and say I feel perfect, but I do feel hopeful and I have great days. I’m thinking by the end of the year I’m going to feel almost normal. I really appreciate so much more this summer after being sidelined last year.

Good luck to all of you!!

cefinkc

Thank you for writing in with encouragement VL22! So you had one lumpectomy for both tumors? Glad to hear you loved your port. I’m sure I will as well —just having to go through this air bubble/hospital stay with it. Chemo starts tomorrow. I started my Decadron this morning. Did you do the salt water rinse instead of the Biodine rinse and toothpaste? I’ve prepped myself as best I can for road ahead of possible side affects.

BCSilverLining, thank you for your story! I got diagnosed the week of my Moms 40th anniversary of passing away from BC. So it scared me to death. Of course that was 1978 and it is a different world of medical advancement. I didn’t go with coldcaos as it looked too complicated for me. VL22, I think I will wear my wig to work only, then wear only caps and scarves everywhere else.

They just finished coming in my hospital room to take the second X-ray. I hope the bubble is gone and I can get out of here!

VL22

cefinkc - I actually had three tumors - lucky me! Right breast - one at 6 o’clock and 2 at 3 o’clock. Going in they knew about the two ER+ tumors. But during surgery, at the 3 o’clock position, they found a third tumor “hiding” behind the other one and it was triple negative - thus the chemo. After surgery this was obviously a bombshell and I wa so upset that I didn’t get a mastectomy . After talking very with my doctors however, I still think the lumpectomy was the right choice for me

Yes, my cancer center just gave me these bottles of sealed sterile water and said how much salt to put in. I did it after everything I ate. A lot of women on my thread had really bad mouth sores.

cefinkc

interesting about the salt water. Great tip! So sorry you had to go through 3 tumors. Mine was triple negative as well

Krysm7

just a quick note to say good luck today cefinkc!!

And welcome to everyone else in the group!!

cefinkc

Thank you, Krysm7. Actually, when they installed my port, it punctured my lung and it collapsed. 1 in 100 chance, and it happened to me. They got it reinflated with a chest tube and vacuum. They will check it one more time this afternoon to insure the small gap at the top doesn't get any bigger than they can discharge me. I'm hoping to still start chemo this week. Sigh.

BCSilverLining

cefinkc-

Oh my goodness....Im so sorry How are you feeling? I hope you still get to start chemo too.

How soon do the mouth sores come after treatments begin? Im okay with the chwmo until I start thinking about all the side effects....then I bevome a basketcase. It makes me SO mad. This makes me very weak and Ive never been that way before.

Ive been putting together a "helpful chemo list" to have before I start. Has anyone else done this?

SunnyChilly

cefinkc: I am so sorry to hear what you are going through before chemo. Hope you feel back now and can start chemo soon. Stay strong, tomorrow will be a better day!

BCSilverLining: some nice ladies provide a summary of all the things they read on chemo in this forum. I found it very helpful. I am thinking about doing one today. If I get to do it, I'll try to share it here. For mouth sores, one of the tips I read is to put ice cubes in your month, works the same way as the cold caps, I guess.

Mine starts in two days, so many things to prepare and no time to think about SEs at this moment. Chatting a bit here makes me feel so much better

cefinkc

Thank you all. Yes -- the chemo shopping list was SO helpful. My hubby and I stocked up the day before I landed in the hospital (thank goodness). What was that about ice in your mouth? Is that to prevent sores? Or for something else?

BCSilverLining

Hi ladies

Thanks!

These are the things I found:

Mouthsores- 1:1 ratio of liquid childrens Benadryl & Maalox

Metallic taste- Biotene

Thermometer

Tylenol/Advil

Eye drops

Hand sanitizer (I think Im going to try Gold Bond lotion with sanitizer)

Lotion

Kleenex (individual packs)

Toothbrush & paste

Breath mints or lozenges

Chapstick

Then latex glives for cleaning around the house. Protect your skin from knicks and scrapes.

Anyone else have any ideas?

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SunnyChilly

Here is a list of things to fight SEs I gathered from the forum. Hope it helps

Mouth Sore:

Put ice cubes in your month during infusion

1:1 ratio of liquid children's Benadryl and Maalox

Put lemon or lime drops or slices into water

Frequent cleansing with water, baking soda and salt

Suck on lemon wedges

Brush tongue with soft toothbrush

Eat soft and moist food

Nausea

Unscented lotions

Chewing gum

Ginger ale

Other ginger related food

Queasy drops

Sage leaf tea

Eye brow and eye lashes

Natural eye lash and brow gel

https://brian-josephs.myshopify.com/products/brian-josephs-lash-brow-conditioning-gel

Neulasta caused bone pain

Allegra/Claritin for a few days starting on chemo day

Exercise

Sleeplessness

Benadrryl

Metallic taste

Biotene mouth wash

Plastic flatware, plates and cups

Hair/head care

Soft sleep hat

Satin pillow case

Use clear sulfate-free shampoo https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZW3E3A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Tooth care

Brush your teeth often

Don't use floss. Can buy water pick

Use mild tooth paste: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CK1WANG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Use soft tooth brush

Constipation

Walnut/pecan/almond

Dried apricot/prune

Prune juice

Activia yogurt

Miralax

Colace (OTC stool softener)

A square of chocolate Exlax the night of chemo and another one following evening

Lots of water and tea

Avocadoes

Diarrhea

Pediayte

BRAT diet: Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast

Finger/Toe Nail

Ice packs during infusion

Tea tree oil/olive oil on nail

Anti-infection

Close toilet lid before flushing, flush twice first 2 days after chemo

Hand-sanitizer

New shower curtain liner

Clorox type wipes

Blow nose gently, use nasal saline spray to keep nose moist

Wear shoes to protect your feet

Heart burn

Tums

Precid complete

Food

Protein food source (nuts, peanut butter)

Iron food source

Crackers

Popsicles

Baby food prune

Watermelon

Dry eyes

Artificial tears (Renew or Similasan)

Dry skin

Take quick showers instead of long baths

Use moisturizing soap

Use lotion or cream frequently

Avoid direct sunlight

Other

At least two thermometers

Boxes of Kleenex

Flushable moist wipes

Gloves for doing dishes

Livlife

SunnyChilly- thanks a lot for this! I am 3 days post my 1st chemo (TCHx6) and now I’m starting to feel some SE’s, 1st and 2nd day i was still feeling normal but now, no appetite and very fatigue. Have just been sleeping. Not fun, and my husband just recovering from flu, so I’ve been wearing a mask all day, sanitizing and just had a shot of Zarxio.

cefinkc

LivM. Thank you for the update. So sorry your husband has the flu on top of everything else!

I’m still in the hospital from port implant complications after it nicked my lung going in. After 2 tries of reinflating, they are still seeing a small gap at the top of my lung cavity on X-rays. A CT scan will reveal whether I have damage that requires lung surgery. Sigh. Needless to say, chemo is being delayed until this is settled

Volleyballmom2008

I am new to these boards. I also will start Chemo this month. I found out lymph node biopsy results Thursday, it spread to one lymph node plus I am triple negative. Cannot wrap my head around this. I am having my CT and bone scan Monday, my port will be put in Tuesday. As long as no complications, chemo Thursday. As I am trying to quit smoking. 15 hours smoke free but a nervous wreak.