Anyone starting chemo in Aug. 08?

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  • Roya
    Roya Member Posts: 346
    edited July 2008

    Thank you Stacy!  That info regarding the port was invaluable.  No one had told me any of that before.  Maybe they were planning to let me know after they placed it? 

    Well, I am grateful to be getting this information now.

    Roya

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  • Emily2008
    Emily2008 Member Posts: 605
    edited July 2008

    Ya know, sometimes husbands say the darndest things!  Then again, at times like these there really isn't a whole lot a guy can say that will sound right to us.

    I may be starting chemo in August, depending on my mast and recon recovery, which will be on Moday.  Yikes!  I'm getting pretty freaked out these days, and at the same time I'm like, "Bring it on already!"  I've waited too long for this and I'm ready to deal with it now.

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  • MamaShift
    MamaShift Member Posts: 70
    edited July 2008

    All went well today.  It looks like I won't need a port. 

    I had an incredibly lovely 80 year-old man next to me and we just hit it off and talked the whole time.  The nurses asked if we already knew each other.  And he told me that today was the first time in a long time that his treatment had been that positive for him.  He's been dealing with leukemia for 20 years!  And I would have guessed his age at no more than 70.

     I'm a bit groggy.  But that's it.  Just trying to drink my water.  And wait for the results of the MRI.

     Hope everyone else is doing fine!

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  • Misty1
    Misty1 Member Posts: 272
    edited July 2008

    Hi Everyone,

    Well, I just got back from treat.1 today.  I was not nervous about going at all.  I started taking the steroids yesterday, and I think they brought my mood up last night.  Met with the onc. first-very nice(saw a new Dr today because other one is away)  She sat patiently with us and answered many more questions-my DH and I seem to come up with way too many of them.  I started at 11-gave benadryl first-got very tired-then gave the premeds-then gave the taxotere, then cytoxin, and finally the herceptin-I got out of the chair at 4.  They started slowly with everything, then cranked up-luckily I never had a reaction-drank 5 bottles of water, ate my lunch, watched a movie with DH (who went out and got us a portable player and movies.)  I had a port put in on 7/2 with my mast, sent. nodes, and expander.  It was easy for them to use-I got some Emla numbing cream and hardly felt the stick.  I know-after all of these sticks, you think you would get used to them, but I think there is something "mental" about this.

     So now, I wait to see what will happen as far as SEs.  I am taking many preventative drugs, so hopefully I will get through this okay.  Afterwards, I made an appt for an echocardiogram(tomorrow, because of herceptin SE of heart problems), then we went to a women's center, and I tried on wigs.  I couldn't believe how nice and real they look.  I am going back on Wed. to see a stylist who will cut the one I like.  I actually think there is hope!!  Workers were so nice there.

     So girls, as your first day approaches, don't dread it-not that bad at all.  I'll keep you updated about how the next days and weeks go.

    Stacy-glad to hear you got your port.  I have a sister named Stacey, too!

    Kimberlyn-go for the wig!

    ~Misty

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2008

    I am having my port put in tomorrow.. have to be there at 5:30 am.. Then i start chemo on thursday of next week.. I dont know which one i am getting... Lab Corp has lost whatever they need to do my er pr with so i dont know if i am negative or positive..  I know i am her2 neg.. i dont know how to feel about this.. i am just praying that the treatment works and that it shrinks enough for me to have the surgery.. is there anything that i should know.. any advice would be greatly helpful.. 

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  • dixie46
    dixie46 Member Posts: 19
    edited July 2008

    I am having echo 8-4, port 8-13 and tch chemo 8-20.  Oh an a class on 8-18.  Trying to keep positive feelings going.  I had some problems with the incision and it's not quite healed and I am on antibotics so I hope this will not delay this as I am ready to start and get it over.  Also will be on herceptin for a year.

    Will keep everyone in my prayers.

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  • Kymberlyn
    Kymberlyn Member Posts: 53
    edited August 2008

    Stacy and Misty I am so glad to hear that your first treatment went so well.  Congratulations.  May your SE's be few.

    As for myself, the premeds went really well.  I loved the benedryl because it really relaxed me and made me even doze off a few times.  The turning point came when she started the Taxotere.  I was within the first 5mg (about 5 minutes into it) when I woke up with a horrible shooting pain in my back.  I called for the nurse who was sitting only 10 feet away from me but then I realized my voice was going out too.  By the 3rd attempt sound finally came out and she came running over.  Now the pain is shooting through my chest too.

    One nurse ran for the doctor while the other quickly disconnected the IV.  My body was flush and bloating up.  The pain had was twisting me backwards like a contorshinist.  A few pain killers and some other stuff was immediately given.  Afterwards the doctor and the nurses all agreed that it was the worst allergic reaction that they had ever seen.

    Naturally I didn't finish with the cytocine.  Instead we are changing to AC and that treatment will begin on Tuesday, Aug 5th.

    I'm being honest when I say that this pain was worst than cutting off my left boob, child birth, and having my leg torn up in a tractor accident even if all 3 of those things had happened at once.  I'm so glad the drug was administered slowly.  It it wasn't I think I would have died.

    So gals, you really had a great day.  I'm very happy for you.

    To everyone else, I'll be starting over on 8/5.  I look forward to comparing notes with you ladies too.

     Kym

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  • mommy3abm
    mommy3abm Member Posts: 221
    edited August 2008

    Well ladies sounds like several of us had an interesting day!  Misty and mamshift glad it went well and hopefully the next several days will be just as easy!  Kym, what a reaction.  Thanks for sharing so that we all know what signs to watch for!  LASHON, you and I are doing the same thing, chemo prior to surgery.  Hopefully we will both have a successful "shrinkage!" 

    Misty, Kym and mamashift, keep us posted on how it is going as Tonya, Alibug and I are right behind you next week!

    Hi Dixie - disappointed you had to join the rest of us.  We'll all beat this together!

    Stacy

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  • alibug05
    alibug05 Member Posts: 182
    edited August 2008

    Misty1 - so glad your 1st one went good and I hope you don't have any or many se!!!!  You have given me much hope about going for my 1st treatment and my wig!!!! I go get fitted for a wig Tuesday and then 1st treatment Friday.  Still alittle nervous about both but glad to hear both went good for you.  Kymberlyn - it sounds you started off good and went downhill from there - kinda of worrisome for us girls but I am glad you shared your story...  Hope your next treatment goes better....... Tonya, mommy3abm and I are coming right behind you and we are glad you guys are sharing and keeping us updated on what to expect!!!!

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  • Misty1
    Misty1 Member Posts: 272
    edited August 2008

    Update, Girls!

    Had an okay night-however, not much sleep-steroids cause insomnia, even with some sleep help!  Today is the last day for these, so I should be better tomorrow night.  Onc said to take Senna(bathroom) last night to keep things moving!  They definitelymoved this morning-had stomach cramps and went several times, but I think I am over that now.  I am going back to the center to make sure of the wig I want.  then, I am off to the pool!  thanks for all of your good wishes-here's to everyone having a great 1st time-Kimberlyn-hope your change helps you!

    ~Misty

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  • alibug05
    alibug05 Member Posts: 182
    edited August 2008

    Misty1 - Going to the pool - YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!! I hope I do that good next week!!!!!!  I hope your weekend goes smoothly!!!! Keep us updated - us girls who follow you want to know what to expect!!!!!  STAY STRONG!!!!!

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  • Misty1
    Misty1 Member Posts: 272
    edited August 2008

    Alibug, (and whoever else is interested!)

    Had a great day at the pool-swam laps, relaxed with my parents...  I had an echocardiogram at 4:30 to get a baseline on my heart because of the Herceptin.  The technician was such a nice, young guy.  His mom went through this 10 years ago, so he had so much sympathy for me.  I told him I would request him for the next one in the fall.

    I went back to the center this morning.  I actually am getting two of the same wig.  Hopefully, ins will cover most, but if not, oh well.  I am going to use one for work and the other for walking, workingout (without too much sweating).  I can get a cotton cap to wear underneath that can be washed so you don't have to wash the wig as much.  I go next Wed. to get them cut shorter and shaped for me.  However, they already look good now, just a bit too long for me.  I am getting the synthetic ones which actually look so real!!  I feel like my stress over the hair loss has gone way down.  I plan on wearing these throughout the year-I am a teacher and start back in two weeks.  I've already talked to my principal, and he is so supportive of any time I need off during this year.  however, he is leaving this month for a new post, so he is going to talk to his replacement, and then I will talk to her when I go back.  Anyway, too much gabbing!

    I'll check in with everyone tomorrow to update!

    ~Misty

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  • mommy3abm
    mommy3abm Member Posts: 221
    edited August 2008

    Wow Misty!  I am so happy for you.  I hope I will be playing in the pool with my kids the day after my 1st next Wed.  I am so glad that you have an understanding principal.  Mine flipped out a little at the possibility that I wouldn't teach when I first toldher of my diagnosis.  Made it that much easier to put in my resignation this week!  I hope tomorrow is just as easy!

    Thanks for the updates...makes it easier when contemplating my start next week and I am sure Tonya and Alibug feel the same way!

    Stacy

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  • Hood1980
    Hood1980 Member Posts: 537
    edited August 2008

    Hope you ladies will let me join your forum for starting in Aug.  I got my port in today and start 4 rounds of TC next Wed Aug 6th.  Do you have to take your own waters, snacks, etc to your chemo treatments?

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  • mommy3abm
    mommy3abm Member Posts: 221
    edited August 2008

    Hi Hood1980,

    I think as far as snacks and waters it depends on your specific location.  Some do some don't.  May want to pack some just in case.  Tonya and I are also starting on Wednesday, so we have a trio!  Fun, Fun, Fun!  (hahaha)  Your have come to the right place!

    Stacy

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  • Misty1
    Misty1 Member Posts: 272
    edited August 2008

    Welcome Hood,

    It sounds like you are doing the same thing as me, except no Herceptin.  My DH and I took our lunch, but they had a basket of snacks.  I took a water bottle and kept refilling it. 

    All girls,

    Drink your water!  I have probably had 12-14 bottles for the first two days.  You pee a lot, but hopefully this is getting the bad stuff out of my system.  So far, day 3 is uneventful-no sickness yet.  I am off to the gym and looking forward to another great day.  Last night, we went over to my neighbors for a cookout with three of our close houses.  They were amazed by my appearance and mood, I even had one "electric lemonade" against the better wishes of my DH.

    I'll keep you posted!

    ~Misty

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  • Hood1980
    Hood1980 Member Posts: 537
    edited August 2008
    Thank you Misty1 & mommy3!  I went out shopping with DD today got my supplies that I needed from the chemo shopping list.  I picked up some snacks, waters, juices, etc to take on Wenesday too.  I really hope I don't need the Exlax, Imodium and wipes, but I'll have them if I need them!  Embarassed  We also got pedicures while we were out!  I figure it is my last one for the year ao we did it right and got the orande scrub followed by the seaweed masque!  It was so relaxing!  Now I need to go to the pharmacy and pick up my Emend and Compazine and I think I'll be ready for chemo on Wed....well at least as ready as I can be.Undecided
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  • Misty1
    Misty1 Member Posts: 272
    edited August 2008

    Day 4 Update...

    I slept a bit better last night due to no steroids.  I walked this AM and went to the pool for the day.  No sickness, but today, the taste of food is starting to change.  Couldn't even look at a bowl of strawberries or blueberries.  Drinks are changing, too.  I love diet coke, but it doesn't taste the same at all.  Still trying to drink lots of water, but that taste has gone bad, too.  Oh, well.  Does anybody know if these taste changes will improve before the next cycle?!

    ~Misty

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  • Hood1980
    Hood1980 Member Posts: 537
    edited August 2008

    What treatments are you on Misty?  I remember someone on TC (like me) posting that it comes back before the next treatment, but it's like a cumulative effect....it lasts longer after each treatment.

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  • Tonya36
    Tonya36 Member Posts: 66
    edited August 2008

    Hello everyone.  My how this thread has grown.  I am sorry I have been out of town for a couple days.  I went to Duke for second opinion on my chemo plan.  I am so uplifted by your posts.  Kym, I am sorry you had such a reaction.  Hopefully this new cocktail will work better for you and kill that cancer even better than the taxotere.  I along with everyone else am scared of that first time but I have found that the closer I get the calmer I get.  I think we must embrace it in order to get through it.  I hope I can do as well as some of you.  I feel blessed to have found this site and that we all have each other to assist in this fight.  I hope all of you are having a good weekend.  Emily, good luck on your surgery tomorrow.  God Bless all of you.

    Tonya

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2008

    I am starting chemo this month after a SNB on 8/11. The exact date is not set, but I see the oncologist on 8/6, so maybe I will know then. Right now the plan is for AC every two weeks for 4 courses, then Taxol on the same schedule. Four months in all. By Christmas I may have a shrunken tumor to celebrate! I am doing the chemo before surgery in hopes of having a lumpectomy. 

    I picked up my wig yesterday from the salon. It is in a corner of the bedroom waiting. I like my short brown curly hair and can't help but wonder what kind I will have when it grows back. The thought of losing it really bothers me, but then I remember that the chemo may help me keep my breast. Have to concentrate on the benefits, and try not to think about the hard stuff for now.

    I will be praying for all of us

    Bette 

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  • g94u67
    g94u67 Member Posts: 436
    edited August 2008

    Hello amigas,

    I too will be starting soon. Hopefully within 2 weeks. I'm actually jealous Stacy that you were DX 2 wks after me and have done so much already. It took me 3 weeks to get a PET scan appt. and the Mugga scan has to be a week after that so I won't meet w/ my onc. until 8/13 to get my results.  I am so anxious to start. 

     You all sound like you're doing very well. I know Kym you a rough time in the beginning so I hope your new cocktail combo is working better. I will be on AC  which I hear can be rough.  I've been walking and drinking lots of water to prepare.

    I too am doing chemo before surgery. I'll be checking in with you ladies soon. 

    God Bless,

    JeannineSmile

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  • MariaG67370
    MariaG67370 Member Posts: 88
    edited August 2008

    Hi all, my big day is tomorrow.  My First tX of TC.  I'm ready and will deal with whatever comes up.  To all starting or having treatments this week good luck and hope for no SE for us all.  I have my wig ready and I tease my nieces and nephew telling them that by Christmas I'll probably have new lime green hair!  Will drop by at some point to report how I made out.

    Best to all

    Maria

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  • mommy3abm
    mommy3abm Member Posts: 221
    edited August 2008

    Hi All!  Jeannie  and Bette - I am also doing chemo before surgery...I hope it works!  We'll keep the good thoughts going that our tumors are zapped to nothing by the poison!  I start this Wednesday along with several others this week!

    Misty, so sad to hear the about the taste change.  I love food!  Yuck!  How was the rest of the weekend?  When do you go back to get ready for the school year?  I am disappointed about missing it...was told by the principal I was to work for to check with her in the spring and she will consider me for any openings she may have for next fall.  Bummer - I told her not to hire someone terrific for my fifth grade spot because IT"S MINE!

    Have a great day everyone!

    Tonya, glad you're back!

    Stacy

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  • Roya
    Roya Member Posts: 346
    edited August 2008

    I'm having my port placed tomorrow.  I don't know why I am so scared. 

    Chemo starts Friday.  I appreciate all the posts.  It helps to know what to expect and how to prepare.  My chemo teaching is only an hour before my chemo begins so there is no time to get ready.

    Thanks to all of you, I know how to propare, even to pack a chemo pack filled with drinks, snacks, and things to keep me occupied.Smile

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  • g94u67
    g94u67 Member Posts: 436
    edited August 2008

    Good luck Stacy & Roya!

    We're right behind yah!  I'm sure you'll both do great.

    Peace & Hugs,

    Jeannine Laughing

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  • Misty1
    Misty1 Member Posts: 272
    edited August 2008

    Update:  Day5

    Hi Girls and to the new girls that have joined this "August Party Bus"

    Just got back from spending the day at my pool after working out this morning.  I had a much better day today than yesterday.  Food tastes changed yesterday and I felt somewhat nauseous last night.  I took a compazine (anti-nausea) and felt much better.  I fell asleep at 8:30 last night in a trance and slept until 1AM.  In and out for the rest of the night.  I couldn't do as strong a workout as I usually do, but still managed to do it for an hour.  My food tastes were better today.  Kept drinking lots of water-the taste of it was much better today.  Other than that, no real SEs!!  Girls, I hope I am giving you hope!!  For the newbies, I am on Tax/Cyt/Her x 4.  My next one is 8/21.  I'll continue to keep giving you a daily "what I am going through" if you are interested in reading.  We have some girls starting this week.  I hope you have an experience like mine so far.  The big test will be the WBC on Thursday.

    Stacy, I go back to school on 8/18 and the kids come back 8/25.  I am a specialist, so I don't have my own classroom-I work with small groups.  So, I really have several weeks before I get back to my regular routine which will put me over the halfway point.  I plan to go back now, hopefully looking okay with my new do!!  I tan in the sun, so that keeps me from looking pasty!  Where are you from?

    ~Misty

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  • mommy3abm
    mommy3abm Member Posts: 221
    edited August 2008

    Misty - I am so excited for you and your lack of SE's!!  I hope for the same, although I will be doing TAC x 4.  A little different.  I am currently back in Texas after spending the last 2.5 years in northern Virginia where I was teaching kindergarten.  I grew up here in Texas though!  Where are you?  Sounds like we have a similar school calendar as my kids go back on the 25th also.  They will be in 4th, 3rd and the baby goes to K this year.  I am sooo sad.  Hopefully will be able to keep my hair until then.  I would like to have it for the first day of school pic's and meet the teacher, although most will have already heard of my diagnosis as we had to transfer them back to their boundary school because I had already transferred them to the school I was to teach at.  They even let me pick which teachers I wanted them to have and also got my oldest excused from CoGAT testing for the GT program.  She said she just couldn't focus on it with all that has been going on in our family recently.  Luckily she met the cut without it.

    **Welcome to our new friends.  So sorry you had to join us!  We have a great group going here though.

    I don't know about anyone else, but it would be fun to hear a little about each of you (who wish to share) outside of our diagnosis!

    I am 38 yrs. old and have been married for 12.5 years with three wonderful children:  daughter 9.5yrs, son 8.5 yrs and daughter 5.5 years.  Luckily, we returned to East Texas at the end of January from a 2.5 year stint in Northern VA.  Unfortunately, we had to keep our house there due to the terrible housing market.  We came back for my husband's job...little did we know what lay ahead for us this summer.  It is really nice to have my family close by.  My parents and sister have been terrific!  I had signed a contract to teach fifth grade this fall and took the advice of my onco and put in a letter of resignation.  So, now I guess I need to find a hobby...outside of dr's appts, needles, pills, blood work, etc.  Any suggestions?  Thought I might try to scrapbook.  I still have tons of boxes of photos from the past 10 years.  It seems like a daunting task though...

    Hope the next few days are uneventful for all.Cool

    Stacy

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  • g94u67
    g94u67 Member Posts: 436
    edited August 2008

    Hi Stacy,

    Wow, I've seen many teachers on many threads here.  Interesting. I really must commend all the educators here because this disease is hard enough on us physically and emotionally. Sorry to hear you had to resign on your contract.

    Let me tell you a little about myself.  I'm 41 year-young mother of 2 great kids. A 19 yr. old daughter and 9 year-old son. I'm an Administrative Assistant and Compliance Agent for the County of Los Angeles. I've been married for 20 years to a great man. He's a Radiology Practioner's Asst. We live in Whittier, California., Life's been good. Last year was a big year for me. My 40th b-day, My daughter's graduation and parents 50th Wedding Anniversary. So no wonder I put off my mammogram until this year! Actually I had an angiogram last Sept. which turned out clear so I thought I was "okay". Until my DX on 7/2.  And here I am today.  Still waiting to start TX soon.

    I too have been fretting about my hair and the 1st day of school. I hope I can look somewhat "normal" for my son. My hubby works nights so it's mom that helps w/homework & everything. I can imagine how you're feeling w/ 3 little ones.  I can barely handle my guy.

    But this site is a blessing. The women here are so smart and helpful. My family and friends have been incredibly supportive.  It overwhelms me because I'm "usually" the giver not the taker. But we're going to need our family's help aren't we?

    Stacy go for the scrapbook hobby.  I myself am just not crafty!  I'll read or rent some dvd's. I will be doing 8 TX of AC. That's all I know now.

    This weekend we're going to Santa Barbara up the coast.  It should be nice. My final hurrah before TX.

    Well that's my story.  I wish us all success, peace and strength throughout this incredible voyage.

    Jeannine

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  • mommomjuju
    mommomjuju Member Posts: 12
    edited August 2008

    I am starting chemo today at 9 AM.  I am nervous and didn't sleep last night.  I will be getting cytoxan and taxotere along with herceptin.  I hope all goes well for everyone starting August chemo.

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