Starting chemo January 2009?

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  • jas_man
    jas_man Member Posts: 25
    edited December 2008

    Hi Everyone!

    My name is Jas, 29 y.o. (today's my birthday Laughing!) and I just had a lumpectomy last week. Diagnosis is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma with lymphovascular invasion. Tumor taken out was around 2 cm and 2 nodes for sentinel node biopsy. Results show that no node involvement, so still Stage 1.... thank God!

    However, given that there is lymphovascular invasion, my BS was saying they would normally recommend 6 sessions, instead of 4.

    Have yet to meet with my oncologist, last day for consultation was today and I couldn't get in an appointment, so I don't really know yet the details of my chemo. I will meet up with him next year and will definitely start mid-Jan.

    I will be going to the U.S. on the 25th so I've listed down every recommended item for chemo that I can't find here.

    I'm soo glad to be part of a group that will more or less go through the same experience with me next year :) 

    Happy Holidays to everyone!

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  • bookgirl
    bookgirl Member Posts: 128
    edited December 2008

    I will be starting TC Jan 5,  4X I got a SHORT sassy haircut and have my chemo bag ready. I'm ready to kick some BC butt! Good luck and prayers to everybody.

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  • Misty1
    Misty1 Member Posts: 272
    edited December 2008

    Hi Girls,

    I wandered onto your thread.  I am in the Aug. 2008 group.  I finished TC x 4 on 9/30.  I just want to tell all of you to have strength, a good attitude, and stay as active as possible.  Yes, you will probably lose your hair and experience some SEs, but keep crossing off those days on the calendar and you'll be at the end before you know it.  I did not have that hard of a time with TC-I kept working (teaching) and going to the gym.  The worst part for me was the taste bud changes that occur from day 4-11.  My hair is coming in now-I have about 1/2".  I continue to get Herceptin every three weeks, but there are no SEs with this.  So, I am cheering for all of you and hope your time goes fast.  Life on the other end is very good-keep your chins up!!!

    PM if you want to know anything else!!  These boards are such a lifeline!! You will make some close connections within your group.

    ~Misty

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  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited December 2008

    That is what I am getting Lisa....what did they tell you about side effects?  Ew, you can't shower for a bit after the portal?  Bummer..I am just getting used to showering with the tube in me after my mast.  I get my portal in the 29th and the perhaps chemo Jan 8...don't know. 

    <:AtomicElement>I will be thinking of you on the 23rd.    

    <:AtomicElement>Jess

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  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited December 2008

    Here is the updated list--Let's kick cancer butt!!!

    january Jewels----2009!!!!!

    So far it looks as if this is our list for January 2009 chemo starters

    LisaLisa--DEC 23-tx-Dec 24-Neulasta

    AmyJane---Jan 9

    Auriga-jan 5----TC X 4

    Berkeley Kim-----4XAC and 4X T

    Butterfly2008---

    Carol-----

    jas_Man-----

    Baby C

    Baby1

    BevR--clinical trial?????

    bookgirl

    brendafromflorida

    Butterfly2008

    gryffinsong

    ddlatt

     sjr585-jan 7

    Hawaii808---Jan 8 

    JillyG

    jrgolomb-jan 8

    Mamasarah--jan 6---TC every 3 weeks X 6 and H for one year

    Mimi07--Jan 2

    Snowbird dec 29 

    Webwriter---

    FUBC!!!!!!!Hope this is right so far.  let me know when dates are set, how it is going.

    Good luck.  Thanks LisaLisa for getting this going!!!!

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited December 2008

    Hi Jess,

    I officially start round 1, tomorrow 12/23.  I'm scared.  I just ordered my wig...actually "underhair" from www.hatswithhair.com/HowToOrder.aspx

    I'm exhausted now after meeting with my oncologist, breast surgeon and plastic surgeon today.  All went well but I'm tired.  I'll post SE's tomorrow....mostly its nausea.  Also, I was told the 1st go round is usually easiest on your body.  I will have my Neulasta shot on Christmas Eve and was told that can be painful....all the way to the bones!

    g'night!
    lisa

    p.s. if you want to read all my boring journal updates, go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/lisamittleman   they are very detailed as i have a few other friends fighting breast cancer and that's how we share info!

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  • babyc
    babyc Member Posts: 58
    edited December 2008

    Hello,  I have an appointment to begin chemo.  Dec. 29 but there may be a blip.  I'm going to my dentist for one final look at my mouth.  Two weeks ago, I had an impacted wisdom tooth removed.  That particular problem got lost in the shuffle once the breast saga began.  In all my reading and according to my oncologist, dental problems need to be solved before beginning chemo.  I also am returning to my surgeon tomorrow to see about a "hot spot" in my incision that is healing too slowly so I'm wondering about this chemo start-date.  Meanwhile, I've been doing my homework about chemo by trolling through the site under chemo treatments for Taxotere and Cytoxin and taking notes and making shopping lists.  What is it "they" say--- expect the best, but prepare for the worst!   So folks, I will be with the Jan. group, just not real sure when.  I've been busy pulling Christmas together but think we'll probably miss out on the New Years Eve parties!  My best to all of you........

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  • Determined1
    Determined1 Member Posts: 806
    edited December 2008

    Hello January 09 Ladies!  I'm from the Jan. 2008--Ain't it Great? thread.  We call ourselves the January Jewels (and had lots of fun with jewel references during chemo tx).  Stick together--I think most of the Jewels would agree that we could not have done this without each other.  Having said that, you WILL do this.  It's not as bad as you imagine (really, it's not), and the support of others having similar experiences will help you keep it in perspective.

    Advice?  Take your meds on time.  Staying ahead of the game is critical.  My onc said I had every se in the book (I have one of those bodies that reacts strongly to whatever you put into it) and I still found the the se's tolerable.  I did my best to exercise when I could, stayed as hydrated as possible (when stuff started tasting bad, I'd switch to something else.  I will say I found things flavored with ginger to be the best--ginger ale, ginger tea, etc.), and watched a lot of bad tv (I found American Idol scintillating!).  The se that took me most by surprise was heartburn.  I learned to start taking Pepcid 2 days before tx and I took it for about 10 days afterward (I had my tx every 3 weeks).  There are lists all over this site to tell you what you need for chemo--I got it all and used pretty much everything!

    Finally, laugh--a lot.  Laugh at your balditude.  Laugh at your little-old-lady like aches and pains.  Laugh at your steriod swollen face.  Laugh at each other.  It WILL pass.

    All the best to all of you.

    FUBC!!!!!!

    Determined1

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  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited December 2008
    Okay, who knows how to bump up our list?  Sorry, I updated the list and it won't bump....duh.sorry
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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited December 2008

    Determined 1,

     Thanks for all tips (and for the comments on my chemo playlist too!)  I did use that chemo "list" and spent $200 at CVS yesterday getting it all LOL! 

    I LOVE the name "january jewels"....I've told my husband from minute one, that i expect some BIG JEWEL after this is all done!  at first, i said it had to be PINK....now i just want something pretty LOL!

    Lisa

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  • mamasarah
    mamasarah Member Posts: 23
    edited December 2008

    Hello to the January 2009 Warriors!  I will be joining you.  I begin Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin on January 6th (TC every three weeks X 6, and H for one year).  I am recovering from Mastectomy (good thing because there was more invasive ductal carcinoma left over from the lumpectomy)and TRAM reconstruction on 12/8.  All the drains are out, but I'm slow as molasses.

    I am 61 (62 in February) and my husband is driving our 3 grown kids home tomorrow.  I've retired (diagnosed a month before my last day of work!) and live in Charlottesville, Virginia.

    Lisa -  Thanks for starting our group and my thoughts are with you today as you lead us in our journey.

    Carol 

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  • BevR
    BevR Member Posts: 101
    edited December 2008

    I met with the oncologist today.....a good visit. He took nearly 2 hours talking to me! Anyway, looks like I have some choices to make. One is to participate in a clinical trial. I would like input for that decision on the pros and cons. The trial is TC vs. TCA and the treatment I have will be chosen for me. So what do you guys think?

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  • auriga
    auriga Member Posts: 315
    edited December 2008

    I guess I get to join this group. My onco is recomminding I start TC for 4 rounds beginning Jan 5th.

    I had already started reconstruction with an expander. I was supposed to be getting the exchange surgery the last week of January. Now, he says that has to be delayed until May or so. I am so upset and scared.

    At least we will all have each other to help us through this. I don't know what I would do without these boards.

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  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited December 2008

    Okay ladies---january jewells 2009--check for the updated list... Please let me know what your tx is and let me know how it is going.

    Got my tube out from my mast!! yahoo!!!!  Portal is next, then the wig, then my shopping list for chemo survival.  Thanks ladies for the updates!!!! HUGS!!!!

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited December 2008

    Hi everyone!  I had my 1st chemo treatment today.  I hope you don't mind but I'm going to cut/paste my caring bridge post here rather than type it over again.  It wasn't bad at all!!!!

    ANTICIPATION.....is so much worse than reality sometimes. Today was one of those days. I was SCARED to go to chemo. I DREADED it.

    You know what? it wasn't bad!!!!

    I lucked out and got the BEST nurse. Her name was Susan. She explained everything as she went and was so thoughtful! Yeah....I was OWED a nurse like her!

    I was lucky too. We took off the bandages for my port and the steri-strip was above the port. So, I got to use the lidocaine!!!!! I didn't even feel anything when she stuck my port. That was the biggest RELIEF. OMG!

    So, she pumped me up with benadryl and that made me sooooo drowsy. I fought it and tried to stay awake to watch "How to lose a guy in 10 days". Then came the anti-nausea meds and the antibiotics. Last were my 2 chemo drugs. She spaced them out a bit so that we could see if I had any bad reactions. But, all went smoothly. YEAH!

    The anti-nausea drugs made me a bit restless and kind of hyper so it was hard to sleep. Next time, I'm sleeping after the benadryl. But, I did manage to sleep about 2 hours or more.

    David stopped and picked up takeout from California chicken cafe. I got a chinese chicken salad wrap and mashed potatoes. YUM!!!! Now, I'm drinking my "throat coat" and its not bad! I think I'll live thru this LOL!

    Tomorrow, I plan on taking a long walk on the beach. Today I walked on my own to get a manicure and pedicure. It was so nice! I haven't been ANYWHERE by myself in over a month! I also washed my hair with the handheld faucet in my bathtub. I stood over the bathtub and washed my hair upside down while wearing David's plastic trench cover (you know...when you're hiking or outdoors and get caught in rain!??) Anyway, we took pictures and I'll post one soon. We also took pictures at the chemo place. I was lounged in my leather recliner, blanket on, fuzzy socks on and cute pink hat LOL! Note to all my ducky friends, I wore the bracelet you gave me and the good luck worked!!!!

    I came home to a package from HeavenlyHats.com. They sent me a box of 5 or 6 hats. At the rate I'm going I'll have a hat for everyday! I also got to 2 knit hats at the chemo place....a baby blue hat that is so soft and will be my sleep cap, and a red and black hat with a fun flower on it. Thank god for volunteers!

    So, all in all, I'm feeling good. Tomorrow night, my friend Joanna is coming over to give me my Neulasta shot. She's so sweet to come over after Christmas Eve mass and before her family Christmas dinner. She's a nurse and I'm so grateful that she has saved me from going out to a doctor tomorrow. The Neulasta is to build up my white blood count. But, it goes right to the bone marrow and is supposed to be VERY painful. I think I may pull out one of my "spare" vicodin pills!

    That's all for now. Thanks for the many messages, emails and facebook posts today. I read them ALL!

    love,

    Lisa

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited December 2008

    Bev R - I had the same choice for a clinical trial.  TC vs TCA.  I went with TC.  It really depends on your diagnosis.  I am ER+ PR+ and HER2-.  With my receptors, there really is no proven benefit for adding "A" to the mix.  "A" is also known to potentially cause heart issues in the long run.

    I'm obviously not a doctor, but when my oncologist explained that all to me, it was an easy choice for me.  Plus, I will be "protected" by tamoxofin for another 5 or 10 years or a lifetime after that!  By that time, there may even be other treatments. 

    Just wanted to chime in with what I have learned.  Best of luck making your decision!  We'll support you no matter which way you go!
    Lisa

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited December 2008

    Carol - welcome to our group!  I'm so sorry that you were diagnosed right before retirement.  What awful timing!

    Auriga - you and I are on the same treatment!  but, I'm going to do 6 cycles...assuming I have no issues!

    Jess - thanks for the updates!!!  My neulasta is actually 12/24.  but, no biggie.  so glad you got your tubes out!  that is a great feeling isn't it?!?!?

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  • BerkeleyKim
    BerkeleyKim Member Posts: 390
    edited December 2008

    Hi ladies:

    I've been lurking around the boards for awhile, but now have tx plan! It's been a wait from dx to treatment, but I'm starting 12-30--4x AC, then 4x T, then some kind of hormone suppressor and radiation. I decided to do the clinical trial for Avastin, but I have a 30% chance of getting placebo.  I'm throwing everything at this--hope I'm making the right decision. Kinda worried about the possible heart complications, but my onc. today said they will monitor carefully and I'm not getting dosage that would lead to problems.

    Had a neg. mammogram end of last June, then my nurse practitioner found a small lump 9-5, after MRI mid October 2 more lumps found (one large that no one--onc, BS, or me--felt due to dense breast tissue). One node biopsied and positive, couple more found after left mastectomy 11-12. Had emergency surgery one week later for blood vessel that sprang open under incision. No reconstruction--uniboob for now!  Port in last week, and it went well but lots of bruising, and now my whole breast is yellow. Onc says not to worry...  Double-checked today that they said my PET was fine. Finally some good news.

     I'm 52, with 3 kids--2 in college and 1 home (14 years, and my rock), and a very supportive DH. Changed careers from 20 years in publishing last year and have been teaching and going back to school. Really want to go back to work, but not sure if I'll have energy to teach 1st, 2nd, 3rd graders. Doc. says I should see how I feel after 1st tx, although just heard insurance won't cover Emend anti-nausea!

     Anyhow, these boards are great for info. and support. We are all going to beat this! Just talked to a friend today whose mom is 75 & had mast. and 5 + nodes over 20 years ago--great story.

    Lisa--what is the chemo list for GNC, and throat coat?

    Ddlatt--how did you get your onc. to give you Zometa? I asked today, and I don't think he'll go for it. Maybe I'll check out UCSF after initial treatment.

    Good luck all! We'll sure remember this New Year down the road...

    Kim

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited December 2008

    Hi Kim,

    Welcome to our group!

    For the shopping list, go to the chemo board.  there is a posting at the top that says "everything you need for chemo" or something like that.  a bunch of people contributed to it and its a great shopping list.  what moutwashes to buy, lotions, eye drops, tips about all kinds of things.

    throat coat is an organic tea that is sold at whole foods and online too.  i just found a great deal on it at www.vitacost.com  $3.57 per box.  I bought 5 each of original and lemon.  My oncologist swears by this tea and says it REALLY helps and will almost guarantee no mouth sores.  The original has licorice as its main ingredient.  So, if you don't like black licorice, don't buy it. The lemon is better tasing but not as much licorice.  I plan to alternate.  I'm not a tea person at all....and I"m enjoying it!

     hope this helps!
    Lisa

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  • BerkeleyKim
    BerkeleyKim Member Posts: 390
    edited December 2008

    Thanks, Lisa! Shopping time, and I finally got an appt. for a "prosthesis" fitting. Next, the wig...

    I'll add throat coat to my list. I've become a decaf green tea fanatic (but I'm a coffee lover).  I've asked onc about supplements. He says to avoid antioxidants like A,C,E, but melatonin ok. My brother had throat cancer last year and swears by milk thistle and wheat grass. I'm calling a local complementary med. clinic to see how else I can help my immune system and keep my heart healthy.

    kim

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited December 2008

    Kim,

    I'm meeting for the 2nd time with an internist/nutritionist.  She got me on a bunch of supplements prior to my bilateral mastectomy/diep reconstruction.  They helped me a ton.  I felt great and did well in surgery.

    She's going to review what I'm on and add/take away for chemo.  I see her monday 12/29.  Right now I'm on whey protein, mulitvitamin, bcomplex, and milk thistle...also probiotic pearls and other stuff that I can't remember.  Milk thistle is good!  take it!

    I'll update again after my meeting with her on monday!

    I got a prescription for a cranial prothsesis....ask your dr.  Maybe it will save you a few bucks on your wig!

    Lisa

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  • jas_man
    jas_man Member Posts: 25
    edited December 2008

    HI Lisalisa...

     What's a cranial prosthesis? It sounds interesting.. :) 

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  • BevR
    BevR Member Posts: 101
    edited December 2008

    Thanks LisaLisa, as I understand it, if I choose the clinical trial I won't have a choice, it will be one or the other. I was just wondering about being a participant in the trial itself...pros and cons. A large concern is if insurance will cover both treatments.

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  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited December 2008

    LisaLisa, thanks for your information.  this is very invaluable. 

    Jas_man---I think cranial prosthesis is script for a wig or something---Wigs can be pricey.  I will find out how all that works before I go in for the port for chemo.  I am going to a wig store and hopefully they will be able to match my current style ( non style) of hair so I can still work.  I don't have a long line of disability coming via work and I am very stressed out about that.  i so hope to be able to tolerate the chemo and still work..........

    Berkeley Kim--How was the wig fitting?  Do they have nice choices? 

    Hugs all and Merry christmas---i actually have two days off before I have to go back to the docs!!!!

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited December 2008

    jas man - yes, a cranial prothsesis is a fancy way of saying a "wig".  insurance may or may not cover it!  but, its worth a try!

    jess- glad i could share any info.  i was hoping to set some minds at ease.  i was SO SCARED to start chemo and i want others to know that at least the 1st one went smoothly!

    if we don't all chat again today, I want to wish all of the January Jewels a very Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukah or whatever you celebrate!  we celebrate both in our house!  life isn't hectic enough, huh?

     cheers!
    Lisa

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  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited December 2008
    Okay---i updated tx list...haven't heard from a few yet.....I figure it is because of the holidays. 
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  • BerkeleyKim
    BerkeleyKim Member Posts: 390
    edited December 2008

    Jess and Jas man--I haven't tried on wigs yet. Got a couple numbers to call from my social worker. Maybe this wkend. I'll be up for it. My insurance won't cover a "temporary" prosthesis (wig) but will cover bras and breast prosthesis. Anything has to look better than my current hair right now...

    Lisa-Yes, let me know what your nutritionist says! Since I'm starting with AC, I guess I might need or need to avoid different supplements.

    Bev--it's hard to decide on a clinical trial. I labored over and am still worrying about the one I'm doing, but I decided that I'm going for it all, and i felt better about my decision after reading the discussion thread here on my trial #5103. Also, both my BS and onc. recommended this, and I believe they have my best interests in mind.

    My arm where my nodes were removed is feeling strange today. Hope I haven't overdone the exercise. Full range of motion still hasn't returned, and I'm really numb still. Anyone else having arm issues? I'm just not up to calling BS today.

    Well all you Jan. Jewels---Best wishes for keeping spirits high during these holidays.

    kim

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  • ddlatt
    ddlatt Member Posts: 448
    edited December 2008

    did any of you have a liver scan before chemo? my med onc recommended liver scan, bone scan, and MUGA as part of his standard treatment. i've been told that the liver scan is unnecessary for node-negative stage 1 breast cancer, and that i should avoid the unnecessary radiation.  i'm wondering how many of you had a liver scan as part of standard procedure before chemo.  thank you!

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  • ddlatt
    ddlatt Member Posts: 448
    edited December 2008

     hi kim, the USCF med onc said that based on the results of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Conference, he recommends Zometa for his triple negative patients. my local med onc (who i can't stand) said he will order if if i want it, although he said one of his patients had "jaw rot" - osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)  - from zometa and he's not a big fan.  apparently it can be a struggle to get the insurance company to pay for it.  i'll deal with all that next summer after i finish radiation.

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  • sweeeeetpam
    sweeeeetpam Member Posts: 115
    edited December 2008

    Hi

                                       Just make sure you drink lots of water................I had no side effects and I did chemo before surgery I have my surgery sch on Monday dec29................pretty scary. Hope your chemo goes well!!  Pamela

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