Starting chemo January 2009?

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited January 2009

    Bought my first two hats today.

    Crazy cute, both of them, and just my style. I tucked all my hair up under them to see what it would look like. Not that bad, ladies, not that bad.

    We can DO this!

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  • AZStacey2008
    AZStacey2008 Member Posts: 12
    edited January 2009

    Well Ladies, I'm glad to say my first chemo went well.  I cried from the moment I walked in the door until the Benedryl drip knocked me out!!!!  The nurse was super nice and just kept telling me how normal all my feelings were and really helped me through. Thank God for drowsy medication!!!!   My mom and husband were there.  I'm glad my mom came, because I don't think my husband could have sat there while I slept.  He's having a really hard time, but won't talk about it.

    I've only had a little bit of heartburn today.  The anti-nausea medicine works well.  My eyes got all dried out and sore so I had to get "fake tears" and my cheeks have gotten really blushed from all the steroids.

    I came home and slept some more and then went out to celebrate a friend's anniversary.  Many ladies have told me that the fatigue and/or nausea didn't really hit in until the 3rd or 4th day, so I decided to take advantage of the energy the steroids have given me and the repreive the anti-nausea meds are giving me. 

    I think all in all it's been a great day!!!!   One down....5 to go!!!!!

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  • bfb0123
    bfb0123 Member Posts: 1
    edited January 2009

    This is my first posting. 

    I received my diagnosis on Nov. 18.  Everything happened so quick!  I had my yearly mammo Nov 6, got a call to come back for additional film on Nov 11 and had an ultrasound the same day.  Immediately after, a biopsy was scheduled for the 14th.  I had a lumpectomy on Dec 4, less than a month from the original mammogram.  My lymph nodes were clear, but pre-cancerous cells were found in the surrounding tissue, and I had a second lumpectomy on Dec 30th, and also had a mediport placed for chemo.  I meet with my oncologist on Jan 12th to discuss the chemo treatment, so I do not know a lot about it now, but she originally said chemo for 6 months (Does this sound right???) followed by radiation. 

    I guess I will know more in a week and a half...

    Barbara

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  • butterfly2008
    butterfly2008 Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2009

    Thank you Ladies for your support  and kind words. I am being admitted to hospital on monday jan 5th with delivery of baby on jan6th so all going well, starting Chemo on jan 12th . I am dreading it but just want to get it over with and get home to my babies and just keep telling myself its 1off my list . My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will sign back in after my chemo treatment as I in hospital for next whlie . Take care of yourselves !

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  • BevR
    BevR Member Posts: 101
    edited January 2009

    Welcome Barbara, I don't post much but wanted to just say this group is lots of encouragement--in lots of ways!

    It does seem that it all happens very fast from the dx--puts our heads to "spinnin' "--just read what you can on this web site, the American Cancer Society web site and other material you can find. Write down your questions for your doctors and call them if you have others!

    BTW, I live in Texas also---

    Texas ladies are tough! We'll get through this!

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  • BevR
    BevR Member Posts: 101
    edited January 2009

    butterfly2008! My thoughts and prayers will be with you! Take care and, as you feel like it, keep us updated. 

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  • ddlatt
    ddlatt Member Posts: 448
    edited January 2009

    hi y'all,

    i'll be starting chemo any day now, as soon as i hear the results of my MUGA scan. was diagnosed in october with IDC, 1.2 cm 1 millimeter from chest wall, stage 1, grade 3, triple negative, unclear margins (my surgeon says they're clear, but the pathologists on the tumor board and a UCSF expert said they don't consider anything clear less than 2mm). had double mastectomy in november because of family history (mother and grandmother had breast cancer and died of metastasis to the bone - but i haven't had the BRCA testing yet) and because i wanted to get rid of as much breast tissue as possible, plus i've always wanted a flat chest! 

    have not had positive experiences with either of the two medical oncologists who are the only ones my insurance company will approve - they're both condescending and rude. the first one i saw recommended Taxotere/Cytoxan, 6 cycles once every three weeks. i went to san francisco to UCSF for a second opinion from breast cancer treatment and research expert (mark moasser), who recommends AC 4 cycles every 2 weeks, then Taxol 4 cycles, every 2 weeks, radiation, then six months of Zometa (infusion once/month). he said he recommends the most aggressive approach possible since this is our one and only chance to prevent recurrence.

    holtbolt, i asked the UCSF med onc why he recommended ACT/T over TC, and he said that the AC/T is the most aggressive treatment for my situation - grade 3, triple negative, tumor 1 millimeter from chest wall with unclear margins, and possible family history. (i was hoping not to have to take adriamycin.)

    also having a confusing time with radiologists - the first one i saw said i needed 36 treatments because of the grade 3 tumor 1 millimeter from chest wall. the second one i saw said i should not have radiation, but keep it in reserve to use in case i have a recurrence. the UCSF expert said he recommended radiation because of his philosophy of being very aggressive from the beginning.

    so i've decided to go with the recommendations of the UCSF med onc - AC/T, radiation, Zometa. 

    i'm 54, live alone, have two sons, ages 28 and 30. i live down the street from my youngest son and his wife.

    the hospital has provided a wonderful nurse navigator who is available 24/7, a dietitian, a counselor, and two support groups, but i find this forum the most useful of all.  very glad to "meet" all of you and share our experiences. thanks!

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  • ChrisBern
    ChrisBern Member Posts: 33
    edited January 2009

    Hi everyone,

    ddlatt, my story is about the same. I received my first of 4 AC last Monday and then will have 4 Taxol. Bilat mastectomy will follow after chemo since my mom and grandmother had breast cancer and died of metastasis to the bone. I will get the result of the BRCA gene test on February 3rd.

    Question: What is Zometa?

    I'm man of 31 with two young children (daughter and boy ages 3 and 1) and a wonderful wife.

    Even if AC is supposed to be the most aggressive form of treatment for our case, you will see that it's not so bad. For me, the first 48 hours were the worst. Today, it's day 6 and I'm feeling top shape!

    I wish a great weekend to all the Jewels!

    Chris

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  • marthamm
    marthamm Member Posts: 16
    edited January 2009

    Hello Everyone -

     Hope everyone is hanging in okay with all those first rounds of chemo.  I had another round of chemo yesterday and 2 more to go - if I'm managing to survive so will all of you. 

    So I had quick questions to see if anyone could answer - I know a lot of you have already had your surgeries.  I had a lumpectomy prior to Chemo but no clear margins so I know I'm getting a mastectomy after chemo but I can't decide on whether it should be bilateral.  I'm leaning towards non-implant immediate reconstruction & I really just want to get reconstruction over with and not drag it out since I'm a huge whimp. 

    So first of all - do any of you know what the general percent of likelyhood that the bc will show up in the unaffected breast is (I know this can vary depending on the case but I have no sense of a number on this)? And second those that have had DIEP or free flap procedured - how bad was the recovery? I'm seeing my surgeon on Monday to start the process of finding a PS and figuring this all out but I like to show up to appointments with all my questions ready to go and as well informed as possible. 

    Martha

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited January 2009

    Martha ~  As a recent chemo alum with a Diep flap, I can probably answer your questions.  I believe having bc once doubles your risk of having it again.  What that means is, based on age, if your risk was 11%, it doubles it to 22%.  Also, I see you're in Redondo.  I had my Diep at UCLA with Dr. Festekjian, and he is absolutely wonderful!  Can't say enough great things about him!  The first week, including 4 days in the hospital, is tough, and the first week at home was, too.  But I am so glad UCLA encouraged me to do a Diep and to do it all at once, with my mast.  Absolutely no regrets, and no regret that I did just my left breast, as my BS assured me that was right for me.  Good luck, and feel free to PM me if you have specific questions on recovery or anything else.    Take care ~  Deanna 

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited January 2009

    Hi Martha,

     As you know, I did DIEP at UCLA.  I did both breasts and I'm glad I did!  Its easier for a PS to match 2 breasts of the same "consistency" for lack of a better word!  Plus, for me, I wanted to do it all in one fell swoop....both breasts, mastectomy and reconstruction.  all of it!

    I'm VERY happy with my results.  We can talk more when we walk on Tuesday. I'll even show you my incision sites, etc. if you want to see.  It really wasn't as bad as I expected.  I spent 6 days in the hospital and I'd say one week at home where I really needed help.  After that, it wasn't so bad!

    Deanna's doc is in the same group as my doc (Crisera) at UCLA.  I'm seeing Crisera on Monday.  In fact, I recently recommended Crisera to another woman on this board....she's seeing him in a few weeks.

    Lisa

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  • ddlatt
    ddlatt Member Posts: 448
    edited January 2009

    chris - amazing how similar our stories are.  i'll have the genetic testing after my radiation is over with. if it's positive, i'll have my ovaries removed as soon as possible. zometa is a bone-building drug that has been proven to lower rate of recurrence 35% in early breast cancer. it's an infusion that i'll take once a month. it has ghastly potential side effects, including "jaw rot," which my doctor said one of his patients did experience. so i guess i'm 99.99% sure about taking it. have plenty of time to decide.  here is the link: http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/health/drugs/2008-06-01-cancer-drug-zometa_N.htm - there are many more links, and good studies were presented at the recent san antonio breast cancer conference. 

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  • kt57
    kt57 Member Posts: 425
    edited January 2009

    AZStacy2008  Thank the Lord for oncology nurses....mine is awesome.  My husband is struggling with this as well.  Everyone deals with this in their own way in their own time. He and I are different in our desire to learn about this disease/treatment - I want to know everything, he wants the minimum.  i'm sure he has questions and thoughts he's not saying... my 20 year old son too.  Sometimes I just ask, "Do you have any questions or are you worrying about anything?"   That usually draws them out.  They both came to my first chemo with me. Now that I know what to expect, I think my hubbie will work next time and my son will hang out with me - he's still home from college, then I'll rely on those "If there is anything I can do, just ask" friends.    

    I didn't get benadryl - steroids and zofran before the TC - I was pretty wired from the steroids -- flushed face too,  and heartburn - pepcid took care of that. took Ativan for sleep / nausea /anxiety/last night. Worked well except for the frequent potty breaks from pushing fluids all day.  I feel pretty good today.  Hope to get some fresh air (It's a balmy 20 degrees here) and some exercise.

    mimi07 - hope you are doing well today.

    Hang in there Jan 2 Jewels.

    Kathy

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  • rsben70
    rsben70 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2009

    Just cut my hair real short today, getting ready for chemo to start i dont think i'll feel like mesing with it during chemo and it will be less dramatic if it comes out.

    Sleep is hard to come by for me too, am resting alot though. Just waiting for everything to start.

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  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited January 2009

    rsben70.  I cut my hair real short last week.  I actually like it....have had long for years,but it is thick.  The cosmetologist thinned it out so it won't be as traumatic when it starts to fall out.  I haven't started chemo yet, was diagnosed Oct 16th.....really ready to get it started and over with.  I am also waiting for results from the MUGA scan.......

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  • rsben70
    rsben70 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2009

    jrgolomb. I like mine too.  was disgnosed dec starting chemo on jan 16. already have had muga, pet, mri all that good stuff. I am really ready to start and over too. good luck.

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited January 2009

    Okay, okay, here we go with unfamiliar tests again. What's a MUGA?

    Hope all of you are doing well today and the weekend has brought rest and laughter to each of us. 

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  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited January 2009

    Webwriter--I know what ya mean--all the tests---Muga is for the onc to see how your heart works.  I think because of my age-I am over 50-and/or because of the type of chemo I am getting they need to see if my heart can stand up to the chemo---adriamycin??? is the drug they check .  That is from a very truly laywoman's understanding of the test-muga. 

    <:AtomicElement>Jess 

    <:AtomicElement> 

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  • ddlatt
    ddlatt Member Posts: 448
    edited January 2009

    webwriter, this is the link to a MUGA scan: 

    http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/cardiactests/a/muga.htm

    adriamycin is notorious for its potential to damage the heart, so before anyone can start on that drug, a MUGA is performed to see if the heart is healthy enough to tolerate the drug. a MUGA may be ordered for other cancer-related reasons, but i had it because my med onc is recommending adriamycin/cytoxan, then taxol.

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited January 2009

    did anyone have "hotspots" when they had a PET scan?  i had 2 hot spots....on one of my ribs and then on my ovaries.  but, my CT scan was clear and the hot spots were dismissed as "likely nothing".

     but, i brought it up to my oncologist and now I'm having a pelvic ultrasound done on Friday.  she says its "highly unlikely" that i have both breast cancer and ovarian cancer.  but, i want it checked out.  i'm sure its probably a cyst or something but better safe than sorry!

    i actually don't think i'd mind having my ovaries removed.  i'm going into menopause with chemo drugs anyway, i've already had my kids and i'm 45.  any reason that i'd want to keep my ovaries?  thoughts please!

    thanks!
    lisa

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  • sweeeeetpam
    sweeeeetpam Member Posts: 115
    edited January 2009

    Hi Lisa,           Don't cut your hair!!!!!!!! I did chemo before surgury and it was almost 4-6 weeks before my hair fell out.......................and their is a mircle chance that you may be one of those that does NOT fall out. If you have been reading my posts, at the end I drove around arizona pull my hir out and letting it fly into the sky..............it sorta gave ma a little bit of control over a disease that we have NO control of!!!!

          Sorry for the wig experience, I went and bought Before my hair came out I will sent you the name latter to lazy to get up I love my wig and have cut it a little shorter just ordered a second one that I will not cut but at least they will match so i won't get the OH you are wearing a wig bit!!!

            And for leg hair The night before surgery...I am laughing that I have NO hair on my head but am shaving my legs because I have one heck of a HOT doctor??????  and I never did shave my head and still have a little bit of IN your face hair on my head!!

             Hi to everyone...sorry I will never remeber all of your names!!   My darins come out Monday!!! Yah!!! will talk soon Pamela 

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited January 2009

    Hi Pam,

    What chemo drugs did you have?  I'm on TC.  I was told pretty much that it will fall out on day 14.  My scalp is tingly now.

     I don't want to wait and let it fall out!  I want to cut it for a wig.

    I would LOVE to know where you got your wig! 

    Too funny on shaving your legs for your HOT doctor!  My legs are hairy....but as I told my daughter, at least its light colored hair LOL!  So glad you're getting your drains out!  THAT is a BIG day! 

    Lisa

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  • PinkLaddy
    PinkLaddy Member Posts: 133
    edited January 2009

    Hi Lisa,

    Sorry to jump in but you are correct and I'm sorry to say that you will loose your hair on TC usually day 14-16. Also if I were you I would try on some wigs first before ordering from a catalog.

    Jerri

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  • BerkeleyKim
    BerkeleyKim Member Posts: 390
    edited January 2009

    Hi all:

    Day 5 post 1tx (AC). Went out into the world today and ordered a fake boob and 2 bras. Pricey, and I don't think my ins. will cover it all.  Ventured with daughter into Macys and actually tried eating at Marie Callendars, worried of course about food poisoning....But it was fun! Still need to cut my hair and figure out the work thing...Walked around the block--probably should get more exercise somehow.

    Have heartburn and am tender in the ab area--anyone else have that?

    Lisa--I know a 3year survivor who just had her uterus and her remaining ovary out because she's ER+ and was putting out lots of estrogen even with the hormone blocker. She's about your age. She didn't want to worry about it anymore. I'll be thinking of you.

    Webwriter--I had a Muga and an echocardiogram. I think some drs. do one, and some do the other. With the muga you have a small bit of radioactive stuff put into your vein. I had a panic attack during the Muga (until they turned off the audible heartbeat monitor, and then I was fine), and my onc. said I could just do the echo next. My Muga was low normal, but my echo was fine. I'm doing ACX4 and Tx 8 (weekly but it might be x4 biweekly), plus the Avastin clinical trial for high risk or node pos. women. I'm 52, and in pretty good health otherwise, so I'm hoping for the best!. My onc. feels that it's too early to dismiss AC, even with HER2- b/c. Hard choices!

    Well, hugs to all. Thanks for being here...

    kim

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  • rsben70
    rsben70 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2009

    lisalisa i had a hot spot on my colon so had a colonoscopy found a polyp but MD said it looked ok but have to wait til path comes back.

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  • AZStacey2008
    AZStacey2008 Member Posts: 12
    edited January 2009

    Hi Ladies,

    I had a Muga a few weeks ago and a bone scan.  I thought they were facinating, but I'm wierd like that.  I had great nurses that explained all what was going on while it was happening.  I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. 

    Today was a little bit tiring.  I've had heartburn all day and the diareah began.  I've had to take anti-poop pills and get some Pecid AC for the heartburn.  The breathings been a little labored, but a nap helped that some. 

    Altoghether though I'd say this day 2 had been another good day.  I'm not throwing up and that's what I was most worried about.

    My husband's been cleaning all day and now making me dinner.  He's a good nursemaid.  :-)

    I'm so glad for this thread to hear what you all are going through.  It helps me to know I'm not alone in this scary place.

    I was given a wig by a friend who went through this all 2 years ago.  It's in the wig shop (Suzie's Wigs in Mesa, AZ; they're so nice).  My cousins are coming to visit in 2 weeks which is right about when my hair should be coming out so we're planning a head shaving party  in honor of my uncle who passed away from cancer in June.  He shaved his head and a bunch of fun with it.

    Thoughts and prayer to all of you!!!!

    Stacey

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  • lester63
    lester63 Member Posts: 21
    edited January 2009

    Hi everyone - I'm dropping in again.  I've been reading posts and trying to get ready for when I start chemo - 1/15.  I didn't think I would be upset about the hair loss, but the closer it gets the more freaked out I get.  So many of you are in my thoughts these days as I read about you.  This is a pretty tough bunch - I'm so glad there are others out there ready to kick butt!

     One of the things I think I'm most concerned about is going into menopause.  I had a hysterectomy 4 years ago and kept my ovaries.  I had to take Lupron for 6 months in order to keep them because of endometriosis.  That was a miserable 6 months going into chemical menopause, but when I stopped taking it that was over.  From what I understand, after chemo the ovaries are pretty much done if you are closer to menopause - I'm 45.  Can anyone shed any light on that?

     Holtbolt - I stayed at New York New York also while in Las Vgas.  We saw "Zumanity" mainly because it was at our hotel.  We are still talking about some of the disturbing parts of the show - not the usual Cirque de Soliel.  Can't say we didn't enjoy it and we certainly laughed - it was just really bizarre!

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  • mamasarah
    mamasarah Member Posts: 23
    edited January 2009

    Hello Again Jewels and Happy New Year.  It's after midnight on the east coast, so I guess my anxiety about chemo (TCH) on Tuesday is kicking in.  I got my hair cut really short today - the Dame Judith Dench look.  I keep waiting for James Bond to show upWink.

    Martha - I had mastectomy, free flap reconstruction and port on December 8. The first few days are really tough, but each day is 100% better than the day before.  Now, almost four weeks out I'm pretty much back to normal except for incision healing.  I'm glad I did the immediate reconstruction because I'm not sure I would do it later and it does feel pretty normal, plus I have the flattest tummy I've had in forty years!

    Be well all, you are a great group! 

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  • susan13
    susan13 Member Posts: 732
    edited January 2009

    Hello Ladies,

    I'm joining the January chemo group.  Had bilat. mast. with tissue expanders on Dec. 9th.  Onc. will let me know my exact treatment plan this Friday.  I know it'll be Taxol/Taxotere and possibly carblotin(sp?). Just not sure how many tx's or how far apart.  After chemo I'll need to do rads.  One of my margins was a bit close at .1cm, and I had 4 positive nodes.  I already did chemo, 4 tx's of AC from September to October.  Originally they thought my tmor was 8-10cm, but when taken out it was just 1.8cm.  Big difference. I had alot of abnormal things going on in the boob that made it swell up and get hard. So they thought it was all tumor.  I'm sure the AC kicked it down a bit too.  My hair started to grow back, but it'll fall out again of course. BUMMER.  I worked thru my AC treatments, except for the day of and after tx.  But, not sure how I will be for TC. Anyone work thru TC?? I hope I can cause it does help me emotionally to go about my daily routine thru this entire thing.

    Thanks for listening!  Good luck to everyone starting this month.

    Sue

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  • mabels
    mabels Member Posts: 14
    edited January 2009

    Hi all

    I'm also going to join the January chemo group. If all goes well,will start 4 cycles TC on 1/8.

    Because of the holidays ,I have spent way to much time WAITING.  I had lumpectomy, SNB on 12/11. Having been waiting for more surgery. Drs appt. etc. I have  used the time reading many of the discussions on this board. Many thanks to all for the helpful info.

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