Any May 2009 Chemo Starters?

I will be in the May 2009 group.  I met with my oncologist 3 days ago 4/13 and will be having  my port put in next Friday 4/24.  I am going to be involved in a Clinical Trial and I have to wait for 28 days from my last surgery before I start chemo.

I had a partial mastectomy 3/24 along with AND.  The margin was  only 1mm so on 4/8 I had an additional surgery to get a better margin.  I will be doing A/C every 14 days for 4 treatments, along with the trial every 21 days.  After the A/C I will begin Toxol every 7 days for 12 treatments along with the trial.  Then I will do 6 weeks of radiation.

When the doctor was telling me of the side effects of the chemo she said that I would loose all my body hair and go through menapause since I am already premenapausal.  I asked her what the negative side effects would be and she replied that she just told me the negative side effects.  My reply was "You just told me that I won't have to shave my legs or underarms, I won't have any bad hair days for awhile, I don't have to worry about a bikini wax this summer and I won't ever have another period and you call that negative?"  She wasn't sure what to say until I started laughing.  She told me to keep that attitude and I would be fine.  My husband doesn't think it is funny but all my female friends think it is hilarious.

I met with my oncologist yesterday. I, too, will be starting chemo in May, 2009. I am so thankful that these discussion boards exist. So much info. I had hoped to start with the April crew (can we get this over with already?), but drain went back in and thus, will have to wait til ?the first week in May is our best guess.

Deb-you're hilarious! Glad to be in a group with you! I'll be getting the dd AC/T as well-although my onc suggested the TAC x 6 was as effective as the dd AC followed by dd T but I keep seeing/reading the standard for triple neg is the dose dense.

The other thing that keeps getting me is the people who say you can time your tx so that you can work on your good days. I keep thinking-I want to save my good days for my family! Is it just me?

Pam-thanks for the comments and encouragement from the other side of this.

Hi to all - I am to start my chemo on April 30th, so I am on the "cusp." Had to go back in for re-excision on 4/8 for a clean margin and my recuperation has been nasty- pain wise.  I had quite a large convoluted incision which had to be reopened as my nodule was deep in the breast under the nipple, so my re-excision has been a nightmare in comparison with the original lumpectomy (which I didn't even use 1 pain pill for).  Onc originally wanted to start on 4/23, but we couldn't get the CT and bone scans, chemo class, vascular surgeon consult for port, port placement, and echo cardiogram all scheduled before that date, so she pushed the start to the 30th.  I know I will be getting the AC + T, but her PA told me results of the testing could change the scheduling she set up for the regime.  I certainly hope that all my testing comes out good!  Geez - I just hate this so very much. It just seems as though with each step I take on this freaking cancer journey, I am faced with yet more tests and all of the fear and trepidation all over again, and, apparently, this never ends.  Anyway - will be jumping on board the May train with you all and am so glad to have you all to share and care with.  May God bless us all and may each and every one of us embark upon a "doable" journey.

Hugs,

Linda

Hi ladies! Just checking back in to say hey!

Deb - That's funny! You have a great attitude!

Pam- Thanks for the support and the encouragement. It means so much to me to see people who have made it through this. It gives me hope and lets me know that I will too.

indomitable- I have heard that too about timing your treatments. I am lucky that I don't work anymore, so I am planning on asking to start mine on Monday or whatever day best allows me to be feeling better by the weekend when my husband is home. I totally agree to save your best days for your family!!

Linda- Sorry your re-excision was so painful. I wish you speedy healing!

Winnie- A cancer class? Now that is funny! I'm surprised my hospital hasn't thought of that. Or maybe they have and I just haven't learned that piece of news yet. I love the pink hair idea! You will have to share pics! I'm getting mine cut this week. I hate to go shorter, but may as well. What difference does it make? It will be gone soon anyway.  

I noticed there are a few other triple negs. When I first read here about that, I was pretty freaked out but honestly, if I went by my doctor's reactions, I wouldn't know it was any different than any other. They have all kind of blown that part off like it's a challenge, but just a different challenge than hormone positive. Good and bad to both kinds. I have chosen to quit worrying about that part of it.

Has anybody started wig shopping or looking for hats and scarves? I'm overwhelmed by that part of it.

So glad to have all of you to share this with. I wish none of us had to be here, but since we do, it makes it so much easier to share it.

Hi everyone I have a appointment to see the oncologist april 30.I see the surgen to discuss when the port goes in.I had my lumpectomy at the end of march I also had a node taken out a sentenial node.I  wear a sport bra was wondering how long do you have to wear it. should i still be wearing it 24/7 or can I go back to regular bra.It seems like my breast wants to be free and so do i. still a little sorea little more because of the bra. how important is the sport bra and  why do i have to wear it.I know i start my chemo in may so I am glad that i am not alone.the hair thing is not a problem for me hair does grow back dosent it.I have decide to wear a wig until I grow some hair then I will get a cute short cut.I do grow hair under my chin not a lot but I will be glad i dont have to deal with anymore So if anyone have any advice for the sport bra let  me know. thank you in advance

I met with my oncologist last Friday and he said that they would call me to set everything up once they get everything approved through insurance first.  He said that they will have surgeon call me to set up port appointment and chemo 1st date appointment.  He was thinking it might be on 4/24, but since it's already Wed. and they haven't even called to set up an appointment to put the port in I'm sure it's going to be the following Friday on 5/1 to start.  That gives them time to set up getting the port placement.  I too am anxious to get this started and to get to know all of you.   I wish everyone the best -- We WILL  get through this!!!!!

Jaden 1 - I am in the march group and can answer with what I did at bs nurses suggestion.  Sports bra to sleep in but can go back to regular bra during day if comfortable.  Alot of days I put the sports bra back on when I got home.  It gives enough support to keep from moving too much but not as much as reg. bra which made it some what of a relief at end of day.

To all the rest of you I just finished 5 of 12 of taxol today  and you all can get thru this.  Just take it one step at a time and as my BS would say don't borrow trouble just deal with what actually happens.  Alot of the SE's you read about won't happen to you and if they do you will deal with them and all of us will be happy to give advise or just let you vent. I will be doing radiation probab;y 6 weeks and herceptin for the rest of a year every 3 weeks and then femara..but as I have learned since I was diagnosed everything is subject to change any time.  My treatment day is on Tuesday which made my worst day Saturday with taxol day 5.  Since kids are all married and husband retired still working my part time job was a good option.  Depending on what treatment you get your good days are going to be different. When it was time to pick a day for chemo I chose Tuesday because it was my regular day off.Remember those of you with kids that school will be out soon and having good days during the week with them might be good and let someone else take over on the weekend and take care of them and you.  Onc office said Mondays are almost always packed and any other day was better.  Best wishes to all of you.  Annette 

Hi All.  I also start Chemo on May 6, 4 tx of AC over 12 weeks.  I am not getting a port but will have just an IV.  Anyone else going this route?  I guess I feel pretty selfish right now because it is all I seem to think/talk about with my friends and family.  It is like an obsession that will not go away.  I had a lumpec and sn removing 8 nodes on April 8, 4 days after I married my husband!  This is moving so very quickly that I can't seem to keep up with what is happening.  My husband and 16 year old son are being so strong with me and for me.  I worry about them alot though and that they aren't thinking of themselves enough. 

I guess my biggest 'fear' right at this moment is probably of the unknown, how will I react to chemo, the thought of throwing up makes me sooooo anxious.  I HATE throwing up.

I feel like I am rambling now.....thanks all for any advice you have!

Keeping the faith and staying strong!

Hi Everyone,

I got a call from the cancer center that I need to go tomorrow for a Chemo teaching class.  I didn't know that there was one.   Anyway, he said I would start Chemo May 1, Friday.  That means I need to get my port before that probably early next week.   I am really going to enjoy this wsekend. Not sure what to expect from all this, but this forum really helps with supporting each other..   Has anyone else got a port yet?  We can do this!!!!!

Hi May Chemo Starters:

I'm actually a "February Fury" as I started chemo on Feb. 13, but I was scrolling through your thread and thought I'd say, "Hello."  This is certainly one rocky road, but you've each found an important key to navigating the bumps and pot holes--you've got the base for a support group that will be fantastic. 

I'm halfway through my chemo and would say to those of you who haven't started it yet, the anticipation is worse than the treatment.  Try to remember that every day, thousands of women are going through the same thing you are and we're all doing it as "insurance" that this beast won't come back.  Enough hearts and flowers (((soft music, birds singing))).  Try to stay positive, but on the days you feel like crap, come here and vent...we're always ready to help hold each other up until things look better.  We neeeed each other!

Gramof3/Helen

PS 

Ports: I had a port put in at the same time I had my lumpectomy--this port is one of the best decisions I've made.  Ask your onc for a script for Lidocaine cream to put on the port site before chemo infusion--numbs the skin so you don't feel the needle.

Nausea:  Check with onco about "anti-emetic" (anti-nausea meds.)  Mine prescribes Emend, plus  decamethasone--have had absolutely NO nausea/vomiting.  There are lots of meds they can give you. 

Good luck ladies.  You CAN do this.

Hi Ladies,

I'm having my port put in April 29th.  My first chemo will be May 4th.  I'll be doing TC x 4.  My mastectomy was April 14th and I'm still pretty sore.  I am nervous but even more anxious to begin this.  The sooner I start, the sooner I'll be done.  I just want to be able to start mopping and vacumning again!  I've cut my hair really short and discovered it's a beautiful silver.  RATS!  Now I'll lose it! 

I'll be here to hold your hand if you will hold mine. Together we will go, together we will make it, together we will be free!

God bless all of you!

Nancy

A Chemo class?   If you fail the class do you still have to take chemo?

I had my chemo teaching session today.  The PA was very nice.  He showed me the fusion room and I set my first chemo treatment for May 1.  I will have 4 months of treatment before rads start.  My surgeon called me and I am set to get the port next Thursday 1 day before treatment starts.  I bet I am going to be sore.  I def will need that cream - thanks for the advice.  They gave me a script for nausea.   After all this I'm definitely going on a cruise!!!!  

Hi everyone, I am seeing the Oncologist on May 6th and I assume I will be starting treatment shortly thereafter.  I have absolutely no idea what I will be getting.  How do you say I'm really glad you're all here - but not?!  I found a lump in January, had a lumpectomy/biopsy in February, and right Mastectomy in March.  Had Bone Scan, Chest X-ray and Abdominal ultrasound this month.  I don't know the results of these yet.  I can't stand the waiting either!  I have a Muga scan on the same day I see the Onc.  Are any of you triple positive?  I am ER+PR+ and Her-2+++.  My path report also said extensive lympovascular invasion.  It all scares me.  Hopefully, we will all get through this.  And thank God I do not have to do it alone.  There have been so many posts here that I have wanted to respond to but once I get down here I forget what half of them said?!  I've gone back to look and totally lost whatever I've typed already.  I'm suffering from CRS (can't remember  s**t).  Not looking forward to 'chemo brain'!  Anyways, I wish you all the best and hope the treatments are bearable.  Talk to you soon.

shadow38 - this is NanaA from the March group.  I am doing the weekly taxol and herceptin every 3rd week for a year.  I have finished #5 and will be halfway thru when I go again next Tuesday.  It is doable.  The worst side effect has been tired.  Some leg pains and some abdominal pain.  The worst day seems to be evening of day 4 and day 5.  Since I have treatments on Tuesday that is Friday night and Saturday  which works OK for me since I work 20 hrs a week and can be home Sat. and just lay around.  There has been a little tingling and numbing in my toes.  The Dr is keeping a watch on that.  You will be taking steroids the day before and day of your treatments.  They can keep you awake until the early hours, but they wear off eventually.  Compared to some of the chemo weekly taxol seems to be pretty mild as far as SE's go.  At this point have not lost any hair.  It could still go, but they said with taxol, it could go , stay or just thin.  No way of knowing.  Hope this helps.  Best wishes  Annette