Any May 2009 Chemo Starters?

tr55  - Nanaa from the March group - My first visit with the onc I was not prepared for anything he had to say because my fish test for Her2 cam back after my last vist with bs so I did not know it was positive and that I would need chemo.  I should have  had someone with me but husband was ill and did not want to take germs into oncology.  Write down questions you want to make sure he answers for you.  I had to go back a second time to get more answers.  He will tell you about types of chemo and why they are right or not right for your situation and make a recommendation that you can choose to accept, reject or consider and let him know.  He should answer questions about percentages on cancer returning and what doing, chemo, rads, herceptin and tamoxifin or AIs do to improve those percentages.  He should tell you if the treatment he is recommending is DD  (dose dense) and how many times they give it and how often.  Some are given weekly, some bi-weekly and some every 3rd week.  Herceptin is uaually give every 3 weeks along with the chemo and then continued for a year for Her2+.  Take a notebook along if you want to write down answers, types of drugs, etc.  My onc office printed out info on the meds he was suggesting and on the pre-meds he would have me take night before and day of (steroids - dexamethasone).  He also should be able to give you a start date as long as you are willing to make a decision on the treatment then.  Don't be afraid to get a second opinion if you are not satisfied with his recommendation. I want and got another one at week 6 into treatment because he want to add another chemo DD after I was done with the taxol and i did  not see the benefit.  2nd onc agrees with me, so will not be doing it.  Hope this helps.  Annette

luvtheocean 

You'll be fine. Especially with that belly full of greasy hash browns from Waffle House.  Darn!  I wish I could have joined you this morning.  I could use some good greasy food - if only I could taste it!  Let us know how it goes.

xoxo Sukiann

 P.S.  You are One Brave Chick.  Check out their amazing website

 http://www.onebravechick.com/index.php  It will bring tears to your eyes - just what we need, right???  No, really, check it out.

I'm off to a CAT scan in a few minutes. Annoyed because my PICC line wrapping got wet in the shower this morning despite using that lovely plastic sleeve for protection. So now I have to sort out who at the hospital can put on a new wrapping - or will I need to call the home nurse. OK - that's the end of complaining. Actually, I am feeling well and greatful that I can walk to the hospital for these many appointments. Maybe afterwards I will get out the garden hose and wash the furniture on my porch - my favourite place to sit and read in the summer.

Happy Wednesday, I have to say I feel soooooo much better today.   I'm working today and feel good.   I am still having leg pain but mostly at night.  I don't usually take medicine but have had to take something for the leg pain and to sleep the last two nights.   Is anyone else having leg pain or arm pain?   The port feels better too.   I saw on one of these topics where someone shared about a website that will send out free beautiful scarves if you call them.  I haven't started losing my hair but want to be prepaired when it does happen.   Does anyone know where that info is?  Thanks

Ladies I found it.   The website is www.franceluxe.com and click on "goodwishes".   I called the number, and they connected me to a very sweet lady who let me pick out the silk scarf I wanted and said they would be mailing it out to me.   She was very kind and I'm excited about getting my new silk scarf.   If you are interested check it out.  

Just got home from yet another run up to the hospital. I met with the clinical trial nurse for her to take a more involved medical history from me. She talked to the onc and said that in their research doing the dose dense gives me 1% greater odds, but the onc said that I am a younger (47) cancer patient and in otherwise very good health and he thinks I will be able to handle the dose dense well. So, he said if that is what I want and makes me feel more confident, than that is what he will do. And that is what I want. My heart, my gut, my inner voice is all telling me the dose dense is the way to go. I do not want to leave anything on the table in this. I will take every extra percentage point I can get. I am just not willing to gamble with my triple neg status.

I had the ECHO today too. Piece of cake. My onc wanted me to have a MUGA but insurance wouldn't pay for it. Goofy. I'm in an HMO. The receptionist told me my insurance wouldn't pay for the MUGA. I had to laugh and tell her, "That's y'all." She laughed too. Anyway, the ECHO was the last test I had to get before I can start. The results of that should be in today and my tentative date to start chemo is May 25th. I barely made this May group!! I have a dentist appointment on the 20th she wants me to keep since dental visits are out during chemo.   

Another mentally exhausting day! I need a nap!!

Hey gang.. thanks for the support

i had my first treatment and what can i say.. i feel awful - i'm a pretty small girl and lost a ton of weight already so i guess it just hit me a little hard threw up last night a lot and hateeee throwing up today just veryyy tired and head is pounding - able to get up a little bit and walk around so thats ok totally and absolutely don't want to do this again

Princesofpower, please hang in there.  I think you'll feel better in a few days. Hope you get a good night's sleep.  Post tomorrow so we know how you're doing. 

Hugs to you.

Sukiann

princessofpower -- hang in there you will feel better soon.  I had mine my first treatment on 5/1, and it hit me on Sunday through Tuesday and finally today I feel soooo much better.   They gave me three little steriod pills before by chemo the day of to work with the anti-nausea meds they put in my IV with the chemo treatment.  I was told that if I'm throwing up they are not doing their jobs. They also sent me home with nausea pills and I was told even if I'm not sick to take them.  So far it has worked, and boy I'm that person that gets very sick all the time with nausea.   I warned them.   I do have some bone pain and couldn't sleep so I took something last nite they gave me and something for the bone pain and I slept.  Sunday through Tuesday I felt like a truck had hit me, hurting, and could not hold my head up with flu like awful symptoms but not throwing up, but today Wed., I feel so much better sort of like my old self which we can handle.  Hang in there, it will get better.  We are pulling for you!!!!!  Let us know how you are doing?

Try this website for FREE Bs http://www.hatsoff-to-chemo.org/

TexasRose - Glad you went today, I KNOW you are feeling better about the chemo (funny, isn't it?).  We hate the thought of it, yet if we have to go this route, let's go for straighest road possible, even if we have to go through a bit more.  I am 62, in otherwise good health, and my onc never doubted that I could handle the DD.  Happy for you as I know your mind will be at peace.

Linda

Ajlive - the oncotype test is only for ER/PR + gals.  Glad you had it done.

Linda

Hi ladies,

I joined you for T/C on May 4th.  I had my port placed April 29th.  Best decision I ever made.  After developing plebitis in my left arm from previous surgeries the veins were pretty shot.  deb6563, hang in there.  I was vey bruised and swollen to start with but was fine by the time they started my chemo.  It is still a little tender but I usually don't even notice it now.  BTW I had a core biopsy, lumpectomy and SNB and finally a right mastectomy and eight nodes taken (I think? chemo brain already!?) all in April.  I still hurt worse from the nerve damage in my armpit.  My bs said it's going to take a while for my brain to realize that those nerves have been severed and I don't need to hurt anymore.  I am allergic to any narcotic pain reliever so Aleve is the strongest thing I can take.  So far, I'm doing okay.  I am 55 and have a rediculous medical history.  I seem to be dragging myself over the hurdles instead of jumping them when I was younger, but I AM getting over them.  My best wishes to all of you.  We WILL get there!  Also had the face burn thing and nausea but the meds they called in for me are taking care of things.  However, anything I drink still tastes like crap but know I have to keep hydrated.  This too shall pass.

Have a good night.  My thoughts are with you.

Nancy

I'm feeling so much better and then BAM, I get my monthly you know what!  What??? I thought I was going to be chemopause.  I guess it happens maybe after a few treatments?  Anyway,lots of clotting and pain (sorry to be graphic).  I checked it out on the internet and I guess the chemo drugs cause the clots.  I didn't need this now but this too shall pass.

On a really positive note, I got home from shopping and there was this HUGE box delivered by UPS.  My son had a hard time bringing it into the house is was so big and heavy.  It was from 9 friends from the town I moved from 5 years ago. They all got together and made up a "Sunshine Box".  It is filled with presents.  I couldn't believe it.  My son (12 years old) was so excited for me and couldn't understand why I was crying (men, they just don't get it).  In reality, I didn't care what was in there, just the fact that they took the time to think of me was what was so meaningful.

benisse I called about the sunburn (day after chemo for me).  Nurse practioner said it was from the steroids.  It will go away today (mine did - just had it for one day).

Texasrose - glad you're checking out everything thoroughly before going with the double dose.  Good luck - can I come over to your pool???? 

pantufas - sorry but crap taste stays with you even when you're feeling better - and you will feel better after the first week.

Taj72 - you are an awesome daughter.  Your Mom is so lucky to have you - I'm sure she knows that!  I can't help you with any info on the chemo drugs. Maybe someone else here knows??

Deb6563 - hope your port site feels better soon.

All other ladies, keep the faith, keep up the posting, and keep supporting each other.

Kisses,

Sukiann

YUM!  Wafle House Hash Browns!  I can taste them now.  Scattered, smothered, covered, chunked, diced, and capped.

My port is still very sore this morning but nothing like yesterday.  I am going in to work and hope I can make it all day.

Thanks for the words of wisdom about the port getting better.  Love you guys