Starting Chemo in July 2009

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    Hey ladies! Please go to www.energizerkeepgoinghalloffame.com and vote for Anthony Leanna. This is the teenage boy who started Heavenly Hats Foundation donating new headwear for medical patients in need. Vote daily now through August 7th!  

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  • White929
    White929 Member Posts: 53
    edited July 2009

    PauldingMom:  I will vote after I'm done typing here!  Thanks for the shower curtain tip.  I've had my port ready since my last surgery on June 4 and it hasn't been too bad at all.  I had my first tx Thursday and it was a little pinch and done.  I'm glad I got mine.  I have had zero SE!!!!  I can't really say it has been bad.  I'm taking one day at a time and yesterday and today so far have been good.  My girlfriend gave me my shot the day after and it wasn't bad at all.  Everyone at the hospital was so nice and with my two girlfriends with me we just talked and before I knew it it was over!  I forgot to eat before I left which is a no no and they ran down to the deli and brought up a sandwich for me to eat during treatment.   They have me benadryl first and I got sleepy and didn't really perk up for about an hour.  Then the nausea meds went in..then taxotere for one hour followed by cytoxin for one hour....it was over and I went home which is about 1 1/2 hours.  I laid in the backseat and rested.  I went to bingo that night as I take my mother in law who doesn't drive every Thursday to the moose for bingo.  I was real tired by 10...came home went to bed and slept like a baby.  Of course I have been drinking lots of water and got up 3 times to pee but besides that went back to sleep okay.  Weeded some yesterday and took a easy most of the day and off to a party today on Lake Michigan at a friend's house....so just chilling.  Haven't had the mouth sores yet....hope I don't!

     Hope you all have a great 4th!  I know we can get through this together!!!!  Keep faith and God Bless you All!

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited July 2009

    Hello ladies

    This is my first post although I have been reading threads for a few weeks. Had lumpectomy and nodes surgery (quite a few positive) June 12. I will have lots of scans next week (really scary - well, the results) and will start chemo July 14. So it looks like this is the group for me! I can't remember what chemo yet - info overload - but it is a grade 3 tumor and I am also triple negative.

    I have started looking at head gear and wigs but not bought anything yet.

    I am still in shock. Hard to believe this is happening to me.

    (Now I know how you do the little smiley faces Smile !)

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    white292- thanks for the report and I'm so glad you are doing so great!! Gives us all newbies hope!!

    Thanks also for the reminder to eat before we go.

    Gillyone-We all know the scary feelings you are experience. That's why we are here. Kiss I've written in here some great web sites for head coverings. Check them out.

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited July 2009

    TO ALL WOMEN STARTING CHEMO IN JULY OR ALREADY STARTED.

     tRY TO KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR THAT HELPED ME ALOT.

    I USED TO CALL MY PORT AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET BECAUSE UNDER MY SKIN IT LOOKED LIKE ONE. wHEN THE NURSE ASKED ME TO DRINK LOTS OF WATER AFTER THE TREATMENT I CAME HOME I DRANKHALF A GALLON ( not at once of course )

    I WAS SO HUNGRY ALL THE TIME EXCEPT AFTER FEW DAYS OF CHEMO I PAMPERED MYSELF WITH ALL THE FORBIDDEN FOOD AFTER ALL I NEEDED MY NOURISHMENT.

    BE GOOD TO YOURSELF BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, ALL THIS TREATMENTS WILL BE BEHIND YOU.

    GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU

    HUGS

    SHEILA

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited July 2009

    Forgot to mention I am having a port put in on Wednesday, and will have rads after chemo.

    Is it normal to have all these scans at this stage? Or is it because I had several nodes involved? I think I am having a MUGA, bone scan, and an MRI.The onc office will call on Monday to tell me when all the appointments are. She didn't think it would be all on the same day as there are so many.

    Jayne in UK - I am originally from England but have been in the pacific northwest for 20+ years. Are you a tennis fan? We have watched quite a lot of wimbledon, but we get very little live on the west coast. But the final tomorrow will be live - 6am for us!

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2009

    Hi Everyone-Dx April '09; lumpectomy May 8-infection insued; surgeon ended up draining LOTS of fluid out 3.5 wks after surgery-infection is slowly almost gone; onc wanted to send tumor to TX for onco-typing which was delayed in being sent (for unknown reasons) so had to wait almost a month for results. High side of the high side for recurrence; port placed June 26; hospital ER on the 27th due to swelling and extreme bruising per on-call dr for the surgical service; emergency surgery on 28th for aggravated hematoma; visited oncology on 7-2 for my tour--chemo suite is very nice.  1st treatment of T & C on the 9th!  Going to Portland tomorrow for American Idol concert tour-can't wait for some loud music and screaming fans to burn this other stuff out of my brain for a short while.

     Question: The spot where the port is, is still swollen.  No longer resembles a 3rd boob, but is raised and tender under the butterfly steri-strips.  How long, approximately,  before the swelling goes down?    

    My name is Joni too!!Wink 

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited July 2009

    Hi Joni,Good luck in your journey, wishing a succesful recovery. The port area will always stay raised but the swalloing will go down. That was 1 of the best thing when all my treatment was done through the port.

    What made me laugh was when you mentioned American Idol concert, the day I was having my lumpectomy was also American idol night and i never missed 1 episode since the show started, of course i programmed it in my VCR. By the time my surgery was finished it was 7PM. My surgeon asked me if i wanted stay overnight i could. The first words came out from my mouth was I can't stay, have to be home for my show, even the nurses were amused.

    You took me back to that evening.

    I wish you all the best in this journey.

    Hugs,

    Sheila

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2009

    Thanks Sheila, my veins are impossible so the port is really the only way, but dang!!!! I seem to be doing things the extra hard way!  Who was your fav this year & I'll yell a little harder just for you when he/she comes on stage!  Joni 

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited July 2009

    Sign me up for the July chemo camp - I will be starting taxotere/cytoxin w/Neulasta x4 and Herceptin x 1 yr followed by 5 years Tamoxifen and possible rads.  I meet with PS next week to get drains removed and discuss how long until clearance to start and to hopefully get a referral for port install.  Best estimate 3rd or 4th week of July...Have scarvves, hats and do rags already.  I will be getting a short and sassy hair cut next week and my kids are all set to give me buzz once the hair starts falling out...

    <<<Hugs>>>

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited July 2009

    Good luck to you.

    Having a port made my treatments so easy, I am sure once you start the treatment you will see that yourself how easy it is, you won't feel a thing. Of course first time of everything makes us little uneasy. I will be thinking about you on July 13

    SmileSheilaWink

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  • White929
    White929 Member Posts: 53
    edited July 2009

    EPH3_12 (Joni):  Sorry to hear you have so many negatives to your surgeries followed by complications!  Have a great time at the concert.  I'm a big American Idol fan...have been since the beginning.  I watch it every season and drive my DH nuts!  I had chemo Thursday...not so bad for me...hope the same goes for you on the 9th.  I'll be praying for you!

     O2bhealthy:  I have almost the same dx except I'm triple negative.  I two have cut my hair twice the last one being a few days ago.  Mine will be leaving on the 16th.....and my girlfriend is buzzing mine. 

    To All:  So I'm third day past first tx.  II'm getting TC x 4 treatments 3 weeks apart.  I am happy to say I've only had a little constipation the day after so took a Sonecot each evening since and no major problems.  A little headache this am.  Drank a cup of coffee started on the water and am ready to eat a banana.  Keep the water flowing it seems to help lots with the SE.  Talk to you ladies later.  Have a great day!  :)

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  • White929
    White929 Member Posts: 53
    edited July 2009

    gillyone:  I too am triple negative, Stage 1, Grade 3.  Started chemo June 2....so far not so bad.  Keep you posted.  I'm getting TC x 4 weeks every 3 weeks.  Then 5-6 weeks rads.  Keep a positive attitude and drink lots of water!

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    Hi gillyone, I think the scans are due to the nodes testing post. I had no scans and my one node was neg. 

    My port has only been in 4 days and you can hardly see the bump under the skin. Got a big ole ugly bandage on it, but besides that it looks good. Red and bruised but not raised or swelled.

    Eph3 12 you seem to be having a rough go with routine stuff. Has your doc started any antibioditics?

    Off to go get my wigs cut so they look a little less like Malibu Barbie and a little more like suburban mom of 3. 

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  • White929
    White929 Member Posts: 53
    edited July 2009

    PaulingMom:  did you know about the Look Good Feel Better class ACS puts on?  you get like $200 of makeup and tips on scarfs, wigs, etc.  It was wonderful!  The reason they do this is because you are supposed to dispose of all your makeup when you start chemo and they want to give you a bag of goodies donated by numerous top of the line make up companies.  I got stuff from Estee Lauder, Liz Claiborne, etc.  Also I don't know if any of you are interested but you can get an organizer through ACS for all your bills, meds, info about your cancer.  I ordered one (free) and it was to me in 3 days.  Lots of literature to read and a nice organizer to keep things together on our journey.  Their number is 800-227-2345.

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  • aaronali12
    aaronali12 Member Posts: 32
    edited July 2009

    Hi I had my first taxotere and cytoxan on june 18th. I started to lose my hair july 1st..I had pretty long hair so I chopped it short and next I am going to shave it. It was very difficult for me to see my hair come out in chunks...I have to keep in my mind that this is temporary and hair grows back. I just got very emotional. I am now just waiting to get a wig from the american cancer society and hopefully my little bit of hair will hang in for a few more days. I have my next treatment on july 9 th. I had like a delayed reaction to the drugs I didnt get sick until this week. I felt a little tired for 2 days but that was it. Just stay strong and remember the hair will grow back but lets kill the cancer. god bless

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  • sopris
    sopris Member Posts: 29
    edited July 2009

    I am also beginning cytoxan and taxotere at the end of July.  Had to have a re excision on Thursday as the margins were too small to satisfy my doctor.  02bhealthy, it looks like we're on the same meds.  I also will be on herceptin for a year plus rads.  I got a port put in my upper inner arm--black and blue from elbow to armpit--but they say it won't leave much of a scar.  I think a resident must have installed it!  I must have a little infection going in the lumpectomy site as it is red and draining a little.  Doc isn't worried--easy for him to say--LOL.  Ordered the wig---looks like a hairy bathing cap to me---so I think the bandanas will be usual headwear once I figure out how to tie them.  Going to a Look Good Feel Good thing in a couple of weeks.  

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2009

    White929, doc started me on antibotics last Sunday, after the emergency surgery.  It's my 4th round of AB since I had the lumpectomy on 5-8 becuz of the infection in my affected breast.  The final thought on that was that I had bled into the lumpectomy cavity, the blood hardened and then irritated the tissues that were already aggravated from surgery & the "friction" caused the infection and massive swelling--i looked like I had a globe sitting on the left side of my body!!!

    So I wish everyone luck today-it's Sunday-our Father rested today, you can too!!

    Joni  

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  • stef58
    stef58 Member Posts: 288
    edited July 2009

    Hi everyone, Lots of posts since a was here last. Day 7 after chemo. Feel good today.  Felt lousy on the fourth. thought A/C was supposed to put me into menopause. HAHA. No pills today, feel better when cleared headed. I am interested in what anitnausea meds they give everyone. They gave  larazepam. Which works great but it is anti dpression drug and puts me in a stupor. Going to post this question and do more research into the drugs. It is best to be well informed I think. Go for blood on Tuesday. Have a great day and Hugs and strength to everyone. Dianne

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited July 2009

    White929:  I am going to to Look Good, Feel Better next week...felt funny about going before chemo started, but it makes sense to toss all old make-up to avoid infection.  I know I keep my make-up waaaay too long - plus my 10 yo daughter and her friends have all been in my make-up...guess I'll just give her all the old stuff - she'll have a blast playing dress up Laughing

    Hugs

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited July 2009

    Sopris: we have a similar dx expect for you are PR+...what hormone tx are you going to be on?  I hope to have my port installed in the next week or two (drains come out on Wednesday - Yea!!!!).  I have not heard of may people getting the port installed in their arm...may I ask why you went to arm and not chest? I am nervous about chemo but am learning that the fear of tx is sooo much worse then the tx itself...Could have never of made it this far without my faith in GOD and the wonderful women on this site.

    Hugs

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2009

    Ok ladies everyone says to drink a lot of water before chemo anyone know how much?? I am not a big water drinker so I would love to have an idea......My first chemo will be Tuesday.

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  • Kathy16
    Kathy16 Member Posts: 135
    edited July 2009

    Hi and all the best to the new posters.  I wanted to specifically reply to White 929 b/c we are on almost the same schedule, but I think I'm a day ahead of you with having my first Taxotere/Cytoxin on July 2 (thurs.).  They give you so much stuff before (I started taking emend & the steroids day before and morning of and then they give you so much in your IV).  Day 1, 2, 3 when I had the emend and steroids I didn't feel wonderful, but could be about the house, eat very light, drink pretty good.  Nurse told me "Sunday might be your worst day" - I think she is right.  So, just don't get discouraged b/c once you come off of those steroids and emend you feel different and more tired.  I got neulasta shot Friday and minor bone pain Sat night relieved by advil, but my sleep hasn't been great.  Nurse said I might start feeling good by this Tuesday and she was right about today being my worst.  Even so, thank God for the doctors - I can't say I've suffered - they've really managed it well with the drugs.  Hang in all.

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  • ccbaby
    ccbaby Member Posts: 985
    edited July 2009
    gillyone...I think it is normal for all of the tests to be run because you will have them again once chemo is done for comparison. Are you HER positive and will be taking Herceptin? The MUGA scan is mainly for HER+ because the Herceptin can damage the heart, but is reversible once Herceptin is done. I will have my last chemo tomorrow and will have another pet-scan, MUGA, ECG and bone scan in 4 weeks.
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  • sopris
    sopris Member Posts: 29
    edited July 2009

    hi o2bhealthy!

    My doc said he'd just started doing the port in the upper inner arm as many of his colleagues are doing this across the country.  Scar will be less visible than having the port in the chest.  Plus, if you need reconstruction it won't get in the way.  We shall see if it was a good idea. It was his idea, not mine.  If feel a bit like a lamb being led to slaughter as I have placed myself into the hands of virtual strangers.  I have got to trust the experts, right.   So far the bump feels odd, but not much pain from the incision itself.  I am anxious to begin chemo so it can be over and a memory!  Crossing my fingers that this infection in my breast will resolve itself.  Doc wants to see me tomorrow or Tuesday if it doesn't.  I guess we shall see...   

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  • LeapFrog39
    LeapFrog39 Member Posts: 101
    edited July 2009

    I'm on the 4th day after my 1st TCH regimen, and yesterday was the worst day for me.  I'm feeling pretty good today.  Better than I would have expected.

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited July 2009

    Thanks Sopris!

    I had TE's put in at MX and have been worried about the placement of the port is my chest...granted I am only 12 days out of surgery, but I cannot imagine any more 'equpiment' in my chest. I was trying to research alternative port placement but I have not been able to find much of anything...sounds like it is a 'new' option, guess I'll have to ask my surgeon... 

    I hope your infection clears up so you can move forward with treatments...who knew there would be so much WAITING when treating cancer...

    HUGS

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited July 2009

    ccbaby I am triple negative so that's not the reason for the MUGA.

    white929 - yes noticed you are TN also. It will be interesting to compare treatment. Do you post on a TN thread? I saw a few TNs in the June chemo thread and I wondered if there was a thread there for newbies.

     How are hubbies coping with all this ? Mine comes to every appointment but we don't talk about it much. I know we are both worried about the scans as I had a lot of positive nodes. He is keeping really busy at home doing lots of jobs. Our canopy over the deck collapsed somewhat in the winter due to much snow. So we have fixed that. Two weeks after surgery I am wielding power tools at the top of a stepladder! Then we made two new raised flowerbeds and this morning stained the deck after watching the wimbledon final. It's as if he needs to get stuff done before I become unavailable.

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  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited July 2009

    Joni.....How awesome, another Joni!!! We might have to do a Joni1 & Joni2 so as not to confuse everyone!  So sorry to hear of all your complications. Hopefully you are on the road to recovery.

    I get my port installed in the morning. It's getting harder & harder to get sleep at night with all the movement limitations after mast. Hopefully the port will heal quick.

    gillyone...I had an echocardiogram just to have a baseline of heart function before starting A/C since a SE can be heart damage. Have a PET/CT Thursday ...... to see if cancer has spread. It's impossible to relate the anguish you go through waiting on results.

    sopris.......lol...i've told many people i feel like I've donated my body to science while still alive!!!

    Michelle.....was wondering who from our surgery thread might be joining me over here. Sounds like we'll be starting chemo about the same time. Me (A/C 4 rounds, Taxol 12 rounds weekly)

    About how much water to drink...I've heard everything from 2 liters to a gallon the day of chemo. Haven't talked with my chemo nurse yet about details.

    So many new friends........God put us together at this time for a reason.

    ((hugs to you all))

    Joni(1)

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited July 2009

    Hi Jacee aka Joni(1) nice to see you here too!

    I am not an expert...but here is what I have heard about water intake (don't ask me where cause I can't remember)

    One 8 ounce glass of water for every 10 lbs of body weight is one suggestion...

    2 liters minimum per day is another...hummm how many ounces in a liter???

    Now for sure my naturopath has told me that too much water can actually be a bad thing - especially reverse osmosis, purified water and tap (can I remember how much he told me is good? of course not- I'll have to call him).  Reason (reverse osmosis, purified water)...because it has no minerals in it and it dilutes the electrolytes our bodies need to function properly. His recommendation is to add mineral drops to the water. Reason (tap water)...because there are lots of chemicals added. 

    He also recommended drinking ‘Smart Water©' (has lots of natural /beneficial minerals) or Gatorade© (to add electrolytes) in addition to water... 

    Also no caffeine - because it can dehydrate you...

    Hope That helps...again I am not an expert so don't quote me on all this  Laughing

    If anyone has more to add or has heard differently, please speak up. 

    Hugs!   

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