Chemo Starting Sep 09
Just got my port placement yesterday, having heart test tomorrow... I should be starting chemo around Sep. 1. Anyone else in my company?
Comments
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I start Sept 3rd. I'll have Cytoxan and Taxotere, plus Herceptin for HER2 every 3 weeks for 12 weeks. My dr said no port is needed but I'm still a wee bit concerned about my veins. A friend just went through my same treatment and her veins did fine. How did the port placement go? What drugs will you have? I wish you smooth sailing
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Hello!
I will be meeting with my oncologist for the first time on September 17th. My breast surgeon says that she typically likes to start with chemo (I have unclear margins and cancer cells in the 2 of the 3 nodes pulled). I see her the 17th and my surgeon thinks I'll probably start chemo the following week. I started with a lumpectomy and partial lymph node removal, and now it's looking like chemo, probably left breast removal, radiation, and then Tamoxifin for years. . . I keep saying, "It could be worse," but I sure hope that doesn't turn into hearing, "It's worse." My breast surgeon said that they'd probably use Adriamyocin (spelling?) for chemo, which I'm nervous about. . . I don't like things that could mess with my heart. Oh well, we'll see what the oncologist says. I'll check in to see how y'all are doing. Let me know if there's anything I should be doing to prepare. I wish you all the best! Take good care, Sammy
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To my September Sisters:
RonnieKay: I found out my starting date is Sep. 1 and after meeting with the "Patient Educator" I'm more confused than ever. I do know I have 2 months of Part I: Cytoxan and Adriamycin and Neulasta the day after. Part II: Taxol weekly for 12 weeks.
After meeting with the "educator" and nurse, I was an emotional wreck. I had a horrid afternoon of just sobbing... but I am doing better today. I went and got a leisure bra with a foam insert and felt much better about going out in public. The "fitter" was so sweet and helpful.
I was biopsied on July 10, and I had a single mastectomy on July 29. I did pick up a copy of my pathology report today and then searched the internet for what everything meant. It was helpful for me to do.
I will be losing my hair in 2 weeks and I bought myself a scarf and a cap today. My DIL is sewing me some cap/handkerchiefs too.
Sammy: There is a great posting here about what to bring to chemo and that was much more helpful than the "educator" I saw yesterday. Very practical ideas.
Let's keep in touch. I know I could use the encouragement...
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Hello all,
I will be starting chemo in the next 2 weeks, I don't know what type yet. I have to go to a chemo class on Monday, and then I will meet with the oncologist. We should all stay in touch and be a helping cyber-hand to each other.
Susan
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Hi all
Am starting 6 cycles of TAC on Sept 9th. Got my 'chemo lesson' next week plus heart test. A bit concerned about placement of cannula as my veins are very difficult and have had bilateral mastectomy which means both arms / hands probably no go areas. Blood test recently was taken from foot! Anyone else have this problem? Did you end up with a port?
Neece
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I did have a port put in - but only one breast gone... it was because of the type of chemo (that can damage veins) or so they told me. I don't like it right now, but when I start chemo, I'm sure I'll be glad I have it. How painful, to take it from your foot! The port is used for the blood draws as well. It's not a bad thing - just really uncomfortable the first 3 days. Today, I hardly notice it - except for the bumps and the super-glued scar.
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Hi All! We really are September Sisters!
VICKILYNN: Isn't it strange how many different protocols there are for administering these drugs??? When they say Part 1 - how often is that? I will have my 2 chemo drugs every 3 weeks for 12 weeks, along with the Herceptin every week for the 12 weeks and then once every 3 weeks for the remainder of a year. I don't have the Adriamycin and I won't have the Neulasta unless my blood tests show I need it. How often will Taxol be? I've had a few sob fests...usually in the shower when I just get sad. I didn't lose my breast, in fact, the lumpectomy made both more symetrical! So, I know that must be difficult on top of the chemo route coming! Have you checked with the American Cancer Society about their Look Good, Feel Better class? I'm going on the 14th. My girlfriend, with my same diagnosis, went to it and said it's awesome. She said they cover headwraps and most of all...skincare. The center where I'm being treated has a program that gives their bc patients hats and scarves, along with a wig (or, as insurance calls it: cranial prosthesis!). They were wonderful and after getting the wig they gave me (it was just okay), I decided to go to a wig shop. It was amazing how easy it was to get into it! When I came home and looked up wig shops on the web, I found you can buy the very same ones for $200 less than in the shop (on the web - they're about $100 or even less for the ones that looked natural for me). They're synthetic but I don't care...they're wash and wear! Please tell me how you're doing with your port...I'm still considering it, after reading on other threads from people who have them.
SAMMY: I'm sorry that now you have to go through a mastectomy, after the lumpectomy. I thought you didn't need radiation if you have a mastectomy but maybe because of unclear margins, it's necessary. I know exactly what you mean about "what could be worse"..it seemed that every time I had good news (clear lymph nodes), there was bad news (HER2-neu positive). I just got used to it
The way I look at it is: I want to live, and these people want me to live, so I'll do what I need to do...but each day I wished that biopsy had been a mistake! NEECE: Holy Moses...I can't believe they have to get blood from your foot...it reminds me of having babies and that's where they get their pricks done! It sounds like the cannula (isn't it a form of port...with a tube?) is the only option, right? It's always a bit easier when you have no choice
Thinking of you all this weekend....Monday's my 36th Anniversary!
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Hey September Sisters! I found out today that I will be starting Taxotere and Cytoxan on September 11th. The date is a little spooky, but it will be fine.
BTW, I will give you ladies a little background info. I'm 45 and I was diagnosed with ILC in early May. I had bilateral mast with immediate TRAM reconstruction July 14th. I met with my oncologist on Aug. 5th and she asked me to enroll in the TAILORx trial. She also told me that my ILC was pleomorphic, and not pretty under the microscope,(I wonder is any cancer pretty under the microscope?). She wasn't happy about a 3mm margin and sent me to a radiation oncologist, which was annoying because the rad onc was fine with the margin and said no need for radiation. I did ask her to walk me through my pathology report though, and she explained more about the pleomorphic ILC and also said I had pleomorphic LCIS in both breasts, and she was very glad that I had had the breast without the tumors removed as well. My ILC was 1.9cm and grade 2. My oncotype was a 24 and the TAILORx trial randomized me to chemo and tammox.
Okay, that's my story and I'm stickin' with it.
Hope you all have a good weekend,
Susan
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Hei all September chemo sisters! I started a "starting chemo in September 2009" thread a little while ago and it looks like we now have 2 threads going with about the same purpose. I don't know that we neccesarily need to consolidate the threads but I would like to invite you all to visit the other thread in case there is info that helps you out. Good luck to you all with starting the chemo....
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Hi. I am starting chemo on September 9th also. I have my port put in on September 2nd. I signed on tonight to get some info on the chemo that I am scheduled to receive. My doctor is giving me Adriamycin and Cytoxan for four treatments scheduled for every 14 days and then Taxol for four treatments. He is also asking me to come back to the facility the day following chemo for a Neulasta shot.
Good luck all!
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I would like to add my own name to September chemo, although I do not have a start date yet. I had a lumpectomy June 2nd and my Lymph node surgery June 16th. I then had 35 session of radiation which I just finished on August 28th. I had to flip-flop my radiation and chemo due to some stomach ulcers, anemia in the spring, right before the breast cancer was found, and low iron.
My pre chemo CT scan is scheduled for the September 14th and I see my oncologist again on September 18th. He is hoping to start chemo in late September, but I will still need my port placement.
Can anyone tell me how long between placement and the start of chemo is? Is there a specific time to heal?
Oh and my chemo regimen is 8 weeks, every two weeks, so 4 sessions of Adriamycin and Cytoxan and then 12 weeks, weekly of Taxol. Sound like the same regimen as you VickiLynn. By the way what did you mean about your foot?
Anyway-I would love to join the September sisters, hopefully my chemo will start then and I won't have any glitches.
Good Vibes to all of you!!
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Hi September ladies, I start 4 rounds of Taxotere Cytoxan on Sept 10th. Still hoping i make it to the appointment as I have a vision of going to the cantina and day drinking instead haha. Im willing to give it a shot and hope i respond well. there is a good forum on here called tips for chemo and i have my arsenal of supplements, prescriptions, and over the counter meds to cope. There are so many tips. Sounds like the most common side effect is neuropathy which can cause tingling and numbness of hands and feet and chemo brain. I just learned chemo brain is a form of neuropathy and can be helped with alpha lipoic acid and B-12. im doing an integrative approach combining holistic and traditional medicine. I drive myself crazy with all the info on the internet and hope i can have the courage to show up at the start date!
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RonnieKay: It's all so confusing! The Taxol Part 2 I know is once a week for 12 weeks. The Part 1 is I think every 2 weeks. I'm calling the office on Monday and see if they can set me straight! Haven't tried the Look Good classes yet. I do have a friend who wants to give me a "Scarf Party". It would just be 4 or 5 of us, but she's already bought me scarves and another friend is really into tying them and my daughter-in-law is sewing me some kerchiefs. I've always liked hats so that will be fun - don't look forward to wearing one all the time, though. Not sure if I want a wig or not.
I am nervous about starting on Tuesday, but this website has been so helpful and when I read from those who've been through it that it's "Do-able" I think, "OK. Thousands have done it before me. I can do it too."
SOME HELP FOR NAUSEA? A nurse told me that ginger anything is good for nausea (cookies, tea, ginger ale) and today my husband found a great ginger ale (I was not a fan before) and it's organic - using cane juice for sweetener and lemon juisce and brewed ginger. Really, really good. I'd never even heard of the company before, but found out they are just about an hour south of where I live! The name is Santa Cruz Organic Ginger Ale (Though it's actually made in Chico, CA - at least the organic sodas are). Really worth looking up. On line www.scojuice.com and they can tell you where it's sold in your area. Look for real ginger in products - like ginger snaps...
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RONNIEKAY OH! forgot to say Happy Anniversary!!! We're working on 37 years : )
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KRCLL Thanks for letting us know about the other thread. I looked all over trying to find one before starting this one. I'll try to find you again!!!
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DENVER DIVA That date is a bit spooky, but then what could be spookier than having our veins filled with strange chemicals that have to be countered by other strange chemicals through a tube that feeds directly into our heart! May God give us grace to go through this trial.
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BarbAnne I had my port placed on Monday and I'm starting chemo this Tuesday... they actually told me that they can start as soon as a few days after placement. I'm glad they didn't - and that I've had time to heal a bit. I was pretty sore for the first 3 days after placement and you have to be careful not to lift anything too heavy. It's quite uncomfortable those first few days, but now it's so much better. I'm told I will come to appreciate it soon.
The foot comment was in response to someone else who had to have blood drawn through her foot because she'd had a dbl mast and they couldn't take blood from either arm!!! The photo of my feet is at the beach in northern Calif. near Eureka - called Samoa. The other feet in the photo are my son's (he's 30) and my husband took the photo.
It does sound like the same regime of chemo and yet we have 2 very different kinds of cancer! Hmmmmmmm...
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Hey all of my September Sisters, I just thought I would stop by and say hi. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.
I know Vickilynn, my start date is odd, but I guess I will just think of it as a sign that any stray cancer cells will be destroyed. Welcome BarbAnne, sorry you have to join this party, but it is good to have you along!
I have to go to chemo class tomorrow, so I will be oh so knowledgeable. I will be thinking of all of you in all of your different locations and yet we are all having variations of the same experience.
I added an avatar, what do you think?
Susan
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Vickilynn-your profile photo is really nice, it is calming to look at.
Thank you for the explanation of the foot thing. Sometimes I think they radiated my brain not my boob.I have a cousin who had a unusual immune disorder and after a month in the hospital her veins collapsed and they used her foot too-I am with you ouch. I am sorry Neece you had to go through that!
You are right about the hmm factor, I was told I needed to take an aggressive approach since I just turned 41 and that since my mom died of breast cancer and I had two aunts, my mom's sisters, with breast cancer. Although my aunts caught it early and survived.
To add to the hmm I was in radiation with a lady who just finished the same cycle you and I have, but the only thing I know about her breast cancer is that it was HER2 +.So to be honest although I am not a mindless follower I do tend to trust in the system sometimes, unless my little red flags go up, which they haven't.I really feel like every thing, treatment wise, I have decided to do has been the right choice.
Anyway, VickiLynn, I am sending you good vibes and thoughts for tomorrow.
Denver Diva-thank you for the welcome. Yes it is a club no ones wants to join, but I feel lucky that so many women going through the same stuff can commiserate here together. By the way I like your avatar. Good luck in chemo class.
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Hi All:
I leave in about 15 minutes to get the port placement procedure done, then on Wed. first infusion of A/C. Will check in later - wish me luck. -- Vicki
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Oh, btw, I'm a Vicki Lynn as well. Actually, Victoria Lynn.
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All you September Sisters: Hoping that you're all doing well this day. I'm really having trouble sleeping and I'm experiencing "pre-chemo nausea". If it wasn't a SE before, it is now! I guess I'm even more nervous than I thought. Today I'm going to go see the chemo treatment room at the hospital. Nobody offered to show me, so I'm just going to show up. I need to SEE what it looks like and how it works so that I can be mentally prepared for that.
The other Vicki Welcome! So I guess I'll continue as Vickilynn and you can have the Vicki : ) Glad to see you spell Vicki correctly : ) I trust that your port placement went well. I honestly was quite miserable for about 3 days after placement, but now it's barely noticeable to me. Someone was asking how long between placement and chemo and it looks like you're not waiting long at all! Will keep you in prayer today.
Diva I like the butterfly, but can't read the writing! What does it say??
I think we need a slogan for our group - any ideas?
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Hi everyone
I am meeting with my onc. on Sept. 10 - first consultation so I don't know when my actual start date for chemo is but assuming it will be in Sept.
There is another post for Sept. 09 chemo starters and I have been posting and following that one.I am also following this thread as well.
Denver Diva - I have ILC, 4cm, 0/4 nodes. Since there are so few of us with ILC I am very intersted in how our chemo regimens will compare or differ. I see that you are having Taxotere and Cytoxan.
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Hey all my September Sisters, you rock.
Vicki, I hope your port placement went well.
Vickilynn, I also have pre-chemo nausea, so I think it is an official side effect! I went to the chemo class today and saw the treatment room, it isn't bad. I think I can handle it. I know my saying is hard to read, I need to change the font. It says, "Cancer Picked the Wrong Diva". I stole it from a T-shirt design that I saw. How perfect is that? I guess I should buy the T-shirt, huh?
Delaine, I know there are so few of us ILC girls. I have heard that the drugs work differently for ILC so I am not sure what to think. My onc hasn't said anything so if you get any news on that front, please share.
Take care all,
Susan
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Hey gals!!!!! I had my port put in last Thursday and I start chemo on Thursday, September 3. FINALLY!!!!! I'll be having AC for 4 treatments (once every 2 weeks) and then I think I'll be having 12 weekly Taxols.
I'm wondering what the AC will be like.......I'm just ready to get this show on the road!
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TabathaOO, well what can we say sister? Welcome to the party no one wants to be at! I am glad you are ready to get the show on the road. I will be a week behind you so I will be anxious to here how it goes for you. Keep us posted.
Have any of you ladies decided what to do about wigs, hats, scarves, head coverings, etc.? At my chemo class they said that they have wigs available thru the American Cancer Society, has any one else had any experience with that? I went looking for hats today and Target had some cute ones, although I looked like a 12-year-old. I am thinking maybe I will rock silk scarves and big dangling earrings, and channel my inner gypsy. What do you think?
Hugs,
Susan
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Well - tomorrow is the BIG day for me. I will be going in at 9 a.m. and they said expect to stay 4 to 5 hours, which was a big shock to me. I had heard 2 to 3. I will let you all know how it goes. I visited the treatment room today (it's at a local hospital) and was surprised to see how small it was - and no room for visitors to sit except across the hall. My husband was thinking he'd stay with me, but that's not going to happen. So I'm bringing some music to listen to and a book to read and puzzles.
I guess I'll be the first of us to lose my hair in this group, too... My DIL sews and made me some cute kerchiefs and a very bright floppy hat (my 7 year old granddaughter picked out the pattern - I'm glad she thinks her Gramma is that much fun!).
And the other day I bought myself a "newsboy" cap at Target. Should work great.
But when I got home today, a friend had left a little package on my doorstep with 4 beautiful silk scarves - I probably wouldn't have picked these out, but they are beautiful. I tied one on my head and my husband really liked it and so did I.
Pretty sure I won't do the wig thing - at least not right now. I'm going for the inner gypsy thing, Susan. There's a great website that can show you how to tie some scarves... and you can also buy scarves from them: www.Tzinius.com Yep, cancer picked the wrong diva!
Well, if I don't sleep tonight, I can sleep tomorrow in my recliner...
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Hi all the Sept girls
I had my heart test and my 'chemo class' today - wow! After the litany of SE's I think they should call the Oncology unit the "Little Shop of Horrors" - perhaps the nurses could all dress as characters from the musical?
Anyway I know not all SE's happen to everyone and some just a little, so I will sit tight fingers crossed, wait and see. My first treatment is next week on 9th. Feeling a lot more nervous now!
I have decided I am definitely not a wig person so have got some lovely caps, hats and scarves to wear. BTW there is a wonderful company (US based) that advertises on line and does a very efficient mail order. I am in Australia and ordered a few things and they were on my doorstep in just over a week! this site has some truly lovely hats and so on , especially designed for chemo patients, so they fit really well and give full head coverage. I don't think we are allowed to mention business names on this site but if you just think of 'head covers' and do a Google search you might find them.... The website was given to me by the breast care nurse at my treatment centre as a younger patient recently discovered it herself and was so pleased that it offered some funky styles more suitable to a young woman as well as the trad turbans etc. Anyway I thought they were lovely.
Good luck to us all and keep swapping those tips and hints, it is great info!
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Neece- You are so right about the "Little Shop of Horrors". That would at least make fun Halloween decorations. I will try that google search.
Vickilynn- Bless you today, and everyday as you go through this. You are leading the way for the rest of us! I am sorry they don't provide space for someone to stay with you, but music will be great comfort. They told me lots of people sleep, that would be good. Thank you for the info on scarves, I am thinking that is the way I will go. My 17 year old daughter is having a hard time with the whole idea, but I will figure it all out.
May you all have the best possible day, wherever you are in the world!
Susan
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DenverDiva-I heard that you can get wigs through the American Cancer society too, I haven't ordered yet but I do have a catalog. The number is 1-800-850-9445 or you can visit their website at www.tlcdirect.org .
Also for all you lovely September Sisters there is a website www.franceluxe.com. They have some nice silk scarves, but the real treat is if you click on their good wishes link you can send them an email and they will send you a free "head hug", a lovely silk scarf with ties and elastic for a perfect fit, I received my free one a couple of weeks ago in anticipation for my fall chemo. Anyway it is lovely and the owner said to spread the word so I am.
BTW my almost 16 year old daughter is pretty unsure about the whole thing too-it will all work out.
TabathaOO- it sounds like you are having the exact same cycles as I will be and VickiLynn is, I will be thinking of you on the third.
VickiLynn- I am thinking good thoughts about you today and hope it all goes well. I also just heard 4 to 5 hours and was shocked-I am sorry your hubby can't be in there with you.
Vicki- Wow that was fast between port placement and infusion-I hope it all went well.
Can anyone tell me the name of the other September group-I tried looking but didn't find it.
Thinking of you all!
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