Starting Chemo October 2009

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  • nancy724
    nancy724 Member Posts: 11
    edited October 2009

    Hi Unklezwifety,

    good luck tomorrow or should I say today since i can't sleep.  I am also from NJ - Mercer County.  just had second treatment on friday and SE were much easier this time around.  I wish you the same.

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  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited October 2009

    hey nancy724 very guttsy doing the buzz i think i will do that as well befor i acually see the hair falling out im tossing up to either do a short trendy cut befor the buzz though but i dont know i love myhair how it is and if i go for a short style and if i dont like it i will be even more miserable for a coulpe of weeks befor my buzz oh this is such a s***t full time

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  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited October 2009

    Onty,  Good luck with chemo today!  Let's hope your s/e's are minimal.

    I'm seriously considering the buzz cut - my hair, even though i cut 10 inches off it last month, is already growing longer (it grows fast), and it won't look so great if clumps start coming off of it in two weeks.  I guess I could start wearing the wigs and scarves.  Oh, hair - if only I didn't like it so much!

    Hope everyone has a good day!

    Peace,

    Shelby 

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  • lainieo
    lainieo Member Posts: 53
    edited October 2009

    Hi,

    This is my first time posting. It is so nice to find a place to read about other experiences. It certainly helps. I will be strating chemo Oct. 29th and am hoping for the best. I will be getting TAC- 6 rounds every 3 weeks.  After diagnosis, I had a lumpectomy in August. Margins not clean. Dr. scheduled me for mastectomy. Had that surgery on Sept 17th.  Am recovering from the mastectomy with reconstruction (TE). I have had 2 fills so far. I am uncomfortable, but am dealing with it. I am going back to work tomorrow.  I teach 1st and 2nd grade and am hoping that I can contimue working throughout the chemo. For now I have chemo scheduled on Thursdays and have taken Fridays off as well. Lots of support at work and can take off as needed.I have gone wig shopping. My 2 best friends from childhood came to visit and we actually had a lot of laughs. They tried on wigs too. If you can keep up the humor it really does help. At the wig shop they told me that they can cut my own hair and sew it to a headband which I can wear under scarfs and hats.. We simulated the look and I was quite pleased. Will buy a wig as well when I go back . Good luck to all going through this! 

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  • KLee
    KLee Member Posts: 60
    edited October 2009

    Thanks Shelby & Valerie! The precious little girl in the pic with me is my grandaughter, who lives far away from me. My husband should be used to this life by now, I've been stage 4 for the past 10 years. I had been doing so well, up until about 6 months ago, and now he acts like all this is a shock. I haven't been doing well at all, and at this stage he isn't helping me any more either. I think he's just sick and tired of life himself. Its so hard to be positive or up, especially around him. This chemo is really kicking my butt, I have basically been in bed every day, all day since day 3 after starting chemo-its now day 10, and not feeling any better.When he's home, we spend all our time in separate rooms, and he totally ignores me, (this has been going on for years now). I would like to get away from him, but we are all we have, and I am dependant on him for finances. He is the one who needs counseling. I know this is all kinda personal, and should be left for another forum, however, I just started my new chemo regimen, and I'm starting to get a little depressed, and my hair hasn't even fallen out yet. I get my 2nd dose of Tax. this thurs., and not looking forward to it.

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited October 2009

    Good Morning Ladies,

    I've been waiting and reading these posts since the beginning of October. I thought I'd be an October "Chemo Baby" But, having to receive 2 surgeries and then the complication of getting an infection on the drain site has set me back. I am finally getting "Port" placement this Thursday Oct. 15th, and my first TX (Cytoxan,Fluorouracil,Adriamycin) begins On Oct.28th. 

    Just in time for the "Halloween" look. I have decided to have my hair all cut off the morning of my first TX.  I'm going to send off my own hair to (Hip-Hat-Hair). It will come back to me within 2 weeks at the most. I had tried a couple wigs already. I couldn't stand the feel of the artificial hair on my skin. Freaked me out. So, I prefer to have my own. Also, I don't want to wait for my own hair to start falling out it clumps and want it free of any "TX". So, I can say on "Halloween" I'll be ready to put on a new face.

    I will continue to follow the October girls, but will start posting as a "November Chemo" as all my s/i will be happening then,  My heart is with each and everyone of you sisters. You girls will always be a step ahead of us, therefore I can get useful information from Oct. thread and us Nov. girls will go thru the ups and downs together.

    Thank you all for all the posting. I know a little better what to expect. Some of it scares the H@## out of me, others are very encouraging, ReneeS, I'm happy you are past all of this. I watched your vidio and cried like everyone. I know that "At the end of all this rain, there will be a rainbow"

    See you around the bend of the "Rainbow"

    (((((HUGS))))) Brenda

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  • jeanl151
    jeanl151 Member Posts: 146
    edited October 2009

    welcome Brenda and lainieo,  I am recovering from AND  and planing to go back to work tomorrow.  I have my first onc visit this week so not sure if chemo will begin in Oct or Nov.

        Iainieo-  I am a teacher also. I teach preschool. One  of my worries is the germs from the kids during chemo. Unfortunately my school does not have short term disability and I have used all my sick days.  The good thing about my school is I work with 15 wonderful women. They have been so supportive with phone calls, visits and lots of meals.  My family enjoyed seeing what came to the front door for supper!

       I wish you all well on this journey, Jean

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  • valeriekd
    valeriekd Member Posts: 287
    edited October 2009

    Hi Guys-SO much great stuff on these threads - everyone is so brave and have made themselves so vulnerable to help out the other- no other word but inspiring comes to mind. I just finished #1 tax/cytoxan and am so pleased I skipped the adriamyacin- the numbers just did not make the short and long term SEs at ALL worth it. Don't feel too bad just bone aches galore and fatigue but the psychological piece is tough. I have to keep forcing myself to stay present moment and not get too far ahead or fearful. 

    Klee, my hearts is with you, sounds like u r so alone but we r here! Hope for peace and minimal struggle-Valerie 

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  • jeanl151
    jeanl151 Member Posts: 146
    edited October 2009

    hi Valerie, I liked what you said about staying in the present moment. All my life I have worried or tried to plan years in advance. We have to stop worrying about that. Be happy with today and maybe worry about tomorrow only!!

      My son heard me say to someone " I have to deal with stuff one day at a time".  He tried to reminded me that the saying is  for alcoholics.  I let him know that it is something  we all must learn to do sometime in our lives. -  Jean

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    Thanks Mariek. Aloxi going in as we speak...

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  • MarieK
    MarieK Member Posts: 911
    edited October 2009

    Onty - What a trooper you are! I cannot believe that you are giving us "blow by blow" of your chemo today!  Talk about reporting from the trenches!

     I hope that everyone is enjoying the long weekend - in Canada it is Thanksgiving weekend do you US gals get today off too?  It's Columbus day isn't it?  I'm surprised that you are still having treatment.  There is no treatment today for us Canadian gals - stat holiday you know!

    I had the best night's sleep last night - slept through the whole night in fact.  I can't remember the last time I did that....I slept with one of those neck pillows (like the ones for travelling).  I think it made a real difference for me in my "finding the right pillow" saga.  And for once since this whole thing started I did not wake up with a headache!! Yay me!

    Today I had a "regular" BM (I know TIMI but it's important to note that 7 days post chemo and things are completely back to working order).  I'm back to my cup of morning coffee too which is helping in that dept as well.  Mind you - I can't walk into the Starbucks (the smell is still too overwhelming) but a home brewed cup is pallatable.

    My eyes are so dry I had been waking up in the night to "water" them.  Anyone else have dry eyes?

    Part of the chemo SE's I'm sure since my skin is dry (not too bad though) and my hair although looking fabulous feels dry-ish.

    Yesterday I woke up with the "hive" on my arm (from allergic reaction to Epirubicin) red and sore and strange red spots on my right foot (same side as infusion).  Kind of looks like pin pricks but not painful.  Not sure if they are related to each other but this whole BC thing has me checking every lump, bump & spot and wondering....

    We had our Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday night to accomodate my DD volleyball team trip to Hawaii (they left on Sunday) so I have been eating turkey and turkey leftovers these last few days.  My appetite has come back like gangbusters.  Lost a few pounds from lack of appetite after chemo but I'm sure they'll come back fast enough!

    My energy level is good today too - not tired or woozy anymore.

    So all in all I have to say that 7 days post 1st TX of chemo (FEC) and I feel like I am back to normal.

    Or in this case my "new" normal....

    Hope everyone is doing well/better and getting through ok.

    ps.  Went on to Hip, Hats with Hair and ordered a under-hair thingy.  With the MIL knitting caps like crazy I'll need some hair/fringe to get me through the winter here.

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    Emend done.

    Aloxi done.

    Decadron done.

    Adriamycin done.

    Cytoxan going in now.

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  • azdiva
    azdiva Member Posts: 201
    edited October 2009

    Marie - Try GenTeal eyedrops.  They are kind of gel like, so they keep your eyes hydrated.  Works really well if you use them before you go to bed. 

    I am going to look at that Hip Hats with Hair site.  As long as my hair is cooperating I want to "reward" it with preservation.  HAHA

    Feeling pretty normal today.  Although I did get VERY tired toward the end of our BBQ last night.  I dare say I can taste again.  Which will undoubtedly undo any weight loss goals I may have had as well.

    I hope everyone has a great day!

    Laura

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  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited October 2009

    Onty - hope your treatment ended well, and that you feeling relatively well.

    I'm glad to hear that the system is back in working order, Marie.  I tend to have "plumbing" problems anyway, so I'm gearing up for the battle.  Bring on the prunes!

    I'm a little nervous about the nausea/vomiting.  Seems like most people are getting Emend - my onc never mentioned it, only compazine and decadron.  I'm worried that won't be enough, and I don't want to be sick all night, trying to get a hold of the doc.  I read that the Emend only works BEFORE you get sick, so maybe I'll call him tomorrow and ask him about it.

    Good luck to everyone!

    Peace,

    Shelby 

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  • lieberman1
    lieberman1 Member Posts: 42
    edited October 2009

    Hi Ladies.  This is day 5 after my Mom's first treatment of TCH.  She has not had any nausea or vomiting.  She was a slightly dizzy the first and second day but said it was tolerable and it is not happening anymore.  The past couple of days she has said she is having pain in different parts of her body.  She said it dosen't last long but it is like someone is throwing a dart of pain and it hits a certain area of her body and then goes away.  

    One of my daughters is a cosmotologist.  My Mom told her she wants her to be the one to shave her head when she is ready.  After we hung up the phone, my daughter said she doesn't want to be the one to do it.  I know my Mom is going to cry when it's done and I know my daughter is going to be devistated.  The whole hair thing just sucks for everyone!

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited October 2009

    Hi there,

    Want to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian Cancer Buds.  I hope everyone was able to eat lots of yummy food.  If not then perhaps at Christmas or next Thanksgiving..

    I must be in denial about the hair thing, because I could give a Fat Rats A** about losing my hair. I have always had supershort hair and change it as often as my underwear.  I think of it as being able to start anew.  Perhaps I will get that beautiful head of flowing red locks...Knowing my luck it will grow back crazy bushy and even greyer than it is now..I'll keep you posted..I watched Renees video and loved how brave you were..Oh ya, Renee, you look great. 

    Have a great day.

    Michele.

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  • snuziq
    snuziq Member Posts: 107
    edited October 2009

    Onty - thanks for the updates.  Here's hoping you are just as spunky through out all of this!

    Ladies,  I would like to thank each and everyone of you for your support, thoughts and insight.  It helps keep me centered.   With each post I see the love and strength in each of you.   I am really glad we have each other.

    To everyone facing the fear of chemo, side effects or just the craziness of the journey...remember, we are listening and we care!   

    Suzi 

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  • snuziq
    snuziq Member Posts: 107
    edited October 2009

    okay, I have a guilty secret.   I have started a blog and I have realized I am happy I have breast cancer....welll not HAPPY but definately better me than someone else.  

    If you are bored and would like a read, check it out:

    http://suziscancerjourney.blogspot.com 

    I always thought blogs were kind of weird, but I am finding it amazing how it helps to get my feelings out.  You might try one of your own.  You don't have to share if you don't want to.

    Suzi

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  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited October 2009

    suzi ive just finished reading your blog it is really really good you know it was just like i was reading my own feellings i will definatly be keeping an eye out on it well done im starting my chemo next fri 23rd oct really scared im so glad i have found this site

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    Dear Shelby,

    I am getting Emend, Kytril and Compazine and the combo is working. Here is the schedule:

    Day 1:  Emend, Aloxi, Decadron by IV. Compazine pill at night.

    Day 2/3: Emend pill in morning. Compazine pill as needed up to 1 per 4 hrs.

    Day 4/5/6: Kytril pill as needed up to 1 per 12 hrs. Compazine pill as needed up to 1 per 4 hrs.

    The oncologist gave me a script for Phenergan suppository to supplement all this if needed.... don't have the courage to put it up my butt ... lol

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    Dear Suzi,

    Thanks!

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited October 2009

    Suzi,

    I love your blog.  It is almost like you jumped inside my brain.  I, like you, feel almost lucky I have cancer.  I count my blessings every day, that it is me and not my kids.  Since all this started I have only cried twice.  Once on the day I found out,  and on my last day of work before my surgery.  If one of my kids had cancer I don't think I could get out of bed. I would go out of my mind. So yes, I feel lucky.  Call me crazy.

    Micheleboots

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  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited October 2009

    Onty, thanks for the medication info!  I put a call in to the onc, his nurse said they would give me something via IV before they infuse the chemo.  Hopefully, it's Emend!  She reiterated that I don't need to take the decadron the night before chemo.

    Suzi,  great that you're blogging!  I had just started a blog myself just before I was dx - haven't really been back to it since.  Maybe it would be helpful to express myself there.

    Peace... 

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    Dear Shelby, 

    If I were you, I'd ask the RN what that "something" would be and research the answers before you go for next chemo. Once you are in infusion center you may not feel up to making a fuss over whatever they decide to put in you.

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  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited October 2009

    hi girls just got my treatment plan start on 23 rd and its doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide  iv every 3 weeks x4 im in australia i know this is a bit differant to a lot on here  but i guess it will work just as good   heres hopeing feeling a bit better about the hair loss i will just make the most of it and buy wigs and lots of scarves and have a good play around and not forgettin to find the courage to go out in public with it on  im getting heaps of encouragment just reading about everyone else on this site its amazing i just love it good luck to everyone and god bless

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009

    Good luck JoAnneAsiaTA.....

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited October 2009

    Hi joanneasiata: Here in the United States your combo would be referred to as AC (Adriamycin + Cytoxan). Newtonville is on this regimen since late September. I will be doing the same but starting a few days later than you. However , both Newtonville and I are having infusions every two weeks, which they refer to as "dose dense," rather than three weeks apart.

    Also many of the October ladies are on AC followed by a taxane (Taxol or Taxotere). So their experience over the the first few weeks should be similar to yours and mine. 

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  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited October 2009

    oh ok that cleared that  a/c thing up for me i dont know if ill be doing the taxol  my onco hasnt said is it rutine?

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited October 2009

    JoanneAsiaTA: I think he would have told you already if he was going to give you Taxol too. Although AC+T is more common or the TC combo, some people do just get AC. I'm not sure how they decide whether to give it every two weeks or every three weeks. I figure that having it every two weeks, I will be finished sooner but I'm guessing the SEs will be more concentrated too and I probably won't have many good days to recover between doses.

    Yes, Adriamycin is the trade name for doxorubicin and Cytoxan is the trade name for cyclophosphamide ... at least in the United States.

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited October 2009
    JoanneAsiaTA,

    Like Mary said, if you were going to get T after AC your oncologist would (or should) have told you already. It is also possible he told you in the middle of telling you a zillion other things and it did not register. You can certainly ask again.

    If you check people's treatments in the first post on this thread, you will see that AC, TC, AC-->T, TAC, CMF, FEC, CAF, etc are all used. These days the first 3 chemo regimens are used more than others but there is no set single routine. Since you are ER/PR+, you will probably get some hormonal therapy for some time in maintenance mode.

    Good luck.

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