November 2009-Starting Chemo

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  • CoolBreeze
    CoolBreeze Member Posts: 4,668
    edited November 2009

    Oh ladies, I keep reading all these stories or brave women chopping their hair off before they even start chemo....no way.  I'm going to be the ugliest bald chick in the history of bald chicks and I can't even rock a short 'do with this bad mug of mine.  So, it stays until it falls out and I have no choice.  I'm just trying to decide if I should dye it one more time or not. 

    I really should get up and make an appointment with the look good/feel better people.  I just haven't felt well enough and I'm still not driving.  Sigh.  This expander is causing me some serious issues.

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  • ccnani
    ccnani Member Posts: 46
    edited November 2009

    Big shout outs and cheers to all my warrior sisters!!!   I been in this low funk for a few days, just trying to figure out a way to get out of doing chemo! But ,so far I'm not winning this one!!! I've been reading all of your posts and I am amazed at your stamina and bravery. The Whimp part doesn't suit any of you. You girls are making me so hungry with all this talk of banana bread, KFC etc. it seems like we are all craving comfort food and if it ends up being like that I'll end up looking like Shamu. I was already on my way to that place before all this BC crap. On a positive note, I at least don't feel like I'm wearing a keplar vest anymore. I couldn't get with that feeling that they had excised my whole chest, back and underarms and replaced it with some solid plastic foreign insert that weighed a ton! 

    Coolbreeze, I think you were asking about the scan for your heart. It depends on what treatment you are doing. Do you know yet what chemo your doing? If your getting Herceptin you will need a MUGA scan before you start and a couple times during the chemo and after for when your just doing herceptin. Im going to be doing TCH X 6 every 21 days then Herceptin for 8 months. I already had my 1st MUGA.   I'm also sitting on the fence re. cutting off my 4ft. of hair!! I went to a wig place today they said they would make me a human hair wig out of my hair or some other hair or they would get me a synthetic wig of my choice for free. So now I need to decide!! If I choose to use my own hair I have to get it cut this next week yikes!!! Now, heres where I'm really whimpin out ADM, spanish for OMG!!! Why is this stuff that covers my head more important than my breasts? I had no problem lopping  them off since they were trying to kill me!! Whatever, I think my attitude sucks right now! I've been craving donuts like crazy!! Had a maple bar tonite, ridiculous, since I'm supposed to be eating healthy. You would think that at my age I should be acting like an adult about all this, instead I feel like wahwahwahwah half the time and then next minute I'm so pissed off I just want to punch the wall.  Hey coolbreeze, I just decided to dye my hair one last time just so my roots are the right color if I decide not to chop it off before chemo!! By the way, don't even worry about your mug, I put one of those stocking things on my head so I could get the feel of what I will look like without hair, I look like an alien, you know those ones with the big egg shaped heads and no eyebrows, of course that's minus the pretty big almond shaped eyes. I'll probably scare all my kids and grandkids to death , not to mention myself, if I catch a glimpse of myself out of the corner of my eye as I walk by a window or mirror. Talk about nightmares on Chemo Street!

    JKWICK/74, I know you had your 1st TCH on the fourth I hope your doing ok and I'm following your posts closely. So far you, me and Portergirl99/Suzie are the only ones on TCH. Your in my prayers and thoughts and keep hangin in strong and long sister!!

    Portergirl99/Suzie, I know tomarow is your 1st TX I hope you have a smooth ride and no SEs your in my heart!! I'll be right behind you with the TCH. Hows your kids and SO? Hope they are giving you much love.

    Shel, Today was your big debut. Hope it went good with no bad SEs and that you'll be good tonite and be able to sleep tight.

    We have so many new girls, Hi and welcome to the november warriors! This group is getting really full of great ladies and so many wonderful families. I am thinking of you all tonite and hoping for sound sleep and no SEs. Heres hoping that tomarrow will bring relief for any of you girls who are having  a rough time. Goodnite all you warrior chicks!!

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited November 2009

    Mouse: food options... peaches in syrup the little Dole cups. They help my stomach a bit.  And peanut butter crackers.  My stomach just started up today ~  Hope you feel better.

    HI Mommy2two~ Hope you enjoy your LGFB class.  Sorry about your stomach too....

    Portergirl ~ We are with you tomorrow ...  it will be 1 down !

    Nite and hugs girls....

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  • reglau
    reglau Member Posts: 11
    edited November 2009

    Reading all these posts has made me feel a lot better for tomorrow, my first chemo treatment.  In a weird way I'm looking forward to it, because that means I'm that much closer to being done with chemo!!! 

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  • drcrisc
    drcrisc Member Posts: 836
    edited November 2009

    Hey girls!  Just a little shout out for some support - I'm actually from the May 08 thread, but you caught my eye tonight.  We got through it all and you will too!  Many of us were on the same meds and now we have hair, and nails and are running marathons (well, some of us, not me!).  So just know you can do it and when you can't, your "board" sisters will carry you.

    Kiss

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  • MeNeverMind
    MeNeverMind Member Posts: 42
    edited November 2009

    Good Morning everyone.  As I was reading back over everything I realized that cyber space had eaten my post from yesterday morning.  Bummer.  So let me fill you in.  We finaly got the port to work and I finished all my first chemo with very few tears, thanks to my mother in law.  She is my rock.  She keeps buying me all these cute little breast cancer ribbon gifts, since I am all about the pink now.  My new fav color, wear it everyday.  This it I got a great little book mark chain she found at a craft fair.  I think I might turn it into a breaclet so I can wear it all the time.  Yes I am very crafty.  Anyhow.  I am feeling good.  The only real sick feelings yesterday were more fear of what was happening, ie... was I going to get sick?  But I have been taking all my many pills like a good girl and keep crakers on hand at all times and drink, drink drink lots of water.  yeasterday a coworker jokes about hooking a phone and computer up in there and that can be my new office.  LOL:)  Got my shot yesterday and still feel good.  I slept throught the night which was great.  I really needed that.  My hubby is still worried about this weeked, he heard day 3 is the worst.  So we will see.  I do have one question to anyone that knows.  The girl at chemp said my hair would fall out all at once in week 3.  Really, or did she just mean that it would not be doing it over a month but more like a few days.  I already have me GREAT wig that I have been wearing to work and doctors since the Friday before Haloween, cuts down on the shock of it later.  My hair is just braided up under it.  Feels great, was able to find one that will only need a tiny bit on work once I go bald.  I was thinking of doing the buzz cut thing right after my next chemo maybe that Staturday.  If it is going to fall out fast I don't want to risk lossing it since I an donationg it to Locks of Love. 

    Here is hoping today is better for every than yesterday.  And ((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))) to all both old and new.  Thanks again,  I wouldn't beable to do this without you.  I may seem strong on the outside but the scared little girl is having a harder time on the inside.  Love Kimmy

    P.S.  I don't if we the November's every talked about it.  So how are we all?  I'm 38.  Well thats what my mom says but I think see telling fibbs.  I only feel somewhere between 4 and 25. thanks .

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited November 2009

    Reglau -  Good luck today, I hope your first chemo goes smoothly.  AND yes you are right it will be 1 down !!!

    Drcrisc -  Thanks for popping in and giving us some inspiration and support.  So sweet

    Kimmy - you sound good, I hope you continue to feel good !  I heard the hair starts to go by about day 15, right after second treatment .  Not 100 percent though so don't take my word for it.  :)  I am waiting as well.  Cut mine short but will buzz the min. it starts to fall out. 

    This November gal is 42 with 2 kids 15 and 10 ~

    ((((HUGS))))

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited November 2009

    To today's

    "Warrior Whimps"     portergirl99 Susie           &            reglua

    Go and kick soome -C- Butt, We are all here with you in every possible way, thoughts prayers and all the best from each sister I know. Get ready to be hungry all the time!!! May hunger, be the worst possible side affect. You can do it, YES you can. We will check on you later to see how the day progressed. Just know you are one day closer to the end of this -C- Journey

    ((((Warm HUGS))))  it will be OK!!!!!!!!

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  • Hopbird
    Hopbird Member Posts: 387
    edited November 2009

    GOOD LUCK TO THOSE STARTING TODAY!

    MeNeverMind, the hair comes out over a week or so.  In my case I tried to fix it one morning and I just kept getting little tufts coming out.  The next morning it was falling out in my coffee, every time I touched it, etc.  I had someone cut it short and it continued to fall out for the next several days.

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited November 2009

    SHEL/SHEL/SHEL/SHEL/SHEL CONGRATS!!!! 1 DOWN Ya-Whooo- YIPPIE  I  YEAH

    We are so proud of you, I hope you continue to feel as good as you possibly can, remember to continue to drink, drink, drink the water. I can't express enough how important this is, for sooooo many reasons.Then after a few days you will want to eat, eat, eat!!! BUT, keep drinking that H2O!

    MeNeverMind/Kimberly

    Good to hear from you!!! I was a little worried. I'm glad to hear your well and I hope you continue to do so. I like your idea of the ages and about our families. I'm 56 been married for 30 years this July!  I have 3 sons ages 38, 36, 33, and 4 grandchildren, all boys except for the 12yr. old, that's my one and only girlie-girl!!  The boys are 14, 9, and baby Dalton who is 3. They grandkids are the ones I miss the most through all of this. They all live 3-4 hours away, so it is hard trying to catch up with them when the timing is good all the way around.  Between chemo, the 10 day crap all of it. Let me get off the whining, SORRY. Great to hear from you!!!!~~~~~~~~~~~~

    SUEINFLUSUE, soooooo sorry!!!!!!~~~~~~~~

    I hope you get better soon, I don't like seeing anyone down.I trust the YUCKY will get better for sure by today. I know when I was at three days I was just totally exhausted. It was the one day I was ready to leave work early. And trust me, my job is EASY. I'm at work now, so you can see how hard I'm working!!  Pretty Lucky there for sure.

    SLV/Sherrie - WELCOME to the "WARRIOR WHIMPS" of November

    We are glad to have you on board and share our experiences with you. When your ready, let me know when your treatments (TX) are and how often like every week, or every other week, and how many treatment you are supposed to receive. I've already added you to the list of November Warriors, just need to update a little. No pressure, just whenever you are ready. This board is all about no pressure, just letting out our feeling and emotions with other sisters who are all going thru this at the same time. We can relate to each other and learn from each other as well. You can kick,scream and cry if you need. Sometimes we even get to chuckle at each other.Good luck as you start your Journey with us.

    drcrisc - Special THANKS for popping in and visiting - we need all the encouragement we can get!!!! I will come by and visit you in MAY 08"  Brenda

    A Good day  to all "Warrior Whimps"

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

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  • mommy2two
    mommy2two Member Posts: 130
    edited November 2009

    MeNeverMind - Definetly a good idea to tell everyone about our family and ages.  I am 34 with a 10 year old daughter and 8 year old son. I refer to them as my "babies" but if they knew that, they would flip out (especially Lacey...my 10 going on 16 year old).  After going through a friendly divorce from the kids' father, I met and married my soul mate four years ago  :-)

    Speaking of spouses....how is everyone's DH handling all this stuff?  We are personally going through a tough time right now.  Like I said, we've only been married for four years and -C- has seemed to throw a wrench in our marriage.  He is supportive but he avoids talking to me about anything -C- related.  I'm moaning and complaining again so I'm going to stop but input from others on their DH would be greatly appreciated. 

    (((HUGS)))

    Toyah

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  • RedheadPam
    RedheadPam Member Posts: 98
    edited November 2009

    Good Morning, Warriors!  Encouragement to everyone who is onthe chemo train today, or who is recovering....

     regalu... I know exactly what you mean about looking forward to it.  As yucky as it is, I am looking forward to being able to say that I am HALFWAY DONE after next Thursday's treatment!  Get it over and done with!!

     mouse.... some foods that have helped me are Pepperidge Farm raisin bread, plain..just enough sweetness to be yummy, but still bland, ginger ale, Rold Gold honey wheat pretzel rods, and Dannon Whips yogurt -- I don't like the consistency of yogurt, but I can do those. 

     Kimmy... My hair started falling out on day 13...first it was just about10 strands at a time, when I would run my fingers through it, I would come out with a little bit sticking to my fingers.  Yesterday, it became about 20 strands per, but not every time.  Today is day 15, and I am getting more like 30-40 strands at a time, plus it is falling on its own a little bit.  Not quite like a Charlie Brown Christmas tree shedding its needles yet Tongue out!  I am wearing a white hoodie today, and the fleecy part of the hood is sweeping up hairs like crazy. My goal is to get through the weekend with hair, than I'll have my hairdresser shave it next week, accomapnied by my friends and a little "bon voyage hair" party.

     Some one mentioned day 3 being the worst (I'm sorry I can't remember who...with chemo brain, by the time I scroll up, read, and scroll back down I forget who it was!!!!). For me, day 3 we great last time-- I woke up energetic and went to the gym!  Then day 4 came and I felt like I'd been hit by a truck and was nauseous. Day 4 is definintely the worst for me....

     I have to share something that made me cry a little this week.  My daughter (10) has a best friends from the time they were babies. I was talking to her mom this week, and she said that the little girl had cut a foot off of her long, wavy hair and then asked her mom if she could give it to me! Breaks my heart and makes me proud all at once! Of course she ended up donating to Locks of Love. Somewhere out there a fellow bald warrior will be getting a beautiful brown wig made from hair from a very, very special little girl.

     Much love and ginger ale toasts to everyone.....

    Pam

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  • ccnani
    ccnani Member Posts: 46
    edited November 2009

    Hi warriors, sending hugs and I'm definitely cheering for Portergirl99/Suzie and Reglua on their 1st Tx day!! I wish you the best and 0-1 SEs. We are all in your corners today!! Hugs go out to Shel, yesterday was her 1st and I hope she's feeling ok and resting!!

    Hi and welcome to new warrior SLV/Sherrie you are in the right place at the right time!! These sisters will help you thru the long nights and days and even make you laugh!

    Thanks to all the "been there done that ladies from as far back as 2008 for popping in and giving strength and hope to us all!!  I wonder how many California girls there are on these boards?

    It was a great idea to ask about ages and families. I am 65 and have 6 kids, 4 girls 2 boys ages rangeing from  35 to 46. I have 12 grand children, 4 boys the rest all beautiul girls rangeing in ages from 2 to 19. I have one grt. grandaughter 1 yr. old and my 13th grand child will be born in may of 2010. I'm divorced and I sure am glad to hear that many of our sisters have wonderful men in their lives to help them during this journey with BC. 

    Have a great day sisters and stay as strong and beautiful as you all are!! 

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  • MeNeverMind
    MeNeverMind Member Posts: 42
    edited November 2009

    Ok, not feeling so good right now.  I don't think I had enough water yesterday or today.  I am fixing that now. 

    Thanks for the hair info.  Since I am donation it I don't want to wait to long but I don't want to do it to early either. 

    My husband and I have been married 4 years.  We got this bc gift right before our aniversery.  It is really hard on him.  He is used to fixing things that are broken but he can't fix this.  We don't really talk about it much.  He listens to when I'm telling people on the phone and then he will ask questions if he didn't understand something.  He is really being helpfull around the house with the cleaning.  I totaly know about that wrench effect.  It sucks.  We have no kids by choice but we do have a sweet little cat.  It makes vacations and small hicking trips so easy.  The first year we were married for New Years we were board, looked at each other and took off to Saint Louis for 3 days.  From idea to car less than 2 hours.  Can't do that with kids or dogs.  My hubby is also 38.  He was born 3 days, 2 hours and 1 minute apart.  Not not at the same hospital.  LOL. 

    Well I am starting to feel a small bit better so I should go back to work.  Keep on trucking kids - WE WILL SURVIVE!!!! AND SEE THE END!!!!  ((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))) love kimmy

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  • Shel
    Shel Member Posts: 41
    edited November 2009

    Hello at all my fellow November warriers. 

    Kimmy, I am not a big water drinker, but my PA said I could count green/herbal teas, juices and soup broth as part of my 8 glass a day.  Maybe your doctor would feel the same way.

    As for the demographics, I am probably one of the older one on this board.  I am 59 and a widow.  I lost my husband to cancer two years ago, so all this has bee really hard on our girls.  I have two daugthers 14 and 18 (we had our kids late).  Both are freshman, one in high school and one in college.  My college ager is fairly close by so that is good.  Plus I have two sisters in state (Michigan) and one sister-in-law in town.  And friends who have been great about scheduling meals as well as rides for my 14 year old.

    I guess it take a village to get through chemo.

    I have to go for my Neulasta shot soon and then I am done for two weeks.  I hope everyone has a restful and healing weekend.

    Shelley

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited November 2009

    I really enjoyed everyone's shares today ! WHAT a great bunch of WARRIORS we have here.  I am feeling really tired today ~ but OK.  And geez...not too tired to EAT~  :)

    Alicia

    :)

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  • bottkota
    bottkota Member Posts: 285
    edited November 2009

    Hello all!  I am going to be starting chemo for bone mets hopefully next week.  My path report is the same as my first cancer 4 1/2 years ago.  Triple Negative.  I am going on a clinical trial through the Mayo clinic.  Here are my 3 drugs, can anyone give me some advice?  I am scared of what side effects they will bring and if they will drag me down more than the AC and Taxol treatments did the first time around.  I am on a 21 day cycle.  Day 1 Abraxane, Gemzar and Avastin; Day 8 Abraxane and Gemzar, rest from avastin.  Week 3 total rest from all chemo.  I know the side effects for all of them but really want to know if anyone has had all 3 drugs. or 2 of the 3 given.  If I have to go off the study because the side effects are too great, my oncologist said that he would be putting me on Taxol and something else (I don't remember what drug, mad that my cancer has come back after all this time).  has anyone overhauled there diet and eaten more fruits and veggies and had good results along with chemo????  I am grasping at anything right now.  I am only 35 with 4 children still at home, the youngest of which is 5.  I homeschool them also so I am not afraid of them bringing home the flu or anything like that to my already compromised immune system.  Any advice?  Glad there is a thread for me to vent to especially after I start treatments.  UGH!  cancer really sucks!

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  • MeNeverMind
    MeNeverMind Member Posts: 42
    edited November 2009

    Water is always good for me, and I am trying soup.  The apple juice it was going to drink yesterday tasted crappy.  I always drink a big glass of green hot tea in the morning and just add water to it throughout the day.  I did see a post about raisin bread so now I am hungary.  I guess thats a good thing.  I think tomorrow I might just sleep.

    SHEL... God bless you. 

     ((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))) to all. 

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited November 2009

    bottkota,

    I am soooo sorry for you!  I can't imagine going thru this more than once in a lifetime. My heart truely goes out to you. I don't even know what to say. No one deserves this much agony. 

    There is one site called "Just diagnosied with a reacurrence or metastases"

    Another site within called "Anyone seen the news on micromets and isolated tumors"

    Maybe you can find some information there to help you.

    There is also one person on this site I found very knowledgeable about almost everything and maybe she can help. Her board name is dlb823. Go to the member list and type this in and it will pull her up. Maybe she can help.

    You are more than welcome to vent over here anytime. Us "Warrior Whimps" are with you!!!

    (((((WARM GENTLE HUGS))))) - Brenda

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  • Shel
    Shel Member Posts: 41
    edited November 2009

    Bottkota, welcome.  I think i have seen info on those drugs on other threads -- maybe the triple negative thread.  Maybe you can check out specific side effects for your drugs on those threads but stay here with us for general November Warriorship and encouragement as we go through this together.  And you're absolutely right, cancer does suck!

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  • Sherri_V
    Sherri_V Member Posts: 159
    edited November 2009

    Thanks for the welcome :)

    I am 43.  I live north of the Dallas, TX metroplex with my husband of 25 years and our 4 children.  I was so surprised that I got breast cancer...still very surreal although I've done all of these crazy medical tests and surgery and I have my first chemo next Thursday.

    My doctors seem to be being very upfront with me but it's interesting how one test will give a tumor size and another test will state a different tumor size OR it will say the tumor size is undetermined.  I wonder if it really matters?!  I would just like to have an accurate Stage - my oncologist says that my tumor is so close to the skin that they are treating it as a tumor AND inflammatory b.c. because I have the super treat of nipple retraction.

    At this point, I'm not too worried about the chemo itself.  My dr. says that they use the spray to make the area super cold and numbing so there won't be much pain when my port is accessed.  I'm sure that might change once I've actually had the round.  Since chemo is on Thursday, what day should I expect to feel the worst?  I'd love to be one of those "no symptom" people!

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  • chicagomom
    chicagomom Member Posts: 35
    edited November 2009

    Kimmy-I am 35 with a 6 yr old daughter and a 4 yr old son.

    Bottkota-sorry you find yourself here again...praying for you!!

    3rd day post treatment and hungry and cranky as Hell!  I am in a bad mood and have really itchy palms  - mild nasea and fatigue but okay.  Oh and emotional - just pissy that I have to endure this - I know we all do but still just in a foul mood.  Weather is sunny and warm for Chicago so I should be happy - trying to focus on the positive....

    Good night ladies and hope you are all as well as you can be!!

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited November 2009

    Bottkota - so sorry you are here yet again....... prayers for you. 

    Sherri - have you had surgery already or is this neo-adjuvent chemo?  I was fine my first 3 days after chemo.  Then got really tired and achey.  I can't believe how I can just SLEEP. 

    Jkwick - this hunger is the worst...........  I have to get a grip.  I can't eat like this and lay for dead... grrrr...  Hope you feel ok and have a good night.

    I'm pissy too...

    :)

    Nite my girls...

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  • Sherri_V
    Sherri_V Member Posts: 159
    edited November 2009

    Sherri - have you had surgery already or is this neo-adjuvent chemo?  I was fine my first 3 days after chemo.  Then got really tired and achey.  I can't believe how I can just SLEEP. 

    I have had my port placed, had a sentinal lymph node biopsy and a core biopsy.  THE surgery will be after my first 3 months of chemo.  Not sure yet if it will be lumpectomy or mastectomy.  They say it will depend on whether or not my tumor shrinks during chemo.  Then, once I've had surgery and it's healed, I should be headed back for another 3 months of chemo, following by radiation.  So, if all goes according to schedule, I should be "cancer free" in 10 months :)

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  • CoolBreeze
    CoolBreeze Member Posts: 4,668
    edited November 2009

    Hi Warrier ladies!

    Ah, our families!  Well, I am 51 going on 30, and I have two children, both boys.  My oldest is 23 and my youngest is 12.  Yep, I spread 'em out.  :)  No grandchildren yet but my oldest has had the same girlfriend for years and they are probably going to get married when they are financially able.  I've been married for 15 years, and I also have two stepdaughters, both of them near 30, my own age, lol. :)  No grandchildren there yet either, what's up with that?

    I was in perfect health until this cancer thing and never expected it.  I looked and felt younger but now - that's alll gone.  I feel old!!!  I look old!  My surgical recovery has not been easy - in fact, I would not say I've recovered at all yet.  Thatt's not like me, usually I bounce back.

    I don't know what my chemo will be yet - I find out next week.  I will need herceptin, that I do know.   My onc appointment is the 9th. All will be revealed at that time. :)  

    I hope all you sisters who had chemo this week are feeling okay.  Drink your water, I hear it helps  Thanks to the woman from the year old group who popped in to give us encouragment. Yes, we will get through it - with the help of each other!

    Oh, I need to add, I'm a Cali girl too.  Live in Sacramento. :)

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  • Artemis
    Artemis Member Posts: 759
    edited November 2009

    Hello, Warriors!
    Dropping in from the February 2009 group to give a little encouragement and say that you CAN do this!  Is it easy?  Heck, no!  But it's totally doable!

    For me, the main thing was to stay hydrated; that really helped with the nausea (along with Emend and Compazine).  Hard candy was helpful, too.  

    Best wishes to all of you!

    Love, Artemis

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  • ccnani
    ccnani Member Posts: 46
    edited November 2009

    bottkota, welcome to the november warriors, I'm so distressed to hear about what you are going thru and we all send warm hugs and our prayers. I went on line and did a little research sister and I found out there is a foundation just for triple negative breast cancer sisters. It's called the triple negative breast cancer foundation. I went there and there were sisters who were all talking about recurrences and mets and they were stating that 80% of triple negative sisters are braca1 or braca2 and in especially anyone who was diagnosed young and had any relatives that had bc or ovarian cancer. They said all triple negatives who are young with bc should get braca tested. Have you been tested? the site is at http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/topic274.html and same address except .org/clinical trials.html for locations of all trials for triple negative sisters. also check out htp:/ww.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/nct00938652?terms=bsi-201&rank=7&show_locs=#locn.  These sites have all the newest trials including the PARP inhibitors. I know the addresses are kind of long but i'm so digitally challenged that I don't know how to put them in here so you could just click and go, sorry. Also sister, it is always soooo important to get a second opinion from a seperate comprehensive cancer center doctor no matter what your diagnosis. I got three different opinions!!  Abraxane is a top of the line taxane used to fight metetastic BC, Gemzar targets mets, Avastin is not a chemo but a targeted drug like herceptin. So the combo sounds good. But you need to go to the horses mouths,the sisters at the Foundation are all fighting mets. The foundation also has a phone number it's 1-877-880-8622 it says to call to speak to an experienced nurse oncologist. We also have alot of very experienced sisters here from prior months and even from prior years who drop in here to cheer us on and answer questions. Sister BrendaSharon shared one of them with you. I'm so sure that you will find the right treatment and the answers to your questions. We will all help you any way that we can. I learn something new here every day and today it was about triple negative girls. I believe we have at least two other triple sisters on the November Warriors. Meanwhile you are in our prayers!!

    Sister CoolBreeze another california girl!!! I think there aren't as many west coast girls here but we are both her2+ and out here in the golden state. I live in long beach and have one of my daughters in San Jose, I visit alot up there. Glad to know your close by.

    All my sisters who started chemo today I hope you ate banana bread and will have a restful, uneventful evening and lots of zzzzzzzs tonite!!!

    Girls I'm so excited, I was trying to figure out how I was going to pay for a compression sleeve and gauntlet for my bad arm and I found these wonderful southern ladies in Long Beach Mississippi from an org. called Pink Heart Funds, these southern belles sent me a beautiful sleeve and matching gauntlet for free. The sleeves cost $90 and Gauntlets $50, I could never have afforded to buy those, God bless those ladies and their group.

    Well, Goodnite all you beautiful warriors, have good dreams and kiss and hug all your kids and husbands!! 

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  • reglau
    reglau Member Posts: 11
    edited November 2009

    So I'm 1 treatment down and 7 to go!!!  WHOOHOOOOO!!!!  Thank you everyone for your good wishes for today.

    My biggest problem today was they had trouble getting the IV in.  Thes nurses said they each only try twice and then some one else has to try... the 4th nurse finally got the IV in.  I really wasn`t prepared for that as I`ve never had problems with my veins before.  Has anyone else had that happenen

    So I`m being recomened for a port, I hope that can all happen before my next treatment!!!  I was hoping to avoid another surgery but I guess this will make things easier for the rest of the treatments.

    As for my family, my husband and I have been married 6 years.  We have 3 kids, our daughter is 5, and we have 2 sons, a 3 year old and a 6 month old.  My husband is going to home for a bit to help out with the kids while i`m going through this.  Unfortunatly he was laid off just prior to my surgery.  I know it sounds bad but we will manage, and its just temporary for him, he`s an electrician and in our area things have really slowed down.  And I guess you could say its sortoff a blessing in disguise, as I couldn`t have had a better time to have him here helping!!  He`s my rock!!!!

    Thanks again everyone for all your great advice, and kind words!!!!!

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  • AnnHuong
    AnnHuong Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2009

    Hello Warrior Sisters, I am glad to find out this site, it makes me feels a lot better, stronger, less fear and confusion. Thanks to all feedbacks.

    I live in Toronto, Canada. Married for 18yrs., I have 3 children, a girl is 14yrs old, a twin (a boy & a girl) are 10 yrs old,  I just had my 1st Chemo treatment on Nov. 4, guess what ? 1 day after my 46th birthday ... Feeling ?  Celebrated my birthday with Fear & Worry, tried to hide emotions to husband & children, could not sleep the whole night.   I will be on Chemo treatment with FEC (Fluorouracil,Epirubicin,Cyclophosphamide) every 3 weeks for 3 times, then T (Taxotere) every 3 weeks for another 3 times, total 6 treatments, Reincision, then another 5 yrs with homone therapy. Today is my 2nd day after Chemo, with the help of Dexamethasone, I am feeling great except the headache and being constipation for 3 days, I gain extra 10 lbs. in just 2 days,  I am worry now. I may try the laxative tomorrow. Is there anyone have Chemo FEC ----> T like me ???

      After this, I will have another Surgery because my first lumpectomy 's margin was not cleared, I have 2 IDC tumor (1.1cm & .8mm) and DCIS 4cm on my left breast. The tumours had been removed but the DCIS was not cleared. I need to have another reincision to clear the margin when the Chemo end. May be,  I will opt to have double mastectomy since I have quite a lot of Calcium Deposit on other breast, which may turn to DCIS.   Hope I can go for a DIEP recon. at the same time.  I don't want to worry any more about it, I was so depressed last few months and kept crying in a hidden place because I didn't want to upset and put more presser to my family. My Surgeon told me that I don't have to do the MX,  just wait, don't make any decision now, it makes me confuse because I want to prepare for my plan as a 1 step Bi-Mx and Recon.  I will consult the Breast Recon. Plastic Surgeon.  I have small breast, 1 of my paternal aunt had breast cancer (still survive),  and another aunt with ovarian cancer, who died not long after being diagnostic.  My mother is an orphan with no history. What should I do, Sis, I know it is personal choice but I still want to hear from your advices and experiences.

    Sorry that I am so lenghly. I feel so lonely.  I will have all of you, warrior sisters, in my daily prayer and thanks again for your great advice, sharing and kind words !  God Bless you all ! 

    Love.

    Ann.

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  • deletemyaccount
    deletemyaccount Member Posts: 17
    edited November 2009

    Hello Ladies! Popping in to say I am one TX down and it all went very very well.  My port made everything so easy and I'm so happy to report that three days after port surgery all my soreness and swelling is a thing of the past.  Got home last night and took Tylenol and a nausea pill and then an ambian to sleep.  Slept fine (YES!) and woke up to more Tylenol and nausea pill.  Side effect: horrible contsitpation? Any advice? I took some senokot last night with zero results //grin so much for worrying about being in the bathroom all night.  I also drank over a gallon of water while in treatment yesterday. So, is this day 1 or day 2? Not sure how you 'count' them, I assumed Treatment Day was Day 1 but maybe I'm wrong? Moving on the you guys on the board (enough about me already!)

    Ann you are not alone.  There are women all over this board who are here for you to listen and offer great advice -- I am so glad you found this place! Yesterday before treatment i was so prepared with a list of questions and comments due to THIS BOARD and these women who helped me -- Susie, a woman they have never met -- to be ready and prepared.  Educate yourself her and with books -- check out The Breast and Living Through Breast Cancer and you will make the right decision for you!!!

     reglau I was mad as a wet hen about the port the first few days I had it in but yesterday was so grateful! i"m on weekly IV therapy so it was a no brainer for me, but you might want to consider it.  Two people in treatment with me yesterday had vein issues, and it sounded scary.  My veins 'roll' so I"m super glad not to be messing with that -- good luck in your treatment.  You sound very positive and I'm told that is half the battle.

     ccnani Horray for Pink Heart Funds! As a Southern lady myself, I'm proud of my Mississippi sisters :) What a blessing for you!

    drcrisc: giving us the hope we need from the May thread  So awesome. Many thanks.

    SLV I am triple positive too -- are you having TCH chemo? I had two core biopsies, two MRI's, a lumpectomy, sentinole node removal, port placement and my first chemo on Friday, all in 75 days.  It's been a crazy fall for me! I have chemo for 16x, 6 weeks of recovery and then a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction (my choice) plus a full year of Herceptin IV therapy.  Long road but I'm one TX down.  Would love to hear your thoughts on your Chemo experience.  I am hopeful on SE's but its early for me, Day 1 //grin so we'll see.

    RedheadPam; thanks for the heads up on the hair - I am a red head too (bottle!) and almost wish it would fall out right away so it can just be done.  I am about to jump in hte shower and go get ready to pick up my wigs -- very exciting!

    I don't know why (sterioids) I'm actually in a good mood today? Maybe it is the forward motion of having one of these dreaded chemo's down.  I'm pissed as hell about being 'sick' but ready to get on with my good life.  I was happy before CA and determined to be that way again -- today anyway :)

    Love to all of you, even those who I didn't get to -- we are all in this together and we can do it.  Stats for me; 41, Alpharetta/Atlanta GA, a fabulous SO i've been with for 4 years and two amazing stepsons, 13 and 16.  I love my life and want to keep living it! Peace until we 'talk' again. 

    Susie

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