Hi Jan2010 ladies,

I am SO nervous about "C day" tomorrow.  Last night I dreamt about me with a bald, mishapen, and badly scarred head getting chastised by an angry chemo nurse because I wanted leave after 8 hours of chemo.  I have been worried about how long my AC treatments will take because it presents childcare issues for us.  We've got a plan for the first two sessions so that's OK for now.  I really hope it only wipes me out for the weekend and then I'm able to function reasonably well after that.  Whew- would that make my life easier.

11tybillion:  good luck tomorrow.  I am with you in spirit.  I'm hoping that it's much easier than expected.  I'm just preparing for the worst and hoping for the best right now.  Thanks for the feedback on the nuelasta shot.  I am going to ask my doc if I can wait until it's needed and see what he says.  Also- I really need to get those gel mitts before I start the T treatments.  Losing my fingernails is the side effect that freaked me out the most.  I guess I just never had heard that before and wow- it threw me for a loop.  Just think, this time on Thurs. we'll have one down and only 7 to go.

bbd- I'm sorry you had a hard time wig shopping.  It's not something I have done yet, but I have found myself getting really upset at certain times when I least expect it.  I totally broke down after I toured the chemo infusion suite.  It was just too much.  How's your infection?  Are you going to be able to start chemo ontime.

My port has sort of been bugging me, but I'm sure I'll get used to it eventually.  It just feels weird and uncomfortable sitting there.  It also hurts when I wake up after having slept on that side.

One piece of good news for me is that my best friend in the world (who was laid off last year) is coming to stay with us for 3 weeks!   She is able to be there and help us.  It's such a relief having another functional adult in a house with 2 kids.  My kids adore their "aunt sylvia" and so does my husband, so we are thrilled.  It also means my husband won't have to shoulder all the burden when I'm out of it. So that is the silver lining in her hardship.  Now, I'm just waiting to discover the silver lining in mine.

By the way, I don't know if you all are having the same issue our family is having with people chomping at the bit to help.  (Lucky problem I know)  If we said yes to all the offers, I think we'd have to buy another freezer to accomodate the meals people want to bring us.  I don't know what to tell them we'll need or how to organize them.  My husband found this site and it looks perfect : carecalendar.org  It's a place where you can give updates and request help to pick up kids, take you to the doctor, run an errand, etc.  I think setting it up and inviting my friends and family who want to help will let them know that we're on it and that they can help if needed.  I think my hubby likes managing it, because it gives him some control over the craziness that cancer has brought to our lives.

In the meantime, it's just one foot in front of the other and on we go.   

Hello Keznick,

You are SO NOT A WIMP ! I thought I was a wimp too !  I have had three chemo treatments with AC, Taxotere and Cytoxan.  I always have nausea after treatment. No throwing up at all ever though.They give me Emend , Aloxi & Decadron in the IV first. Then all the chemo. I take home a two day rx for Emend by pill and have tried Compazine and Zofran pills  for nausea after treatment.  Neither works well for me.  I have had accupuncture and I'm not even sure if THAT has worked all that well.   SO, today, I called my oncologist to explore the usage of a transdermal patch with the drug called Sancuso {you can look it up online and it tells all about it }. The other pills I plan to inquire about are Anzemet and Kytril.   I have to find something that works because none of the above is giving me very much relief.  I have read that you can take two to three different anti-nausea pills in one day, but I'm just unsure about doing all that.   Anyway, I have my fourth treatment this Thursday {Jan 7th} and I have decided that there has to be something or some combo of anti-nausea out there that will work better than what I have already tried.

This is a list of anti-nausea drugs that you may want to ask your doctor about:

Anzemet, Kytril,Reglan,Decadron, Phenergan, Zofran and Compazine. 

I hope any of this helps you.  The nausea is the absolute worst.

Take care and good luck.

Hi all you sweet, wonderful women> Just popping in to tell you each that you are all going to do great on chemo. I'm not going to hijack your topic, but wanted to make a little suggestion for some great information on the "Starting Chemo. in July" We posted a bunch of offers from companies in the opening post. Many of these are from wonderful companies that are offering free services or offers for women with breast cancer and going through chemo. 

You've got a great group here and TONS of information. I wish you all the best through this portion of your journey.
Pink Hugs
Lisa 

Chasinghope:  I know what you mean about the heart damage issue with AC.  It worries me too.  I've had an echo and they will be monitoring me throughout the treatment.  It's a tough decision between reducing heart function and reducing reccurrence/metastasis risk.  I have to say that after talking about it with several doctors and researching it, I think if it is recommended for your type of cancer it seems like the best choice.  If I spend too much time thinking about all the things that cancer is taking from me, I'll go crazy.  Instead I have to remind myself that although I feel fine, I really am sick and I need some seriously strong medicine to make me better.  Good Luck!

Georgiabird-

Yes, I saw the surgeon yesterday and she "cleared" me for chemo on Thursday the 7th. I have continued to drain from a seronma (?) after putting all the holiday decorations away, but she thinks that it looks like the infection has gone away.

Chasinghope-

I will be taking TC at Newton Wellesley. My oncologist recommended after my oncotype score came back as intermediate risk. I think that stage, node involvement and receptors weigh into the decision on what type of chemo. 

 11tybillion-

I love your spirit. I too am trying to remember that nothing worthwhile comes for "free". I struggled to have a child for 5 years and after 7 IVF attempts I was blessed with a beautiful and loving daughter. Those 5 years were some of the blackest in my life.  I have always felt I got an extra special one as a result, thus, I am rationalizing that this upcoming tough year will result in a healthier and longer life!   We can do this....

I am sorry your mom is not able to give you the support you need.

Vegasdiva-

I love that you report you are feeling well. Very encouraging when I start so soon and anxiety is escalting.

There are a lot of us starting this month. Too many, but I am glad to have you as comrades in arms. All the best,

Barbara

Hi 11tybillion,

I met with my "pre-chemo" oncology nurse yesterday for 2 hours to talk over a lot of stuff.  She was very helpful in preparing me for the upcoming first treatment.  Essentially, she said to wear something comfortable, bring along some snacks (salty, fruit, sweet variety), bring a book to read or cards/something to play if someone else is coming with me (I am going by myself for the first treatment), bring my written questions/diary for when I meet with the doctor/nurse practioner prior to starting my chemo, and I am bringing my iphone so I can check my work emails, get on the internet, etc.

She said that my first experience will help me figure out what to pack for each successive chemo treatment - maybe it's a pillow, or a throw, or something else I wanted.  My oncologist provides drinks, popsicles, small yogurts but since I'll be there from 10:30 to at least 3 PM,  My onc's chemo room is a group room, not private.  At the visit yesterday the onc nurse from AtlantiCare showed me their new facility - wonderfully private suites with private tvs, refrigerators, etc.  So, there are ultra nice places and more routine places like I'm going to.  You might want to ask/see the room prior to your first visit.  Because my room will be a group one, I know I'm not going to feel like talking to anyone so  I am having my husband load up my iphone with his ipod songs so I can plug in my earphones and listen to music while I read.  That's how I relax.

I hope this helps re preparation for the visit itself.  This list didn't feel too overwhelming to me - dress comfy, bring stuff to do, bring some snacks.

Hugs - we're all afraid of the unknown,

Pat 

Hi jenmoire, I started my treatment on 12/31 also.  Welcome.   I have been feeling great the past 3 days.  I just keep wondering what is around the corner since things can change hour by hour.

ATTENTION January Sistas - 

I was doing some shopping on the Avon website today and saw this BC tennis bracelet.  I decided to get one for myself.  Wouldn't it be kewl if all us January ladies could have one?  It could be our special thing. 

http://shop.avon.com/shop/product.aspx?pf_id=35155

friscosmom,

Looks like we are on the same schedule. I too was anxious about the port but since I have not had much luck with iv's lately, I feel it is the lesser of the 2 evils.  Good luck next week I will be thinking of you.

I will be having my first treatment of AC next Tuesday.  I met with my onc yesterday to finalize the plans and she said the infusion would only take about 1 1/2 hours.  I will first have blood work and then meet with the onc before going to the infusion room.  I expect to be done in less than 2 1/2 hours.  Not too bad. 

I developed an infection and so I will probably not be having my port installed this Friday.  I will do my first treatment the old fashion weigh through my arms.  I will have my port installed just before my second treatment.  Fun times!!

HORRIBLE day today!  So I get to the Onc's office and had my blood drawn, port accessed and was about to be walked to the infusion suite, when my Onc came to tell me that he got my echo results back and they aren't good.  I am only 37 and apparently have some compromised heart function in my left ventricle.  (possibly a result of pregnancy or a virus)  Not only can I not start treatment today, but I can't do the treatment that was recommended for my cancer.  So the "A" is out for me.  I'm terrified, because cardiology has to get involved before I can even be cleared for chemo.  Seriously!  Everytime I think I get a handle on what's happening, the rug is pulled out from under me.  I am sick of doctors saying "this can't be right, you're so young!"  I just want to go back to last October when I was blissfully ignorant and totally healthy.  Never thought I'd be wishing for chemo!

Chasinghop -- Let us know what you end up getting for chemo.  See my comment to Georgiabird below on Adriamycin. 

11tyBillion -- I had read the same post, since I'm a TN this time around.  I'm sorry you aren't getting more support from your mother.  It's hard to know why people say the things they do.

Ckm3ofhearts -- You are not vain.  I'm not a hair person and I didn't mind losing it two years ago, but am greatful that the chemo I will be on this time doesn't cause hair loss.  Hair loss, while small in the ultimate scheme of things, is still very traumatic for most women.

Mom2benegativex3 -- infusion times vary depending on the amount of premeds, which chemos and how you respond.  The first one is normally the slowest because they will run the drips pretty slow and watch for any reactions.  I would say 2 to 2-1/2 hours would be on the quick side and it could be up to 6 hours.

Georgiabird -- I'm sorry to hear about your heart problems, but it's great that your onc discovered them before chemo.  Don't worry about not getting Adriamycin.  I live in Southern Cal and UCLA doesn't even use it any more for breast cancer because they have decided it isn't any more effective than other than options.

Issymom -- hope you get your infection cleared up and are feeling better. 

Pagowens -- hope things settle down for you and the 2mm nodule comes out benign.  I know what it's like to just starting getting a handle on things and then have them change.  I think that's why I'm being a lot more cautious on who I tell things to this time around.  It seems like it changes with every doctor's appointment.

I'm scheduled to have my port put in 1/12 and first round of chemo on 1/14. 

Thank you all for the supportive words, but more importantly for the understanding.  It's a relief to have a place where people know what you mean when you describe how frustrating it all can be.  I read on another post that it's like climbing the ladder to the high-dive only to get to the top and discover that the pool is closed.  I was all geared up (literally with a port access hanging out of my shirt,  a cute chemo bag, dinners in the fridge, and friend coming to town).  Now, it's another hurry up and wait for test results.  At least I am scheduled to see a good cardiologist tomorrow and hopefully he can shed some light on what's going on.

Pagowens:  I'm with you.  This trickle down approach to horrible news is too much.  I'd rather get the whole picture, break down, then figure out how to deal. 

Cathy-CA: Thanks for the feedback on not getting "A".  Ironically, I was terrified of what it was going to do to my heart before, so I should be happy not to have it.

Grace-Okinawa: The port so far has been the easiest part of this whole thing.  It's a little akward, but it has been a week and I almost have forgotten about it.

VegasDiva:  I spoke with a woman last week completed AC/T last year and guess what?  She did not lose her hair.  It's possible.  THere's no reason not to hope for it.

If my echo results are true, it would mean that a seemingly healthy young woman is walking around with not one but two symptomless, but life threatening conditions.  YIKES!  God does work in mysterious ways.  I guess I should be thankful that as a result of informed doctors who orderd the right tests I know about them so that I can deal with them.  I'm working hard today to find some strength and resolve.  I know I have it.  I just have to dig a little deeper.  Thanks for listening.

CathyCA-I am also getting treated in So-Cal starting with A/C next week.  Reading all the posts I'm getting  a little freaked out about A.  I had an EKG on Tuesday but have not seen the results.

 Georgiabird-Sorry to hear your situation.  I also have the fear that my ekg will come back odd. I was concerned because my ekg took a lot longer than I had expected.  So maybe if I cannot do A it will be a blessing in disguise. My whole life everyone has always referred to me as being so healthy.  Every doc has said, you are in "perfect health".  I even work for a large health food company and actively promote a healthy natural lifestyle in the media. Who knew?

 Pagowen-I got the opposite approach from my doctors.  They(rad and, surgeon) basically painted a doomsday scenario.  "At least stage 3 but we are fairly certain it is stage 4 and since it is so close to your liver there is a good chance it has spread to your liver."  "Liver cancer is much worse than breast cancer". I even asked please tell me I'm not on a death path.  The surgeon said we cannot tell you anything until we do the additional scans.  When I left, I was ready to walk out in front of a bus.  The worst part was that I was not expecting the results and was not even sure why my rad referred me to the breast surgeon in the first place.  I was alone when I received the news. After many tests it was confirmed to be only stage 3. Only Stage 3.. so I was the happiest person on the planet that day.

Ok, I'm supposed to get my first treatment tomorrow and I'm starting to get cold feet about it. The fact that here in Oklahoma city we are supposed to have a high tomorrow of only 15F doesn't make the trip sound any more appealing.