Starting chemo Sept 05

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  • durrable2
    durrable2 Member Posts: 5
    edited September 2005
    Hi all,

    We'll I made it through treatment # 1. The infusion itself was a piece of cake. It just took a long time. I was there for 4 hours. Only had a mild headache and slight pressure in my head. But last night the nausea set in. I felt like I had the worst hangover ever. Very dizzy. Took my meds but didn't seem to help like I wanted them to last night. But this morning It's not as bad. Still nauseous but I can at least get out of bed. I go back in this afternoon for my Neulasta shot. We'll see if I have any reactions to that.
    Peggy I had the sneezes too. I didn't know what it was from. Thanks for the info. Let us know how you react to the Neulasta shot.
    So now it's 1 down and 5 to go.
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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited September 2005
    Tami,

    Great to hear that the infusion wasn't hard, but I am sorry to hear about your evening. What drugs do you have for the nausea?

    *susan*
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  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited September 2005
    Well the port went in this morning...was at the hospital from about 7am until 1pm. I am prone to migraines and just had to get one after the procedure so they took care of it with some fenegrin (never know how to spell that..LOL) and imitrex. I think I have been doing good as this is the FIRST one I have had since my initial diagnosis of cancer on 8-10!

    My neck is kind of sore and it hurts to swallow...but they said everything is ok and I should feel better in a few days.

    Tina

    PS...back to the couch!
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  • tinkermax
    tinkermax Member Posts: 269
    edited September 2005
    Tina
    Im glad the port went in ok.
    Good luck with your first chemo on 7th.

    Maxine
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  • monkey9cats
    monkey9cats Member Posts: 47
    edited September 2005

    Well I kinda goofed and started a new thread for September 05. Someone was nice enough to let me know there was already one started so I'll move over to this one! I'll be meeting with my oncologist this Tuesday for my "pre-chemo briefing" then having my port put in on Wednesday then chemo the following week. Met with my onc this past Tuesday to find out my test results (petscan/ctscan, echo, blood). I was a TOTAL MESS waiting for those test results. They came back fine WHEW!!! Everybody say's "don't worry everything will be OK." I get so sick of hearing that LOL. People don't realize what us with cancer go thru with the waiting. That's the hardest thing!!! In anycase I have a couple questions. I live 70 miles from where I'll be getting chemo. My friends are getting tired of hauling me around. My husband passed away last year and this is so hard when your alone. My daughter is going to be coming to help me but she can't make it for my 1st treatment. Do you think I'll be OK to drive home alone after my 1st treatment??? I'm also trying to work something out with my oncologist and my family doctor where I live to save me from having to drive 70 miles for the shot that is given after treatment. Any suggestions on that?? Also from what I read having that port put in is no big deal. Is there anything I need to watch for?? Pain? Infection? Etc?

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  • jlpd
    jlpd Member Posts: 54
    edited September 2005
    Monkey, I will have my first session in about 2 more weeks and my oncologist told me to definitely have someone with me. I guess it will depend on what drugs they are giving you. I'm not having a port put in (I hope) as they feel I have good veins and am having only four treatments. As long as I don't have the local nurses put in the IV, I'll be okay...my arm looked like a pin cushion when I had my biopsy here. Anyways, from what the nurse told me, everyone reacts differently, except she could guarantee me that I would be nauseated...and they are giving me a prescription for that to take before I start the first treatment.

    Susan, I understand about wanting your child to take full advantage of the 'fun' stuff at college...my daughter has a couple of extra reasons to want to come home...her boyfriend is here and her horses are here...I can say I really have needed her help in caring for the horses. I've had two ladies helping with morning and evening feedings, and two weeks out from my surgery, I'm able to feed but can't do the barn chores yet. They are both planning on coming back to help when I have the chemo. Next weekend she may not come...gas stations are running out of fuel here in NC.

    Janet
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  • mom2mcco
    mom2mcco Member Posts: 11
    edited September 2005
    Hi - Peggy and the rest of the September crew - It's Anne Marie. Sorry it has taken me a few days to get into the mood to write on the computer. My first chemo on Thursday 9/1 went actually pretty well. I was a little tense and still had a lot of pain in my port site. My onc gave me ativan prior to starting my tx wow what a better mood I was in after that. I told him I could live on this stuff. He got a chuckle out of that. I also took the Emend about 30-45 minutes prior to my start of tx and they put the decadron into my port. He also said the ativan would help with nausea. I then took two decadron (also that other generic name) that evening and yesterday emend and two doses of decadron and same thing today. Then I also have Kytril and Compazine in case as needed but they did tell me that if I still feel sick on the fourth day (Sunday) I should call right away because I shouldn't still be feeling sick. All in all I have fell pretty good morning like a morning sickness all day long. I just keep drinking my green tea and sucking on hard candy. I did wake up around 4:00 am this morning with a wicked case of nausea but once I got up and went to the bathroom and sucked on a hard candy I felt much better. Then around 5:30 had a piece of toast. Let's hope the rest of the tx's go the same. I also got a short haircut yesterday (kind of a pixie style) I really like and wish I could keep longer than a week or more. Also went wig shopping yesterday - wow was a little taken aback by the prices.

    Hopeful - I agree with Peggy you really should talk to your docs about the anti nausea prescriptions before you go they had me feel them all before I came in the for the first tx. Hope all this info helps you be more comfortable.

    Take care,

    Anne Marie
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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited September 2005
    Welcome Monkey. Our group continues to grow. First some thoughts about transportation. My oncologist insists that for my first chemo drip that I have someone to drive me home. My hospital actually keeps a list of volunteers who are also cancer survivors and are ready to do transportation, brings meals, etc. Any chance that your hospital has the same thing? I have heard that the American Cancer Society keeps lists like this as well, but don't quote me! I am going back to the hospital for my neulastra shot. I don't have prescription insurance, so if I did the shot elsewhere the neulastra isn't covered. If I do the shot at the hospital, my insurance will pay for it as treatment.

    Janet, horses and boyfriends..... they always change the picture! Someday I would love to know where in NC you are located. I was a Visiting Artist in NC for 6 years, and lived in both the central and eastern parts of the state. My grandmother had horses way back in the 20's which she kept at her NC house in the mountains. But, that was a very long time ago. I do hope that your daughter finds a way to come home to visit this weekend.

    Anne Marie, so good to hear how well you are managing with the chemo. Stories like this ease my increasing anxiety.

    Tina, glad to hear about the port. Like Anne Marie, I won't have one and I certainly hope that my veins are strong enough for the four treatments. How are you doing with finding financial assistance for all of this? I recall reading some posts from you about locating decent treatment without insurance. I too am self-employed, and we are taking a huge hit financially as I am too distracted to bill my normal 35 hrs/week.

    My perfect daughter is NOT upstairs finishing her packing. Instead she is off visiting with friends, saying good-bye. I anticipate a huge emotional melt-down as she tries to get everything into the car this afternoon. Once we have her safely moved into her dorm room tomorrow, I can start looking towards Wednesday. I wish I knew what foods would appeal, what items I should have stocked in the pantry, but I seem to be at a loss. Guess I will just have to wing it.

    Enough babbling for one post!

    *susan*
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  • mom2mcco
    mom2mcco Member Posts: 11
    edited September 2005
    Monkey -

    The nurse told me that my husband could give me the neulasta shot at home if I wanted. He was little uncomfortable with that so I went in to the office but if you have someone either with you or a willing friend to do the shot you could probably take it home with you on your chemo day. Just a suggestion. Good Luck!!

    Anne Marie
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  • monkey9cats
    monkey9cats Member Posts: 47
    edited September 2005

    I went to my regular doctors office Friday (who is 5 minutes from my house) and talked to them about getting the serium (sp?) and giving me the shot every 3 weeks. Something like that may work out. They said they may not want to do it because of side effects. Are there any side effects if my onc says I'll be getting the neulasta shot??? I'm just assuming thats the shot I'll be getting just by reading all these posts. I'll find out more when I meet with her on Tuesday. My daughter who will be here for my 2nd treatment said she'd give it to me. She had to give her cat insulin shots (Thats a scarey thought ha ha). I just want to get all organized on all these things and get it going & over with!!!

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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited September 2005
    Monkey,

    The neulastra [or daily neuprogen] shot is protocol for dose dense chemo, or is used when white blood cell counts get too low during 'normal' chemo. It is a subcutanious shot [both of them] which can be administered in the upper thigh or stomach.

    My sister was part of the very first Phase study for this drug in cancer patients. [14 years later she is alive and well... one of 24 EVER for her type of cancer.]

    The primary side effect is bone pain. I don't know the percentage of patients that have this side-effect though, but do know that if you have severe bone pain, pain medication can be required.

    As I mentioned before, insurance costs can play a part in your decision as well, i.e. high co-pays, no pays, etc.

    I am sure your Oncologist will fill you in on all of the details at your meeting on Tuesday. [Any chance of finding a helper-list?]

    All the best,

    *susan*
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  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited September 2005
    Hello everybody! Our group is growing and we seem to be quite a diverse group from all over. I'm feeling fine today, so I'm spending a little time on this picture thing. (I love Monkey's Cat) So here I am! We are more than a diagnosis and a treatment plan. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all better-in the good times as well as the bad.
    Peggy
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  • K10
    K10 Member Posts: 1
    edited September 2005
    Hello. I'm 29, diagnosed on Aug 4th w/1.3cm, ER/PR-, Her2-, clear nodes and I had my first treatment Friday the 2nd. I'll be doing this on Thursdays from here on out though. I am on the AC4/Taxotere4 regimen, dose dense. Well, the AC is dose dense, but the oncologists I've seen haven't agreed on whether the Taxotere will be dose dense. Either way, I should be done with chemotherapy by the end of the year. Not that anytime is ever too soon! The last 4 weeks have sure been a whirlwind, from diagnosis to lumpectomy to port surgery to visiting oncologists all over the place for opinions to now, 1 treatment down, 7 to go. We'll get through this one way or another, but I'm going to try doing it in the best spirits possible with as much strength as I can!
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  • foxxf
    foxxf Member Posts: 171
    edited September 2005
    Hi all,

    As I mentioned before I have my first appointment with the onc Dr on 7th Sept. I am 33yrs old with 2 children (8yr old Sarah, and 4yr old Jack) Im not sure if I mentioned that I live in Australia. I had a lumpectomy with My Dx IDC 2.5mm with 4/11 nodes+ still waiting for er/pr & Her results.

    First I would like to thank every one for being so open with what they are going through, It really helps to ease the fear factor for those of us who are following. It's great to see the humor with which we can approach these things and still be able to have a great big winge when needed.

    Some thing I just wanted to mention, my husband has been great. Cooking, washing taking care of the kids, he has had the last three weeks off work and has been coming to every Dr's appointment with me along every step of the journey. He went back to work today but is taking a half day on wed to come to the Onc with me.

    The thing is he has been great but yesterday I mentioned that I might get my hair cut short and he sort of freaked.

    My hair is long (mid shoulder blade length) and always has been since I was little. Now I have been thinking my arm is still a little sore from the surgery and washing my hair is exhausting. Plus a waste of money on Shampoo for hair that is probably going to fall out anyway. So why not get it cut? I didn't mean a crew cut, just a short style or something (don't want to pay $70 for a hair cut that is going to fall out anyway)

    Well back to the point.
    Hubby was like What! why do you need to do that today! and continued on a 2 min rant about how we have to much to do and a million other excuses as to why I couldn't get my hair cut.

    I let the matter drop (although we will have to go there again) I was kind of thinking that even though he knows I have BC and has done the Dr thing with me and seen the surgery results maybe it wasn't real for him. To look at me now I look normal and unless I told you, you wouldn't know about my BC. where when all my hair comes off it's a daily reminder for him.

    Has anyone else had a simiular experience?

    I will bring up the subject in a couple of days hopefully he will have had time to think about it in the mean time. I don't think that I have really thought about how this is effecting him. I have focused on the kids and how they are going and he just goes along doing what needs to be done.

    He's so sweet, he just rang me from work to make sure I am doing O.K.

    Has anyone else cut their hair? Did you get some reactions that you didn't expect?

    Best wishes to all
    Nicole
    NSW,Australia
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  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited September 2005
    Nicole...
    I took off my fake nails (which i had worn for YEARS) two weeks ago, cut my hair last tues (and it was down to my waist - a good 20-25 inches off) and this week more tests and starting chemo wed. I had some odd reactions (from the half strange"looks good" from people at work...to the WHY did you cut off your hair....puzzled stuff) I thought most knew at my office I was fighting BC as they took up a collection for me to get a wig/hair coverings.

    Susan,

    I am getting some help from the local "free/reduced cost" clinic. I have not worked much and I am almost out of $$ at this point. Family and friends (and a wonderful Boyfriend) are all assisting where they can. With all the appointments I had this week there is no way to even make a phone call or book an appointment for my business partner. He had to take care of everything. The discounted care I am getting is more like...we will bill you but see you no matter what...but this does not pay for prescriptions you take home... This may sound horrible and selfish...I am normally on the front lines when it comes to helping those in need...but here they are helping all the unfortunate refugees from LA and elsewhere...but I ...a resident of Texas has to beg to even get an appointment (only to be turned down) for assistance. What is wrong with this country?

    I am not a bitter person by nature but right now I am irritated at this situation. I will SOMEHOW....SOMEWAY...make it through my treatments and pay for it....

    Be strong and keep good thoughts and we will ALL make it through this...
    Tina
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  • foxxf
    foxxf Member Posts: 171
    edited September 2005
    OMG..

    I am so glad I live in Australia. We have a government run health system called Medicare. Everyone pays a Medicare levey with their taxes indexed to income and the government sets a sheduled fee for Dr's visits. If your Dr only charges that amount (which usually only G.P's do)they can "bulk bill" you with the government and you don't have to pay anything. If they charge more than the sheduled fee you can pay the whole fee and take your reciept to a Medicare office and get the sheduled amount back or Just pay the gap. Each time I saw the surgen at his rooms it cost $30 (gap) If I saw him at the hospital it was free.

    All services at public hospitals are free. Only Dental and private physo are not covered by Medicare. It is not a perfect system and there are long waiting list for "non essential surgery" but it sounds alot better than no money no treatment.

    Also with Medications we have a thing called the PHARMACUTICAL BENEFIT SCHEAM (spelling?) The Government decides which drugs will be listed on the scheam and how much is a reasonable price for them. If the drug manufacturer doesn't like it the drug will not get listed.
    The Government then subdises the cost of every item so that the most you will pay for any one drug is $29 (or there abouts) and those on a low income with a health care card issued by govt only pay $3.20.

    So any drug not listed with the PBS hardly ever gets used, if they want to sell their drugs in Aust they have to keep their cost down. I noticed that many people have been recommending Emend for nausia but it cost like $200 or something? we would pay $29.

    Hillary Clinton was over here when she was 1st lady to look at our health care system but not much has come of it.

    I know how much it has been costing me to see Dr's already but I can't believe how much you all have to pay.

    Tina....Hoping good things come your way and drag the money fairy along with them...

    best wishes

    Nicole
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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited September 2005
    welcome Nicole and K10. Glad you found us, sorry you needed to.

    Nicole: The hair... yea.... like you, my husband was fully supportive but had a moment when I mentioned cutting the hair. One day of trying to assist me in washing it made him understand that it needed to come off before my surgery. My hair has been 'gone' for 5 weeks, and the short cut has been much easier to manage post-surgery. Next week I will cut it as close to the head as I can get it. When it starts tingling, I will shave. I like to joke that this is my last bit of control! I have given everything else over to the doctors.

    K10: what a marvelous attitude you have. What a whirlwind you have been through, and you are right, that we can help each other as we dive into the chemo protocols.

    Peg: What a fabulous photo! Thank you so much for sharing with us. Guess the pressure is on to fiddle with our own avitars.

    Tina: I have tried to think of some way to help you. I do know that Merck has a discount and free card for Emend. Your doctor needs to initiate the process. My pharmacist mentioned this program to me as I handed him $600 for my drugs. If I learn anything else of use, I will forward the information along.

    Me: We took our daughter to college and she is in the smallest double I have ever seen. The day was really lovely. The college had everything set up so that getting the stuff out of the car and into the dorm was easy. We had arrived early so the various lines for phone service, mailbox keys and ID's were relatively short. A delicious buffet lunch was served, and we were on our way home in good shape. I am so proud of her and of her accomplishments.

    May you all have a good day.....

    *susan*
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  • monkey9cats
    monkey9cats Member Posts: 47
    edited September 2005

    Good afternoon ladies!! Gee everytime I look in here there is someone new. Well tomorrow is my Onc appt to find out my exact treatment plan. I'll be able to ask a few more questions as soon as I know what plan they have for me. I do have a couple questions though...I've got someone coming over a week or so after my 1st treatment to "buzz" my hair. I was just looking on Ebay for scarves etc etc. I found what they call "Doo Rags". I think motorcycle people wear them. Has anyone tried those instead of regular scarves or bandanas before I buy one? Some of the patterns are really neat! Also can anyone help me with diet and food during treatment? Ever since my husband passed away I haven't eaten well. When my stomach growls I put something in it. I just can't get into cooking. I drink alot of that Ensure and take vitamins because I know I don't eat the way I should. Any suggestions? With my daughter coming in October I'm sure I'll be eating better than now.

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  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited September 2005
    Susan,

    They are starting something for me to get some of the chemo drugs paid for (donated from the drug companies). They cannot get the adriamycin but they can get the cytoxan for free. There is something else she mentioned and they are also getting that for free. I know of a coupld of websites that you can apply yourself for free take-home drugs as I was the network admin who helped set it up when I worked for the state of texas. So far I have had enough to assist with my stuff but money is starting to run thin. I come from a very small family...my parent...brother and his wife...sister and her husband. They are all doing fairly well and will help as much as they can. My boyfriend has also been spending his share to make sure I have what I need. I am just trying to tap into what I can so no one person in my family has to endure the burden alone (thats what these programs are supposed to be there for...).

    Part of the problem is getting access to them and knowing how. Maybe that will be my new mission..write a self help book to access medical care when you do not have any!

    Tina
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  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited September 2005
    Hello everybody,
    A lot of activity this weekend! I've been feeling fine except that occasionally fatigue overwhelms me and all I want to do is crawl into bed. We went to a Renaissance Fair yesterday and after 3 hours I'd had enough. I used to go from early morning until night.

    One thing I have to say after this Labor Day weekend- I feel blessed that I am a member of a Union that provides me with decent health coverage. With an HMO, it's not always easy negotiating referrals and finding participants on the plan, but once that is accomplished financial issues are taken care of. The co-pays are manageable. It's a shame that in this country hard working people have to struggle to get their basic health needs met. Tina, that book sounds like a great idea.Maybe you and Susan could collaborate.

    The hair issue-Nicole, I've read many posts that women find that issue more difficult than losing a breast. I cried when I realized that was going to happen to me. There's a "bald picture site" link in the "After Treatment" thread that I came across where women are posting pictures of their beautiful bald heads and the peach fuzz that follows when the hair starts coming back in (and it does! some say better than before)It gave me the courage to cut my hair, which had been about shoulder length and full of blond highlights from a trip to Hawaii. The picture I've posted is right after I'd gotten it cut. Luckily my husband was supportive. Another friend said I should have done it long ago. I didn't need all that useless hair.

    Good luck to all of you who are starting your treatments this week.

    Peggy
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  • monkey9cats
    monkey9cats Member Posts: 47
    edited September 2005
    Evening all! Well I met with my oncolgist today and went over my treatment. I haven't become familiar with all the abbreviations & terms etc that are used here so please be patient. I'll be doing 4 rounds of Epirubicin & Cytoxan every 3 weeks. Then 4 rounds of Taxotere every 3 weeks. She gave me a prescription for Zofran (1 every 8 hrs for 3 days) and Decatron (am & pm) for 3 days. She also gave me one for Compazine & said when I started feeling sick to start taking them as well. Tomorrow I go in to have the port put in. Sure hope I don't have problems with that. My 1st biopsy got infected because I must be allergic to bentadine or latex. My 2nd surgery was fine because they didn't use either one! I start my treatment a week from this thursday. I talked to her about my Neulasta shot but I need to talk to my insurance company about what they will cover. The girl in her office said those shots are $6,000 each. Is that possible??? I have an appt with her the day after my 1st treatment so I'll get that shot then. Boy when I left her office my mind was so cluttered with things to remember. Hopefully once I start a schedule it will run smoother. One lady that was at the appt desk said her roughest day was the 4th day after her treatment. What my plans are is to have chemo Thursday (I don't work Fridays normally) then go back to work that Monday. I have to work...I'm so afraid of loosing my job!! Hopefully I feel good by Monday???

    Cheryl =^..^=
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  • tinkermax
    tinkermax Member Posts: 269
    edited September 2005
    Hi everyone

    It seems like ages since i've posted here as I have been in limbo, waiting for my second mastectomy to heal before I start chemo (FEC X 8).

    Well, today I saw my onc, and he says I can start my chemo on Tuesday (one week today).

    I am having my port put in on Friday, but apparently I won't be asleep, as they only use local anaesthetic (I will definitely have my eyes closed though!).

    I also got my wig today, seems strange to think I will be hairless in a few weeks, I'm not thinking too much about that at the moment, one step at a time.

    Good luck all you brave warriors on your journeys.

    Maxine
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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited September 2005
    Sounds like everyone is moving forward. I had my annual physical today which is sort of ironic. I was able to talk the doctor out of blood tests so that my veins can be pristine tomorrow. Also headed to the pharmacy for stool softners and biotene. Guess chemo and the decadron can 'bind' you up, so they are suggesting two of these softners per day. And then the biotene for mouth sores. Does this sound like what other people have been directed to do?

    No hair yet for me. I went to the MGH wig store today, but no one was available to help me. I will try to get in there soon.

    Maxine, if you start chemo in a week you must be healing? Did you choose a wig that looks like your current hair, or the hair you wish you had?

    Monkey, a plan! that is the first step. The nuelasta shot is indeed about $6000-$7000 dollars. That is why I am returning to the hospital to get mine... so insurance will cover it. Does your company have more than 50 employees? If so, there is a law to protect your job. Of course, you want to be working. I hope that the Mondays aren't too hard on you.

    I am not sure how much I will be able to sleep tonight. I am anxious but I am also ready to fight back. Wish me all the best!

    *susan*
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  • Trenna
    Trenna Member Posts: 4
    edited September 2005
    Finally, I started chemo on Sept 1st. I had my port put in on Aug 29th, but they put me completely out so it was easy except the shoulder was sore for two days.

    First chemo on Sept 1st, A/C and my docs are giving me all the support meds, decadron for five days; Compazine and Ativan as needed. No real nausea but sour stomach feeling.

    This has been a long journey. Diagnosed March 1st, then waiting for BRAC test, bilateral mastecotomy on May 12th, then long time recovery of incisions because of being overweight. Ready for chemo middle of August but then got kidney infection and pneumonia.
    My tumor was 3.2 cm (1.2 & 1.7 was what I was told first but combined I guess), four positive nodes, ER/PR +, all in left breast, right breast was preventive.

    The energy thing is getting to me, I'm really tired and weak most of the time, but I guess getting over the other things that went on with me in August (also had major oral surgery), it is to be expected?

    Thanks for listening.

    Trenna
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  • txred9876
    txred9876 Member Posts: 392
    edited September 2005
    My chemo has been post poned for now...since the core biopsy came back b9 (the surgeon missed the tumor!). I am off tomorrow for a stereostatic biopsy..so hopefully chemo will start soon...I hate all this waiting!
    Tina
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  • mom2mcco
    mom2mcco Member Posts: 11
    edited September 2005
    Hey guys - it's Anne Marie. I have been feeling like crap... I am just totally exhausted and feel like I'm in a fog. I went to work yesterday (Tuesday) but only last a couple of hours. Was going to try today but went back home after taking my daughter to daycare and went to bed. I go back to the onc tomorrow maybe my red blood cells are really low. I am also fighting with the constipation. Any suggestions. I took Milk of Magnesia but it didn't really work. I am eating fruit, peanut butter anything that usually works. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. I am so not used to not being able to do whatever I can - my house is a mess, kids have to make their own lunches - I just am not used to this and hope I can get through the next 6 months of chemo. Thanks for the suggestions and support.

    Anne Marie
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  • skibug8
    skibug8 Member Posts: 7
    edited September 2005
    Hi,
    I was supposed to start chemo on the 15 but it was moved up to tomorrow(*th). I am very nervous about this. I am a bit frustrated too because I have no idea of what to expect. Did anyone talk with you ahead of time to prepare you? I would think that should be done.
    Diane
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  • Shemp
    Shemp Member Posts: 89
    edited September 2005
    Hi skibug,

    My wife and I didn't hear a lot before the actual treatment. We got so wrapped up in what type of treatment and dose-dense vs. traditional, and where to do it, that no doctor stopped to tell us what to do. People on this board were more of a help than anything when it came to that. Just reading through old posts and talking with people from here best prepared us in terms of teh practicalities. Our local onc was nice enough, and took time to answer our questions, but he never really broached the topic. They did talk to us briefly the day of the treatment, but that's about it. We bombarded him with several questions that morning too. We were in the treatment room for roughly 3 hours, then went straight to the pharmacy to pick up all the meds and extras. I'd offer you my wife's email, but she's just started and there are much wiser, farther along people here ready to help.
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  • monkey9cats
    monkey9cats Member Posts: 47
    edited September 2005
    Well my journey to my 1st chemo treatment next week seems to be on a decline. I want to just cry. Went to the hospital this morning to have my port put in. Had to leave my house at 4:30am to get to the hospital at 6am for 8am surgery. Explained to the anthesiologist (sp??) about the reactions I had for my biopsy July 29th with a local. Told them I sneezed for 3 days and my incision became infected. My surgeon seemed to think I may be allergic to bentadine and latex. Well 1st of all my surgeon I believe had problems with the veins or arteries in my neck so he had to make 2 cuts and put the port under my collar bone and the end of it into my juggler vein (maybe thats standard?). Then when they tried to wake me in recovery I vomited all over the place, my head and lips were swollen and I had doctors all over the place trying to figure out what I was allergic to. Both anthesiologists (sp??) sat down and one said I may need to get checked for allergies. My surgeon was in there twice. Then they sent in the chest x-ray machine (I'm not sure if thats par for course or not to check the positioning of the port of what) but I kinda remember them doing that. They said my blood pressure went really low. They held me in the hospital until it started coming back up. (3 more hours). I'm going to call my surgeon Thursday to see exactly what all happened since I was out of it when he was in. My whole neck & upper chest on one side is bandaged & sore (which I'm sure is to be expected), my armpit where I had the sentinel lymph node biopsy Aug 10 is killing me & I don't know why, my throat on that side is sore. I just woke up because my pain pill wore off so I'm taking another one to try to get more sleep but just needed to "vent" a bit. I sure hope this isn't an indication of what my 1st chemo treatment is going to be like.

    Cheryl =^..^=
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  • Pegk
    Pegk Member Posts: 389
    edited September 2005
    Cheryl
    I am so sorry you had to go through all that. It certainly seems like you have some kind of allergy, maybe to a type of anesthesia. I hope that they figure it out so that you don't have to go through that again. Hopefully you can start healing and proceed with your chemo without incident.
    I had a port insertion problem (nicked lung) but my first chemo treatment went smoothly a week later.
    Unfortunately, I spent yesterday in the emergency room because during a routine check-up with my oncologist, she decided my heart was beating too fast to provide me with oxygen and I was experiencing some pain in my side and shortness of breath. After several chest x-rays and blood tests thay decided I was okay (not developing pneumonia), just maybe some scar tissue.
    Relax and heal. I hope the next step is easier.
    Peggy
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