May 2010 Chemo
Is anyone else starting chemo May 2010? I'll get a thread started, and let me know if you want to be added to this list. I may not catch your first post, so just drop me a pm so I can add you next time I am on.
There's lots of good info in the April 2010 thread from the folks who just went before us, and check out the tips (see the pushpin entries) at the beginning of the chemo forum:
fotopet: 5/18 TC X4 @ 3 weeks, then rads & Tamoxifen 
adb1971: 5/4 TC X 4 @3 weeks then tamoxifen
Alice100: 5/17 FEC X6
bethcat24: 5/14 CMF
CTherese: 5/13 TC X4
Charliebird: 5/28 Adriamycin and Cytoxan X4 @ 3 weeks, followed by Taxol once a week for 12 weeks. Also, participating in the E5103 clinical trial (2/3 chance of Avastin for either 6 or 12 months)
cf1957: 5/20
ClaudetteK: 5/17 T/C X 4 then Tamox
cleob: Taxol X 12 @1 then AC (bi-monthly) for two weeks
countryfrau: 05/17 TC every 3 weeks x 4, then radiation
daisylego: 5/20 Lupron, TCH X4 @ 3 weeks, then scans and hopefully just Herceptin & Tamoxifen for life
dana14: 5/4 AC
danielaes: ??
day: 5/7 T/C x 4 @ three weeks
DonnaDoodle50: 5/6 ACT.....every 2 wks , 16 wks.
Drim: 5/11 TC x 4, herceptin to start 6/8 for one year, rads after chemo and then tamoxifen
Fiver05: 5/8 TC
golfergirl: 5/7 -- TCx4 then rads and tamoxifen
Irishtess: 5/21 ACT X 8 sessions @ 2 wks. Then radiation for 4 wks, then hormonal therapy
jan-m: FECX3, TX3
JennyB: April 28 T/Cx4, then rads, tamoxifen and zometa
juliebed1: 5/19 Taxotere X4
KimLovesDachshunds: 5/27 TC X4 @3 weeks
LauraM: dense dose - AC x 4 every other week and then Taxol x4 every other week
Leanna9: 5/13 Taxel & Herceptin every week x 12; then AC every 3 weeks x 4
LibraryJenn - AC x4 every three weeks, then Taxotere x4 every three weeks & herceptin for a year
lindamsn: 5/9 Xeloda and the Faslodex injections.
marmalade_skies: 5/5 AC x 4, followed by Taxol x 12 and radiation, and Tamoxifen
mcsushi: 5/13 phase III clinical trial of AC x4 --> Tx12 +- avastin
msbt1: 5/6
nanaof2 - 5/10 DC x 6 @ 3 weeks
nelliemd2: 5/17 AC x 4 over 8 weeks; TH x 12 weeks, then surgery + radiation, then H for another 39 weeks
njbhwgirl: 5/12 AC x 4 every other week and then Taxol x4 every other week
NYC-Mom 5/7 CMF X 8 (every 3 weeks)
packjen: 5/5 t/c X4 @ 3weeks, then rads, then Tamoxifen, then Arimadex
patricia48: 5/21 AC x 4 every other week and then Taxol every week for 12 wks
paxton18064: 5/18 4 cycles of Carbo/taxol/avastin
poohbear21 - 5/10
rcca: 5/12 DD - AC X4, T X4, Radiation, aromatase inhibitor
redbarb804: 5/13 TCx4 @3 weeks. Then rads. Then Tamoxifen
sacphotomom . . . : 5/4 Adriamycin and Cytoxan every 2 weeks for 4 doses then Taxotere every 3 weeks for 4 doses then radiation 5 days a week for 5 weeks. then the hormone blocker for 5 or more years..
snipinfool: 5/19 4 rounds of AC and then 4 rounds of Taxotere.
Summer38: 5/19. AC X4 @ 2 weeks, followed by Taxol X4 @ 2 weeks, and then radiation
sunflower87: 5/3 TC X 4, then rads & Tamoxifen
trishiab: 5/3 AC x 4 over 8 weeks; TH x 12 weeks, then surgery +radiation, then H for another 39 weeks
tuck: 5/11 TC X4 @ 3 weeks.
wellsey66 - 5/27 TC @ 3 weeks x 6 to be followed by rads and Femara.
x-raygirl: 5/13 TC x 6 - every 3 wks, then radiation 5 or 6 wks
Comments
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Hi Fotopet,
I am going on Wednesday to see when I will start my chemo. I just had a re excision Tuesday so as soon as I heal I will start chemo. I will keep you posted. Good luck May 4!!
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Hey Redbarb
My re-excision healed pretty quick. My good thoughts are with you to get healed and get the chemo show on the road!
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hey fotopet
please add me to the list!! my chemo will be starting may 13th, i think? waiting to hear back from my doc to confirm the date. i'm participating in a phase III clinical trial: AC x4 --> Tx12 +- avastin. here goes nothing...
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I just found out I will be starting chemo on May 4 assuming I get the remaining drains out from a dmx on April 7. The center where I will be getting treatment is not very appealing. I really feel comfortable with my oncologist (specializes in premen. bc) but the facility is like grand central station...so crowded and a bit dreary. Hoping the people I get to know there will add some charm.
It will be so much easier with some hand-holding from others going through this! We can get through this ladies!
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Oh yeah I forgot- add me to the list. I will be TC X 4 @3 weeks then tamoxifen. fotopet: we are on the same schedule!
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Hi all,
I will also be starting TC x 4 @ 3 weeks around May 11th and probably herceptin after that (still t/b/d). I got some conflicting HER2 results (positive on the biopsy, negative on the lumpectomy) and because of that the doctors have been doing a lot of testing including Oncotype DX (got a 19), which has delayed the chemo process.
Looks like I will be in a very nice facility. I met some of the staff today so they made me feel a little better. I also decided to try the Penguin Cold Caps for hair preservation so I am about to get the ball rolling on that.
Good luck to all you wonderful ladies!
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Drim, What are pengiun cold caps? I"m jsut starting to research the chemo stuff. Haven't heard of those.
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Hi Rdbarb - The cold caps were designed and widely used in the UK (and Australia). They are special caps that must be cooled to a very low temperature and then placed tightly on your head a little before, during and a bit after each infusion. It seems to have good success in maintaining a decent amount of hair. I'm hoping it will do the same for me.
There is a great thread in here about it.
Here is the link to the website: www.msc-wordwide.com
Good luck with everything!
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We are growing! Updates to the main post are done. Let me know if I messed something up!
Mcsushi - waiting sucks doesn't it! I am still waiting for final clearance from my PS to start. BTW - I am just outside Philly (Upper Bucks). We are near neighbors!
adb1971 - so sorry your facility is dreary. Can you bring stuff with you to make it more bearable?
Drim - that's reat they are letting you try the cold caps. I've heard alot of US oncs think they don't work, even though their UK and Australian docs disagree. Wish my doc was more like yours. I just went and cut all mine off since I am going to lose it anyway.
Sending out good hair vibes to you ~~
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drim: I looked into the caps as well and figured it was A LOT of work. Does your facility have a freezer for you or will you be transporting them? I wish you the best of luck and look forward to hearing about your experiences. Wouldn't that be wonderful if hair loss became a thing of the past!
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fotopet: waiting is the worst!! the whole ordeal is a series of hurry up, then wait, then repeat. it's maddening. waiting also to find out whether my dr wants to do dose dense or not. are you getting tx in the city or bucks co?
good luck to everyone; there's not doubt in my mind we'll all get through this!
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adb1971: I actually do think this is going to be a lot of work. I cried about it at first because I'm not used to asking for help but my family has been so amazing. They say they'll do anything for me. I totally planned on doing the cooler/transport thing but now Frank Fronda, the inventor/owner is saying he is interesting in putting a freezer in my facility so who knows but that would be wonderful! I will definitely keep you posted.
Beanius: I am so sorry to welcome you to the group but you have definitely landed in the right place. I think you are doing great. You have made it to this point pretty quickly. No wonder you're still in shock. I had so many different tests and it seemed like they were all taking forever. For sure the waiting is the WORST! Don't let your mind wander too much. I don't know your husband but I'm sure he will be by your side wanting to do whatever he can. Please don't feel like you are a burden. You will most definitely get through this!!!
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Hi everyone,
I will be starting chemo on 5/3 T/C X 4, then rads and then tamoxifen. Would love to be part of this group. Hoping for the best! Good luck to all!
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HI Ladies,
Drim: thanks for the info on the Cold caps. It sound like a lot of work. I dont' know if my ono would let me use them or not. I haven't met with him yet.
Welcom Beanius and Sunflower. Sorry you had to join us. Good luck with your treatments.
Mcsushi and Fotopet: Where are you ladies having your treatments done? I live in Reading, Pa. So I'm not too far from you guys. I am having treatments done here in Reading. Went to Penn and the ono there said Reading has a good program and good doctors, so I figured I would stay here out of convience. So far I really like my doctors. Talk to everyone tomorrow. Good night!
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redbarb: i had my surgery and i'll have my chemo at jefferson kimmel cancer ctr. rads (if they decide to do rads; P53 test results were a little screwy) will be at penn since it's right around the corner and more convienent. i love that there are 3 of us here from good ole southeast pa!! represent ladies!
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Beanius - Of course everyone's experience is different, but I have cancer cells in 1 node but am still Stage 1 (IB). ANd my husband swears b the book "Breast Cancer Husband". It helped him understand and get through the initial things and has lots of those practical things guys love to do to "fix" things! I love the book's suggestion that the patient should get a professional mani/pedi before chemo (seriously). My hubby read that and booked a spa appointment right away
Mcsushi - I am getting all my treatment at U Penn. I work just outside the city, so it is not too bad. Until rads, of course, but I will cross THAT bridge when I come to it. One thing at a time, right?
Sunflower - Welcome - looks like you are one of the first of us to get started. We'll be thinking of you next Monday.
Redbarb - That is great that you can stay local. My local hospital has a decent program linked to Fox Chase but I loved the docs at U Penn so decided the trek was worth it for me. Is your BS follow-up this Wednesday? Let us know when they give you the plan.
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Fotopet: Who is your Doc at Penn. I went for a second opinion there. I really like the doctor I saw there. I have my chemo consult on Wednesday.
Sunflower: Good luck next Monday!
Beanius: Thanks for the info on the book. I'll have to get it for my husband.
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Can I join you guys? I was sure I was going to start in May but they just called, and...this Wednesday, April 28. But I'm so far behind the April girls, I thought it would be more appropriate to start with you all.
I'm pretty anxious. Two days... Suddenly feeling like I'm really not ready for this.
Anyway, if you don't mind me joining you, here are my stats:
April 28 T/Cx4, then rads, tamoxifen and zometa.
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Redbarb - I am with Dr. Glick at U Penn. He is tough to get into but really great. And I love his staff!
JennyB - Of course, we'll consider you an honorary May start. Our thoughts will be with you on Wednesday - Let us know how it goes!
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Drim - Thank you for the kind words. 1st appointment with oncologist is now set for May 6. My surgeon also has me set up for a bone scan and a PET/CT scan since there was cancer in my nodes. I'm just waiting to find out the extent and it's a scary time. We will get through this and thanks for being here!
Redbarb804 - Thanks for the welcome. All best wishes for your treatment too!!!
fotopet - Thank you for the book recommendation. The spa idea sounds great. I hope it will be relaxing and fun for you.
JennyB - I would be delighted to go through this with you. I wish you all the best this Wed! I will definitely be thinking of you!
To All - Thank you for being here and for your help and encouragement!
Beanie
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JennyB - Welcome!!! Also wanted to let you know I sent the article you directed me to read to my doctor. She said it was very interesting and she would be reading it carefully this week.
Beanius - good luck with everything. Waiting for results is the worst part. We will all be thinking of you and hoping it all turns out okay. Remember they are doing all this testing because they want to know what's there or not there hopefully - not because they think there is something there.
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Beanius: good luck with the test (you'll be hungry after, bring a snack) and stay positive!!
JennyB: welcome!! you'll be the first to bodly go... we'll be pulling for you!
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Thanks for the welcome, everyone! Happy to be part of the May chemo group.
Tomorrow I start taking the decadron (steroid)! That should be interesting...
hugs,
Jen
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Hi Ladies,
Good news: I got the results from my re-excision today. All margins are clear!!! Yea!! I go Wednesday for my consult with ono.
Jenny B: Welcome. We are glad to have you with us. I'll be thinking of you on Wednesday. You'll have to keep me updated on your SE and progress. I will be having the same treatment, except no one said anything to me about zometa. Good luck!!!
Fotopet: Is Dr. Click in with Dr. Fox? I really liked the staff the one time I went.
Beanie: We all know the waiting is the hardest. I had a chest X-ray MRI and liver enzyme done after my lumpectomy. I was a nervous wreck waiting. All my tests came back clear. Positive thinking!! That;s what will get you through this. They only do the tests to make sure there isn't anything anywhere else, doens't mean there IS anything!!! Stay positive! Will you get the results before May 6? Good luck!!!
Barb
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Hi Everyone,
I am starting to get a little anxious...just a week until chemo. Just filled all the prescriptions I received for SE's...hoping for the best!
Jenny B: good luck...let us know how your day goes.
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Barb, First of all, congrats on your clear margins!
My oncologist is very pro zometa based on a (European, I think) study in which zometa+tamoxifen lead to a lower percentage of recurrence. So she's recommending it to me. I wonder if anyone else is doing it--maybe I'll go check out on the hormone therapy board...
Sunflower, it is nerve-wracking, isn't it?
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Barb - Congrats on the clean margins. It is a huge relief when you get that news, isn;t it? Felt to me like the first decent news I had gottne in, like, FOREVER !
ANd, yes, Glick is with Fox. I love their chemo suite too. It is all private rooms and very comfortable.JennyB - I don't know Zometa - I'll have to go look it up - but let us know what you find out, ok?
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seeing onc this friday. Sure chemo will start in May.. Looks like I am going to add my name to the list
drim: I am from NJ. see your from NY..did you have your surgery in nyc. just wondering because I am interested in the cold caps as well..when are you getting them?
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hello girls,
i am a 2 time cancer survivor not of breast cancer but of a rare head and neck type...i too had chemo and radiation. my first diagnosis was in 1994 (stage 4) second was in 2002 (stage 1).i had every side effect that you could think of . seeing that i recieved both treatments at the same time. it was a rough battle and at times i didnt know if i was winning or losing. that was 16 years ago and i am now in remission where i want to stay (forever
). well i just wanted to send well wishes to you all while on your road to recovery / remission. remember to take care of yourself, think happy thoughts, pray/meditate, and most of all...feel better...
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