CMF Newbies October 2010

raincitygirl
raincitygirl Member Posts: 3,143
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

Maybe I missed it, but I haven't seen a group for those of us just about to start CMF treatment.  I am defnitely feeling anxious but very much looking forward to beginning so that I can finish.  Looking back, I see that people have come up with a variety of products to help get them through this - lemon drops, senokot, specific shampoos and more. 

 I hope the CMF Newbies can all meet here and help each other.

Diane

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  • Norma57
    Norma57 Member Posts: 12
    edited October 2010

    Hi Diane,

    I too am a Newbie. I start my first round of CMF tomorrow for treatment of triple Negative breast cancer.  If you have started your CMF how was your first treatment?

    Hopefully we will hear from others who are presently treating with CMF

    Norma

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  • Norma57
    Norma57 Member Posts: 12
    edited October 2010

    Hi Diane,

    I too am a Newbie. I start my first round of CMF tomorrow for treatment of triple Negative breast cancer.  If you have started your CMF how was your first treatment?

    Hopefully we will hear from others who are presently treating with CMF

    Norma

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  • raincitygirl
    raincitygirl Member Posts: 3,143
    edited October 2010

    Looks like we both start tomorrow - let's try and check in with each other in the afternoon.  I am in Seattle, so will be later if you are on west coast...good luck to you and me and all others :)

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  • Norma57
    Norma57 Member Posts: 12
    edited October 2010

    I'm in New Jersey. I'll check in when I get home. My appointment is scheduled for 11:30.

    Unfortunately, this is my second bout with breast cancer.  I was diagnosed in 1995 with an

    invasive carcinoma, underwent a lumpectomy,radiation and 5 years of tamoxifen. So needless to say I was shocked when my MRI revealed another lump.  This time I had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I need CMF because of the grade 3 triple negative breast cancer. 

     Good Luck tomorow and don't forget the hard candy. One of my friends underwent CMF several years ago and she told me to ask for Ice chips at the very beginning of the infusion. She said it really helps to keep you from having a dry mouth.

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  • raincitygirl
    raincitygirl Member Posts: 3,143
    edited October 2010

    Norma57 - I found a shopping list on here and plan to head out shortly to get items such as lemon drops, italian ice, senokot, biotin, etc.  Sorry to hear you had a recurrence.  I am starting at 9 a.m. PST, so we will actually be having our treatments within a half hour of each other with time difference.  My schedule will be day 1-14, oral cytoxan, days 1 and 8, M and F via IV.  With this schedule, I should, in theory, feel fairly well for Thanksgiving and Christmas - let's hope for that..

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  • raincitygirl
    raincitygirl Member Posts: 3,143
    edited October 2010

    Norma57 - I am back from my first treatment.  On the sofa with a remote and my laptop.  Feel slightly icky but not too badly yet.  Very very tired from all the anxiety I guess.  I wish I had realized I would not be having sushi, edamame, wine, over medium eggs etc. - I would have had a field day yesterday. 

    Trying to remember something I read yesterday - chemo is my friend, chemo is helping me.....

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  • Norma57
    Norma57 Member Posts: 12
    edited October 2010

    Hi Diane,

    Yesterday was a long day for me.  My platelets were low so I got a late start on the chemo . But all went well when they finally started.  I too was tired. I'm sure the platelet issue only added to my anxiety. I actually slept well last night.

    I did read about the changes to our diet.  There are  going to alot of foods that I am really going to miss. In fact Sunday night I went out for dinner with my husband and had rare tuna and a glass of wine. I know those days are over for the next several months.

    How area you feeling today? The anti-nausea drugs work great.  I am feeling good today, only a little metal taste in my mouth. Read about that but didn't expect it this soon.

     Off to do some errands and then get my Neulasta shot.  Are you getting that too, the day after your chemo?

     Tomorrow I go to Sloan for a fill in my breasts expanders from the reconstruction.

    Take Care

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  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 4,820
    edited October 2010

    Hello everyone,

    I am a 4 year 4 month survivor ( I count every month..lol). I did CMF in 2006. As a matter of fact my treatments were the same as jodimaca...I did for 6 months = 6 months. I wish you all well, it is doable. There is another thread for CMF where some new girls go to also.

    Norma57, I drank white grape juice and it helped get rid of the metal taste.I see you are in NJ also. We have get togethers every so often.. will keep you informed.

    hugs to you all!!

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  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 4,820
    edited October 2010

    see above ..should have read 12 treatments = 6 months...sorry

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  • DesignerMom
    DesignerMom Member Posts: 1,464
    edited October 2010

    Hi all you CMF newbies.  I just finished my 6th CMF.  It is a very doable chemo. Before beginning,  I was very lucky to find the thread "CMF Questions" here on BCO.  It has been running for years. The CMF veterans are very knowledgeable and generous.  Here is the link http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/6/topic/243424?page=169#idx_5041  

    Good luck with your treatments!

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  • Norma57
    Norma57 Member Posts: 12
    edited October 2010

    Candie,

    Thanks for the info on white grape juice. I'll try it.  My CMF is being given differently than what I've read.  I am getting dose dense CMF every 2 weeks.  I would be very interested in the NJ group. that is a great idea.

     Designer Mom, I too found the CMF questions link and found it very helpful.

     Thanks for all of your help!

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  • raincitygirl
    raincitygirl Member Posts: 3,143
    edited October 2010

    Norma57 - My bloodwork was fine yesterday. So far, they don't plan to give me Neulasta unless it is needed.  My onc uses something (name I can't recall but I remember a "g") other than Neulasta that apparently doesn't cause the same problems.  I am hoping I don't have to find out. Going to miss sushi and wine badly.....

    Dry mouth seems to be resolving - haven't figured out yet if I am constipated.  I am running behind schedule but am going to hold off a few more hours.

    Have a great day.  I hope to get in a nap and a walk.....in that order.

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  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 4,820
    edited October 2010

    Jodimaca,

    good idea about the nap and walk...listen to your body..best plan ever!

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