Chemo starting in December 2010

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  • Ozzie_Artist
    Ozzie_Artist Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2010

    Hi All. I'm in Victoria in Australia. This is my first post althought I have relied heavily on all your wonderful info since being diagnosed on October 18th. I have had a double mastectomy (nearly 3 weeks ago) and I start chemo on the 17th Dec. I'm having CT scans tomorrow, more blood tests, and then I need to see a Cardiologist because I have an abnormal heart rhythm which could play havoc with the chemo. Still coming to terms with all this stuff that has to be done. I'm having 4 rounds at 3 week intervals of EC then Taxol for 12 weeks. I am hoping to be well enough to still do Christmas. Will keep in touch to see how you are all doing. I think you are all amazing.

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  • sammolisa
    sammolisa Member Posts: 180
    edited December 2010

    Shellie -  there is light at the end of the neulasta fog!  I am on day 5-6 and am so much better - no pain meds - and yes my onc hooked me up with 60 vicoden for the pain.  I can sympathize with you because I tried to manage the pain with only tylenol and it wasn't cutting it.  It was only when I had a comp and a vic in me that I felt remotely normal.   Today isn't bad -  woke up with a bloody nose tho.  Slept well -  took a whole ativan this time and my bad arm ended up under my pillow  (where it isn't supposed to be lol)  so my dh is massaging it this morning before he goes off to work.    My appetite seems ok -   I hear everyone about the weird tastes tho -  I just try to plow through them.  Yesterday I had some chicken soup, toast, french fries. and ice cream. And my tongue and roof of my mouth is feeling weird too - so are the mucous membranes of my  *koff*  nether regions  -  almost like they are a little numb and desensitized? 

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  • sunflower71
    sunflower71 Member Posts: 130
    edited December 2010

    Shelle-GET SOME PAIN MEDS!!!  That is absolutely awful that you were not given any and had to go through unnecessary pain.  Even with my meds I was miserable, so I cannot imagine.  I plan to call the onco this morning and ask for better painmeds, better sleeping meds, and something for constipation! From what I read, they have come very far in managing SEs with meds, it is our oncs job to make sure we get them!  My scalp is very sore, but I have long hair.  I am regretting not cutting it before chemo started.  If I feel up to it I am going to get a few inches cut off this week, I think the weight of my hair is pulling my scalp.  I have not found much to eat either, the thought of most food is repulsive!  Hmmmm, maybe one benefit of chemo?  I gained about 10lbs this past month from stress eating!  :)  Big hugs to you, and complain all you want, that's what we are here for!

    Anyone have a temp spike scare?  I woke up around 1 am very hot and weak, when I took my temp it was 101.8.  I was told to call onco at 101, but it was 1 in the morning!  I took some tylenol and tried to sleep.  It shot up to 102, but then broke around 3.  I woke up with soaked pjs! I felt ok this am, weak and tired but able to shower, get dressed, and go to work.  I work in a school as a speech therapist.  I have 3 meetings today, lets hope my stomach behaves.  

    You are all in my thoughts today!  Who starts this week? 

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  • spartina
    spartina Member Posts: 68
    edited December 2010

    My chemo begins at 2 pm today.  I was a wreck on Saturday but spent Sunday centering myself and working on assimilating the belief that the chemo, in the long run, is not something that will erode my health but will prolong the sweetness of life.   

    It has really helped to read all your experiences and strategies.  I send out my gratitude to everyone who has taken the time to share.   

    I'll be on 4 cycles of E and C every two weeks and then 12 cycles of T every week for 3 months.  It's strange to think that the spring birds will be singing and the trees will be in full leaf when I I'm finished.  Then onto radiation.

    Take care everyone. 

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  • LEisenbarth
    LEisenbarth Member Posts: 30
    edited December 2010

    Good moring Ladies,

    Shelle,   Hopefully you are rounding the corner on your SE's.  I love reading your post and you don't worry about venting.   That's what we are here for.  

    Leigh,  Yep I think both places are good.   I do have a question for you,  Have you shopped for a wig,  I have know idea where to go not even sure I want one.  My 23 yr old son, who is quit shy and reserved said I should get a blue one.   Surprised me  (he was joking)  If I wore a blue wig he would not come within a mile of me.

    Hugs and Prayers for all  ~Leslie

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  • ShelMel
    ShelMel Member Posts: 207
    edited December 2010

    @spartina -  I am keeping you in my prayers today. Getting the actual chemo isn't so bad, and honestly I don't think the SE's from the actual chemo is too bad. Are you getting a neulasta shot, too? Try not to be nervous and just hold on to the belief that you are going to kick cancer butt! HUGS!

    @sunflower - I did cut my hair and my scalp still hurts. I wonder if it's a precursor to us losing our hair? They said with the TC regime I'll probably lose mine within 2-3 weeks after my first round.  It would be GREAT if I could lose weight during this, too. LOL I've called my oncologist office and they told me to go ahead and take the Loratab that was prescribed to me for my VAD surgery. I did take one last night and slept much better and woke up feeling better. The pain is returning so I just took another Loratab. I'm sure my oncologist is one of those "wait and see" doctors but still, it would have been nice for him to have said, "Hey, if you have some severe pain call me. Or, here, use this if the pain gets to be unbearable." Anyway, waiting on the oncologist to call. 

    Sunflower, if you're running a fever spike like that, I think you need to call. They've told me 100.4 is when I need to call. I've run close but not that high. Plus you're going to work?? Call them and let them know what's going on please. 

    @Sammolisa- A bloody nose? Is that one of the SE's of AC?? That doesn't sound good. I've noticed a lot of you taking ativan. Does that help you sleep better?? My doctor hasn't given me anything like that either. Just Zofran for nausea. Funny that you mention the *nether* regions, mine feel weird and tingly/numb, too. I haven't noticed any dryness but definitely not "normal" down there. 

    @Ozzie-artist- I'm so sorry you have to join us - but so glad you found us. Please keep us posted on how things go for you. Good luck with your CT scans and tests for your heart. How is your double healing?? 

    Thank you all for understanding my venting this weekend. I feel much better now. :) I need to build my strength up as my sister-in-law is throwing me a hat/scarf party this coming weekend. I still haven't gone to get a wig. I need to do that, too. 

    Love and blessings! - Shelle

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  • ebann
    ebann Member Posts: 3,026
    edited December 2010

    Wow this thread is really busy. I hope all is well with everyone. Still have not heard from ins on approval for my chemo. It has been 3 weeks now. We are on the phone daily with ins and Dr office. I am hoping to hear today. I really want to get started & get this over with. Have an awesome day sisters.

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  • sammolisa
    sammolisa Member Posts: 180
    edited December 2010

    Ebann,  yeah we are crazy here lol.   I like to hear how everyone is doing and post my own ventures so others can benefit from them, tho it makes it hard to catch up and respond to everyone!   Just know to all that you are all in my thoughts and prayers each and everyday.  

    As for the bloody nose- could be its so dry in the house.   I have perpetual sinus problems anyway and I take flonase which the onc said to continue to take.   Havent' had any fever at all so far,  little nauseated today - took a comp and im ready for a movie and a nap lol.

    I for one enjoy the venting here - it makes me realize I am not the only one that feels that way even tho I may not have typed it.   So vent all ya want ladies!  its time to get pissed off and make this cancer go away!

    Love to all

    Lisa

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  • meglove
    meglove Member Posts: 267
    edited December 2010

    Hi Just have a question about port again. For sisters with bilateral MX, did you get a port, if so, is it right above the BMX scar or above the scar? I am still waiting for getting an appointment for port. Not sure if I will get it before chemo on this thurs (biweekly AC). Will PICC be done faster than port? what is the difference between a power line and port? Thanks. Hope everyone is doing well!!

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  • ShelMel
    ShelMel Member Posts: 207
    edited December 2010

    Ebann - I hope you get everything resolved with your insurance company. I spent 2 weeks trying to resolve insurance issues after we moved to a new city at the beginning of November and I remember feeling so frustrated because I didn't WANT to deal with the insurance. I just wanted the cancer diagnosis to go away. HUGS hun.

    Lisa - Thank you for reminding me that venting can help others. I think I needed that. It felt so good to vent the other night and I hadn't thought about it could help others. Bless you sweetie!

     meglove - I don't have any answers for you about the port/picc issues, but there is a VERY good thread here about getting a port http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/721889?page=8#idx_236

    I do remember reading something about a PICC line not being utilized so much for chemotherapy patients somewhere but I don't remember why. Hopefully someone else will have more answers for you soon. 

    I did get my port installed on Wednesday and they used it the very next day (last Thursday) for chemo. 

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  • meglove
    meglove Member Posts: 267
    edited December 2010
    ShelMel , thanks very much for the link. It is great help for me.
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  • mommichelle
    mommichelle Member Posts: 191
    edited December 2010

    Hello all!

    Just popping in to offer some encouragement to everyone.  I just finshed the 6th of 6 TCH last week and I am coming out of my chemo fog (hopefully for the last time ever)!  It is a tough decision, hard road, but it is doable (I hate that word) and you will make it through.  Ask questions when you need to, get meds to help with side effects, and take care of yourselves!

    Hugs,

    Michelle

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  • hopefortomorrow
    hopefortomorrow Member Posts: 193
    edited December 2010

    Congratulations Michelle! I am happy for you! Thanks for the encouragement!

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  • nolaa
    nolaa Member Posts: 76
    edited December 2010

    Good afternoon -  Hope everyone is feeling better today with SEs slowing down.  I start tomorrow bright and early (8:30AM).  Can someone give me a quick run down (or a link) on tips for the AC treatment.  Many of you mentioned sucking on ice while the IV is in.  Hands too?  Details would be great.  My theory in this whole crazy adventure is to do anything and everything that people say will help.

    Someone told me about laugh therapy so I plan on renting/watching a many comedies and comedians as I can in the next few months (my boss's college roommate's brother was apparently "cured" of some rare blood cancer by laughing all day long for 2 months).  I've also started taking mushroom supplements (I hate eating mushrooms) and have had super results already.  My whole family is sick sick sick (cough, runny nose, diarrhea) and I'm doing wonderful.  Normally I get everything they do.  But apparently mushrooms help boost your immune system.

    Anyway, that was a side bar.  I got on today to cry for a bit.  I was just driving home from my second opinion and was feeling confident that there was a plan in place and even though it involves nasty side effects and "very wonderful chemicals" I know what the plan is and I'm ready.  Until the doc called saying the genetic test came back a positive for the BRCA2 mutation.  So our treatment plan which consisted of possibly shrinking the tumor and maybe doing a lumpectomy - but worst case scenario a mastectomy - has most likely turned into a bilateral mastectomy with a lot of doctors recommending removing the ovaries too.

    I've just started reading up on all of this, so I have a lot more to learn.  I'll likely want to get the kids tested at some point. Apparently the BRCA2 mutation also puts males at an increased risk of male breast cancer. 50-50 chance that the kids have the mutation.

    Either way, we're still forging ahead with chemo tomorrow.  And that will give me more time to decide how many body parts I'll be removing in a few months.  Sigh....

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  • ebann
    ebann Member Posts: 3,026
    edited December 2010

    I just wanted to let everyone know that my insurance approved chemo. I am to begin on Wednesday.

    sammolisa: my onc told me that I would get bloody noses cause of the chemo. What chemo do they have you on? Thank you for your prayers.

    mommichelle: congrats on getting done!

    Nolaa: wish you the best with chemo

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  • nolaa
    nolaa Member Posts: 76
    edited December 2010

    ebann - wonderful news!!!  So glad they finally approved but what an atrocity they made you wait 3 weeks. 

    Here we go! 

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  • LEisenbarth
    LEisenbarth Member Posts: 30
    edited December 2010

    HI December Ladies,

    Ebann,  at least that part of the wait is over.  I hate insurance companies, and love them at the same time.  Good luck on Wed. 

    I will not be on for awhile my DH is taking me to Vegas to the NFR.  for our 25 wedding anv.  We had it planned before this whole BC things.   Glad we are able to go between Surgery and Chemo.  

    Hugs and Prayers ~Leslie

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  • lindaa
    lindaa Member Posts: 119
    edited December 2010

    I start DD AC tomorrow (Dec 7th) for 4 to 6 treatments every 2 weeks.  This after 6 cycles of weekly taxol (3 weeks on, one off) along with carboplatin and avastin.  My first scans were good but the next showed everything getting bigger again.  So now the DDAC.  My taxol run was fairly uneventful, mostly some bloody nose in the morning.  I took L-Glutamine for neuropathy as recommended by the breast center nutritionist. (remember no supps on day of chemo or day after)  I never really lost all of my hair.  It thinned out greatly and I cut it short, but could get away with a baseball cap.  Now it looks like i will be bald just in time for Christmas!  I have one foot in stage IIIC IBC trple neg and the other in stage IV.  No organs, but enough lymph involment to get different stages from different oncs.  I do hope the AC works for me.  I will be very happy if I get to surgery, because that will mean they whacked it back enough to allow that.  God bless us all.

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  • sunflower71
    sunflower71 Member Posts: 130
    edited December 2010

    Ebann-Great news!  I am so glad they finally approved it, insurance is a giant pain in the ass. 

    Nolaa- Good luck tomorrow, I will be thinking of you.  Come here and vent if you need it.  I am sorry to hear about your BRCA results, that is a lot to digest right before starting treatment.  My onco told me once that BC patients have the highest level of anxiety than any other cancer patient, they think it is because we are faced with way too many decisions regarding our treatment.  Isn't that the truth?  I do not have any tips for AC, I am TCH but I will tell you that by day 5 I feel MUCH better. 

    Leslie- I have 1 wig so far and I definitely want a fun one, I like the idea of a blue one!   

    Shelle- I had to see the onco today because of the fever. My CBC was low but within normal range.  I was ordered to rest.  Another excuse to nap!  Laughing 

    Spartina- I hope you are doing well, I really loved how you put chemo into a better perspective.  Treat yourself gently the next few days.  Let us know how you are when you feel up to it.

    I am doing better every day and am figuring out ways to manage some SEs.  I put peppermint oil on a hankie to inhale when I get nauseous from smells (all the time!) and I bought Prego-pops today at the suggestion of my onco nurse.  I found them at Babies-R-Us.  They are for nausea in pregnancy, she said they do wonders for chemo patients.  I will let you know if they work! 

    When I got home today, my free head wrap was here from Good Wishes.  I am not sure if any of you know about this, but this company will send you 1 free head scarf/wrap.  It is beautiful!  It came with a personal card signed by everyone from the comapny.  I am amazed each day by other's generosity!   Here is the link: http://www.franceluxe.com/i/goodwishesscarves/GoodWishesScarves.html

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  • jmurray5
    jmurray5 Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2010

    HI all!  I just joined and am starting chemo next monday 12/13/10.  Still kind of having an outer body experience and think that this can't be me.  I had a bilateral mastectomy on November 10th.  Just beginning to feel normal again and have such anxiety about next Monday.  I will be doing 4 TC treatments.  I am open to any and all suggestions.  Going to chemo school tomorrow.  Anyone doing this without a port?  They said I would definitely need one with AC but now that I have decided on TC I don't know what they will do or if I should advocate one way or another.  I am a mom of two beautiful kids (5 & 6) and am so worried about them too.  Going to try to go back to work (speech pathologist) after the new year.  I took some time off for the surgery not knowing if I would need chemo.  Hoping I can juggle it all.

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  • meglove
    meglove Member Posts: 267
    edited August 2013

    I will start DD AC on Dec 8th, hopefully. Hope everyone is doing as good as you can.

    here is my list of what I will do:

    1. Drink tons of water before chemo day and on the chemo day (every Thurs).

    2. Bring ice bottles and put them on my hands and feet nails.

    3. Rinse with club soda and baking soda after chemo.

    4. Wash or rinse after using bathroom to prevent burning outside.

    5. carry a satinizer bottle, plus washing hands if I can.

    6. carry favorite perfume bottle in case of nausea from external smell. I saw a sister suggested mint.

    7. go back to work  on Fridays but take Monday offs (????)

    8. Take neupogen shot for 10 days. Will do myself...

    9. Remember to take blood test on Tues.

    What else?. ...Will add on after first tx. But please add yours. 

    I do not have a port yet. Not sure what the doc will decide. I have BMX. Not sure if the nurse can take blood out of port. Onc nurse will not take blood. We go to a clinic for blood work.

    Wish everyone have good tx!!!

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  • Lawleigh
    Lawleigh Member Posts: 56
    edited August 2013

    Leslie,

    You will have so much fun at NFR.  I was there last year and my husband has been there the last 7 years or so as a vendor.  If you are there this Sat. watch out for the Santa run...every road going anywhere you will want to will be closed.  If you need the cheap local eats let us know we will be happy to help direct you.

    Now as far as your wig...I went to Angells as they were recommended by Idaho Prosthetics who is fantastic also.  It was a great experience.  We took a bottle of wine and my husband, myself and a dear friend spent the afternoon having a great time.  Let me know if you would like some handholding and we will be happy to join you in this adventure and we will even supply beverages.

    Have fun in Vegas can't wait to hear about it.

    Leigh

    So glad most of you are conquering the SE's.  I am starting to get very nervous about my Thursday 9am start date but having you all here is a huge inspiration.

    Quick question...anyone having a hard time wrapping their spirit around Christmas.  I have my 2 year old grandson showing up on Sat (so really its like his first xmas) and I just can't get into it.  I normally really go all out but I have not even got one light out.  I keep thinking I will wait til Devin gets here and let him help.  Not sure if its just an excuse to put it off or not.  Anyone concerned about the smell of a real tree setting them off?

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  • hopefortomorrow
    hopefortomorrow Member Posts: 193
    edited December 2010

    Hi Lawleigh, I think your Christmas spirit is probably a little sidetracked this year due to all you have to think about. My heart is in it, but I haven't managed to get one item out either. (yet) I can understand about the tree smell... it might or might not. You might get the feeling when you go to pick one out. I'm hoping it is refreshing enough that it won't bother me when we get ours. I felt like the first day or so I had the most trouble with smells. Now it can hit me unawares! A few times at the hospital a few ladies perfume really made me gag! I haven't actually gotten sick to my stomach once though, so I'm not complaining!

    I noticed last night that I am more affected by the power of suggestion, due to the way my stomach feels. (unsettled) With two teens at the dinner table I have had to tell them a few times that I don't need graphic details!

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  • sammolisa
    sammolisa Member Posts: 180
    edited December 2010

    Hope, Leigh,   I know how you feel about the holidays.    The soul is in them but the body can't seem to respond.  I got out  a wreath.   lol - that's it.   And that is probably all that will come out.  Too many other things to worry about. 

    I decided to get my hair cut shorter - my dh is going with me tomorrow - right now it feels fine but with everything I have heard I have about  another week before it starts falling out.    I used to be sick about losing it til my husband sat me down and talked to me.    It's not who I am.    I am still going to be me regardless of what is on my head.  and although I knew that he put it in a way that I could wrap myself around.  So hence the haircut at least to get me on the path.

    I actually am  starting to feel good.   Haven't had any smell problems along the way or really appetite problems either -- tho I weighed myself this morning and I dropped 8 pounds.  Must be the laxatives at work for the constipation or something.   I can  stand to lose some so I am not worried.   I do have  a sore throat for the last few days tho and keep getting really tired throughout the day.   Nausea has subsided for the most part - very mild a few times a day and that's it.  Funny how these symptoms we have mimic pregnancy - did  anyone notice?  funny smells, nausea, tired. etc.   

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  • sunflower71
    sunflower71 Member Posts: 130
    edited December 2010

    JMURRAY-I am a SLP too, I went back to work on Day 5 after chemo.  I recently switched jobs from a pediatric clinic to a school setting due to work load.  At the clinic it was much more high energy and I did not think I could do it during chemo.  So far, the school setting has been doable.  My onco and her nurse keep telling me I should think about taking time off because I work with children and my immune system is going to be shot.  Easy for them to say!  I have to work, recently divorced and I was only 5 days away from being eligible for my full benefits package (long term and short term disability) when I was diagnosed, making me ineligible for any disability for 5 years.  I am going to try and make this work.  I have been stressing clean hands as a part of  a flu season "lesson" with the kids and they have been sanitizing thier hands before sitting down at the table.  I wear gloves, and use lysol wipes between groups.  What kind of setting do you work in?  Are they flexible with your workload?

    MEGLOVE-Great list!  I will add keeping track of your SEs and all meds taken in a notebook.  I am doing this to help me reflect for next round.  It is also a great resource for your nurse!  I was also told yesterday, that 2-3 days prior to chemo start taking Miralax by my onc nurse.  She said this would help with post chemo constipation.

    LEIGH- I can't get into the spirit at all this year, especially knowing that my next round is on the 23rd.  Perhaps we need to find a different way of looking at it, obviously our holiday season is completely different.  Maybe instead of being involved in all of the activity we can sit back and appreciate smaller things. This is a tough one, but I am quite sure we will find something good in it! 

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  • klynnwayman
    klynnwayman Member Posts: 23
    edited December 2010

    Hi friends,

    I haven't been on for a bit. Been having some last minute struggles with my mastectomy incisions, but it looks like I'm still due to start my chemo (TAC regimen- 6 cycles) on Thursday, Dec 9th.

    I have been keeping tabs on you all, as the messages come to my phone, and have been sending love vibes out to all of you. 

    Leslie- I think you are the one coming to Vegas, where I have lived all my life. If you want to know about any restaurant for any foods, please send me a private message, and I will tell you the local best places to go. Also, if you haven't gotten your wigs yet, you may want to stick your head into a place called the Wig Cottage. That is where I got my wigs, and they are AWESOME. They have such nice wigs (all of the cancer centers in town send their patients there), as well as beautiful wraps, caps, and scarfs. They know how to write up the receipts so you get the best reimbursement from your insurance (you just need to have an idea as to how much your insurance covers). I highly recommend it if you have time, Have fun- the NFR is a good time. Those cowboys (and cowgirls)can get rowdy though...Laughing

    Nolaa- I also just found out I have the BRCA mutation (BRCA-2), so I understand your feelings completely on that one. I am going to have my ovaries removed after chemo is over. The worst part is worrying about my child. Although I have a boy, he has a higher risk for cancers, too, and it hurts my heart.

    Thank you so much for all of your posts describing what your are going through. Although it is a scary read at times, it is important, as I know what to expect, and what to ask for. I also know that when my time comes, I have friends out there. 

     Much love to you all....

     Kim

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  • ToriGirl
    ToriGirl Member Posts: 1,188
    edited December 2010

    Ladies,

    Just popping in here from the September chemo thread to say hi and tell you that you are all gonna make it through this!  I just had treatment #4  11 days ago (T/C with no port) and have 2 more to go.  

    The first one is the worst because you don't know what to expect, but they really do get easier.

    Just make sure to drink your water and eat to keep up your strength...also, try to walk when you can, it really does help!

    peace and prayers,

    Tori

    DE COLORES! 

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  • Lawleigh
    Lawleigh Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2010

    Thanks so much for all of the Christmas feedback.  It helps to know that I am not the only one struggling with this.  My heart wants to do it "right" but the rest is just not cooperating.  It is two days and counting til treatment #1 and I can feel my apprehension and research mentality moving into a bit more fear based which I know is not healthy so trying to focus on the good things.  My DH and I talked a lot last night about giving back to the people that are more unfortunate than us and maybe serving on Christmas eve at the mission (although I too have my tx on the 23rd) or maybe adopting a family and taking them groceries for an awesome holiday dinner and gifts for their family.  As much crap as we are dealing with it kills me when I see kids with parents homeless in the cold outside of Costco.  I honestly feel fortunate when I see that.

    Ok so I digressed a bit....sorry.  I am going great except for the increased stress.  I am still having some fluid build up from the BMX.  They have drained it 3 times after taking the tubes out but it may be due again.  I don't want to go back in because if they have to keep draining they talked about putting another drain in and that would put the skids on chemo because of the open sore so just hoping it will minmize enough that my body will absorb it.

    @Nolaa - I am thinking of you and hoping things went well and your are feeling good.

    @Ebann- Dang insurance...but at least that is behind you.  Good luck tomorrow my thoughts are with you.

    Anyone that I have missed that started yesterday or today I apologize I am having a hard time keeping up with everyone.  My thoughts are with this group constantly.

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  • sammolisa
    sammolisa Member Posts: 180
    edited December 2010

    Leigh -  when my drain didn't behave itself and wouldn't stop putting out --so to say -- my dr was  a bit worried and  I had my drain  in for 5 weeks post surgery.  It finally came out on its' own having lost its' stay stitching.  My PS had me wrap up in an ace bandage for a week - 24 hours a day - to stop the tissue from having anywhere to expand to.    So there wouldn't be a seroma.

    Relax sweetie.  It's just like getting an IV while  you're there.   I didn't feel anything  different til a few hours after i left and then it was only a headache and some mild nausea.  Piece of cake compared to the pain from the  neulasta shot.    Just keep up your meds.   And I never had any trouble with burning sensation while peeing or anything.  At least not yet.   I hear the SE's can get worse as we progress through AC

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  • nolaa
    nolaa Member Posts: 76
    edited December 2010

    Hi all -

       Just finished chemo #1!! Feeling surprisingly well (I know it goes down hill from here). Started at 8:30, met onco doc, set iv in my port (that went well even 3 days post-op), saline, then emend, then steroid, then C, then A, then saline rinse, then a little heparin for the port. All done!

       About 30 minutes into the cytoxan drip my tumor started hurting (I'm doing neo-adjuvant chemo) and I started smiling.  The tumor was pissed because something was killing it.  That's all I kept thinking.  

       I had nightmares all night.  So did my mom.  My dad and husband admitted to not sleeping very well and being up all night.  So we were all pretty stressed on our way over.  After I got hooked up I started calming down.  I started thinking about how This is what I WANT.  I WANT to get better.  I WANT to kill all of the cancer cells in my body,  I WANT to be healthy and stress-free again.  I WANT this drip.  I WANT this chemo.  Instead of dreading it, I reminded myself of all of the reasons I wanted the chemo.  Sure, I don't want the side effects, but I want my health and my future WAY more.  

       I had a cross country coach who was famous for saying only one thing, ever.  "Its all mental toughness."  I can't tell you how many times that has been true in my life.  The worst part about the first chemo is the unknowns and uncertainties.  Just keep reminding yourself that those are manageable since you really, really just want to get well. 

       Ask me again tomorrow and I'll probably be feeling crummy, but for those of you who are about to start, don't focus on the short term fears.  Think instead about the long-term gains and it will hopefully give you the courage to get through it without a blink. 

       After the treatment we went and had a big lunch, picked up some meds at the pharmacy and now I'll go take a little nap.

    <gentle> hugs to all 

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