April 2011 chemo
Do we have a group started yet for us folks starting chemo in April 2011? I am starting April 13. Getting my port in on the 12th. Doing the A/C to Taxol. I was told there is a shortage of Adriamycin so I might get Epirubicin instead.
Comments
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hello there! i am starting mine on april 11.the march group seems so fun!i already have my port and trying to find out everything i need to know before i start!
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Hello Ladies. I belong to the Jan and March group but thought I could offer you any advice you may need since I will do #4 of my chemo on Monday. If you read the other group you can find so much knowledge, that is how I knew what to expect is from the resources of all the wonderful ladies who have been in our shoes. I wish you the best of luck and will be sure to check in with you to see how your doing or if you have any questions be sure to ask. It does get real scary when we loose our hair but you really worry sick when all in all you do adapt.Welcome to our club just wish itwas under better conditions.
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I get my first treatment on April Fool's Day. I had surgery twice, have my port already "installed". I go for testing tomorrow (Muga scan) for my heart and a PET scan on Monday to see if my cancer spread anywhere else. Then it's off to a chemo class on Thursday. I;m getting TCH, 6 rounds over 18 weeks. Pawprint..I'm the same as you, trying to find as much info as I can before I start!
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Hey all -- I was supposed to start March 28 but now I have to have a bone biopsy done on that day - along with port placement. Had a echocardiogram today. Next Friday I am the "subject" for an experimental pet scan, which is supposed to give a better look at things like the suspicious spot on my sternum. So chemo starting sometime in April! Cheers to us all!
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I start March 30th, and am scared as scared can be!
I opted not to have the port, and now wish I had, as I can only have my left arm stuck after the removal of 25 nodes on my right. I'm scared of lymphodema, I'm scared of chemo, I'm scared on steroids, I'm scared of mouth and throat sores, I'm scared of constipation, I'm scared my Dr is not giving me enough tests. I never heard of a Muga test, should I be having one? I had the pet scan before surgery, should I be having another one? I am scared that I am on T/C. should I be on AC.
Ok, so I am a BIG FAT Scardy Cat!
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Hi everyone. I am meeting my oncologist tomorrow to find out the details but I'm guessing I'm starting April. I'm also trying to find out all I need to know. It's pretty overwhelming!
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Soon2b, I am popping in as a 2010 survivor of chemo to reassure you that it's not that bad. While there is plenty to be scared about with any cancer diagnosis, try not to be scared -- and the more positive and relaxed you can be, the better all your surgery and treatments may go. Many knowledgable people have been involved in helping determine the right treatment for each of us, because we are all different, and new treatments and studies are coming out regularly.
My oncologist suggested we try it without a port for my six chemo treatments since I had good veins; I was very glad he did, because that worked out well, and the nurses were great at finding spots to stick in my right arm. I had one PET scan before surgery and chemo, and a second before radiation treatments started. I did not have a Muga test, probably since I had no history of heart problems and was not getting adriamyacin for my chemo. With taxotere and carboplatin, I never had any mouth or throat sores; the steroids and other meds helped make sure I was never nauseated at all; and as for the small constipation issue about day 2 or 3 after each treatment, 1 or 2 vegetable-based laxative pills did the trick, along with a daily serving of probiotic yogurt such as Activia. No lymphodema so far, and here's wishing the same for you! Hang in there and think good thoughts and soon you will be done!
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Hi Everyone,
I just had my mx 2 days ago and as planned, I will start chemo 3 weeks after, possibly April 12th. I will be on A/C for 2 cycles followed by Taxol for 4 cycles. I am trying to educate myself as much as I can in preparation for chemo.
Is the port optional? Who among you are considering using Penguin Cold Caps?
Best of luck to all,
Laureen Romero
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soon2be- I am having the Muga scan of my heart because i will be on Herceptin for a year. The herceptin can have side effects to the heart, so my onc wants a baseline to compare future tests to. Since I'll have the herceptin tx for a year, my surgeon gave me a port right away. It can be scary and overwhelming all that we have to go through, but keep postive, and keep posting. There are wonderful people on there that can give you support
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I had my Muga done on 3/23. It was easy. Glad the special IV nurse was there to help me again! I was a hard stick for my Cat scan and bone scan! I am flying south to see my Mom on 3/29 before I start chemo. I will be so happy to see her. It has been a couple years or more! I am nervous about getting my port and getting stressed out over my application for SSD. I hate being sick and I know this chemo isn't going to be any walk in the park...
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soontobesurviror: I remember feeling exactly as youscared half to death. The reason for muga is the medicines can be hard on your heart so they gotta make sure its okay, they say if it causes problems its reversable. I also had all these tests before chemo and in april half way through again. Its all precautions. No worries. I remember sitting in the car crying when I was told chemo. The aspect of losing your hair is scary but it actually gets so itchy after about 15 days your glad to shave it and than you just accept what fate has offered and it will be over eventually and there are people with cancer worse than us. I am her positive so I have to get herceptin for one year. I have one more of this adrimyacin left on monday than tax for awhike, than a masectomy for 2 tumors. Still a long haul. Chemo is not as bad as expected. You can do it. Just plan your frst week very light duty. If you need us we are all here for you girl.
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Thank you all for your support. The times I most dread is at night before bed. But during the day I keep myself occupied with work, friends and family. My commute into the office is an hour each way and I listen to music, news or chat on my cell to keep my mind preoccupied. Then in the evenings I turn my brain off by watching TV. I have been very naughty letting my big dog Barkley climb on the couch to snuggle next to me when my husband goes to bed. My mind goes to every fear imaginable. I don't like to take sleeping aids because I wake to groggy for my long drive in the morning. I just pray that I can continue working!
Today I received a call from my oncologist. Of course my heart pounds when I see her number. Last week she called to tell me about my vitamin D is a very low 15; now I am on supplements. The funny thing is, before all this, I felt great and thought I was healthy!
Today's call was interesting. My Onc invited me to participate in a clinical trial being conducted on Denosumab. It's a randomized Phase 3 study, on early stage breast cancer II and III, with high risk for recurrence, with tumors 5 cm or over, to block or delay the spread of cancer to bone. I fit the profile. This excited me for a number of reasons, it delays my chemo for another week (not certain why I am happy for the delay, but perhaps its to build up my courage, support system and knowledge). Being on the study (if accepted) gives me a piece of mind, being watched closely, lots of testing, etc. The study also hits home for me, as my Mom has breast cancer stage 4 in her bones, after being diagnosed with stage I - over 15 years ago.
The drug Denosumab is already FDA approved for treatment of osteoporosis, and it would be used with my chemo treatments. I could get a placebo, but I am going in positive that this is going to protect me!
If you are interested, ask you Dr about the study or Google Denosumab clinical studies for information on clinics offering the study.
Again, thank you all for your words of support and encouragement! I read your notes before bed to ease my mind and I feel do feel so comforted.
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Soon2B - you said everything I am thinking! I am scared too. I'm having my port put in on Monday. Meeting the local oncologist on April 8th that will be overseeing my chemo. Chemo every 3 weeks for 6 treatments, something called THC I think.
We can all get through this, one step at a time! I just try to break each thing down into little steps rather than looking at the big scary picture.
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It is hard not to be scared - all unknown territory. CarlyC, you are so right! One baby step at a time. I feel like the waiting for each new piece of information is the worst. Seems like everytime I talk to my (very wonderful!) oncologist the news is a little worse. But WE ARE ALL WARRIORS! Pamela
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WOW!! alot happened on here! i am sitting here holding my yorkie (which is my cuddle bug and always there for me) waiting for time to go to church. i am trying to live life like normal up until my treatment. the hardest part for me so far is the not knowing. i like to know everything!!i also hate my clients that say you are looking good and i think it hasn't even started yet so i tell then thanks and go about my business!i have a great support system which i think is great to have( sometimes too great when you would like to go back to your life before all of this when they talked about their kids or bills or what have you! i know i am rambling sorry
have a great day my knew friends! i just needed to vent just a moment now i can go back to being sweet to the people that love me!! hang in there everyone and have a great sunday!! -
pawprintgirl - I find that funny when people say "you look great." I want to say "I wouldn't know I was "sick" if someone hadn't told me." I mean, until they told me I had cancer, I was feeling great!
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Hi all. I start TAC on April 1. I read the january chemo thread last nite (ok, at 4 am this morning when my usual fitfulness starts) and it was really helpful. I'm ok about the lost boob, but the hair thing hurts. My 5 &6 yr old boys tried on my wig last nite and we had a good laugh. I'm thinking I'll let them give me a haircut and then shave off their creation. My plan is to do that on day 9 or 10. I see patients so I'm really worried they will notice and get distracted from their own needs. Anyone else have a similar scenario?
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Hi gang! I'm starting on April 7th. I'm on a trial too--getting some different meds, so they said I may not lose my hair for 5 weeks. I may make it to the end of the semester with hair! (I teach.) I've been sort of excited about chemo because I'm doing chemo before surgery and I feel ready to start DOING something to take care of this cancer. But then, last night I couldn't sleep. I feel like I don't know anything. Everyone's experience is so different, and I won't be on the traditional AC either. So, I'm stressing things. I left the doctor last time saying, "Isn't anyone going to give me a pamphlet or something?" They looked at me like I was nuts. I guess I'll learn a lot from you all too!
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I work with homeless veterans who are in our temporary recuperative care program; we have up to 10 at any given time. All have been in the hospital for a variety of things and just need a little extra time. I told the guys last week because I thought I would start chemo tomorrow. Secveral asked questions, several said they would pray. I worry too that it will change my ability to work with them. However, I think this is a life lesson - life goes on and I hope I will be a good model for coping! I did make a joke with one of them who is bald - said he would have to give me beauty tips, which brought a laugh and eased the moment. For me tomorrow brings a bone biopsy (sternum) and port placement! Yaaaay! More fun!
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Articat, I'm 30 miles south of you in San Diego. Good luck w the biopsy! I work for hospice but did a stint with guys in transitional housing. That does make you grounded for sure.
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Quick Recovery Articat! Look forward to seeing your next post!
Jx
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Thanks for the good wishes!!! simplesoul, which hospice do you work for? I used to work for San Diego Hospice!
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CT scan tomorrow to check for spread. Feeling very scared and apprehensive about results!
Subject to clear scan, chemo starting 19 April. 4 x AC at 3 week intervals, then 12 x TAC at weekly intervals.
Surgeon then talking about hormones before radiotherapy starts. Due to having a high risk of recurrence he has mentioned removing my ovaries!? Learning what this all means every day.
I don't care about my missing breast, or my hair, or my ovaries. I just want my children to grow up with their mum!
Thanks for listening. -
Hello All,
I'm starting with TCH tomorrow.
6 rounds at 3 week intervals, then 12 of Herceptin following.The plan right now is for some Rads after the Chemo... I guess we I'll know more about that after I meet with that particular Dr. tomorrow.
I had my port placed on Friday and it wasn't so bad.
I have been saying along "let's get started so I can get finished", but now that tomorrow is the start of the chemo...I'm not so ready anymore. It seemed like I waited forever from my dx to surgery and I'm not a good waiter.
So, even though I'm a little scared I am feeling strong and ready to go.
Sue
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Sending good thoughts to you ladies! I love your saying sudzinvermont!! But I know what you mean...we can prepare like crazy but then the moment comes and it's a whole different picture. Hope all goes well with your treatment business today! Pamela
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Hello Ladies Im scheduled to start 4/7, as long as plastic Surgeon gives the okay (hoping he does) Im ready for Phase 2 of my journey...My treatment is Dose Dense (4) A/C the (4) Taxol evey other week (16 weeks total)
Hope we all do well we have some great info, I have been chemo shopping
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April - lots of support and positive thoughts coming your way from the West Coast!
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@simplesoul; I see patients too, and that's been a concern of mine for when i lose my hair. I went to the ACS, and got a wig from them that I can wear when I am working and taking care of my patients. I perform mammograms for a living, and the last thing I need them to think is "Oh, no, she is bad luck"I understand where you are coming from, I too want to appear as normal as possible to them. I've been told by some that I won't want to wear the wig all the time, but I can't imagine not wearing it when I am working. Plus, since this started, I am beginning to get tired of the people that all of a sudden have not one thing to say to me anymore.
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Artie, I agree. Waiting for me is the hardest part. It seems like everything moves so slowly.
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Hi all! I had a single mastectomy with Tram Flap reconstruction on 2/7/2011. Got my oncotype DX results and my score was a 26. This means my cancer has a 17% chance of reoccurrence. I am scheduled for an echocardiogram and port placement tomorrow. Chemo begins on Monday April 4th. 4 treatments of A/C every other week then 12 treatments of Taxol weekly. I am soooo not ready for all of this. I think I am more nervous about chemo than I was about my surgery. I remember when my best friend was diagnosed 3 years ago, she was worried about losing her hair. I basically told her "its only hair, it will grow back". I am now learning its only hair when its not your own hair!!!!
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