Is there a July 2011 group?

Can I join in the party as well? I'll start chemo next week on Thursday (14th)after a Tuesday port placement.  Just a bit of background: I had a RBMX with axillary node resection on June 1, no reconstruction (there really wasn't much to start with!!), back at work on the 12th and ready to roll on with the next phase of things!  I just hope the side effects are manageable because I have to see 400 kids at work the following week. 

 I'm getting the DD D/C(replacement for A/C) regimen followed by Taxol and then 5 yrs of Tamoxifen.  Chemopause worries me after seeing a friend go through menopause following an ooph for cancer--it wasn't pretty!

Have a terrific weekend!

welcome mavinbook! I had chemopause/menopause since 5 years back after the first cancer.  It has been ok for me even in the hot tropics where I live. it is ok and manageable.  

Got my port on Wednesday... I was so nervous but was completely out and it wasn't too bad. I have only taken Tylenol for the pain. First chemo tch is coming up on Monday... Wish me luck

Day after T/C. Slept ok last night except getting up to go to the bathroom a lot (keeping very hydrated). Went for my morning swim. Muscles were very loose and sort of weak. Swam a mile. Could have gone further but thought I shouldn't push it. Waiting for some SE to hit. Anticipation is not fun.

Hi Everyone,

I have a question -- It seems like a lot of you ladies are getting the port. I feel like I am the ONLY one without a port  I asked about it here in NY and was told it was not necessary.  Specifically that it was for those getting long-term chemo or whose viens were not easy to find. 

What is the take on ports?  Curious to know.  Thanks

I WANNA JOIN YOU GUYS!!! start chemo on July 11th. AC+T every other wk for 2 months, then T, every week for 3 months, then Radiation!!! Does that seem like a lot to anyone???? Aggressive??? had 9/17 lymph-nodes positive. that freaks me out. getting nervous for monday!!!

Hi ladies, chemo 1 yday went well. I had my hubby and best friend with me so the support was very helpful. I slept good, this morning i am feeling okay, not too bad, just dry mouth and throat. I am working from home today, trying to take it easy, my kids are at pre-school so atleast i have the house to myself. I also had the Zoladex shot yday, have any of you ladies got this shot? 

You're not alone, Allenan, I'm not getting a port either, for exactly the reasons you mention: I have good veins and we're only doing three rounds.

Ewa-swimmer, keep us posted as to how you're doing. How many rounds are you getting? Apologies if I've missed you saying so before. This is a busy forum!

Mavinbook, I'm also starting on the 14th, though I'm getting TC. Best of luck to you. Best of luck to ALL of us!

Hi guys! I *think* I will be starting chemo at the end of this month. No exact dates yet but I will be a month out from my BMX and I'm healing up nicely. Have my next appt with the onc scheduled for the 18th. Isn't it crazy to want to start this so I can get it over with??? I was just telling my Mom that I hope I start this month and not the next because that just pushes rads and the exchange surgery out further and further. I am guessing I will be getting a port because my little cancer is dead set on being aggressive so I'll be getting lots of fun chemo.

Hope you guys are all feeling well - have a great weekend!! 

Hi Robyn! Wishing you lots of good luck for Tuesday and lots of good thoughts! You'll do great! Man, I know what you mean - I want so badly to have this whole thing behind me but unfortunately I'm just beginning. Honestly, I was not too worried about the BMX. I just knew I would do well and so far, so good. They took 5 nodes and I am also not worrying about LE. I mean, I'm not pushing myself but my arms feel just like they used to already and there is no numbness. I have full range of motion - the only thing that gets in the way is the drains. So don't stress too much about it :-)  I guess I am just picking and choosing what I'm worrying about, although most of the time it seems like everything. Chemo is REALLY worrying me. My worries at the moment are chemo brain and whether or not I will be too sick to work.

Definitely keep us posted about how it goes on Tuesday - seriously, I am sure you will do fab. Hugs!!! 

Just came home from being fitted for my wig...  it was exhausting and I felt like I had "cousin it" from the Adam's family on my head!!  I guess it will take some time to get used to.  I am going to use this weekend to try and do some fun stuff and keep my mind off of things until Monday.

FrancesC- guess we are on the same schedule...  Good luck to you!!  I will be thinking of you Monday! 

All you women are soo strong- I'm praying for us all! 

I also do not have a port.  My onc told me that since I only have to have 4 treatments that they are very good at getting veins and she believes they can get them. The first chemo the nurse got it with one stick, that never happens.  So far so good!  If they have trouble next time, they may just do a picline for me.

 Hi !! julee_stayin_strong, I don't have a date yet but had my labs drawn and Mugi scan today and see my MO 7/13. Hope to find out dates for a port and start date for chemo next week, as someone said I want to get started so I can be finished. After chemo, A/C every 2 weeks X 4 then Taxol every 2 weeks X 6 then  I'll have ~35 rads treatments. I had a BMX with TE 6/17 and am anxious to get all this behind me for the eventual exchange surgery. Debb

Cathy_C: I hope you were able to be at peace with starting chemo. I started July 1st and that day had an MRI to the pelvis and spine and then a biopsy to the pelvis with just a local anethesia, then went straight to chemo. I was so excited to put some drugs on this tumor. The soreness will fade and you can trust your body to recover.

I know it is all a ton of information and procedures! In two weeks I went from finding a lump to 4 MRI's, a mammogram, 1 ultrasound, two ultrasound biopsies, 2 MRI biopsies, and I may be leaving something out… I am crediting some of my peace of mind to Celexa (antidepressant). It has helped with the anxiety level and then I really focus on that particular day's tasks and only what needs to happen at that moment. 

Hi ladies
I am from the March 2011 forum, most of us have just finished and I just wanted to say - you will get through this, rely on each other - the wonderful thing about a forum like this is that you can say anything to the other people because they understand.

The side effects will pass, drink alot (of water , moisturise your skin,  put clear varnish on your nails, rest when you need to, tell your Onc any problems - they can't help if you brave it out, and if you get a high temp GO IN , do not wait to get sick.

Hugs
Penny