Is There A September 2011 Chemo Group?

Hi everyone!  I start 12 weeks of weekly taxol tomorrow.  I'm in the ISPY2 trial so I will also get ABT-888 (pill twice per day).  I will also get carboplatin every 3 weeks.  When that is finished, I'll have bi-weekly AC for 8-12 weeks.  It is all very overwhelming to think about right now. My surgery will be at the completion of my chemo.

You all inspire me to be brave.  

Hello! I don't post very much, but do read a lot on this Forum. As I write this, I'm in my chemo chair, receiving the first infusion of the Gemzar/Taxotere regimen I'm now starting.



I've already had Taxol/Avastin, which took me to NED after 8 cycles, then on Avastin only for 5 mo when there was progression. Then started on clinical trial with Ixempra/Sprycel, which failed after 4 months, when I had more progression and addition of skim mets around my neck.



With my stage IV status, I have no set number of cycles, I just continue on this until either there is progression, or, my body gets too worn down by this regimen. Nevertheless, I'm hopeful this will take me back to NED, and "maintenance" thereafter.



Wishing all you ladies successful chemo with minimal SE and discomfort.



God Bless us, everyone.

Hi Everyone- Hope you don't mind I would like to join the group. It is tough keeping everyone's name straight! I start 6 rounds of TCH Sept 16th, along with the port placement the same day.  I am getting a bit nervous but reading all the posts makes me feel I am not alone.  I am ready with my claritin, immodium, etc.  Here's to a good journey for all of us.

Thanks Bluejay!

So I start tomorrow - took my first dose of steroids today and so far it's kind of fun, I have so much energy!

I bought a gorgeous wig yesterday, it's the Spotlight by Raquel Welch - I got to try on a ton of different ones and hers were all pretty nice. The color I picked is called "Fiery" which I thought was perfect for me!

Westieluv: my friend is throwing me a party in a couple of weeks, we're calling it a Hat Party and having everyone bring me a hat/scarf/headcovering - nothing expensive, mostly just fun and silly stuff so people can show their support without making the whole thing too serious or depressing. I think it will be during the day and we'll serve cupcakes and champagne, something fun and girly.

I can't remember who asked me but I took Tamoxifen for 8 months before surgery to try to shrink my tumors so I could have a lumpectomy - it's not standard but some people do it if they don't want to do chemo (obviously since I'm on this thread that plan didn't work out for me - I got an oncotype of 38 so it made it a pretty clear choice). It did shrink my tumors a good bit, but I still ended up doing a mastectomy because my surgeon thought it would be safer and better cosmetically, and I'm actually really happy with how it's turning out (still have tissue expander in but it's already looking pretty good).

Someone asked me what supplements I'm taking - I'm doing a multivitamin (source of life gold, it's awesome), glutamine, alpha-lipoic acid, and a probiotic. I was reading the Life Over Cancer book from the Block center and he recommends all those things (and my onc said it was ok too).

Haha you can tell the steroids are making me hyper by how much I'm writing! Hope everyone has a great day, I'll report back after I get my treatment.

Hi, I just discovered this thread and boy I am so happy about that. I start Chemo today, 9/8/11. I'm heading out the door in 3 hours so I can't chat much right now but I will check back as soon as I can. Good luck to each and everyone of you! We can do this and together we will be stronger. Hugs!!!

 I had my first chemo treatment yesterday - paclitaxel and carboplatin.  It was a longer process than I expected because it was my first treatment.  I met with my chemo nurse practitioner to discuss the process then I went to the chemo treatment area.  My chemo nurse drew blood from my port and sent it off for testing.  After the go ahead, she started my IV anti-nausea drugs, benadryl, and dexamethasone (I'll take this the night before from now on).  Then I waited to make sure I didn't have any reactions to these drugs before they started the chemo drugs.

 It was wonderfully uneventful and I was mostly drowsy due to the Benadryl.  The part I didn't expect was that I had to urinate almost every half hour because of all the fluids pumping through me.  I also drank lots of fluids the day before so I was pretty hydrated anyway.  It was almost embarassing that I kept having to get up and go to the bathroom.  However, I am getting past being embarrassed about any of this.  

I was nervous when I had to take my first oral dose of ABT-888 (stud drug on ISPY2 trial) at home.  It is a pill that I take every 12 hours.  I've had 2 doses so far and things are okay.

Today I feel pretty much like normal.  My body is feeling "heavy" like it does when I am really tired which is to be expected.  I also feel "drugged" but not sick.

 So, the infusion wasn't as bad as I imagined it would be.  I think I will appreciate having my port although it still give me the willies to know it is in there.

 I hope my experience helps anyone who is nervous about their first treatment (or scared to death like I was!).

 Take care of yourselves.

Can't help but laugh, but I was also dragging my IV pole to the restroom every 1/2 hour.  Pretty funny.   I am day 13 of TCx4.  My hair is thinning out, guessing the clumps will start later today or tomorrow.  Otherwise, I feel pretty darn good!  Third full day at work this week, a little tired when I get home.  But amazingly well, and glad of it. 

I am working on building myself up for the next round.  According to MO, with the TC regimen days 7 - 9 are the worst blood count days.  Then everything starts to build back up.  So, I'm taking my multi-vitamin, drinking Ensure, and eating lots of yogurt.  I am also continuing to drink more water or Gatorade.  I was told not to take any anti-oxidant supplements too - MO said they work against the chemo.  But that's just my guy. 

Guess I better brush out that wig tonight!  Best of luck, strength, courage and health to all!

Hello!!

I had my DMX & sentinel node biopsy on August 16th and axillary node dissection on August 30th. I got my last drain pulled today as well as meeting with my oncologist. I start chemo September 14th. I'm getting Taxotere, Carboplatin & Herceptin. I'm so glad to finally be getting started!! I'm not worried about losing my hair and probably won't wear a wig - it's just too hot here in Florida. I'm more concerned about my nails. Losing them just sounds painful!! 

Best of luck to everyone!!

Goodnight  

Hi Everyone. I am so jealous (if you want to call it that), that everyone has started their treatment and I am still waiting until Sept 16th! I am going out with my girlfriends for a "get-ready-for-chemo party". Kelliregiand CJRT- I am also doing TCH, 6 cycles. Are you icing your nails? I don't think I will.   PinkShirt and Bluejay58- thanks for the details about your first time. I am worried because I never hydrate myself and when I do, I have to rush to the bathroom like I can't hold it in! Now I know I have to drink a lot and you say you are going to the bathroom every half hour- what if I have an accident, like if someone else is using the bathroom and here I am hopping around with my legs crossed with my IV pole- what a site. Ugh! No one besides me it seems is getting a port the same day as their first chemo. Does that sound wierd to you or not? They say they do it all the time. So I go in at 7am and they said not to expect to leave until 5pm. I guess I will be somewhat drugged up from the port placement during the first half of my chemo, right? Take care everyone.

Hi findingsolace!  I do know what you mean about the restrooms -- my center has one in the same area as the treatment room, but it was occupied when I had to go.  There was another one (and there may be a third, for all I know), but it was down the hall, so that was the embarrassing part, pushing my IV ahead of me like it was my dog leading me on her walk. Plus the pump was beeping because the bag was empty.    I'm willing to bet wherever you're going for treatment has two restrooms also.  Here's hoping!

Also, I know I've seen a few other posts (maybe in the August 2011 chemo thread?) about women getting their ports and having their first treatment the same day.  So it does happen.  I was pretty tired/still drugged-out from my placement that afternoon (I had mine done at 7 a.m.), but it was nowhere near as bad as I felt after my lumpectomy.

Hello, I am new here and scared .I already had 3 operations back-to-back ( 2 lumpectomies, PORT insertion and BMX with reconstruction on Sptember 1).Still having my drains till may be, Monday?

 I start my chemo on September 15-Carboplatin, Taxotere and Herceptin.I will have 6 treatments every 3 weeks and Herceptin for a year.

rj baby, I like your attitude...What is the onco type number? When do they do it?

Kelli- Good luck with your insurance battles. Just what you need what juggling everything else!

Findingsolace- Wasn't planning on icing the nails but I honestly didn't research it much.

Olgah- Looks like we have the same treatment schedule. My first infusion took a while because they did the Taxotere very slowly and a loaded dose of Herceptin, but I was told the future ones take much less time.

hi all, i am supposed to start chemo this month, had my port put in on wed. couldn't sleep last nite because of pain, this morning redness had spread. long story short,port was taken out because of infection,was put on antibiotics for 10 days,have to go back mon so dr can check and change bandage!

i am already so tired of this,feel like i'm on the rollercoaster again!