January 2012 chemo
I had a BMX with immediate reconstruction on Nov 29 and just met with oncologist last night to get my chemo plan. I will be starting on Jan 10 with 4 treatments every 2 weeks of A/C and then 4 treatments of Taxol every 2 weeks. I am very anxious about starting this treatment, but I know that it is necessary. My family and I know a little of what expect since my sister is currently going through chemo now. She was diagnosed this summer about 2 months before me and had a lumpectomy in Oct. Her chemo plan is different so our SE might be different. My children ages 17 and 15 as well as my husband have been wonderful as I recover from the BMX and I am sure they will continue. I will continue to read the previous chemo posts to learn as much as I can to get through this and welcome any others to post their helpful hints. Good luck to everyone:)
Comments
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Hi ely! Thanks for starting the Jan 12 Chemo group!
Stopping by to provide some great information from the main Breastcancer.org site on Chemotherapy, including what to expect, types of chemo meds, and side effect management.
Hope you find this helpful!
--Your Mods
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I'll be joining you here. I go this coming Thursday and find out the exact timing of starting. Will check in after then with the dates.
regards Jenn -
I will joining you I am meeting with 2 oncologist this week had surg at the Mayo in jacksonville fl it is a little over an hour from home. I am meeting with one locally and will decide then.I really want to work as much as possible thru this. My lumpectomy ( 1.8 cm )was Nov 23 I did not map with radioactive dye or blue dye so they removed 19 nodes all neg. But had vascular invasion grade 3 er+ pr+ her2 - guess that is why they want chemo. I will find out details this week the oncologist told the surg. The gene testing was not required because he was going to recommend chemo anyway anyone have any feeling or suggestions on this I think it would be nice to know. I didn't know if the gene testing showed a low score would that interfere with insurance paying for chemo.
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Hey Deb267,
I'm desperate to keep working as much as possible too. I love my job and don't want to give it up (just got a description/seniority promotion and pay rise on the same day as my surgery last week...)
Also, we just did a huge renovation/modernisation on our house this year that we refinanced to do so we'll be in real trouble with maintaining the payments if I can't work this year. Typical bad timing...
What do you do?
I'm a cancer clinical trials coordinator running two renal cell cancer drug trials here in Australia. Mostly desk bound with an hours drive each way to work. One major problem I can forsee is that part of my job requires me to go and "monitor" about 4 of the hospital sites around Australia early in 2012. it's ust a day visiting the cancer centre and checking data and that everything is running ok, but this means hopping on a plane and back in a day (or with an overnight in a hotel). It's normally easy and fun but I'm thinking it's not going to be so easy now :-(
regards Jenn -
Looks like I will be joining this group. I start treatment on January 6th. I had my BMX with DIEP reconstruction on Nov 10th. I'm still recovering from that event! I'm not sure I'm ready to start something new!
Chemo school next Friday and bone scan and MUGA test in two weeks. I just got a months supply (2) of the Neulasta shot delivered by Fedex yesterday. Since chemo will be Fridays, I will need to get my shots at home.
Ely - I will be having the same tx. 4 infusions of A/C followed by 4 infusions of Taxol. I see you are from southern NJ, I'm from right outside of Philly. I will be having my treatments at HUP.
Janet
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I am LPN working primary care clinic for the VA. We are a community based output clinic.
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Jan. 6th for me.
I have already had two surgeries but this Thursday they will go under my arm and remove lymph nodes and put chemo port in.
I also will have the 4 infusions of A/C and 4 Taxol and then radiation and Herceptin.
Im scared but keeping the faith.
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Hey guys I think I probably should be in this group too. BMX 11/28. Drains pulled this past week. Chemo school completed this past Friday. Chemo will start after Christmas. Only complications so far is a little more pain 3 weeks post op as opposed to 1 week postop. I'm ready to get this treatment started. I'm also going to be involved in a research drug trial. As soon as I know which one I will share it with this group.I hope everyone starting chemo this week or in the near future have no problems or minimal or no SEs. I'm so glad I found you guys... Have a nice week!!
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Hi everyone! I'll be starting 4 rounds of TC the week between Christmas and New Years... I had BMX with immediate reconstruction on 11/11/11. Healing really well and feel about 85% back to normal (physically, anyway). My Oncotype score is 16, 10 w 5 years of Tamaxofin... So there was some back and forth on whether or not to do the chemo, but, I've decided to go ahead with it. Also, had a meeting about radiation on Friday that left me very confused. I had a good size tumor (ILC) but everyone agrees that the surgeon got exceptionally good margins. Surgeon and oncologist said they didn't think I'd need radiation, and really were on the fence with the chemo, but "you have a right to get an opinion from a radiological oncologist"... He recommends rads, too! Ugh.... Because of my age 43... And it was a large tumor. He said because of the clear nodes, and really good margins and pretty low Oncotype score, I don't fit into any "bucket", but if I were his wife, he would recommend rads. He is going to discuss with his tumor board (8 of them) and we will meet again on Jan 11th... He said they wouldn't even start rads until after chemo, so relax and absorb the info. He also said: "given your profile (test results, etc) I'm not wrong if I decided not to do rads, or even chemo for that matter, but, we have no way of knowing if you're right, either".... So confusing.,
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What is it with male health professionals always using their wife/mother/daughter as a way of trying to recommend some sort of treatment. Why not just tell you what the studies say and what the population statistics would recommend as the best path?
(small rant over)
regards Jenn -
Jenn - Funny you should say that! I am guilty of the same line.
The first time I used it was in 1977. As a new college graduate I was buying my first new car. I was test driving a Chevy Chevette (terrible little car!). After listening to how wonderful this car was, I asked the salesman if his wife drove this model. His lack of an answer confirmed what I was thinking about the car. I bought a Mazda GLC instead. Most recently, I asked my BS if he would recommend the same treatment for his own wife if she had the same conditions. I know, I know. Statistics and studies are our best bet. I just wanted to see his reaction when it became personal. My BS is all about statistics, clinical trials and publications. He has a few studies currently in the works (cancer vaccine). After careful consideration, he agreed that he would take the same action for someone close to him. I felt a little better about my decision.
I have an appointment with the PS and RO today. Hopefully I will have my final drain pulled and be given the go ahead to begin chemo in two weeks. I haven't decided on the port yet. I have some encouraging me to just get it placed, while others have suggested waiting to see how my veins do. I have 8 infusions scheduled. I will only be able to use my right arm (AND left side). The MO said they could place the port during treatment if problems come up.
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Good morning all! Time for me to join the chemo group.
Janetanned - My first round is also scheduled for January 6th, so maybe we can hold each other's hands throughout the treatment?
Maybe it sounds strange, but I am still not 100% committed to chemo. We met with the oncologist on Friday; nice enough guy, but there were several times where I felt like I was a "bother" to him (I had intelligent questions; we've done a LOT of research; he just wanted to give his schpiel and send us off, I felt). When I asked why he thought I needed chemo he gave me vague answers: "Well, the size of your tumor" (it's 1.3 cm - that's bigger than 1.2, but smaller than 1.4 - what does that mean??), "how fast it grew" (I found it accidentally at the end of August and I'm pretty convinced it grew between then and the biopsy on Nov. 17), "you're so young" (first and only time in my life where 48 will be "young"), "I don't like the surgeon to tell you, but the location..." (the tumor was at "10:30" on my breast). At least he didn't give me the, "Well, if it were my wife / partner / daughter..." thing, but I guess I can appreciate that, too.
In the end, I think that chemo will just make this all so real. And while I thought I was ready for it, I finally realize I'm probably not. I just want to take my toys and leave the sandbox.
I'm asking for a second-opinion referral today, and forgive me but I'm asking for a female oncologist (more than half of our local oncologists are female, which makes me feel so much better). I *know* that I'll be doing this; I guess I just need some more reassurances for why I'm doing it.
Blessings to you all!
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Hi Jenn The problem is the studies say that (in my case) with an Oncotype score of 16, chemo and radiation aren't recommended...my doctors are saying; "I'd still do it" (my oncologist, who is a woman) and the radiological oncologist (who is male, same age as me and my husband).
They've both said my case doesn't fall into one of the "buckets" with the Oncotype test, and the result (16) is a grey area...
I'm thrilled with the score, but the tumor was large...so, it's kind of a contradiction. -
Oh, sorry - Cancer Brain or Lack of Coffee, not sure which - forgot to mention that my Oncotype test results have not come back yet. Hopefully later this week, but definitly before treatment starts. That might play a part in my decision as well.
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I will be starting Jan. 5th. I think my plan is called "Dose Dense". Bi Weekly treatments of Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide and paclitaxel for 8 weeks. Then Weekly treatments of Paclitaxel and Herceptin for 12 weeks. Then Herceptin for a year along with Tamoxifen. I meet with the oncology nurse on the 3rd to go over everything. I plan to enjoy Hannuka with my family and then spend the rest of next week disinfecting my house. :-).
Peggy
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Happy Hannukah, Kitchenella!
Your treatment sounds intense; I will be thinking about you when you start on the 5th. I hope all goes well.
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Happy Hannukah, Kitchenella!
This has been some Holiday season! I just can't wait until next year. Hopefully this will all be behind us and a distant memory by then!
I need to decide whether to have a port placed before treatment or to try to use my veins for treatment. What is everyone else doing?
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Im having a port placed this Thursday along with lymph node surgery and then chemo on the 6th.
My veins are terrible so the port will help hopefully.
How quickly life can change but God is good, all the time!
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Happy Hannukah, Peggy!
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Got the date of my first chemo treatment (TC x 4) today. It is 12/29.... Still waiting for a consensus on radiation to follow... Going to look at wigs on Thursday :-(
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Thanks. I think they are going to try just using my veins but I'll know more when I meet with the nurse.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
Peggy
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My doctor won't insert a port; says the possibility of infection is too great for "only" six treatments. I have lousy veins so instead, he wants in have a PICC line surgically inserted before every treatment, and removed afterwards. ??? I'm not real excited about that prospect. It's one of the reasons we're asking to meet with another doctor in the practice; I'm just not feeling the love for this doctor.
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Nancy so you are not getting Herceptin for a year? Oh I see you are Her neg. maybe that is it?
Peggy
PS I'm a former Michigander
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Peggy: no Herceptin for me, so I suppose that's a blessing I should appreciate. Six rounds of Taxotere and Cytoxan (doctor said, "We want you do to 6; we're hoping you make it through 4." Wow.)
We've been blessed with a run of 40's/50's here in Michigan the last week or so, but it'll be "back to normal" this weekend with 20's and 30's. Ah, Michigan, the land of two seasons: Winter and Orange Barrel.
I have a day off today (I work two days a week in foster care, and two days a week at my University, plus I'm a graduate social work student, so I am busy full-time 6 solid days a week - so the chemo SE's are scaring me a little right now). Cleaning the house for Christmas/Hannukah; maybe I'll find a few minutes to go look at wigs later.
As strange as it may sound, the "preparations" for chemo are oddly comforting. So much to do, lists to compile, arrangements to make, shopping for thermometers and Claritin and distilled water and plasticware. It keeps me busy, helps me feel productive, and in some ways helps me feel in control. And keeps me from sitting and "stewing" about all of this which, since it's Winter in Michigan, is way too easy to do.
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What is the distilled water for? I know about keeping busy. I was on edge until they finally diagnosed me and I could focus on what needed to be done before and after the surgery. I'm an Orthodox Jew so I have been covering my head in public since I was married. I hate wigs. I only wore them when I had to get real fancied up or especially when going to social functions connected to my husbands job. I like the colorful scarves but usually wear cotton berets.
Peggy
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I also will be joining you. I meet with my oncologist for the 1st time on Jan 4 to figure out treatment plan. I had a lumpectomy on 12/9, nodes & margins clear, but I have the dreaded triple negative type. Ugh. My BS said with this type anything over 1 cm is automatically chemo. Mine was 1.2 cm. My 10 yo DS thinks its cool that mommy is going to lose her hair. At least if I have to do this, it's winter and I can wear lots of hats and scarves and not sweat!!
Not sure what's going to happen next except that I will beat this. No doubt in my mind.
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CharB22: I'm sorry that you're having to join us, but welcome! I'm glad to hear your margins and nodes are clear - that was my biggest concern (after the diagnosis). Even before I could open my eyes after my lumpectormy and SNB I reached over to see if my breast was still there - good sign. No drain under my arm - good sign. No port - good sign. Then I went back to sleep. I don't know much about triple negative or what the treatment plans often are - do you have any idea going in what you'll be doing?
Peggy: I've been reading some great books - Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book, and "Just Get Me Through This!" by Deborah Cohen. One of them suggested distilled water over bottled or tap water post-chemo - it is the one water that truly has no taste, apparently, so if I struggle with taste changes I'm hoping I'll be able to tolerate the distilled water.
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Hi everyone,
Had my meeting with the onc this morning and really like her!
I'm having my port placed on 11 January and then my first treatment on 12 January. I'm scheduled for 3 x FEC followed by 3 x Taxol with 12 months of concurrent Herceptin. I have an appt on 17 January with the radiologist to discuss radiotherapy after the 6 cycles of chemo...
Joined up to 2 clinical trials which makes sense since I'm a trial coordinator. I felt really bad though because the study coordinator at the hospital is the same one running my two trials there - maybe I should have thought ahead and warned her before I turned up as her new trial patient :-/
regards Jenn -
Thanks ELY for starting this board! I have been reading the Dec group who have started TX, but I feel like I want to join this group.
MOMOF3BOYS, I also start TX on the 29th. (TAC) I get my port in on the 28th. Just found out last week my group of ONC voted that I do get radiation fellowing chemo
. I did have a RMX 10/29/11.
Girls the feeling of no control, is so rough! All these people we don't even know are calling the shots!
I just wish I could stop time for a few weeks..everything happens so fast with BC. We can
hardly think anything through and your on the next step...WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS!! So
many have that's what we have to go with. We are now going to do TX together! So happy to meet all of you!! Night! -
Mary - I hear you! I look back at the last 4 months and think "How did I get here?'. I think every decision I've made since then has really been made for me. While I know that my doctors and caregivers have my best interest at heart, I am a little upset by some of the decisions I've rushed into. Due to the nature of the beast, I agreed to so many things! How could I argue with doctor recommendations with the big C breathing down my neck? Oh well, on we go.
Hopefully, as I learn more and reflect more, I will become more in charge of my treatment plan. On a positive note, both my MO and RO seem to be more willing to hear me. Both spent over an hour with DH and I, explaining pathology reports, treatment options, and SEs.
I am scheduled to meet with the nurse practitioner for "chemo education" tomorrow. I think I am going with a port. I'll try to schedule that for next week.
I went wig shopping with my DD yesterday. What an experience! The wig lady was very understanding and helpful. I didn't know where to start. A customer came in to pick up her wig and invited me into the fitting room to see how her wig looked on. What a generous gesture! Her 'cranial prothethesis' looked great! I would not have known that it was not her hair! That gave me some encouragement.
Janet
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