January 2012 chemo

Hope you got home from the walk OK Lynne ;-)



Must have been fun explaining that to the ambos...



regards Jenn

Welcome, misslondon42 - sorry you had to join us, but glad that you're here.  This is turning out to be a wonderful place of support as we get ready to, or start, our treatments.

I was supposed to start chemo on the 6th but it's been pushed back until the 19th because treatment has changed.  I'm having a port installed on the 12th and a party on the 14th for my dearest friends to "meet Portia" (yes, I've already named my port) and wear silly hats.  Someone said I'm not taking this seriously enough - really?  Sometimes, you have to laugh to keep from crying.

So gives us a heads-up the day before treatments so that we can all send love and positive energy your way!

PCBarbie: your "friend" is unbelievably inconsiderate! When I was first diagnosed and decided to have a BMX, a good friend of mine (no breast cancer, perfectly healthy) told me I was making a mistake, that "aggressive and more isn't always better". Really? I'm the only person living in my head. I tried to explain how I came to that decision, and most of my decision came from knowing myself really well (I'm 43, not 23!) and what level of stress I could take with future testing on the "healthy" breast...She did apologize several days later. It amazes me what some people say.

Okay... Here's my rundown of day 4, post first treatment of TC (Thursday the 29th):

Still no nausea, have not had to take the Zofran. Not much of an appetite though. Yesterday, had moderate pain/ achiness in my legs mostly that Tylenol was able to control. Ate 3 small meals yesterday, am able to sleep, waking up at 5 am for more Tylenol. Today I feel like I have a bit more energy. Poached eggs and toast w peanut butter for breakfast.

Hope everyone else is good!

Wow...I feel really horrible that I am selfishly relieved that I am not alone in this.  We calculated May 24th (without complications) to be the last session of Chemo..

.I do not want to be  "Barb in a Bubble"!!

I mainly thought of everyone else's feelings and concerns through out the diagnosis and the operation, with my optimistic outlook..blah blah blah...I have no more in me to give them.  I know that they want what is best for me, love me, and are scared themselves-I have awoken the fear in them that this could happen to their family or themselves...I also agree I will loose some over this and it is their loss.  Here is a tidbit...some of my women friends have a problem, my men friends have been unbelievably supportive...One was so concerned before surgery that he told me not to be vain about my decision and to just "cut them off" I didn't need them and that was not why he loved me....I so liked the simple uncomplicated way he expressed himself...it made all the crossed and squiggley lines in their my head straighten right out.

oh yeah and rads after chemo too.... Don't want to miss out on that (sarcasm)...

I guess this is the group I should be in since I will be starting Chemo this month.  I am deciding which treatment plan to take.  I was actually given 2 different plans by 2 different Oncs.  Either A/C *4 +T or T/C *4.  Tonight I will be weighing pros and cons on the SEs of each and reading a lot...I am ready to get this ball rolling.  

Hi ladies. I began my first treatment on Dec 8 and post mostly on that thread, but wanted to say hello and wish all of you just beginning all the best as you progress through your journey. These boards have been so important and supportive to me in a way that family and friends couldn't possibly understand.



PCBarbie I am always taken aback by the "did they get it all", or those that ask my stage. I don't need their diagnosis. I will only share such detail with other women who have been or are going through their own journey. Btw I'm in Passaic county too.



CJRT I'm sorry you had to stop tx for surgery but you sound like you're doing well after surgery. I hope you breeze through the remainder of your treatments. I agree with the hydration being so important. My last tx I asked for an additional bag of saline and wasn't hit as hard and fast as my first tx. Right now I'm struggling with a sore mouth and I know I'm not drinking enough. Do you mind if I ask how often you go for fluid infusions?



Hugs to all.

hotlyn what drugs are steroids?  I just got my packet of all the drugs and started reading the side effects and stopped.  They seemed worse than the SE of the chemo.  But I'm sure if I need them I'll take them.  I'm starting on the 5th.  Blech!

Peggy 

As advice for everyone, I would say - be proactive. Take the Decadron and Emend (for nausea - if they don't offer, ask for it, though apparently not all insurance covers it automatically) as directed, and if you still get nauseous, take the other medication(s) they give you. Stay hydrated. Start taking something to prevent constipation a few days before your treatment and keep using it. Use lip balm and moisterizer frequently. If your eyes feel dry, keep eye drops on hand (Refresh and Genteal are pretty good from what I've seen). If you feel sick or tired, don't push it. Your body needs rest. Take a nap or just take time off from work or whatever you're doing. Look into enzyme mouthwashes/toothpastes and start using them before your mouth starts weirding out. I've also been taking a tbsp of olive oil twice a day, and so far, on Day 21, I haven't yet lost my taste.

Everyone's different (sorry to use that hackneyed phrase), but when it comes to SE, no matter how much you read about everyone else, you never know what's going to come up behind you and knock you for a loop. When you see your onc, make sure they go over possible SEs and which ones you should call about. And in general, if you have anything unusual come up, definintely call and report it.

Wishing everyone minimal SEs as we head into January. 

I'm not sure - a friend who went through chemo and rads said her doctor had a theory and she tried it. She did lose her taste eventually, but it came back pretty quickly. I think it helps keep your mouth from drying out too much, and if nothing else, it's supposed to be good for your digestive track to keep things moving (another plus for those of us in chemo).

I started using Biotene from day 1, but since my mouth seems okay I've backed off a bit. There's also a Biotene toothpaste that I got. 

Welcome, Colorado. And good luck. As a heads up, the port can be pretty uncomfortable at first, so keep plenty of Tylenol (or stronger) around. But it does get better, and it makes your infusions a snap.

You should be okay - but plan to take some Tylenol and deal with some discomfort. If you have to drive, I'd suggest a little pillow or something else to put between you and the seatbelt (if you have to take Percocet or something else that strong, then you really shouldn't be driving). One of the worst parts for me was sitting up and laying down - the things you never realize your chest muscles help with! Good luck.

Happy New Year Ladies.   I have not posted to the site very much other than after my diagnosis.  Since that time I have had the bilateral mastectomy with positive lymph nodes.   I admit to a few pity parties but mostly have stayed positive and it has worked for me.  I met with both local and Mayo Clinic oncologist and recommendation was the same- 4 A/C treatments, followed by 12 wks of Taxol, 32 radiation treatments and 5 years of hormone therapy.  Sounded daunting but I am happy to report, I have successfully completed the first two A/C treatments (second last Thursday). While I can't say I felt like running a marathon,  I did just fine and was able to have a wonderful holiday with my children and grandchildren, (including shooting hoops with my grandson). I have been paying a lot of attention to eating well, lots of organic veggies, hormone free meats, lots and lots of water, exercising, and yes napping too.  But to those worried about life during chemo, I have been working full time and while a little tired- all ok.  So please do not be afraid of what may be the best course of action for your potential cure.  For me, it's just one more chapter.  Take control (and yes, I did have to shave my own head last week) , stay positive, stay strong and you can do it!