January 2012 chemo
Comments
-
DianeNMil ~ I'm so sorry about your first chemo experience. I'm going to bump up a couple of threads that have great tips on preparing for chemo. It isn't chemo school but these tips do help harness some of the anxiety we all feel when starting chemo. Sometimes feeling prepared is a great anxiety reducer all by itself. Best of luck to you on this journey.
Nico
-
Hi Cat- I saw able to find info on this website under treatments, chemo, then research. I also found info by putting 12 Taxol vs 4 Taxol into google. If you have more questions after reading up on it, then definitely ask your MO.
-
PCBarbie66 - you say you are port free- do you have a PICC line?
i don't want a port-i'm a weinie
-
Nico - Thanks. Yeah, the fear of the unknown packs quite a punch!
Lumpynme - I guess I'm a weinie too. I don't really want a port. Nurse said it is not a given at this point so we decided to just take it week by week and see how it goes. No PICC line (don't honestly even know what that is)
-
Another bump in the road for me. I arrived for my second infusion this morning. I mentioned to the nurse that I had a slight swelling of my hand at the base of the thumb. Diagnosis mild lymphoedema. They decided to put off my infusion for a week in case I had a lurking infection. (after 4 days last week of IV antibiotics I don't know how I could have any germs left in my body). I have to go to P T on Sunday and have a prescription for antibiotics in case I get a fever.
The bright spot is that I feel quite good .
Peggy
-
DianeinMil - So sorry to hear about your awful first experience, but am glad you stood up for yourself and found a nurse who could give you the attention and compassion you deserve.
Today was my first AC treatment. I must say that I am blessed with doctors and nurses who are so kind and compassionate. When I fell apart pre-port-access, my nurse stopped, hugged me, then said, "When I was going through BC treatment..." and I knew she understood everything. Turns out my clinicial trials director was in the room, too, and she talked about her BC experience. It changed so much of my fear to empowerment, and I felt ready to tackle whatever lie ahead!
I didn't use the Emla, and accessing the port was truly almost painless. I was shocked. They were able to take 9 vials of blood before treatment began, and then off to the infusion room we went. Everyone has a small area that can be closed off with curtains, but isn't really "private." In some ways that was kind of nice; the woman sitting next to me was on her first Taxol treatment so they were explaining the side effects and what would be different from her previous AC treatments, and she didn't have one iota of reaction to the Taxol. There was an older gentleman and his wife across from us; she struck up a conversation with my husband while I cried in my chair (they finally gave me a low dose of Ativan) and I knew she was hurting, too. I like the cancer center we have here in Jackson.
The red syringe is so weird and wicked looking, but except for some pink pee it was uneventful. Same with the Cytoxan. Then we're done, we're home, and Ken's out running errands, when the first wave of diarrhea hit. Waited until it happened again, then took an Immodium. Was hoping for a SE-free day, but I guess not. Tummy hurts, so I'm going to lay down and take a nap. I was incredibly hungry earlier; now I can't even think about food.
Drinking lots of water and ginger ale. Neulasta shot tomorrow - got my Claritin ready to go!
And when I wake up I'll finish that treatment list post - you ladies are awesome and it's so wonderful to be part of this community!!
-
Janetanned: I have a question. You stated your husband gives you the Neulasta shot. WAs there any trouble arranging for that with your insurance provider? My MO office just told me that wasn't an option for me. (My daughter gives me a monthly Vit. B12 shot so she could do it for me.) They said insurance might not cover it then. They also told me that the shot cost several thousand dollars. OMG, I am freaking out and in tears. Is anyone else stressed out over the cost?
I had the LMX on 12/27, have never felt sick from the cancer. There is just the teeniest tiny part of me that says skip the chemo, live my life and see what happens. But that scares me to death too. Even though I'm older (age 69), I don't want to get worse and give myself a death sentence. But the financial strain is killing me in its own way.
Sorry, I just needed to vent. .
-
Is anyone else dreading their next treatment. I got up, had a TE fill at PS, then had physical therapy, went out for a yummy lunch with my mom, a little shopping for my kiddos, then a great visit with my friend and her 2 year old twins. I feel normal (except for the really bad TE pain). Then I cried for about 20 minutes. I just DO NOT want to do this again, let alone 3 more times. I thought I would be better the 2nd time around but now I know what's about to happen on Monday. I am going to really enjoy this weekend but I didn't know if anyone felt this kind of dread going into their next treatment.
I'm probably just feeling sorry for myself cause I had such a nice day..... Sometimes it's just really hard to "be in the moment"...
-
Karen: I'm so sorry you're having a rough go with the expenses. I freaked out when the bills started rolling in, to the point of telling my husband that I would not do treatment, period. We argued alot for a couple of days. I called the insurance company prepared to bitch, but they were actually very nice and kind and considerate. Turns out I had met my yearly deductible and out-of-pocket expenses in just the first three weeks of surgery'treatments, so all I have to pay now is my office visit copay, and for prescriptions. Someone in my MO's office talked with me about this, too, so I wouldn't be shocked. Have you had a chance to do that yet? We found it very helpful. If you are having trouble paying for your treatment, let them know that. Now is not the time to be stressed, and they don't want you to be stressed and will do what they can to help you.
Good luck, hon. *hug*
-
HI Dani - I feel so bad for you. What an absolutely horrendous thing for you and your son to witness and be involved in and on your first day too, it just couldn't have been worse for you.
I'm glad though that you had a kind nurse with you to hold your hand.
I am having my first chemo in a couple of hours.
All the best
Kate
-
Oh Diane - What a day you had! I'm so sorry! I would have been tempted to go back home and crawl under the covers! Even with chemo education I was very nervous and emotional the first time, with many questions and concerns. My mo met with me first to answer questions and examine me. Then the np walked me over to the infusion suite and handed me off to an infusion nurse who pretty much stayed with me for most of the treatment. Each infusion chair is in a private room with a view of the city, wifi service, and a TV. At the very least, someone should have met with you first. Hopefully your next treatment will be less stressful.
-
FLDREAMER - I really didn't have to deal with my insurance co at all. My MO's office took care of everything. I have pretty good insurance and I work for HUP, the hospital where I am receiving treatment. Since I have chemo on Fri, there is no one available at MO's office to give me the shot on Sat. If I was still out on medical leave, my insurance would have paid for a visiting nurse to come give me the shot. Unfortunately, I went back to work, so I have to do it myself or have husband do it. The nuelasta is delivered by fedex overnight right to my home. It comes packed on ice. Very weird! And yes, it is very expensive! My MO said it was $15,000 per shot but I think she had that wrong. I've seen it priced at $7,000 per shot. I paid $30 for a month's supply (two injections).
11/10/11 BMX/DIEP reconstruction, 1/6/12- 4 AC DD followed by 4Taxol DD, followed by 33 rads, 5yrs hormone blocker
Diagnosis: 10/11/2011, ILC, <1cm, Stage IIIa, 4/30 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- -
Tomorrow is my second of 4 AC treatments. I have a bunch of questions for my NP. Now that I have an idea of what to expect, I'm going prepared! I've also decided to go alone too. I hate to have my husband miss so much work. His work is piling up and he has been bringing stuff home to complete on the weekends. I know I'll need him for the taxol treatments since they come with benadryl which puts me right to sleep.
How did everything go Kate? Hopefully, you are resting with minimal SEs!
Nancy - I found that it actualy felt better if I ate a little even if not hungry. Keeping something bland in my stomach really helped keep the nausea away. For whatever reason, hamburger tasted best! I usually don't like hamburger, but that's all I ate for dinner last week. Soup was also good.
-
Momo2 - I am feeling exactly the same. I have a ton of anxiety over round two on Monday. I need to get back to my positive attitude but frankly I am sick of always trying to be "up" all of the time. I just want to say to the next person who says "well you only have four treatments" if you truly think it is "only" four treatments why don't you go ahead and take them for me and I will go on living your safe little comfortable life. Wow I feel better just typing that.
Diane - so sorry about your awful day. Hang in there.
-
NancyHB-the nausea and loss of appetite was bad after my first treatment. Oh and food cooking odors, I couldn't handle it. The anti-nausea med they gave me is Zofran (generic version). It didn't seem to touch it. When I went back a week later for blood work I told my nurse how rotten I had been feeling. She was aggravated that I hadn't called sooner. She and the NP on duty suggested Ativan as a nausea remedy. I thought, no way this is gonna help. At any rate, I got home, took the Ativan and within 30 minutes I felt better and could stand the smell and taste of food. I have felt human since the addition of Ativan. Give it a try if you need to. I also have an appointment for acupuncture tomorrow. Maybe that will help as well.
I will do anything to alleviate the nausea from last treatment! All the best to you.
Angie -
Treatment plan ACx4 every two weeks, taxol x4 every two weeks, radiation days x33, herceptin every three weeks for a year.OncotypeDX 35. BRCA negative : ) lumpectomy was 11/18/11. The rest is in my signature.
-
ely - thanks for the info on the research. I found some of them and will definitely talk with my MO on Monday during my first AC treatment. It looks particularly promising in triple-neg patients like me and I like the fact of less SE. I would rather have fewer SE and better prognosis even though it would mean a few more weeks of treatments. What is a few more weeks of treatment versus the rest of my life??
-
DianeNMil - I am so, so sorry your first treatment day was so lousy on all counts. That's so sad about the dog, and how you had to deal with it. And it's such a shame your initial experience with chemo. I'm glad at least your nurse turned out to be so good. But we're always here when you need to vent. You're allowed!
PCBarbie - Hope the treatment went well.
Kitchenella - I hope the LE clears up soon. That's the last thing you need. I hope you're able to get your next tx soon.
NancyHB - That's good that your first tx went so smoothly. I love my center too - so many have done such a great job at making the whole process easy and, well, relaxing. Just keep hydrating and stay ahead of the SEs by taking the meds as soon as you suspect you need them.
Momof2 - Hang in there. Look at it this way - you know what to expect. You can be ready, and maybe you might be able to head a few off at the pass by taking or asking for more meds. And of course you're more than welcome to vent. None of us "should" have to put up with any of this.
AussieKate - Hope it went well!
Janetanned - Good luck with your treatment. I've heard of a lot of women who go on their own. Is there anyone else you might be able to bring with you? I've been fine so far, but my second one I did feel sluggish. Maybe it was just the benadryl.
I'm doing okay, other than my knee giving out during zumba. I was so annoyed - there I was, feeling great, and feeling a bit cocky because there I was, chemo girl, dancing away, and my knee just collapsed. It's an existing issue - it first gave out on my about 5 years ago while fencing, and it's never gotten back to 100%. I was so looking forward to getting back to zumba to get back in shape, but I guess the type of movements just aren't good for my knee. I suppose after I get my foobs, the knee is the next in line for replacement...
Have a quiet, SE-free weekend, everyone!
-
Well today was get rid if the "dead head" day. my hair gave up the ghost this week, started coming out pretty heavy Last night, I kept waking up thinking I had a spider on my face. It was coming out on the pillow, then would get on my face. Decided to buzz to keep from slapping myself all night to kill the "spiders" on my face. It was not too bad, there is a shop called In The Pink one stop shop all your cancer needs. Wigs to prosthesics they have a stylist that fits the wig, trims, styles and gives you a buzz cut, all for no charge. They are great. Did not flip me out, I wasn't sure bout that. I dread losing my eye brows and lashes. I can handle being sick, but I will hate looking sick. No eye make up and I look sick even when healthy. Silly huh. Oh well on the bright side all my taste is back let the feasting begin, look out chickens of the world I am going to fry you:) oh yeah my tx is taxotere and cytoxan (TC) X4 followed by rad 5 weeks 5days week. They are retesting my tumor my MO thinks I should be classified as triple neg, might chg tx if it is.
-
Just a ray of hope - I'm 37 days into tx (2 tx's down) and my eyelashes and eyebrows are still there - and don't show any of the signs of coming out. But my eyelids always turn this odd pink/purplish color, so something's going on....
-
Kate - just got home from work. Was thinking of you... Hope it went OK and you aren't too traumatised. I know for me the emotional toll was actually worse than the physical toll.
Hugs from Jenn -
Deb - Spiders on the face are not good! What a terrible feeling! I've been getting hair in my mouth, which annoys the heck out of me. I think my hair will be history this weekend. I'll need a day or two to get used to it before work on monday. My wig store has a local stylist who will take care of women going thru treatment. She volunteers her time to style wigs and cut hair. Very nice! However, hubby will be doing mine. He is our in-house barber. He cuts his own hair and always did our boys until they became too cool to have dad shave their heads. This ought to be interesting!
Rachel - You inspire me! Not only are you back to performing, but you work out too! I barely make it up a flight of stairs without complaint. I blame it on the cancer. I guess that doesn't fly anymore. Ha ha! I better start walking every day! Just my luck, they are predicting snow tomorrow. Guess I'll have to wait until it clears up. I'm really good at avoiding this whole exercise thing.
-
NCBeachgal - I didn't get much relief from the zofran either. Also, a se of zofran is headache, so I tried to avoid using it since I was having headaches. I will be more likely to go straight to the heavy hitters this time around. Hopefully, won't be needing them much now that I have a better understanding of how and when to begin treating SEs. I think I was too conservative first time around.
-
DianeNMil Sorry about the day you had. My infusion center wasn't overly private but I did have a nurse who was very nice and we did sit in an area that was for only 3 patients and then attached to it was a private room if you wanted to use it. I was also by a window and a tv so it was light and the tv passed the time.
I went to work yesterday and it wasn't too bad but I was quite tired by the time I got home. Last night I had to go out as my daughter was called for a dance audition. Luckyily her skate practice was cancelled for tonight so I will be able to just come home and rest later.
Rachel - I can't even imagine having the energy now to Zumba so good for you. I have some walking tapesby Leslie Sasonne that I have used int he past that maybe I will try over the weekend.
Hope everyone has a good Friday
-
I've been working on this list for a couple of days and thought I'd just go ahead and post it. Off for my Neulasta shot shortly, then hopefully the gym and grocery store. Besides being exhausted last night (and a short round of diarrhea) I've been feeling pretty good. I know, it's only day 2, give it some time right? I've got homework for later, so I need to tackle that (maybe from bed!)
I apologize if I left anyone off the list, or if anything is incorrect - please just let me know and I'll edit and repost. I know, in reading this, I learned so much about what we're all going through, and it helped me feel so "not alone" in so many ways. Thank you!
Blessings to you all - we're still all here!!
Nancy
-
Regimens:
AC = Adriamycin (doxorubicin) / Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)
FEC = Fluorouracil (5FU) / Ellence (epirubicin) / Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)
TC = Taxotere (docetaxel) / Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)
TCH = Taxotere (docetaxel) / Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) -OR- Carboplatin ( / Herceptin (trastuzumab)
T = Taxol (paclitaxel)
H = Herceptin (trastuzumab)
dd = dose dense (tx given at a higher dose more frequently)
rads = Radiation treatment following completion of chemoAussieKate: 1/20/12, 4 x FEC, Herceptin, rads (G3, ER+/PR+, HER2+)
Bapen: 1/11/12, 4 x TC, Oncotype 22
CatWhispurrer: 1/23/12, dd 4 x AC, dd 4 x T, rads (S1, G3, ER-/PR-, HER2-)
CharB22: 4 x AC, 4 x T, 35 rads (S1, G3, ER-/PR-, HER2-)
CJRT: 6 x TC(Carboplatin)H, Herceptin every 3 wks for a year (S2, G2, ER+/PR+, HER2+)
CMS2011: 12/30/11, 4 x AC, 12 x T
Deb267: 4 x TC, followed by 5 wks radiation (ER+/PR+[weak], HER2-)
DianeNMil: 1/18/12, 12 x T, Herceptin x 40 (S1, G2, ER+/PR+, HER2+)
ely: 1/10/12, 4 x AC, 12 x T (S3a, ER+/PR+, HER2-)
FLDREAMER: 1/30/12, dd 4 x AC, 12 x T (S2a, G3, ER-/PR-, HER2-)
Gayle56: 11/8/11, 4 x TC, rads (S1a, G3, ER+/PR+, HER2-)
grateful33: 1/8/12, 4 x AC, 4 x T (S2, G2, ER+/PR+, HER2+)
hotlyn: 12/29/11: (S3a, G3, ER-/PR-, HER2-)
jampus: 1/12/12, TC (S2a, G2, ER+/PR+, HER2-)
Janetanned: 1/6/12, dd 4 x AC, dd 4 x T, rads (S3a, ER+/PR+, HER2-)
Jennt28: 1/12/12, 3 x FEC, 12 x T, 12 mo. Herceptin, rads (S2a, G3, ER+PR+, HER2+)
JoyceNYC: 1/6/12, 6 x TC, followed by removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes (S1, G3, ER-/PR-, HER2-)
Judy67: 6 x TCH, Herceptin every 3 wks for a year, no rads (S1, G2, ER+/PR+, HER2+) Onctoype 43
kblack: 1/12/12, dd 4 x AC, dd 4 x Taxol plus Herceptin for a year (S2 G3 ER+/PR+, HER2+)
Kelloggs: 12/8/11, 6 x TCH, one year Herceptin, rads (G2, ER+/PR+, HER2+)
Kenyohunt1: 12/31/11, 6 x TCH, 11 x Herceptin, rads (S4, G3, mets, ER-/PR-, HER2+)
Kitchenella: 1/5/12, dd AC x 4, 12 x TH, Herceptin for a year, rads (S2a, G3, ER+/PR+, HER2+)
Kite: 1/11/12, 6 x TCH, Herceptin every 3 wks for a year, no rads (S1, G3, ER-/PR-, HER2-)
maryhope: 12/29/11, TAC (S2a, G2, ER+/PR-, HER2-)
Misslondon42: 1/9/12, 4 x TC (S1b, G3, ER+/PR-, HER2+)
Momof2inME: 1/9/12, dd 4 x AC, 12 x T, one year Herceptin, rads (S3a, G2, ER+/PR+, HER2+)
Momof3boys: 12/29/11, 4 x TC, rads (S2a, G2, ER+/PR+, HER2-) Oncotype 16
Moonflwr912: 1/26/12, 6 x TC, 18 x Herceptin, Herceptin for a year (S1, ER+/PR+, HER2+)
NancyHB: 1/19/12, dd 4 x AC, dd 6 x T, 30 rads (S1, G2, ER+/PR-, HER2-) Oncotype 42
NCbeachgal: dd 4 x AC, dd T x 4, Herceptin every 3 wks for a year, rads (S1a, ER+/PR+, HER2+), Onctoype 35
PCBarbie: 1/5/12, dd 4 x AC, 12 x T (S2, G1, ER+/PR+, HER2-) Oncotype 19
Rachelvk: 12/13/11, 6 x ACT (S1, G3, ER-/PR-, HER2-)
Shell-Seeker: 1/16/12, 4 x AC, 4 x T (ER-/PR-, HER2+++)
tkeller: 4 x TC (S2b, G3, ER+/PR+, HER2-) Oncotype 38
Waitress169: 1/5/12, 4 x AC, 12 x TH, 12 x H
-
For all of you losing hair now.....I just finished tx #3 yesterday. The hair started about 14 days after first treatment and I hung on to it for about a week after that. Interestingly I have read on other threads that alot of women never lose the eyebrowns and lashes and if they do it's not til treatment is over...go figure!
-
Kate: Was thinking about you earlier, hope all is going well for you. I'll keep sending positive and happy thoughts your way for an uneventful treatment, and plenty of rest after. *hugs*
Nancy
-
Well, the hair started to come out full force so I took the shaver to it this AM -- I look like an army commando! I had planned to pick up my wig yesterday but got laid up with vomiting and diarrhea. Since it was day 14, I was surprised -- the anzemet shut off the vomiting after a couple of hours but the diarrhea lasted into the night. Needless to say, I'm exhausted this morning.
-
Nancy- thanks for doing the list. It does help to easily see what treatments everyone is having and to feel so "not alone". If you could up date mine as my treatment changed from 4 x T to now 12 x T.
Thanks again and happy Friday everyone!
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team