April/May 2012 Chemo hang out

Klepine, Ive got the same coctail/dose as you. I get my port Monday when they do the re-excision. I'll start the chemo as soon as Im healed. She was thinking May.

I was concerned about all the weddings I have in May and June. My oncologist told me that we can start on Mondays. I should be ok for Saturdsy. She said if Friday rolls around and Im feeling bad to call her and she will bring me in and give me some fluids to pep me up.

Starting chemo Thursday, 2 hours of AC (I believe that's what it's called). I just found out my breast cancer was HER+. They gave me so much info that most of it just went in one ear and out the other.

Sandik,

Thanks. I am very nervous.  Wish I knew what the side effects were going to be and when they will hit.

I purchased a couple of scarves this weekend just to be prepared.  Tried wigs but I don't think that is what I will be doing.  My hair is already short so I think I will be doing scarves for baseball caps.

Do you know when you will be starting? 

Guess I need to join this group.  Getting the
MUGGA scan tomorrow, visit BS on Thursday for follow up and to schedule the port placement. Visit the MO on the 12th to plan chemo.  Ready to get this over with, so anxious to get started. I do children's ministry and I have a wonderful team of volunteers who can handle my duties while I am out. MO wants me to not have contact with my  church kids during chemo.  This has been the hardest part, but I can still do the planning and with the great team I have, they will be fine. I planned everything for them through the first of May before I had surgery on  March 12, but now, it's back to do more planning and preparation.  I am thankful that I have the job I have, they tell me to take care of myself and not worry about working. I am blessed!!. I REALLY appreciate all the insight given on this sight-  It was very helpful at my first MO visit-  He said I was very educated!! Keep it coming!!

Mt 4 ever, I'm getting my port tomorrow and starting chemo friday, one of the ladies on this site suggested asking the Dr. For a numbing cream for my port, my Dr had no prob writing the script. Just a suggestion.

Can't believe how many people are starting their first treatment this week.  I had echo today, labs and mo tomorrow and then chemo on Wednesday.  Learned a lot at new pt orientation today but knew a lot too because of this great group of people.

Going out tomorrow to get the chemo 'supplies' they spoke of today.  They gave me a card to put in my wallet in case I go to the ER - that makes it all hit home.

I am A/C X 4 and then Taxol X 4 to follow.  Learned today that A/C takes about 2 hours but the Taxol will take 6-7 to infuse.

Still can't get anyone to make a decision on whether I can keep my gel nails or not.  They will be so brittle if I take them off so I hope MO will tell me I can just grow them out.  Does anyone know?

Again, good wishes for all on for chemo track this week and also to those of you going back to surgery.  Have been there and it really is easier the second time.

I'm stage 2a, grade 3, no nodes +,+,-.  trying to figure out which chemo I might get?

Isharvey - my oncotype as 19 and they still wanted me to do chemo because my tumor was 2.3 cm and my KI67 was 64%.  The oncotype model said my recurrence would be 12% without chemo and 6% with chemo so I'm going for it.  I couldn't stand it if there was a recurrence and I hadn't done everything I could have at the time.

Here we go - I start on 4/20.  MUGA and PET scans first - the MUGA is scheduled for 4/13. I wasn't really surprised that they want to do a PET scan but the idea why is scary.  Oh well....

My consult appointment took 2 hours today and while the oncology staff made it as pleasant/doable an experience as they possibly could, I have to tell you - without all of my BCO sisters sharing their experiences, I'd probably be a total and complete wreck right now. 

I cried a few times during the appointment because I'd just assumed it wouldn't start until maybe early May (since the post-surgical healing phase is about 6 weeks, and my surgery was on 3/21).  The onc explained that they want to start hitting the cancer cells while they are busy healing themselves so that's why so soon.  That makes sense.  Just that this whole entire process has moved ahead so unbelievably fast.  I know that's good - the cancer has got to go - but sometimes I feel like I want someone to stop the train just a minute! 

Anyway:  so for me, I will have 4 infusions of adriamycin (I like Red Warrior - whoever came up with that!) plus Cytoxan, followed by 4 infusions of Taxotere.  No port to start with - they said they thought my veins in my right hand look good enough.  If after treatment #1, I decide I want a port, then they'll go ahead and do one.

They showed me the infusion "lounge" also - it has a breathtaking view of downtown Denver (if I feel like looking out the window), and woohoo! they have WiFi!  

So now my to-do list is:

Get acrylic nails removed (oh, well - I was past due for a rebase anyway).

Go wig shopping - I've been told by a coworker who had her own bout with BC that the best place to get wigs is actually a store that caters both to cancer victims and to female impersonators (I kid you not!)  I actually have been there before - I treated myself to a pinup photo shoot for my 50th birthday, and the photographer sent me there to buy false eyelashes and some other accessories.  

Read the huge pile of info they gave me today.  (Ha, ha, you can see that is not #1 on my list).

So hello to everyone I've been messaging since February, and everyone else - if we have to do this, at least we are in great company.  

Indigo,

Do awesome that youare doing a pinup shoot! We do a lot of these as well as boudoir shoots. They are so empowering. Make sure you splurge for the full thing...hair and makeup. If you need any tips on what to bring or whatever, shoot me a message!

Klepine, i'll be watching you closely. That sounds creepy! Haha we have the same rx.

My re-excision went well. It seriously does not hurt at all. The port is sore, but neither hurt.

Sandik-- Yay!!!!  Glad you are out of your surgery!!!!  Happy healing!!!!

SandiK,



Glad your surgery done. I was really glad we did second surgery. No cancer found in tissue they removed. CT & Bone scan showed no signs it has spread.



Have a bit of taste bud change too. Has a bit of after taste. Going to try second nausea drug to see if that one works. Have to wait an hour before i can take.



have to go back tomorrow for shot to boost immune system. Let me know when your first treatment will be.



Kim

I have 6 TCH neo adjunct treatments starting tomorrow. Chose to not get a port.  I have my bag ready they have wi-fi,  taking my laptop, journal, a couple movies. I was told 4-5 hours. Then Weds. a shot to boost white blood cells.