Starting chemo Thursday, May 31 - June Group?
Am I the first member of the June group? I have thoughts of being the only one. Not that I want anyone else to have it...
I pray I will be able to get out of bed and drive to my doctors appointments.
I have images of me laying on the bathroom floor...
Okay, on one hand I can't wait to kick cancers ass!!!!! On the other hand, I have concerns about me being able to get out of bed???
I was given a zofran prescription today, zyrtex, emend, tylenol for pain.
Is the numbing cream to put on the port before treatment?
I have ac every two weeks for 8 weeks? How do I write that the way everyone else does? So new at this? After this is taxol same regimen? Is this extra agressive treatment.
I picked out a wig though! I still have to buy it? I hope I am well enough to make it to the wig store!
Pam
Comments
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Hi! I saw my MO today. I start neoadjuvant chemo on June 1.
I know that I will have medication for nausea but I am still nervous about the possibility of feeling very ill. I am also concerned about how tired I will be.
I have ac every two weeks for 8 weeks if I can tolerate it or otherwise every three weeks for 12 weeks. Then I have taxol and herceptin weekly for 12 weeks.
I am getting a wig from American Cancer Society and I also ordered a couple hats and a couple scarves from tlc.
I am grateful for this site.
Jennifer
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pamelahope- You are more than welcome to join us on the April/May 2012 chemo hangout!!!! It doesn't matter to us when you start and we already have some who will begin their chemo in June. You will find a lot of great info and support. I am on a different chemo regimen than you but there are plenty of great gals who are on the same regimen as you. Sounds like you will be receiving dense dose of A/C every two weeks for 4 rounds and then followed by weekly round of Taxol for 12 weeks?
Port Numbing cream- EMLA cream- you apply it an hour before you go have your infusion. After applying it, you need to cover the area with a 4 inch square of Press N Seal plastic wrap so it won't get on your clothes or use the special coverings that come with your prescription. If you don't receive the EMLA cream, ask the infusion nurse to spray your port area with numbing cream.
There is a lot more info and tips to help you through your treatments. Make sure you look at the lists for helping you prepare for chemo on the Chemotherapy Forum. Just not sure how much you already know. Let me know or come visit the April/May 2012 thread and pose your questions. We will definitely help you!!!
HUGS!!!! Melrose
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Jennifer,
You sound like you have the same questions I do. How ill will we feel? How tired is the tired?
My stats are similar. I am a stage 2b or 3A. My tumor is 5cm. I am different on the hormones. Know I am going through the same treatment and have the same fears and concerns. We are not alone.
Melrose, I will definitely join your thread. Thank you for inviting me.
Hugs,
pam -
Pamelahope and Jennifersomewhere-- Please come on over and join us!!! You will definitely find the answers to some of your questions and hopefully can help you get past your initial fear of chemo. You just have to remember that chemo is your friend and helping get rid of the nasty cancer. I'll be looking for you on the thread!!!!
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Pam, yes there definately seems to be some similarities!
Melrose, ok I will join you guys over there. Thanks!
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Jennifer- GREAT!!!!! Looking forward to seeing you there soon!!!!! (((HUGS))) -- you can do this!!!
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I just met with my oncologist on Friday and found out that I will be doing AC x 4 every two weeks, then Taxotere x 4 every two weeks. Possible radiation after that, then Anti Hormonal pills for 5 years. I was told that I will start chemo around June 18th. I too have lots of questions and worries. I haven't looked out wigs yet. I think I'm in denial. All I know at this point is I will get a pic line about 48 hours before my first treatment and a ct scan. Just waiting for the day to be told "you are cancer free". I'm glad you all are here to go through this together. I have a wonderful husband and two great boys ages 12 and 10. Knowing you all are here, going through the same thing (which I am sorry for) is reassuring.
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Having faith,
I have the exact same chemo regimen starting this Thursday. I am scared, but I can't wait because I will get an opportunity to get rid of this cancer. My stats are similar to yours except I am 5cm.
I was afraid of the wig thing too. I went to the wig store and found beautiful ones. My husband says he likes them better than my real hair. I get embarrassed easily, so I am not sure I can walk out of the house wearing one. They are nice though. The lady of the wig shop has thinning hair and wears one by choice. I showed my kids the wigs and told them I am getting medicine that will make me lose my hair but it will grow back. They were fine! My seven year old even tried it on.
I can't bring myself to shave my hair yet!!! The hair is harder I think than losing my breasts. I want a masectomy.
I get my port Tuesday.
I had to go to the wig store twice. The first time I could not buy. The second time I was ready. Hopefully, when you go you will see others buying and you will feel less alone. I wish I could attach a picture from my phone here...
Pam -
Hi,
I was looking for a May/June/July chemo group. I started May 17th and will finish July 19 - TC x 4 every 3 weeks. 1 down-3 to go!
Chem itself not so bad, side effects however very long lasting and troubling. Constipation then diarrhea, foot pain and then numbness in both feet and fingertips, horrible taste in mouth, mouth sores, throat pain. ok that's enough of the cheerful stuff. So I am at day 11 and still have all my hair (expect I got a short hair cut and so that's the only hair missing now ; >)
I was not tired except from lack of sleep due to bathroom visits.
V
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Pam-Good luck this week, I will definitely be keeping you in my prayers. Are you doing chemo before your surgery? I had a double mastectomy on April 27th, my cancer was on the right side and I opted to do both. I have no regrets. This weekend my husband and I planted flowers in our back yard. He dug the holes of course and I planted them. It felt so normal. Good to feel normal. I agree that losing my breast was easier because of the cancer. I too get embarrassed
easily and I feel that wearing a wig would draw more attention. I'v been a hairstylist for 20 years now and I know that it will grow back, but I struggle with it. I ordered a cute hat on line last night. My kids are on the swim team and I plan to be sitting around the pool watching them. VVH-Hope you are feeling better! How long was your first treatment? Was there a day that was worse then the others? Stay strong we will get through this together!!!
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hi Pam, I did the treatment as you, i almost done i have 2 more more taxols to go and it's over... I too in the beginning was so scared of being sick..... I never got sick i think me losing my hair was the biggest thing for me to get over.. I experience the fatigue but like one day when i felt tired and came like day 3 after treatment with the AC. GET YOUR WIG so it could be on stand by.. my dr. told me After my second treatment i would see hair lost, I decided to cut my own hair off myself before then. I thik that would have broke me down to watch my haor just fal out.. I started wearing wigs soon as i knew i would need chemo.. I still worked during treatment and continued to be teh woman i was before all this started.. i still ate never vomited... like i said only tired on some days and on teh those rest.. listen to your body and drink plenty of water.. you will be fine... havee faith in yoursel WE ARE GOING TO BEAT THIS DUMB CANCER!!! CANCER IS NOBODY!!! F CANCER! if you think sick you will be sick.. I always prayed over my AC before we started... and most people callthe AC the red devil NOT ME I called it eh blood of jesus because it's healping us and that is what got me through.. now i am on the taxol the only difference i feel with taxol is achy legs.. that last like 3 days but it's not a constant pain.. just annoying.. but i take aleve it don;t take it alway fully but it helps.. I can get smething from the doc for it but it's not that bad.. it just feels like I over did with working out or my legs hurt cause i am getting my period?? believe me you cange through this..... hugs to you.......
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Pamelahope...this is the place to come with your questions and fears, the people here are a family!
I had six treatments of taxotere/adriamycin/cytoxan (TAC), which are pretty big guns, and I did fine. The day of the chemo was no big deal, my husband and I went out for lunch and had a normal day. The day after was no big deal as well, but toward evening of that day I could feel the "chemo fog" beginning to settle in. The third day we called "chemo Friday." I felt like I had the flu, but without the sore throat, fever, and cough. Achy and tired. I stayed home from work and languished in the recliner and watched Downton Abbey re-runs.
The next day, chemo fog was lifting and I was feeling better. With each chemo cycle, I missed two or three days of work, although I could have easily missed just "chemo Friday." The other days I gave myself as a reward for being a good girl and taking my medicine.
My most annoying side effect was constipation. I was so constipated after the first cycle I was shopping for a stick of dynamite. After that, I began preparing my body ahead of time with Miralax, Metamucil, and stool softeners.
This is probably just me, but I never had a moment of nausea. I think the anti-nausea drugs they gave me along with the chemo worked very well.
Everyone's different! I truly believe that chemo was tolerable for me because I kept active. I work full-time (at a desk) and ride bicycles at least 4 times a week. There isn't much that a bike ride in the sunshine can't fix.
Blessings to you!
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Hi Havinfaith,
my docs had me start treatment first i will be moving on to have a surgery we don't lnow which one yet??? I am setting my mind to bmx?? I have cancer in one breast on the left side.. I was wondering how was teh recovery process from your BMX??
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Oh, and about the hair thing. For me, the thought of losing my hair was worse than actually losing it. I have a very nice wig that I wore a few times, but after eight hours it tends to give me a headache. So now it spends most of its time on it's styrofoam head, not mine.
I have a large collection of hats that I wear most of the time. I think the secret to getting through the hair thing is to be comfortable, both physically and emotionally, with whatever you decide to do. For me, everyone in my office knows I'm bald, is used to seeing me in hats and occasionally just bald. They are rejoicing with me over the fuzzy baby hair that's beginning to sprout.
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havingfaith, don't be scared of the chemo... YOU HAVE TO IN WITH GUNS READY FOR WAR... lay back and relax and get the meds... IF I CAN GET THROUGH IT yopu can too.. you already did the hardest part??? this chemo stuff should be a easy.. i too had to go twice a month... i have 2 more to go... YOU CAN GET THROUGH this and you will still be able to be in garden your off week.. I promise... xoxoxoxoxox
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Darnette,
You have a great attitude!!!! I like that. I will not think of it as the red devil either!
I am ready to kick cancers ass after your message!!!!
Pam -
Thanks darnette- I took the first week off after my surgery and was back to work on day 8. Keeping my arms moving helped so much. I really didn't have any pain until the 3rd week, but it was very minimal and didn't last long. Just remember to do your stretches. A physical therapist should come by and show you some stretches to do at home. I had one drain for three weeks and that was the hardest to deal with. It was just very annoying. Oh, I put lemon juice in my water to help with the inflammation and try and speed up getting the drain out. I think it worked. You will get your drain removed when the fluid decreases to a certain amount. Everyone is different. Do you have a day set for your surgery yet?
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Pam, that is right F cancer.. and Thank you about my attitude i hve to stay postive don't get wrong i have me days when i am like damn really??? when i takethat wig off and have to look at my bald head?? lol but i quickly look at the bright sidem I am doing something about this and i a going to get rid of this stupid cancer. i know it mat sound strange but efore startedthe chemo i was excited to to start because i was ready for war when my doc gave m the list of SE i said this just sound like really bad hangover.. but by the grace of God thing worked out well and they will for you. you think sick you will be sick.. I will leave you with this if you feel tired lay you assdown because u will be lazy but that's it everyone can use a break.. xxoxoooox
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havingfaith, No they haven't sheduled me yet i know I have to have another MRI first, i know will be before my last treatmet which i scheduled June 20th. thank you I sure will do all i need to do so that i can heal faster... xxoxox
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Pam- Good luck today with getting your port. Sending positive thoughts your way
.Darnette- Thanks for the encouraging words. I'm starting to look forward to the chemo so I too can kick its' ass. Getting tired of just waiting around.
Seblizabeth-I think if I bought a wig it too will just sit on the styro head. I live in a very small town and everyone knows that I am going through this. I'm looking forward to getting a large hat collection. hahaha!
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Hi Everyone...My last TX was May 11th, I wanted to pay it forward with some encouragement and hopefully ease some anxiety. I worked nearly everyday except treatment days, I was able to go out to eat, go to the beach, watch my boyfriends sons' football games and live my life. There were some icky days, but it was manageble. You are braver than you can imagine right now. Some thoughts....
Worry and treat when you have symptoms. There are so many side effects that you MAY have, you can drive yourself nuts thinking about things that may never be a problem for you.
But..if constipation is a side effect, don't let it go more than a day or two before you begin to treat.
Losing your hair will get easier. The dread leading up to it is the worst. Consider bangs when/if you choose a wig because you may loose your eyebrows and eyelashes (sorry
). On the up side, more total strangers have complimented me on my 'hair' in the last 3 months that have on my real hair in years.Drink a ton of water, and figure out what is the best way to get it in you. If that way stops working, find another. Initially I had a plastic cup with a lid and straw. Drinking from the straw seemed to be an easy way to drink a lot without even realizing it. After a bit, it didn't work for me any more because I could taste the plastic. I moved to 32 oz flavored club sodas.
I really appreciated having a port. It will be easier on your veins and is just one less thing to worry about. The nurses will love you too for it.
Most of all seek help and support when you need it. You will be awed by the compassion and kindness that you receive.
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Hi, everyone. I am getting my port in today. I am actually getting ready to head there now. So Pam, you and I are getting our ports the same day! Sending good thoughts out to you.
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Hello everyone,
Wow, it is so encouraging to read all of your post and know there are others who are and have travelled this road. I was diagnosed on May 24 and will start my chemo June 1. I start with TCH every 3 weeks for 6 treatments and then will continue with the Herceptin. Things are moving so quickly, I won't get my port till June 21. All of the info on ways to deal with chemo are very helpful, I have a list ready to take to the store in the morning.
I do have a question which I haven't found any answers for yet. I have acrylic nails, can I continue to wear them or should I have them removed before my chemo starts? -
faithhopenluv- thanks for the encouraging words!! and congratulations for finishing!!! Where did you get your flavored club sodas? I'm already tired of water and I have't even started chemo yet.
Pam and Jennifersomewhere- Hope you two are doing well. Don't know if getting a port requires a stay in the hospital.
To All- Stay Strong, We can do this!!!!
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Having faith,
The port procedure was a breeze. Please don't anyone worry about it. I feel some discomfort but not pain. I cant mop the floors or vacuum or use the arm where the port was installed today but I imagine it will pass in a few days.
This is easy compared to my first chemo Thursday!
Pam -
The port procedure was totally fine. They gave me general anesthesia so I was asleep. I felt a little bit of pain earlier but I feel totally fine with the pain medication they gave me. I did have a bit of a sore throat earlier from the tube that was in during the procedure but no problems with that now. I also felt a little bit nauseated after I ate dinner but did not get sick and don't feel nauseated now. All in all, not a bad procedure at all! I was at the hospital for just under 6 hours for the whole thing and I am just taking it easy tonight.
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I want to add that in general I have a low tolerance for pain. I have fibromyalgia and struggle with a great deal of anxiety. So the symptoms that were minor for me would probably even more minor for someone else without my struggles.
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Hello All,
I wish to join your group as I was on the Taxotere thred but nw am a Taxotere Failure.
Don't wish to scare anyone but I think I get the prize for the most side effects. But hey no nausea or vomiting......
I got a port in May 7th and started Taxotere/Cytoxan the next day...felt great..also got Aloxi anti-nausea drug IV and Dexamethasone oral the day before and day of chemo and day after, IV Dexamethasone with chemo too. I also had a Sancuso patch ( anti-nausea) ( I have a history of intractable nausea, seasickness and motion sickness so was covering all bases.......load me up)
Next day got a Neulasta shot 25 hrs after chemo was done..started Claritin 1 hr pre-chemo and Emend x 3
Day 4 I got severe bone pains in Sacrum, hips, shoulders and sternum, Claritin (24 hr plain) and alternating Tylenol and Advil helped somewhat.....
Day 3-4 started Tinnitus....24/7, sounds like high pitched cicadas in the background.....very annoying
Late day 4 Diarrhea ( severe watery) started, lasted 9 days needed Immodium, Lomotil and double lomotil and hydration. Even after diarrhea stopped cramping persists and I take GasX with all meal now.
Day 6 started having mouth sores and swollen tongue, this progressed to stage 2 and 3 mucositis, was treated with Magic mouthwash, which doesn t last long, and finally Caphosol, which I highly recommend. Sores and mucositis lasted 15 days.....bad for 3 days. Very painful coud only drink, mostly cold things.
Day 16 developed itchy erythematous skin rash on both arms and back, this got worse everyday for 5 days and needed steroids to help. Benadryl and topicals never controled it......itch was distracting and painful
I also developed during the rash, peeling finger tips, neuropathy in 3 middle finger tips bilaterally ( this persists too)
So today the date for my second round schedule the Medical Onc has stopped the Taxotere and plans to use Adriamycin or Epirubicin unless my LVEF ( via MUGA scan) Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction is lower than 50. I will have that test Thursday afternoon and see him first thing Friday......and resume my chemo schedule a week late on next Tuesday.
At least that's the tentative plan for now.
I hope no one else follows my pattern. It is a rocky road still. Now I am armed with Oxycodone for the bone pains, Caphosol to prevent and treat mouth sores, loads of Lomotil,prebiotics, yogurt, FiberCon
I did have a history of reactions to many things pre-chem and I am one that has many allergic and adverse reactions. I am also on Atenolol and Amlodipine both which I find out now are linked with rare reactions with Taxotere.
Now this may seem scary to many but according to the sats I am a rare case.
So I anxiously await my test results and change in my treatment plan I will get 3 more chemo rounds no matter what, then Rads x 33 and Tamoxifen or an AI forever or as long as I can) and I plan on a Pan hysterctomy as soon as the Rads are over.....
Keep me in your thoughts and prayers.......I want to be a great statistic not a terrible one.
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HavingFaith - I got them at the grocery store (publix for me). They are typically on the bottom shelf and come in lime, black cherry and tangerine. They really helped me with the last set of TXs. It was also great because it was easier to measure how much I was drinking each day.
CatFromFL - I hope you do better on Adriamycin. Taxotere is in the same family as Taxol - these are know to be harder on bones and skin. For what it is worth I had the most bone pain and skin issues with the first treatment and it gradually reduced with each Taxol treatment.
Best of luck everyone, eyes on the end date - it will come!
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Pam and Jennifer- so glad your ports went well. Hey if I had to give up mopping and vacuuming I'd be happy. Take it easy today the next couple of days will be big ones.
catfromfl- welcome! so sorry for all your reactions that you have been having. I do pray that things will get better for you and the next three chemo rounds will be a breeze.
Today I will be going to our cancer center to take a 2 hour class on what to expect during the chemo. I hope I don't get brain fog today.lol
Have a Great day!!!!! Kelli
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