Starting chemo Thursday, May 31 - June Group?

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  • ElleBee
    ElleBee Member Posts: 162
    edited June 2012

    Hello ladies!

    I am in the same boat with you all. I am starting chemo tomorrow (Monday June  4th).

    My oncologist is doing taxol/herceptin weekly for 12 weeks, followed by 4 rounds of AC (I think) over 8 weeks. I will miss my third dose because I will be on vacation. Curious how he will handle that in terms of dosing. Wondering if I will get dosed harder when I return, or just add a week? We shall see. 

    I am sort of looking forward to beginning the chemo. That might sound odd, but I think my anxiety will be alleviated a lot knowing that I am finally FIGHTING cancer. And I am also sort of looking forward to 5 hours of alone time with my husband. We havn't had a date in ages. 

    Pam: I just realized there is a sushi restaurant down the street from my chemo office. It is one of my favorite things to eat! I've been told to not eat anything you love while on chemo, but I don't think I will be able to resist sushi!

    Good luck everyone! 

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  • ElleBee
    ElleBee Member Posts: 162
    edited June 2012

    Oh, one more thing. I decided that since I have long hair, I am going to donate it next week to Locks of Love. I don't want to waste my long hair by letting it fall out slowly over time. If I can help someone else, then I will feel better about losing it. 

    So I am researching short hairstyles. And that has been a fun diversion.  

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  • ElleBee
    ElleBee Member Posts: 162
    edited June 2012

    Hey ladies, I might have a useful link for you. My sister in law found this website for me. 

    www.caringbridge.org

    You can create a webpage where you can invite your friends and family to read updates that you or a family member write regarding your journey. I have at times felt overwhelmed with trying to get my friends the information they want. There are just too many of them! This is a private, easy way to get information out to them.

    The only drawback is that I had to change my FB setting to distinguish between close friends and aquaintances so that I could invite people using FB. I didn't want it going out to my entire friends list...so that took a while, and now I get tons of notifications from everything my close friends do. But that's all I have found so far.

    Hope it's useful for you 

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  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited June 2012

    Ellebee, You have me laughing about finally getting alone time with your husband. After my PET scan, I said to my husband, this is a strange way to get a date. We hadn't had lunch together in ages. It was sort of nice.

    I think, if you miss a chemo, it gets tacked on to the end. I don't think you get double dosed.

    I was so anxious to start chemo too. I am glad I did. I keep feeling the lump to see if it is softer.

    I will be thinking of you Monday! Good luck.

    I had sushi yesterday and cant look at it today! I better start liking it again!

    Pam







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  • jennifersomewhere
    jennifersomewhere Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2012

    I have been feeling kind of discouraged because I keep hearing that with the nausea meds that I shouldn't be experiencing nausea even though I am. I started chemo on Friday and it's been up and down these couple of days, with Friday night being the worst. I did call in to the on call doctor this morning and got a couple of different meds ordered to add to what I was already taking. My husband went and got them for me and I took them right away. I think it MIGHT be doing the trick now. Don't want to jinx it lol. But at this exact moment I am feeling pretty good. I can't eat much, though.

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  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited June 2012

    Jennifer,

    I am sorry about the continued nausea. I hope the new medication works. I am finding the nausea fluctuates. This am I never wanted to see food again. I was just able to eat lunch and dessert.

    Hang in there. I am going through it with you. Typing from my bed! Pam

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  • jennifersomewhere
    jennifersomewhere Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2012

    Pam,

    Thank you! I am feeling pretty good today. I think the added meds yesterday finally did the trick. I hope that you are feeling well today also. Yes, we are all in this together. Hope you have a great day. :)

    Everyone,

    Thanks for the support! I am not glad that any of us have to go through this, but since we do, I am glad we have each other. Hope everyone has a great day. :)

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  • havingfaith
    havingfaith Member Posts: 93
    edited June 2012

    Goodmorning to all- Yesterday was a long day for me.  I went to the hospital which is a 30 minute drive from where I live to get a picc line put in.  It took a little while, but not as long as surgery for a port.  Then they took an xray to make sure it's in the right place.  While I was laying there waiting my BS happen to be walking down the hall way and noticed me.  He asked what I was doing here.  EmbarassedI was embarrassed because he was saying that he would of put the port in.  I just didn't want to go through another surgery.

    Pam- how are you doing? Yes, Ive been told that you count the day of your chemo and then the third day is the hardest.  Did it work that way for you?  Glad to hear you weren't on the bathroom floor.lol

    VVH-  Sorry to hear about your short haircut to soon.  I understand how that would feel.  Don't worry to much, sometimes it takes people a while before they even notice or remember that you had a haircut.  Believe me I'm a hairstylist.

    Marcia- We are going down the same road this year.  I too have been thinking about what I was doing last year.  Do you know the names of your chemo that they will be giving you?  I'll I keep thinking about is how we will all be healthier and stronger next year!!! 

    Mom24boyzs- I love your positive thinking!! How are you feeling today?

    Jennifer- How are you doing? Hope your weekend was good!

    Darnette- Wednesday is coming fast.  What number treatment will this be for you?

    Hugs to All

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  • havingfaith
    havingfaith Member Posts: 93
    edited June 2012

    oh Ellebee- I just saw your post.  Good luck today!  I will be praying for you.  I think that is great to donate your hair to locks of love. 

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  • mom24boyzs
    mom24boyzs Member Posts: 53
    edited June 2012

    Hello Ladies,

    Today I'm feeling pretty tired. I had nausea last night, but just a little. What I was wondering is today I really feel out of breath. Like just walking across the room makes me out of breath. Is it because i'm so tired or do you think it could be another issue? Hope everyone else is doing well today!

    Blessings

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  • Marcia1111
    Marcia1111 Member Posts: 368
    edited June 2012

    havingfaith, I think we are having the same chemo meds.  Mine will be 16 weeks, every other week.  What is a picc line?  I just came back from having a pre-op appt. for my port tomorrow and am feeling very down.  I guess it's really hitting me.  I hate that I have to have another surgery:(

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  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited June 2012

    Just checking in...today was better. For Thursday infusion Saturday and Sunday are the killers. I walked to the pizza store today fifteen minutes away and almost fainted. Not a good idea at lunchtime in Florida!

    Mom24boys, I felt out of breath today on my walk. Are you better now?

    Marcia and having faith, I have the same regimen.

    Everyone else, hang in there. Pam

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  • ElleBee
    ElleBee Member Posts: 162
    edited June 2012

    Well, chemo has begun! The benadryl has made me SUPER drowsy, and I have a headache, and maybe some crankiness which I attribute to the steroids, but so far that's it. I had to take steroids once before for an allergic reaction to pool chemicals. I was cranky then too. Oh, and I am just so THIRSTY.

    Other than that, I am pretty good. I hope that the Benadryl wears off because i hate this cloudy feeling in my head. But if that's the worst of it, I count myself lucky.

    I am doing weekly, lower doses of Taxol and Herceptin. I am told I can expect fewer side effects this way. Fingers crossed. My lovely trip with AC will begin in a few months. 

    Hang in there ladies! I feel bad that I have not written much to each of you as individuals. I will tomorrow when my head clears. All my best-

    ElleBee 

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  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited June 2012

    Ellebee,

    I am glad your first infusion is over and done with. I too would not like the cloudy, drowsy feeling. They say drinking water helps so it is good you are thirsty. My thoughts are with you! Pam

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  • havingfaith
    havingfaith Member Posts: 93
    edited June 2012

    Marcia-A picc stands for peripherally inserted central catheter.  Its placed in the upper arm.  I did not want to do another surgery so I went with this instead. Its inserted kind of like an IV.  Mine was placed in by a nurse.  Both have their pros and cons. Good luck with your chose.

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  • mom24boyzs
    mom24boyzs Member Posts: 53
    edited June 2012

    Good morning ladies!

    ElleBee how are you feeling today? Hoping the second day is better for you.



    Pamelahope, how are you doing? I'm amazed that you are out and about. I know walking is good for you , but I can't seem to motivate myself to do it. Not that I could motivate myself before being diagnosed ;-)



    I wasn't feeling the best yesterday, but today I seem to be feeling almost normal. I had been experiencing some heart burn(weird, huh) but it seems to be gone now. Trying to stay on top of the nausea with the meds. Hope you all have a great day,

    Blessings

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  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited June 2012

    Mom24boys,

    I am feeling okay, just with low stamina. I hate lying around in bed because I have too. Different, when a choice. I just scared myself silly looking at pictures of breast reconstruction, tissue expanders, and radiation burns. It is all overwhelming. I just want to get through chemo and wonder if I will ever have stamina again?

    I am glad you are feeling almost normal. It is such a gift.

    Ellsbee I hope you are doing good.

    Darnette, Marcia, Jennifer, Having faith how are you. I dont mean to not mention all the names. I am exhausted and overwhelmed. However, the worst side effects Saturday and Sunday are gone and for that I am grateful.

    Also, I have my hair still but know I have a week left. This illness is demoralizing.

    Pam

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  • havingfaith
    havingfaith Member Posts: 93
    edited June 2012

    Wow! all you ladies are so amazing.  Thanks for keeping us all informed on how you are doing. Tomorrow will be my first treatment and just thinking about it makes me nauseated.  I'm self employed so I would really like to work as much as I can. 

    Pam and Mom24boyz- What do you think is making you out of breath?  I do hope you are feeling better.

    Jennifer- I hope the extra meds are still working.

    Ellebee- Did the benadryl wear off.  I'v been told that I will been given benadryl during my treatments, so I know I will be off in la la land.

    Everyone have a great day!!

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  • Marcia1111
    Marcia1111 Member Posts: 368
    edited June 2012

    I wish I was as good as the rest of you at responding to everyone.  Is there a trick that I'm missing?  I can't figure out how to remember what each of you has posted.

    I am getting ready to leave for the hospital to have my port put in.  I do NOT want another surgery, but the picc line was never given to me as an option.

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  • ElleBee
    ElleBee Member Posts: 162
    edited June 2012

    Hello ladies! The Benadryl wore off sometime during the night. I had the best night of sleep that I have had in a MONTH. After dozing much of the day yesterday, I woke up feeling really rested. My husband is off for the summer (teacher) so he made a big breakfast for me and the kids. He made me a special omlette with havarti, feta, tomatoes, scallions, black olives, and spinach. It was delicious and so sweet. So I am feeling relaxed, rested, and very loved. 

    I feel a little "out of it"...sort of spacy. When my kids asked me for lemonade, I took two cereal bowls out of the cupboard and almost poured it before I realized they weren't glasses. And I notice a weird taste in my mouth, but that is it.  

    I got a call from my chemo nurse yesterday, and after consulting with the doc, they would like me to get a port before my next infusion on Monday. Apparently my veins sort of suck. So that is going to happen tomorrow at 9am. 

    Pam, I know you have a port. Other ladies have one as well? How sore were you afterward? How long did the soreness last? How invasive is it? Are there stitches? Is is laproscopic? I am concerned because I am supposed to work Thursday evening at my job that requires quite a bit of movement and some carrying (5lbs. or less). I really don't want to miss any work b/c I will be on vacation in 10 days. 

    Thanks for keeping tabs on me!

    ElleBee 

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  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited June 2012

    Marcia,

    Don't feel bad about not responding to everyone. I am having the same problem. It is hard remembering when we are going through so much. I was feeling bad about this too!!!!



    Marcia and Ellsbee, you both get ports today. I experienced discomfort afterwards but it was nothing compared to the way chemo has kicked my butt. I am slim and maybe I don't have enough fat, but I don't like the way mine looks. I have like a inch scar, straight accross below my collarbone. I was given pain meds but okay with a Tylenol that night. I felt a little sore with raising my arm the next day. I still feel mine. I go back tomorrow for followup.

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  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited June 2012

    Havingfaith, Good luck with your first treatment. The bad side effects don't kick in right away. My first treatment was Thursday and I felt bad Saturday and Sunday. I did not throw up. They put antinausea drugs in the iv. Also, Ativan. My friend said I was a little loopy afterwards! My stamina is what is gone. For the nausea, I was told to take a zofran that night, and every 8 hours for five days thereafter. I did not throw up once but had an aversion to food similar to pregnancy. Pam

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  • jennifersomewhere
    jennifersomewhere Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2012

    ElleBee- I got my port put in a week ago. I am still experiencing a little bit of soreness, but it's not bad. I just take some tylenol for it. You will probably want to take it easy the day it's put in and the day after.

    Havingfaith- Good luck with your first treatment. Keep us posted on how it goes.

    Physically I am feeling okay, but I am dealing with a lot of anxiety and depression. I deal with those things anyway, separate from having cancer.

    I am also having a hard time remembering to respond to everyone, but my head is kind of in a fog. Please know that I wish everyone the best in this journey!

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  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited June 2012

    Jennifer,

    I am glad you are feeling well physically. I understand the anxiety as I also have an anxiety disorder, if you didnt already guess by my posts!!!! I was feeling anxious today about my lack of stamina, I was panicking that I would feel like this forever. I also started thinking too far ahead about treatment. It is a long road.

    I met this nice older lady at the oncologist office. She gave me really good advice. It sounds simple but it works if you practice it. She said dont ever let fear in, because once you do it is hard to eradicate. Her advice worked because she told me all the things in her life she faced and overcame. I felt comforted by her words and less alone. I did get a little down today, thinking about this. It is really hard. We are not alone and you are not alone.

    Here is a hug for everyone.

    Pam

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  • havingfaith
    havingfaith Member Posts: 93
    edited June 2012

    Thanks everyone! on my way to bed.  I have to be there early tomorrow morning.  I hope I can sleep tonight.  I will post as soon as I can.

    And I do to worry about leaving someone out when I post.  Everyone on this thread has become so important to me.  Hugs to all

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  • ElleBee
    ElleBee Member Posts: 162
    edited June 2012

    Well, here we go. Off to get my port. I was tearful about this last night, for vanity reasons. Somehow the thought of losing my hair and getting my ladies cut off hasn't upset me, but this darn port has. Maybe because it's the first real thing to happen. Just so angry because I have lost over 30 lbs. in the last 6 months, and I had been feeling so healthy and confident and sexy. Only to have this stupid cancer invite itself to the party and chisel away at my confidence and feelings of attractiveness. I have been so excited to wear a bikini on vacation (leaving in 9 days!!) only to now be self-conscious of this stupid bump sticking out of my chest.

    Ah well. Pity party is over. But I agree with Pam. This disease is pretty demoralizing. I will be so glad when I can say I am past it, and I kicked its a$$, and my body is my own again....scars and all.

    ElleBee 

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  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited June 2012

    Good luck Having faith, let up know how you are.

    Ellebee, I understand how you feel. I am 45 but looked much younger. I didn't have big breasts but woman would stop me on the street to compliment my legs! I still have them. I was doing great for 45! Then to get a disease which will take away my attractiveness, is dehumanizing!!!!!! People said I was the healthiest person they knew! I walked everywhere pushing a big double stroller!

    Anyway, you will still have your same attractive face, and you really have a great personality. My sister's sister-in-law just wore a bikini on vacation and my sister said she looked better than before bc.

    I am still undecided about reconstruction. The tissue expanders scare me.

    Today, I am wearing a scoop neck tshirt. My port scar shows and the bump. It gets easier. I remember one time a few years ago, my gyn leaned forward and I saw what looked like a huge j shaped scar on her chest. Heart???? Not sure. She was 35 as the time. I didn't think different. I thought she was pretty cool! I said to myself I wonder if she had heart surgery. She must of been through a lot. I actually liked her better after and felt closer to her.

    Pam

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited June 2012

    Hi June bugs! :P

    Stopping in here 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.

    There are some really helpful key threads here in the Chemo forum too!

    Great tips and practical advice on the following discussion board threads:

    Hope you find this helpful!

    --Your Mods

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  • mom24boyzs
    mom24boyzs Member Posts: 53
    edited June 2012

    Hello Ladies,

    Hope everyone is doing well. Here I thought I was doing great, but today the se hit me like a brick. I thought I was going to be free and clear with minimal se, but NO. I guess I was wrong. I'm 6 days out and the nausea and diarrhea hit me full force today. Let me tell you the burning is intense when I have a bowel movement. I don't mean to gross anyone out, but there you have it. Has this happened to anyone else?



    I think today has sort of squashed my good attitude a little, but I do know that God is right beside me and there must be something positive that will come from this!

    Blessings

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  • Marcia1111
    Marcia1111 Member Posts: 368
    edited June 2012

    I want to thank all of you for your encouraging words as I faced my fears regarding the port placement.  I was VERY sore last night, but my husband took very good care of me.  With the help of Percoset and an over the counter sleep aide, I managed to get a decent night's rest.  I was still sore this morning, but went to work, had a fill at lunch time, went back to work, had a mani/pedi, bought a card for a co-worker, made and cleaned up from dinner, and finally put a load in the washing machine.  I can't believe I did all that!  I am still sore, but not too bad.  I think I'm actually more sore from the tissue expanders than the port.  I hope those of you who started chemo today came through it okay.  Tomorrow is my first day. 

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