Starting Chemo July 2012

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  • taismommy
    taismommy Member Posts: 31
    edited July 2012

    Hi ladies,

    I should be starting the last week in July or the beginning of August. I have no idea what the procedures are for chemo because I will be meeting my Onc tomorrow. I just hope I can continue to find valuale information on this forum.

    Good luck ladies

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  • emilybrooke
    emilybrooke Member Posts: 98
    edited July 2012

    Hi Ladies -

    Is there room for one more? I had my BMX on 6/20 and will be starting chemotherapy on Monday, 7/23.

    My treatment plan is: 4 rounds of A/C every 2 weeks followed by 4 rounds of Taxol every two weeks. During the Taxol treatment I will receive Herceptin every week for eights weeks. After treatment I will have Herceptin every three weeks and Tamoxifen for 5 years.

    I am very nervous about this next step. I've been reading the posts in this forum and have found them to be helpful and reassuring at times. Thank you for this forum and i look forward to chatting with everyone.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2012

    I was part of the July 2011 chemo group, but noticed that some of you in this group are wondering about what to wear to the gym.  I found that for me the best was a skull cap from Sparkling Earth -http://www.sparklingearth.com/products.asp?category=100044

    Some of them are of softer cotton and some have a terry cloth liner at the forehead, which is great for catching sweat.

    Wish you all the best!

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  • _Ann_
    _Ann_ Member Posts: 769
    edited July 2012

    Well I'm a bit discouraged today.  Have been having heart symptoms since my first AC infusion (first of four).  Just feels like my heart is working harder than normal, almost pounding at times, and I've been a little bit short of breath while lying down, kinda just needing to take a forced deep breath every so often.   Called the oncology nurse, was told to see my primary care doc *today* or else go to urgent care.   I'm seeing her at noon.  Somehow I think they'll just make sure I'm not having a heart attack right now and send me home where I'll worry about adriamycin heart damage until my next infusion.  My echo was normal just prior to starting.  If anyone has experienced similar please PM me.

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  • _Ann_
    _Ann_ Member Posts: 769
    edited July 2012

    Just a tip to pass along-- I was having muscle cramping all over my legs and back since last night.  Called oncology today, the nurse told me to drink Gatorade instead of plain water.  A glass of Gatorade relieved the cramping pretty quickly.  I guess maybe I actually drank too much water.  Have been chugging it all day long since starting chemo.

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  • NicoleJasien
    NicoleJasien Member Posts: 50
    edited July 2012
    Me!  I started mine July 2nd, 2012.  I haven't had any major side effects yet.Laughing
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  • Lisa614
    Lisa614 Member Posts: 42
    edited July 2012

    Hang in there teeballmom....I am anxiously awaiting the fall out.  Starting to lose nose hairs and the hair on my legs is not growing back as fast.  I've read it could happen on day 14 which will be Thursday for me.  I know it will not be easy.   

    Wishing you peace

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  • Lisa614
    Lisa614 Member Posts: 42
    edited July 2012

    Hang in there teeballmom....I am anxiously awaiting the fall out.  Starting to lose nose hairs and the hair on my legs is not growing back as fast.  I've read it could happen on day 14 which will be Thursday for me.  I know it will not be easy.   

    Wishing you peace

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  • stayinhappy
    stayinhappy Member Posts: 42
    edited July 2012

    I start Taxotere/Cytoxan (TC) tomorrow. The thought of loosing my hair was adding a whole new dimension of stress to this cancer journey, by the way,a journey I did not sign up for! Ha!  So, I am going to try the Elsto-Gel cooling helmets.  I will post about this experience on the "Cold Cap Users Past and Present" topic. Wish me well, as I wish all of you well. 

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  • JoyceNYC
    JoyceNYC Member Posts: 88
    edited July 2012
    Ladies, a word of encouragement to all of you. I completed 6 cycles of taxotere/cytoxan on 4/20/12 after a BMX; I have also just undergone a BSO. This isn't an easy road, but you can do it! Read the threads from the months (I'm on the January 2012 thread) to be prepared. MO rarely tell the real story of what life during chemo is really like; your chemo sisters will tell it exactly like it is!

    BTW, if anyone is getting a RX for Anzemet 100mg, please PM me.

    Good luck to you all!

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  • teeballmom
    teeballmom Member Posts: 322
    edited July 2012

    I cannot believe I'm letting the words of one person just completely bring me down from a really good day.  Day 7 out from my first A/C treatment and felt really normal and great and then I get a call from my case manager provided by my insurance company and she just unintentionally made me so sad.  We were discussing how my ONC is so positive and said the cancer is "gone" from my body (well, you know, the tumor is gone, etc... - we know it's probably gone as much as it can be with just surgery and 1 treatment so far, thus the chemo & radiation treatments) and my case manager said "No, you're what we call in remission".  Something about the word "remission" just sounds like I'll just be getting a break from BC and then it's going to come right back.  What a horrible word!  Saying someone has no signs of disease is so much more positive to me.  Maybe it's just denial on my part, but I believe all of us are survivors every single day on this journey and words such as "remission" as related to any cancer are archaic.

    O.K. I vented, and feel a little better.  Getting used to the shaved head but boy I have a lot of gray hair.  Scarey!  One good thing I've noticed (and it may be my imagination since it seems a little soon but I'll take it) is that the hair on my legs is not growing back very fast.  Yay!!!!!!  I shaved last Friday and by now I should be hairier than I am.

    I think part of the reason I've felt pretty good is that I took Madelyn's advice and have been eating smaller meals all day and drinking lots.  I'm so tired of water, so I've been making a big pot of tea in the morning using a caffeine-free peppermint tea bag and a caffeine-free ginger tea bag and then drinking it throughout the day as iced tea when I need a break from water.  Maybe it's also soothing any tummy upset.  Tastes good. 

    Thank you for all of the encouragement from those further along in your treatments.  I have been stopping in and visiting other groups and can't wait until our July 2012 group can join them in being through chemo and helping others along their journey.

    Take care and I think I need to go get a hug from my boys.

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  • RobbG
    RobbG Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2012

    I hate the word "remission". After my wife's BMX, I made sure to say " my wife had cancer" and when people would ask for specifics, I would add that they are in a bag somewhere back at the hospital. We all know the realities by now, no one is fooling themselves, and no, you are far from being in denial. Sometimes it's nice to hear a positive spin on this sucky situation.



    My lady bought t- shirts for the family to wear on her first chemo treatment, i wear pink for my daughter, sister, friend, and so on. I insisted on " proud husband of a survivor". I totally agree with you, Each day you fight, you are a Survivor.

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  • Lisa614
    Lisa614 Member Posts: 42
    edited July 2012

    Thanks for the link Phillybird. Checked it out and they do have some nice designs for women. I need something tasteful that I can wear to work and all I had been finding was "biker" wear.



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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2012

    You are welcome, Lisa.  My hands down favorite skull cap, and one that I wore out to dinner as well as to work when I did not feel like wearing one of my wigs, was a black one with a design of a butterfly in rhinestones!

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  • tmramirez
    tmramirez Member Posts: 22
    edited July 2012

    Hello my reactions were shortness of breath, face and neck became red, needed O2, felt like I was going to pass out.  It was horrible!  The reaction was almost immediately! I really wanted to be able to tolerate the Taxotere.  I am hoping that AC won't cause me any heart damage!!!

    Regarding the hair.  I lost mine 14 days after my first TC tx.  I had long hair.  It just started coming out by droves, so I went to my regular salon and my stylist shaved it for me!  My sister was with me and she was crying as I was laughing.......it was better than crying and I said OMG I look like our brother.  I only wear my wig when I go to work, which is not much.  It has been way too hot here, I mostly wear my black cap.  I did find this nice website http://www.headcovers.com/headwear/hats-turbans/  I mostly wear a black one like this!http://www.headcovers.com/11874/emma-pretied-scarf/. 

    Has anyone else had any reactions to AC?

     Thanks Traci!!!

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  • tmramirez
    tmramirez Member Posts: 22
    edited July 2012

    Oh and I forgot to mention the one bright side of the hair loss in no shaving the under arms  or legs and no chin plucking.....I would have to pluck my chin and neck everyday!!  LOL

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  • _Ann_
    _Ann_ Member Posts: 769
    edited July 2012

    Hi ladies, it's day 6 after my first AC infusion and I'm happy to report my nausea is gone and my appetite is back!  I ate a big lunch with no queasiness afterward.  I've dropped about five pounds since my dx and I'd like to gain some of that back before next infusion.

     I saw my GP about heart symptoms I'd been having today (on advice of oncology nurse).  They gave me the whole potential post-heart attack workup!  Did EKG then wheeled me downstairs in a chair (!) for bloodwork and chest x-ray.  All was clear.  Whew!   I'm not sure if that was overkill or what.   I was having a little shortness of breath and heart pounding and getting winded more easily than normal.  She ultimately said it's side effects of the chemo and I should just tolerate it and continue the treatments.

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  • virginiab
    virginiab Member Posts: 205
    edited July 2012

    Today we met with a nurse for the pre-chemo education session. The facility is pleasant, with about 10 private rooms on one side and a large area (with a long wall of windows) broken up by furniture into several smaller areas on the other side of the hurses' station. There is a balcony on each end if you want to hang out outdoors while you are getting your treatment, and there is an area which is only for use by breast cancer patients; this area is separated from the bigger room by a stone fireplace.

     Thursday is my first treatment. Sometimes I wonder why I decided to do this, but what the heck, here we are....

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  • curveball
    curveball Member Posts: 3,040
    edited July 2012

    I met with my onc today and decided on CMF rather than the TC originally suggested (unless I chicken out and decide later tonight to switch back to TC--Dr F says I can change my mind if I call first thing in the AM). I'll be starting my first treatment tomorrow. Weekly infusions plus daily tablets. Here I go!

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  • _Ann_
    _Ann_ Member Posts: 769
    edited July 2012
    Hi virginiab, your facility does sound nice.  Mine has big windows with views of pine trees.  They do seem to put some effort into making chemotherapy as pleasant as possible, don't they?  I hope your first infusion goes well and you have minimal side effects.
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  • Lifeonitsside
    Lifeonitsside Member Posts: 250
    edited July 2012

    I don't even know what my room is going to look like. It's the only thing my team hasn't done but they've been awesome so far.



    Start my treatment Thursday. Good luck to all of us starting this week.

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  • winter_flower
    winter_flower Member Posts: 31
    edited July 2012

    I also start Thursday, 7/19, and had to fire MO today...talking about stress.

    I hope I can get a new and more compassionate MO before 7/19. I'm considering getting a pet :) animals always put a smile on my face..

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  • Madelyn
    Madelyn Member Posts: 93
    edited July 2012

    Hey teeballmom,

    We made it through our first week.  Hooray for us!  Don't let the insurance lady get you down.  She doesn't know your strength and determination.  She looks at BC as a condition through insurance, she has NO IDEA.  I am sure she never meant to bring you down, but after 43 years, I have learned sometimes people say the most insensitive of comments..and some just don't know any better.  

    I went to my onc yesterday for the weekly blood check.  Everything was good.  I explained how eating smaller meals just felt better.  My doctor said that keeping something in your stomach at all times will help that queasy feeling stay away.  This does not mean stay stuffed..it just means an apple or Fibre One bar stays in my purse all the time.  Plus, I'm nuts over watermelon-craving it all the time.  My husband joked he was going to dress up like a watermelon tonight.  I just shook my head and went back upstairs to lay down.  I'm trying to add variety to the fluid intake.  I tried bone broth and other soups.... I don't know where you are -- but it's 99 degrees in Virginia.  So "hot" foods just don't seem appetizing.  I'm so over the water drinking too, but it does help keep constipation away!

     I asked if the next 3 AC treatments will be the same or will get progressively worse.  I was told the fatigue will increase. Okay one down, three more AC to go we can do this!

    Wash your hands, drink that water and hug those boys!

    Madelyn 

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  • fishinurse
    fishinurse Member Posts: 50
    edited July 2012

    Can't believe how normal i feel right now, had 1st ac treatment Monday, Kicked my but, had neulasta yesterday,took my claritn yesterday and today. Have been drinking fluids nonstop,take antinausea meds as directed,nibble on something thriugh the day,sip on gingerale. Took vicodin several times for achiness,achiness was bad but not terrible. I actually feel like driving to farm market for fresh fruit,constipation is an issue,other than that, i am so thankfull

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  • emilybrooke
    emilybrooke Member Posts: 98
    edited July 2012

    Just reading some of the recent posts. I start my treatment on Monday and I am very anxious about it. I've been crying multiple times each day at the thought of starting this part of the journey. Your posts are making me feel a little better. I've also been jotting down your tips about managing the side effects. I am trying to find pre-tied scarves for when I lose my hair - any suggestions?

    I am so grateful for your posts and suggestions. Take care ladies!

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  • roadwarrior28
    roadwarrior28 Member Posts: 301
    edited July 2012

    Emilybrooke - try The BeauBeau at http://www.4women.com/index.php. I just got mine and it's beautiful. It comes with a matching scrunchie that allows you to wear the scarf many different ways.

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  • Madelyn
    Madelyn Member Posts: 93
    edited July 2012

    Hey fishinurse..I'm so glad this is doable for you!  Keep up the good work!  Thanks for sharing the good news!

    Roadwarrior28..I just went to your scarf website...those are really nice..I just ordered two..thanks for the tip!

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  • roadwarrior28
    roadwarrior28 Member Posts: 301
    edited July 2012

    Madelyn - I just got an e-mail and they have some scarves on sale for 50% for 1 week. Here's the link: http://www.4women.com/fabrics/sale?utm_source=Discontinued+styles+sale&utm_campaign=Overstock+sale&utm_medium=email

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  • Madelyn
    Madelyn Member Posts: 93
    edited July 2012

    I know there are a couple of you getting ready to start chemo, I thought I would share my "little bathroom basket" where I keep all my supplies.  I found that all my "stuff" was taking over the house and I thought keeping it all in one place would be better.  Badger from another thread told me that the "Murphy's Law of Chemo is that the thing you need will be the thing you don't have so-- I got stocked. Let me say, I haven't needed all of this and each experience is different.  Here are the contents:

    1.  Sennokot ...and I use it!

    2.  Colace..this could be your new best friend!

    3.  Claritin-after Neulasta shot if you onc recommends it.  I took it for two days--no pain.

    4.  Biotene Mouthwash-  I sucked on ice chips during Adriamycin infusion and rinse with the Biotene am and pm...no problem with sores.

    5.  My new toothbrush-this was suggested by my dentist...I went and had teeth cleaned a week before chemo.  He also gave me presciption toothpaste that has extra flouride it's called Privident.

    6.  Nail care- clippers/file and Sally Hansen strength clear top coat.  I took my gel nails off so my nails are brittle and chip a lot.

    7.  Prescription Meds....Pain(Oxycodone) and 2 nausea medications (Prochlorperazine and Loporazepam/Ativan)  They last one, works great for getting a good night's sleep.

    8.  My new aluminum free deordorant...thought I would give it a try!

    9.  Sunblock-if you feel up to walking outside you MUST wear sunblock!

    10.  Gum-sometimes you want to get rid of the taste in your mouth!

    11. Lidocaine cream and small pieces of saran wrap in a ziploc bag- I didn't feel the needle in my port at all! 

    12.  My new body moisturizer Tate's Natural Miracle...it's free of all dyes and fragrance...sorry estrogen paranoid!

    13.  Immodium AD ...haven't used it yet but...you never know!

    14.  Mini hand sanitizers

    15.  Big ass bottle of Smart Water...always keep one handy. 

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  • boobzilla
    boobzilla Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2012

    Thanks for sharing your basket with us, Madelyn! We assembled ours this week, as I start chemo Thursday. I started my steroids this morning, too. On top of it, I had to have surgery yesterday (2 little things breast surgeon saw after my main tumor was confirmed cancerous under Ultrasound guided biopsy). Already hadsurgery last week for port. Both doctors approved the surgery yesterday,even if I was to start chemo this Thursday, but I was not thrilled at having wire localization procedure in MRI, and surgery to remove the areas identified in one day! Surgery was delayed,so I hadn't eaten anything since midnight before...21 Hours with no food. After I came out to recovery I was so nauseaus, and had to 'reverse' given  empty stomach. As they say 'it will all go in the book'. I have a huge sense of humor, though. In my basket, among other things, I also have nausea patch, nausea pills, anxiety pills, Allegra 180 (I was already taking allergy meds, and she said I could use in lieu of Claritin for the possible Neulasta bone pain. Plus Acidophilus (Ok'd with doctor) as I tend to have sensitive system. Aquafor for hands and feet......crazy how much OTC stuff we all use to counteract some of the actual prescription meds, LOL. Good luck everyone-I've been learning so many tips and absorbing positivity from these boards!:) 

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