what am I in for?

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anamerty
anamerty Member Posts: 195
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

hi second time after 13+ yearsned, but witha new one other side this time. I don't have a lot of info really , just that this time its er- last time er/pr+. this time grade is 3  last time 2, haven't been told the size wasn't in the path report but 1.5cm was felt. I had lumpectomy and rads, but my oncol said it will chemo this time due to grade.So I will be sick sick sick right? what should I expect? so what is recommended for the nausea, will my mouth have sores what to do?I will lose my hair?How long after surgery will treatments begin? When I see the surgeon next Monday I have already decided to have mastectomy, but only if I don't have to wait for another time if I do i will have lumpectomy first, but as my oncol said, if I don't want reconstruction it should be right away, and really, first left bc then right side I HATE those cancer balls anyways and don't ever want to see them again and gel prostisis are fine for me.Just really wanting to know what exactly to expect . How long before return to work?, work during chemo ?All of it

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  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 2,112
    edited August 2012

    Hello Anamerty - sorry this has happened to you a second time ((((hugs)))

    Don't stress about the chemo - it's usually not that bad.  These days there are so many medications for anti-nausea that help a lot.  It depends on what sort of chemo regime you will have, not all chemos cause nausea.  I did FEC and Taxotere.  The FEC can make you sick - but I took all the medication I was given and was never sick - felt a bit queasy from time to time, but never threw up.  Taxotere is a different beast, and completely different side effects.

    Most chemo will make you lose your hair though, so that's something to be prepared for.

    All chemo will make you tired - and tired in a way you've never felt tired before! But it's all manageable.

    Do you know about your HER2 status yet?  That usually involves 12 months of a drug called Herceptin - but that's very managable.

    Once you know your chemo regime we'll be able to help with the side effects, but please don't stress too much - you will get through it.

    Treatment usually starts within six weeks of surgery.

    Any other questions - ask away.

    Trish

    xoxo

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  • kane744
    kane744 Member Posts: 461
    edited August 2012

    Am on my 2nd time too! Am 15 days after my 1st chemo. The week after treatment is no picnic for me. Some se were the same--extremely tired for example; some were different but I was loaded up on meds for just about anything that might occur. Am into my good week-and-a-half before 2nd one begins. In some ways, because I know what to expect, I find it easier. Don't try to push myself this time, like last. Don't try to pretend anything, for that matter. Lost my hair almost immediately. Doesn't bother me cause I'm too tired to style it all the time. Last time, I wore wigs and hats. This time, only my "Hair by Chemo" hat to protect me from the sun. This time am losing weight rather than gaining. Nothing really appeals to me. I tend to pick every couple hours and do include a couple nutritional drinks daily. This time, I had a BMX so no radiation. Wow, I consider that a blessing cause after three more chemo treatments, I am done and can get on with the rest of my life. I am retired, which is another blessing not having to worry about work. That alone makes things easier for me than younger women. Anyway, I'm muddling through best I can and am thankful it was caught early.  Good luck.  

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  • christina0001
    christina0001 Member Posts: 1,491
    edited August 2012

    Sorry you are going through this AGAIN! no less.

    Chemo is doable. Of course everyone is different, but you will not be sick like they show on TV. I had chemo (TCH) every three weeks and would have 4 days each cycle where I was super tired. I had stomach pains but rarely nausea, and the nausea I had was mild and well-controlled with the meds they gave me. I had mouth sores for 48 hours out of six treatments. They said I would lose my hair so I shaved my head, but I kept about 1/3 of the stubble. Sometimes I wonder if I could have gotten away with just wearing a hat. If you are really worried about your hair, there are many here who say cold caps can help you keep it. But I just wore hairpieces, scarves and hats the whole time. I'm about 10 weeks post final chemo and have enough hair now to go without.

    Chemo can begin pretty quick after surgery but if it is safe, it is better to give yourself a little time to heal. It's harder to heal when you are on chemo.

    I was able to work during chemo. I had chemo on Mondays. I was sure to feel too tired to work Thursday through Sunday after each chemo, so I just took Thursday and Friday off after each treatment.

    Best of luck to you. Deciding on surgical options is tough. You have to do what feels right for you.

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