Starting Chemo soon

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Well was my birthday yesterday...

got drunk... tried to forget i have cancer...

Didnt work..

Wednesday i went for a bunch of test...

got there by 8am.. and by 1pm i had done..

2 bone scans... 1 MRI... chest xray.... ultrasound .. and a second biopsy on the left breast.

i was exhausted...

Trying now to get my house..my self..and my family ready for chemo...

As sure as i was before DX that i had cancer... im amazed at how... stunned i've been feeling all week...

Like sitting at a bottom of a well... while ppl talk above..and the well is slowly filling with water...

I can sink.. or swim... 

Comments

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

    Hi Celineflower,

    First, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!! Next, take a deep breath -- we know you're feeling overwhelmed, but that's what our community is for -- to help you through all of this!

    In particular, the members in the Chemotherapy - Before, During and After forum are super helpful! There are tips for newbies on how to prepare for chemo and you can even join (or start!) a thread corresponding to the month you'll be having chemo, to allow others to join and share their experiences as you're all going through it together. The September 2012 Chemo thread is a good place to begin!

    We hope this helps you find the support you're looking for! Best of luck to you and please let us know how you're doing...

    --The Mods

  • LaurynSister
    LaurynSister Member Posts: 52
    edited September 2012

    Celine, I sure know how you feel! You put it right -- it feels like sitting in the bottom of a well while people are talking above about this and that. It feels like a little kid on his way to school on the first day. You just feel stunned, numb after the initial shock and panic subsides a bit. I truly believe we go into shock - and everything runs through our heads. The mind goes into survival mode.

    You have such a sweet spirit and a great outlook and attitude, and that is what it takes for us all to make it day to day, thanking God for each wonderful and beautiful day. I guess it is so easy to worry about the past and the future, we forget to enjoy the present day to the fullest. I learned this when my first born son was cricitally ill in icu as a baby (he is okay now), but then i guess over the years i let myself backslide into a worry wart mode again about "what if"-- and all that does is get me overwhelmed and anxious. I  need to return back to that time when i learned to enjoy the simple things in life --day by day -- i was so much happier when i did that. :)  

    And the more i find out about BC -- i start to feel more at ease when i read stories like yours, and also read how far research has come in helping us to survive much longer. A doctor told me yesterday at the breast center that it is amazing what new stuff they have come out with in treatments and combination treatments. And how well the tumors respond to hormone therapy. I talked with another friend of mine, an older woman who went through our type of BC 17 years ago, and she is still kicking! She says the key is to not give up...fight hard...keep the faith. She had a small reoccurrance 10 yrs ago, but she beat it too. And she is like 70 yrs old now. So you have a great attitude, and you will live a long, beautiful, wonderful life! :) I am so glad i met you.

  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited September 2012

    Celine - there is a good book my Judy Kneece on Breast Cancer. It gives you some good ideas on what to expect and what to have in the house. Everything is variable depending on your chemo and what side effects, if any, come your way.

    For me, I kept Aveeno Overnight Lotion in the house. It is fragant free (smells bothered me) and worked well to keep my skin healthy (chemo dried my skin). I had non-alcohol mouthwash (Crest) that I used 2-3-4 times daily - I didn't get mouth sores or dental issues, maybe the mouthwash helped or maybe I just didn't get those side effects.

    I saw a nutritionist who recommended lots of protein and water during chemo to help cells recover. I keep a variety of protein sources but found eggs and Tyson Honey BBQ chicken bites were the ones I used most - they were both easy to prepare. She also said to keep Club crackers at my bedside since they are better for nausea (higher fat and stay in stomach longer) but I never had to use them.

    I realized early that managing the side effects in advance was easier than treating them once they occur. I had compazine (for nausea) that I started taking chemo night and continued every 8 hours hours for 3-4 days after chemo. I never got sick and only felt nauseous if I forgot my med. I also found my anxiety increased chemo week so took Ativan for 3-4 days after chemo. That really helped me keep the anxious frustration in check.

    Thing is, everybody responds differently and treatment plans vary based on your personal situation. For me, I found it easier to have everything I might need available in my house. It was my way to have to control something. Many things I used, some still sit in the cupboard.

    In the early days, I did feel like I was in a vortex and had no control over anything to do with me. Finding the things I could plan and do helped me feel more a part of the solution rather than just the 'victim'. I went for chemo as I was told then came home and had control over how I managed my care.

    My chemo was on a Monday so I had all my chemo prep starting Saturday. I would make some meals to cover about  4 or 5 days, I got my laundry and grocery shopping done. After chemo, I only had to focus on me. I became best friends with my bed and watched lots of TV :)

    While everyone is different, I am sure you will find your way. ((Hugs)) coming your way.

  • Cindi74
    Cindi74 Member Posts: 363
    edited September 2012

    Hi Celine,  My birthday is the 7th.  You are moving fast.  I was diagnosed in July and start chemo Wed.  Like most, am scared, but most say it is doable.  Hang in there.  Join our Sept. chemo club.  I have a lot of years on you,  but with all the new treatments, etc., I feel we will both be on this journey for a long while.  Happy Birthday.  Hugs

  • momto5children
    momto5children Member Posts: 16
    edited September 2012

    Hi my fellow sisters. Just got my BMX on August 16th with reconstruction with expanders. Just got two of my drains out a few days ago and will be getting the other one out on Tuesday. I will also be getting a filling if my incisions look better. Have trouble getting that black tissue off. He suggested scrubbing with hydrogen peroxide. Any suggestions on that? Going on my 4th week post op and feeling about 50% of pre surgery self. Chest feels tight all of the time. Sucks sleeping sitting up since I am a side sleeper. Take my percs and valium less each week. Found out this past week that I will be starting Herceptin, Taxotere and Carboplatin, yuk. I went from DCIS stage 0 to IDC stage 1, HER2+. I have to do 13 rounds of Herceptin and 6 rounds of TC, x 3 weeks. Not looking forward to losing my long beautiful hair, :(. I have been positive through my whole experience and will continue as long as I can. I figure my situation could be worse!! I just thankful that I made the right decision for my BMX instead of waiting as see. Any suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.

  • angelface
    angelface Member Posts: 21
    edited September 2012

    Oh Celine I follow you quite frequently!!!  HUGS to you.  My birthday was 8/22 & I had my needle core biopsy on the 27th & I was diagnosed on the 31st.  Happy 34 to me!!!

    I had an MRI done on Wednesday.  Thought it was gonna kick my butt but I did well.  I have a Lumpectomy scheduled on the 24th of this month but my oncologist now has me scared that it might not be enough.  He mentioned chemo, which my diagnosing dr. seemed to think may have been able to b avoided but that was before my HER2, PR & ER results were in.  I'm triple Negative so I guess I'm going into battle & may be facing a Mastectomy, probably both sides & further the possibility of a hysterectomy.  Ohhhh I'm not looking forward to any of this.

    I'm finding many people who are very supportive & looking to do fundraisers & all this other stuff.  The help & support have been overwhelming.  Keep fighting on, Lady & know there's prayers heading your way always!!!!  Smile

  • CelineFlower
    CelineFlower Member Posts: 875
    edited September 2012

    Hello angelface,

    im sorry you are facing this.. breast cancer sux..

    It seems i may not be doing chemo first after all..

    My breast surgeon called today and said i am schedueled for oct 2nd.. but he might have a cancelation on sept 28th.

    And they found som atypia cells in the left breast too..

    so...

    A partial mastecomy on the right..  (along with some "testing" of the lymphnodes" and a lumpectomy on the left.

    Your prayers... thoughts..and welcoming hearts are such a blessing.. 

  • CelineFlower
    CelineFlower Member Posts: 875
    edited September 2012

    oK well heres another update...

    two oncologists dissagreed .. one wanted to send me to surgery.. but another dissagreed..

    seems he won.. i will be starting chemo soon.. orientation is wednesday.. then i go get the port put in...sigh

  • yogafan
    yogafan Member Posts: 17
    edited September 2012

    Hi,

    I had my port implanted on 9/8 - it's really not that bad. The lymph node removal they did under the other arm has bothered me more, but it's now healing fine. I start neoadvant chemo next week, on 9/27/12.  I'll have a lumpectomy in February, after I'm finished with 6 rounds of TAC.

    Since I was diagnosed in July, I've gone back and forth between periods of anger, acceptance, sadness, everything. But mostly I'm keeping a positive outlook and just facing it head-on. I know I'll lose my hair. Right now researching cold caps but it's probably too late for that.

    Yesterday at work I had the person in my HR department send an email to our staff about my situation, and so far have received lots of kind words and support. I would recommend talking to anyone you feel comfortable with about what you are going through - it's helped me a lot. Makes it more "real," but in a good way. You will find that there are so many women that have gone through this and come out the other side just fine.

    Best of luck to you!

  • sherbab
    sherbab Member Posts: 106
    edited September 2012

    Celine - sorry you are joining this goup of women who have been put together because of a set of circumstances none of us can control.  Hopefully you have had an opportunity to look at the September 2012 Chemo group - lots of good information and women going down the same path though the treatments may vary.  As far as the getting drunk to forget you have cancer...I have tried it too, it just didn't seem to work for me either but I did give it a good try.  My MO said it was OK to drink wine any day but chemo day.  I found I have a very large dislike for beer after my first treatment which is a bummer because on a hot Texas day I like to have a beer while sitting outside.  That is on hold!

    Yogafan - for me personally I love how you handled your work.  I am HR and there is only one of me so I touch all departments so there was no way this could be kept underwraps without a lot of speculation or rumors so I was in control and had one of our executives tell the team and then for every surgery they are kept in the loop.  Some have avoided me when they can but most have supported me in more ways than I could have ever imagined.  It was very overwhelming.

    Thinking of all!  Sending Hugs!!

  • CelineFlower
    CelineFlower Member Posts: 875
    edited September 2012

    yogafan: thank you for your kind words.. i have something special i am doing about my hair.. and will share when its done.. it breaks my heart that so many women fear the loss of their hair... we are all beautiful.. and not because of our hair.

    sherbab: I tried twice.. to get drunk... never worked.. didnt really get to that drunk state...and .. i doubt i would have forgotten anyways..escapism is a good tool lol 

  • CelineFlower
    CelineFlower Member Posts: 875
    edited September 2012

    Hello ladies.. i hope you are all happy, some and well

    Got a call late last night to tell me to come in this morning to start the chemo.

    AC

    No port yet ... so it took a few tries to get the vein.

    Lots of people came to visit... lost of info to digest

    I feel a bit nauseous but grateful for the meds

    Going to bed soon.. but wanted to share my news.

    You all are a great support ... even when im not online.

     When i looked at other cancer patients in the treatment room, i thought of you all.. and felt at "home"

    thank you

    celine flower 

  • CelineFlower
    CelineFlower Member Posts: 875
    edited September 2012

    On day 5 here... wow... those anti nausea drugs work good!

    Emend, decadron and stephil...

    I am tired... cold.. and still have a touch of motion sickness but so far so good

     I feel a lot better then i thought i would at this point...

    Thinking of you all ..hope you are warm happy and well

    love

    flower

  • ahdjdbcjdjdbkf
    ahdjdbcjdjdbkf Member Posts: 645
    edited October 2012

    Wishing you well, Celine. I did 4 A/C treatments followed by 12 Taxol and I am just fine. I am left with very minor side effects, a good quality of life, and a cute short hair cut. I live to fight another day alongside you. Peace.

  • CelineFlower
    CelineFlower Member Posts: 875
    edited October 2012

    Thanlk you Maria

    we are so blessed ot be able to help eachother this way

  • Katski
    Katski Member Posts: 55
    edited October 2012

    I don't know where to put this so if I am in the wrong place let me know.  I had my port put in Aug. 23 with Bi-lateral.  Had TC tx Sept. 25 in port.  Oct. 9th, port moved 1 inch and Oct. 11 port moved another inch.  Complained to onocologist twice that week that I wanted it check. They said to come in for 2nd chemo Oct. 16th.  Long story short, demanded chest x-ray b/f chemo.  Doc order ultrasound.  Clot under port(left side) and now am on warifin(5mg) a day plus injecting Lovenox(90 mg) twice a day until Tuesday, Oct. 23rd.  They are checking INR Monday and probably Tuesday.  My question:  Will they still insist on doing chemo with the clot under the port?  It is very unsettling and knowing that those little stray buggers might be lingering and I know how important Chemo is but the clot is playing with my stratergy to fighting this.  Any imput would be nice.  Thanks.

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