December 2012 chemo group

My port was put in at a Same-Day surgery.  It's about a 20-min. surgery, but with all the patient check-in and pre-op waiting, it can take 3-4 hours.  Mine took over 6 hours because my surgery got bumped by a trauma surgery.  It is done under "conscious sedation" sometimes known as "twilight sedation" which is a stupid name because I was totally out of it, but it means they do the surgery with you breathing on your own.

I wish I could have gotten that.  Isn't it funny that there is not a standard way to get the port installed?

I will be starting chemo on December 13th so i am part of this group as well. I have found so much good information and support here. I also don't feel quite so alone.

JenMas and LisaB58 - Welcome! These boards and are a wonderful resource of info and encouragement.

Nanc620 - I did try the olive oil and it just made it more gummy. Whatever it was, it was stubborn coming off!

FriendGwen - So glad you can get back to excercizing, I am sure it will help your mental state to stay strong.

My lung issue looked a little better on the chest x-ray today so I had my first chemo. Everything went well, so far I feel ok, just exhausted form the last 2 days at the hospital. The whole infusion took about 6 hours because they wanted to run everything thru slowly to make sure there would be no reactions. I did do the frozen peas and ice packs on my hands and toes in an effort to reduce the nail issues from the Taxotere. Hopefully it will work! Right now I am exhausted and need to go lay down.

Praying for no nausea for the next few days.

Welcome Nicole! Glad you found us but sorry you have to be here too.

So glad you at least had a good appt and are happy with your prosthetics. It took me quite a while to grieve the loss of my boobs even though I had recon. Eventually I accepted the "new" normal. It's a process and everyone goes through it differently. Pretty bras and nighties definitely helped me to feel feminine again.

Hey Paula,

I'm so glad you are here.  We are chemo buddies (both doing the Adriamycin & Cytoxan combo), and I am grateful for the light you will shine ahead of me on the path.

You will do the MRI fine with Xanax and a sleep binder so don't worry.  I had an MRI before my surgery (which led to my decision to do bilateral and not just the right side which had a clear 3 cm. tumor).  It helps to focus on your breath and find an image or thought that is soothing to you and repeat it to yourself.  I also found it helpful to count the clanks/beeps.  Just simple counting.  Kept my mind busy and kept my anxiety in check.

Wishing you well with your next attempt!

I got my port put in Wednesday (29th) and start chemo on Monday the 3rd.

Taxotere carboplatin and Herceptin.  The first two are 6 treatments and 1 year total for the Herceptin

not sure what I need to take but I am taking a sweater and a blanket and my kindle or laptop.....

oh and on the bra thing..I haven't wore one since she told me I could take off the surgical one I kinda like it!!! one more fill and done with that until the exchange surgery after radiation

Hello Ladies.  I was in the same place all of you were last year.  And a few folks already through the journey posted in our thread last year and it did make me feel a bit better.  The ride is not a pleasant one, but I can say going through all of this helped me reprioritize my life.  AT dx my son was 5 and I was 42 and it wasn't easy, but you get through it.  I had my head shaved right before Christmas and it was quite a liberating experience.  I had a lumpectomy, 4 rounds t/c, 31 rads.  I did not get the neulasta shot the first time and did end up in the hospital for a lovely 3 night 4 day all inclusive visit.  I suggest neulasta it's not worth the risk. You do get achy afterwards, but not horrible.  I wish all of you luck and the 2011 December sisters are a great resource.  If you have any questions I would be more than happy to help  if I can.  If I can't I am certain one of the December 2011 sisters can.  God Bless All of You!

Heather

Heather - thank you for visiting us and giving us inspiration. It really helps.

Nicole - posts like Heather's really help give me something to hang my hat on. I didn't expect to be in this situation but am focusing on all the ways I can turn this sucky situation into one that will help me grow and give me the tools to live an even happier and more empowered life (for many many decades)! I have always exercised but rarely taken it to the next level, which I hope to do now. I understand chemo may throw me for a loop but I'll do what I can. Meanwhile I focus in what I might like to do this summer once treatment is done and my pixie cut would be returning. I have found myself really belly laughing more since diagnosed. I work with my best friend which allows us to find a lot of humor in life's quirks. Like all of us I really do not look forward to losing my hair but it will be an experience that will enable me to look past my shoulder length bob with bangs that I've been sporting for way too long! Maybe I'll discover short hair is awesome which is something I may not have ever had the courage to do before. I'm also reminded frequently how many people are thrown crappy challenges and how many rise to the occasion. I work on a college campus. The other day I was walking and saw a student who I am assuming had been in a fire as his face was quite different (not sure what word to use here but you get the idea). He was walking with two other students and chatting and looked content. It was very humbling. I realized ok I will lose my hair but I can simply put on a wig. The hair will grow back on its own, no surgery required. This young man will probably continue to have surgeries and long term scars. I look at the breast cancer survivors I know and they look great. We can do this. The time will go by quickly enough. Keep picturing yourself happily being outside this summer doing something you love, or maybe even doing something new you would never have tried before BC!

Good Morning Nancy620, sorry to intrude but I can't help but notice you live very near me.  Can you please share the boutique's name you are going to?

Best of luck to you and if you want to speak, feel free to message me.  I live in Troy and it may be interesting to compare notes, treatment, shops, etc.  I had my first TC on 11/28 and will continue 6 rounds every 21 days.

Blessed Be, Nancy

Hello All,

I will have my first chemo tomorrow after some obstacles with panels.  I am actually looking FORWARD to starting the process after the delay and know it will prolong my life and help kill any remaining cells after my mastectomy.

We can do this!  We are strong warrior women and have to keep moving like sharks....they keep moving.  It is a lot to handle I am very aware but have friends whose lives have been saved and prolonged (one over 20 years) due to chemo.  It is part of the process and so take your steriods and nausea pills, many people just fall asleep I have heard.  Had one friend say it was never as bad as she thought...think in our minds things are much worse anyhow especially after surgery and things you never expected.  You can wear a cute hat or wig but you will be able to do this.  Peace to all of you starting this week like me and blessings.

bcoct

I thought i was crazy looking foward to my first chemo! Glad Im not the only one. This ugly monstrous thing is inside me trying to get loose in my body and kill me! I want it destroyed! I still dont have appoinments for my PET scan, port placement, or heart test. Im supposed to see the onco on the 11th so hope all that is going to get done in time. Im so glad o find this sisterhood!

Yes the same ones.  Good luck to all of us and it will be over and you will go on with your life again.  I heard its hard to sleep but think I am tired enough to do that tonite anyhow.  Thoughts and positive prayers to our Dec. group

Hi Nancy!!

The name of the shop is "A Woman's Image"...they have locations in Clinton Twp and Royal Oak.  We went to the Royal Oak location; it is right at 12 Mile and Woodward.  Stacy is wonderful and made the situation one filled with laughter, hugs and much love.  Are you going to Troy Beaumont?  I considered it but with St. Joe's so close and their program so solid I decided to stick close to home.

Look forward to sharing this journey...I believe it will be one best traveled with a friend.  I'll send you a pm andwe can exchange numbers etc.  Make sure you take that Look Good Feel Better class if you haven't already...it was terrific!