December 2012 chemo group

My chemo will start tomorrow too.  I wasn't offered any "appetizer" drugs beforehand.  Kind of wish I had a creme to desensitize the port.  That still hurts a week after its installation.  I'll have to ask if they have a topical creme while I am there (before they start poking.)  I am more than ready to get this show on the road...more than ready to start to kill some cancer!!!!!!!!!!!  Seems like there are several starting tomorrow...good luck ladies!

Special good wishes to bcoct and ConnieGreen and everyone starting chemo this week!

Wishing you a smooth infusion and manageable side effects.  Please let us know how it goes, and anything you learned to help make the experience more tolerable.

Thank you for the boutique!  I have heard of them and feel better about a personal recommendation.  My hairdresser had offered to take me to buy a wig, cut it, etc. then never botherered to follow through.  I guess I took it persoanl and it left me afraid to start looking again.

I have to visit R.O. Beaumont tomorrow for blood and thrush issues so will take a detour to the shop.  I am at Troy Beaumont for many appts but not the infusions; they are done in Troy at the onc's office.  I did do the Look Good class and was blessed to meet a sweet woman who will fit me for my wig here in Troy on Friday.  Cried through the whole damn class thinking about the hair thing; was absolutely mortified that I couldn't keep it together. 

I would be more than happy to share experiences and while it sounds like we both have good support systems; if there's anything you need, please message me and I'll see if I can help.  We're all in this together.

Hi ladies! I'm at work but gearing up to go to the Look Good Feel Better Class very soon. Tomorrow I meet with the onc nurses and on Thursday it's chemo day. Let the games begin! So ready to just do this already!!

I my carry-out chemo.  It's going to be a long 6 weeks wearing this heavy thing around my neck 24/7.  Well, guess I'll read the Britannica set of instruction that came along with it   Did I mention that it makes little noises?  Just awful.

ok back from my first infusion....

cocktail is herceptin texetore carboplatin.....took LESS time than they said!!! they estimated 6-7 started around 11 and was out at 3!

I drank a LOT while there  (and peed a lot!) came home really tired - took a nap and have a "tired" headache but fine otherwise.

We'll see how this plays out

oh I was the only one there most of the day - 3 nurses - I got pampered

Well I just had my first AC chemo treatment on Friday 11/30 and I'm not feeling nearly as bad as I thought I would!  No nausea - taking dex.  Quite a bit of gassiness which is a little uncomfortable sometimes but not terrible.  Bad taste in my mouth off and on and food cravings can be strong.  I've really wanted salty things, crunchy things and red meat.  Does anyone else have these cravings?

Otherwise this isn't so bad so far.  I'm not as energetic as I normally am but was definitely able to function at work today and had a nice evening with my family.  

Steiner18...good luck tommorow! We both start chemo tomorrow and I also get my port placement tomorrow....not sure I will sleep! Maybe u and I should write back and forth all night? How are u feeling?

Hi Ladies,

I was part of the Dec.2010 group.  I am rarely on here these days as I am now in that space of time where cancer is farther and farther in my rearview window.  But I wanted to come on and wish you allstrength as you start this part of your treatment.  My group was such a source of support and helpful information.  I learned how to deal with my SEs on this board!  Before my first round my top 3 fears were 1) accessing the port; 2) feeling sick and continuing to work; 3) losing my hair.

Here is what I experienced: The port access was not a big deal for me.  I was surprised by how much pain I was in the night it was placed, so I assumed putting a needle in it a few days later was going to really hurt!  I got a script for lidocaine even though my onc said it was not necessary.  She was right.  I put the cream on in the waiting room, but by the time they were ready to access my port it wore off.  The area has to be sterile so putting more on was not an option.  I will say getting a good chemo nurse helps.  Mine had it accessed and ready to go before I could get nervous.  I remember saying "Is that it?".  A few rounds later I was letting trainees access it so that they could learn.  I don't recommend that for the first round.

Getting sick.  Ladies, there is no reason to feel sick during this.  There are many drugs available to control nausea and pain.  When I first started a chemo vet told me write down everything the first 2 rounds (what I ate, how I felt, meds I took, a record of bathroom trips, etc...).  This helps you find a pattern and what works for you.  It also helped me communicate better with my onc and get meds that worked for me.  I was able to work full time.  Towards the end of chemo I did cut my hours from 37 to 30 due to fatigue.  I also organized my meds in labeled ziplocs.  I labeled them by symptom, it made it easier for me to manage the ever growing pile of medication.

Losing my hair sucked.  There is no way around it, most lose theirs on days 14-16.  Two years out and I have a head of shiny, healthy hair but it was a long road to get here.  I had long hair before chemo and I wish I had cut it short before starting.  It would have given me time to get used to it.  I wore a wig to work and ripped it off in the car at the end of the day.  I found it to be very uncomfortable.  I wish I had not spent so much on wigs (I bought 3), because by round 3 I hated them.  I went topless at home and wore soft scarves and big earrings out.

You will all get through this and you will find strength you never knew you had.  I wish you all the best and if you have any questions please pm me. 

Thanks got thru it ok.  Went for 30 min walk when got home.  Pretty exhausted today but no nausea and even ate breakast.  It was close to 4 hrs. mostly watched movies and rested. They say first is most intense so this one out of the way, glad about that  I was a little dizzy went to bathroom last nite but careful about getting up too quickly.   Not as bad as I thought so just go with the tired and rest.  Good luck all in Dec...

Banksy - I'm laughing at your Mr T comment! So funny.

Sunflower - Thanks so much for paying us a visit and cheering us on. It really helps to hear from our sisters that went before us. Looking forward to doing the same next December, and every December thereafter!

Had my Chemo class today and feel pretty in control of the upcoming challenges. Am armed with scripts for steroids, anit-nausea, sleep aid, and Vitamin D. No restrictions on food, other than I may not want really spicy stuff. The nurse said rinsing with a baking soda/water mix a few times a day is a good idea. Was adviced to drink lots and lots of water from here on out. I start the steroids tomorrow. I will most definitely spend my lunch time walking around campus!