Calling all TNs

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  • IslandGirl50
    IslandGirl50 Member Posts: 50
    edited December 2012

    Why are doctors asking you to choose what chemo to take?  They are suppose to be the professional. That's what we pay them for!!! Plus what if you choose wrong? Then you have that to live with! 

    My Doctor told me the best thing for me to take was AC and then Taxol

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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited December 2012

    HopeFaithCourage - nice to know were are on the same starting point.  I am having TAC for 6 cycles...every 3 weeks.  I had a good experience today.  I have really rounded to negative corner in the last 3 days.  I am the opposite of you though I am good about the chemo part but scared about the cancer part.  Good luck to you!

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  • EnglishRose75
    EnglishRose75 Member Posts: 147
    edited December 2012

    russell33: This is just my opinion, and I'm certainly no healthcare professional, but my personal choice would be to go for the most aggressive chemo regimen that's being offered and make sure you kick the cancer as hard as you can upfront.  As I said though, that's just the way that I would approach it.  I've just finished 6 rounds of 5FU, Epirubicin, Cyclophospamide and Taxotere which my MO said was the "full whack" because I am ER- and in my thirties.  I had two nodes involved though, and my offending lump was a bit bigger at 1.5cm.

    Hope and jen: Hope the chemo went well.  It is manageable.

    Melissa: My hair is just starting to come back now.  Can't tell what it's going to look like--it's just fuzz at the moment!  If it comes back grey, I was thinking I would just colour it.  Or is that a big no-no now too?  Alcohol abstinence and no hair dye--now that will be tough!

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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited December 2012

    I agree go aggressive now and knock it out.

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  • Loafer
    Loafer Member Posts: 121
    edited December 2012

    Hi russell33 - Your diagnosis is similar to my own. My onc discussed the same chemo options with me and felt the T&C option was best. The adriamycin has been found to cause heart problems in a small percentage of patients - which was enough to convince me too. Best of luck with your decision and chemo treatments. Hugs!

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  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited December 2012

    hello russell33 - not doing Adriamycin would definitely be my choice - been there and done that - never doing it again. My thoughts are with you.

    Sherry

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  • Nanc620
    Nanc620 Member Posts: 38
    edited December 2012

    Hello, TN Sisters!

    A special hello to my Michigan sister, Loafer!  She and I are also friends on What Next!  So...the chemo schedule is set for me.  January 9th...6 rounds of Cytoxen and Taxotere.  I am stage llA.  With the history of heart problems in my family I am not going to use Adriamyacin...I have thought long and hard about it and consulted with several trusted doctors.   

    Trying to get in the Christmas spirit...our kids are 22 and 18 and I still want the magic!  The tree is up waiting for ornaments...of course 2 strands of lights didn't work so it is off to Wally World tomorrow for more lights.  

    Wishing you all well and saying thanks for being here...

    nanc

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  • Hopex3
    Hopex3 Member Posts: 397
    edited December 2012

    Russell...I did 4 AC and going in for my 4th taxol.. They did a echocardiogram on my heart before I started the AC which is routine. I have an aggressive Tumor so they wanted to treat it aggressively which I am glad. I had no problems with that whatsoever. Now, taxol on the other hand is kicking my butt! All kinds of side effects but I am getting through it and even working while doing it. Everyone responds to,the chemo differently.

    Good luck to you!

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  • HopeFaithCourage
    HopeFaithCourage Member Posts: 156
    edited December 2012

    First chemotherapy done! Even with a sleeping pill i woke up several times and then b finally at 430 have up and got up. I'm nausea but it's tolerable like annoying morning sickness. I'm doing my best to keep it to myself for my kids sake because they are terrified. Thank you to everyone for sharing your journey.

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  • 5thSib
    5thSib Member Posts: 141
    edited December 2012

    Russell33 -- I am doing Adriamycin and Cytoxan combined every two weeks for 4 rounds. Then I will have 12 weekly treatments of Taxol. I have had the first two treatments. My next will be December 27.



    Blood work yesterday showed WBC too low again so they said stay away from public places still -- especially Christmas shopping. Thank goodness I have been able to do all my shopping online. Well except for stocking stuffers. That's always been my favorite -- spending the last Saturday before Christmas finding little things to go into stockings.

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited December 2012

    Take the anti-nausea meds, Hope!  Compazine or Zofran - you should have a script for one of them.  Don't try to tough it out.  Glad you're doing mostly OK after treatment #1.

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  • russell33
    russell33 Member Posts: 48
    edited December 2012

    Hi Loafer, thank you for responding to me.  This website has so much information and it's nice to chat with people who are going through the same thing.  My husband and I decided that I am  going to do the TC regimen.  That's the one my doctor suggested.  Hope I'm making the right decision.  Happy Holidays.

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  • russell33
    russell33 Member Posts: 48
    edited December 2012

    Hi 5thsib, so my husband and I discussed it and I have decided to do the Cytoxan and Taxotere regimen.  It was so hard to decide but my oncologist also recommended this one  I would have done the Adriamycin but the oncologist didn't think I need it  Hopefully I made the right decision.

    I hope you are able to get out and get your stocking stuffers.  I did most of my shopping online before I had my surgery because I didn't want to have to stress about it.  I do need to get stocking stuffers also so I will get out this week sometime and do that.  I hope you have a wonderful Holiday.  Thanks for sharing your treatment.  Russell33

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  • russell33
    russell33 Member Posts: 48
    edited December 2012

    Hi luvrring, I just got diagnoised and I noticed the first time you were diagnoised is what I am diagnoised with.  Do you mind sharing what treatment you had the first time.  I'm so sorry that it came back.  I hope you are doing well.  Have a very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited December 2012

    I conquer my 1st chemo treatment yesterday.  Last night I literally felt like I was having an overdose, I have never taken so many drugs in a day (4 steroids, 1 xanax, 1 celexa, 2 Tylenol, 1 claratin, 1 nausea meds (plus to 2 at injection) and 3 bags of chemo drugs).  My goodness, this coming from a mom who pisses and moans about taking tylenol during PMS :)

    The girl next to be was on her 4th round of of chemo and we talked for a long time, she has the same diagnosis/treatment as me. She was so nice and gave me all sorts of tips, advise and phone number.  She was a blessing, her name is Renee.

    Today I feel really tired and want to sleep but the steroids keep me awake and I can't knock out since the kids get home at 530, the sitter can stay until 630 so that's 2 more hours. 

    Have a good day ladies.

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  • Hopex3
    Hopex3 Member Posts: 397
    edited December 2012

    Jenjen...glad your done with your first. Now you know what to expect. I remember my first time was so emotional then it got easier. Now, knowing my last treatment is coming, I think it will be emotional as well. I'm not one to take pills either. I will only take Advil if my arm is falling off but NOW, I'm popping pills for this and that. It's disgusting.



    Russell...so glad you have decided on a plan. Once you have that set, you can relax, (sort of).



    5thsib...stocking stuffers are my favorites too. My boys are in their 20's and I still do them up. Does anyone ever stuff my stocking.....NO!



    Off work for two weeks so laying low and enjoying some time alone. I get to hold the channel changer all day!

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  • EnglishRose75
    EnglishRose75 Member Posts: 147
    edited December 2012

    russell33: So glad you've decided on a treatment plan.  If you haven't checked out the chemo groups already, I'd advise you to join in with the December or January groups since they will provide you lots of information and support from other ladies who are at the same stage of treatment as you.

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  • minxie
    minxie Member Posts: 484
    edited December 2012

    Got my surgery date for a new tissue expander - end of January. I can't believe I'm going through this all again... The surgeon says the radiation doesn't seem to have made too much of a mess of things, so hopefully I can get something like a normal boob back.

    I am considering "running away" the week before surgery, spending the week at a beach cottage in NC. I'd bring my drawing supplies, computer, waterproof boots, parka, vodka, hot chocolate, books, my ipad... and just spend the days sleeping late, walking the beach, and drawing. Some time away from it all. Everyone in my family has given me permission - except my 7 year old son, who desperately wants to come with me. I've tried explaining how it won't be like the summer, that he can't swim, that he'll be bored out of his mind, but he really want to be with me. He loves his mommy, and I love my babay. I don't know. The idea is for me to get time for myself, and if he's there, I'll be on Mom duty. But he sure is sweet and cuddly and I'm not sure if I'd get terribly lonely all by myself for a week... Any thoughts?

    Good luck to all of you starting chemo! It's tough, tough, tough, but when it's over you'll be glad you did it.

    Anyone heard from Inmate?

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  • NjeanRN
    NjeanRN Member Posts: 8
    edited December 2012

    Hi all, I'm new here even though I'm finishing up chemo. I noticed this board just for TN and figured I'd join and say hello. I recieved neo adjuvant chemo and am having BMX the end of jan. I just have one taxol left and wanted to share with anyone who has a similar dx that I had an MRI last week and the result was no tumor detectable. The chemo shrunk it, it worked. I hope this helps someone feel hopeful about their own treatment!

    Not looking forward to surgery but I chose the prophylactic BMX so that I can put this behind me.

    I wish you all the best.

    (I'm 37 with 3 adolescent daughters for reference.)

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited December 2012

    Russell33 - for my first instance of BC, I had a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy.  The nodes were clear and I was slightly ER positive.  I did brachytherapy radiation (5 day Mammosite) and then took Femara until March when my recurrence was diagnosed. 

    Minxie - I think you're going to have to follow your heart as to whether or not your son should go with you to the beach.  I do think you deserve a break and that's always going to be in conflict with spending time with your child.  How does one avoid "mother's guilt"?

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  • Hopex3
    Hopex3 Member Posts: 397
    edited December 2012

    NJeanRN...just talked with you on another thread. I am on too many threads.

    You and I are on the same schedule. I will finish up taxol on the 27th and then BMX end of January. I haven't had my MRI yet but they nor I can feel the tumor at all. But my boob throbs, my underarms hurt so that makes me nervous. I'm anxious for surgery as well. Two of my sisters are coming out to help me. Take care,

    Erin

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  • OBXK
    OBXK Member Posts: 791
    edited December 2012

    So glad to hear the two new members, survived their first chemos!!! (placing crowns on your heads for bravery)



    Had my gemzar today. WBC down to 2.3 - so I have to have the neulasta shot from hell on Friday.



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  • Nanc620
    Nanc620 Member Posts: 38
    edited December 2012

    Hello from Michigan!

    This thread is so long and I wasn't sure if I properly introduced myself...I'm Nancy from a suburb northwest of Detroit. 59 and diadnosed this past Octiber.  I had a lumpectomy 10/22 with sentinal node biopsy that was clear.  I hda port placed at the same time because intital pathology showed I was TN.  As I mentioned last night I wll be starting chemo (6 rounds of C/T every three weeks) followed by 7 weeks of rads.  

    I am slowly trying to read the thread from the beginning but it is a daunting task, isn't it?

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited December 2012

    Welcome Nanc!  Almost 20,000 posts - yes, very daunting!!!

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  • mags20487
    mags20487 Member Posts: 1,591
    edited December 2012

    yes we are quite the chatty bunch!  Welcome to all you newbies and to those just starting chemo...one day at a time..baby steps.

    Well today I had to have a woundvac put on my belly scar.  I had diep 7 weeks ago tomorrow but the belly scar has opened just a wee bit and needs some help to heal it up.. hopefully I will only have it for a few weeks.  what a pita! 

    Maggie

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  • bak94
    bak94 Member Posts: 1,846
    edited December 2012

    Minxie-What a tough choice, I think Luvrving's advice is great.

    Hopex3-I think that pain is normal. I felt pain during chemo and after surgery they found no cancer, so I do think cancer can hurt as it is shrinking, which makes since, all the surrounding tissue and stuff is changing!

    Last minute we decided to have family over for xmas eve. Well, I threw my back out, I can't even unload the dishwasher. Of course I am worried that it is cancer, but can't get to the doctor until after the new year, which I really prefer! I don't want to worry about scans and such right now. Laying on a heating pack right now looking at my extremely messy house! My back has gone out before cancer like this and it usually takes a week to get better, uggh.

    I haven't heard from inmate either. I wish she would stop by. I hope she is ok.

    Thinking of all of you!

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  • melissa119
    melissa119 Member Posts: 172
    edited December 2012

    Had my 6 month follow up with my BS today and she said everything looks great and see u in 6 months! Yay! Now I can really celebrate this holiday season! My exchange surgery is scheduled for march and 3 month follow up with MO in feb. but til them I am going to try to enjoy the holidays and my birthday in January!



    Sending holiday wishes to everyone and warm welcome to the newbies! You will do fine with chemo and before you know it you will see the end if the tunnel!



    Hugs to everyone!



    Melissa

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  • russell33
    russell33 Member Posts: 48
    edited December 2012

    Hi englishrose , I'm not sure what the cancer groups are. I'm confused because I'm so new to this. Any information would be helpful.  Thanks so much.

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  • yananma
    yananma Member Posts: 21
    edited December 2012

    Russel I had the same options - act or TC. I chose TC, I had 1st TC on 11/13/12, and going ok. Hard choice. I tossed back and forth for 3 weeks! And canceled and rescheduled.... I thought I would never live with it if I made the wrong choice.... Best of luck

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  • Sandlake
    Sandlake Member Posts: 211
    edited December 2012

    NjeanRN~ great news on your MRI and finishing your Taxol tx!!

    bak94~ lay low and get that back feeling better!

    I am dealing with pain in my right hip, which I also had before bc, but getting a bone scan just to be sure.   My exchange surgery is Dec 26th.  Not too happy with all of this happening so close to Christmas...but there never is good timing with bc.

    Thinking of all of you and sending you the best Holiday blessings!

    Cyndi

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