January 2013 chemo group

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited June 2014 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

I have been hopping around these discussion boards for a while.  Was going to start chemo first in November, then December.  Then I got chickenpox and had to set back treatment until January 3rd.  So, thought I'd start the January thread.  These boards have been a great source of shared information, a place to vent frustrations and share with women going through the exact same things.  I've gathered a lot of information, but am sure to learn more from some other lovely ladies.

My treatments will be TAC everything 3 weeks x6.  I've found very few that are on this particular 3 part cocktail, but don't think the SE's are much different. Can't wait to hear from others. You may see me on November and December as well because I think there is a lot to learn from those ladies too.

Best of luck to us all, skimommi

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  • ziffy321
    ziffy321 Member Posts: 41
    edited December 2012

    Hi Skimommi!  I am new to the boards, but not to cancer.  I had a mastectomy and was treated with a/c in 2002, thought I had it licked.  God said HA!  I've had a 2nd mastectomy and the ovaries removed, will start chemo in January.  Awaiting second opinion before establishing a treatment plan. 

    Cheers, Ziffy

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  • Lemonade
    Lemonade Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2012

    I will be joining you. I am new and still have a lot to learn and research. I will be receiving Taxol and Herceptin in January.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2012

    Hi Ladies!

    ziffy321 so sorry you have to go through this again. Guess we will learn just as much from you as you will from the rest of us. Did you only have one breast removed on the first go round?

    Lovie76 I've been picking up a lot of information from the existing boards.  Welcome! Although sorry we all have to be here for this shared reason.

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  • Nanc620
    Nanc620 Member Posts: 38
    edited December 2012

    Hi Ladies,

    Made my first three chemo appoitments today...begin January 9th.  Cytoxen and Taxotere 6x every three weeks.  No Adriamyacin due to heart problems in family history.  Both of the onc I have seen agree as do some trusted friends in the medical research field.  I'm stage llA so they are comfortable that I'm not taking a chance...I am also very comfortable withthe decision.

    I'm nervous and edgy tonight...every little ache and pain I'm thinking OMG...it has metastisized.  Being triple negative I'm guilty of being way obsessive about reading way too much...

    I look forward to getting to know you all and sharing this tough road.  A journey is always best with companions who understand the road map...

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2012

    Hi Nanc, we would be on similar treatments except Iwill be taking the big "A". My oncotype was close to getting me out of it, but it wasn't in the cards. I feel that with so many more trials heading toward not having the A involved that it would be fine.



    Made a wig fitting appt for Friday. A little early I think, but I just want everything in order. I'm still not convinced I want to wear one though. I'm so afraid of it looking obviously fake. The rest of this is bad enough. How will I deal with all the eyes that try not to stare. Still debating on timing to cut my hair. Doing a pixie cut just to get some of the shock out of the way. Sounds like the 17/18th should be the drop date.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2012

    Oh, and Nanc I think what you are feeling is so normal. There was a blog I read a while back where the survivor of many years says that is what all cancer survivors deal with. One of those things that well-wishers don't get and will never experience. Her blog was actually very uplifting. If I can find it again ill share the link.

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  • Skigirl72
    Skigirl72 Member Posts: 478
    edited December 2012

    Hi, I am new here. I start my Chemotherapy (AC every 3 weeks X4) Jan 3rd.  I am cutting my hair short on Dec 27th. It is very long so I am donating it to Locks of Love. I am trying to get the shock of the hair thing out of the way and I want to be prepared. I have questions...

    Am I going to loose everything? eyebrows and lashes too? How soon after starting Chemo will it fall out? I also am trying to prepare my 10yr old son for my new look. Any suggestions??

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2012

    Welcome Skigirl72. While we have all be warned that everyone is different, and particularly with different treatments, everyone does seem to share in the 14-day following their first chemo as to when they begin shedding the hair.  My onc confirmed that as well.  I begin the same day as you, and so figure the 17th is the day. Unfortunately for most that also means eyelashes and brows too - and nose hair which I hear is a very strange feeling.  But, some gals say they may loose in some areas and somehow keep in other areas.  Just be prepared to be COMPLETELY hairless.  Surprised  I bought Brian Joseph's lash and brow gel in hopes to at least keep those in tact.  We will see how that goes.  You could make your son a part of it by having him shave his head too.  My daughter is 11 and has been talking about getting a pixie cut when I go for mine. 

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  • Skigirl72
    Skigirl72 Member Posts: 478
    edited December 2012

    Hi Skimommi,

    I battle with my son a bit on getting his haircut every few months. His dad (we are divorced) is bald by choice and my boyfriend told me he was going to shave his head also. My son's best friend's mom is shaving too... So we will see if he wants to also. lol. Looks like I will have a few weeks after this all starts to really get used to the idea of no hair and buy some skull caps and maybe just one wig. i dont think I'm a wig kinda girl...I am going to look in to this brow and lash gel too... Thanks! (Looks like you are getting some snow!) We might have a white christmas. We have a bit of snow in the forecast up here in NY.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2012

    I'm with you . . . not crazy about the wig thing.  I'm meeting with my boss tomorrow to get the okay to wear hats/wraps instead.  Yes, we just have a little snow, but luckily the ski resorts are getting pounded.  They needed it.

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  • Nanc620
    Nanc620 Member Posts: 38
    edited December 2012

    Hello January Sisters,

    I was already fitted for a wig...my daughter (22) forced the issue and I went along.  Much to my very pleasant surprise it wasn't bad. The first weig she put on matched my hair almost perfectly...even right up to my cowlick!  I actually like the color and highlights better than my own.  Not sure how often I will wear it but it will be here if I want and for the time when my hair is growing back.  I have a huge basket of hats and scraves...living in MI I'm well prepared.  I was also pleased that they have these Friar Tuck looking half wigs that go under hats...that way there isn't the bare sideburn and back area that is a dead giveaway.  Our insurance will pay half so I'm going for it...

    Blessings...

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2012

    Wanted to share this site. It is a blog from a fellow survivor.  I found it uplifting and in the topic "A Letter to a Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patient — For What It’s Worth" she hits so directly on what we are all going through.

    Stay strong ladies!

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  • ziffy321
    ziffy321 Member Posts: 41
    edited December 2012

    skimommi, yes, I gave up one breast (I won't say I "lost" it) the first time.  If only I'd known, I'd have given both up at once! 

    Also, I lost my scalp hair on A/C, but kept my brows, lashes, and most of my body hair. 

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  • russell33
    russell33 Member Posts: 48
    edited December 2012

    Hi ladies, I will be starting TC  January 8.  Getting scared but staying POSITIVE. I look forward to the January chemo group discussions.  If anyone is starting that day or close to it let me know. I would love to share our experiences.  Happy Holidays to all of you.

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  • Nanc620
    Nanc620 Member Posts: 38
    edited December 2012

    Hi Russell33!

    I will also be stating on January 9th...where in MI do you live?  I'm in West Bloomfield.  I'll be going to St. Joe's in Pontiac.  C/T also except for 6 weeks...all togetehr now "It's a small world..."

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  • engk916
    engk916 Member Posts: 13
    edited December 2012

    hello ladies,

    glad to see someone started the jan thread.  i have my first meeting with my oncologist jan 3.  according to my breast surgeon i should start my treatments the following week.

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  • russell33
    russell33 Member Posts: 48
    edited December 2012

    Hi Nan620,  we are quite close, I live in Chelsea.  My treatments will be at the U of M.  I work there and that's where my family physian is.  I am very happy with my care team.  We will have to stay in touch. I will be going every three weeks for 4 cycles.  Hope we don't get to much snow and wind over the holiday.  I don't know why I live in Michigan because I dislike cold weather.  Happy Holidays to you and your family.

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  • Sandra60
    Sandra60 Member Posts: 201
    edited December 2012

    Hi russell33 -I am starting TC on December 27th - I will post on this thread and the December chemo thread about how it goes .. All the best for u as we prepare for this part of our cure !!

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  • russell33
    russell33 Member Posts: 48
    edited December 2012

    Sandra60, I will be thining of you:)

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2012

    Welcome to the new ladies! Sandra60 sound like you are the first one to start chemo on this thread so far.  Will be thinking about you and checking in next week for sure.

    engk916 I found that all of my expectations to start chemo, and really anything else in this journey, have been blown out of the water. Everything takes so long.  If your MO orders the Oncotype test that will take another two weeks for the test results.  Just be prepared to not get rolling right away. But, hopefully things will go quickly for you. I was super anxious to get started and get it all over with.  Though I would start chemo in November and after many set-backs (some of my own doing) now starting January.  Good luck lady!

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  • Sandra60
    Sandra60 Member Posts: 201
    edited December 2012

    Thanks ski mom - yea I will be the first for this group - I am working out every day going into it strong. I too had to wait 4 weeks for my onco type test due to insurance delays - and with my intermediate score of 20 - I sought a 2nd opinion on the. Hero. Finally decided to go for it because it knocks down my recurrence rate another third basically . Will check in with the group on my chemo day if I can or shortly thereafter ! Enjoy the day and thank u all for your kind words of support !

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  • Bryona
    Bryona Member Posts: 214
    edited December 2012

    Hello, all. I'm starting chemo in January, although I'm not sure what day yet. I couldn't stand the first MO I met with, and I'm not meeting with the one I wanted all along until Jan. 10. My surgeon thinks I'll be ready to start by then, so first treatment will probably be the week after that.

    The first MO wanted me to do DD AC x 6 followed by DD TH x 4. I don't think I'll actually be on that schedule, but that will most likely be my regimen since I'm HER2+. I'm hoping the new MO will think four rounds of AC is enough, and that we don't need to do dose-dense.

    Are any of you planning to keep working during chemo? I want to try, but people around me think I'm crazy.

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  • ziffy321
    ziffy321 Member Posts: 41
    edited December 2012

    Bryona, I continued working during my first chemo 10 years ago, but I made a point of staying home on days whenever I felt ill or needed to "take it easy".  I did miss several days each cycle, but most days I felt well enough to work.  I wore a wig and was extra careful about keeping my area clean.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2012

    Byrona, I may be crazy right along with you.  Have to try to continue working through it all. Fortunately I do have the option to work from home some days, particularly on my bad ones.  I'm so afraid of ending up calling in way too often, but even my boss says we will have to play it by ear. My thought is that the need to get up everyday will help me pull through. If I didn't have that pressure I am one that would just lay in bed and use the chemo as an excuse to be unmotivated. It is just personally what I need. Will you work full time? My time off is very limited so I have all my time scheduled out. If it turns out to be too bad I may have to rely on intermittent STD though.

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  • Bryona
    Bryona Member Posts: 214
    edited December 2012

    skimommi, I have the same worry. If I just take off for the whole time I'm in chemo, I'm afraid I'll just make myself miserable. It's usually easier for me to ignore discomfort if I have something else demanding my attention.

    Ziffy, I'm planning to take off for the bad days, too. I just need to figure out when those are most likely to be so that I can plan for them. I hear that the really bad fatigue days from AC can start the day after treatment for some people but not until 5 days after treatment for others. What was it like for you?

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  • SherylB
    SherylB Member Posts: 450
    edited December 2012

    Hi all,

    I am having my first chemo on 1/10/13 of TC. I cut my hair really short today in preparation. I wore it short most of my life and just grew it out long about 6 years ago so when I looked in the mirror today it was like seeing an old friend. Actually I think I look better with it real short, not sure about bald though LOL. Gonna save money on shampoo and conditioner and can pack my hair dryer away for awhile. I hope I lose the hair on my legs it would be nice not to shave for a few months. Gonna find the positive in all this if I can. First time I have been off for Christmas and New Years since I became a nurse 30 years ago. Hell of a way to do it with surgery for breast cancer. Hang strong everyone we will get through this and be stronger for it.

    Sheryl

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  • Bryona
    Bryona Member Posts: 214
    edited December 2012

    Hi, Sheryl. I wish you didn't have to be here, but I'm glad you're here.

    I'm looking for bright sides, too. I had a mohawk -- briefly! -- in high school, but there are no pictures of it. I'm thinking that when I start to lose my hair, before I do the full shave, I'm going to stop at a mohawk for a day so everyone can see WHY we didn't bother taking pictures of it 25 years ago...

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

    Hi January crew!

    Just stopping in to provide some more helpful links, starting with the main Breastcancer.org site's section on Chemotherapy, including what to expect, types of chemo meds, and side effect management.

    There are some really helpful key threads here in the Chemo forum too!

    Great tips and practical advice on the following discussion board threads:

    Also, Last Month's Chemo thread might be informative!

    Hope you find this helpful!

    --Your Mods

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  • Bryona
    Bryona Member Posts: 214
    edited December 2012

    Bump for any new people looking for us, and happy holidays to all.

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  • SherylB
    SherylB Member Posts: 450
    edited December 2012

    Hi all,

    Need a place to whine so felt this would be a good place. Not a good day emotionally, in the shower this am and doing some touch up shaving and all of a sudden I was crying at the thought of not needing to shave my legs. Now that is really crazy because I bet there isn't a woman alive who likes shaving her legs. I started remembering the first time with a friend and how I cut the heck out of my self but it was such a rite of passage and fun. I am post menopause so have really had to shave much less and haven't felt emotional about that at all.

    I think it is the waiting between the steps that is the worse for me. This journey just started 11/12 when I found the lump. I am getting my port Friday 12/28 and 1st chemo 1/10. All of the waiting is nuts!. I still have a good deal of discomfort in my left breast area, swelling, cording, and I question if I have a seroma.

    Then the frigging paperwork. FMLA papers sent to MD last week called today they never received them, yeah right as I have the confirmation page. Anyway need to get them done quickly as the ones for my surgery have about run out. Went to pre-register for the port today, same place, same surgeon, all the same but had to go through all the paperwork again. What don't they have a frigging printer so they could print it all and place on the new chart.

    Just frustrated and I think that I have some of a let down now that Christmas is over. All the preparation etc. and now the quiet.

    Thanks for letting me whine, just an emotional mess today.

    Sheryl

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