CMF Chemotherapy - February 2013

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Robin3
Robin3 Member Posts: 145
edited June 2014 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

Hi Everyone,

I'm starting CMF this week.  Is anyone is currently doing CMF treatments? Can you help me on what to expect? My doctor is very low key with the side effects. I'd rather know up front. Is it true I won't lose all my hair? I'm expecting to lose anywhere from 25 to 50% is that accurate? What else do I need to know? Anyone have an tips or tricks I should know up front? Thanks in advance. It would really help to talk to others in my situation. Good luck to you all.

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  • softness1
    softness1 Member Posts: 217
    edited February 2013

    I start on Valentine, this upcoming Thursday. I work full time and was told that I should be able to work uninterrupted as this is considered Chemo Light. From what I've read, you do lose some hair, but it's more like thinning. The hair isn't what really scares me, as so many women w/o cancer wears, wigs and weaves so if I have to be added to the list so be it. Most of the celebrities out there wear wigs or add in weaves for thickness..My major concerns are the other side effects. I'm a single mom and can not afford to lose too many days at work. I've already taken 6 weeks for my bilaterial and I don't have much sick/vacation leave left until our year end in April. Being that it's every 3 weeks, I initially plan on going Thursdays and taking the Friday off because from what I'm reading the side effects are not immediate, they're like 2-3 days later. I may push the infusions day to Wednesday if I feel good the next day.

    It's still a work in progress. Robin3 I hope all is well with you and I hope someone who has gone through this can comment. I will definitely be checking in later this week to let you know how it goes..

    Good Luck

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  • curveball
    curveball Member Posts: 3,040
    edited February 2013

    @Robin3, there's a huge thread about CMF chemo which you may not have seen yet because it's not in the chemotherapy forum. It has been running for years and still going strong. I recently completed 6 months of
    CMF and there are other ladies on the thread still in the middle of their regimen, and I think one who is nearly finished. Some who did CMF years ago drop in now and then to offer encouragement and help.

    Here's a link to the thread:http://community.breastcancer.org/topic_post?forum_id=6&id=243424&page=1

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  • Robin3
    Robin3 Member Posts: 145
    edited February 2013

    Softness1...I'm glad I found  you. It really helps to know there is someone going through the same thing as me. I'm worried about side effects too. In my job when I don't work I don't get paid. My doctor has downplayed the side effects as he doesn't seem to think i'm going to be that affected by them, but how can he be sure. Curveball - hello to you. I did see the CMF thread but it was so huge and overwhelming and seems like people had been on all sorts of regimes, I was having a hard time following. I love the fact that these boards exist and I have found all sorts of cool tips and tricks. But when I do a search about chemo, I don't find all that much on the CMF which I am hoping is a good thing??  Good luck to you all and I will go read that thread more. Softness. please keep in touch with me. Robin

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  • softness1
    softness1 Member Posts: 217
    edited February 2013

    Yes, Curveball, I too have looked at that thread on CMF but like Robin3, it overwhelmed me.  I do read the more recent post in that thread because I'm trying to keep up with current treatments of side effects so I've started reading from Oct 2012 because I know since 2007 there must have been improvements (Or so I hope) with treating side effects.   

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  • curveball
    curveball Member Posts: 3,040
    edited February 2013

    there's no rule that says you have to read the whole thread Laughing If you come up with a specific question you think might have been answered earlier, you can always use the search feature--and since that one thread isn't in the chemo forum, if you restrict your search to threads in the "Help Me Get Through Treatment" forum, most if not all your search results will probably be from that thread.

    Or just go ahead and ask your questions. Nobody over there is going to bite your head off, even if it's a question that has been asked and answered before. Or just say "Hi, I'm starting CMF soon".

    I really do encourage you to post on that thread, so there will continue to be one place to direct people with their questions about CMF.

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  • softness1
    softness1 Member Posts: 217
    edited February 2013

    I had my first chemo treatment today. I'm at work, feeling slightly loopy. So far so good. I've taken tomorrow off in case I'm not feeling great.. Will keep you updated Robin

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  • Robin3
    Robin3 Member Posts: 145
    edited February 2013

    softness, go to the other cmf thread, i started posting there you can read all about my day yesterday. I feel ok today. Just went back for nulestra shot. I did feel loopy yesterday. the ladies have been so nice and welcoming and gave me some valuable info. Congratulations on getting through today! :-)  Robin

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  • packy
    packy Member Posts: 12
    edited October 2013


    Hello everyone. Best wishes to all in this journey none of us wanted, but one which hopefully we travel successfully.


    My CMF appears to have been successful...for which I am thankful.


    I am on Femara, as I imagine many of you are after the chemo is over. I have been having urgency to get to the bathroom upon awakening in the morning....and often daily episode (s) of loose stools. I have never had these problems...have always been more likely to almost need a laxative at times.


    wonder if this could be caused by Femara....any thoughts.


    Many thanks,


    Packy

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