April 2013 Chemo Group

Thanks for starting the April thread Katie!

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:

• Tips for getting through chemotherapy
• More Tips (and a Shopping List) for Getting Through Chemo
• PORT PLACEMENT: Detailed description of process
• Head Covering Options for Hair Loss
• wig advice
• Cold Cap Users Past and Present, to Save Hair

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

Hope you find this helpful!

--Your Mods

Hi Katie,

I start chemo 4/1/13 and I have to say it's scary. I have all kinds of feelings about this. But it is one day at a time.

My sister is going with me this week to get a wig. I was told by a friend to shave my head myself or have someone do it for me. That way I have control and not the cancer.  I'm not sure how this will go. 

I have been reading the other threads and they have been very helpful on what to stock up on and other advice.

I had my port surgery yesterday and it went well. Everything seems to be a wirlwind of info and speeding right along. It's very scary. I would like things to slow down a  little.

I am starting back at the YMCA next month. I like the yoga class and the walls are closing in on me here at home. 

I have good and bad moments. I started a journal a friend that had cancer said this really helped her.

Keep in touch.

I start chemo April 1st also. I wish everyone well.

I don't have an exact start date- but have my chemo teaching on 3/26 and will get my start date then.

I have stage 2 IDC- multifocal with micrometastises to my sentinel node.

I had a L masectomy with TE on 2/27.

I am very scared of doing chemo.

Kerri

I cut my hair really short today so when it falls out it won't be so traumatizing. It took 6 minutes to style it. So far I like it.



I go get my port put in on Monday. Another battle wound.



Katie: How was chemo class? I haven't gone yet.

Thanks to all of you for being out there and willing to share your experience. I was diagnosed in 1998 with DCIS and had a double mastectomy and am now diagnosed again with a cancerous lump on my chest wall.  I had a lumpectomy and the margins were clear.  My chemo begins on April 3rd with port placement later this week.  I am HER2 positive and will have 6 chemo treatment and Herceptin over an 18 week period.  Once the chemo is done, I will continue with the Herception infusions every 3 weeks until April 2014. After that it will be 5 weeks of radiation.   I am really struggling with the thought of losing my hair and do plan to take control and shave before it starts falling out.  I will be wig shopping this week.

 Again, thanks for being there and will look forward to future posts.

Hi everyone, 

Well I did it, I shaved my hair off. I have a wig, it's not the best but it will do for now. I will order another one next week.

While I have the energy I am going to fix and freeze as many vegan meals as I can and put in my freezer. I have alot to do this week before I start chemo on April 1. Im sure you all do. It seems overwhelming at times. So I just take one day at a time and breath. 

Keep calm and Fight on!

I will look forward to hearing about your class.  This is really overwhelming!  So much info to take in and no way to know how our bodies will react.  Also, I am single and have a wonderful group of friends and family for support, but am so afraid of being a burden to them.  Appreciate this site so much!!

Hey everyone,

(very new to the site and the forums)

Guess I am part of the April club too.  I start chemo on April 4th. My teaching appointment is the day before.  I bought a wig (will be picking it up tomorrow). I cut my hair shorter, and will probably shave it a few days.  I know they say it is about controlling, and that is true, but it is also about not having clumps of hair all around your house.

Chemo scares me more than the surgery did (I had mastectomy/sentinal node dissection with reconstruction in February).  I will have 4 sessions two weeks apart, followed by 12 sessions 1 week apart, and Herceptin every 3 weeks for a year. Possibly also Tamoxifan in there somewhere too

I had my port implanted on 3/21. I am still healing from that.  There are some really weird sensations from it.

I wish courage and strength to everyone on this ride.  Together we can help each other through.

Sarilda

Just wanted to share that I just received a beautiful scarf from http://goodwishesscarves.org/ They'll provide you a free wrap & there are some gorgeous choices! Money is really tight in my house so it was very much appreciated. I'm not getting a wig and I'm actually excited to wear this scarf!

Also, there is a site called http://www.chemoangels.net/ where you can sign up to have 2 volunteers send you notes throughout chemo. I'm sure we can all use all the support we can get! 

Look Good, Feel Better is another free program where you can get help with makeup, wigs, etc. and I think they give you a free makeup kit. I haven't gone (I'm not really into makeup) but thought others might be interested. http://lookgoodfeelbetter.org/

Anyone else find some good resources?

Hi All,

Add me to the list of the April Chemo Club

Not happy about it all and and am completely overwhelmed. 

But hey, this to shall pass right?

Thanks so much for the tips and encouragement!  I am consumed by the need for information and greatly appreciate your message.

Hi all,

Going for my "chemo class" tomorrow. I'll probably be starting next week but not sure. I really appreciate all the pointers people have shared. It really does help to feel you have some degree of control - however slight.  Good luck everybody!!

I'm going the April Club too. I have had so much advice it is almost overwhelming. It is nice to hear from those who have been right here. I will be having TAC once every 3 weeks, 6 doses.

I cut my hair really short to help adjust to seeing myself without my normal hair. So far, it's still sad. I bought a wig that I am reasonably ok with and got a free one from American Cancer. It is beautiful real human hair and it is one length so your hairdresser can cut it into your old style. I will use it for special occasions only because you have to style it like your own hair. It is donated by Pantene.

I attend the Look Good Feel Better seminar and it was a helpful reminder of how bacteria spreads through makeup and showed me how to draw on eyebrows and put on a wig. It was worth it. There were lots of free samples of products I haven't tried, but found interesting. It was also nice to meet women at the same stage as I am.

Well, here we go. I'm pulling for you all.