April 2013 Chemo Group

My chemo start was pushed back a week to April 8th. They also put me on a week break from radiation. I have an upper respiratory infection and started antibiotics yesterday. Well, I guess it gives me more time to mentally prepare myself.

I started chemo TCH March 6, six cycles with weekly Herceptin. I had no bone pain after Neulasta. I used Claritin D one day before Neulasta and four days after. My MO ok'd it. Claritin D can affect blood pressure.

Shipsgirl, I am also starting chemotherapy sometime in April and will be trying cold caps.  I agree, it's about having some level of control over this awful situation we all find ourselves in.

I start on Thursday (3/28), but it is so close to April that I feel like I'll relate more to the April group. Hope you don't mind if I join!

Hi,

I was supposed to start chemo on 3/22, but was pushed back to 3/28 because of the need for additional scans and uterine biopsy. Jennie, you and I will be staring the same day. 

I originally joined the MArch group, but feel I will have more common experiences with the April group. 

I have had my port implanted, purchased a wig and appropriat head gear. My husband gives himself haircuts, so I have asked him to buzz my hair off next week. I am sure this will be traumatic.

Yes, I am scared, but I feel ready to go.  All of the waiting was killing me. I was diagnosed just before Christmas, had the lumpectomy in February and just want to get this part over with. I agree with what many of you said about being in control. I feel as though I have had no control over my life for the past several months.

Positive thoughts to all,

Denise 51

I am not sure when I will be starting chemo I am waiting to have my port installed, it will probably be around April 11 so thought I would join the April group.



I will be doing 4 treatments of A/C every two weeks and then 4 treatments of Taxotere very 3 weeks. I feel that this is the most scary part of the entire process, the biggest unknown - not knowing how my body will react to the treatments.



I am trying to read posts from past months to gather as much info as possible on how to deal with SE's. My MO has gone over SE's with me but everything is so overwhelming. I am trying to stay as upbeat as I possibly can but some days are hard. I want to try and work during treatment and I am hoping that I will be able to.



I wish everyone the best of luck, and positive thoughts to all.

Hi Everyone - well I purchased a wig today and arranged to get my head shaved on the 15th.  My first chemo is on April 3rd.  My port will be placed tomorrow and I am so ready to get this done.  Like everyone else am wondering how my body will tolerate the TCH.  I am really lucky that I am retired and do not have to worry about work or young children like many of you. I am 66 and single.  Fortunately, I have a great family and friends for support.  This is all so overwhelming and scary, but am working hard at staying positive. 

I am going for an echocardiogram this morning then chemo class this afternoon. I'm not sure how involved the chemo class will be. My mom is going with me since my husband will have to miss next Tuesday to take me to my first chemo treatment. Tomorrow I am going to a flea market to check out the wigs, hats, scarves. I have heard that there is booth run by

cancer survivors who sell these

items and that the selection and quality are nice. I received a free beautiful silk scarf from a company called Good Wishes. It's lovely...but my kids thought I looked silly when I modeled it for them. I think I heard the word "pirate" from my youngest! This journey will surely be interesting...

Skigirl72-Thanks so much for the websites. I will definitely check them out. I have made my children aware about what is going to happen to my hair. Unfortunately I don't think I am going to look as pretty as you do with no hair! My children are ages 7,11 and 14. There are so many end of the school year activities coming up and I worry about how I will look and feel. I don't want to miss out on anything. I see that you are doing the AC/T treatment just like I will be. Has it held you back from life's activities? How have you felt? Will I need help with my kids, making food, or cleaning the house? My husband is very supportive but works long hours. Thank you for your insight.

Hi girls

I'm now 5 years post dx. It's a really scary time for you all. Chemo is a scary word and I know you're all scared stiff (I know I was), but it's OK as long as you make plans for it. Yes, you feel rough sometimes, but you can carry on your life as normal (well almost).

I did work through chemo, but don't recommend it. You need time for yourself to regroup (as it were). When working I would hit the proverbial 'brick wall' and had to go home and go to bed, but I did feel 'useful'.  

Just concentrate on 'you'. Take time to rest, when your body tells you to, and take things easy.

You'll soon be out the other side.

xx

It really wasn't that tough. I took the emend the day of tx and 2 days after. I took the dex (steroid) morning and night for the two days after tx. so I ended the dex and emend the same day. Then I took the compazine for a few days after the dex/emend combo. I took one compazine in the morning and one in the evening. I had some with me if we were out and I started not feeling well. I never needed to take extra. The nurses will tell you exactly what to do on your first TX day. Bring all your meds with you so you will know. I wrote on the labels how to use and when to use the meds. It seems so overwhelming now but I promise you it will be ok. you will learn what works and what doesn't. I had a dry erase board near the basket of meds and vitamins so I could keep track of what I was doing.

I see the Oncologist for the first time on April 3rd. My BS is really prefering I do chemo, before she does surgery since my tumor is so big, and close to the chest wall. I don't think it is attached yet! They can get fingers under it. Once I have the appointment, I hope they will start quickly. Either way, I will be joining the April Chemo group.

Sounds like I am going to need a white board, a calendar and a lesson about all of the different medicines available to help curb the side effects. Thanks Skigirls72 and Deyla for all of the tips! I will definitely read over your posts again when the side effects hit and I am trying to juggle the meds. I got 4 prescriptions filled today. I still need to read the info on them to see what they are used for and when to take them. I almost want

it to be Tuesday so I can get started. I'm starting to feel more

confident. Wish my husband was, though. He is very nervous and stressed out about the next few months and doesn't want things to change. I keep telling him everything will be okay and it will not be as bad as we anticipate. He should be encouraging me, right?! I guess we all handle stress differently. Plus I have this site to help me sort through my fears and emotions. He tends to keep things to himself.

Tricia81-I will be 10 days ahead of you with the AC/T treatment. I have learned a lot from the wonderful girls on this thread and I'm sure you will, too. Hang in there.

Well, it's off to bed now so the Easter Bunny can visit!

I was told to stop any antioxidants. I dont remember why or what ones. I will try to find notes I took.  I take:  One-a-Day women's multi, Vitamin D3, Lysine, B6, B12, cal/mag/zinc, and prilosec. All those are fine with my MO. I was going to add a CoQ10 but I havent done enough of my own research to get a good feel for the benefits. Of course I do a quick check with the MO before I start anything new.

Foods- I was told to limit caffeine, alcohol and dairy. I have a cup of coffee in the morning and every few days I have a beer or a glass of wine. I am not a milk drinker but I love cheese. I haven't totally eliminated these, I just cut back. I was also told to increase my protein intake. I heard somewhere to try to get around 100g of protein a day. I added a protein shake daily just to help with that increase.

I also drink 3 liters of water a day. Stay well hydrated.

You will figure out the meds. The names are weird and we just aren't used to them. I had my dry erase board and every time I took something I just wrote down the time and what I took. They gave me three different types of anti nausea meds. I settled on the Compazine (prochlorperazine) and the Ativan (lorazepam). The other ones I never used. They worked great. I never got sick. I had a bit of constipation the first round so I added a colace till I stopped taking the meds.

Happy easter!!