Chemo May 2013

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  • sebaroni
    sebaroni Member Posts: 59
    edited May 2013

    HI all - I would love to join this group, as I am starting chemo on the 28th. Starting with 8 weeks, 4 treatments of A/C, followed by 8 weeks, 4 treatments of T. I am hopefully, prepared. I found a great sight for scarves and have already ordered a couple so I am ready for the hair loss. I have opted just to let it fall out. I have medium-long red hair and would like to save it after it falls out so I can get my natural color back later.

    It's good to read about all of your experiences. I just want to get it going and get it over with. I am loving my smaller than my natural breasts implants, following my mastectomy. So once this whole thing is over and my hair grows back, I am going to be a new woman! Here I come 50, bring it on!!

    I will read the list of things to have on hand, too. Thanks for all the information.

    Suzan

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  • Annie54
    Annie54 Member Posts: 247
    edited May 2013

    Welcome Sebaroni and all other newcomers! We are here for you - we"ll get through it together with each others help and experience. I start chemo tomorrow and am surprisingly calm about it. Just want the waiting to stop and the action to begin. Ready to KICK SOME BUTT! Just hope it doesn't kick mine :)

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited May 2013

    Good luck tomorrow Annie.

    I am on day 3. Monday was my first chemo. Nothing "bad". I had some heartburn the first night, despite the Pepcid that was in the drip. it wasn't too bad though. I didn't get to buy Prilosec til Tuesday afternoon and I took it as soon as I got home...didn't exactly kick in, and the package says 1-4 days....when I went to bed I had a Tums and was better.

    I woke up with no heartburn but have added Prolosec to my morning meds now. Along with my Claritan to ward off the Neulasta pain, and my stool softener and miralax to stay "regular". Gee I sound like a sick person! Lol. But I am feeling good right now. Even went to the gym this am.

    Drinking lots of water, rinsing with Biotene after every meal, and oh, using sensitive baby wipes for cleaning myself. If someone walked into my house they would wonder what all this stuff is for! I don't think ive ever taken such good care of myself!

    Stay on top of things!

    Pat

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  • JillLoftus1
    JillLoftus1 Member Posts: 6
    edited May 2013

    I am a newbie. ER/PR + HER2 neg. dx 4/8/13. Found in the axillia node rt breast. PET scan negative except for the breast. MRI of the brain negative. Port placed and first "red devil" tx started 10 days later. I thought that was a good time frame. 2 Red Devils done 2 to go, then taxol x 12 weeks, then bi lateral mastectomies with tissue expanders, then 6 weeks of radiation. 1st red devil was ok except for the bone pain from the shot for WBC's. worked the next week after treatment. 2nd red devil kicked my a_ s. Took me 5 days to recover and have the energy to get out of the chair or bed. Who knows what to expect for 3 and 4. The more I get the more I dread. Who knows how the taxol is?

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited May 2013

    Good luck tomorrow Annie. It will be fine. It seems to me the anxiety of waiting was worse then the treatment. Day 3 was the worst for me. I would prepare for heartburn. Have pepcid on hand as well as tums. I never needed nausea meds but heartburn is still plaguing me no matter what I eat! Tomorrow I go for bloodwork so hopefully that will go well

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  • MariaNL
    MariaNL Member Posts: 118
    edited May 2013

    Annie I'm starting tomorrow as well. Like you I am ready let's get this devil shall we. So over the waiting game

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  • Annie54
    Annie54 Member Posts: 247
    edited May 2013

    Thanks for the advice and well wishes! Good luck to you, MariaNL as well....here we go! Jump in!

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited May 2013

    Bloodwork today. Magnesium little low solved with pills so no infusions today. Next up trip to ps for fill.



    Hope all goes well for today's ladies!

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  • sebaroni
    sebaroni Member Posts: 59
    edited May 2013

    Good luck, today, ladies! I admit it is the process of chemo is what agitates me the most. I had not ever had issues with surgery, but this whole chemo thing makes my stomach do back flips. As I wait for my start date, I look forward to hearing how you are doing.

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  • argynis
    argynis Member Posts: 123
    edited May 2013

    Good luck today!

    I am feeling quite ok after my first AC - haven't thrown up so far but my stomach feels weired. About when is it normal to expect to loose taste?

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  • algranna
    algranna Member Posts: 61
    edited May 2013

    Well I had my first treatment yesterday.  5 hours long.  I feel great today.  Slept 5 hours.  The steroids have made me hyper and I have no appetite. I had a lite headache last night and was nauseous, but this morning do not have either. I am working from home until next Monday. Thankful that they are allowing me to do that.  My treatment plan as of now is one treatment every other week for eight weeks which consists of taxl, adriamycin and cytoxan and then one treatment every week for 12 weeks with taxol.  Then surgery, masectomy, mass in right breast only but was too large to remove, may have double. Will discuss that when the time comes. Then several weeks of radiation. 

    I am having hot flashes and my face feels like it is burning. Nothing that I can not live with. 

    Best of luck to all the one's that are starting treatment today and I am so glad that I found this site.

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited May 2013

    Argynnis I didn't really lose taste til day 5. I find I like lemony or spicy food now because it seems to cut thru the yucky mouth feeling.



    Algranna I too have had the hot flashes. Night is worst. Had mild ones before chemo but now they are in hyperdrive.

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  • Ukkate
    Ukkate Member Posts: 292
    edited May 2013

    Lpc - I had my saline top up today - another 50cc. Isn't it weird how you can't feel the needle go in??

    Still having port pain and a generally achy back. Feel like I need a good chair massage!!!

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited May 2013

    Kate I find the whole fill thing odd and dh is simply fascinated with the magnetic thingy to find the port! Last fill seemed to ease spasms hoping for same this time. Could be coincidence but chemo seemed to increase my spasms.



    I remember feeling a tugging sensation in my chest and neck when port put in. Was very weird feeling. If I turned my head and drank it was like I could feel liquid all the way down

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  • Gully
    Gully Member Posts: 268
    edited May 2013

    Hello Everyone,

    Anyone else starting to freak out about the impending bald head! I tried on some scarves I bought today thinking they would be comfortable and stylish....well not on me! I feel rediculous......help I'm having a pity party over my hairCry and its not even gone yet. I guess I am going to have to be a hat person!.I ordered a halo today in my panic attact.  Everyone on the boards say hair starts going on day 14 like clockwork with C/T....that means I have only 7 days left! 

    On the bright side ...I am on day 7 post first infusion and feel pretty normal.

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  • Worrywart9390
    Worrywart9390 Member Posts: 101
    edited May 2013

    Hi everyone, so glad to be on here and share this journey.  I had my firsst infusion on tuesday, May 7 - so far so good.  I feel ok, a little tired, just not myself, but ok.    I'm at work today and happy for a little normal.  But I'm worried because my doctor doesnt give the neulasta shot with TC and she waits to see how you do with the white blood count.  Is anyone else going thru chemo without anything to boost the white blood count?????  Im worried about days 9 10  and 11 when my count will be lowest.

    I had my haircut much shorter than normal, it matches my wig, hoping to trick everyone when I make the switch!!! LOL  Hope everyone is feeling well.  We will get through this together.

    God Bless

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited May 2013

    Gully I have ordered a wig and plan on cutting and shaving hair on day 14. Am freaking out also. Tried on scarves looked awful - so not me. My pity party yesterday was for post mastectomy bra. Next week will be my hair pity party!



    I too feel pretty normal on day 7. Bloodwork was today. It was good except for slightly low magnesium so another pill added to regimen.

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  • Gully
    Gully Member Posts: 268
    edited May 2013

    Thanks IPC! I feel like such a baby.  I did not think this was going to bother me so much! I am so glad you are doing well. My blood work was all climbing toward normal except my platlet count was lower than they would like. They said this happens so will just see how much recovery I make in the next two weeks. My next infusion is scheduled for 5/23!

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited May 2013

    My next is May 16th. I seem to cry every time I am confronted with some new aspect of this sucky disease. 1st chemo bras hair all occasions for tears. I still cant tell someone I have it without crying!



    Back to work next week hoping that will help!

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  • sebaroni
    sebaroni Member Posts: 59
    edited May 2013

    I bought a couple of scarves from a place that sells a strip of bangs you can attach to a headband that holds the scarf in place. Ofcourse, on the model it looked cute, but now I am worried. I am not a hat person, those look awful on me, so I had my heart set on the scarves. My sister is coming in a couple weeks and she should be able to help with those. I live in AZ, so, no way I could do wigs during our summers. Besides I have not heard good things about that option. But it is temporary, so I will soldier on.

    My take on the hair loss is that it is not the hair, per se, but the outward sign that tells the world, and you, that you have cancer. We can hide it, but the hair loss is the last wall of plausible deniality. I am hoping that if I can work through that, I can make it through the baldness. Besides, there are worse things than to be bald in the summer in Phoenix, and besides how great will it be to not have to shave my legs all summer.

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  • Worrywart9390
    Worrywart9390 Member Posts: 101
    edited May 2013

    IPC - I'm the same, I hate telling anyone I have BC, it brings all the emotions to the front and I cry the first time, so really I tell as little people as possible.  I find it easier for me to handle that way.  Once someone knows already, I seem to be able to handle it better.

    We have a rough road, there is no denying that, but we will get thru this.  I love reading all the post, it has really helped me so far.  Still waiting to see if anyone has gone thru treatment without a shot to boost white blood count.  Not sure what I'm expecting to happen, making me nervous.

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  • sebaroni
    sebaroni Member Posts: 59
    edited May 2013

    IPC and Worrywart, I hear you. Not telling people for the first two and half weeks after diagnosis was very hard. I waited until I had some answers on prognosis and what I wanted to do before I told anyone outside of my two daughters and my best friend. Once I had a plan and felt comfortable with it, I called my family and told my friends. I was so afraid it would change my relaionships and all anyone would feel for me was pity. I couldn't stand the thought of that. Blessedly, I was wrong on so many levels. My friends have been AMAZING and pity is not anywhere near the love I feel from all of them. My fight has become their fight and I am humbled to my core by how much I seem to matter to them. Please don't deny yourselves the possiblity of knowing how loved and valued you are.

    Just remember, having breast cacner is ONE thing about you, like having big feet or brown eyes, it DOES NOT define you.

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  • debbiema
    debbiema Member Posts: 34
    edited May 2013

    Love reading everyone's posts.  You are all so inspiring!  I'm starting chemo T/C on 5/15. I went wig shopping yesterday (thank God for my sister) and we made the most of it.  The wigs actually didn't look too bad.  Of course that is easy to say when you still have hair!  I ordered 3 wigs and also go this cute baseball cap with the hair attached to it!  It looked so real.  I might be spending a lot of time in that hat!  I also ordered some skull caps (to be cool) and a couple scarves. Trying to be proactive instead of reactive.  I sure hope it pays off.  Can someone clarify - do you have bloodwork done a few days after chemo?  Thanks Ladies - continue to stay strong and positive.  Remember it's all about the journey not the destination.

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  • Worrywart9390
    Worrywart9390 Member Posts: 101
    edited May 2013

    Sebaroni, I am so happy you have this great support around you.  That is so wonderful.  I feel exactly that I do not want this to define me.    This is just one part of me. 

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited May 2013

    Debbiema,

    Bloodwork is done a few days before chemo, in my case. I have Monday chemo, lab is closed Sunday, so into the lab on Saturday for me. I would have preferred lab on .friday, as the one 5 minutes from me is open Fridays! But that was "too early" according to my doctor....



    I have seen some people say that their labwork is done the SAME day as chemo.



    If the labs are "not good" chemo is put off.

    I am not sure exactly what they are looking for, I do know white blood count is one thing.



    Your statement is one way to look at it not being about the destination. I sort of feel it is the opposite. It IS about the destination, I need to take the journey to get there. Each stop along this journey is bringing me one step closer to the destination I would like.

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  • Lauralind5
    Lauralind5 Member Posts: 220
    edited May 2013

    Hi all ! as of yesterday, result of my multidisciplinary team meeting I am starting chemo next thursday! I have my port placed on Tuesday and off we go with AC then Taxol. I hope everyone is tolerating your infusions well. 

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  • MichelleRN78
    MichelleRN78 Member Posts: 64
    edited May 2013

    Gully I am also upset about losing my hair. Right now I may have cancer but only the people I tell know. Soon it will be on display. I watched several videos about tying scarves and I don't know if it's for me. One of my favorite things I have found are buffs. I have ordered 3 they are easy to wear and go. Plus the ones I have block 95% of UV. I would like to go buy a big floppy sun hat and of course new sunglasses to match. :)

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  • Ukkate
    Ukkate Member Posts: 292
    edited May 2013

    Isn't it wierd but I haven't cried one single time since diagnosis. And I got a bad hair cut after my mx so I'm kinda looking forward to losing my hair now!!

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  • lpc
    lpc Member Posts: 303
    edited May 2013

    Debbiema. I have bloodwork day of chemo then 1 week later. I am on dose dense so have chemo every 2 weeks.



    I don't like telling people because it takes me out of denial. The very words are hard for me to say. I have more support from more quarters than I thought possible. It is very humbling to know so many people are there to support me and help thru this fight.



    It is comforting to come here also and find so many who are going thru treatment at same time.

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  • Annie54
    Annie54 Member Posts: 247
    edited May 2013

    Hi all!

    Had my first infusion today and I must say....was not bad at all! Felt like a weird spa day. Had no ill effects from the drugs going in (port works great!) Sat stretched out on a heated recliner with warm blankets over me. The benydral and ativan they give you mellows you out and I took a nice nap. The rest of the time I watched movies on netflex while being offerred drinks, snacks and sandwiches. Someone waiting on me for a change instead of clients and children calling me all day to do things for them!

    Losing my hair is now staring me in the face also....absolutely dread it because I havent bought a wig yet. Did buy a buff and a couple of scarves but I agree - I think they make me have the "cancer" look. I did buy 2 hats, one at walmart and 1 at bed bath and beyond. They are summer hats, both straw, one a cowboy hat and one a white fedora. They look great over a scarf or cap. I saw a women today at chemo that was wearing the fedora style with a jeweled band around it over a black scark....and she rocked! Didn't look sick at all. Gave me hope....but I think once we lose the hair and go out a few times with our new looks....we'll get over the akwardness and it will be ok.

    Hope my other fellow chemo first timers got through today Ok. I did have indigestion yesterday and today - must be from the steroids - but rolaids has worked well. Now just waiting to see how hard the coming SE's will be.

    Annie

    Greensboro, NC

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