Starting Chemo June 2013!?!?!

Thanks for starting the June thread Alibeths!

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

Hello I'm going second opinion on Wed need to start chemo I refused ACT 8 treatment 4 months and choosing CMF for 8 treatments for 6 months. I am petrified I don't know how I'm not going to have a complete anxiety attached I have them just thinking of putting this poisons in by body.

I started chemo 6 months ago and finished 10 weeks ago. I did TCH every 3 weeks for 6 tx's. I have to tell you that it was not as bad as I had it made out to be in my mind. Before I started I was convinced that I would have every side effect and reaction known to mankind, but the reality was the actual infusion day was boring and uneventful, just really long. The anticipation of the unknown is what is really hard.

Yes there will be difficult days.You will probably lose your hair, have constipation and/or diarrhea issues and taste changes, but you can get through this. Remember to drink lots of water, especially for several days following treatment. It helps to flush the toxins out of your body. If you have nausea, contact your MO! There are so many anti-nausea meds out there that no one should have to suffer that SE. 

I found it helpful to keep a notebook that I wrote down my symptoms and the times I took meds each day. I also iced my hands and feet during the taxotere portion of TX and had no nail issues and very little neuropathy. It also helps to suck on ice chips to help prevent mouth sores. If you do get mouth sores ask your MO for Majic Mouthmouth, it works wonders! I also did the Brian Joseph lash and brow gel. My lashes and brows did thin, but I never completely lost them.

Remember that the ladies on these boards are here to help and encourage you. There are no stupid questions. If you are wondering about something, you can be sure that others are too.

Best of luck to all you. You will get through this and find that you are stronger than you think you are!

Hello all...

starting four rounds of t-c on June 3. Terrified. But hoping I can hold it together and get through with as few se's as possible.

Thanks so much for starting this thread and for all of you being here.

Hi!! I'm starting chemo June 24. I'm 34 years old. So scared!!!!!!! I am doing ACT for 5 months, followed by herceptin and tamoxifen. I have a 5 year old and worried abt keeping things normal. My fiancé and mom will be helping me thru the whole journey. But I still want to be able to take care of my daughter. I want to Take and pick her up from camp this summer. I'm hoping for the best but expecting the worse. From what I hear, chemo is not what it use to be.

I thought I had posted but can't seem to find it. I have IDC 2.6 cm tumor, ER / PR +, HER-, grade 3, 1/25 lymph node but lymph node over 2 cm. forgot to ask stage but I believe it is 2. Starting chemo May 29, 2013. Had PICC line put in Friday. Getting FEC for first three treatments then D for next three. This will be followed by radiation and hormone treatment. Nervous about treatments and how I will react to it. Hopefully I will be one of the lucky ones and not experience too many side effects. I at least am retired.

Feel for young ones that have to deal with this. It is good to hear from others who are going or have gone through chemo.

I have a port on my right side of my chest.  Cancer was in the left breast.  Have had it since April 1.  Because of insurance problems couldn't start until June.  Had it flushed 1st of May.  No problem.  The port will be used any time blood is drawn and that will be nice as my veins collapse and I need several sticks.  I have an Onco report but don't know the score.  It was high enough that I need chemo.

Hey netted why do you have to dx one on 2/14 and one on 3/17 and why do u need chemo?

My first dx was IDC and when dr did the lumpectomy, another cancer showed in the path report.  2nd dx was when DCIS was removed.  I need chemo because the onco # was high and showed that recurrence is likely.

I thought I'd chime in here to help calm your nerves a bit Ladies.



I finished chemo on May 17th. I had 4 of Adria/cytoxan every three weeks, followed by 12 weekly Taxol.



The not knowing is actually worse than chemo itself. I'd like to give you some tips on protecting your mouth, skin, etc.



1.) PROTECTING MOUTH FROM SORES: Mix 1 TBS baking soda/1TBS salt/1 quart water. Rinse your mouth several times a day. I did it everytime I went to the bathroom. Just rinse for about 30 seconds then spit.



2.) PROTECTING MOUTH FROM THRUSH: Take acidophilus, and or eat a yogurt everyday. Thrush is a yeast infection much like a vaginal yeast infection you get from taking antibiotics.



I did both of these things and had absolutely NO mouth problems at all.



3.) PROTECTING SKIN: moisturizer daily using your favorite skin lotion or cream. I love Udderly Smooth, but use what you like.



4:) HYDRATE...HYDRATE...HYDRATE



5:) Keep stool softeners and diarrhea meds on hand. Depending on your system it can go either way. I took a stool softener everyday, but took them twice daily on the 2 days following AC. When I was getting Taxol I needed the anti diarrhea meds, but not everyday. Your body will let you know.



6.) Try to eat lots of protein to keep your Red Blood Counts up. Beans, peanutbutter, nuts, meats, chicken, fish, etc.



7.) HYDRATE...HYDRATE...HYDRATE



8.) Keep tissues handy because loss of nasal hairs cause the sinuses to drip.



9.) Take a book, friend, iPad, cell phone, or some other entertainment to chemo. You may be there for a few hours.



10.) Ask your oncologist any questions you have. Don't be shy. That's why they're there. Sometimes it helps to take a list with you.



11.) Don't be shy about asking family or friends for help...rides to chemo, household chores, meal prep. Child care, etc. they probably want to help, but aren't sure what to do. Most will be happy if tell them what you need.



12.) HAIR!!! It's sad to say, but I don't know of any BC chemo that doesn't cause hair loss. Mine was long & auburn. I hated losing my hair more than my breast, but it was much easier than I thought.

The night before my first chemo I got a pixie cut. ( hair starts to go about 14 days out of first tx) Three weeks late, the night before second chemo I had my son buzz it. I never did shave it. It isn't necessary. I preferred cutting & buzzing over seeing all those long strands fall out little by little.



I got a nice wig and wore it 1 time to church the Sunday after I buzzed my hair. I hated it! So I wear hats, scarves, and Tee shirt wraps. ( if anyone wants, I'll post the site for doing a Tee shirt wrap.



13.) PROTECTING FEET & FINGERS FROM NEUROPATHY: If you're getting one of the taxanes such as Taxol or Taxetere...Take vitamin B6 100mg 2X daily. Also go to a vitamin store and get L-Glutamine to be taken 30 grams per day. You'll never get enough of the L-Glut by taking pills.

Mix 10 or 15 grams in a tiny bit of juice. I used a shot glass. 10 grams is 2 heaping teaspoonsful. It's very easy to drink and works very well. My onc approved it.



Do this 2-3 times a day. Just make sure to get the whole 30 grams in. Some doctors suggest twice daily. Some suggest three times. Whatever works for you.



If I can answer any more questions, please ask on here or PM me.



Blessings

Paula