Starting Chemo June 2013!?!?!

I hope I'm as brave as you Ingrid I should have first chemo June 13. I put it off long enough I feel like I'm going in kicking and screaming. I don't want to do!!!!!!.wahhhh

I am scheduled to start chemo June 20.  I am a restaurant manager and work 50 plus hours a week.  I am hoping that I will be able to keep it up during treatment.  I really need my job so I need to do my best to try, but I am concerned that may not be realistic.  I am on my feet alot and the days are 10 or more hours long.  does anyone else have a similar demanding job and making it work.  I will be doing 8 rounds 2 weeks apart.  Then 7 weeks of rads. 

Dim425, Ocean Warrior and Jojogal 123; you will all be fine..

The anticipation is def the worst part. The actual event is ok, so far, for me, at post the first few days at least the se's have been tolerable and minimal really..

Just take it day by day and be kind to yourselves.. It's a lot to take in, mentally as well as physically, and really a time to baby yourself... Lots of fluids and comfort food. I got wig today, pretty pleased with it- really looks like my own hair and not too 'wiggy'... Would prefer my own, boo hoo, but thems the breaks..

Hope all goes well to everyone else starting this week..!!

@IngridJ and Rain--a few of your earlier posts reminded me so much of myself.  My kids are grown but I still look after many things for them, my husband, and then work, work, work.  I rarely get sick and if I do I would just barrel through it because there are just too many things to do.  I never did anything to look out for myself.  When I first found out I had cancer I thought, I don't have time for all this!

This weekend I am going to try to get myself all organized and write down everyone's tips and a schedule of when to use them to keep myself as healthy as possible so I can keep working.  It's been a challenge, but so far I have been able to go to doctor appts, surgery, and testing and still work a full schedule.  I am trying to save all my vacation time to use when I really have to.   The good thing is that being so busy gives you little time to have all this BC stuff weigh on your mind and drive you crazy.

I will be thinking of all of you that are starting chemo today!!  Good luck and hope you all get through it well.  I'm happy to see a lot of positive women here..my doctor says that is 75% of getting there!!

Best Wishes to all who started or are starting chemo this week.



kmurphy~~I think all those hours will prove to be too much. The fatigue from AC is awful. I got AC every 3 weeks, and it wiped me out. I came home from church one day, and after my husband went into the house I sat in the van for almost 30 minutes just trying to muster up the strength to walk from the van to the front door. It was probably 30 feet. My house got so messy I was afraid I'd end up on an episode of Hoarders. It wasn't a sleepy tiredness. Just bone weary. I know everyone is different, but I got out of breath really easily, and standing more than a couple of minutes made me faint. Many keep working during AC, but you will rarely find anyone who works fulltime.



Do you have anyone who can fill in for some of your time? Be good to yourself.



Blessings

Paula

Netter~~They usually say, Flush 2X with the toilet lid closed.

It sounds like you have a handle on things. They do need to sort out the dx though. Diagnosis greatly affects the treatment you get. For example, if you're HER2- you'll need Herceptin. If you're ER/Pr+ you'll need tamoxifen or arimidex after treatment.



Blessings

Paula

Hi all ..,back from my first treatment !! it was uneventful.. But it's been a couple of hours now and the nausea has hit me !! Also feel like my head is foggy!! Don't know now else to describe it !! Hope things don't get worse !! Trying to stays positive

Val1966 - I also felt foggy after chemo . The effect of all the premeds and chemo. That should pass by tomorrow.

Hello ladies. I will getting my first infusion tomorrow. I was supposed to start last week but was delayed due to a fever. I actually got there, sat in the chair and got sent home. I was in complete shock.

Hope you are all having a good day.

Mia

Miasara- Make sure you hydrate today so your body will be ready tomorrow for the infusion.  You may also want to eat a light breakfast in the morning before you go to your infusion.  The infusion nurses always made sure i had eaten a little something before they gave my the IV drugs.  Those IV drugs and an empty stomach don't mix very well.  Be prepared that this first round may take a little longer than the other ones.  If it gets to be around lunch time, make sure you have your chemo buddy get your something to eat.  Wishing you the best tomorrow!!!!

raindeer- what meds for nausea did your dr give you?  My onc said that if I was having nausea that she wasn't doing her job.  There are so many meds available.

Alibeth glad you feel better.

Throwing up is bad stuff. I learned my lesson and take Zofran etc. at first sign. Got my Neulasta shot today. Taking Claritin so hopefully no bone pain. Not bad.  Very tired and in a fog all day.  Can't wait for day 3-5, lol.  Great friends bringing in meals.  Didn't think I was hungry until the wonderful smells came in.  Have to get a compression band for my left arm, it is swelling.  Received a wonderful little pillow, "God is holding you and he won't drop you".  Ready for bed.  All of you are in my prayers!  Nite all!