Starting Chemo July 2013

bikergirl-I start my treatments on July 8th, and just had my port put in.  After everything we have all been through the port surgery was a walk in the park.  Yes, I am scared as well especially the closer it gets to the "C" date.  I find I get more depressed because I know what lies ahead for the next 6-8 months. I was also going to use the cold cap and icing my hands and feet.  My onco said only once in his career has he ever seen a patient loose a toenail.  He said it may also prohibit the chemo to work effectively.  So I am opting to take my chances.  I havent gotten this far to quit or do anything that might effect the outcome.

I own my own business bikergirl and I "plan" on trying to make it when I possibly can.  I am doing dose dense act, so i just dont know what to expect. I know they say as the treatments progress being around alot of people can compromise our immune system if we catch something.  So you might want to ask your Onco  I know getting up and doing things are recommended but I am having a tough time now going in with all the questions and concerns. Can't seemto get much done because of the stress and anxiety.  But trying to walk through the motions.  Praise Jesus and pass the amunition........ 

First time reading these message boards and first post on it.  I think my diagnosis details will appear below in my signature but just in case.....stage 1, 2cm, grade 3, triple negative.....diagnosis on 5/10, lumpectomy on 6/13, chemo starting week of 7/22, radiation after chemo (trifecta!)

Onco rec TC regimen with the option for AC/T if I preferred.  She feels like the long term risks of AC/T do not outweigh the benefits of the heavier treatment in my case.  I think this might be the way the universe is trying to make me 'happy' about my chemo.  I was really feeling like I wasn't sure I could do the AC/T (4 x AC every 2 week and 12 x T weekly) and my onco thru me a curve ball by recommending TC (only 4 x every 3 weeks).  Less time, fewer sessions, no port (!).

Here we go....buckle up, I think this might be a bumpy ride!

I'm more concerned with neuropathy than loosing a nail. I had no issues last time so I won't be icing my nails, but for those who want to I don't believe it will affect the chemo. I've never heard of breast cancer metastasizing to the hands or feet. Seriously.



As for icing the head, there is a 1% chance of scalp mets and that risk is there with or without the caps. There are no studies that prove that icing the head increases your risk if scalp mets. Thats just deductive reasoning. Everything in cancer treatment is about risk trade offs.



I'm doing the cold caps. I'm comfortable with the risk in my case. If my tumor were 1 mm smaller I'd be in a different risk group and might not need chemo. I truly believe my tumor is local and I struggle daily whether its the right choice to do chemo. At least with the caps I might not have to loose my hair again.



I'm having so much anxiety lately. Woke up with an Ativan hangover today. I hope this part goes away.

Hi all, 

   Found out today that my chemo has been pushed back to July 11 since my family and I have not had our "chemo" class.  At least I have a set date.  Will have to relish the two extra days and anxious to get started.  Anyone else starting on the 11th?  

Marsha, how bad were your side effects with AC/T?  Was it a dose dense treatment?  I worry too that I am taking too aggressive approach, but I need to know I am doing everything I can.  

Going wig shopping tomorrow. I had a bad experience when trying to order from an online company(facebook me if you want their name).  After 3 weeks of waiting with no acknowledgment from their company,  I had to get paypal to return the money. 

God Bless you aaooao sorry to hear of your reoccurance.  I wish I had a third of your strength..

Hannariggs. I did dose dense for a total of 8 tx, 4 AC, 4 T. The first dise of each new med was the worst. I was very tired 2 days later for a few days and had terrible constipation from the steroids which caused an anal fissure that took a long time to heal. I also had a really bad reaction to compazine which took a few days to realize I could change drugs to something else. I did chemo on Fridays and was back at work on Monday or Tuesday. It really was not that bad, but also I was 37 years old. I think that being young and otherwise healthy with no other health issues made it easier. I am not in as good
health now and it has taken me much longer to recover from surgery so I don't know how I will do with chemo this time.

Thanks for the info Marsha!  I am 52,  so no spring chicken, although it cracks me up when the Onco says because of my young age I really need the dose dense treatment.  

I usually have the opposite issue with constipation.  Although how can you go when your not eating much?  What did you take for the constipation?  I appreciate all the information.  

I know that I will be working as I can.  I don't have any $$ coming in if I don't, and with dh not always working full days.. with 3 kids, we need all the $ we can.  My work is fantastic though.  So if I need a break around the first day or so after chemo.. I just have to communicate with them.  That's the key.. and they gave me the 3rd degree that if I don't communicate to them.. they will hurt me (lovingly of course) LOL I love them so much!  ACK.. only a few more days until port placement.. and T-minus 1 week for chemo start.  

Good morning ladies - I am joining the July 2013 warriors! (Or firecrackers!) I had mx 6/5 and will start chemo 7/19 (my husbands 50th birthday!) Dose dense 4x doxorubicin & cyclophosphamide followed by dose dense 4x paclitaxel followed by rads. Triple negative. I have MUGA, CT, blood work and port installed this week. I've heard a few scary things about the port - pain, problems with bra, problems with seatbelt, etc. - any tips appreciated. I haven't gotten a wig or anything yet - did anyone just mail order (tlc?) without trying anything on?can someone tell me what an onco score is - is that the Ki-67 score? My Ki-67 was 96%. Does everyone have someone go with (drive) for every chemo?

Thanks Marsha, you are helping me sooo much.  I agree, the anxiety has been so bad since my diagnosis in April.  It has been such a roller coaster ride and waiting for all the results.  I have IBS so I just assume I probably wouldnt have constipation. But I won't know until I start.  My mind is my worst enemy at this point.  I appreciate all the info.

Lana-The oncotype dx is a test that is performed on your tumor to see what the likelyhood of reoccurance will be.  They do have a great website.  They use a number of different factors to get their results.  The Ki-67 is a factor, but not the sole factor in determining this number.  Mine was 97 percent and my onco score was 44.  Both of these are high numbers which is why I am starting chemo on July 10.  I have already had my port and knock on wood have had no problems at all.  One of the easiest surgeries thus far. Like the chemo, I think it depends on the person.  I did order a wig from tlc and it was ok, but I am going out looking for another one today.  I feel better trying it on and need to keep my mind busy.  

Honeybunny- I am right there with you sister.  NOT looking forward to it, but we will get through it.  Glad we can all come here and cry on each others shoulders.  I have had alot of people tell me they wished they could take this disease off of me.  I don't think they would say that if they only knew. You all know,  and its nice to be able to talk to someone who really understands the hopes and fears.  

I know someone who was recently diagnosed with inoperable esphogile cancer.  I am sure he would jump on the chance to receive any chemotherapy treatments.  So I try to keep that in mind when I become afraid.  We have a chance and we will get better!!!!!  Thank God we have that opportunity.  Enjoy the beautiful day everyone!    

I love my port because I see others at the infusion center suffering when getting the IVs for the chemo.  Mine is easy cause they just pop it in.  Some people use numbing gel on their port before accessing but I don't because it is easier than getting an immunization.  My port is just under by collarbone on my right side.  I've never had a problem with the seat belt issue.  As for bras...I don't wear them.  After my double mastectomy I just go without.  I have Stage IV cancer so I could care less  if people don't like my figure .

The procedure for the port placement for me was very easy.  I was unconscious the whole time.  The healing process was easy and with very little pain.  Yes there is a small incision scar and a little bump where the port is.  However, I'd rather have that then the bruising up and down the arm that IVs leave behind.  Plus my ONC said some of the chemo drugs can cause vein damage.  Of course, everyone should consider their own needs/concerns and do what is best for them.  I just wanted to let people know that most port placements don't cause dangerous side effects.

As for chemo...I don't see it as the enemy but my friend in this fight against cancer.  I will be on chemo, off and on, for the rest of my life.  BUT IF IT KEEPS ME ALIVE I'LL STICK WITH IT.  Yes it makes you ill at times and can be hard on the body but Cancer kills.  The main problems I have with chemo is fatigue (usually hits the 2nd and 3rd day after infusion), constipation and hair loss.  My regular doctor thought I would lose a lot of weight on chemo but the anti-nausea meds keep my appetite pretty well intact.  The only time I don't feel like eating is the couple of days each week I get very fatigued.  I probably make up for it on the other days. 

I hope all here get through their chemo treatments with ease and never have to experience this again.  God bless all of you.

Hi everyone this is my third day after chemo. I'm feeling listless and tired. No nausea yet. Spent 2 days in bed. Today is better. My onc said no cold caps nor icing of the nails. Said it would interfere with treatment . I am how ever doing the brow and lash stuff. My prayers are with you ladies. Hugs from TEXAS

gma04

hi Sue.. my Vit D is extremely low.. like yours.  My doc told me to take 5000IU/day.  being me.. i forget to take them. it is extremely important to take them.  It is a HUGE cancer fighting benefit.  

Hi franky and option-- I have read the vitamin K2 helps your body absorb D3.

honeybunny96 - i encourage you to start taking D3.  The brand that was recommended to me is Carlson.  I have heard Usana is great, but you have to buy from a distributor.

Gma04 - I pray you feel better soon!

~Sue

Hi All, 

     Just got back from wig shopping and found the coolest store geared toward breast cancer patients.  Surprisingly the store was quite busy.  Met alot of pink sisters joining the fight.  It was a very uplifting day!  They fit you with the wig that is the closest to your hair and even cut it to match. Nice to know we are not alone. 

bikergirl-yes, I would love to keep busy and work, but if I don't feel well I just wont go in.  I have yoga planned and small walks.  At this point before treatment, the ativan(in small doses) helps.  Just takes the edge off.  I have a sinus infection and I think its from all the wasted tears that seem to flow for no apparent reason. 

gma-good to hear from you! Glad to hear no nausea!  Keep us posted on your success.  Praying for no side effects for us all............

aaoaao-loved your saying that chemo was your friend.  You are so up beat and that helps so much.  You give us all hope and encouragement!  What did you use for constipation and how much water is everyone drinking?  I want it out as soon as possible.  I did find water called aqua delight specifically for cancer patients.  Has anyone ever heard or use this product?  

Hannariggs - I went wig shopping today too! Didn't think I wanted one, but my mom convinced me Please do fill us in on Aqua Delight - I need as many things in my arsenal as I can fit!



Gma04 - so glad you're managing well!!! Will be thinking about you



Also, just watched a video on port placement - bad idea!!! Hope I'm under enough nit to feel ANYTHING!



Aaoaao - when were the worst days for you last time? Did you also have to steer clear of people during your nadir period???



I go for chemo education next Wednesday and will bring my list of suggestions from all of you