Starting Chemo July 2013

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  • option
    option Member Posts: 19
    edited July 2013

    Pattysmiles, thanks for the info! I'm heading to the center for my 1st TC in an hour. A bit anxious. 

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  • TwoHobbies
    TwoHobbies Member Posts: 2,118
    edited July 2013

    Welcome, lesmdes.  Sorry about the coinciding twos and the memories it brings.  Both of my cancers have been close to milestones in my life (50th birthday and 20th wedding anniversary) and also tragedies in the news (Japanese Tsunami and Moore Tornado).  I don't know what that means!  

    Marsha, I mis-read your dx on the second tumor.  I thought it said ER+ PR+.  Need to get my eyes checked!

    Has anyone met with a cancer geneticist?  I am wondering if it is valuable or do you just skip to the BRCA test?  I have been on the fence about it.  I do have some family history but not considered strong (third degree relatives) and no ovarian cancer.  So I feel it will be negative but perhaps I should find out.  

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  • SweetheartinTX
    SweetheartinTX Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2013

    Hello All!



    I am also in this boat with y'all. I will be getting my port in tomorrow and will start my chemo on Wednesday. I will be getting Adriamiacyn and Cytoxan X 4 for the first phase and then after those i will get Taxotere X 4 for my second phase. I am really nervous and worried about all the side effects. Not so much about loosing my hair (because i know it will grow back) but everything else.



    And i love what you said Gma04..... Texas sized hugs!! I live on the Gulf Coast of Texas :)

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  • Rambo50
    Rambo50 Member Posts: 140
    edited July 2013

    SweetheartinTX - I'm getting my port placed tomorrow as well!  Went this morning for the consult, and since I've been such a frequent visitor of late, they're doing pre-op and surgery on the same day Wink

    Many of us are on this same schedule for chemo A/C + T and there have been some great suggestions about preparing for side effects.  Also, if you've not already, take a look at this thread:

    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/785189?page=1#idx_1

    Prayers for ALL of us embarking on this journey!

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  • soriya123
    soriya123 Member Posts: 662
    edited July 2013

    Ladies, I will get Neulasta injection and I heard claritin will help with bone pain. What kind of claritin should I get? Thanks Ladies!

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  • Mellie289
    Mellie289 Member Posts: 156
    edited July 2013

    Met with a new surgeon this morning (and also met the cancer center nurse navigator. I really like them and the place). She was pretty surprised that the surgeon who performed my lumpectomy didn't do a needle biopsy first so we could make decisions and very surprised that he performed lymph node dissection while I was out without my prior approval. I told her how that left me shocked and feeling very unprepared to handle the diagnosis when I was woken from the surgery. It was impossible not to be a bit tearful in her office, but she had a well positioned box of tissues, so I'm sure I'm not the only one. My MRI results weren't there as they were supposed to be. She said I don't need any more surgery unless the MRI shows otherwise, so we'll see about that soon, I guess. I also got a referral for lymphedema risk assessment - something the original surgeon (an old guy!) just brushed off when I asked about it. 

    TwoHobbies - I got a referral for genetic counselling from the surgeon this morning because of my age at diagnosis (42) and history of a grandmother with breast cancer around perimenopause. I called to book the appointment and they will mail me a packet to document family history and I will meet with a genetic counsellor who will review that material decided if I should get testing or not. I'm not sure if it would work the same for you, but it seems like it wasn't a case of just booking the test like it has been for the other things like MRI and CT scan. The office told me that they would take blood at the end of the appointment if the genetic counsellor decides it's important to do, which I'm guessing means that I meet the criteria for insurance coverage. The surgeon I met today thought that I should be tested for BRCA, so we'll see what the genetic counsellor says.

    lesmdes - my sympathies to you about your mother. As if this isn't hard enough for us to go through without a sad anniversary.  

    Pattysmiles - thanks for the info! I hope you were able to fall asleep eventually! 

    SweetheartinTX - good luck with your port surgery tomorrow. I'm still on the fence about getting a port. Let us know how it goes.

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  • Brook21679
    Brook21679 Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2013

    Hi, everyone! I got behind on this topic because I didn't get online during the holiday weekend. I hope everyone is well! I'm back at work after my surgery and super tired at being "normal" again, although I am embracing normal at the moment. :-) My hubby and I are going wig shopping this weekend. I just talked to my boss this morning and will be taking the Friday after chemo as a work from home day while this is going on. It's no problem, so I hope to work nonstop through all of this. I have been avoiding the date, though. I hate every day that it gets closer to the 18th. Some kids at my son's summer camp were making fun of me losing my hair already. My son was so upset on my behalf. I promised him that I would never pick him up without a wig on. *sigh* It's all this little stuff that bogs you down sometimes. I will address everyone more personally as I get to know everyone and get caught up. Happy Monday!

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  • option
    option Member Posts: 19
    edited July 2013

    soriya123, my doc recommended Claritin 24 hours, starting on the day of the shot for a few days.

    TwoHobbies, I did the genetic testing and found out a BRAC 2 mutation of unclear significance. There's no family history of breast or ovarian cancer whatsoever, and the several doctors I spoke to all expected no mutation at the beginning. In my view, it's good to be tested and know for sure. 

    For the BRAC test, I did a mouth rinse not a blood test. Anyone also did the testing without drawing blood?

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  • Bluebirdie
    Bluebirdie Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2013

    Hi everyone,



    I'm 34 and was recently diagnosed with stage IV. I found a lump while changing and a little over a month later, here I am. I just started chemo on July 2nd. I had my port installed on the 1st, but for the first infusion they used an IV line. I can't wait until the incision settles and heals up. It's still a little sore. I'm getting 6 rounds of taxotere every three weeks (plus herceptin and perjeta indefinitely). So far the nausea has been well controlled, but the dry mouth/sore throat/taste changes have been pretty severe. Also just general achey-ness and fatigue. Luckily, I'm on medical leave so I can sleep and rest as much as possible. I chopped my waist length hair into a pixie and will probably buzz cut it before it falls out. I'll look into getting a wig soon, but I plan on using scarves more (I've picked up a bunch and they seem more comfortable to wear than a wig). Anyhow, I just wanted to say hi and follow this thread.



    --birdie

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  • SweetheartinTX
    SweetheartinTX Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2013

    Rambo50- Well i wish you all the best for your surgery tomorrow as well! I will try to update everyone after i get home tomorrow. I will be looking forward to seeing a post from you too.

    Soriya123- I was told by my Oncologist that he had patients who started taking regular Claritin a day before the injection to a couple days after and it helped with the bone pain. I won't be getting my first injection until Thursday but i will be taking the Claritin, just as a precaution to see if it helps.

    Mellie289- I hope to be able to reply back on here tomorrow and give everyone an update. They suggested a port for me because i will be getting 8 rounds (24 weeks).

    Brook21679- I couldn't help but notice that you and I were diagnosed the VERY SAME day. A day i will never forget.

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  • SweetheartinTX
    SweetheartinTX Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2013

    Mellie - I also wanted to add...my surgeon did the same. A lumpectomy before performing a needle biopsy. In my situation, it was because he thought it was a benign tumor. He said from everything he could see on my ultrasound and mamo films...that it had all characteristics of a benign tumor.

    Of course after my lumpectomy, the results of the biopsy came back 2 days later as being IDC.



    I truly believe my age had something to do with his diagnosis beforehand. I am only 27 so they didn't think it was cancer.



    And Hello Birdie, welcome!! I know this is a place none of us want to be, but we are all here for you! I have learned in my short journey through this so far.... the bigger the support group you have, the better.

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  • Hannariggs
    Hannariggs Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2013

    Hi All, 

     Just had my "Chemo" consultation today.  Who else is getting their chemo on Wednesday the 10th?  We will have to compare notes.  Anyone else wanting to flee to a different country at this point?  

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  • SweetheartinTX
    SweetheartinTX Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2013

    Hey Hannarigs,



    I will be getting my chemo on the 10th. And YES, fleeing to a beautiful country far away would be awesome right now!!



    All my emotions are mixed right now. I want to hurry and get it started so that i can get it over with but then i am like... Argh, this is going to be HELL.



    I hope that i can return to this thread on Wednesday to see how everyone is doing, and give an update on me.

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  • Rambo50
    Rambo50 Member Posts: 140
    edited July 2013

    What a busy week for this group!!!


    SweetheartinTX - I'll try to post after my port placement too :)


    Mellie - praying for a great first round of your fight! A friend told me her chemo treatments actually empowered her - she visualized the meds streaming through her body, seeking out and killing those nasty cancer cells!


    I plan on starting Claratin too, maybe a day before chemo? I have my ed session Wednesday and will make sure my team's on board ;-)


    Birdie - regardless of stage, grade, etc., we're all fighting to get the best of BC. I read a story just yesterday about a woman who's had stage IV for 30 years - she's thriving, and I'm praying for you to do the same!



    {Hugs} to everyone on this board!!! I'm going to try to get some sleep tonight, a rarity these days.

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  • Hannariggs
    Hannariggs Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2013

    sweetheartintx- We will have to compare notes.  We are both having comparable treatments.  I am having 4 x AC every two weeks plus 12 weeks of taxol then 30 rads.   Will be a long summer, fall and winter.  Never thought I would wish for winter.  Being from the midwest thats never a good thing.  God Bless and praying for minimal side effects for everyone.

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  • soriya123
    soriya123 Member Posts: 662
    edited July 2013

    Thank you to all the ladies for claritin info. I went to Target and looking for claritin, I saw it but if for runny nose n itvy eyes. Is this claritin you talking? I just to make sure I buy the right one. Thanks!



    Bluebirdies , look like you and I have the same tumore type. Sorry that we have to meet this way. My chemo nill be July 17.

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited July 2013

    Yes, the Claritan 24 is for itcy eyes etc....and it is also used to prevent the bone pain...you just won't find that on their box! I sent you a PM.

    Pat

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  • soriya123
    soriya123 Member Posts: 662
    edited July 2013

    Thank you Pat! I will go back to Target tomorrow. I have a long shopping lists. I am also interested in buying Lindi skincare products n Brian Joseph lashes n brows gel. I am also concerned of loosing my fingernails n toes nail :- Any pills for that?

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  • Rambo50
    Rambo50 Member Posts: 140
    edited July 2013

    Soriya - I've heard tea tree oil and almond oil help with nail issues during Taxol treatment. Also, it's been suggested to keep clear nail polish on. Don't know if it will work, but that's my plan at this point :)

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  • option
    option Member Posts: 19
    edited July 2013

    Had my first infusion yesterday. Relatively uneventful. Felt very sleepy from the pre-meds they gave me. Had quite a bit of cramp during the night. Anyone had this as SE? Waiting for the neusea and fatigue, etc to hit in a day or two. 

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  • Rambo50
    Rambo50 Member Posts: 140
    edited July 2013

    Hi Option - glad it was "uneventful" Wink

    Do you go in today for a Neulesta injection?

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  • SweetheartinTX
    SweetheartinTX Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2013

    Hannariggs, absolutely on comparing notes. I won't be getting radiation but I will be starting chemo tomorrow! I will update.



    Option- also glad your first went well. I also hope your nausea isn't too bad.



    Sending love from Texas!

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  • Hannariggs
    Hannariggs Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2013

    Option-Will be praying for you and all of us.  No side effects for any July Firecrackers!  

    sweatheartin-What time tomorrow are you scheduled? 

    Does anyone know how often you use the brian josephs?  Is it everyday or just on infusion days?   

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  • encyclias
    encyclias Member Posts: 302
    edited July 2013

    Speaking of Claritan, I hadn't realized it was an allergy type medication.  Remembering back many years ago, until it was taken off the shelves because the main ingredient could be used in the process to make meth or something, I used to use Sineaid as a super painkiller instead of as a sinus med.  No other over-the-counter drug of any brand or type had the painkilling ability that Sineaid did; be it for a broken leg, migraine headache, toothache, backache.  Maybe Claritan has somehow put together a formula like that, bypassing the Sineaid ingredient.

    I will have to get a bottle to keep in the house.

    Carol

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited July 2013

    Encyclias,



    The Claritan affects the release of histamine somehow. It is my understanding that the Neulasta shot might make the bone marrow release histamine which is what is causing bone pain. I'm not sure that this statement is 100% correct...I had read something in regards and cannot find the link. Claritan does not sound like the pain killer abilities of .sineaid (which I had never heard of!) so don't stock up on it for that purpose.



    Just found this link, the people responding to the question answer a bit clearer, though they are talking about bone pain and taxotere ... http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120720083319AAn4j5c



    There is a study being conducted regarding Claritan (loratadine) in regards to bone pain.

    http://www.druglib.com/trial/36/NCT01311336.html



    As for Claritan being taken off the shelves because it could make meth I don't recall that. There are many over the counter drugs that have been removed to behind the counter and or have been limited in the amounts that can be sold due to their ability to be changed into meth by the criminal minded people. It would not affect the everyday user if following the recommended dosage.



    Pat

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  • encyclias
    encyclias Member Posts: 302
    edited July 2013

    I'm sorry, Patty, I wasn't clear.  It was Sine-aid that was taken off the shelves about 8 or 9 years ago.  I understand for a while it was behind the counter, but it seems that it is just not carried any more.  I used it for decades.  It was an antihistamine which also contained ibuprophin(sp), and anything that could take away a sinus headache would work on any type of pain.

    Carol

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  • shoppygirl
    shoppygirl Member Posts: 694
    edited July 2013

    Soriya,

    I have been using Neostrata Insta tan and it is amazing! Very gentle and looks very natural. You can use it on your face and body. I feel my skin looks better now than before because I a taking care of it.

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  • Mellie289
    Mellie289 Member Posts: 156
    edited July 2013

    Met with my first oncologist this morning and he is now in favor of dose dense AC, possibly T. I want that! Get this done and over! I hope my second oncologist will be on board with that this afternoon when I meet her since I prefer to go the cancer center where she is.

    I have bought generic Claritin recently - loratadine. I think it's ephedrine that was pulled from shelves because it can be used to make meth. 

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  • soriya123
    soriya123 Member Posts: 662
    edited July 2013

    Thanks shoppygirl, I will check it out! Man talking money keep on running low from my acct LOL ....and trying to go organic so expensive too.

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  • SweetheartinTX
    SweetheartinTX Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2013

    Well all, i had my port placed this morning and it's all bandaged up because they left the needle in for easy access tomorrow.

    I feel okay with the pain meds. When those start to wear off it sort of feels like my collar bone is broken. However it is NOTHING like the pain i had with the double mastectomy so i am not complaining.



    Hanna - tomorrow i am scheduled to see the Oncologist at 8:30 and then my chemo will start immediately after. And if i recall correctly, they said it would take a minimum of 4 hours. Blah... But whatever, i will have my husband at my side so i am ready.

    Plus my sister n law made me this kick ass (excuse my language 😋) bag with lots of goodies and books and magazines, so i should be good to go.

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