Starting Chemo July 2013

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  • Nocompromises2013
    Nocompromises2013 Member Posts: 292
    edited July 2013

    Hi Ladies

    Did you know we are now almost 60 of us on this thread? How scary is that, and scarier still all those poor women out there without the benefit of this sisterhood

    So we have some second rounders coming up this week. Wow how time moves on

    Any thoughts on the logic behind onc's choosing AC+T. Versus TC. Is it geographical ?, experience, ? ? Tumour type/aggressiveness? , luck of the drawer? Pretty sure I read somewhere they give pretty similar results?

    Thanks sweetheatinTX ...unfortunately tooth still being a pain but if I stop moving, talking and eating I can't feel it :))) if it wasn't for the tooth I reckon I would face got off pretty lightly , better not flare up for every cycle

    Xx

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  • JeriGrace
    JeriGrace Member Posts: 128
    edited July 2013

    Nocompromises, I haven't had a chance to ask my MO why I am getting the T and C but not the A, but here's my speculation. I may not need a real aggressive approach because my tumor was removed with really good margins and I have no lymph node involvement. In addition my oncotype score was marginal at 19. I also have a family history of heart disease and had expressed that was a great fear for me. In fact, I fully expected to someday have a heart attack but never thought I would get breast cancer! (Unfortunately, that thinking contributed to me not keeping up with my mammograms and probably not catching this as early as i could have.) Whatever the reason I am really grateful to be having only 4 cycles of TC.

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  • soriya123
    soriya123 Member Posts: 662
    edited July 2013

    Ladies, today is my 4th day of chemo. Somehow my tummy bother me all nite can't sleep at all. It doesn't feel like heartburn, I feel so bloated and uncomfortable enough that I can't sleep or eat. So bothersome, I don't think I can take another sleepness night like this. :-(

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  • Nocompromises2013
    Nocompromises2013 Member Posts: 292
    edited July 2013

    Jerigrace that's interesting. I always thought diabetes or heart disease would get me too Definitely never saw BC on the horizon I was relieved when onc said TC x 4. Then u second guess yourself ... Is it enough ?? Etc etc. have seen articles that say they both gave similar efficacies but if that's true then why risk the A part

    Oh well spouse the onc's know best

    Soriya sorry u r having a tough time. Day 4 is probably the hardest I found and you should sleep better tonight as the dex should be out of your system now. Stay strong :)

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  • iluvkitties
    iluvkitties Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2013

    Congrats to you for being so pro-active. That will help you so much. I had long curly hair when diagnosed and the next day I got it cut short. I wanted the transition to be a bit slower mostly for my kids' sake. I was doing the "cold cap" treatments to prevent hair loss (I live in Europe). The treatments didn't work bc my cancer is very aggressive and I had really strong chemo every 15 days instead of 20. I don't regret it though, because I believe in life we should always give it our best shot. I did the strongest treatment available both before mx and after. I'm still on Herceptin till Sept. I promised myself to come back to this board which helped me so much when I'm better. Well ladies, it seemed like chemo would never end, but it did!! One day you will feel so good and proud of what you went through. All I can say is cancer is "the best of times, and the worst of times". I have never been happier in my whole life. The things I used to complain about are laughable. Your last infusion day will come too! Keep up the good fight!

    P.S. I've got a full head of hair too + eyelashes/eyebrows. I gave the wig away since I was only using scarves at the end. I wore dramatic long ones hanging down my back. I'll never wear a wig again if I ever get treatment again....

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  • iluvkitties
    iluvkitties Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2013

    Please take this opportunity to learn something about sleep. I spent so many sleepless nights and I thought I was going crazy. It really plays with your head. My best advice is to not feel angry/frustrated about it. That hinders you falling back asleep. I had an agreement with my husband to have the TV on constantly bc I thought turning it on in the night would wake him. So when I would sleep from midnight to 2:00 am, I would just happily decide to watch TV not allowing the frustration to set in. Usually I would drift back off that way. I had terrible nightmares too with one of the anti-nausea drugs and I got that changed by my onc. I would suggest lighthearted shows. One of my favorites was a cooking show (if it doesn't make you feel sick) or silly reality shows. Anything boring. Reading is good too, but that involves turning on a light so I avoided that. By the way, when I got off chemo, I had some days where I would lie down for a nap at 5:00 and wake up and it would be 10:00 at night! My family was checking on me to see if I was breathing! So you will catch up on your sleep at some point. Hang in there - I finished chemo in Jan and I feel great now - you can do it!!!

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  • peace777
    peace777 Member Posts: 71
    edited July 2013

    nocompromises  do you have diabetes?  Does anyone have diabetes along with the bc. If so how do you do with taking care of both?  any suggestions?

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  • JeriGrace
    JeriGrace Member Posts: 128
    edited July 2013

    Nocompromises, it's funny you should mention diabetes because I have that too - Type 2. I will be taking my first dose of dex in a few hours and have to give myself an injection of Humulin with every dose to combat the effect on blood sugar. Plus lots of extra finger sticks throughout the whole thing. I have had my thyroid removed because of Grave's disease so I'm also watching to see what happens with that. If I have problems it might be hard to tell the cause with all this going on!



    Iluvkitties, it's great to hear from someone who has made it through. Concerning your sleep comments, it's 6:00 here and I have yet to fall asleep. Haven't decided when I will just get up and start the new day. And I haven't even started treatment yet! Glad to have nocompromises on the other side of the world to chat with when this happens. :)

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  • Rambo50
    Rambo50 Member Posts: 140
    edited July 2013

    I have to qualify my statement about the "big girl panties" - yes, they can be soiled (Hannariggs), and mine came off last night (had a short "pity party" with my pillow). I've got some great support but, like you said, Jerigrace, I feel like I'm the one needing to be strong for them!!! They act helpless when I'm feeling down (oh well).



    The last 2 days were pretty rotten for me. No nausea really, just the achy exhaustion!!! I'm feeling significantly better this morning :)



    Quick questions:

    Gma04 - what is it you're taking to keeps you regular? I NEED that ;/)



    Exercise anyone? Are you all moving around, walking, etc. (besides you, Nocomoromises, our golf pro ;-) ? I've been trying to get vertical as much as possible, but coud barely walk a slow 20 minutes yesterday.



    Ammy, Biamazee, and Girlstrong - welcome to the Firecrackers!!! Yes, Girlstrong, getting prepared for anything has helped me feel in control to some extent. I've got a meds basket and checklist in my bathroom, and a chemo bag I carry with me (extra meds and supplies, toothbrush and wash, etc.)



    Sweetheart, my 2nd chemo is the 31st too. How are you feeling now?



    Prayers and hugs to ALL of you "chosen" ladies! We WILL. Get through this :)



    ~Lynn

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  • Nocompromises2013
    Nocompromises2013 Member Posts: 292
    edited July 2013

    Peace and jerigrace

    My dad and grandma both had maturity onset diabetes , I had gestational diabetes 16years ago. They say type2 follows within 10years. But I would probably still classify myself as pre diabetic. Probably only a matter of time but I try to keep exercising and keeping weight down to try and stave it off



    Jerigrace it sounds like you have a lot of juggling to do ... Am Sure I read about a possible connection between BC and low thyroid... How long ago was yours removed?



    Rambo I have my chemo kit in the bathroom and a chemo bag that accompanies me everywhere ( yes even the golf course)



    My second dose is August 2nd reckon there is a heap of us all that week Scribblinhanna must be hitting her second by now and hunnybunny must be this week maybe??? I need spreadsheet to keep up with who's doing what and when with these different regimes :))))

    Feel free to talk anytime jeriG isn't that what time differences are for??

    I go to bed and next morning you have all had a good ol chin wag without me.

    Roll on day 12. :))

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  • encyclias
    encyclias Member Posts: 302
    edited July 2013

    peace, I am a diabetic.  Type 2, and hereditary -- everyone in my family, and I do mean EVERYONE for generations, gets it around retirement age and never seem to have any complications.  Didn't surprise me a bit when it showed up a few years ago.  I take Metformin and Amaryl daily.

    When I was diagnosed with BC, my internist -- who treats my diabetes -- told me to just keep on taking my pills. His wife is a BC survivor.  He warned me not to lose weight and to try to eat regularly.  As for diet, he went on to say that until at least the chemo was done, I should eat what a felt like of comfort foods, but not to go hog wild with them.  In other words, a medium portion of mashed potatoes but not a whole mixing bowl full.  He further said having a few months with higher blood glucose is not going to cause me harm, that there would be more harm in not eating.

    I cannot speak for diabetics who depend on insulin.  That advice has to come from a diabetes doctor who knows his patient well.

    Carol

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  • Gma04
    Gma04 Member Posts: 62
    edited July 2013

    Rambo50



    I take Mag o7 it's Oxygenating. Then after that all I'm taking is the probiotics.50million one a day. Hope it works for you my onc said probiotics were ok.

    Let me know if it works for you.

    HUGS FROM TEX.

    GMA04

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  • angelanature
    angelanature Member Posts: 179
    edited July 2013

    Hi Soriya,my onco recommended prilosec for heartburn and its been really working,its otc but as ur doc first. Thanks everyone for ur support,i should have joined this site 2 months ago. Im 48 with a daughter in college in cleveland and a 22yr old son who's in the resturant bus,newly remarried with a 11yr stepson who we have 50% of the time. He's not a compassionate kid and has said things like you should just kill yourself now and your hair will never grow back because ur so old. My husband has always wanted to be his friend and doesnt parent,he laughs when my stepson says these things. I have my second chemo tues and will probably lose my hair and i know be really sick,and have to take care of my stepson who expects to be waited on hand and foot. How deal with him? My husband wont change how he spoils him and will be working. His mom hasnt even responded to emails asking for help,taking him on days we r scheduled to have him. Help!

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  • angelanature
    angelanature Member Posts: 179
    edited July 2013

    Hi again,Angela here,well some good news my brother and his wife can take him wedn through friday,so generous of them giving the have a severly autisic son,same age,God bless them on those 3 days. I'm wondering how taking the steroids,as i was supposed to last chemo,will be? Ive heard about sleeplessness but if it will help the nausia i quess its worth it. Any other side effects anyone? Also to newbies,I cut my hair from 22 inches to a short bob before starting chemo and day 12 its still hanging in there,everyone,including my husband were pushing me to shave it off but im really glad i didnt,i know its going to fall out this week but ive been cherishing it everyday and regret cutting it at all.Do what u feel is right for u but u dont have to chop it all off first thing. Hang in there all,hugs and love.

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  • honeybunny96
    honeybunny96 Member Posts: 120
    edited July 2013

    Hi Firecrackers...

    sorry I have been sparce.. reading everything and praying and thinking of you all, but I'm sorry, some days' I just don't have the energy to be on my computer.  

    I do have my 2nd on Friday July 26.  So far I have been feeling body fatigue.  My body just doesn't want to do what I want it to do.  My brain is clear... as long as I get sleep.  It's amazing what sleep will do for a person.  My first weekend after chemo was awful, for me.  I slept the whole weekend.  I was just knocked out.  By Monday I was doing ok.  By Wednesday I started to develope no sleep as I was unconfortable and swelling a lot around my MX and down my body.  and when I saw the doc on Thursday, she said it was the beginning of lymphedema.  I was doing to much.  This devasatated me as I am an on the go person with 3 kids (1 of them special needs).  I also want to/need to work ($$ reasons) as with a family of 5... and no disability insurance.  It's tough to support.  So all weekend I have taken to my bed.  I have my computer and tv and bed LOL 3 necessities when I'm feeling like this.  I hope with a good night sleep  tonight, I will have a better week next week.  

    It will all be OK everyone. I know we feel at our lowest when we don't sleep, can't eat, can't poop, too much poop, constant nausea, hair loss, fatigue, tiredness, hungry all the time... you name it.  WE CAN DO IT!  I know some days it doesn't feel like it.. but WE CAN! 

    Love n Light to all! <3

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  • SweetheartinTX
    SweetheartinTX Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2013

    Lynn- I am feeling great. My rash is going away, i have been controlling my heartburn with Zantac and i actually almost feel like the old 'me'. I haven't quite started loosing my hair yet. Just a little thinning. I go see my onc and the cardiologist on Thursday. I am so glad i have another 9 days of feeling this good :) For exercising, i have just been getting around the house pretty good, taking short walks down my driveway and back.

    I am very fortunate to have help from my mother and sisters to do housework and things that i can not do. (Vacumming, scrubbing tubs, etc).



    Thank you for asking!!



    Soriya123- I promise it gets better. I am so sorry to hear you are not feeling well.



    And yes ladies, some days will be very difficult but together we can all get through this!! One day (sometimes one hour) at a time!!



    LOVE FROM ME to all of you!!

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  • Hannariggs
    Hannariggs Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2013

    Gma- I have my 2nd infusion the 24th also.  Will be thinking and praying with you. 

    Momx2-  I also had BAD heartburn for several days.  The Dr. gave me nexium which made me regular but nauseous. Its hard to drink all the water needed when it tastes like acid.  Today I went back to taking zantac and things have gotten so much better.  Sometimes alot of what we do is trial and error, but of course asking the Dr. first.  

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  • Hannariggs
    Hannariggs Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2013

    noncompromise- I did have the choice of the treatment I received.  I could have done the clinical trials, DD AC x 4 plus 12 taxol, or CT x 6.  Even thought I had no node involvement and clear pet scan with no mets, my onco score was 44.  I never wanted any regrets so I asked for the strongest stuff they had(which I was told was the DD AC) It was a hard decision, as I felt great.  Now I am asking for them to make me sick for something that "might" be in my bloodstream and kill all of your "good" cells.  You wonder if the risks outweigh the benefits.  I am a very take charge type of person and having cancer makes you realize your not in charge of anything in the scheme of things. But I chose to try to kill cancers ass before it kicked mine.  Just think, if we feel this bad how bad must the cancer be feeling at this point.  My favorite saying is "Praise God, and pass the ammunition".   Bring on treatment 2   1/2 way home AC Sisters!!!

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  • honeybunny96
    honeybunny96 Member Posts: 120
    edited July 2013

    hanna.. I too am doing the same protocol.  As I too wanted.. no regrets and it's what the onco recomended to Kick cancer where it hurts and kill this MOFO. AC 2 coming up this friday! I love your saying! 

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  • SweetheartinTX
    SweetheartinTX Member Posts: 58
    edited July 2013

    I love your saying too Hannariggs!!!! <3 Yes, bring on treatment to so that i can be 1/2 done with AC!! and a 1/4 way done with chemo!!</p>

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  • lark
    lark Member Posts: 61
    edited July 2013

    Welcome new girls. I'm sorry that you're going through this, but glad you're here. There's so much to sort through and this can all be sooo overwhelming. If you haven't already, look at the Chemotherapy-before, during and after forum on this site. There's some helpful information on how to prepare. But please keep in mind that not everyone gets every side effect so dont overbuy. There's also information about getting your port, if you plan to do that. I do wish someone had told me earlier that you can't have your teeth cleaned during chemo. I didnt find that out until the day before I started so now will have to postpone my August appt.



    Gma - thanks, good to know your mo approved the probiotic. I'm doing better so will probably wait to discuss on Thurs. Hope things go well for you on Weds.



    Sweetheartin - yes, our dx are similar. I haven't had genetic testing yet, but need to schedule it. I don't have a family history of bc, but my mo suggested doing the test because of being TRN. Glad you're feeling good. Hugs back to you!



    Thinking and praying for everyone doing their second round this week!

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  • momx2
    momx2 Member Posts: 109
    edited July 2013

    I'm having a bad day today , off the meds and feel strange . I hate my children seeing me like this . My 17 yr old understands but I heard him crying and that broke my heart . My 10 yr old doesn't know just knows , moms taking some medicine and the SE are rough .

    Sorry I'm having pity party over here .

    I'm so happy we have this place to share and vent as no one really gets it . Stiff up lip for family .

    Thank u for ur support my sisters .

    Wishing you all strength, and health

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  • angelanature
    angelanature Member Posts: 179
    edited July 2013

    Hi everyone, ive always been a chill,calm,and happy person but since being diagnosed,surgery,and now chemo ive become this witch. I really quess im really mad. I should been relieved that they got all the cancer out,hopefully and with dose dense adriamycin,cytoxan, and taxon,and then radiation my future looks good. My brother at age 30 beat stage 3 lymphoma,and my son(at age 5 and again at age 12) beat brain cancer,they went through hell and r healthy and fine. They didnt change their personality,get bitchy,they just dealt. Im really hating this bad attitude but cant seem to get myself out of it. Ang

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  • honeybunny96
    honeybunny96 Member Posts: 120
    edited July 2013

    ((hugs)) mom.. vent, cry, scream, get angry. especially here.  no judgement what so ever.  We all have those days.. and many more to come.  Are you able to talk to your kids about your feelings so that you don't feel so bad about whats going on.. with both of you?  I know thats what my kids wanted.  I also have someone for them to talk to.

    Ang... its ok to get angry..but have you thought about depression?  Sometimes the stress that comes with the cancer and everything that goes with it, is just too much.  Its such a different life that we have to lead right now.. and we don't know who or what we need to do or be.  So we try to be strong. It's ok to say I need help... which I think you are doing.  Do you have a counsellor to talk to? Your doctor? I know I  asked to be put on some antidepressants just after my surgery when I found out I was going to have chemo.  It doesn't have to be forever, I just know my signs and decided before things got too out of hand to ask.  ((((hugs)))) girl.  We are here anytime for you.  

    Love n Light to all tonight <3

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  • puppymama09
    puppymama09 Member Posts: 77
    edited July 2013

    So I have been getting prepared to start chemo on the 24, I feel like I have been researching and preparing for so long now that it is reality I am like,huh?,what am I supposed to do? Wait I'm not ready! My emotions have been all over the place.

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  • soriya123
    soriya123 Member Posts: 662
    edited July 2013

    Can't wait to call my onco on Monday. Have Dr on calls suck, they can't help me wit anyting. My warm discomfort tummy still there, It bother me so much still can't eat....make me sick. Already fourth day, when is it going to be over?



    Honeybunney, I asked my husband to look for groval at CVS, u told me about me, they don't have it.:-(

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  • kickinitgood
    kickinitgood Member Posts: 11
    edited July 2013

    Hi firecracker ladies. Sorry I've not been here lately... It's sad but great to see you all here, that is us being here for each other. I am going in for round two tomorrow. Hair started falling out as predicted on day 14... Got it buzzed on day 18... This has been the most emotional bit for me. The mild-moderate assortment of side effects on days 3, 4 and 5 after round one - then 2 days of high temps landing me in the ER late on a Saturday night - were really easy compared to the hair loss. Wonder if I'll experience anything worse. Is it true that what you experience in your first round is good indicator of what you'll experience each round? I've been doing a blog which is really therapeutic and it gives me something fun to look forward to doing. Tonight I tried to take the dex steroid earlier in the evening than last time around but here I am wide awake as the midnight hour moves on. Ah we'll, it's good to be here with you all and I wish lots of light to you all as we travel through this hellish tunnel together. I am convinced that the positive thoughts and support of people - those we know and those don't, doesn't matter - is amongst the strongest medicines around. Let's harness that positive stuff and kick this highjacker's behind! Peace.

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  • JeriGrace
    JeriGrace Member Posts: 128
    edited July 2013

    kickinitgood, I'll be keeping you in my thoughts tomorrow as I go in for round one and you for round two.  I've been trying to prepare myself for the hair loss but the way you describe it I guess it's just something you have to go through to understand. Right now I feel like I'm almost at war with my hair.  I have a good hair day and I mourn the upcoming loss and then I have a bad hair day and I can't wait to get rid of it.  All the while, its replacement is sitting there on the wig stand, just waiting. . .

    I have been thinking about doing a blog too.  How did you get started and are using a specific website?  I don't even know where to start.

    Another 12 hours and I'll be hooked up to the juice and I suppose my life will never be the same.  I'm so fortunate to be taking along little reminders of support from family and friends - a comfy throw, a bracelet, a t-shirt, a card.  Hope I'll have a good internet connection so I can take all of you along with me too!

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  • JeriGrace
    JeriGrace Member Posts: 128
    edited July 2013

    Angelanature, it sounds like you have a lot to be pissed off about!  I am seeing a psychologist at the cancer center here and he keeps reminding me to "be gentle with myself" because I do tend to beat myself up and do a lot of self-blaming.  I take medication for both depression and anxiety and I can't imagine going through this without it.  It's what I need right now and I'm fine with that. Hope you can find some peace - you really have a lot to handle.

    Peace and encyclias, I have a great endo for my diabetes and thyroid issues and he is in touch with my MO.  When he knew what steroid I was taking and the dose, he prescribed 15 units of Humulin to take at the same time to help with the highs that the steroids can cause.  I've never taken Humulin before and it is just for the 3 days I take the dex.  I am continuing to take all my regular diabetes meds - Byetta, Glyumetza, and Lantus.  This is just my first day taking the steroids so we'll see how it all goes.  Obviously, this protocol is specific for what I need, but just wanted to share my doctor's approach with you.

    Honeybunny, I am so sorry to hear about the lymphedema.  My heart just feels so heavy every time I hear of women who don't have the insurance they need and then have to make tough decisions about working vs focusing on healing.  Please take care - at least you haven't lost your sense of humor.  :)

    Puppymama, I'm on that rollercoaster with you! Let's just get on with it!

    Mellie, how are you doing? Are you ready to kick cancer's ass, as hannariggs says?!

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  • honeybunny96
    honeybunny96 Member Posts: 120
    edited July 2013

    I started a caringbrige site to keep everyone informed.  That's one option, easy to set up and blog like :)

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