February 2014 Starting Chemo Club

Hi, it is so helpful reading your posts, as most of you have already had the first chemo session. Mine is probbaly next Thu (I want to get started with it and not wait any longer), CTH as it looks like. I had the port put in on Wed, and yes, that was a painful little surprise. I am green and blue in the area now, totally bruised, and my whole front looks like a rag doll, stitched up, between c-section scars, mastectomy and lymph node excision scars, botched biopsy, mole removal and now the port .... great. Getting a short haircut today - my DH was sweet and asked whether he should come with me, but I'd rather suck it up by myself, and then off to the wig shop I guess. I have to face the realities. I looked into getting coldcaps, but aside from the price tag, it seems to be kind of a pain to deal with them and with hairwashing etc. If I had long beautiful hair, I might do it, but I don't have that to begin with, so why even bother. My kids are probably going to freak out a bit, but we will deal with that. I have decided to take off from cancer stuff for the weekends as much as I can, and will go to a stargazing event with my son tomorrow, and on Sunday hopefully for a hike with a friend. I am 3 weeks out from UMX, and my BS told me to be careful and not go to the gym or running yet, so I have to go hiking to get out all of my energy.

Hope everybody is having a non-eventful day. I am trying to not think about the chemo start next week too much, but will buy Claritin and Metamucil (thanks, Lago, for all the good tips). I am sure that I will have many questions once I have started, but right now, I am just plain scared of the whole thing and try to not think about it too much (which does not work, as it occupies most of my waking time somehow, at least in the back of my head).

Alexandra

I am 49...will be 50 in May.  I was 41 when first diagnosed with bc in 2005.

Scared of your 1st chemo... True story

Last year in I think it was January I met this somewhat local gal here on BC.org. She was petrified of chemo. Petrified of losing her long hair. We chatted a lot. She ended up getting a 2nd opinion with my onc so I met her and her husband there. Her husband told me that she basically wasn't talking to anyone. He said when she saw me her eyes lit up. 

We chatted. See I'm about 10 years older than her but we actually look related. She saw my short hair and thought it looked nice. Well she did make it to her 1st chemo and she was really scared. She made it through and it doing well... and has decided to keep her hair short just like I did. It looks so much better on her. Her mother who was also upset about her losing her hair told her not to let her hair grow out.

It's the unknown that is scary. Chemo is not like you see on TV. It's not what you grandma had. They have decent drugs for most SE. They may not be able to do much about being tired or taste changes but most of the other stuff can be dealt with. And if you're like me you'll find something that tastes good.

Ahh Lago...thanks ((hugs))

So now that so many of you have started your chemo already, I have a question.  The PT can only get me in for my initial evaluation for my cording issues from the AND on the afternoon after my first AC treatment.  My chemo appt is at 9:30 starting with the usual blood tests and meeting with the MO, then chemo.  They say it takes about 2 hours total for the appt.   The PT can see me at 1:00.  Unfortunately, they only have one lymphedema/BC specialist on staff right now so it's hard to get in.  So, my question is do you think it will be ok for me to take this appt?  It seems most people don't start to feel SE's til after a day or more.  If I wait until later in the week (after my Neulasta shot the next day), I'm afraid the SE's will kick in and I really won't feel like driving over there.   FYI- the appts are across the street from each other and only about 15-20 min from my house.

Lago:  You are too sweet!  

purpletron they don't use the ice mitts here in the states. The nail issues are a more rare SE but... I got it and really badly. If you want some photos of my finger/toenails from back then to motivate you to keep wearing them I can provide some. They are not pretty and not for those with weak stomach. I my worst SE after the 1st tx were heartburn, constipation and the back pain from Nuelasta day 6 & 7 after chemo... but everyone is different.

kjiberty and like you aren't ♥

Hi;

37 years old, stage IV metastatic in spine and now liver. Will be starting chemo next week. I will also be part of a clinical trial so I may have SE's from the trial and chemo.  It's possible that I may get a placebo in the trial so SE's might not be so bad. 

Good luck to everyone. 

Hi Grammy-I've had a runny nose too and the tip of my nose is sore as well.

Thanls for the encouragement! I feel less scared now. I did get the 1 inch haircut & ordered a wig, so that's done - now I want to get started to get this journey going. Good night ladies, and thank you for all the help, you are amazing. 

I am 47 soon to be 48 in March.  I am 2 days post chemo and still doing ok.  I seem to have a bit of headache.  No appetite.  I am drinking well.  I have taken a few of the Zofran for nausea but not really had any to speak of, more cramping.  I had my Neulasta shot yesterday and took the Claritin too.  We will see how I go along today. I could not sleep last night.  Unsure if it is the steroid or what.  I took a pain pill and a xanax and still up the entire night.

Lago...  I added Fibercon and Colace and am moving ok.  I am hoping the Claritin works for me.  Like you no real nausea, more cramping.

Macintx..  I had what I would say was pretty severe cording in my arm.  I saw the LE PT and she said that it would probably self resolve and that the chemo would help?  Odd right?  She was dead on!  A HUGE improvement in my arm, amazing really.  I hope the same for you as you start.  Also that first appointment is an eval only in general and minimal teaching of techniques.

Purpletron.. I wanted to do the mitts and footies but I have Raynaud's and can't tolerate the cold on my extremities.  Good luck!

Summerwheat..  I cut my hair off, about 16 inches. I left one inch or so but plan to shave it this weekend.  I love my wigs!  Lots of fun.  I am not trying to hide my illness just look decent through it so I have fun!  I got a long long one and a short sassy one and wear them as my mood fits.

Pbrain...  I am not sure why we were different.  He pulled out a handy handy spread sheety thing from some place and was saying that the recommendation is TC every 3 weeks and H every week for the initial cycles and then it was possible to go to H every three if I tolerated the increased dosing.  I was expected to fall in the mid range.  The you-have-to -make-a-choice range of 0.5cm to 1.0cm.  I fell right at 1 when it was all said and done and I wanted to be aggressive. 

My husband did not make it in last night related to weather.  He will be coming in today and we are still hoping to go to the ballet.  I will be trying to get a nap.

Xrayalli, I recognize you from our March chemo group. I've been lurking on this February group, since they are a month ahead of us. I always like to know what to expect. Some of my friends say to stop reading or asking so many questions, but I really do like to be informed, even if it is scary sometimes.

Megomendy, you tell those friends to back off!  I have learned so much from these threads.  One of the main things is that everyone reacts differently to chemo, everyone has a little different experience with their surgery, etc.  It helps to know that what we will be facing, even if it is scary.  Asking questions is the best thing you can do!

lago, a big thank you for all your valuable information you have shared. For me , what you just shared about your last couple years , gave me a sense of calmness. It helps me reaffirm I will do this, that my whole life will not be BC. A gradual process that will change and evolve. So thank you so much, your words have picked me up ...was feeling a little down the last few days. ... Maybe because the hair is falling out now . The intelligent /logical part of me just knows it has to happen, it does not hurt or stops me from doing anything ...but it  tells the world that I am dealing with cancer...no more blending in. 

Purpletron ,glad you are doing ok ...the ice mitts and slippers is what I am not looking forward to again, that was painful.... But doable .

Megomendy  my surgeon recommended this site and a couple others, his advice was just do not google it ...he said at the end of the day he would be confused and stressed if he randomly googled bc. I am glad he recommended this site ...I have gotten so much help from here and info. Some days I take a break ...to clear my head.... But only someone diagnosed  with a serious health issue gets it. I love my family and friends ... But Sometimes you do not just want to hear "stay positive"or "you look healthy"... This place has been great.

Thanks again Lago! Hugs

kjiberty , thanks , I think I really needed a little venting and  a little reassuring. The first week was mental tough on me ,my son (10 years)and my mum (83years)on different days  both ended in emergency with chest pains... All tests for both came back good , and was put down to stress  ( worry about me). I had similar side effects as you...was never nauseated (so far). Next week (Friday) I go for #2, half way ! So the last couple days was just wondering about the next couple months and where I might be in a year or two. Thanks for your reassurance , it is nice to hear from people who understand , as we try and figure out our new normal. So far I have decided not to work yet, lucky to have sick days, so I am using them, to spend a little more time around home for my two kids (and parents )Maybe work odd days in the next few weeks  or not ...wait and see.

Thanks again , hugs