chemo therapy

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sarahy
sarahy Member Posts: 1
edited July 2014 in Just Diagnosed

I was recently diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal breast cancer I am extremely worried about the side effects to chemotherapy can anyone give me some insight on what they went through?

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  • Luvmydobies
    Luvmydobies Member Posts: 766
    edited July 2014

    Hi Sarahy, sorry about your diagnosis. For me personally chemo wasn't that bad. I had four dose dense A/C treatments and twelve weekly Abraxane treatments. I read horror stories about A/C but it didn't effect me that much. I was tired but not exhausted. Never got nauseated either. I did get some mouth sores but used warm salt water and they only lasted about two days after each treatment. The same went for Abraxane. I did get what they thought was cellulitis so took Bactrim and it cleared the reddened area. It did however give me C Diff then I relapsed four weeks later. Ugh. But that was caused by the antibiotic, NOT chemo. The C Diff was the hardest part for me and I still have post traumatic stress from it. Every time I get an upset stomach I panic. It's ridiculous but a reality for me. Anyway, enough about that. Stay on top of the nausea meds and wash your hands like crazy. Eat well, rest often and drink plenty of fluids. I did and I was able to do most things I always did, including eating out and going places. I only took the nausea pills for around four days after each A/C treatment and like two after each Abraxane treatment. We are all different though so you will just have to do what's best for you. Keep us posted. You will be okay!

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  • flannelette
    flannelette Member Posts: 984
    edited July 2014

    Sarahy - please try no to be extremely worried - there are so many ways these days to mitigate side effects. I had FEC, 6 years ago, I was stage 2b. Since then, as I read here, things have changed I'm sure even for the better.

    You might lose your hair - it grows back! Nausea? there are many meds. I used to get steroids after each infusion - loved them, got lots of work done in the few days they were effective.

    I don't know much about the chemotherapy combos they use now - but others will chime in. The nurses in chemo are usually the best, the kindest. if you need a tranquillizer you'll get them. Friends can be with you.

    I had ongoing queasiness, found I ate a LOT and developed unexpected cravings and tastes, personally could not stand the taste of water so got hydrated by eating things like watermelon, did not have a port so my veins kind of collapsed so i would get a port if i had to another time around. I never barfed but did get dry heaves a few times from unpleasant smells. I had some bad episodes of indigestion and my mouth tasted like a garbage pit. so I brushed my teeth & flossed about 5 times a day and guess what? my gums improved immensely, was thrilled when I finally went to get my teeth cleaned again after it was all over. There can be silver linings - such as - my hair came back in curly! which i'd wanted all my life (but went straight again)

     other chemos will give you other ses but please do not get carried away with horror stories - I'm pretty sure they are very few and far between. You'll be getting the extra insurance that will allow you to feel you've done your best with thorough treatment and you can rest easier.

    All the best!

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  • Cowgirl13
    Cowgirl13 Member Posts: 1,936
    edited July 2014

    Sarah, I was terrified of chemo and it was very do-able.  I had a great oncologist whom I felt very comfortable with.  When we talked about chemo, I flat out told him I would be rather dead than do chemo.  It wasn't that bad.  My onc gave me prescriptions of several drugs to talk--  one of them was prilosec which I took every day.  I also had pills for nausea which I tool every day...he said we don't like to 'treat' nausea we like to prevent it.  I also had a neulesta shot the day after chemo to keep my blood cells in order.  I'm really going into too much detail here....I just want to let you know that I made it through and I never thought I would.

    Liz

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  • LovebeingNana
    LovebeingNana Member Posts: 134
    edited July 2014

    Hi Sarahy,

    I finished chemo a month ago and while it was not fun, it was do-able. I worked full time through the 3 months and didn't miss any work except for infusion days. The doctors & nurses will help you through any side effects you may have. Sorry you find yourself hear but you can do it!!!! Hang in there!!

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited July 2014

    Have you been told what chemo you will be doing? (There are many different ones amd different schedules even for the same ones.)  Will you be doing neoadjuvan (pre-surgery), adjuvant (post surgery) or both?

    We are each unique so no one can tell you what you will experience based on what the did.

    In my case, I did 4 DD A/C adjuvant that did not 'slow me down at all'.  Hair did go 'bye bye', I lost sense of taste and smell and appetite (I just never thought about eating or got hungery).  I had no nause but good anti-nausea meds are given.  I did 12 weekly Taxol adjuvant which was much worse for me - I was completely and utterly EXHAUSTED those 12 weeks, existing on the couch in front of the TV.  Again evem thoigh I stopped taking the anti naisea meds 1/2 way through, I never had any nausea.  I have talked with my Drs and quite a few RNs and though none had any documented research, they all say that there seem to be a correlation between morning sickness and chemo mausea.  I can only speak for myself - I had no morming sickmess with either son and no nausea with either chemo.

    If I had to do 'it' again - I'd be ready in a heart beat.  I'm still here almost 5 yrs post DX and loving life.

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  • StayingFocus
    StayingFocus Member Posts: 51
    edited July 2014

    Hi Sarahy,

    My treatment plan consisted of a weekly infusion of Taxotere, my primary drug. I began chemo in September 2012 and finished in June 2013. During my treatment, I also received infusions of vitamins, anti-nausea meds, and Benadryl. I think I missed 3 treatments because I was running a fever.  Although my chemo treatments are finished, I still remember my oncologist bringing in at least 6 different bags into the treatment room! That was a lot of fluids to infuse into my body, but it was necessary. Occasionally, I received Adriamycin during my chemo visits, but that only happened for at least 3 times. That drug was the one that made my a little sick, but the extra anti-nausea pills helped a great deal. With Taxotere,  I lost my sense of taste, experienced fatigue, and had reduced white and/or red blood counts.  My oncologist, was able to give me shots to increase my blood supply, which helped.  It was that or as she stated, " Admitted to hospital for blood transfusion".

    Both fingernails and toenails changed color. Some nails became black, but they are back to normal. I knew that I would lose my hair, I did, and still have some hair loss...bald spots, that my hair stylist covers up with hair extensions. 

    Whatever your treatment plan, you can do it! Hard? Yes. Uncomfortable? Yes, at times. So have faith in yourself and your team.

    Me, I have no complaints! 

    I'M ALIVE! 

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  • placid44
    placid44 Member Posts: 497
    edited July 2014

    I had a tough time with dose dense ACT (mostly the ac), but nausea was not an issue. The drugs they gave me before, during, and after prevented that. My oncologist was able to manage what did come up - low blood pressure, very low white blood counts (even w/ neulasta, so took iv and oral antibiotics), an infection, strong fatigue. I was able to work a few hours a week, from home. That said, I would do it again in a second because it was a critical part of my treatment. I am triple negative.

    Best wishes to you. It was doable. Try to line up some help/support for groceries, laundry, and trips to chemo (depending on your family situation), and take one day at a time. Take the miralax and other drugs on schedule...they really help. It went faster than I thought. You will be busy.

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited July 2014

    I had 4 Tx's of TC 3 wks apart. I did very well, with only minor SE's. It's just hard when they come all at once! But it was manageable with a few meds. I think I had thrush, heartburn, fatigue, muscle aches, taste buds went out the window, hair loss, but for the most part, they only lasted a wk or so each TX and then at the end, the fatigue set in and took longer to subside. Stay hydrated, call your MO at the first sign of SE's, rest when you need to, try to exercise some every day. Stay away from crowds during your NADIR period. Don't be afraid to ask for help, if you need it. I am single and pretty much took care of myself and worked part time, so it can be done. I get your reluctance, but hopefully you'll do fine. Like my MO said, most patients say they wouldn't want to do it again, but it wasn't as bad as they imagined.. Good luck!!!

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  • AJ62
    AJ62 Member Posts: 56
    edited July 2014

    Hello! I recently had  my very first Chemotherapy. So far, so good. 

    No real side effects other than some nausea but I am thankful for medication to help alleviate this. 

    I am to go every 2 weeks. I will have my 2nd treatment on the 28th. 

    If you have any other questions, ask away. The women here are just wonderful and so helpful!! ♥

    Take care!

    Anita 

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