Starting chemo September 2014

My mom is scheduled to start on 9/2. Taxotere and Carboplatin 6x every 3 weeks through an IV. Meeting with the MO this week to touch base before we begin. We're very anxious about the potential side effects and are preparing for them as best we can. 

Positive thoughts to everyone starting in September! 

Hi, ladies.  Just popping in to give you some well wishes and encouragement.  I started chemo in September of last year, and the September 2013 chemo group on this site was a true sanity saver.  The ability to share experiences, side effects, vents, etc. with people going through chemo at the same time as you is one of the best coping tools you can have.  I consider the ladies (and one husband!) that I met on that board to be true friends (we have moved over to a private FB group, but we're still a pretty supportive bunch).  You really have started a good thing by starting this thread.  And of course there are countless other threads on this site that provide invaluable information and advice.  I sincerely wish you all the best as you start and continue through this process. 

Just wanted to pop in and wish you all great sisterhood and success!  I don't know if I could have handled all the past year as well as I did without my September 2013 Chemo sisters. 

I started a blog last year when I was diagnosed.  Maybe it will be helpful.  I didn't keep it up quite as much as I should, but I think some of the key events may be helpful.  I will be thinking of all of you and popping in from time to time to encourage and support you.  Feel free to message too. 

Stay strong and lean in!! Make every day count for something good!  Life is good!!

http://teamsimpsonblog.blogspot.com/

Yes, good luck to the Sept.2014 group from another member of Sept. 2013.

I hope you all have minimal side effects and lots of strength from your shared experiences. I felt like running in the opposite direction of chemo, but I am through it now and you can do it, too!

{{Hugs}}

Hi Gals~ just wanted to pop in & say Hi~. I was in the September 2013 chemo group. (last year!!!) The support was great & we have stayed in touch. It's so important to have other women to talk to who are going through the same thing.

Just wanted to say hang in there, it is a long road to travel with turns & detours you don't expect. But you are tougher than you know. You will learn so much about yourself & others during this journey.

All the best to you. I would be happy to answer any questions if I can. I am 5.5 months post chemo. And feeling good. But sure wish my hair would grow!

It is different for everyone. I have my own business, I buy & sell antiques, old furniture that I paint etc out of a shop. But I don't have to be there every day. On good days I was able to paint, get to the shop to rearrange, attend auctions etc. Honestly I could not have gone to a job 4-5 days a week. (but I am 60 years old too LOL)

 A&C was rough, the Neulasta shot the day after really did me in too. The over all fatigue, and just not feeling like myself was constant except the day of chemo & the day after chemo cause the steroids were still working! I had energy then!

Anemia can happen so easily.

Taxol *& Herceptin, wasn't quite as bad. I had that weekly for 12 weeks. 

It depends on how you tolerate it. The iv pre meds help as well as other meds (RX &OTC) your dr may suggest. And it depends on your job. Is it physical, are you running around, driving, working outside, factory, machines....or is it more low key in an office, sitting, desk work?  

I could not have done it without the port. My blood draws were never easy for routine labs. I was happy to have the port for the dye injected heart scan, the other scan with the lovely nuclear injection, plus 5 months of chemo with blood work before each treatment and the continuing Herceptin infusions. 

Try to think of chemo day as a *me* day. Bring a book, magazine, your kindle, ipad or whatever...ask some one to sit with you each time if possible. My cancer center has snacks plus we can order from the caf, a tv in each cubicle, the recliners are heated (it's chilly in there) & they offer heated blankets. Bring snacks, socks, a blankie etc if they don't have those items. Treat yourself after, if you can. I always felt good & energetic (pre med iv steroids) so hubby & I would go eat, many times do shopping, errands etc cause I knew I'd be down the next 3 days.

All the best to you!

Hockeycat,
I worked through Chemo (Taxotere and Carboplatin, every 3 weeks for 6 rounds). Like you, I have a desk job and work around a lot of engineers.

However, I did have 5 weeks of sick leave on the books that helped me but I needed to save some of that leave for surgery recovery too.  I had my chemo on Fridays so I could have Sat/Sun as initial recovery days. My bosses and I worked out an "accommodation" plan to allow me to telework as necessary.

The clinic was open briefly on Saturday mornings and I would get my Neulasta shot then.  First round, I was out Monday but able to work from home Tuesday then at work on Wednesday.  Second round, I was out Monday and Tuesday, working from home Wednesday and back in the office Thursday.  About the same for rounds 3 and 4.  However, at round 5 and 6, the fatigue was pretty unrelenting and I was pretty much down for the count for a week.  Since you are getting 4 rounds, perhaps you can also rebound faster than I did.

Make sure you take Claritin a day before your Neulasta and for about 5 days after.  They don't know why it helps reduce bone pain but it does.. a LOT (for me it was a LOT).

I will be honest... it was challenging to continue to work while doing chemo.  But, it was doable.

Hope this was helpful.

Apparently I'm starting Chemo on Sept 16th.    It seems so strange saying that!  I found a lump on June 27th. Went from there to mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy all in 1 day.  Led to a right mastectomy on Aug 8th. All seemed to be progressing along pretty well, managed drain and seem to be healing well.  No issues really, I thought!   Today reality hit when I had my first meeting with oncologist.  Chemo is set to start in 2 weeks and It seems surreal.  Feeling panic-y!  Have had bone scan, CAT scan, and set for MUGA next week.  I've got 2 weeks to get ready emotionally for this.   Any tips?

Thanks AmyG.  I guess there are moments when it "just hits us". Part of the process of acceptance, I guess.  I hope all goes OK with the port for you.  For me, he looked at my veins and thought that maybe they would use a Picc.  I'll have to do some research on that. I look forward to keeping up with everyone's progress through the month and wish a good (as can be expected) holiday weekend for all!

Hello Ladies, another Sept. 2013 member here. Wishing you all uneventful days of treatment. Knowledge is your best friend. This web site is very helpful and the support of the other members is invaluable. Just know that not everyone gets all the side effects from treatment but it is good to know what may happen. The first treatment day can feel overwhelming. Even though I knew the side effects of chemo could be nasty, I visualized the chemo as going in and killing any cancer cells. Keep your positive attitudes. Find the silver linings whenever possible. Take one day at a time. You can do this.

Hello Sept. Group! I am on the cusp, as I started my first infusion last Thursday. 

So far I am holding up. My tongue is feeling strange. I had my Neulasta shot yesterday and have been taking Claritin. I don't feel bone pain. Hopefully wont. 

I am drinking a lot of water and going for small walks. 

I know we will get through this with each others help and encouragement. Sending you all my well wishes.

Hi Barremom64,

We are on the same exact regime. I am also cold capping. Right now I feel fine, more concerned with what comes next. Went for a long walk with hubby. My tongue feels a bit raw up front but that's it. Hope the SE go by quickly. 

I thought I was cleared after my mastectomy and just had to be on tamoxifen. Then the MO suggested chemo. I asked why, since everything was out. For me this is a recurrence so I don't have the option of radiation. I have been crying on and off since then. It is hard but we will get through this like the thousands of women that come before us. 

Wishing you the best for your first treatments too!