Starting Chemo October 2014

I'm scheduled for mid October-definitely Herceptin-not sure of chemo cocktail as I had 2 tumors-1 was HER2+ the other ER+ and PR+. Everyone is different re hair loss but I was told mine will fall out so I am going for a wig on 9/30. Got a script from my MD for a "skull prosthesis." My port is installed-good decision u r making-will save u a lot of stress. I am nervous re nausea and having bathroom issues. Most concerned about neuropathy. That seems to be the biggest topic on the boards. Good luck

Hi Kerensa and April,  I'll be starting AC+T chemo on October 2nd and would like to join you on this board.  I was diagnosed WAY back in May and wasn't initially anticipating chemo, but with a positive node and an intermediate oncotype, I'm joining the club.  

I haven't thought about a chemo bag.  However, I saw a good friend yesterday at a BBQ who had been treated for colon cancer a couple of years ago and she said I needed to bring ear buds and music to avoid overhearing the depressing conversations of other patients in the chemo room.  I haven't used my Ipod in forever and don't have a tablet or anything... I was just hoping to read!

I'm getting my skull prosthesis prescription on Sept 30, when I meet with my my doctor next.  I doubt I'll have time to get out to any wig shops, but I've been searching online and watching reviews on youtube.  Focusing my research on wigs is distracting me from researching chemo side effects anyway...I did, however, order some hats already.  They are designed for chemo patients so they provide a lot of coverage over the hairline and nape.  I live in the Northeast and I want to be warm walking my kindergartner to school every morning.  It's already getting chilly in the morning.

Speaking of kids, do either of you have young kids?  If so, have you thought about what you'll be telling them? I have a 5 year old and a 3 year old.  I'm not sure how they'll react to the baldness.

Hi,

I will be starting Taxol (12 weeks) and Herceptin (every 21 days for one year) on September 29th so I too would like to join the October list. I will be getting my port put in this Thursday and I am scared to death! If they put you totally asleep it would be different!

I wish we all do well, with few S/E's and kick this monster to the curb!

Hope and Love~Nancy

Hi All,

I start chemo, 6 treatments, 3 weeks apart, on October 1.  Hope I can join the group.  I look forward to hearing how it goes with you hyphencollins since we start our journey on the same day, and thanks for the info on the earbuds.  I don't know if I have to have a port, but I'll be thinking of you, Nancy.  In fact, I have to go in for all the scans and MRIs on Monday.  I haven't had any of those yet.  

Good luck and many prayers to and for all of us.

One more thing--my chemo bag will have my Kindle, a journal or tablet to write down what is in each infusion and keep track of how long it takes (the first time will take longer), a small blanket/throw and pillow (I just like having my own) Breathsaver-type
lozenges, chapstick, unscented hand lotion, Purell sanitizer or handwipes, Saltines or animal crax, sugar free gum, and bottled water.

Music was mentioned in an earlier post.  Any other ideas?

Good Morning,

Raining something awful here.  Hope everyone had a good night.  Surprisingly I tend to sleep well.  Ya'll are right about too much info.  efeuer thanks for something on a chemo bag.  My fully charged Kindle was definitely going to be there.  hyphencollins I wasn't able to get a dental cleaning scheduled until the end of Oct.  Is that going to prove problematic?  

Everyone have a great day and see ya later.

Kerensa,

Thanks for the input.  I called my dentist this morning and told them my situation.  I just got a call and will get my dental cleaning this afternoon.  Thank goodness.  This is a new dentist for me so I have to have X-Rays too.  I've been putting off the dentist.  This should be fun .   See ya later.

Hello ladies! I start chemo next Fri 10/3 with 4 treatments every 3 weeks. I was originally slated for taxol but the Onco changed it to Taxotere and Cytoxan. He told me I'd most likely lose my hair between day 14-17. Just happens to be around my birthday, oh what a birthday present, huh?

Glad to hear your surgery went well Prncesmommy. 

Welcome Mulligan! 

Speedcat- glad to hear you got your dental appt. My onco had said the same thing as Kerensa had.

Kerensa- did you get your start date?

starting chemo October 9. What a roller coaster. Today was a rough day trying to get hold of clinic for ct scan and bone scan supposed to be done tomorrow but have to wait until next Tuesday. Just when I have a pretty decent day I get kicked in the butt. Wish I could just take a bunch of sleeping pills and wake up when it is all over ... don't worry not talking suicide. Just want to sip thinking for a while. Work right now helps. I'm an elementary school counselor. The other staff and the kids have been great. I just hope I can keep working at least some between treatments. At least I'll get out of recess and cafeteria duty. I feel for what my husband is going to be going through. 

Thanks kerensa. I went ahead and downloaded it. I know I'll have plenty of time to read. 

You're right about keeping your mind active and thinking about other things. I'm really counting on being able to work in between treatments, every two weeks. I'm an elementary school counselor and I love my kids. I need to keep busy even if it is hard to focus at times. I think I have chemo brain already and I haven't even started yet.  Lol.

Hi everyone and welcome okkim.  I've found work helps as well.  It is definitely distracting.  Of course I'm saying that as I currently feel physically fine...it may be a different story during tx!  Thankfully my work has been great - supportive and flexible.  

I had my echocardiogram today, will meet with my doctor to sign consents Tuesday and get scripts for all the meds to manage SEs and then will get started in less than 1 week. 

Hope everyone has some nice plans for the weekend...