Orlando Chemo ladies?

llovecoasters, it is normal to feel anxious, I don't know what you can do about the lack of privacy, some infusion centers have curtains to partition chairs but from what I read in these last posts I guess the one you go to doesn't have. As has already being suggested hydrate like crazy both before and after treatment. Even though I am not currently getting chemo but I do have a port and go for monthly Zometa infusions (bone strengthener). The only "pain" from the port is in accessing although to me it feels more like a "stab" without a needle. They can numb the area if you want them to but that means another needle so I prefer to go cold. If you have a friend that can come with you to keep you company that might help you distract you from the anxiety. After you are done with treatment make sure you have someone to drive you home as you might feel to weak and nauseus to drive. I wish you all the best and sending (((hugs)))). I hope the others come and offer other suggestions as I am kind of rusty on the subject.

Aurora

I had my chemo at Fl Hosp on the 6th floor.  Crowded, awkward, busy.   Thank goodness my daughter works in that office!  Don't freak out yet, LoveC....this will become somewhat routine before you know it.  I would love to chat with you if would like.  I think I can give you lots of information... Btw, I am also a nurse!  I will PM you my number- jeanette

Good afternoon Orlando friends.  I'm 3.5 weeks out from my mastectomy and my work is anxious for me to come back.  I'm averaging 2-3 dr appts a week, port surgery is 10/21. Did or are you working through treatment? I'm so nervous about returning not knowing how I will react to chemo.  If I stay out through treatment, I'm on fully paid leave.  If I return and just need a day off for treatment and then for neulasta all are without pay.  My job is super intense, 70 hours a week and I'm in and out of 17 different schools.  Just need some down to earth advice.  

I worked from home, very few hours per week.  You will find you are fatigued easily not as mentally sharp during chemo.  My biggest fear was doing something goofy at work.  Most importantly you body needs to fight and heal! Added stress and fatigue are not good.  Are you going to get AC?

dr zehngebot said I could take an oxycodone before treatment so I did.  Lidocaine cream over the port helps. Florida treatment room is not very private. I did like ORMC better for that. But the nurses were great. I took an electric blanket which they had no issue with. At ORMC I often shared a room so it wasn't completely private either.  Personally if I had fully paid leave I would take it. I had the same chem regime and you need to remember your ability to fight infection is impaired. 

Love I would fully expect radiation. It's not clear margins that determines it.  It's the size, location, etc.  I believe it's also standard of care.  Is your AC dose dense (  4 treatments over 8 weeks?). 

My offer is still open 

:-( won't be here, will be in Mexico with my parents.

LoveC. I am so sorry you have to go to the appt alone.  You only hear half of what is said!  Are you going to see the docs atFlorida  Hospital?

I will be under the channel 9 tent at making strides with my Sassy Head..come see me!

I have 8:15 am appt at Florida hosp. Downtown 

best wishes!   Mine went in under a twilight sleep but still as an outpatient.   You'll do great!

here's a bitter sweet video!  Well done!

http://blog.thebreastcancersite.com/stuff-breast-cancer-surviors-say/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=bcsfan&utm_campaign=stuff-breast-cancer-surviors-say&utm_term=20141021#KVAucghxaUvFEH80.01

The first 36 hours were rough, doing much better now.

It has just been super painful.  Enough that I had to take a Percocet.  Today it's just burning.  Of course it is directly under my bra strap and sits right on top of my right expander.