Starting Chemo February 2015

vr423, I do not have a port. My MO was not going to recommend one unless I ran into a problem with the IV. My uncle who is a breast surgeon in IL questioned this. Ports are pretty standard practice in his circle. I am ok waiting to see if there is a need. I do have a bruise / rash on my arm just above the IV insertion point. MO says it is a common reaction from the taxotere. My first infusuon was 2/2. My next one is 2/23.

I'm also not getting a port. My Onc never even mentioned it as an option.

vr423, I did 6 rounds of TCHP and have done two rounds of Herceptin alone, all without a port. After 4 rounds, one vein got irritated, so they stopped using it. But it's healing up now.I think it all depends on what your veins are like.

I just wanted to wish all good luck tomorrow on their chemo treatment.  It seemed like a lot started on the 18th.  I started on the 12th with TC.  I am getting better as days go.  My bad day was the third day.  It feels like a bad case of the flu that won't go away.  Has anyone acquired a cough?  I have a real dry cough that doesn't produce anything.  It is very irritating.

mardea15, I hadn't noticed your diagnosis date before. We are SO on the same schedule, diagnosis, and stats! When I think how this all started not even a month ago, it's wild

Love the pic Chloesmom, it makes me miss my girls and not having them by my side for this.  My youngest would so love to wear a monster hat   They look really cute on both of you

Mecsmama, Big day 50% finished!! I hope you feel well.

Hi LaLaP and welcome!

Sorry you had to be here though. If life were fair I would say you have already paid your dues!

I had a port put in on 1/31. I was under general anesthesia for the procedure, and it was a few hours (3-4) between check in and check out for me. Mine sits just below the skin on the upper chest opposite where I had my MX. The first few days, maybe even week, I was sort of uncomfortable on that side when I raised my arm (just as my right arm started to feel better, I was babying my left!) but everything kind of settled down and now I don't notice it.

It does make everything easier when it comes to blood draws and infusions though. I wonder if one of the factors that determines whether you get a port is also which chemo regimen you are on. I know you are done with Adriamyacin but I know it can be hard on the veins and am just as glad it's not going through my arm.

I hope everything goes smoothly for you and welcome again to our brave little group!

Chloesmom, I had just gotten new glasses when the roller coaster stopped and picked me up for one wild ride. But my vision went blurry for a while on AC/T, but it has come around. So just be patient, I have a hard time telling you to wait for it! We all have too much of the waiting game. Now if I could just lose all the remaining side effects from chemo, I would be good.

I'm happy to hear that your Dad is being made comfortable, so important for him and the family.

Don't forget to use something on your tender scalp. When I picked up my wig, they told me to shampoo my scalp and use conditioner as well. I use Johnson's Baby Shampoo and Pantene Conditioner. I like the smell, my regular smell. I really do it because it's normal. But I have hair growing back and it is super soft. And I take Biotin for hair and nails. I still like doing my hair even if it gets washed in a bowl.

Hope in the stars,
I'm on AC x 4, but a week ahead of you. Just had my second infusion yesterday and and doing better than the first time. I felt well enough to go back to work after a week, but definitely was tired. Luckily it's a desk job and I don't have to deal with a lot of people. I can't imagine having to deal with kids. You seem to be coping well, though. Good luck next week.

Hi LaLaP-

Sorry for your diagnosis but you will find lots of support and advice here!

I had a port put in on 1/30 on my left side. My BC is on right with LN involvement so they didn't want my right side irritated by port there. I think the right is ideally better because it is a more direct route heart.

Procedure is pretty easy. They pit me in twilight sleep which was nice. With local anesthesia too, all I felt was some pulling and pushing but no pain during surgery.

However, I did have a lot of pain (pulling sensation) which the Tylenol they suggested taking did not help, so the next day I had to get a prescription for Percoset. So ask about that ahead of time. You probably know your pain threshold, but it is nice to have the prescription ahead of time just in case.

I did have bruising and I think my body really doesnt like have the port in because 3 weeks out , I still have some pain, but it is worth it and there are lots who have really little SE's from it.

Good luck to you! You are strong! And soon you will be on the offensive!

Hi Ladies,

I get my first round on Tuesday so, Hope that makes us chemo twins Although I'm getting cytoxan & taxotere.

I cut my hair today - ear length in front, short in back. After years of short hair I spent ~2 years growing it out. It was finally the length I wanted. I guess reality is setting in that this is really happening.

Hi Cher, I hope your port settles down soon, and you feel better. They are a very good thing, and it will save your veins. I hope you have fun with the new wig. Nobody really wants one, but when you are tired and going through treatment you can just pop it on and go. And your hair will be growing again soon. I have been taking Biotin for my hair and nails, and it is working well for me. I take 1 800 mg per day, but check with your MO first. I don't soak my nails, but I use Foot Therapy from Sally's. I also use their cuticle oil to buff my nails. They have wig supplies also. Did you get real hair or synthetic? Good Luck on Monday, drink a lot of water starting Friday to hydrate before chemo. It helps a lot!

Cher, I only use the clear sparkly polish so I can keep an eye on my real nails. But I do buff them and use the cuticle oil on my nails. My hands are dry so I use a lot of hand cream. Pedicures are usually discouraged because of possible infections. You could ask your MO. I have a human hair wig also. I had it made to match my own hair. I love it! A little more work weekly to keep her pretty but so worth the money for me. And it really is the same amount for the year since I had to color etc.

By cycle1, day 18 I'm pretty much bald. It did take me gently pulling out my hair in about 3 sessions. I have stubby patches here and there and will likely get someone to shave it today. I will pick up a wig I ordered today. It's similar to a long style I wore last year. I've been thinking I may prefer shorter. It's synthetic but can be styled with heat. It's lace front and completely hand tied (I think that's the term). It can be pulled back, pulled up, and parted anywhere and look pretty natural. It is costing $400 but should last well over a year, even longer for me as I won't wear it everyday. The wig shop will shampoo, style (curly or straight), cut, etc... For me for $25 a visit. All in all, even if I let them maintain it once a month, the total cost is going to be less than what I spend on my own hair's upkeep. I guess that's a plus? My MO gave me a prescription but my insurance won't pay. I hope to be able to use tax deductible HSA money with the prescription. Oh, it's the blond wig i posted but a different color.