Starting Chemo January 2015

Brandi and Partner, gentle hugs to both of you.

Yes, when our armor cracks, we let out pent up emotions and make room for positive growth.

Brandi - sorry to hear about that :0( What a strong woman you are, facing all this adversity at the same time. SIGH. And to think that we are in 2015!!! Stilla lot of prejudice out there.

Chin up!

Tennisfan

Ladies, a friend just made me discover this fabulous iphone app called Think Dirty. When you scan,type the barcode or the name of a beauty or cleaning product it gives a rating, full ingredients list and explanation about the toxicity, allergy factor and effect on the endocrinian system in terms of cancer-prone chemicals.

A reall gem! I too am cleaning house and throwing out Lancome etc. to make room for organic, cleaner products for my body and the environment.

Try it, it's a real eye opener. Even some products claiming to be organic and non-toxic are not that clean!!!

Tennisfan

good morning ladies, I hope all if going well and treatments/side effects are going smoothly.

I am currently in tx #3 as I type this (1 more to go!!!), had a lovely wake up call this morning as the water pipe to our fridge burst sometime in the middle of the night. Out entire upstairs was flooded which leaked to the basement and flooded that as well. Water was still pouring out of the basement ceiling as we we left for treatment. Spend 2 hours trying to clean up the water. Unfortunately our hard wood is destroyed and will need to be ripped up and replaced. Worries that sub floor also will need to be ripped up, our bottom kitchen cupboards wills need to be taken out as well as the hardwood runs under them. Gosh what a day and it's just started!!!!!!!

They say bad things come in three and I am hoping that was my third!!!

I hope you are all doing well and have energy to do the things you love.

Take care, wishing everyone he best.

Teri

Oh no Brandi...that so sounds like something I would do! (but won't thanks to your warning! Hope the steroid catches up fast and you're feeling better soon!

Teri... OMG! So sorry!!!

hi ladies, I had my second infusion this past Monday. The administering of the IVs was in 3 hours compared to 5 hours the first time. The side effects seem to be a day ahead of the last schedule. It's weird how you can feel them coming on as if someone is slowly pouring some thick heavy slow moving liquid over your head. I was a bit achy and icky last night. Did not sleep well. Really dragging today. I am snowed in. Luckily my sister and her family and another sister is here at my house. It's quite lively with a month old, my 4 year old, and two five year olds. Though I'm just laying around taking in the sounds, it helps

mysunshine48,

I can't replace advice given to you by your medical professionals, and certainly they are in the best place to advise you on the way ahead. For most of us, treatment is on-going as chemo does take a long time. Treatment, like breast cancer seems to be as individual as our diagnoses, and only your medical professionals can advise you best for your case.

I will share a little of my own. I have breast cancer in only one breast, and initially opted for a 'lumpectomy' to remove the two tumours that showed up on the scans. That was done in December, and at that time I was told I would probably only need radiation as a follow-up. Unfortunately, the 'lumpectomy' turned into a 'partial mastectomy' as once the surgeon got in there, 2 tumours turned out to be 20, surrounded by a 'bed' of a second type of breast cancer, and therefore a very large portion of my breast had to be removed. Following that surgery, 'if' you need chemo became 'when' you have chemo and it was a month before I saw an oncologist who confirmed that. In addition, although my surgeon was able to remove all of the cancerous tissue, the distance between the cancerous tissue and non-cancerous tissue was too small, so now I require a mastectomy to ensure that all the cancer is removed and give me the least chance of reoccurance in the future.

Your situation will probably be different, but your surgeon will outline all of the different options for you, and if they don't, then find one who will. It's a big choice. In the end, the decision to have a double mastectomy instead of a single one went beyond cancer considerations. I had been considering have a breast reduction for several years due to health concerns and by doing a double mastectomy with reconstruction I am able to have my reconstructed breasts smaller than what I have now. You are in the best position to make the best decision for yourself. Talk it over with you health care professionals, friends and family.

I completely understand your fear and frustration--I have been there. The waiting is terrible and all I can say is to keep busy and know that eventually--the waiting ends. I wish I could say more.

As far as chemo and energy--I am a competitive ballroom and latin dancer and have had two infusions of 16 so far. I am still dancing 3-4 times a week (even if in small doses), and passed a medal test last week. So energy is less, but it is there. If you read through the posts here, you will see almost all of us have been able to go on with our lives in one way or another through treatment--I hope you will too.

Jenn

Hi my sunshine - welcome to the group, but sorry you are here!! I am so sorry to hear about your mom, I too lost my mom when she was 31 to cancer so I completely understand, but it's already a hard time for you and then to pile on the emotions/stress of cancer, I couldn't even imagine!!

I was offered a lumpectomy as I only had one tumor in my right breast but for my piece of mind I elected to have both breasts removed . My reasoning was that I am only 30 years old and would have a very high chance of reoccurrence given my age. I wanted to do everything possible to reduce my chances. My breast surgeon and oncologist gave me complete control over the decision and did not try to sway me in any way. Once surgery was done they both agreed that I did the best thing to reduce my chances of reoccurrence (but that is based on my age and my type of BC).

I was never upset at the thought of loosing my breasts as I knew I would have the option of reconstruction. Although when I saw myself in The mirror after I did cry but I think it was just because it was a shock to me as I didn't know what to expect. Now it doesn't bother me at all, I LOVE not having to wear a bra!! But I will be getting my reconstruction done towards the end of this year.

I had no lymph node involvement and did get clear margins around my tumor so radiation was not recommended for me ( as a glutton for punishment I even asked about getting radiation as a precaution to ensure all cancer cells are destroyed , but they said it would cause more harm than good). I was told I would 100% need chemo due due to my age and because my tumor was a grade 3 (I was not offered Onctype testing to determine if chemo would be needed or not as they stayed those 2 factors alone would result in a high score).

The chemo has been going fairly well for me, I have had the usual side effects but have gotten medications to stay in top of them (constipation, pain, nausea, etc). As treatments go on I have found the side effects to be less and less. You can always call your nurses to help with a side effect, don't suffer as you don't have to!!

Energy levels have greatly finished but when I do have some I try to walk 2km on my treadmill; albeit not that often and at a slow pace but it's better than nothing. And as you've probably read the ladies here do the same with going for walks, playing tennis, competitive dancing. You do what works for you.

If you have any questions please ask as the ladies on this thread are great source of information and support.

Spookisgirl - thank you for the kudos. . I am happy to have only 1 more left!

Wishing you ladies the best!!

Teri

Hi beautiful, strong BC sisters.

AC # 3 completed weds. 3 out of 16 chemo treatments down. Still doing ok with nausea being the one symptom I have to watch out for-set the alarm to take my compazine every 6 hours even if it's 3 am. Makes a big difference. Not much to share today, just trucking along. Thinking of you all and so proud of all of you and your progress.

Love,

Kristin

Patty,

Are you feeling any better? Praying for a break for you in the SEs.

Kristin

The colorpurple, thank you for your kind words and thanks to everyone for all the support we give each other. This forum is the best support I have because you all get it.

Sunshine, I am getting the diep flap which is like a double mastectomy where they cut off your abdomen and form new breasts from it. Tummy tuck and boob job all in one. I have one tumor in my right breast and lymph node involvement. The reason I am choosing for both breasts to be done is purely for symmetry. They are recommending that I get radiation due to the lymph node but I have been made aware of a new study for people who have a "complete response" to the chemo, meaning that the cancer is no longer detectable after chemo and surgery. If I fit into that category I will opt out of the radiation. So far my tumor has gone from 2.9 cm to 1.5 and that was after 3 A/C treatments. I'm crossing my fingers that I don't have to do radiation.

I had tingling early on but no hair loss until 2 weeks.

Hi Cher, it is possible, I had it right after the first infusion. I shaved my hair off the next week and went to my wig. Good Luck!

Patty, I am on 8mg Zofran every 8 hours during day, and Phenergan at night for the first 5 or so days; starting 1/2 hour before each infusion. I haven't had any issues with either Rx and only experienced nausea once (no vomiting). Chemo nurse said to add other pill if I need.

Remember, LOTS of water and whatever you use to keep constipation away.

Patty, in my infusions I am given Decadron, Emend, Aloxi and Zofran before they begin the T&C. I take Decadron by pill every 12hrs the day before & after chemo day. I also take dissolving Zofran by pill every 8 hours starting the morning after chemo for 3-5 days, and then as needed after that. I have Compazine to use "as needed" in addition to the Zofran, but I've been through 2 treatments and havent even opened it yet.

Zofran can definitely cause headaches after a few days, and I had a nasty one during my first cycle. My nurse suggested with Round #2 that I swallow the Zofran tab whole with a LITTLE BIT of water, instead of letting it dissolve in my mouth and that helped a lot. Also, if you drink too much water right before or after you take Zofran, it can trigger the headaches. Hope feel better soon