Starting Chemo March 2015

Hi Italychick, it looks like the two of us have the same start date, though with different chemo cocktails. I also had a lumpectomy (excision biopsy)directly after mammogram (birads 5) and ultrasound. The margins weren't clear after the biopsy, so I had a UMX with axillary lymph node dissection. Thankfully, the mastectomy didn't find any further IDC, though there was a lot of DCIS (margins clear, tho) and all of my lymph nodes were clear, despite being enlarged on the surgery date. My bone scan was clear, and I'm waiting on the results of the echocardiogram and CT scans. I'm ER, PR and HER2 negative, so my treatment won't include Herceptin. My port went in last week, and it has healed up pretty well. I guess I'm as ready as I'm going to get

I've been very anxious to start chemo, and overall, I'm positive about getting it started, and getting it done, but as it gets closer (just over 12 hours away, now), I'm getting anxious. If it turns out like most of this adventure so far, the waiting and anticipation is harder to manage than the actual event. I'm hoping for some restful sleep tonight, but I'm not optimistic on that score.

I'll be sending positive thoughts your way tomorrow.

Gentle hugs to all.

Italychick and avmom - good luck tomorrow! I've read that the first infusion can be a little anti-climatic so please try not to worry too much. Your side effects (if you have any) will likely be hitting you the day of my 1st infusion 😳 on Thur.

YOU'VE GOT THIS!!!

Please report back how it went and know that we are sending virtual hugs and you are in my prayers tonight.

Bekah

Thanks for the well wishes. Hope I can sleep tonight after taking the meds today! Just have to get through this part, and the worry about the next phase. I have three grandchildren I desperately want to see grow up, and they are the lights in my life.

Hi Italychick, I'm scheduled for four rounds of Adriamycin and Cytoxan (dose dense) followed by four rounds of paclitaxel (Taxol), also dose dense, so 8 rounds 2 weeks apart. If they all go according to schedule, I'll be done the first week of June. Supportive drugs include Neulasta injections each round, Zofran, aprepitant (Emend) and dexamethasone.

I buzzed my hair on Friday after the date was confirmed for the first round, and I've worn my wig out a bit. I've got lots of scarves, but the thing I've liked best since getting my hair cut off has been a little fleece cap - soft AND warm, which is important up here in Canada. I have developed a very large affection for soft, fleecy garments lately.

Best wishes for tomorrow

rleepac, Good Luck with the AC. I had AC on Tuesday morning, but got hit with the SE on Thursday morning. I put a ice pack on my neck during infusion and it kept the headache away. Also if you have Neulasta the day after, Claritin for a few days always helped the bone pain.

Oh, Shaz, I was going to wish you well tomorrow, as you start Tuesday. My bad, of course you are a day ahead of us North Americans in Oz.

I've never been to South Australia - the closest I've been was a short stay in Melbourne, many years ago.

I'll be thinking positive thoughts for you as well, today

Shaz, I forgot the time difference too. You're about 12 hours before your treatment now? Good luck, let us know how you're doing.

I have a little over 24 hours now.

BB

I just got back from my first MO appointment and my plan is to start chemo on March 18. I will read through the entire thread later. I need to get a shower. To those ladies who are 5 years out or 3 years out posting encouragement, God bless you. This is so helpful for those of us who are freaking out right about now.

Avmom, are you still in chemo? Just thinking of you and checking in to see how you are doing.

Hello, all. I just arriived back home after treatment #1 - seven to go. My nurse was very nice, and explained each step as she went along. My port worked perfectly, and after the initial stick, wasn't uncomfortable at all. Adriamycin first (the red one), took a little more than 20 minutes, "pushed" by the nurse rather than it going through a pump or by gravity. Then a flush, and the Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) went in through the infusion pump. My vitals just before we started were fine, even with my blood pressure up about 30 points. I'm "normally" around 95/60, so 127/75 is high for me, but nothing to worry about. The drive home was about an hour and half. I feel a little strange, and I'm tired, but no nausea, to speak of.

I feel more confident, now that I've actually done the procedure. As Beachbum has said, game on