April 2015 Chemo Crew... Starting in April? Please join us!

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  • lemonadehk
    lemonadehk Member Posts: 106
    edited April 2015

    Hi Lynn, there are two versions of AC-T: biweekly AC x 4 followed by biweekly Taxol x 4 or biweekly ACx4 followed by weekly Taxolx 12. Both are NCCN preferred regimens for stage 1 & 2 breast cancer. There is a phase III clinical trial (SWOG S0221) showing that both AC-T schedules ha same efficacy but slightly different toxicity profiles (maybe weekly Taxol slightly less toxic). But 12 weekly Taxol is longer. So when my MO suggested biweekly Taxol, I didn't object.

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  • lemonadehk
    lemonadehk Member Posts: 106
    edited April 2015

    Hi Stephmoen, I was in a similar situation. I am 36 with two kids (5 and 2). I had an ultrasound last August and the breast surgeon told me it's benign and just do a followup in 6 months. When I went back in Jan, she said it's cancer. I was really upset with her and went to a different surgeon for surgery. So I can imagine how anxious and upset you must feel. Hang in there. It's tough but we will get through this! I didn't realize that there are that many breast cancer survivors around us until I was diagnosed. Have faith and be strong!

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  • ThePrincess
    ThePrincess Member Posts: 424
    edited April 2015

    well ladies, I guess I'm joining. I start chemo Tuesday ( AC ), after my port install Monday. Any advice? I do not know anyone that has been through this so I'm a little lost. Anyone else starting next week?

    I start the anti-bacterial wash tomorrow - anyone know if that leaves an odor? UGH we have a huge family weekend planned, I really hope it doesn't.

    To the ladies that already finished round 1, how are you feeling? I hope you're feeling good and your SEs are minimal!

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  • lovlilynne
    lovlilynne Member Posts: 405
    edited April 2015

    Lemonade - thanks for all the info - very helpful as I go to the local MO today. Since the first MO said 8 rounds, then I assume he was suggesting the first regime you mentioned. I could swear I saw someone who was having 4 AC every 2 weeks followed by 4 T every week, but maybe I misread. I wouldn't want the 4/12 regime as that would be longer, so good to know.

    ThePrincess and ksusan and anyone else I missed - welcome. I am keeping a list of all of us - if you'd like to share your first name to use, totally optional. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Goesf6x_13...

    You can see who is starting when.

    LBF - thinking of you - best wishes for today - hope you feel your April sisters' support.


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  • ankledolphin
    ankledolphin Member Posts: 99
    edited April 2015

    so far my treatment plan is the chemo every 3 weeks for 6 treatments....in hopes it shrinks...then surgery, then 6 weeks of rads (everyday!).

    before i have the chemo, i am to have blood work and then a visit with my MO to measure and stuff.

    i'm thinking if i'm already this sick from side affects, how am I going to do this, but I have to do it!

    :)


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  • allicat1214
    allicat1214 Member Posts: 84
    edited April 2015

    I had the port put in my arm yesterday. It is very painful. Anyone else having pain?

    My arm is very bruised as well....

    The notes as to when to call the doc only said if fever was above 101, arm swollen and red.

    I don't have fever, arm isn't really swollen nor red. It's bruised and painful. Not sure how in the world I'm going to get chemo meds in there tomorrow.

    Sigh....

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  • ThePrincess
    ThePrincess Member Posts: 424
    edited April 2015

    Thanks ladies - added myself to the list.

    Alliecat - i would call? they were very clear on my instructions that it should only be mild pain? Of course, I haven't gotten mine yet, so who knows what they consider mild vs. my def of mild ;-)


    My nurse said yesterday that most people on AC chemo don't lose all of their eyebrows? Any ladies ever hear that? I think I can do ok with a wig, and I have the shortest eye lashes ever so those 2 I'm less worried about?


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  • allicat1214
    allicat1214 Member Posts: 84
    edited April 2015

    Princess...Thanks. I probably will call.

    As far as eyebrows, I, too, am worried about eyebrows and eyelashes. We can use wigs and scarves/hats to cover head, but losing eyebrows is very worrisome to me. Mine are like my hair: very thick and dark....sigh.

    I saw something a few weeks back on Facebook about a way to help chemo patients losing eyebrows (before I knew I would need chemo) I went back but couldn't find it. So I googled and came across this site:

    http://chemochicks.com/eyebrows.htm

    I hope it's okay to post this link. I'm not affiliated with them in any way. I ordered the stencil and it arrived yesterday...just a few days after I ordered it.

    My son is graduating from grad school May 15. I should be half way through chemo by then so I know my hair will be completely gone. Not sure how quickly eyebrows and eyelashes go with you're on TC. Anyway, I just wanted to be prepared!

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  • lovlilynne
    lovlilynne Member Posts: 405
    edited April 2015

    Allison - call and get a script for Emla cream - tomorrow put it on over port area and cover with plastic wrap/med tape or press 'n seal to keep creme on (and from getting on clothing) b4 you leave for infusion.

    Tina, I had you in the list already (sorted by start date), so I just added your other info to that line (I didn't want to think you went "missing" if you look again).

    When MO mentioned hair loss to me on Monday, I said, "and eyebrows, and eyelashes, and nose hair", and he said - that doesn't always happen or it's not until later - so you could be right.

    -Lynne

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited April 2015

    jat, So glad all went so well on infusion day. Hoping it continues that way!

    ksusan, So glad all went well with the TC too! 1/4 of the way done in the chair!

    LBF, I like your picture of chemo; I consider it my ally in this battle as well.

    Lynn, Steroids are given with all taxanes because of the allergic reaction potential. They are given with AC to help prevent nausea and decrease inflammation.

    Rockerwife, I made tons of bathroom trips while at chemo too!

    Stephmoen, I hope the PET scan comes back all clear. Keep us posted. When do you begin chemo? One of the gals that was in my Sept chemo group from my last go-round was very young as well (and pregnant). She is part of a Facebook group of young moms with BC. If you'd like me to put you in touch with her, I would be glad too. The women are all in their 20s and young 30s. PM me if you'd like me to hook you up with her. She and her baby are both doing fabulous.

    Karen, Post pictures of your wig when you get it; how cool to have it made with your own hair!

    mamajen, that rash looks uncomfortable. Did you call your MO?

    Wishing everyone in the chair this week maximum cancer killing and minimum side effects.

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited April 2015

    imageimage

    K

    hi everyone

    I started 3/26, so I am already just a week from my second TC. I still have most of my hair, and all eyebrows, lashes. A friend gave me Lash and Brow Gel, by Brian Joseph. Two of her friends used it thru-out chemo and for 60 days after, and did not lose lashes or brows. All natural ingredients, sold online. I am hoping it works! If not, both of my wigs have long bangs, lol. I am getting a buzz cut tomorrow, because I need control over something!

    I feel pretty lucky. I only felt lousy for 5 days, with headaches, bad metal mouth, fatigue and one night of back pain. I am hoping round 2 goes as well.

    I am hoping everyone is feeling ok? And allecat, you should call if you have pain, let them give you the EMLA, or at least advise. We have enough pain with all we have to deal with. Jeeze, my TE, the thing that is going to make me look "all better" when this is done, drives me crazy sometimes, so I hit the Motrin, for sure. And I saved post surgical meds for any pain emergencies. I dont like taking meds, but they can sure help.

    Hoping all have minimal pain and SE day,

    Arlene

    And dont forget anyone can register and go to Look Good Fee Better, and get free tips and make-up. Register online. My session is 4/14. And I hear its all good brand stuff.

    My 2 wigs are above. I have been dyeing my grays since I am 35, so today just may be my last day ever as a brunette (except for wig days), I think gray/blonde will be my new color when it grows back.

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  • Karen30
    Karen30 Member Posts: 135
    edited April 2015

    hello Allicat- I had my port put in yesterday as well- it hurts like heck!!! Mine is located a little below my collar bone - I had no idea it would be so painful - it's normal to run a very low grade fever after surgery ( body's natural response ) but anything higher than 101 or redness, of our etc should be called in to your surgeon - hope you feel better soon

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited April 2015

    Hi April crew! Sorry we're a little late jumping in here, but we wanted to provide some helpful links, starting with the main Breastcancer.org site's section on Chemotherapy, including info on what to expect with chemo, types of chemo meds, and side effect management. Also, the Treatment Side Effects section is a great resource for tips to help manage any side effects you may experience.

    There are some really helpful key threads here in the Chemo forum too! Great tips and practical advice on the following discussion board threads:

    Also, Last Month's Chemo thread might be informative!

    Hope you find this helpful!

    --Your Mods

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited April 2015

    The prewash is unlikely to smell bad.Mine didn't smell like anything. Good luck!

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  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited April 2015

    Hi greenae, saw your post, and jumped in. I went to Look Good Feel Better in January, and it was so much fun! The make up kit had all the goodies and more. And it was all name brand stuff. I hope you have a great time. My eye brows and eye lashes never looked so good! Cheryl

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  • GingerChi
    GingerChi Member Posts: 252
    edited April 2015

    Allison, my port placement was yesterday also....I'm not having a lot of pain. Sorry to hear you have been, did you reach your Dr? The most pain I'm having is in my neck, even when I swallow! Mine was placed on my chest but haven't seen the area yet since the dressing doesnt come off until tomorrow.

    Karen, hope your pain is better!! That is so awesome about the wig made from your own hair!!

    Arlene your wigs are nice, and you look great as a blonde!

    Princess, I start treatment next week too, on Monday.

    Thanks for the posts on Look Good, Feel Better!! I'm going to try and get into a May session.


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  • Stephmoen
    Stephmoen Member Posts: 563
    edited April 2015

    thanks for the welcome!! I had my chemo teach today I start the 16th and I also got my pet scan results and it was clear no lymph node involvement woohoo although there was a very small spot that lit up on my liver they saw no lesions and the dr said that happens often in younger people and she isn't worried about it but they will keep an eye on it just in case so I'm officially in stage 1. I will be there for my first chemo for 6 hours still not positive if I'm getting perjeta due to none of my lymph nodes being involved and it's smaller than 2cm then once a week I will be getting herceptin..is anyone else in this thread doing adjuvant therapy for her2 positive breast cancer? I'm not sure how to add myself to the spread sheet but I will try again also does anyone know how bad you usually feel a couple days after your first chemo treatment my sister is having her baby shower 2 days after my first treatment and I have been looking forward to it don't want to miss it

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  • mamajencoz
    mamajencoz Member Posts: 52
    edited April 2015

    My neck hurt when I got my port in too. It only lasted a day or so until my body adjusted and swelling went down.  but it was pretty tender.  I'm on day 3 of my first chemo and it's been a rest and hydration day.  My nausea goes  up at night so  I've been taking about nausea and ib round the clock.  I'm starting to get sore hips and lower back. . Most likely gettin the shot i got yesterday. I haven't tried clariton yet because i was afraid to put meds on a upset tummy. I'm hoping for a stronger day tomorrow.  

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited April 2015

    Arlene, I love the wigs! They are really nice! I have 2 different ones too. Mine look similar to each other, but definitely are a little different. I wear a consistent one to church and school events, but other than that I choose based on my mood. My one local friend just rocks the bald all the time, everywhere. I wish I had her courage! My kids are also at an age that they would NOT appreciate me doign that. Hers are toddlers. Man, she sure looks beautiful though! Some people can just rock that look!


    Stephmoen, remind me what your chemo regimen is. Day 3 tends to be the toughest for most people, but for me on both regimens, I was able to pretty much carry on as usual. On TC, I had more pain and took ibuprofen that day. On AC, I simply took a short afternoon nap. Other than that, I carried on as usual.My best advice for that, and chemo in general, is plan to attend those types of events. Plan to live your life. Just plan for a little extra rest when you need it, and be flexible with yourself and adjust as necessary.

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  • lovlilynne
    lovlilynne Member Posts: 405
    edited April 2015

    Hi - stephmoen, I added you to spreadsheet - it's sorted by start date so you should be on row 26. We are up to 36 participants.

    I had my meeting with local MO today. I wish it had been more straight forward. She wasn't 100% on board with AC-T because she doesn't know how many LN are involved - I only had the one biopsied. She said she would consider TC if it's truly 1-3 nodes. There was no talk of this on Monday with Boston MO, and I asked specifically if there were any other avenues of treatment to consider. She also talked about the AC4/T4 every 2 weeks OR the other schedule of AC4 every two weeks and T12 every week schedules. She said outcome was the same, but T weekly was actually easier on the system. I just want to get it over with.

    They took blood and gave me a pneumonia shot - boy does it hurt right now! Do you think it's ok to take ibu for the pain? I never get the flu shot, so I don't know if this is normal or not. They also looked at my veins to evaluate if I needed a port, and I knew I would. I have to have an ecg before I start, and they couldn't schedule that until next Thursday, so it doesn't look like I'll be starting until 4/20 or 4/21. I hope that they can schedule the port placement on the same day as 1st chemo - or at least next Thursday when I have to go for the ecg. The nurse in the infusion center (who checked my veins) said that they would do some training too, so I don't know when that will be. I just want to start so my life doesn't have to be on HOLD anymore - I mean, it will be somewhat on hold, but at least I can figure out how to work around the schedule vs. not scheduling anything because I might have to make an appointment!

    Question for all of you - do you drive yourself home from your chemo? Or will you? This doctor said no. I didn't want to have to bother anyone to drive me to/from chemo. I'm just wondering if it's something I can fight (if I know that other do it). I wouldn't do the first one, but I thought I would be able to do the subsequent ones.

    TIA,

    Lynne

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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited April 2015

    Hi lynne, I just finished my first chemo, and driving could be done, but I felt so weird that I had a driver. This could be due to just being shakey from adrenaline, or due to the fact that I got my port in this morning and am still feeling the anesthetic a bit. If you are feeling fine, then no problem! My doctor wasn't concerned about driving, but his whole thing is listen to your body and use common sense. I will probably drive myself next time. Just my experience! Hope this helps!

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  • LK121212
    LK121212 Member Posts: 20
    edited April 2015

    My Doctor always had me take pseudophedrine 30 mg. everyday starting the Day before Chemo for 4 days, It helps with the sinus pain.

    I had my 4th and last dose last Tuesday and believe me every time it was different, But the Pseudophedrine definitely helped.

    Be Strong, and take time for yourself is my only Advise, I promise you will get through this.


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  • sheshe3
    sheshe3 Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2015

    Hi everyone! Wow! Our group has grown! Sorry I haven't been on much this week. SE's on days 3-5 were brutal! Nausea, fatigue, mouth pain, no appetite..... and then after the neulasta shot on Friday, wow! Such bone pain! I took the Claritin and Tylenol and it took a slight edge off, but I felt like my knees and elbows and tailbone were going to crack! Today I went for my Herceptin only infusion. My MO gave me a prescription for vicodin for the bone pain, so I'll use that very sparingly since I already am beginning to feel like a walking pharmacopia! I'm hoping that this infusion will have way less effect on than last week's big 4 (TCHP).

    My best to all getting chemo tomorrow....or is it Monday? Well anyway, happy cancer-fighting and minimum se's!

    Sheila

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  • SpriteB
    SpriteB Member Posts: 49
    edited April 2015

    Lynne - I could have driven home from chemo if I needed to. I didn't start feeling weird until about 1 hour after I left then the brain fog started. The infusion nurse said that if I wanted to drive myself from here on I could. One thing you should think about is what drugs they will be giving you while you're there. They gave me Benedryl and expected me to be sleepy but I think the adrenaline of it being the first treatment kept me alert and awake.

    Stephmoen- my SE'a were bad days 3-5 but if I had an important function to go to I tgink I could have made it through it. Everyone is different and I hope you get to enjoy the shower!!

    A new SE....sinuses feel dry. Sorry if this is TMI...I don't have a running bloody nose but my dried nasal mucous is bloody. Has anyone elseDealt with this?

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  • sheshe3
    sheshe3 Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2015

    Lynn, I could have driven myself home. For me, I felt no se's that first day except mouth discomfort. It's probably an individual thing and I guess I would say listen to your body. I know, I know... that doesn't help you plan a ride if you need it. GL with whatever you decide and just remember the Dr can't make you do anything you don't want to do.

    Ankledolphin, it looks like we have the same chemo combo. And yes!!!! Back pain! Maybe we can compare notes as we go through this journey.


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  • x1mel
    x1mel Member Posts: 9
    edited April 2015

    Hi everyone. I have developed a fever. 100.3 The doctor on call isn't concerned until it gets to 100.5 Seems like splitting hairs to me. Anyway I noticed this week that the vein in my hand where I got my infusion is now puffy, red, & sore. It was fine all last week. (I had the treatment on Tuesday last week.) What sense does that make? So I'm supposed to keep an eye on my temp through the night & go to the er if it gets higher. Why don't these things ever happen during the daytime?

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  • Stephmoen
    Stephmoen Member Posts: 563
    edited April 2015

    ok thanks for the advise and thank you for adding me to the spreadsheet! my treatment regimen is taxotere carboplatin herceptin and for now perjeta of course my oncologist is on vacation so if things change they will let me know early next week..my dr prescribed dexamethasone zofran and compazine for me already I'm really nervous about the symptoms since I have 2 little ones at home I'm also a vet tech and haven't decided if I'm going to try to work a couple days a week still or not I guess we will have to see how it goes

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  • jat017
    jat017 Member Posts: 4
    edited April 2015

    x1mel - You might need a course of antibiotics - I'd get the redness checked out. Can you email your provider?

    I think I could have driven home from chemo but I wonder about liability should I have an accident. I am grateful for the company home.

    Day after chemo #1 - went to the gym at 545 after a good night's sleep, breakfast with my son. I went to work at 930 and team taught my labs. Probably talked a little too much - decadron I suspect. My cheeks, neck and chest is pretty red - no itch but warm. No temp. Reported to my MO.

    I hope its deja vu all over again (I hope) tomorrow. I suspect that the weekend will not be Groundhogs' day but doggone it - it will be the first beautiful weekend in the last few and I vow not to miss it!


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  • littleblueflowers
    littleblueflowers Member Posts: 2,000
    edited April 2015

    X1mel, did you go to the dr? How is your hand looking now? Doing ok?

    wow, when you are ladies said keep ahead of the SEs, you weren't kidding! Nausea hit me as I was getting my prescription for nausea meds lol...now playing catch up. And of course my mouth is dry no matter how much I drink...put down two gallons since 2 pm. Nothing else yet....except for a general feeling of weirdness.

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  • sheshe3
    sheshe3 Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2015

    x1mel, how are you doing? I'm so sorry you are going through this. Does ur Dr know about your hand or only the fever. Keep on top of it so you can get in if need be.

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