Chemo in June 2015

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zzlady
zzlady Member Posts: 19
edited May 2017 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

hello ladies,

I feel we need to start a June chemo board! I was dx on 5/1/15 IDC stage IIB, I just turned 30. I have a large mass 7cm so I'm doing chemo first. 4 treatments of A/C followed by weekly taxol for 3 months. Then Double masectomy, radiation and reconstruction. This past month has been crazy with all the dr appt and scans. I had my port put in 5/18/15. I love this site and has helped me alot. I feel im ready to take this head on and get moving. It's so nice being able to talk to people going through the same. Any ladies starting chemo soon please join this conversation.

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  • Esmerelda50
    Esmerelda50 Member Posts: 21
    edited May 2015

    Hi zzlady! I would love to join your June chemo group. We need all the support we can get. I will be starting June 18 after I take a trip to see family and friends in Illinois. I had the double masectomy recon 3 weeks ago, so I am doing it the opposite way. I had breast cancer 10 years ago. Had a lumpectomy, A,C,T and H and radiation. This is the same side but a new case, triple negative. He thinks we can do without the port since it is only 4 times. Hope those nurses have some skills. Thanks for starting this thread zzlady, and look forward to meeting more June chemo sisters.

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  • lulu2533
    lulu2533 Member Posts: 108
    edited May 2015

    I just had my bmx May 19. Have at least one positive lymph node. BS said chemo will be next. Not sure when it's starting but assuming it will be in early June.

    Soooo...I am reluctantly joining the group with you lovely ladies :)

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

    Greetings from the April group. I found it helpful to look at the group from the month before so I could get a sense of how the women 4 weeks ahead were doing. Good luck to you all! This is doable.

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  • tough1
    tough1 Member Posts: 8
    edited May 2015

    Hi, all. I'll be starting the TCHP program first week of June--don't have the date yet. I've been reading all over here and appreciate the total support that everyone gives.

    Let's do this, ladies!


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

    You can do it! We're all here for you, rooting you on!!!



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  • cookiek
    cookiek Member Posts: 7
    edited May 2015

    There with you! Port being placed 6/1 and MOGA heart scan 6/4. Returning to work 6/2 and 6/3 after being off since May 5th for BMX. Chemo will start in June. Waiting for date. Friggin Freaked Out.

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  • DayLily15
    DayLily15 Member Posts: 144
    edited May 2015

    Hello zzlady thank you for starting this, i jumped the gun by a bit and joined the May group.

    my first dose is june first.

    hi esmerelda50 and lulu25 , cookiek and tough1 - hope your wait for a date is short

    thanks for the boost up ksusan and moderators


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  • lulu2533
    lulu2533 Member Posts: 108
    edited May 2015

    Hi DayLily!! Welcome.

    I find out June 1st when I start my chemo so hopefully won't be too far behind you!!

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited May 2015

    Hello June ladies!

    I am just jumping in from the March 2015 group to wish all of you smooth sailing in this next part of your journey. Also, I would like to give you all encouragement that you CAN DO THIS! It's not easy, and everyone's experience will be different. But having each other to lean on, rant to, and rally on will mean all the difference in the world.

    Please feel free to PM me if ever you need a view to the future, or just an ear. I will be here..

    Warm hugs to all,

    Katy

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  • lulu2533
    lulu2533 Member Posts: 108
    edited May 2015

    Thanks Kat, it's great to have someone supporting us thru our next stage in this battle!!

    Julie

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  • zzlady
    zzlady Member Posts: 19
    edited May 2015

    hi ladies, I'm going in tomorrow for my first A/C chemo. I'm a bit nervous but ready to start treatment. I'll let you all know how I'm doing.

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  • Tia123
    Tia123 Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2015

    my start date is June 1, so it looks like I will be joining you all. I am very nervous. Surgery was difficult due to an infection I got while in the hospital. My first treatment will be given via regular IV because I cannot have the port put in until I have completed at least 6 weeks of antibiotics. Hopefully everything will go smoothly from here.

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  • MariaTeresaG
    MariaTeresaG Member Posts: 38
    edited May 2015

    Hello All:

    This Friday will be 2 weeks post lumpectomy with lymph nodes dissection. Margins were small but clear...1.5mm and .3cm. 4/5 nodes positive for cancer. 1 node's cancer was 1cm. The others were less than 1 cm. The tumor at 7 o'clock was 3x4cm. I received the nodes news yesterday. The port will be installed on 6/1. I don't know when chemo will begin and still need a PET scan. I think the port will make the reality sink in. Not that I can ignore my large incisions.

    I have two granddaughters, 4 and 7. My son explained to the elder that I am sick and will be given lots of medicine that will have side effects. I asked her how she thinks I'll look with a bald head. She responded, "Beautiful." 💖

    Hugs and white light to all here.

    MG

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  • Esmerelda50
    Esmerelda50 Member Posts: 21
    edited May 2015

    Thinking of you and hoping everything goes smoothly today, zzlady.

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  • tough1
    tough1 Member Posts: 8
    edited May 2015

    Got my first date scheduled--June 2. Is it weird that I was happy to get a date? Just so ready to get rid of the cancer.

    Port consult tomorrow, followed by my PET--wish me luck!


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  • lmoore4
    lmoore4 Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2015

    hi everyone, I finished a/c and  taxol  2 wks ago and it is doable.  Remember to hydrate, keep ice pops and ginger ale around for the upset stomach days of a/c.  I sucked on frozen raspberries on the bad days.  appetite came back with taxol.  During a/c I cried every night for 20 mins or so and it felt good to let it out !!!!   Taxol seemed to have less emotional side effects, more tired and achy.  Seek the people who will listen, and support you.  All the best.
    ps.  I have been bald since jan. and my 3 year old grandson has never even mentioned it. 

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  • Freygea
    Freygea Member Posts: 300
    edited May 2015

    Hello everyone!

    I too should be starting chemo in the month of June. I had my port placed last Friday and I have an appt on June 4th to go over my options. The hematologist seemed to think he would wish to do ACT with Perjeta but I hope to find out exactly what he has in mind next week.



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  • tough1
    tough1 Member Posts: 8
    edited May 2015

    for those waiting on a PET scan--it was pretty painless and easy. The worst was the 24 hours preceding I had to be on a no carb, no sugar, no caffeine diet. Protein, some fats and no starchy vegetables. Got in and had an IV started--injected with the radioactive stuff, followed by a 45 minute rest period. Alternated between reading and napping. Tech came in a gave me a small glass of sugar-free Kool-Aid with the contract--tasted just like Kool-Aid, so I was pleasantly surprised. The actual scan took about 25 minutes laying flat on my back with arms over my head. Glad I wasn't trying to do this after surgery!

    A bit claustrophobic, but nowhere near as loud as the MRI. They are supposed to have the results in 2 business days. Hope I can make it...


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  • zzlady
    zzlady Member Posts: 19
    edited May 2015

    Hi ladies, I had my first A/c chemo on Thursday. Halfway through I got nauseous so they gave me more anti nausea meds through my port. I was very tired and slept when I got home. I have had waves of nausea, and got sick once. Now 48 hours post I ate some fruit and yogurt. I also get the nulesta shot the day after, It causes bone pain. Mostly my nose hurts (odd right) well i hope everyone does well. I go in for my second treatment on June 11th. I'm so glad that I'm starting treatment. I could feel the lump getting larger over the last month. Hopefully now I'll feel it shrinking prior to my masectomy

    jess

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

    Good luck to everyone starting this week. I've done 3 of 4 TC treatments and will have the last this week. While I've had side effects, and they've affected my life since April, it really hasn't been bad for me. I want to say this to hold down the "doable and not terrible" end of the spectrum.

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  • tough1
    tough1 Member Posts: 8
    edited June 2015

    ksusan, I've been following your story on the other board and you are one of my inspirations! Thank you for your candid and honest posts!

    I start tomorrow on the second--IV since I won't have my port until the second session. I think I'm ready--have a pharmacy of prescription meds and OTCs. Started on MIralax and Benefiber yesterday and things are working--got to stay ahead of the big C! Have my ice chest tomorrow for ice pops, applesauce, yogurt, crackers and cookies, and my ice chips! Blanket-check, pillow-check, nook-check! debating on the laptop and may do so just to waste some time.

    I'll check in later, ladies, but for now--good luck to all of us starting this week. :)


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  • ThePrincess
    ThePrincess Member Posts: 424
    edited June 2015

    AC Ladies - start Claritin (ask your MO FIRST!) on the day you get your Shot! My MO didn't mention it, I learned about it here, and when I asked, they were like, "Some people feel it helps, feel free to take it" - and no bone pain at all for me (I go for AC #4 today).


    GOOD LUCK! You can do this! Everyone is different but it is DO-able!

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  • tough1
    tough1 Member Posts: 8
    edited June 2015

    so, sitting in the chair. IV went well, and if all goes to plan should have the port next time Perjeta is going in now, we'll see what's next. Nurse looked at me funny when I mentioned Claritin, so I won't mention it again Funny thing was one of the other nurses was talking on the phone with someone else and asked if she had taken her Claritin. Hmm...

    ETA--ended up with a very minor rash that came up while on the Perjeta--they administered a small dose of Benedryl, and it started fading in 5 minutes. The rest of the regimen went smoothly, and the nurse told the MO as she walked through that I was flying through the course.

    Finished up after 51/2 hours (next one should be a considerable bit shorter), went out for light lunch with husband and a bit if shopping and came home. Did find the energy for a mile and half walk and visited with friends at the barn, then came home to crash. Headed for bed--a bit fatigued but not too bad. Neulasta in the morning.

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

    Hi all, and thanks for starting the June 2015 thread!

    For you, and all who join this group, 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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  • lulu2533
    lulu2533 Member Posts: 108
    edited June 2015

    Well, I get my first chemo treatment next Wed 6/10.

    Let's get this started!!

    Hope everyone is doing well so far :)

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  • DayLily15
    DayLily15 Member Posts: 144
    edited June 2015

    Hello all :) had my first dose yesterday, feel like i have a mild flu today, slightly nauseous and achy. plus i have BO [body odor] which is new to me, im thinking it might be nausea sweat.

    Sending healing hugs to you all !!!!

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

    Rock the chemo, women!

    DayLily, my sweat and urine smell pretty strong and unpleasant to me. I'm assuming it's chemo and not that I just noticed that I smell.

    Tough1, thanks. Hope your infusion finished smoothly.

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  • berlin42000
    berlin42000 Member Posts: 17
    edited June 2015

    I am starting chemo June with Taxotere and Carboplatin (6 cycles) with Herceptin for one year. I take it this is not the AC you all are referring to?

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  • tough1
    tough1 Member Posts: 8
    edited June 2015

    Berlin--sound like you are on the same TX I am, but without the Perjeta. That is a different TX plan from the AC. A lot depends on your particular tumor profile. More info can be found on the links posted above by the Moderators, and by looking through the previous month's group to see their experiences.

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  • Tresjoli2
    Tresjoli2 Member Posts: 868
    edited June 2015

    joining you lovely ladies. I start chemo on June 19th. Taxol plus Herceptin. I agonized over the decision based on the size of my tumor. But the Herceptin for my extremely positive her2 was just too compelling. So here i go.

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