Started Neoadjuvant Chemo July 23rd

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mama26
mama26 Member Posts: 40
edited July 2015 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

I was so nervous heading to my treatment center. I had surgery for my port placement at 10 am. and my first round of Neoadjuvant chemo around 4 that same afternoon. Adriamycin and Cytoxan. I also had a bone marrow biopsy during surgery for port placement to see if I qualify to participate in a clinical trial that includes Her 2 neg patients. I am triple negative.

My first night home was rough. Some of the meds sent home with me did not agree with me too well. Today, 2 days out, I am feeling better. Got the nausea under control. Eating lightly and drinking plenty of water. My neulasta shot went well. So far no aches or joint pain. I feel fortunate so far. Still early though. Trying to stay positive. Would love to hear from others who just started chemo and those with any advice who have already completed it. More posts to come.

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

    Thanks for sharing your story, mama26 and welcome!

    We're sure you'll be meeting lots of others shortly who are going through or have recently completed chemo! You may also want to check out the July 2015 Chemo Thread to meet with others who are currently undergoing chemo. There will surely be an August 2015 thread started soon, too!

    Continue to let us know how you're doing as you navigate your treatment!

    --The Mods

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  • Scwilly
    Scwilly Member Posts: 489
    edited July 2015

    I wish you well for your chemo. Its hard but very doable. Each person reacts differently. I had 4 doses of AC chemo every 2 weeks starting in November 2013. My advise is to take each day as it comes and make sure you keep those side effects under control - which it seems you are doing. I only had nausea when I stopped taking Zofran early - didn't do that again. I felt that I would have a sick week then a well week. I tried to keep as active as I could during treatment - I stopped my regular gym membership but did get a personal trainer in once or twice a week - mainly to make sure I kept going. Sometimes we would just walk and exercise outdoors sometimes in a gym. I'm not a couch potato but nor am I super fit but I still managed a lovely ski holiday for 5 days - skiing every other day just before my last dose on Dec 31st. My advice is to try to go walking outdoors frequently but also rest when you need to. Also - take up offers of help - people often don't know how to help - but you can direct them to do things you are comfortable with and will find useful. My lovely neighbour would cook for us now and again. I had a few friend who would come with me for chemo - important as I could not drive afterwards due to side effect drugs. Others helped with lifts for the kids. I did 12 weeks of taxol after AC (much easier chemo but for longer and more frequent - weekly) and also had surgery and radiation. I had my sister and also a number of friends who each came to stay from the UK (Im a british expat in California) for a week to help with cooking and keeping the house together. It was also so nice to have company when I had no energy. It seems such a long haul - but it will pass and you will be back to your normal self.

    Best wishes and cyber hugs

    Sarah

    (edited for typos)

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