Starting Chemo in October 2015

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  • Skittlegirl
    Skittlegirl Member Posts: 428
    edited October 2015

    Yeah, my neck was also pretty sore. Not sure if it was from the position for surgery or just the upper incision site sucked.

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  • homeschool4us
    homeschool4us Member Posts: 255
    edited October 2015

    Jumping in to join you all and say, hi. I'm Christina, 11 weeks pregnant with our 9th baby. Had a single mastectomy 2 weeks ago and am supposed to start a/c chemo in 2 weeks, every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. Then at 25 weeks pregnant I will start Taxol and herceptin. I'm not excited about that at all as it is not recommended in pregnancy, but the doctors don't feel like I can wait at . Not getting a port at this moment because they don't want me exposed to more radiation or anesthesia.

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  • Jackalyn3
    Jackalyn3 Member Posts: 15
    edited October 2015

    mine is actually pretty sore today! I'm going to meet with the chemo nurse for a "Chem teach" today to go over everything and schedule me a start date. Ready to move on!

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  • Artista928
    Artista928 Member Posts: 2,753
    edited October 2015

    Grey- Please don't give up on chemo. Ask for more anesthesia. You do have a say in this. Nurse said something, tell her I want to be under. I doubt they will say no. Please don't give up. I don't believe you'd rather die. It's a moment of fear that's letting you think this but be strong and prove not to us but to yourself that you can do this and will do this. Go back to the surg who was going to install the port and tell him you need to not feel/sense a thing. Please don't give up.. ((hugs)) xo

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  • peculiargirl
    peculiargirl Member Posts: 68
    edited October 2015

    greytmph2, when I had my port put in, the last thing I remember was being in the pre-op and the anesthesiologist telling me I was going to get sleepy........the next thing I knew, I was in post op complaining about my sore neck and armpit (and they gave me drugs for that as soon as I complained). I second Artista's comments -- tell them you want to be under. Don't give up - tell them what you need. Remember that it's your health - you have every right to be assertive. Be strong and know that we're sending you good thoughts and prayers.

    Kathy

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  • MamaBexar
    MamaBexar Member Posts: 102
    edited October 2015

    Well you'll, here I am. I start Taxol weekly on Oct.8 with Herceptin every 3 weeks. I am getting my port on Tue. before chemo on Thurs. No one on my team thought that was too soon after the port. Either that or they are planning to use a vein. Hope not. I understand that burns.

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited October 2015

    Joining the club nobody wants to join...I just found out yesterday that there will be chemo for me, 4 rounds of Cytoxan & Taxotere, beginning 10/20. Some time in January-February I'll have a bilateral mastectomy and possibly ovary removal. Radiation is still a possibility.

    Sigh...I know it's for the best. Nobody wants to do chemo. I have 2 gene mutations, strong family history, a moderately aggressive cancer (ER+ PR-), and Oncotype 23. That was enough to motivate my MO to spring into action and I feel in my heart that the plan is a solid one.

    It's gonna be a long winter.

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  • homeschool4us
    homeschool4us Member Posts: 255
    edited October 2015

    If I was getting a port, I would have to be completely awake during it because of the pregnancy. I was having nightmares about it before they told me they don't want e to get one. I am wondering how my only arm that can be used will hold up with weekly chemo though after the a/c.. It doesn't seem possible.

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  • bethdawn
    bethdawn Member Posts: 8
    edited October 2015

    I am talking to my oncologist about beginning chemo wed. Oct. 7. I have to decide whether or not to go for standard treatment AC + T or opt in to a clinical trial which is randomized 50% chance of cisplatin instead of Taxol / my tumor is .9 cm but have at least 3 lymph nodes (1 was biopsied and tested positive for cancer) and (spoke to oncologist while at the mall so didn't hear her very well and not sure if she said 4-5 lymph nodes were seen in CT scan). My Cancer is Stage III invasive locally advanced triple negative. So many decisions to make. Also my left arm is not feeling right not sure if it's in my imagination or real.

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  • Cherey
    Cherey Member Posts: 12
    edited October 2015

    I'm a little nervous because Im starting in the next week or two - AC & Taxol. I think I got the med names correct. Brain fog! Got the port last Friday. Just getting my energy back. I saw the September board so I'm glad to join this one. I didn't realize how sore I would be from the port procedure. Since my diagnosis I have not been exercising. I really need to start something light. So hard that I can't do what I use to. Still healing from port. Loved body pump! I saw comments about staying active during treatment. Encouraged to see comments about people remainig active during chemo. Any suggestions on how many days to take off from work? I was thinking 4-5 days off the first time to see how I react. I have an appointment on Monday to discuss the plan but Im curious now- how long does it take the day I receive the meds?

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  • homeschool4us
    homeschool4us Member Posts: 255
    edited October 2015

    Bethdawn- I had 17 lymph nodes infected and my arm also hurt before I had them taken out

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  • homeschool4us
    homeschool4us Member Posts: 255
    edited October 2015

    Greytmph2-Yes, A and C chemo are very very safe. Taxol is starting to be recommended more often and is thought to be safe. It's the herceptin that is not at all safe, they don't want to wait. My estrogen receptor status is 0, progesterone is 6%.HER2 is very high. My tumor is already out as that is standard protocol in pregnancy to do surgery first if you are in the 1st trimester. I'm sure I will have to get a port at some point.

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  • homeschool4us
    homeschool4us Member Posts: 255
    edited October 2015

    Cherey- I was told to plan to be at the hospital 5-6 hours each time I get chemo. But I will be getting my bloodwork that day first, then meet with the oncologist, then get chemo.

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  • Cherey
    Cherey Member Posts: 12
    edited October 2015

    Thanks for sharing homeschool4us. I was planning to bring food, water, laptop, music and to wear warm comfortable clothes. I will probably sleep at some point depending on how early I have to go. You all really seem to understand a lot about your cancer. I'm impressed. I'm usually that way when it comes to medical concerns but I still can't even look at my reports because it makes me so anxious. Hearing all the details freaks me out. I feel like what I know so far is enougn. Thankfully, I have friends in the medical field that I've consulted though. They have been so helpful. They asked for all my reports to review everything for me - to give me questions to ask and they wanted to check out the plan my Dr's gave me. I'm going to look at wigs again as well. I think I'm going to get one before I start chemo.

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  • MamaBexar
    MamaBexar Member Posts: 102
    edited October 2015

    Dear Greytmph2, Thanks for your information about my port. They didn't put one in at the time they did the lumpx because they didn't think I would have chemo. When the mammaprint came back as High Risk of recurrence they decided to start chemo right away. I guess I should say the majority of the MOs at cancer conference thought so. There were 10 MOs and 7 different opinions about treatment. But only one thought I could get by with only herceptine.

    I am so sorry you are having such a hard time with your treatment. Why are they so reluctant to do general anesthesia? I have several pulmonary problems ( asthma, sleep apnea, copd ) and they still let me choose general.

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  • Artista928
    Artista928 Member Posts: 2,753
    edited October 2015

    Grey, so glad to hear you can receive general anesthesia. Didn't think they'd say no. Best wishes to you. Once my infection is cleared I'll be facing port procedure and while I don't have major anxiety issues and got through bmx just fine and am handling this infection thing fine, I still have a bit of anxiety thinking about yet another procedure. Much less someone who has anxiety issues. My heart goes out to you. I look forward to reading how strong you've become getting through this. Get yourself credit. You give great advice to people. Just think how far you've come already from I quit to I'm not going to quit. Kick cancer's ass. It can't win over us. Throw the book at it. When it's all done you WILL be a stronger person anxiety issues or not. No one knows what it's like except for all of us here on this board because we live it. Outsiders don't, and most providers don't either because they don't have bc.


    Many prayers for strength coming your way. I for one look at you as a role model. xo

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  • Artista928
    Artista928 Member Posts: 2,753
    edited October 2015

    You go grey! We're all here cheering you on! You show them all nothing can stop you! xo

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  • PMR53
    PMR53 Member Posts: 452
    edited October 2015

    I wanted to send this group a link for a wonderful foundation called https://lollyslocks.org/. They are a non profit group that is set up to help women suffering from hairloss due to chemo. If you qualify you will be sent a real human hair wig. They are beautiful. Mine was exactly like my own hair. Even at my sickest, I was able to go to the grocery store and feel somewhat normal.  God bless all of you. You will get through this. 

    Patty

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  • LRFTexan
    LRFTexan Member Posts: 68
    edited October 2015

    I had my first AC infusion on Thursday with no side effects. I have a Sancuso patch which I refer to as my magic patch. Not one moment of nausea.

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  • Peabrain
    Peabrain Member Posts: 268
    edited October 2015

    Hello!

    Just stopped in from the July group (I'm halfway through my chemo) to wish you all well and encourage you to be gentle with yourself.

    I had big plans to continue to stay active during chemo, but it has turned out that even a walk around the block is a major deal with my blood counts so low. I have embraced my inner couch potato and concentrated on making it through, even if it's not graceful. Popsicles are my friend.

    Big hugs to everyone about to board this bus! You can do this.

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  • HopeFaithCourage
    HopeFaithCourage Member Posts: 156
    edited October 2015

    Hello ladies. I start abraxane and Carboplatin tomorrow. Once a week for three weeks then 1 week off for 6 cycles. This is my second go round as I had chemo in 2013. My breast cancer is currently in my sternum. I've been scared. But tonight I feel ready to get on with it and kill the beast!! I'll catch up reading tomorrow. I need to try and sleep!

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  • AmyBeader
    AmyBeader Member Posts: 90
    edited October 2015

    hi everyone. I'm starting chemo on the 13th, getting my port this Wednesday. I was hoping I could avoid it, but I guess since I'm (relatively!) young and it is so aggressive they want to go at with full guns. I'm so glad to have this group!

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  • AmyBeader
    AmyBeader Member Posts: 90
    edited October 2015

    Rose50: I was told that the Oncotype test was not an option for me because of my HER2 positive status.

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  • Kimmer33
    Kimmer33 Member Posts: 386
    edited October 2015

    hi all

    I will be starting chemo this month, have made the decision to throw everything at this that i can. Dont have a date yet, but heading to "chemo teach" tomorrow to find out all the particulars. Should be starting in the next 2 weeks - dose dense AC, 4 treatments, then 4 treatments Taxol. Love reading all your experiences, just so helpful. Thanks ladies!

    Kim

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  • homeschool4us
    homeschool4us Member Posts: 255
    edited October 2015

    Still no word on my official start date for chemo although the doctor told me next Thursday. I guess the oncologist and ob are still discussing things. I don't like not knowing and that they just expect you to show up whenever they say.

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  • peculiargirl
    peculiargirl Member Posts: 68
    edited October 2015

    greytmph2, I'm so sorry things aren't going well for you, and REALLY sorry you don't have a good support system! this site (breastcancer.org) has some good resources, and I've also used the American Cancer Society (cancer.org), and their 24/7 "hotline", 800-227-2345. Nobody should have to go through this alone. As for your aunt.......well, that's just plain stupid.

    *if* it helps to laugh about it, or *if* it would help to know that you're not alone, there are a couple of humorous topics about the stupid things people say to or about us when they hear we have cancer -- one of them is \https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/102/topic...

    another one https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/102/topic...

    Good luck - sending positive thoughts and prayers that you'll be getting your port inserted and treatments started soon!

    Kathy

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  • PatRN10
    PatRN10 Member Posts: 332
    edited October 2015

    Hello everyone, I am starting TC x4, first treatment on Thursday. No port.

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  • Artista928
    Artista928 Member Posts: 2,753
    edited October 2015

    Glad to hear you have an actual schedule now Grey! Best wishes to you. I hope to have mine tomorrow. My infection is on it's tail end with 2 more days of administering IV antibiotics at home so I may be able to get a port sx date and chemo plan/start date tomorrow when I meet my new MO.

    Man all these delays. First drains for 5 weeks then MO doesn't have privileges to the hospital here with the great infusion center so change and then fighting infection for coming on 3 weeks now. sheesh!

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  • Andraxo
    Andraxo Member Posts: 410
    edited October 2015

    Hi All!

    Had my first round of TC chemo yesterday afternoon. It went well! Mild weird reaction caused them to stop for 10-15 min then re-start and was fine for the rest. I also tried to imagine it as getting some healing juice, not poison. Let the healing (ok...cancer cell killing) begin!

    My 'boyfriend' (not sure what to call him at age 45) was a rockstar and managed my cold caps, mittens, and slippers which were all on a different rotation time. He was busy the entire time. I am so fortunate to have him in my life and his support for all this! No family in the area - they are all a few thousand miles away.

    Minimal nausea thus far and feeling just a little 'off', but not enough for any kind of meds today....yet (it's still early). While I'm expecting some fatigue to hit in the next few days, I felt well enough to actually run 4 miles this morning (yay!) and I'm working from home doing some admin today! Neulasta shot this afternoon which will likely bring some side effects too as the week progresses.

    One of my dogs needed emergency surgery yesterday too - so she was in surgery while I was in chemo. Funny that my other dog also needed emergency vet care right before my mastectomies. Thanks doggies for keeping it interesting and keeping me distracted!

    We struggled with the cold caps - the straps were too long so we couldn't get good enough cinching so the caps never felt snug enough to me. I think they should've felt more uncomfortable from what people on other threads have shared. Oh well. We'll see what happens in a few weeks. The rep is sending me smaller straps - assuming my hair is still viable for round two. Fingers crossed! I'm more concerned about preventing neuropathy from Taxotere than keeping my hair anyway.

    One down, 5 more to go, then 6 weeks of radiation, then maybe some reconstruction late next summer. Wish I could fast forward at least 6 months, but I know it will go by quickly as life does now.

    While it sucks we're all in this cancer boat, it is so incredibly comforting to read all your posts and know that you understand all this *stuff* that we must go through to live. Hooray for this incredible life! Thank you all for sharing your stories, struggles, fears, and triumphs! :) Big love and hugs....

    xoxox


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  • MaggieMae123
    MaggieMae123 Member Posts: 38
    edited October 2015

    Hi, Just wanted to let people know that I survived my port last Friday and it really wasn't bad at all (of course they did knock me out). Not much pain either. So it is doable and I am a medical wuss. So anyone out there dreading one, it's not so bad. Also had my first chemo treatment yesterday and it went fine. Thinking this might be doable. Just feeling wiped out, but not sick or anything. Wishing everyone else lots of luck. Maggie

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