Starting Chemo March 2016

NancyHB · February 2016

Welcome to the March 2016 chemo group. I don't see another thread out there yet so I thought I'd start one. Having been through this four years ago, I can't tell you how great it is to have a crew that's moving through the process along the same timeframes, "in each others' pockets" as we go along!

I'll keep a running list of start dates and treatment regimens on this header post.

(edited to add a link to the master Shopping List for getting through chemo - incredibly valuable information here):

Shopping List for Getting Through Chemo

March 2016 Chemo Group:

Teaner16 (2/29) - TH
cfluto (3/1) - Taxol
isnogard (3/1) - TC
NancyHB (3/1) - TC
786tex (3/2) - AC
azrescue (3/2) - CT
Faith83111 (3/2) - TCHP
Arobedw (3/3) - TCHP
mmn1975 (3/3) - AC-T
YenniC (3/3) - TC
BKGameGirl (3/4) - TCHP
Melgirl (3/4) - AC-T
Tamiwin (3/4) - AC-T
MrsW (3/6) - FEC
HRWinter1 (3/7) - TC
Jonsey (3/7) - TC
Luller (3/7) - AC-THP
ShannonLeigh (3/8) - TC
EllieSurf (3/9) - TC
WannaCruize (3/9) - TC
HST2016 (3/10) - AC-T
HolaSandy (3/11) - FEC-D
Longang (3/11) - AC-T
Loretta_J (3/11) - TCHP (Carboplatin)
Cin54 (3/14) - AC-T
SwedeAnette (3/14)
Suchick (3/16) - TC
phaila (3/17) - TC
Phillipians4 (3/17) - TC (Taxol)
PhillipsTL (3/17) - TCHP
Mamalala333 (3/21) - AC-T
PositivePeg (3/21) - TCHP
Pammac47 (3/22) - AC-T
Zebu33 (3/22) - TC
MFPM (3/23) - TC
Seashine (3/23) - TCHP
ckfelix79 (3/24) - AC-T
sun5308 (3/25) - AC-T
BlueKoala (3/29) - AC-T
Fowlertee (3/29) - TCHP
Mecool (3/29) - AC-T
Nina27 (3/29) - EC
OnceOnce (3/30) - TC
CJSharma (3/31) - AC-T

NancyHB · February 2016

So, my first go-around with dx was just over four years ago - IDC, ER+ but with high Oncotyoe score (42). I did dose-dense AC x 4, then as part of a clinical trial I completed dose-dense Taxol x 6. It was rough but doable! I was in graduate school and working part-time, and for the most part I could do just about everything I had before dx. I ran as often as possible, and did the Komen 5k with a group of family and friends a few days before my final chemo.

My cancer is in the same breast, same area, but ER-/PR- (waiting on FSH for Her2) so it's not a recurrence but a new primary. I'll be doing Taxotere and Cytoxan every 3 weeks x 6. Can't do radiation as I had that last time so I'll be having an mx this summer.

Curious to know if anyone else doing TC will be wearing freezing gloves and/or socks? I hate the thought of neuropathy with this treatment.

ksusan · February 2016

Hi, March 2016 people! I'm visiting from the March and April 2015 chemo groups. I can't tell you what a great source of information, support, and camaraderie these groups have been. There are a number of us who want to support you as you begin this process. If we can be helpful, don't hesitate to post questions on this thread (thanks, NancyHB) or in our 2015 threads, which are still quite active.

I know it looks daunting as you start. We are here to tell you that you will get through it! Thinking good thoughts for you all.

Jackbirdie · February 2016

hello ladies of the Class of Chemo '16!

I just wanted to pop in and say that one year ago I was in the same or similar place that you are now. Angry, scared, and not well-enough informed (either about BC in general or even what my specific dx meant in the grand scheme of things).

The sisters you meet here will become your refuge, your font of information regarding things the medical profession never tells you, and the source of an occasional serious belly laugh. The people here, though you've never met them, will "get" you better than your own friends and family do most of the time.

Please feel free to drop into the March 2015 group anytime, or pm me if I can ever help.

You all have GOT THIS!!!!

Italychick · February 2016

I'm from the March 2015 chemo forum too. You will get through this, anybody who wants can PM me at any time with questions. No subject was too sensitive or too icky for our forum, and I hope you can each find the same warmth and support here as I got on our forum.

One step at a time, and remember to breathe and don't look too far down the road. Just get whatever step is in front of you done before you move to the next one. Break off pieces of what we in the March 2015 forum called the shit sandwich little pieces at a time.

Hugs to all!

Melgirl · February 2016

Hi, I'll be starting March 4. I'm going next week for my interview before I get my port.

jbdayton · February 2016

Melgirl, I am so sorry you are having to join this special group of women. I know more chemo friends will come along to give you support and grow with you through this process.

You will meet some who have completed their chemo rounds but will drop in to see if theycan help with questions or give moral support.

It has been three years since I started my chemo and I made it through with minor issues at this point. I cannot candy coat my treatments but I feel it was the right thing for me. I will be honest if you ask me a question but some of the feelings have been diluted over time.

Praying you have a very good meeting with your MO. My MO was and still is wonderful. I am so glad we were able to build a relationship that feels almost friendly but still professional. I trust him with my life. Of course, that is his job.

I did have chemo first so I was strongest at that point of the journey.

Many HUGS !!!

jbdayton · February 2016

NancyHB, I would definitely use icing for fingers and toes if allowed. I know some used the gloves no socks and some used frozen bags of peas. I used ice in my mouth but never thought about feet or hands. I learned about this after I had completed my chemo. I do have forever neuropathy in both feet and the very tips of my fingers on both hands. My feet are only affected in the toes and the balls of each foot. They do ache when sitting around and I have damaged my big toenails while hiking because I could not feel my toes and apparently my shoes were too tight with the socks I was wearing.

Good luck with this second go around. My prayers will be with you.

I will be going through my annual follow-up tests with my breast specialist in April, already feeling anxious.

NancyHB · February 2016

Welcome Melgirl. Sorry I didn't welcome you earlier - had my lumpectomy and SNB and port placement yesterday. I'm bandaged from one shoulder to the other right now (and enjoying the benefits of some pain meds) :-) I did AC-T the first time around; let me know if you have any questions. I was so grateful for my port, and was happy to have Portia re-installed yesterday.

Good luck with your upcoming appointment.

Nancy

NancyHB · February 2016

The shopping list and tips/tricks linked in the header post has incredibly valuable information for what supplies to lay in before chemo starts, and things to do during treatment, to make the whole process so much easier (and safer from infection). I thought I'd list a few things I found the most helpful four years ago.

Food: anything simple and soft. Think BART (bananas, applesauce, rice, toast). Apricots and prunes to help with constipation. Soup and crackers (oyster crackers were a great snack to carry with, too, for when my tummy was upset). My sense of taste and smel changed considerably on Adriamycin, so I had to adjust my menu a couple of times. Lots of things tasted really metallic, including water. I found LaCroix grapefruit was divine, but also used lemon and lime in bottled water (I never drank tap water because our plumbing is older). I boiled my water to make ice - LOTS of ice. I tried sugar-free candy to combat dry mouth but those gave me horrible diarrhea but I was able to chew sugar-free gum and that helped.

Medication/hygiene: I can't stress strongly enough - BIOTENE mouthwash and toothpaste. They helped incredibly to combat dry mouth. Moisturizers and lotions for hands, feet, body, and face. I had to switch my usual moisturizers to more intense and hydrating versions, especially for my face. Body oils can be helpful too. Lots of lip balm - put it everywhere. A new thermometer - you'll want to contact your MO if your temp rises above 100.5 so it's imperative to have an accurate thermometer. Tissues, both large and travel-sized. Without nose hair my nose dripped contantly. My eyes watered alot, too. Vaseline can help combat the chapped skin that can accompany that. Moist bathroom wipes, as well as feminine wipes. Hand sanitizer. Clorox wipes.

Medications: Immodium, Miralax (or Colace or Senekot), whichever OTC pain med like Tylenol or Ibuprofen your MO prefers, Pepcid or Nexium. To combat mouth sores get a presecription from your doctor for "Magic Mouthwash" (Benadryl, Maalox and lidocaine). If you're having Neulasta or Neupogen injections after chemo I strongly suggest Claritin (not Claritin-D, and not a generic equivalent) to combat the bone pain that often comes after. Take it before the injection, and for at least five days after to help alleviate the pain. You may find you need a day or two less, or more, as you go along.

Invest in a small "jump bag" to carry small quantities of Biotene, lotions, medications, gum, a toothbrush, hand sanitizer, bathroom and feminine wipes, Clorox wipes, and thermometer with you at all times (I treated myself to a pretty Vera Bradley cosmetic bag).

Jonsey22 · February 2016

Moderators: I am unable to change my signature or my city. It will not save. I use Macs, not sure if that is a factor. Could you please have this looked at? I can't find a place to report problems on the site, so hopefully you will look at comments.

Hello, I would like to join your group and introduce myself:

I lurked around in Feb chemo but delays make it look like I will be a March start so I am moving over here. I am 42 and was diagnosed with IDC for the first time in December. I am a worrier and a planner and am trying to deal with the uncertainty, lack of communication, and lack of control that is bc. I am learning to just accept what happens and BREATHE on a daily basis. As you can tell by the info below, I had surgery Jan. 13th. It took a really long time for things to happen after that. I am finally dealing with Cancer Care and am now in the process of doing all of the screening tests. So far I have had a bone scan, blood work, and I was supposed to do the last 2 today (pelvic ultrasound and CT scan) but the CT machine broke and they called to cancel. Don't know when I will get back in, likely next week. That is another week delay. I am starting to get worried about the time frame. (BREATHE) I am also worried about the scans. Hope everything comes back clear. (BREATHE AGAIN).

I am a mother of 2 boys: 13 and 17 and have a supportive husband. I also have a good support network of family and friends.

I went through a lot of uncertainty with the chemo bit but have resigned myself to doing it. I had clear nodes and a 1.7 cm tumour. I wanted to get an oncoscore but my oncologist said it was $5000 and not covered for ppl over 40. Ugh. She also said often it comes back inconclusive, and her opinion was that I am way too young to not do the chemo. I said okay, let's do it then, regardless. Nancy HB, seeing your bio line, it scares me - I don't want another primary tumour - that is why I said yes to the chemo. Gosh, I hope it works and I don't have to go through this all again. My onc is going to do 4 treatments of TC. Then I will do 5 weeks of radiation.

I have done some reading and have picked up supplies including biotene mouthwash, kleenex packs, hand sanitizers, gentle moisturizers, blistex, etc. I have picked out hats but haven't ordered them (guess I am still waiting for scans to come back with something that will delay or cancel chemo - not very positive I know, but practical).

I really want to move on to the next stage where I get to go see the chemo team I will be seeing. I don't know anything about ports, hand/foot ice, etc.

My greatest fears are neuropathy and chemo brain. I am a professor and Ph. D. student and can't afford to lose my ability to think (or type lol).

For visitors or people who have been through this before, I do have one question about chemo-induced menopause. Does this occur instantly or over time? What SE am I likely to experience besides hot flashes? Is there anything I should know about this?

In any case, it goes without saying that I don't know my start date yet. It will likely be in the second week of March I am thinking. I will let you know.

Thanks for starting this forum Nancy HB. I hope you are healing up okay from lumpectomy. Remember to take it easy.

Good luck on March 4 Melgirl.

I live in a small town near Brandon, Manitoba in Canada FYI. I am not able to change any of my settings at the moment. Maybe at the end of all of this we will have a network of places to visit Something positive!

NancyHB · February 2016

Welcome Jonsey! I'll add you to our group stats in the top post when I'm not on my phone. 😏

I'm surprised to hear your Onc's take on the Oncotyoe test. I had one done four years ago, when I was 48, and am glad I did as it changed my chemo plan (my score was a 42). In fact, the Oncotupe test is used for those with ER+ cancer, and 3 or fewer nodes involved. Given that you fit this category and your cancer is Grade 1, the test would be a valuable tool in making an informed decision about chemo, especially if you're still on the fence about doing it.

Jonsey22 · February 2016

yes, the Oncotype I can do if I want to shell out $5000 and wait for the results (not done in my province, not sure if it is done in Canada either). Neither of these are appealing. I am already 37 days post surgery. Need to begin chemo soon if I am doing it. She really wants me to do the chemo. And I don't want to ever say I didn't do everything in my power to prevent it from coming back, so I will trust her. I find these decisions all so stressful. I know they say make the decision, accept it and move on. I am not very good at that. I had similar stress over the decision to do lumpectomy. I think it was the right one for me but it will always be in the back of my mind, should I have done the mastectomy? I swear to God, it it comes back, they are both gone lo

Skittlegirl · February 2016

Jonsey - I had a period around my second infusion. It was lighter and shorter than usual. That's been it. I had my final chemo in mid-January. I am guessing my periods will return in a couple months.

ksusan · February 2016

Jonsey, if it helps as an anecdote, I did TCx4 and while I have been a little fuzzier (which I blame on estrogen suppression and stress), I have not seen much chemo/Tamoxifen effect on my thinking. I'm also faculty.

Jonsey22 · February 2016

Thanks Skittlegirl. That helps to know that. And I am so very happy to hear you say that ksusan. Maybe there is hope. Already a bit fuzzy with all the stress.

ksusan · February 2016

I have found the stress worse on cognition than anything else. Fortunately, mindfulness meditation and exercise help reduce stress.

NatsFan · February 2016

Just popping in from the March 2008 thread - yep, eight years ago I was where you are now - scared and stressed out of my mind. Today I'm alive and kicking, and fortunate enough to be NED (No Evidence of Disease). I'm down to annual onc appointments - quite a change from those early days when it seems like I did nothing but go to doctor's appointments! I feel fine and energetic - I run races (I have a 5-miler coming up this weekend), do yoga, hike, swim laps, and anything else I want. At this point in my life, cancer is more like something that happened to me several years ago, and I frankly just don't think about it much anymore. I'm hoping it will be the same for all of you!

Jonsey - in answer to your chemopause question, I never had another period after my first chemo treatment - I always tease that I had a 4-hour menopause. But at the time I was 52, 10 years older than you are, so your period may or may not come back. I was rather glad to be done with them, so that was a bonus as far as I was concerned. Another bonus - I had yucky stick straight limp hair before chemo, but it came back with a lovely wave to it so it's much easier to manage now.

In regards to chemobrain and neuropathy - I had both. I'm in IT and part of my job is to create complex data mining reports. I worked full-time through chemo, and I found that as the treatments progressed, it took me longer to create the reports, in that it could take me a day or two to create a report that I used to be able to create in a few hours. And the really weird thing was that weeks later I'd go back to my reports, and have no memory of having created a particular report, but when I analyzed it I found that I'd created it perfectly. My MO said that meant that my short-term memory was being affected, but not my overall brain function since I was still able to correctly design these complex data analytic reports. I just couldn't remember doing it! I also lost my nouns - I found it hard to come up with the correct word a lot. For instance, if I wanted to say, "Be sure to take your umbrella" but couldn't come up with the word umbrella, I'd end up saying stuff like, "Be sure to take that big round thing you put over your head in the rain." My lengthy noun-replacements got to be a running joke between my husband and me because some of them were ridiculous. I also had finger and foot neuropathy during chemo - I spent a lot of time correcting my typos because my fingers weren't dexterous, and I tended to stumble more because my feet were somewhat numb. But all of those issues gradually resolved themselves once I was done with chemo.

Melgirl - we're twins, separated by 8 years - my first chemo was March 4 as well. The first one is always the worst, because you have no idea how your body will react. By the time you've done 2 or 3 tx, you'll know exactly what to expect. That makes it a lot easier to prepare.

Jonsey22 · February 2016

Thanks for the descriptions Natsfan. It really helps to hear what people have experienced. I especially like the descriptions of being 8 years disease free.

I ended up going for my pelvic ultrasound today. Not really pleasant but now I only have the CT scan to go. Hopefully they fix the machine quickly. I want to get on with things.

NancyHB · February 2016

Hi Jonsey. I'm sorry I didn't reply earlier, but I wanted to wait until I was on my computer and not my phone so I could be more thoughtful in my response. I apologize if my earlier message re Oncotype sounded harsh, I didn't intend it that way. I didn't realize your insurance wouldn't cover the test. I was focused more on what I felt I heard was a concern about/desire from you to not do chemo. You made a very important point, one that really bothered me the first time around - I was being asked to make decisions regarding my treatment and my LIFE when I didn't always feel I had all the information I needed to do so. My MO and NP were very good at educating me, discussing my options, declaring their professional opinions, and still encouraging me to do what I felt was best for me. I hope you have the support you need in making these decisions, too.

I also wanted to address your concern regarding recurrence. Everyone told me I had a "garden variety" early stage BC that, after lx and chemo and rads, should be considered "cured". I tried, but eventually stopped, taking Tamoxifen (for me the SEs were crippling). Like you, I had to think long and hard about whether I would blame myself for "not doing everything" if it came back, and I only stopped once I felt confident I wouldn't. I had just had my 4-year survivorship visit and my NP was saying things like, "Just think, in a year we'll consider you cured" and "You're so lucky it was early stage and easy to treat..." Everyone around me felt like it was time for me to move on with my life and consider cancer a part of my past...and *I* was just starting to feel like that...

...and then this lump popped up. It's important to note, however, that this is not a recurrence of my previous cancer, even though it is exactly next to my previous lx site. This go-around I'm triple negative and grade 3, but still found early, no apparent lymph node involvement. I don't have the option of AIs or Tamoxifen (no estrogen receptors) nor radiation (did that before), so my only options are chemo and mastectomy. The primary chemo for triple negative is AC-T - which I had before and cannot do again, so I am doing TC. This is not something I ever expected to happen, and I'm not quite certain how I feel. I mean, it's not a distant recurrence of my previous cancer, so I'm happy about that!!! But it's a new cancer which means...what, exactly? And now I have two different recurrence points to worry about, yet my doctors tell me I'm at no more risk for recurrence with two, than I was with one, which is weird...

Anyway, I understand your fear of recurrence, I think it's what we all fear the most. And sometimes there doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason to why someone recurs, and someone does not. We do the best we can with the treatment options we have available, I guess.

I hope your follow up visits go well and that you have the treatment plan you need very soon.

Nancy

Jonsey22 · February 2016

Nancy, I did notice earlier that your new lump was triple negative. I didn't even know that if a person had hormone positive cancer, they could get another different one. Not sure why that didn't occur to me, I have seen in peoples' signatures that their cancers aren't always the same. I am so sorry that you have to do this again. Glad it is early, however, and treatable. It also makes me aware of the limitations previous treatments place on potential future treatments. I guess your decision to stop Tamoxifen wouldn't matter in this case . . . some comfort. I am curious what the side effects were that you experienced as I am scheduled for Tamoxifen when this is all done. No worries about the Oncotype thing. I didn't take it as harsh. I might be a bit defensive/feeling like I need to explain because I am unsure still I think. I appreciate all comments, especially from people walking a similar path

NancyHB · February 2016

Jonsey, I think you're right - my decision to stop taking Tamoxifen probably wouldn't have made an impact either way in a recurrence that is TN. Most women don't have any SEs, or they are minimal enough that they are able to live comfortably. For me, for some reason, my feet cramped into claws and walking became incredibly painful. My legs, my hips, even my fingers, just hurt horribly. I run and practice yoga - things that helped me through treatment - and I had to stop both. My NP had me take a month-long "holiday" and it seemed to help, so she suggested I try Aromasin - I think that was worse. Another holiday, and back to Tamoxifen. I gave up everything after 8 months, but it took me a while to make that decision. I had to be thoughtful about honestly assessing my levels of pain and discomfort, particularly because I know others who do not have any problems with Tamoxifen or AIs (you hear about those of us who do, you rarely hear from those who are doing well). When I was at the point of thinking about giving up running and yoga, I decided to focus on my QOL instead.

There are plenty of threads here discussing the different medications and ways to combat SEs (fi you have any). Hopefully it's not something you'll have to worry about.

Piksie · February 2016

Hello all,

I am 3.5 weeks post-op and will learn my Oncotype and chemo fate this Tuesday. I had 6 cm multifocal IDC - intermediate grade, Stage IIB and 10 cm DCIS, high grade. Imaging showed "highly suspicious" nodes, but a sentinel node biopsy was negative. The first good news I've heard since Dec 12!

The extend of DCIS was unknown prior to MX so opted for unilateral. At 10 cm, I am questioning the other breast, but will have to cross that bridge when it comes, I guess. All imaging was clear on the right, but I have dense breast tissue and implants.

At about 2 weeks post-op, I developed Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (PMPS) due to nerve damage where all the skin around my breast, armpit, and the back of my arm became hypersensitive to any touch, even a breeze. It is like a horrific sunburn. I am three days into Neurontin and am feeling some relief. More good news! I'm also seeing Pain Management to stay ahead of it. The prospect of having this pain for life took me to an all-time low - more than my breast cancer DX. My children, 7 and 11, were not allowed to touch me, and it broke our hearts.

I am a little anxious about the side effects of chemo, but ready to get it started so I can beat this thing! I can handle the hair loss, but nausea and chemo brain are scary to me. I am a single mother with a mortgage.

I'll also be on Tamoxifen for 10 years. Leery of the side effects, but I'll get through it...

I'm very happy to have found this forum and wish you all the best of luck in your cancer journeys!

NancyHB · February 2016

Hi Piksie,

So glad to meet you, but so sorry you're here. It sounds like there's been a lot going on for you over the last couple of months, and you have a lot on your plate. Hopefully the Neurontin continues to provide you with relief. Is this something that will continue to get better, or disappear completely? Sorry for the questions but I don't know much about PMPS. I can only imagine how hard it must be not to be able to get those healing and loving hugs from your kids.

Each chemo regimen has different side effects, but in general doctors do a great job of providing medications that reduce or eliminate most (if not all) SEs. It's best to stay ahead of potential SEs, like nasuea and constipation. I never had any nausea or vomiting (I hate-hate-hate those, so I was most afraid of them!) at all. Things tasted and smelled funny (that was probably the worst) - and by funny I mean metallic and gross and awful! But I just avoided those things that were bad. In general I felt like I had the flu for several days after each treatment, but then it would get better and I'd feel closer to normal before the next treatment. The effects are cumulative, though, and by the final treatment I was pretty exhausted. Chemo brain was tough, too, but I learned if I slowed down a little and really focused, it didn't seem as bad. And if I messed up, I just blamed it on the cancer.

Good luck with your upcoming appointments - we're all here for you!

Nancy

ksusan · February 2016

My experience was similar to Nancy's, though the heavier fatigue hit me about halfway through radiation.

Piksie · February 2016

Nancy, my surgeon was very surprised because I had a paravertebral nerve block during surgery that significantly reduces the risk of PMPS (caused by damage to the intercostobrachial nerve). However, here I am...

She has indicated that I will likely feel relief without treatment at about a year. I've read many, many accounts of long-term uncontrollable pain, but my initial response to Neurontin is promising. If it's not effective, there are other options. Other meds, nerve blocks, topical solutions, acupuncture, PT, etc. Unfortunately, it seems to depend on your access to medical care. People in rural areas who have to travel far to reach small hospitals aren't given the same treatment options. I am extremely fortunate to have access to excellent care.

Thank you for sharing your chemo experience. I am planning to work as much as I can, even if I have to close the door and take a nap. As long as I'm not vomiting, I'll be A-Okay!

ksusan · February 2016

For months after BMX I couldn't even have a sheet touching my chest, and could only wear pima cotton (and at that, only for a couple of hours). This has gotten much better, and I can now even wear slightly rough fabrics. There's one spot on an incision that's uncomfortable, and I can usually shift clothing around to avoid it if needed. Good luck to you!

Jonsey22 · February 2016

Welcome Piksie, I too am so sorry you are here and especially sorry that you have had to deal with such pain. I had a lumpectomy and have a lot of numbness. I didn't know that that makes me lucky. It is a better kind of nerve damage I guess.

As you read earlier, I too am afraid of chemo brain and neuropathy. I am not fond of nausea either.

Your kids are so young. This must be hard for them and for you.

Really glad to hear you have gotten some positive news. I guess we can figure out this chemo thing together.

Anyways, welcome and take heart in the fact that there are others to talk to.

Piksie · February 2016

Ksusan, great to hear that things are improving for you! Were/are you treated for the pain? For the last two weeks, when the kids weren't here, I've been topless. I'm wearing a shirt voluntarily today, so I consider myself lucky and very optimistic. I haven't worn any sort of bra since surgery and I may not have to. I had existing implants and still have the right breast. I got skin-sparing, immediate reconstruction (500cc) on the left so with loose clothing, I can get away with just taping my right nipple. The left nipple is a black hockey puck and about to fall off, but that's the least of my worries.

Jonsey, thank you for the welcome. I am very thankful that I found this forum and that you all are so open about your paths. I am on the receiving end now, but I hope I can provide some strength and comfort when I get farther into my journey and figure some things out. It's a roller coaster right now! As I'm sure we're all aware.

I'm informing the kids as things happen. They know I have breast cancer, were prepared for the surgery, and knew that I would have some recovery time. They also know that I will have more surgeries down the road. As soon as I know the chemo plan, I will do my best to prepare them. I've tried hard to give them reasonable expectations without scaring them too much. It's a fine line.

ksusan · February 2016

I wasn't given any treatment except that I was able to work from home topless and only go in a couple of hours a day.

Melgirl · February 2016

Hello everyone. I thought I had this thread on my favorites list, but I guess not. Sorry I missed so much.

My port is scheduled for this Thursday. And i have a CT and bone scan on 2/29. I am a school nurse and at this point I have decided to take the rest of the year off. My work partner keeps reminding me that we only see the sick kids and that's not a great environment when your going through chemo.

Right now all I can focus on is how much the TE's hurt. I want to rip them off my chest. But everyone tells me it gets better, I am only 3 weeks postop.

I guess I need to start thinking about chemo more. I'm not concerned about my hair but I sure as hell don't want neuropathy.

Piksie my daughter is 13 and doing pretty well, staying strong. My son is 9 and has a really hard time. He started therapy which seems to be a good fit for him so far.

Oh I saw the RO and she recommends rads so......yeah

We usually spend our summer in our little camper on Cape Cod. This one may play out a bit different, but worth it to be CA free.

Starting Chemo March 2016

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