Anyone Starting Chemo in June 2016

I start in June too a month after my double mastectomy.

Hopefully you all don't mind my joining in this action...it seems the "Starting chemo May 2016" are all in their later weeks of chemo. I am Stage 2A, triple negative, grade three. I started weekly taxol chemo last Tues, so 5/31 will be my second dose. I would enjoy chatting w/ladies that are just going thru this first part with me. According to my oncologist, triple negative breast cancer is very sensitive to taxol, so that's why I get it first when most get A/C first. I get 12 rounds of weekly taxol then 2 months of every 2 weeks A/C w neulasta. that will be followed by 6 weeks radiation. I had a good consultation with the radiation oncologist. She is sending me to a lymphedema physical therapist because I have fluid build up in my left breast where I had lumpectomy & 12 axillary lymph nodes out

I forgot to ask the infusion nurse for ice bags for my hands, so I have some achy/tingly/numbness in my fingers on and off since infusion day. Also constipation until today, while some folks say each week is different gut issue. I also had reflux worse that usual. I am not looking forward to taking the steroids again on Monday before infusion day, didn't like the flushing and sunburnt feeling in my face & chest (and in that extra fluid in my breast, as if I had sunburnt it too). It also made it harder to sleep. I had my port put in a week before starting chemo. I got my blood drawn thru it yesterday, and its been aching since then. Chemo, the gift that keeps on giving. ...although honestly, there is a lot to be said for not feeling miserable!!

I went to the American Cancer Society yesterday to see about a wig. Did you know you can get one for free? They had a real hair wig that looked better than any other, although it didn't look like me, so was a bit disturbing. (chemo, the new extreme witness protection program!) I am going to have my haircut lady see what she can do with it to cut it for my face. I am not sure what I think about my hair....it seems like such a ridiculous thing to be concerned about. Maybe its the loss of control, being able to do my hair in a way that I like it. I usually get a perm 2 times a year, and I am past due for doing that. Because of that, I got my hair cut but it isn't doing what I want, neither straight nor curly, just sticking out everywhere! My son's 6th grade graduation is next week, hoping it doesn't start falling out til after that.

Wow, I feel like I am so whining....is chemo that one thing that gives you a license to whine?? I just feel like my life has been hijacked. Want to get this over with and on with my life. Most days I feel ok about it, thankful to have caught it early, thankful for clear margins on my surgery. God is good, He loves me very much and I can trust in His promises and His faithfulness. Some days tho, It seems like more of a burden than others. I so appreciate being able to share it with you who are going thru the same.

Thank you all for listening.

DistrictGirl, check out the Lists for surviving chemo on the discussion boards here. I got a ton of good info there, and a felt more in control and up with what to maybe expect. I think it helps us mentally to go thru this when we feel somewhat in control. blessings!

Krekre -

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis! I am similar - the more I read and prepare myself, the more calm and empowered I feel going into it. My husband keeps saying "information is power" regarding cancer - and it's so true! I find that the more I learn about it, the less scary it becomes.

I found breastcancer.org to be SO helpful in helping me read and understand my pathology report and doctors notes and preparing for my meetings with the surgeons and oncologists. I found the site really helpful to learn about each of the chemos and targeted therapies before the meeting so I was not overwhelmed in the meeting and knew which risks and side effects to ask about. Also, breastcancer.org has done a good job of consolidating the important studies that may impact selection of chemo/targeted therapies. For example, based on an article I read, I knew to ask if they'd be including Perjeta with Herceptin in my neoadjuvent (e.g., before surgery) treatment.

The Young Survival Coaltion has amazing resources as well. If you sign up here, you get access to their Newly Diagnosed Navigator: https://www.youngsurvival.org/newly-diagnosed-navi.... It's a BIG document (I had a friend print for me and it takes up a big binder!) but it is so, so useful. It's a combo of information, tips, and tools to help navigate this crazy new reality. My friend who printed it actually sent it out to a bunch of our other friends so that they can skim through it and better understand what's going on. Highly recommend.

I created a GoogleDoc with about 3 pages of questions for breast surgeon, oncologist, and geneticist - more than happy to share if you think it might be useful (though some of my questions are more targeted toward IDC with HER2, I don't have hormonal receptors). After I spent the time creating my own questions, I found a list of questions in the back of the Newly Diagnosed Navigator I mentioned above, which captures most of mine anyway

DistrictGIrl -- thanks for the reply. I appreciate all the resources. I feel like every time I catch up a bit, I find there is a ton more to learn. I know next to nothing about the chemo process itself. Just reading this topic, I've read seriously nothing short of 10+ terms that I have no idea what they mean!

Thank you! Will be following up!

Hi!

I am starting June 2nd.

I am 28, and have ER/PR + IDC. I had a lumpectomy, and had the OncoDX test with a 39 result. So On to Chemo!

I am doing 4 sessions of TC and the doctor is going to add Lupron for my ovaries. Also I think he is giving me Nuesta (spelling?)

These support groups have been so helpful to read though, and know Im not alone... because Im getting pretty darn anxious.

ALSO I am cold capping! Which is my own personal challenge to keep my dang hair!

Me! Me! Pick me!

I start chemo on June 7th. I will have 4 DD AC in June and July. August through October I will have Taxol every week (12weeks). Then I get a vacation from treatment (woo hooo! 4 weeks) before I start radiation. My guess is that I will have 6 weeks because I am triple negative and grade 3. "Spot" (the name for my tumor as in, "Out damn spot. Out) had to be such a stinker.

Having these discussion boards have really helped a bunch!! After reading all of them, or at least many, I feel less scared and terrified. I just can't wait for the 1st one to be over. I think it's the fear of the unknown.

I'm 46, unmarried, no kids. My mom is coming down on the 3rd and staying until the 23rd. I have a brother nearby and an amazing group of knitting friends. The staff at the elementary school where I work has been amazing too. I teach Kindergarten, so have been out since May 3rd. I don't think I'll be able to work through chemo because of my germ infested wonderful kiddos, but am quite positive I'll work through raditation. It makes me very sad. I love my job.

I have not had a week with no doctor appointments or surgeries since April 14th. They wanted to start my chemo this week, but I asked for it to be put off a week. I'd like at least a few days before the next, possible awful, 7 - 8 months happen.

I WILL stay as positive as possible through all of this. I know it IS okay to have really bad days and fall apart. I keep looking to my birthday on January 8th knowing that this chapter in my life will be over, or at least almost, over.

So, here's to us, who are strong and amazing and willing to do what it takes to conquer breast cancer.

I got my chemo start date....June 7. Twenty-eight years ago I was giving birth on that day. While I dread next Tuesday, I am very ready to get started so that I can get finished! I'm glad you ladies are here with me.

I am going to a Look Good Feel Better program Monday and also checking out the wig shop at our hospital that same day. I hate that losing my hair is bothering me so much. It's just hair! Never been a hat person, but I think I better get used to something on my head.

Enjoy the rest of this week!

I started chemo May 19th and have my second dose on June 9 (next Thursday). I have been reading through the May 2016 thread and just haven't connected with them there so I thought maybe I'd try you all since I'm in the beginning anyways.

I'm on a 4 dose schedule of TC (Taxotere and Cytoxan). Did a lot of research on the "how to prepare" links here, so read those if you haven't already. I took Claritin for 2 days prior to my first infusion - this apparently reduces the SE's of the Neulasta shot (not everyone gets this) as your body is producing white blood cells. I also took Prilosec AC every day beginning the day of - this will reduce any tummy upsets due to all the medication, or if you make a poor choice in eating LOL. I did this for about 5 days. My particular regimen has us take steroids the day before and day after. I was very concerned about all of the stuff I was taking - which then made me laugh because the chemo is a poison - and I'm concerned about an allergy pill and an acid reducer hahaha. I reminded myself that it was only temporary, and I was determined to reduce the SEs as much as possible.

I did great - no SEs the day of or the day after. I continued the claritin through 5 following infusion. I was told to take Tylenol for any pain, but if needed I could take Ibuprofen. Started to feel achey and tired, and Tylenol didn't really help so I took 2 Alleve on day 4 (Monday back at work) and felt like a new person! Definitely will do that earlier next time. No nausea at ALL - I was diligent about taking my anti-nausea pills every 5 hours - I even set a clock to wake me up - no way I was going to feel sick!

Pretty surprised at how good I feel - all of my symptoms were gone and I was back to "normal" a week later - and the days I didn't feel normal weren't awful. I enjoyed Memorial Day weekend with no issues and that was a week after treatment - Now I have 1 more week to enjoy before my next infusion. I am more tired, but I force myself to walk in spite of. I am also eating much better than before (no sugar, no meat, mostly veggies, etc.) so I think that helps too. I haven't had an issue with mouth sores - but I bought a new "extra soft" toothbrush and use a special rinse several times a day. I ate pretty bland foods the first week - now I'm back to eating normal.

I was told that by day 14 that I would start losing my hair - and right on time... it's coming out more and more every time I brush my hair... I haven;t washed it, for fear of "moving things along" so I just keep it up in a bun most of the time - waiting for my wig to come in LOL... I hate that I will look sick, when I'm NOT.

I'm 46 with 2 teenagers and a married daughter with our first grand baby. I am still working full-time. Hoping my post will encourage you and give you hope. Everyone is different - just do what you can to keep the SEs at bay.

Hi everyone- I'm starting chemo June 9th. My treatment is carboplatin, taxotere and Herceptin.

MaryannBB8 - I also teach kindergarten and have been off since April 15. I miss the little buggers but I don't miss all their little germs. I probably won't be back to work until November.

Rosetide - it is a mind game! I'm working on keeping the positive in but my mind does like to wander down some dark roads! I just pulling myself back. I'm glad to have these discussion boards because they provide me with a lot of support.

ClarkBlue- it's good to hear from you! I'm glad the SEs are very mild! I'm hoping mine will be the same way!

I'm starting my first chemo ever week after next. Wig purchased, Port in, oncology visit today. I'd love to be in this group. I just can't quite figure out this website! I have stage II invasive ductal carcinoma. 2 surgeries. Ready to go but dread the ride!

Jbakerwebb and Heathet, Clarkblue and Sadiemaebr and Icandoallthings: greetings to all of you, blessings on your treatment, may it be smooth and not miserable. Be strong and courageous!!

I get my blood drawn today for round 3 next Tues. I started with weekly Taxol x12 then will do the dose-dense A/C. I don't enjoy the steroids, flushing and hot, but too much shaky hyper and hard to sleep. I agree about taking poison then thinking about all the other meds to cushion me through it, seems like they are the helpers, but when the benedryl "Hit" washes over me, I have a hard time thinking that way. This is the week after my second round, noticed more neuropathy in my feet on and off, although I remembered to use ice packs on my hands during taxol infusion and my fingers havn't been as sore this time. My mouth feels more sensative, so using salt/baking soda rinse regularly and xylitol drops to help moisture. I have also noticed more asthma symptoms, needed my rescue inhaler, but not horrible. also interesting juggling reflux and constipation, it sure makes me think about what I am eating and to be sure if its worth it. My son graduated from 6th grade yesterday, was sooo glad to not have lost hair yet!

Its two weeks since I got my port placed, and it still aches on and off. I am in the not working since my surgery in April. I work in the hospital laboratory, so although I really miss it, I think its better not to be exposed to germs... most important now is to stay healthy, get through this chemo and radiation and come out the other side strong and cancer free. Oncologist doesn't want me back at work until Dec when all this is done. Each round builds on the next, so it makes sense that the SE may be cumulative. I have found that some excercise makes me feel better. I am tired and out of breath, but my body feels better at the end of the day. it feels like a marathon, one day at a time. I had clear margins after my surgery, and my tumor markers are normal, just got to kill all the little cancer seeds where ever they may be so that they DON'T grow back!

Heathet, indeed, I find myself weirdly looking forward to each round, one more step towards the finish line. You mentioned a mind game to another, I find that if I get thinking about it too much, I feel so weird, like I have been kidnapped - and if you dwell there you are either curled in the corner in a quivering ball or running screaming down the hallways, neither of which is helpful or healthy. I have been standing on my faith in the Creator God who loves me, and His faithful promises. This is super scary, but I don't have to be a SLAVE to fear, I am a child of God and I trust in His goodness. Even when this stupid broken world doesn't make sense, He is good. All that to say, that's how I keep my head in a good place, because there is certianly a dark hole of fear that seems easy to fall into if you get close enough to it. I want to see my son grow up and grow old with my husband. that's the goal that makes chemo /radation treatment worth it for me.

How are you healing from your surgeries?

Glad to hear of your good progress. After 7 weeks I was thinking today in the shower, its nice to be able to clean all of myself without it hurting. I am amazed by your strength getting thru the tougher mastectomy surgery. I hope the stitching is no biggie. Blessings