Starting Chemo in Nov 2016

Sorella · October 2016

I would love to hear from anyone starting along with me. I will be having ACT every 2 weeks over a 4 month period. I am scared! I would love to hear from others who have already been through this. Plan to give more details once I see if there are others out there in need of commiserating.

Shadowcat07 · October 2016

hey there,

I'm starting on 11/9, I think the same regimen and also for 4 months. I hate that it's going through the holidays but gotta do what I gotta do I guess. I still haven't completely accepted that my hair goes bye bye.....

Sorella · October 2016

Shadowcat07, so sorry we both must be in this chemo club but if it must be glad to have someone to talk with about this. Wish I weren't so terrified. Really stinks to go through the holidays this way! Hang in there!

Nfullblume · October 2016

hey guys!! I'm also an AC/T every 2 weeks for 8 cycles. I'm starting November 2. I'm having my port installed this Tuesday. I've done my shopping for the various SE's and feel good about that. I've also already purchased a wig and a few scarves. I think I'm almost ready to get this started. I'm hoping my Nov 2 start date will mean an easy Thanksgiving and Christmas because they'll be in the latter half of those cycles. Do you guys plan to work through this?

Sorella · October 2016

Nfullbloom, glad to have you here to share our experiences while I am sorry of course, we all have to go through any of this. I have to buy my wig too. I had hair to my shoulders but cut it short before surgery which was Sept. 26th. I am 60 and have been dying my hair for a decade now. I had decided to go grey before I was diagnosed so I guess losing my hair will move that process along. Being positive as much as we can doesn't preclude discussing our fears, I think. I am worried about the side effects, like mouth sores, fatigue, just feeling sick in general. As for looking as I will, I can't even begin to think how that will affect me.

Nfullblume · October 2016

I've been keeping up with the October starts and they have been doing pretty well. I'm doing my best to stay positive and I totally agree, talking about it prepares us better. Losing my hair doesn't really bother me. I want to stay on top of the nausea meds and I'm hoping to continue to work through this. My employer is going to let me work from home some, so that definitely helps. I'm having the first injection on Wednesday and will try to work Thursday and then go back on Monday. Then will shoot for Thursday starts afterwards.My surgery was just a few days ahead of you. I'm sure we will be talking soon. I'll check in after my port install tomorrow.

Sorella · October 2016

Good luck! My doc said the port really helps. I get mine Nov 7th and a treatment the same day. Glad your job will let you do some work from home. I am a teacher and fortunate to have insurance and wage continuation, will only lose 25% of my salary so decided to stay home during treatments. The high school where I work has 3300 students. I just felt like I couldn't do it. I will definitely keep up with nausea meds too. My doc told me they don't want us to nap a lot so am concerned about fatigue. Also, my pain has not been easy though I am healing well (and keeping up with exercises) so I am hoping the pain is gone by the time I begin treatments. How was your recovery ftom surgery?

Anonymous · October 2016

Hello all,

Count me in on this club. My chemo starts on Nov. 3 on 6 FEC sessions with a 3-week interval.

Let's keep each other posted.

See you around guys and gals.

gmmiph

Nfullblume · October 2016

welcome gmmiph!

My port install went well. I have a very small incision at base of my neck and an incision above my left boob that appears to be very well placed. Anesthesia was much easier this time, I haven't napped since I've been home.

Sorella, surgery recovery wasn't too bad for me. The axillary node incision was definitely the worst. Just more annoying than anything since I'm right handed and it was right side. I did have a seroma about the size of a tennis ball. My BS drained it and it was instantly better. Hoping this port will go as easily. My veins are very small and fenicky, so port was a must. I think she used a triangular power port, so scan injections can run through it as well.

I hope you guys have a great night

Sorella · October 2016

Glad to hear port is all set Nfullblume. I am still healing from my surgery which went well but unfortunately caused me a lot of pain, still not gone. It makes me worried that I may be going into chemo this way. But I have 12 more days to heal beforehand and I went swimming today for the first time since surgery!

Shadowcat07 · October 2016

Hey November friends!

So tell me if I'm being silly. I'm scheduled to begin my sessions on Wednesdays Nov. 9th, doing the 2-week thing but I'm thinking of asking to reschedule my appointments to start on Nov 16th. With my current schedule, that second treatment is going to fall right before a holiday (Thanksgiving or Christmas) and I don't want to be feeling meh around the holidays. Is that weird?

Also, how do they decide who gets a port? They didn't mention that I need to get one so I'm curious..

fromtritotam · October 2016

Hi Ladies-

Nice to meet you all...Glad someone started this thread!

I am having my port placed on Nov 1 and will start AC on 11/3- every 2 weeks for 8 weeks then Taxol- either weekly or every 2- will see how i do with the Neulasta. I ordered my wig and had my very thick below shoulder length hair chopped into a pixie last night!

I am planning on working through treatments- I am supposed to leave for a business trip the Sunday after my first treatment- not sure if that will happen but I'm going to try!

Shadowcat- I was told by my MO that I have questionable (scar tissue from all of the CT scans and MRIs during diagnosis)veins on my left side so a port was needed. The chemo nurse also told me that with Adriamycin a port is recommended as it can cause a reaction if it touches your skin.

Best wishes to everyone as we continue to prepare...

Moderators · October 2016

Dear fromtritotam,

Welcome to the community. We are glad that you reached out here and wish you the very best as you begin your chemotherapy. Keep us posted. Good luck with your trip. We hope you will stay connected here through the process. The Mods

Nfullblume · October 2016

shadowcat, my MO knew I had small veins so a port was a must for me. I think they recommend it for everyone taking Adriamycin, as fromtritota said. I would inquire with your doc, so you'll know for sure.

Fromitrota, I did the same on my scheduling. I was supposed to start today, but wanted my port to heal first and when I looked at a calendar I saw that a Nov 2 start would allow me to feel pretty good for thanksgiving and Christmas, since I would be in the second week on both.I already had surgery, so wasn't too worried about tumor growing while I waited.

Talk to you guys soon

pmevans50 · October 2016

So I'm NOT alone! :-)

Hi Everyone! I have my port placement tomorrow and I start chemo on 3 Nov.; AC once every 3 weeks for 2 months, then T once a week for 12 weeks. I've never had to take Nuelasta, so time will tell. My sister had been through this in the past and had all three meds at the same time once every 3 weeks for 4 months. I'm curious about the different regimens hhmmmm. I have to say I'm not as nervous or scared now that I have a plan and will be starting it soon. The waiting is the worst!!

I haven't given much thought to wigs. My hair is long enough I could have my own wig made with it? I did purchase quite a few beanies and have a few caps and hats. My goal is to go in for chemo, get sick over the weekend, and head back to work Monday. That's best case scenario and with chemo changing to once a week for 12 weeks, I imagine I won't be working as much then. We'll see.

I've been thinking about my grandson and how it might be good to have him with me when my sister cuts my hair/shaves my head. My thought is that if he sees this happen then the next time he sees me without any hair it won't be such a shock. Anyone else have the same or similar experience??

And to everyone good luck and well wishes!!

Anonymous · October 2016

Hello all,

I would like to offer a prayer for all of us about to undergo chemo this November.

Almighty Father, our Universal God,

First of all, we humbly ask forgiveness for all of our sins. We want to be cleansed from within our spirits before we speak with you.

Father, we also forgive those who have done us wrong in the past. Remove all feelings of anger, resentment and guilt from our hearts and minds, shower us with your infinite grace of mercy and peace.

As we all gather in this specific thread with a common affliction, cancer, along with the many problems and worries that go with it, we humbly implore your divine aid. We seek your limitless power and kindness to guide and protect us.

Grant that all of us may be delivered safely from our afflictions until that day comes when all of us can give you thanks and praise, recognizing your splendor and glory, having our faith renewed in you.

As we are about to undergo our own individual chemotherapies, bless us, bless our doctors and medical teams, bless our food and medicines so that all of them may contribute to our complete healing and wellness.

Bless also our loved ones, families and friends so that they may be filled with the Holy Spirit, giving them wisdom and strength in these trying times of their lives and ours. Help them to realize that everything you do has a purpose for their own greater good and salvation. Be with them in the times when prayers and faith seem not enough to tide them thru these difficult times and thorny paths.

Father God, be our strength. Heal us. Show us your precious love and endless compassion.

In you alone, with all humility, we place our trust and confidence.

Amen.

Nfullblume · October 2016

Gmmiph, awesome! I'm telling my friends they can't say enough prayers!

Pmevans50, I felt the same about the waiting. Once chemo was scheduled, I finally felt like I was on the road to solutions. I'm also doing the work thing. I'm on 2 week cycles, so we will see. My first injection is Nov 2, doing the first one on a Wednesday to give myself an extra day. Then I'll switch to Thursday's afterwards. I cut 6" of my hair already, prepping for the real fallout. You can get a free wig at your local American Cancer Society chapter. Definitely take advantage of that. I bought some super cute chemo hats at headcovers.com.

Talk to you ladies soon.

Rachel

Aldea13 · October 2016

Hello everyone! I am new to this community and the cancer journey itself. I was dx August 30,2016. Stage 2 IDC. Decided to have bilateral mastectomy on Oct 3,2016 because of my family history. My mother passed away in 2002 from her breast cancer dx. I'm scheduled for TC chemo next week. I'm overwhelmed by all of this, especially the side effects, etc. Any tips to prepare for my 1st treatment and possible side effects there after?

Thank you!!

fromtritotam · October 2016

Hi All-

Thanks for the prayers and glad to have this community! I agree with you all about the waiting. I am dealing with my anxiety by shopping- our pantry now looks like Costco It looks like we are all on a similar schedule so it will be interesting to see how we are doing with the side effects!

Pmevans50 I looked into the wig from my hair (I have a ton of it) and it was going to be over $1000 so I went synthetic (cheaper and no styling needed). Not sure how much I will wear it, my daughter is 10 and I don't want her to feel uncomfortable when I take her to school. She asked to go with me to get my hair cut into a pixie (from below my shoulders) so I took her and we made a date out of it.

I found some cute caps and scarves on the TLC (ACS) site and I will check out headcovers.com. Also, I learned that the Heartland cancer foundation sells the chemo caps brand and for every cap you buy, they donate one to someone in need.

I hope everyone has a great day,

Kelly

pmevans50 · October 2016

At my port placement today one of the nurses/technicians had a box of beanies that his wife and friends make for free saying I could take what I wanted. They are super soft in beautiful bright colors. I can't wait to wear them, and how nice that they do that for others. I got her name and address so I can make a donation because that certainly can't be cheap.

Anyone coming up for their port placement? Mine went really well. I was awake during the entire procedure and *might* have felt a bee sting? I'll probably have to get some type of cushion support on my seat belt since my port is on the left side. So glad to day went well. Now I'll just get this chemo over with.

Rachel and Kelly - Thanks so much for the advice/tips. I did find some really nice beanies online from several sources. It sounds like having a wig made with my hair is not the way to go. I'll take the suggestions and research synthetics and will also visit the American Cancer Society. :-)

My only real concern is the day of my son's wedding next May. I think by that time I might only have peach fuzz, if anything at all.

Thanks, again, Ladies!

Continued well wishes and positive thoughts!!

amyemn · October 2016

I just had my port installed yesterday and start my chemo on Nov 3. I will be starting with AC every 2 weeks for 4 doses and then on Taxol weekly for 12 weeks.

I'm doing chemo first before any surgery at the advice of my oncologist. Is anyone else doing this?

fromtritotam · October 2016

My port goes in on November 1- also on the left side. I found a seat belt wrap/cushion on Amazon- it's just a faux sheepskin velcro wrap. I went to Amazon because I wanted black to match my seatbelt, I saw some off white ones at Target.

Amyemn- I have a co-worker who is triple negative and doing chemo prior to surgery.

Moderators · October 2016

Welcome to Aldea and Amy! We're so glad you found us -- you're sure to find our incredible Community extremely supportive and helpful.

Looking forward to hearing more from you both as you navigate chemo!

--The Mods

Leslie2016 · October 2016

Welcome Amy and Aldea. I'm finding this site a great place for support. I hope it's good for you too.

I went to my first meeting with my MO yesterday thinking I was just getting radiation, but she found the rest of my path and I'm triple positive, so I'm starting chemo on Wed Nov 2. I am getting a port, but I don't know when yet; probably not before the first one because they have put such a rush on starting me. It's a little scary being that I didn't think I was doing it.

I'm getting FEC x3 three weeks apart, then D with Herceptin x3 for three weeks, then 15 more weeks of getting the Herceptin alone 3 weeks apart. then radiation, if my gene testing doesn't have everything removed before that. I'm pooped. The last 48 hours have been a whirlwind.

Nfullblume · October 2016

Wow, Leslie2016, that is a super crazy whirlwind! I was really hoping to skirt around chemo, no dice. They actually upgraded my staging at my MO's appointment. There was an error on the Pathology report. So I went from 1B to 2A. Boo!

Aldea12, you should pull up the Chemo tips and shopping lists thread in the Chemo main folder. So many survivors have contributed to that. It will really help you understand what's to come. And remember, everyone deals with the chemicals differently. But certain drugs do tend to have certain effects.

Pmevans50, when my port was installed on Tuesday, they gave me two little pillows that some local ladies makes in memory of their friend who passed away from BC. It was very touching. I drove to work this morning and used the little pillow to protect me from the seatbelt. Such a cool feeling that "Mildred" is gone but helping me. One of the tips I read from someone else is to take Thank you cards and catch up during injections. I'm definitely going to send their church a thank you card. I was also pleasantly surprised on the port install. Mine was under general anesthesia, but I came out of it right away after surgery. Today is my second day after surgery, so I could shower and clean up, YAY! Not being able to shower is punishment for me. I'm in very little pain and have very little bruising too. My BS was female and I think that made a big difference. I feel like my placement couldn't be any better. When I came out of surgery, I noticed that my bandages were cut out in the shape of whimsical cartoons. It's the little things, right!?

Thinking about you ladies tonight and sending you positive vibes. Sounds like a few of us start next week. We've gotta be in the right mindset!

Night!

Rachel

Leslie2016 · October 2016

Thanks Nfullblume. It really has been a crazy few days. I'm just staying quiet tonight and digesting, making a list of any questions/thoughts that pop into my head and prioritizing what needs to be done when. I got one of those little pillows after my lumpectomy! They are wonderful. It was great to tuck under my arm to keep that incision from rubbing, but I didn't even think to use it with the seatbelt! I wish I had thought of that!!! Thanks for the tip, I'll use it when I get my port!

Sorella · October 2016

ThIs shared support is really helpful. I hadn't thought about the seat belt with the port but because of your suggestions will use one of those little cushions (mine were made by girl scouts) I have also thought of setting my sewing machine back up. My surgery was Sept 26 and unfortunately, I am still in some pain. I use a satin slip folded under my arm to sleep at night and think about making it into a small pillow. My oncologist gave me a prescription for a wig but I found out my insurance won't cover it so decided to just splurge on head covers, etc. I will check out the links posted. Amazon.com has some too and pinterest has some nice visuals and tying techniques. Also there are a lot of youtube videos on make up for chemo gals. I am more worried about eyebrows and lashes than my head hair though it's not definite that eyebrows and lashes will go. I am 60 and have been wanting to let my hair go grey for a while so this will advance that. I still care about my appearance but the cancer has changed it some. It has made me value my life as so much more important than what I look like. Glad ports went well for you. I get mine Nov 7 and first treatment, same day. Good luck gals!

fromtritotam · October 2016

Happy Friday Ladies!

Sorella-The shop at our hospital cancer center sells a gel by Brian Joseph that is supposed to help with retaining your eye brows and lashes. My friend at work is using it and has kept her brows and most of her lashes through 4 dose dense AC treatments. I could not find it on Amazon but there is a Brian Joseph website.

I hope everyone enjoys the weekend as we continue to prepare for the infusions! I am participating in my last 5K for a while tomorrow am and having a pre-chemo glass of wine tomorrow evening

Nfullblume · October 2016

Kelly, it's my last normal weekend, so vino is on the menu as well!! I'm going to buy some of that gel. Head hair isn't a huge thing if you can use mascara! Brows and eyelashes are more important!!

Anonymous · October 2016

Just saying hi to all of you November Chemoladies. I cleared with my MO about what chemo drugs i would be given. She says 3 sessions of FEC and 3 sessions of a Taxane drug depending on my blood tests (probably docetaxel or paclitaxel). With that being cleared, I am also going to shop for my cancer kits, wigs and all...

Good luck to all of us. May God protect us in this journey including our families.

Hug

Hugs to all of you.

gmmiph

amyemn · October 2016

Anyone else taking any statins with chemo? My oncologist left a message today saying that my echocardiogam showed my left ventricle pumping on the low end of normal and because of that she wants to put me on Crestor. I was practically in tears at the news. What else can go wrong in my 40 year old body?

Starting Chemo in Nov 2016

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