Starting Chemo in Nov 2016

hi ladies. I'm glad your all doing well after your first treatments. I start mine tomorrow. I'm nervous and scared but reading your posts helps me feel better. I took my 1st dexamethazone today. Suppose to help with nausea for tomorrow. Thanks. Hope posting soon

first treatment today, all went well. I did have a mini meltdown when the nurse went access the port. My port placement was the hardest part so far. It was so painful and I was bruised from necklace to my nipple area, so I kind of freaked out. I finally got my head screwed on straight and everything went smoothly. Now I am anticipating the side effects. I have my nausea meds, so I am ready.

Hope everyone had a great day!! 1 down 11 more to go!!!

pmevans50 When I was stopped up, I tried everything!!! I hadn't gone for 5 days. I know your pain. Ultimately, I downed a can of prune juice and it did the trick. Good luck.

Hopful,

I hope all goes well with your first chemo.

My nurse Navigator said prunes are VERY helpful in getting things moving without drugs, if some are concerned about medications.

Met with the doc yesterday. All my scans came back clean. No evidence of any cancer anywhere else in my body. And my heart looks good as well. Get my port installed next Tuesday. Drop off cold caps on the Friday before I start chemo on Monday the 21st. Got my chemo calendar from my nurse navigator as well. You know, for someone who doesn't like to go see doctors or spend time at hospitals and medical offices, I am at the docs an awful lot. My worst nightmare.

I discussed several vitamins and supplements with the doc and he seemed okay with most everything. Which makes me feel better. One more thing I CAN control. As I've stated since getting the cancer diagnosis, I feel out-of-control. And not in a drank too much and danced on the table/bar kinda of way. But fell into a river with class 5 rapids and I can't catch my breath, keep my head above water, or making any decisions about anything. Ugh. I do better if I can make a decision, do something to mitigate SEs, something to feel like I have some control over a small part of what's happening.

My dad flew to me when I found out my diagnosis. And my hubby has been the bomb. My college aged kids have been freaked. But slowly, all of us are getting our heads wrapped around cancer, the disease, the diagnoses and all that comes with it. Sadly, my dad had to get home today after staying for two months. I can't tell y'all what a comfort it's been having him around. With the holidays coming up, I should get my kids to come home to help fill that hole. Family makes me happy. And having the solid support of those I love and who love me has been so incredible.

I can do this. I can face the chemo. I can face the side effects. I can.

And you guys have helped as well. Reading your journey makes the path have more light so I don't feel like I'm walking into darkness. So thank you for that!

All of you are very inspiring. I have been feeling so overwhelmed by all the different appointments and procedures that I've gone through. But reading your posts help me see that I can get through this.

I get my port in This Saturday. I start chemo on Thursday. I have my entire schedule. I am hoping I will be able to work throughout this entire process.

Are many of you working? How is that going while receiving treatments

The holidays are going to be a little different this year, and I'm a Christmas nut! My first real breakdown came a few weeks ago when I realized I'd be bald at Christmas. I also know I have to be perfect in my timing between treatments, so I won't be suffering too much on Thanksgiving and Christmas. So...I decided I'm going to get my house prepped for the holidays super early this year. I've already set Christmas music on my car radio presets. I'm in Florida where it was 81 on my way home today, so it feels a bit odd. But I'm going to draw the season out so I've got good days and good memories! I may pull down decorations this weekend while I'm feeling good. And now....I'm really excited about Christmas!! 🎄🎄🎄🤓

nanpop, I'm also working. My injections are every other Wednesday. My first cycle, I didn't miss any work except from 2.15-5 the day of my chemo. I worked from home Wed-tues (I have weekends off) and now I'm back in the office until next Wednesday for injection #2. I think it's definitely doable. If you tell you MO your work schedule, they'll normally tell Which day would be best for injections. I felt normal the day after chemo and then your worst days, you'd be home. I find that working is a great distraction. My coworkers are very supportive too. I'm sure they'll wanna see my head as soon as I shave it. We are like family. That definitely makes it easier.

We look forward to hearing how round 1 went.

Dbear, I am glad your first AC infusion went well after a problem with your port. I hope your remaining infusions will be much smoother. Try and rest well, keep hydrated and relax now. I am still envious of Dhair.

Hi. So my first infusion went well. Better than expected. I thought I was gonna have a melt down. When the nurse asked me if this was my first time I wanted to cry. But held it in I was just so scared. I don't have a port but they found my vein easy. Thank goodness. Started me on pre meds about 40 min. Then started me on my T/C about 1 1/2 hours for both. So not too bad. The cold capping was probably the most uncomfortable. I got home and felt fine. Had to attend to my 2yr.old Cuz she wanted to play. I took my nausea meds so I know that helps. Hope all days will be like this. I'm glad not to be working through out my chemo. I work at a government office with the public so there are way too many germs. Hope you all have a great day.

thank you gmmiph. I'm trying to rest as much as I can but I'm always up and about cleaning here and there. And yes I'm keeping hydrated and had to cut off my coffee routine but I like tea so I'll be ok.

Thanks. Hope you have a good day.

Hello Michelle, drawdyaccount. Which chemo treatments will you be getting?

Hi Hopfull,

Eat lots of anti mutagenic veggies and herbs like brocolli, cabbage, kale, rhubarb, rosemary, sage and turmeric. They will be useful in the regrowth of healthy normal cells. Just look at my pic, No Cancer!

Nanpop,

My MO said to have a healthy balanced diet, but more on veggies and fruits. Less fats, less sugar. I researched a little and found those I mentioned on my last post above as the veggies/herbs that promote healthy cell growth. There is more if you surf anti mutagenic foods. I have been using raw turmeric, ginger, garlic, peppercorns, and cinnamon in food and asks my MO if they're Ok. She gave no objection, as long as they are in moderation. She however cautioned me about taking too much antioxidants such as carrot because it might interfere with the anti-cancer effect of the chemo drugs.

I've been juicing and eating a lot of veggies, Nanpop. I buy organic and soak everything in a white vinegar wash. I have only done raw fruit. Some raw leafy greens. I've read the same on veggies, so wouldn't hurt to avoid the risk. Good luck on your port. You'll need it, so good choice to get it. Don't be afraid to push the doctor on where they plan to put it. Make sure they don't place under bra strap. If you have a female surgeon, you won't have to worry about that! Lol. I promise you it's a cinch compared to your mastectomy.

Super cute, gmmiph!

Pamela23, you got this! Today is day 10 for me. I'm out for dinner at an amazing outside venue having a nice cheese plate with a glass of wine. My MO cleared me for a nice celebratory glass. I promise it's not a "I'm tied to the couch" ordeal for most, more like a few rough days.

Nite ladies! Hope you have relaxing weekends. It's in the 50s here in Florida. So scarves, boots, and fire pits abound! 🔥 🍷