Starting Chemo in JAN 2007
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Hi Gilrodie and BC Sisters,
Glad to hear we are all experiencing the same things, thoughts, concerns. Enjoy the holiday time with your family and friends.
I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy holidays....... We'll be tough together in January 2007. -
Whoo Hoo! I have a date! I know it may seem weird, but I am glad to be starting the chemo because for me it means no more waiting.
I met with my onc for the first time this am (he was awesome) and he eplained everything to me. We decided to go with a DD regime of ac+t. I am triple neg, so that eliminates some options for me, so we are going to hit it hard and be done with it!
Good luck to all you January girls 8-)
tlc -
Yep, I'm now confirmed to start chemo on 1/05. It's a bit of a relief not to start immediately and also a bit like Atlas carrying the world on my shoulders?
I have a highly respected, recommended oncologist but I was not impressed today with my appointment. I received the results of the CAT scan, MUGA scan and the PET scan and the lab work. Everything is great, no other disease identified and my heart is in good shape to start the AC. I am thankful for that, truly!
But my daughter and I waited 90 minutes in the exam room for about 12 minutes of the MD's time. I had a list of questions so I think we covered everything in that time. But.......that is not a welcoming way to bring someone into the world of chemo. After an hour and 15 minutes, I went and asked if I'd been forgotten. "Oh no, the doctor is running a little late." I asked if this was normal and was told that she does run late frequently. Yippeee.
Looking back (you know how 20/20 works that way), if I'd known I had to wait that long, I would have asked for a tour of the infusion center. I just caught a glimpse of it as I was escorted to the exam room. It's a bright modern area that looks pretty comfortable. I would have asked to visit with one of the infusion nurses to get the scoop on what to expect when treatment starts.
I'm a little cranky over the afternoon. I think I may call back to the office next week and visit with one of the nurses. I'm a believer in being your own advocate and I wish I would have been more forceful today. Buggers!
However, for now I can set that all aside and enjoy my family, my dogs and the holidays.
Blessed Christmas to everyone. If you don't celebrate Christmas, I hope that your holidays are wonderful, too. -
I start chemo next Friday, December 29, but I thought it would be easier to join the January girls. I will be have FEC - 6 rounds. Fluorouracil, Ebirubicin, Cyclophosphamide. I may have to follow with one of the taxanes but that will be decided after my 3rd FEC.
I had all my blood tests done today, will have a MUGA next week, and next Wednesday they have 1/2 day presentation on all the different aspects of how to handle chemo that I have to attend.
My oncologist is a wonderful man. He did a very thorough examination of me, and then sat with my husband and I and went thru pathology report and every scan, xray and test I had.
As my treatments are 3 weeks apart I will be meeting with him for 1/2 hour the day before each of my chemos. I guess that is standard, but what he said is we go over what side effects I had, my blood work, etc. He also said there will be med students in on each of my visits as my hospital is also a teaching hospital.
Merry Christmas to everyone!! -
Hi Jan. Girls: Found out this week that port will be installed on 1/4 and first AC treatment will begin on 1/10. Anxious but ready to start on this road.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. -
Sorry you are going through all of this. You will make it, and you will be surprised at the support you will receive. Your story sounds very similar to mine. I am a divorced mother of 2 (17 year old and a 12 year old). I also needed to stay employed to keep my health insurance. I was worried about the side effects of chemo and how I would manage running a home, children, and work. People, some that I didn't know, have provide meals, support, care of the kids, basically anything that was needed. As far as my chemo, I had 4 treatments of dd AC and the 16 weeks of taxatore (2 left) I take the day of treatments off, and have worked almost every day that I was scheduled. I was able to drive myself to all of my appointments and experienced very little nausea. I went in with the idea that I would not let the treatments make me sick and when I started feeling queezy I drank grape juice and walked. I am firm believer that helped me stay stronger. Hope this helps...(my ex is in Iraq...and my nearest family lives 7 hours away) You will make it!!!
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Merry Christmas everyone!
Last night at a family gathering with my former in-laws (I may not have chosen the best husband but I did choose the best MIL, who continues to give me great love and support), I received much encouragement from the family.
It all went well except for the SIL who was pretty insistent that I wouldn't lose my hair "You know, Mom didn't when she had her chemo." "I know, Mom was fortunate but all of the literature and doctors are telling me to be prepared, I will lose my hair." Not quite arguementative about it but still a little disconcerting that she would know so much more than the doctors who are directing my care.
When people say some of those uneducated, startling things I try to keep in mind that a) they are uneducated on the subject, b) the intent is truly good and c)they care. I didn't want to start a debate while we stood in line to get the food!
I just thanked her for her concern, assured her that my new hair was ready and waiting on my dresser when needed and filled my plate with goodies.
I'm going to check the internet - maybe I can order a suit of Teflon so as I go though chemo those comments and situations will just slide off and not disturb me. -
Well, I for one am glad that Christmas is over! Jocularity is a bit hard for me right now. The time spent with my extended family was hard, as they don't seem to want to talk about, or even acknowledge what I am going through. Also, my mother died in March, so it was set to be a hard Christmas anyway. I left my Dad's in tears. I know that expectations of others get me in big trouble. I also know that in the past I may have done the same thing with others who are ill. Still it hurts. I don't expect the conversation to totally revolve around me, but losing my hair, chemo, bc is a big deal!
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Dar1 and IowaCindy, I can totally relate to having a weird Christmas experience. I told myself that I would not allow myself to think about bc for the day. Not easy to do. I was fine until last night. What should've been a nice, family time, made me very sad. I went upstairs and cried a bit. I didn't want to alarm my family, but I think the stress of starting chemo (hence the reality of BC), trying to make a nice, happy Christmas for everyone, plus trying to fit in dr appts, second opinions, sending films and path reports etc, just got to be too much. I also sort of thought of it as the last hurrah before I begin chemo (although the way things are moving, I may need to start the Feb '07 chemo thread). Hard not to think about stuff whilst in the middle of *that*.
AND we got the Christmas call from my SIL and had to listen to her hand wringing, sorry for you, please just rest conversation and it was too much. Thank goodness she lives across the country. I do not need that to feel better. However, people ignoring it doesn't help either. It's hard to know what I need at any given moment. Yes, people think they are helping, and yes, you do have to cut them a bit of slack, but I am trying really hard to stay away from the folks who zap my confidence or argue with me about treatment or hair loss or whatever. Sheesh! Who knew you had to run an obstacle course as well as deal with breast cancer? So at least the holidays are behind us and we can get this show on the road. Silver lining anyone? I'm trying...
Health, Amera -
Hey ladies.. soo many posts, I'll have to come back and read them all!! I too will be starting 1/07.
This is my 2nd time with BC. 6 yrs ago dx 8/00 I had IDC,1.8cm, stage 1, trip neg, lumpect, SNB (all neg) 4 A/C and 34 rads ... well this time dx 9/13 (My b-day), 3cm mass, stage 2, grade3, IDC, ER/PR - and HER2+++, no nodes, left mast 10/9(same breast), immediate recon TRAMflap 10/18-(ask and I'll explain), some healing issues because of previous rads, but will be released within the week to get this show on the road. Glad I was able to enjoy my holidays before chemo. Last time A/C really kicked my butt, spent 2 seperate weeks in hosp, was super sick by the end and couldnt eat thxgiving dinner.. (will never forget taking 1st bite, thinking "I'm GOING to eat this", taking 2nd bite and spitting it back out).
As far as my hair, I sported my bald head, most of the time. Wig was hot & itchy and my friends and coworkers admired my strength in doing so as I always had long hair. I did wear soft caps or turbins and only plan on the same this time. But I cut off my hair agian a few weeks ago,in anticipation for losing it, and I couldnt' raise my arm high enough to take care of it being it was down to my butt again.
My fear is the 15 months of chemo I need this time. 3 months of Taxol & Carboplatin and then 12 months of Herceptin. UGH!! what a damper on my single mom, work-aholic and pool-side lifestyle.
I talk alot(warning), and love to share my experiences in hopes it helps others. Looking forward to sharing with all of my new 1/07 sisters!!
((HUGS))
Jamie -
I too am very glad Christmas is over. I had a wonderful day with my family, they all came to my house. It was the perfect mix on bringing it up and not bringing it up.
However yesterday was a down day for me. Granted it was the 9 year anniversary of my Dad dying, but I just wanted to rip all the Christmas stuff down and get on with things. It was so tough in the weeks leading up to the holiday with surgery, trying to shop, wrap, plan, heal, work. A normal day seems so far away and taking down all the Christmas stuff seems at least a step towards normalcy.
Therefore, I'm taking it all down this week. I can't wait!
Also, I'm back to not sleeping well. If I could only turn my brain down at night so I can stop thinking. This happened after dx and before surgery, I hate the waiting and that's what I'm doing now, waiting for and anticipating the chemo to start.
Jamie, I'm so sorry you are battling this a 2nd time, but welcome. I got my order from TLC in the mail yesterday, scarves, a couple turbins. I haven't started looking for a wig yet.
{{hugs}} to everyone!
Lynn -
So I did 2 things for me today. I went for a hot stone pedicure! Oh, it was heavenly!! Also called ACS and made an appt. for their 'Look Good, Feel Better' program. The next one in my area isn't until 1/29, but later is better than never.
Lynn -
Jamie, I'm on TCH now ... and the Herceptin is weekly during chemo. But this means that the total plan is 12 months, not 15 (since the Herceptin starts at the beginning of chemo, not the end). No idea if that's what they're doing with you too, but this is pretty typical.
Just had #6 (my last) TCH today. Yippee!!!!!
Janet -
hello i am going to be an jan. girl too I get my port tomorrow my muga Friday and start my chemo the following Tuesday I had an lumpectomy stage 1 grade 3 nodes neg..I only scored 17 on my oncotype test and I am in the TAILORx trails I am a little nervous about the first treatment, anybody else TAILORx trails? good luck to ua all god bless
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I think I will be starting Chemo in January as well. I had a mastectomy in October. stage 2 her pos. I am on Arimidex but have a tumor on my kidney so waiting to have that removed before Chemo. My daughter just found out she has invasive insitu ductal carcenoma so we are waiting to hear about her treatment. This is such a great site thanks
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I also am starting jan for chemo . I have stage III with no receptors , very aggresive . Am just recovering from colon cancer stage II surgery in Nov.
I had a lumpectomy & lymph node disection 8 out of 16 nodes " + " with one that was 4cm ! in Oct . Also with all the surgery I had a port catheter put in as my veins were colapsing and I cannot get IV on my left arm .
After all that chemo seems to be less invasive BUT i am still nervous because of the side effects . I have to do 6 treatments 3 every 3 weeks of FEC then 3 every 3 of dositaxil will not be done until April .
Long winter ahead ...... and i camp too alot .... all over Canada can't wait till summer -
Hi Shorti,
I'm also a January girl! I have Stage 1, Grade III, ER & PR-neg., Her2-3+++, no node involvement. Will have port put in Jan. 4th., Carboplatin & Taxotere every 3 weeks, 6 treatments, along with Herceptin weekly for a year. Am a little nervous about the side effects of chemo, also have a constant fibromyalgia flare-up, so not looking forward to muscle/joint or bone pain.
Sorry you have had this on top of colon cancer. You are a very brave and courageous person. I have relatives in Whitby, Newcastle and Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
Hugs and best wishes to you,
Sandra in California -
Hi Shorti
I live in Ontario too! Good luck with FEC ... finished mine march 31. It IS doable!
See that you camp all over Canada? I work for Parks Canada so PM me if you want info on different areas
Let us know how you are doing.
Hugs
CherylG -
Funny how small the world is , I used to live in Oshawa and Bowmanville when I first moved to Ont from Calgary. We now live in Bradford just north of newmarket . I will be doing chemo in newmarket and then radiation at Sunnybrook .
We have a truck camper and boat ,went to the maritmes last Aug. and stayed at Fundy National Park taking myself back to the campfires and starry nights helps me wih my stress . I have a mp3 loaded with "solitudes' nature tracks just for my chemo sessions. -
Yes, let's think about summer! It's-15C here in Red Deer (around 0Far. for our US sisters). We'll be through this by summer. I intend to have more fun this summer than in the last 10. Although last summer we went white water rafting in Kananaskis - very cool. I'm in a negative slump right now, maybe I should go "google" Hawian vacations!
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Hello January Sisters! I got a jump start on you yesterday 12/18. So far so good! Two weeks ago I was really struggling with the chemo, seeing it as a "death sentence" and a friend told me I had to get my thinking turned around. With God's help, I did. I was able to go and not be anxious. Felt nothing with the port-thats a piece of cake. So, I can assure the actual chemo isn't bad. Well see what teh after effects are.
Anyone here trying to figure out supplements? My onc is 100% against. Have a list of recommendations from my chirop whom i respect and the local health food store which is owned by pharmacist. also other recommendations. somehow i dont totally trust the medical field, not sure they know whats best in nutrition. If anyone is interested in exchanging ideas, i can be more specific and would love to hear from you.
carol in Indiana -
Add me to the January girls! I just posted in Stage 3 cancer concerned with the port they put in yesterday. I couldn't lay down in bed last night - breathing and coughing problems so I'm off to see the surgeon in a little bit and see if anything is wrong. I was diagnosed 12/11 with IDC; SNB & partial mastectomy & axillary dissection 12/19; re-excision and port implant 12/28; pos nodes; ER/PR +; HER2 is amplified; Stage III; so surgeon thinks I will have an aggressive year of chemo but I haven't met my oncologist yet - next week I will. Ready to get this show on the road! I'm so glad this board is here. I have a lot of support from friends and family but they're not there (thankfully). I look forward to sharing all of our ups and downs.
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Carol, why is your onc against supplements? Is it the anti-oxident component? Or is it just that even vitamins can interfere with treatment? I haven't met with mine yet but will ask.
If you do not fully trust the medical profession, I wonder if you could see a nutritionist if you are concerned about that aspect. I think they often see cancer patients and can design a specific program to ensure good nutrition.
I know my primary care doc, breast surgeon, and gyn do not question what the oncs say as that is not their specialty area. Of course you need to do what you feel is best, but I'd be careful about non-medical advice that goes 100% against what the oncologist says. Just my 2 cents, not trying to start a debate.
Amera -
Had a MUGA this morning. Will see oncologist 1/4, so I guess I'm part of the Jan 07 club. Bilateral - one side is ER&PR positive the other side is negative. Bizarre?
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Hi All:
I'm home resting right now from getting my port in. It wasn't too bad - a bit uncomfortable so far but not too awful. It feels like someone slugged me in the chest, but I'm sure this is as bad as it gets. I start chemo on wed...happy new year to me! As the days get closer I get more nervous. Can't wait for this to all be over. -
tlc, did you get a port just for chemo or are you having Herceptin after? I have a consult with the surgeon for a port on Tues, but still haven't met with the second opinion onc, which I am for sure going to go with. I suppose I should keep the apt with the expectation that I will need the port but this onc could say I'm not a candidate for Herc. Was it one of those quicky out-patient procedures? Twilight sedation? Oh and when I got my MUGA on Wed they couldn't access the veins in my left arm...probably too much scar tissue from the surgeries. I guess I'll need a port ragardless. Phew!
Amera -
Hi All. This is my first time here. I have 5 boys, ages 14, 13, 8, 7, and 4. I was diagnosed Sept. 20, had bilateral mastectomy Nov. 3, have tissue expanders. Had port placed today, start chemo A/C Jan. 4. I am nervous. But I want to kick this in the butt. I have a sister that had cancer, too, so we are being more aggressive. I want to get that chance of recurrence down to the smallest possible. But I am nervous. I will lose my hair, I got a wig, and it came in the mail today. I am not as nervous of that as losing my breasts, but then I haven't found my hair in clumps in the pillow, yet, either. I worry about my boys. So far mommy doesn't look that much different, you know? I did go to the Look Good Feel Better program, and was glad. I got a postcard today from the Cancer Society about a I Can Cope program, talking about nutrition during and after chemo. Has anyone ever gone to this program before? Is it worth it?
Thanks for all the help (I have been reading posts, and feel very comfortable, that you know what I am going through here).
Roberta -
Roberta! (I'm a December girl hijacking this thread for a moment) I was thinking about you today, knowing that you were having your port surgery. I hope it all went well. Call me if you need anything. I'll be thinking about you on the 4th as well. :-)
And if I may be so bold as to answer the question about supplements, if they contain large amounts of antioxidants they can interfere with the efficacy of the chemo. The chemo drugs kill cells in part by introducing a massive amount of free radicals. Antioxidants kill free radicals. So while antioxidants would save some of your healthy cells and make you feel better during chemo, they may also allow some cancer cells to be saved. Lots of controversy over this.
Now I'll just hop back over to my December board. :-) -
Amera: I had the port put in for chemo only- herceptin is not an option for me. It's a bit sore tonight, but not unbearable. They did it in the radiology dept of the hospital, conscience sedation. I kinda remember what was going on, but not too much.
Good luck!
tlc -
Hi Roberta from Nebraska. We're neighbors. I'm having treatment in Omaha so I may even run into you.
I've spoken to my onc.'s representative about my disappointing visit in her office last week. An excessive wait (can I expect that every time?) not being acknowledged as a new patient (would have been nice to visit the infusion center and speak to the staff). The rep. and I discussed my concerns, she acknowledged some process problems that I've revealed to the staff. I've been assured that while my doctor isn't a 'warm, fuzzy' doctor, she is brilliant and knows how to treat breast cancer. I'll also receive individualized, compassionate care from the nursing staff whom she characterized as professional and competent.
So I go forward into my first AC treatment next Friday. Trying hard to not be overwhelmed by all the 'what ifs' of side effects and possibilities and remain focused on the goal of completion in 16 weeks, of being proud of my bald head, of being able to work and support myself, of remaining thankful and joyful for the love and support that have been showered on me.
I'm hoping my bald head will be as cute as my mother's when she had her brain radiation. She was adorable.
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