Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

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  • Amera
    Amera Member Posts: 452
    edited January 2007
    Redbirdgirl, my surgeon said the same thing--wait to get the port in before you start chemo, if possible. You *can* start chemo before but need to wait until your counts come up for 10 days before they can do the surgery. This will put my treatment off as well. Oh and another thing...only specially trained folks can access your port for blood draws so it's a good idea to save your arms for routine blood draws you may have in the future. I know it sucks to have to wait. Great news on the petscan though. What a relief.
    Health, Amera
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  • Dar1
    Dar1 Member Posts: 146
    edited January 2007

    Well chemosabis, here I go! I have "chemo teaching" in 2 hours, first treatment in three - I'm having AC. I'm feeling apprehensive, but glad to get this show on the road. I don't have a port - for four treatments, they are going to try the veins. I've never had trouble with IVs etc. so should be OK. I'll check in later.

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  • Rodie
    Rodie Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2007
    Ireland and Amera--loved the idea of Cancer F_! hats. I'm having my port installed tomorrow, flushed Friday and chemo info session, and first AC on Wed. Jan. 10! Can't wait. Ireland--my surgeon, the best in the Tampa area!!!, God bless her, the first thing she told me today was I had made the right decision about going with chemo. If you recall, my onc. score was 19 and didn't know if I should go with chemo treatments. It meant so much to have her tell me I had made a good decision.

    Well all Jan. girls one day this will all be in the past and we'll come through just fine!

    Happy New Year to all!!
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  • tlc60
    tlc60 Member Posts: 83
    edited January 2007
    Hi All:
    I'm on my way soon to my first AC. I have my bag of stuff, my big girl panties and combat boots on, and I'm ready 8-)
    I'll check in later and let you all know how it went.
    Have a cheery day!
    tlc
    PS: Amera - thanks for the idea, I got f**k cancer hat last night!
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  • irelandmb
    irelandmb Member Posts: 33
    edited January 2007

    Thanks Gilrodie for the update. It's good to hear others input. I don't mind having to get the Chemo, it's the worry of the Cytoxan side effects that are really conerning me. I'm trying to avoid another cancer, but the this drug can give you one!!! It really doesn't make sense.:)

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  • Dar1
    Dar1 Member Posts: 146
    edited January 2007

    Well, I'm back and still standing! Nothing with the infusions - just my arm and hand were cold the whole time. We'll see how I do on the anti-naseau meds - they prescribed 5. Ireland, my understanding with the cytoxan is there is a .01-.1 risk of leukemia later in life - maybe 20 years down the road. This is not good, but if my breast cancer has a 20% chance of coming back without chemo, I guess it's the best chance I have.

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  • tlc60
    tlc60 Member Posts: 83
    edited January 2007
    I'm here at the chemo bar, having my cocktail as I write. I too was concerned about the risk of developing another cancer from the meds, but as I looked at the frequency of it happening vs the risk of going with a different chemo, I chose the biggest guns they could get the cancer I have done, vs worring about the cancer I might devolop.
    As for my treatment, I am 1 hr into my first ac treatment, still getting my pre-meds. The adriamycin should make its appearance soon though...so for so good. I'm sipping water, nibbling on crackers.
    tlc...
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  • Amera
    Amera Member Posts: 452
    edited January 2007
    tlc: Wow really, you are sitting there right now? Were you nervous? I am okay now but fear that when I walk into the place I will lose it. Are you still feeling okay? How's the port working out?
    Amera
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  • tlc60
    tlc60 Member Posts: 83
    edited January 2007
    The port worked great! I slathered Emla cream on it about 1.5 hrs before my appt, put saran wrap over it and it worked like a charm.
    My whole appt took 4 hours. The started with the pre meds, followed by adriamycin, then cytoxan, and finished up with some saline.
    I drank water the whole time. I finished 26 oz during my treatment. I also ate a few crackers. The onc nurses were all great and explained everything for me. It really wasn't too bad!
    We shall see what tomorrow brings, but for today it is 1 down, 7 to go!
    tlc
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  • IowaCindy
    IowaCindy Member Posts: 341
    edited January 2007
    Ladies, you give me courage!

    Yea!!!!!! Go January women!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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  • Dar1
    Dar1 Member Posts: 146
    edited January 2007

    Well, I got through the night - no vomiting. I slept pretty good. I have a strange taste in my mouth, I feel a little shaky and I weigh 3 lbs more - I think that's water retention from the steroid medication.

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  • tlc60
    tlc60 Member Posts: 83
    edited January 2007
    Day after chemo for me to - and I am feeling pretty OK. I feel a bit washed out, tired, though I slept good last night. No nausea or vomiting, I do taste a funny taste, and I am drinking lots to move it on through. I just returned from getting the Nuelasta shot, and now I have a bit of a headache - not sure what it's related to quite yet.
    All in all though, things are Ok!
    hang tough...
    tlcc
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  • chapuzan
    chapuzan Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2007

    I start chemo 11 Jan 07. I am having the port put in 9 Jan I'm getting so worried now. I think what is about to happen to me is just settling in. I'm having trouble sleeping now and the hair falling out stays on my mind. I know that it just a part of surving this thing but I'm still freaking out over it. Even though my friends remind me that at least I'll have my life and I am thankful for my life. I know it should be the last thing I should be worrying about but I can't help it.

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  • Rodie
    Rodie Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2007

    Had my port installed earlier today. Doing fine, just a bit uncomfortable but it could be the tape. Slept most of the afternoon. Tomorrow is the flushing and patient info session. Chapuzan, don't worry, just take one day at a time. You'll be fine. Munching on chocolates now--it helps everything.

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  • belindajo
    belindajo Member Posts: 78
    edited January 2007
    Hello girls,

    I am an imposter from the December 2006 group. I have 3 AC under my belt with the last being next Thursday and then I start 4 dd of Taxol. You girls are all doing great. Reading your posts is like going back to the beginning of my treatments and being so, so scared of the first one. Not that I am a real veteran or anything but you all will soar like eagles through this. With my last treatment (#3) I had a little bit more nausea but have discovered that if I let myself get truly hungry, that is when it really hits. If I keep something in my stomach at all times it is much better.

    Prayers and hugs to all of you starting this scary voyage.

    Belinda Jo
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  • Dar1
    Dar1 Member Posts: 146
    edited January 2007

    Chapuzan, I went to pick up my wig today and made arrangements for the "buzz" and final fitting a week Tuesday - 13 days after the first chemo. It makes me feel a bit better to have it sitting there ready. The style looks natural - actually better than my real hair! The salon where I purchased it sells wigs at cost to cancer patients, will do the cut for free, and the stylist has been so kind. We will get through this.

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  • Amera
    Amera Member Posts: 452
    edited January 2007
    Chapuzan, I had my first wig fitting yesterday. It was weird and I'm still a little skeeved out by the whole thing, but I will at least have one to wear should I chose to. Have you looked into this yet? My insurance is paying for 100% of it. The woman I saw is taking care of all the paperwork for me. AND, some insurance will pay for 1 wig/year so I will end up with 2. Not sure if I will ever wear it, but it's nice to have one just in case. It makes me feel better. Also ordered some cute hats and scarves. That's probably what I'll go with. It might make you feel better to be prepared.
    Amera
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  • Sandra7inCA
    Sandra7inCA Member Posts: 15
    edited January 2007
    Hi Ladies,
    Yesterday I had my port put in. I didn't even have time to really think about it, the nurse showed me the port/catheter and whisked me to the surgery room. It seemed like a looong catheter!!! It lasted, from start to finish about 1 1/4 hours. He just numbed the area, and I didn't feel any pain, just pushing and prodding. Last nite, I took 1 Vicodin for the pain and this morning, it feels so much better. Going to have it flushed and the dressing changed today, then begin Herceptin on 1/10 followed by chemo on 1/11. Got my wig ordered on Tuesday, so I'm ready!! I'm so glad I found this board and the people on it. We can help each other along the way.

    HUGS to all of the January Girls!!!
    Sandra
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  • Amera
    Amera Member Posts: 452
    edited January 2007
    Sandra, did you get anesthesia for your port placement? I think my surgeon said I would get twilight sedation. And you are starting Herceptin before chemo? Interesting. I thought you had to wait until you were about 2/3 of the way through. I suppose it depends on what drug combos they are using. Glad to hear you feel good after the surgery. Not looking forward to yet another one, but this sounds relatively minor.
    Health, Amera
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  • Sandra7inCA
    Sandra7inCA Member Posts: 15
    edited January 2007
    Hi Amera,
    Just got back from the dressing change, the area looks good!!, I didn't have anesthesia, only some numbing stuff rubbed on the area, then a couple of shots where he made the incision. The most annoying thing was the light blanket, paper, they put over your face, half-way, with your head turned the other way, it almost felt claustrophobic. It really wasn't bad tho. This is my 5th. surgery since 9/20/06, 1 lumpec., 3 re-excisions, 1 port. I begin Herceptin the day before I begin chemo which consists of Carboplatin and Taxotere. Honey, you will get thru the port placement and will be really glad you had it put in.
    Blessings and Hugs to you.
    Sandra
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  • Ihopeg
    Ihopeg Member Posts: 399
    edited January 2007
    Hi.
    I am getting my port put in on Wed the 10th. I am really upset because I have to have pre-admission testing again,(just for the port) which means they have to draw blood. My veins in my good arm are horrible. Also, I have an appt with onc. and she wants blood too. I wonder if I can ask them to take extra for the pre-ad testing for the port. Then after I get the port they use that to take blood?
    ilene
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  • Rodie
    Rodie Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2007

    Hi Jan. Girls, I had my port installed yesterday--asleep the whole time. My surgeon installed tube thru neck and down to breast for the port. It took about 1 1/4 hours and recovery about the same time. Took Vicodin as needed. Today I had the bandages/needle removed and I'm set for Wednesday's AC treatment. Regarding blood draws, they took blood yesterday at the hospital and again today for tests. Oh well, what can one do? I understand they won't take blood from port but from veins. It was explained why but can't remember now.

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  • Robbin65
    Robbin65 Member Posts: 251
    edited January 2007

    Post deleted by RobbinJaye

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  • Amera
    Amera Member Posts: 452
    edited January 2007
    My dr told me that you have to be specially trained to take blood from the port but that all onc nurses know how to do this. The phlebotomists they have at the onc's office are not trained to do this nor are most nurses. I guess it has to be in a super sterile environment as well. Glad the port placement went well. I'm glad to be getting one.
    Amera
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  • Robbin65
    Robbin65 Member Posts: 251
    edited January 2007
    WEll, here it is. Saw ono for first time today.

    They are recommending I do 3 months - every 3 weeks - 4 times - cocktail of Anthracycline (Adriamyain and cytoxan) With drugs to start before the treatment Decadreon, Sofran and Ativan.

    My first treatment would be Jan 25th, Sheesh, I stil have to wait another month... I'm never gonna' be done with all of this. I can wait till I get my port in or do the first treatment without the port. What should I do? I want to get this going...

    Actually, I have a choice. I can do the AC for 3 months OR do CA 4 & T 4 for 6 months. I think I want to do the 3 month choice.

    Anyone else doing Adriamyain and Cytocan ?????????????
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  • rkbarreda
    rkbarreda Member Posts: 4
    edited January 2007
    Hi RobbinJaye--

    I am also doing AC. I have only had one treatment so far last Thursday, but so far doing OK. A little nausea, a little headache. The treatment wasn't too bad. Much better than what I was afraid of beforehand.

    Roberta
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  • jamie33
    jamie33 Member Posts: 24
    edited January 2007
    RobinJaye. I did the AC 6 yrs ago.. my veins suck now. I had a port place 10/9 with my mast and am sooo glad that I have it this time. was so much more comfortable having the tube in my chest and my arms/ hands free to keep me entertained instead of trying not to move or bump the IV.
    while you are waiting.. get the port! might as well make use of the time and give it a week or 2 to heal first.

    As for my 1st txt on wed, Taxotere, Carbo & herceptin, I'm achy, and feel kind of "off", and have a slight off taste in my mouth but it is not the same "metal" taste I had from AC. but this is round 1 and i've got 5 more to go to see for sure.
    ((HUGS) to all
    Jamie
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  • Lynn12
    Lynn12 Member Posts: 1,008
    edited January 2007
    Hi January girls,

    Went to Onc today. I'll have CT scans (chest, abdomen, pelvis) on Monday. Bone scan on Tuesday and port installation on Thursday next week. Busy week!

    I have a huge decision on whether to go into a clinical trial that will shut down ovaries now (Lupron shots), start tamoxofin now at the same time as chemo OR the more traditional chemo, then tamoxofin, then AI once I'm confirmed in menopause.

    I'm 45 and am scared of shutting down the ovaries now and what effects that will have now and 20 years from now. Also concerned about quality of life.

    Most likely starting chemo (cytoxan/taxotere) the week after next, I'll need to make my decision before then.

    Anyway, it's so informative to read everyone who's already started, you give me courage!

    hugs!

    Lynn
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  • Robbin65
    Robbin65 Member Posts: 251
    edited January 2007
    Also, I forgot to mention in my above post...I didn't get to do the onotype test. I asked my dr about it and he said he wasn't going to do it because it was geared more to women whom are HER 2 Positive. Does this sound right?????????????
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  • IowaCindy
    IowaCindy Member Posts: 341
    edited January 2007
    Well, my game began yesterday. It went SO much better than I expected/feared/imagined. The actual infusion process was smooth and painless.

    I'd used the EMLA cream prior to leaving home and by the time the nurse accessed my port, I felt only the tiniest of needle sticks and I laughed. I've had some pretty awful needle sticks in the last 3 months. Thank God for the port!

    I'm informed, consented, and now infused with my first of 4 rounds of dd AC. I've had the smallest amount of nausea, and I'm going to use my meds to keep that under control so I can function.

    My urine smells funny. And I think I smell kind of funny. That's going to bother me if I think I'm wandering around with this slight odor wafting with me like PigPen's cloud of dirt. I have a slight test in my mouth but so far not awful.

    I think the love and support I've gotten from so many people have given me a some kind of a buffer. Not that I won't have any problems at all but it's let my mind and heart ease so I don't have quite the tension adding to the process. My moments of feeling alone in this journey are quickly relieved by the unexpected calls, notes and hugs.

    If all goes well, my last treatment of dd T will be Friday the 13th in April. And then 6 days later I can celebrate my 50th b-day - bald and done!
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