Starting chemo August 2017 - would love some moral support!

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  • DodgersGirl
    DodgersGirl Member Posts: 2,382
    edited July 2017

    sweerpea6217- I am up tonight, too, from steroids in my pre-meds from chemo on Wednesday. Nights can get pretty long when you have to be quiet cause others in the house are sleeping.

    I wanted to wish you the best of luck in the morning. And to tell you my fusion center nurses also want us taking Zofran and Compazine (alternating) fir the first 3-5 days, then as needed explaining it is best to keep ahead of nausea as it is hard to keep those pills down while vomiting


  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited July 2017

    I really don't want to say too much about insurance company because they always think about the bottom line. My doc had to fought several times to get my PET scans approved and they don't think about the best for us do they

  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited July 2017

    DodgersGirl- it happened to me couple nights last night I took my Ativan finally I can sleep five and half hours straight made me feel so much better.

  • Clearpath
    Clearpath Member Posts: 38
    edited July 2017

    Hi - I'm starting chemo next week. Port is being put in on Monday. I'm trying to enjoy this last weekend but am very anxious so I am joining this forum for support. Fingers crossed that the treatment will be effective to provide a cure! Sending best wishes to all

  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited July 2017

    Clearpath- welcome to our group, we will share our good and bad days here. There are many information here for you to get ready

  • HaileysHooters
    HaileysHooters Member Posts: 15
    edited July 2017

    @SweetP - I think you are starting chemo today, wanted to wish you the best of luck and let you know I am thinking about you. It looks like you are in Chicago, as am I. Where are you doing your treatment?

    I have my chemo "orientation" tomorrow to absorb as much information as possible to get myself prepared to begin next week. I will share all of the tips and tidbits my team teaches me too!

    Wishing everyone all my best! xoxo

  • SummerRain
    SummerRain Member Posts: 54
    edited July 2017

    I have finished with my chemo, except for having my port removed. I don't intend to lurk on this page but thought I would go ahead and share my experience. I will split it into 2 posts for the different types of chemo.

    I was diagnosed originally in Sept 2016 with 1A, TN, grade 3. I had the genetic testing done and found that I do NOT have the BRCA genes. I had a unilateral mastectomy on Oct 20. Adjusted diagnosis showed my cancer was 3A, with 1 of 4 positive lymph nodes.

    My MO and I decided on 4 A/C (2 week intervals) + 12 Taxol (weekly). After many delays (related to healing from surgery), I had my port placement and first AC on December 12. Everyone's pattern will be different.

    Here's what my A/C experience was:

    - Monday afternoon chemo treatment, including placement of Neulasta on-body injector.

    - Tuesday morning and early afternoon were about normal energy and no nausea, but no appetite.

    - Tuesday evening energy crashed, mild queasiness. Neulasta dose delivered. Removed Neulasta box. Sleeping starting to become irregular, so I slept in the recliner with the TV on, going in and out of sleep stages. Hot flashes started to intensify.

    - Wednesday no energy and mildly queasy all day. No appetite. Hot flashes continue. Slept throughout the day. Take Claritin at "bedtime" because I know my bone pain starts Thursday afternoon.

    - Thursday energy level increases a good amount during the day, but by evening I am depleted. Still not much appetite, but less queasy. Take Claritin. Sleep is still hit and miss. Hot flashes still intense.

    - Friday decent energy when it's there, sudden depletions require rest. Feel I can eat most foods, but not terribly hungry. Take Claritin.

    - Saturday same as Friday, including Claritin.

    - Sunday like Saturday but NO Claritin.

    Second week and third, when I had to space them farther apart were like Sunday. Mixed energy, but increasing. Hot flashes became a little less frequent and less intense as time progressed between treatments.

    Started chemo on Dec 12, hair started coming out Dec 26. I did NOT cold cap, as there is no statistical evidence that shows it works better than a genetic predisposition to not lose your hair. (Some people cold cap and still lose their hair, some don't cold cap and don't lose hair.) The hair generally will come out all over your body. No shaving needed! Brazilian bikini wax for free. I did keep my eyebrows and eyelashes during A/C. By the end of the first week I became sensitive to spicy and acidic foods. Waffles, eggs, plain roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, Mac n cheese and fresh sliced fruit were my go to foods when I was "down for the count". As energy increased, so did my ability to stomach other foods. Only needed to take anti-nausea meds three times throughout all A/C.

    My nails did start to change texture and color, especially the big toes. That was a slow progression. I did get mild mouth sores during the week following treatment, but not consistently. My skin got incredibly dry, especially the hands.

    My best advice for A/C is to drink lots of liquid, mostly water. The more you weigh, the more water you need. Rule of thumb is half your weight in ounces (if you weigh 140 lbs, that would be 70 ounces). Watch your electrolytes (Gatorade or Pedialyte if needed). Sleep whenever you can. Schedule fewer activities. Disinfect door knobs, faucet handles and other commonly handled objects because some days your immune system WILL be compromised (Neulasta is designed to kick in when the white blood cells plummet). Walk and stretch as often as possible. Chemo does a number on your fascia, lymph and mucous systems which movement will help.


  • SummerRain
    SummerRain Member Posts: 54
    edited July 2017

    I have finished with my chemo, except for having my port removed. I don't intend to lurk on this page but thought I would go ahead and share my experience. I will split it into 2 posts for the different types of chemo.

    I was diagnosed originally in Sept 2016 with 1A, TN, grade 3. I had the genetic testing done and found that I do NOT have the BRCA genes. I had a unilateral mastectomy on Oct 20. Adjusted diagnosis showed my cancer was 3A, with 1 of 4 positive lymph nodes.

    My MO and I decided on 4 A/C (2 week intervals) + 12 Taxol (weekly). After many delays (related to healing from surgery), I had my port placement and first AC on December 12. Everyone's pattern will be different.

    Here's what my A/C experience was:

    - Monday afternoon chemo treatment, including placement of Neulasta on-body injector.

    - Tuesday morning and early afternoon were about normal energy and no nausea, but no appetite.

    - Tuesday evening energy crashed, mild queasiness. Neulasta dose delivered. Removed Neulasta box. Sleeping starting to become irregular, so I slept in the recliner with the TV on, going in and out of sleep stages. Hot flashes started to intensify.

    - Wednesday no energy and mildly queasy all day. No appetite. Hot flashes continue. Slept throughout the day. Take Claritin at "bedtime" because I know my bone pain starts Thursday afternoon.

    - Thursday energy level increases a good amount during the day, but by evening I am depleted. Still not much appetite, but less queasy. Take Claritin. Sleep is still hit and miss. Hot flashes still intense.

    - Friday decent energy when it's there, sudden depletions require rest. Feel I can eat most foods, but not terribly hungry. Take Claritin.

    - Saturday same as Friday, including Claritin.

    - Sunday like Saturday but NO Claritin.

    Second week and third, when I had to space them farther apart were like Sunday. Mixed energy, but increasing. Hot flashes became a little less frequent and less intense as time progressed between treatments.

    Started chemo on Dec 12, hair started coming out Dec 26. I did NOT cold cap, as there is no statistical evidence that shows it works better than a genetic predisposition to not lose your hair. (Some people cold cap and still lose their hair, some don't cold cap and don't lose hair.) The hair generally will come out all over your body. No shaving needed! Brazilian bikini wax for free. I did keep my eyebrows and eyelashes during A/C. By the end of the first week I became sensitive to spicy and acidic foods. Waffles, eggs, plain roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, Mac n cheese and fresh sliced fruit were my go to foods when I was "down for the count". As energy increased, so did my ability to stomach other foods. Only needed to take anti-nausea meds three times throughout all A/C.

    My nails did start to change texture and color, especially the big toes. That was a slow progression. I did get mild mouth sores during the week following treatment, but not consistently. My skin got incredibly dry, especially the hands.

    My best advice for A/C is to drink lots of liquid, mostly water. The more you weigh, the more water you need. Rule of thumb is half your weight in ounces (if you weigh 140 lbs, that would be 70 ounces). Watch your electrolytes (Gatorade or Pedialyte if needed). Sleep whenever you can. Schedule fewer activities. Disinfect door knobs, faucet handles and other commonly handled objects because some days your immune system WILL be compromised (Neulasta is designed to kick in when the white blood cells plummet). Walk and stretch as often as possible. Chemo does a number on your fascia, lymph and mucous systems which movement will help.


  • SummerRain
    SummerRain Member Posts: 54
    edited July 2017

    My chemo experience, part 2: Taxol

    Taxol treatments take only about an hour and a half. Taxol side effects creep up on you and they intensify over the course of treatment.

    - Monday afternoon was treatment. I had to be driven to and from because the Benedryl infusion makes me fall asleep. Once the Benedryl wore off energy was about normal.

    - Tuesday energy was close to normal during the morning and afternoon. By mid evening a tad of queasiness would begin. Took Claritin in preparation for Wednesday.

    - Wednesday was neupogen shot. Most of the day was decent energy, but not much appetite. Energy crashed in the evening. Took Claritin.

    - Thursday was low energy and no appetite all day. Took Claritin.

    -Friday was second neupogen shot. Energy started to return. Able to eat most foods. Took Claritin.

    - Saturday and Sunday were as normal as could be expected.

    Over the course of treatment, I lost my eyebrows and eyelashes. The hair on my head started to grow about 2/3 of the way through. My nails continued to change color and lift. Toward the last few treatments, I started to develop mild neuropathy in the fingers and toes, and a very mild neuropathy in the face. And one uncommon side effect - a rash on the back of my hands. Muscles and fascia get tight.

    My last treatment was May 17. It took about 2 1/2 weeks to start getting my sense of taste back. Most of the neuropathy in the face and fingers is gone now. The neuropathy in the toes is decreasing. My eyebrows and eyelashes are about half grown in. And if I dyed my hair orange I would resemble Annie Lennox.

    One side effect that applied to both A/C and taxol was a runny and sometimes bloody nose. Goes hand in hand with the dry mouth.

    It's easy to think of the Taxol as easier, easy to want to do more and try to catch up with things undone. Don't push it. But don't let anyone tell you to do nothing, either.

    Oh, and the water... For all chemo treatments, there is another reason beside the need for hydration. They want you to flush the chemo drugs out of your system as soon as possible. It's a good thing if you have to urinate once or twice during treatment. It will reduce the severity of the side effects.


  • SummerRain
    SummerRain Member Posts: 54
    edited July 2017

    One more share... I gained 10 lbs while on chemo. Due to the fatigue induced lack of exercise and the carb loading comfort foods that were the only thing palatable some days. Once my taste returned, I dropped the sweets and starches. The weight is back to pre-chemo now.

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2017

    Welcome Clearpath to Breastcancer.org and to this awesome, supportive thread. You're sure to get great support here and discuss with others your experiences while managing your chemo treatment.

    We look forward to hearing more from you soon, and supporting you all the way! Please let us know if you need anything at all.

    --The Mods

  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited July 2017

    SummerRain - thank you for sharing your experience I have the same treatment as you do and I hope my days will be over soon. I feel the same way about hair, and hope it grows back as the doctor said it would. I just enjoy my good days and try to sleep through the bad days.

  • sweetp6217
    sweetp6217 Member Posts: 365
    edited July 2017

    SummerRain,

    Thank you for posting your experiences. That AC +T sounds rough but I'm on day 2 of round one and looking forward to that Neulasta shot. I'm getting the HER2 + regimen called TCHP and my infusion session lasted from about 8:38 AM to 4:30 PM. A few glitches, my Perjeta portion is not covered by my insurance and is dragging their feet on it; disposition pending (the staff on my oncho team is feverishly fighting it and got the manufacturer to help out and foot the bill). Then they had to find a cover for my freshly installed PORT (can't shower or tub it for a week).

    I'm going to try to get a wig or two because my insurance claims that I have 1K to cover it. Going synthetic even though I hear they don't last as long. I called the ACS and am waiting to hear back so that I can make an appointment to try some on. Sounds vain, I know, but the doctor says I'll lose it, so it doesn't hurt to prepare. Also, it's a distraction or goal to meet; I'm hoping the SE aren't too much (the D part is what I hope doesn't happen). Still planning to work through this, part time if need be.

    Also, thanks for all the tips, brat diet, claritin and the reference of urinating was right on! I went 4 times during infusion #1.

  • Clearpath
    Clearpath Member Posts: 38
    edited July 2017

    SummerRain - thanks so much for sharing your experience. It comforts me to know that some days during chemo will be relatively ok. Picking up my wig tomorrow and having my hair cut short in the next few days. Meanwhile my mom, who is in her mid 80s and in great health thank goodness, has canceled her activities for the next few months so she can help my husband (who has a disability) take care of me. I have a long haul ahead since I found out I carry the BRCA 1 gene and will need additional surgeries in addition to chemo and radiation. Sigh...

  • sweetp6217
    sweetp6217 Member Posts: 365
    edited July 2017

    Clearpath, Sending my best wishes to you as well and I'm hoping that everything works out great for you. Those tests that reveal the genes is good, I guess, but I had no idea that it could be used to steer treatment in a new direction for the patient. Better that they found it than have a surprise that may not be as good an outcome later.

    -Hugs <3

  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited July 2017

    Ladies - there are good days and bad days. I had my first chemo and I am on my day 8 now and I feel fine. There were days I just can't do anything not even want to eat. Worse part is I can't even sleep, chemo kind of messed up my stomach so I can't sleep well.

    Hope you ladies have less SE than me.

  • sweetp6217
    sweetp6217 Member Posts: 365
    edited July 2017

    The fatigue hit me at 6:30 pm today at work, got home a few minutes ago, so the SE start. Flushing (face, neck, part of chest, upper arms, and needing toothpicks to hold up my eyelids. Only worked for 2 to 7. At least I have the weekend off. Want to rent King Kong and Ghost in the shell, but don't know if I'll stay awake for any of that tomorrow.

    Oh great! Add to that another SE. Lack of appetite 1/2 way through a meal, baked potato and a few grilled chicken strips. Not tasting 100% either. Sorry to complain, but at least if I eat less, I may actually lose a couple of pounds.

    Hugs all

  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited July 2017

    SweetP - rest up you able to work few hours you are so brave. On my chemo day I went home all I can do was sleep.

  • sweetp6217
    sweetp6217 Member Posts: 365
    edited July 2017

    And rest I did once the steroids wore down. Thanks for your well wishes. Taste buds have seen better days (no surprise) and I'm prepping Sunday supper with the help of my best friend/husband. I slept through the part where I was going to start soaking the vacuum sealed chuck roast in the side sink. He's on it!. My 70 LB wonder of a Lab performed her wake up ritual for me at 7:30 AM by licking my hand. (Feed me, or rather her is what that's code for).

    Disclaimer: I did feel the need to take Pepcid AC twice in the last few days. My MO's nurse said that most OTCs are ok to try in that respect and so far, it's working. I think that I've plunked down about $150. in OTCs and a sleep mask for the duration, a kindof alarming amount. But, a smart guy named Zig Zigler wrote a book (Secrets of Closing the Sale) mentioning a simple calculation: Item's cost divided my months of use = cost per month. Not so bad, then.

    Didn't rent King Kong, just Ghost in the Shell and missed a total of 15 or so minutes. Ack! Queasy pop time.

  • sweetp6217
    sweetp6217 Member Posts: 365
    edited July 2017

    Hello all, doing O.K. and I hope that you are all doing well too. Now for the hair subject. It was already on my mind prior to the MO's nurse's chemo educational appointment. As for ACS, I've been waiting for a call since the 26th, not long really, but I was hoping for something. I'll wait another day before calling again to hopefully set up an appointment.

    As for local wig stores, the ones closest to me and one that came recommended are unfortunately iffy. Bait and switch according to reviews on yelp and the other would give you a custom cut so that you couldn't return it if need be. So, I've ordered some wig caps and am going to attempt to get some good measurements for online shopping. Youtube videos are also really helpful for this. I noticed that the size return policy is usually better if it can be exchanged. What could be better is if these websites would post the sizes of the wigs consistently. Hair length, style, color but sometimes no size is mentioned. We can't all be average.

    Forgot to say that I had a small amount of Sunday supper; chuck roast with mushrooms, potatoes, carrots and baby onions. Gravy too and crescent rolls. No onions for me but the rest was good. At least there's some to nibble on in the coming days, if tummy permits.

    P.S. I was alternating Zofran and Compazine (8 AM zofran, 12 PM Compazine, 4 PM zofran, etc.) yesterday. Not sure if I should resume today. Anti-D is also my friend now.

  • salasila
    salasila Member Posts: 41
    edited July 2017

    Hi all. I guess I will be joining this group because my Taxol treatment will start on either 8/3 or 8/10. I'm going for my echocardiogram tomorrow and as soon as my MO gets the result, she'll start chemo. Mine will be once a week for 12 weeks (Taxol + Herceptin) and then Herceptin every three weeks for one year. I've gotten my meds (lidocaine - to apply on port prior to 1st treatment, antibiotics, Zofran and the other anti-nausea non-drowsy med); I've purchased and tested (i.e. worn in public for a day) 2 wigs; I'm waiting on my icing mittens and socks; got my purple nail polish, in case my nails turn ugly; and got my sleeping caps (for when I lose my hair). Planning on doing treatments on Thursdays so that I can crash on the weekend and be back at work on Monday (I have every other Friday off, and the working Friday is typically a light day) and I'm planning to work through treatments (is this doable? Anyone with advise?). Although I'm trying to be as prepared as I can, I must admit that I am scared as hell. And truth be told, I think this forum is the only place where I've actually verbalize that feeling ... its different when you're with the kids or even hubs or friends/family ... its hard to explain the fear and uncertainty to others. I'm ranting. Sorry Medicating

  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited July 2017

    Salasila- welcome to August group I have my first chemo in July, my better day started on day 7. Best to follow your MO schedule which I did. My SE were lost of appetite first then sleeping, stomach and steroid problems.

  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited July 2017

    SweetP - I ordered my wig at ACS and I still waiting for the shipment. As soon as I got mine planned to bring to my hair dresser to trim the wig. Don't plan to use it until the weather turns cooler.

    Once I reached day 7 I got the hunger spell finally today I back to normal self.

  • SimplySammi11
    SimplySammi11 Member Posts: 70
    edited July 2017

    Hi ladies, I'm Sammi and my daughter, Heather has been diagnosed with IDC at 30 years old. I am the one who worries and researches everything although she said she's made a profile on here and I hope she will jump on a few of these threads for support. She begins her AC chemo DD x 4 on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 followed by Taxol every week x 12 weeks. Heather's breast surgeon wanted the mass and left breast treated because of the size before a BMX. She currently lives with her stepdad and me so we'll be taking this journey with her.

    The diagnosis and treatment are hers not mine. I just wanted to let you all know that up front. My 77 year old mother was just diagnosed late May with a 5cm mass on her right lung and is undergoing treatment for small cell lung cancer. In June I took Heather to get a large lump she'd had ignored checked and on July 5 we got the results of her ultrasound core biopsy. We've not gotten her genetic tests back yet and she just had her PET scan today so we should get that back from radiology Wednesday before her Chemo education and first infusion.

    I've read every post just now and wanted to thank you for the suggestions and what to dos, along with your experiences. I hope you don't mind me posting in here from time to time.

    It's really tough having two of the most important women in your lives be going through cancer at the same time. I truly wish I could do this for both of them.

    Thank you guys for all the info and I'll probably be asking you all questions as she goes along. I hope that's ok.

    Prayers and healing thoughts for each of you.🙏🏼🤗🙌🏼

    Samm

  • Autum1031
    Autum1031 Member Posts: 31
    edited August 2017

    Hi everyone, I haven't posted for awhile, as I was traveling for work last week in Portland. It was an awesome trip and just what I needed, since I came back to reality this week!

    Today I had my port placement. Procedure itself went pretty well, but day-um it's quite sore right now, and I'm guessing I'll be sleeping in the recliner tonight, courtesy of some ibuprofen. Tomorrow is my first chemo day. They left my port "accessed" so they don't have to stick a needle in me tomorrow. Thank goodness as that area really hurts.

    I feel woefully unprepared. I feel like I'm having a different experience than the rest of you. I kept waiting for an education session to be scheduled, it never was...I met with my oncologist on 7/19, whom I really like, I told her I was pretty upset that this wasn't scheduled yet. Nurse educator got dragged into my appointment, was very brusque and said something like, "our schedules don't match with both of us being busy, so I'll just talk to you on the first chemo day." I was like, "uh, what? So how do I know what to buy? What OTC meds should I have? Can you give me a shopping list so I can be prepared?" They all looked at me, all baffled, like they couldn't understand why I would ask these things. Sigh.

    So all I have is some immodium and some Miralax for tummy troubles, I don't know what else I may need for my particular therapy.

    I see a lot of you already started on some drugs before the chemo. I haven't been prescribed anything like this. I'm assuming I'll get some anti-nausea meds tomorrow...I hope?

  • sunnyjay
    sunnyjay Member Posts: 238
    edited August 2017

    Hello all! This is my first post to this group. I am also in the July Chemo group since I had my first round of CT on 7/20, but will having rounds 2 & 3 in August, so I thought I could also share experiences here.

    Autum1031 - If you will be having a Neulasta shot, either at the infusion center or the onpro version, make sure to have some Claritin on hand. If you weren't given pre-meds, they will most likely start you off with the pre-meds before the chemo drugs. These are to stave off nausea and allergies that you may be prone to getting. You will most likely be given the prescription or the actual anti-nausea meds from your nurse during your infusion tomorrow. You may want to check threads from previous months to see how others with your chemo regimen prepared or are handling their side effects. Sorry that your healthcare team wasn't more proactive. I had issues with scheduling my port placement and first chemo session so I understand your frustration! Will be thinking of you tomorrow!

  • Willow22
    Willow22 Member Posts: 220
    edited August 2017

    welcome simplysammi and everyone else! Ive been following all the posts for the past week, but too busy/wiped out with getting ready for chemo/helping with my father in laws medical issue/first chemo and cold capping friday to actually post.

    Autum1031, I dont know where you are having chemo, but i believe the treatment standard is long acting IV meds for nausea during chemo, and then prescription meds to take as needed at home, altho my MO said the goal is to prevent nausea rather than try to get on top of it after it gets going. I didnt take any meds at home night before chemo, they gave me iv benadryl, steroids and zofran (ondalastron or so.ething like that is the generic name.... its a long acting med for nausea). I had a rx for compazine to take every 8 hours as needed till sunday morning when the iv zofran wore off, and then zofran tablets which i can have every 8 hours if needed (can be alternated with the compazine). Im on cytoxan/taxotere and nause is common in the first 5 days.

    My cancer center gives out a generic treatment book with their bowel protocol for constipation, which a lot of drugs can cause (including the compazine). Im kinda counting on it since ive had a daily bout of diarrhea since chemo 😩, but nothing bad enuf to take immodium yet.

    I would recommend getting to the infusion center a bit early and telli g them you are vwry stressed about the chemo and really need to talk to your infusion rn about what will happen before treatment is started, and dont take no for an answer! Since your port is already accessed, make sure they dont start your treatment before you are comfortable with what is going on, just because they know the rn educator is coming in to talk with you. That is a perfectly reasonable request that an infusion rn will be happy to handle.

    I know several of you are waiting on PET scan results - thinking of you and praying for good news!

    Stay strong ladies and ask for the help you would like/need, and let others care for you when you feel bad physically or emotionally.... I think that is my biggest take away from this so far 😊

  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited August 2017

    SimplySammi - welcome to this group, you're in a tough spot. We are here to share our journey and support each other. Please ask any questions wewill try to answer your question the best weknow how

  • sweetp6217
    sweetp6217 Member Posts: 365
    edited August 2017

    Autum1031 & teaspoons and anyone else beginning chemo tomorrow and/or this week,

    I really hope that your first infusions go well, mine was fine and the nurses were like angels.

    A little heads up. Those steroids that they gave me I began taking the day before chemo, day of and day after. Brought on a great appetite which backfired on me. DETAILS ALERT (don't read if this could put you in a bad place). My last regularity was 3 nights before chemo, then nothing.......... until the day after chemo, 3 1/2 days later. Day 3, for me, was torture. I'll stop here and just say that the D was on. What helped? Imodium A-D, tucks, prep H, Cottony Ultimate incontinence pads, compazine and zofran. At least I was at home when this happened since it always gave little notice.

    I blame myself for some of that because I had a big meal the day before and a big sandwich during chemo. A very kind nurse told me that Jimmy John's delivers. Bad idea, for me. I really wish that I had done something different before chemo. Maybe eat small meals or stick to drinks (shakes with protein). It may also have to do with the fact that I got my port put in two days before chemo.

    I did manage to go to work yesterday (Monday) after taking imodium again (max of 8 per day). Work was only 4 hours and I felt pretty good, but was happy to take off when it came time. I also brought a JIC (just in case bag) with the supplies including a change of bottoms). Also, I've been on a braty diet ever since then. I'm afraid to try something else right now.

    Sorry for being so detailed and if this is inappropriate, I'll delete it. I just hope that NO ONE has to go through that.

    P.S. I ran out of preggie/queazy pops and they're nowhere to be found now near me. Too hot to order by mail.

  • SimplySammi11
    SimplySammi11 Member Posts: 70
    edited August 2017

    PK & Willow. Thanks for allowing me to share this journey. I feel so guilty being healthy and watching my loved ones suffer. I know someone has to be the strong support for them, but I just "feel" everything so deeply I'm wondering if God mixed up a bit.

    You ladies are such troopers. I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. But so glad you're there for each other.

    Heather had her port placement a few weeks ago. Her echocardiogram last Friday and her PET scan as I said before yesterday. We took her in to see NP at the breast center to be examined back in June. She had a mammogram and ultrasound that day. The NP said she could do a fine needle aspiration on the mass but because the margins were so skewed and the breast tissue so fibrous she recommended we come back the following week for the BS to to the core biopsy.

    She said the micro calcifications were what was concerning her most at that time, besides the mass size. So we went back for the core and they also took a few more mammography pics. I knew then it was cancer. I felt it, but still told my daughter it the odds were in her favor.

    When we took her back for the results my husband accompanied us. They let him come back before the surgeon came in. When she came in she told Heather to put her boxing gloves on and my heart sank. Heather was a bit confused and said, "So, its cancer for sure." The BS said, "Yes, love but we it's not a death sentence." I was so prepared and knew what was coming but still it felt like I had the wind knocked out of me. She went on to explain she wanted her to have chemo prior to a mastectomy because of the size. Heather asked, "Am I going to lose my hair?" She told her that she would but it would grow back. She also told Heather to consider a BMX because of her age.

    Heather is scared. But we are taking this as I'm sure you are a moment at a time. She's single and never been married. she had a breast MRI that showed the left had the mass and several other areas of cancer, however the right size was cancer free at this time.

    So, tomorrow is her Patient Education conference and also her first infusion day of AC.

    She's didn't get any prescriptions in advance either. I'm assuming they will be giving her those tomorrow before she begins her treatment and my husband can drop them off while I stay with her during this first session.

    My mother was hospitalized immediately when they diagnosed her lung cancer in the ER because of it pressing on her trachea. I stayed with her a lot during that time and was with her during her first treatment. She was hospitalized for 2 weeks before she could go home. It was scary. But she did fabulous and they spoiled her rotten. She's still doing really well.

    So I am just praying Heather does as well. So know different Chemo Meds carry different side effects. I'm sorry for rambling just wanted to give you some history on Heather and where she is now.

    Thanks for welcoming me. Stay strong.

    Sammi


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