First chemo today...so scared

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dlittkemann
dlittkemann Member Posts: 234
edited July 2018 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Hi Everyone

I appreciated so much the help w my last post. Will update that one today re scans too. But now I'd love info on the chemo. Day one today for me. I'm so scared as I'm sure all ppl are but I'd love to hear stories that aren't horror stories. Seems that's all I've heard from ppl around me and it just makes me even more scared. Thanks in advance

Comments

  • IamNancy
    IamNancy Member Posts: 1,158
    edited June 2018

    I understand you feeling scared... but I remember the first chemo and it wasn't bad.... they make sure you are very comfortable... I brought a book and a blanket with me --- the blanket was a comfort to me...

    Are you in the group here -- starting chemo June 2018?

  • dlittkemann
    dlittkemann Member Posts: 234
    edited June 2018

    thank u so much. Glad to hear some find Day 1 ok :-

  • DodgersGirl
    DodgersGirl Member Posts: 2,382
    edited June 2018

    what kind of chemo will you have today?

    Regardless, drink plenty of water. Ask if you need to suck on ice to lessen chances of mouth sore (diff chemos have different tricks). Take your prescribed nausea meds as directed. You want to ward off nausea, don’t wait til you don’t feel well to take them unless that is what your doctor advised. Eat small meals every 3-4 hours. You will probably have some kind of steroid in the IV so you should feel ok today and tomorrow from the IV meds.

    Good luck. The day of infusion usually goes well

  • dlittkemann
    dlittkemann Member Posts: 234
    edited June 2018

    no. How do I find that geoup

  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited June 2018

    Here's a link to the "Starting June 2018" group:

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topics...

    You can "add to my favorite topics" to keep a closer eye on it.

  • L1994BCS
    L1994BCS Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2018

    Hi, I am a almost 24 year breast cancer survivor. I will be 65 this year. I have had 11 biopsies, #10 was cancer. I had almost 6 months of chemo and 25 rounds of radiation. Sister, I must say "maintain a positive attitude" that us half the battle. Take care of yourself rest and do what your body tells you!!! God is Good and He will be there for you! Have Faith. God Bless you🙇♀️💖

  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited June 2018

    It is all very scary. That really doesn't go away, but you can get through it. I couldn't even stand blood tests before breast cancer, and I did it.

    I'm soon 7 years out - Stage 3 - huge tumor - lots of nodes - Her 2 Pos - heart issues - I'm still here!

    You can do this!

  • hapa
    hapa Member Posts: 920
    edited June 2018

    Chemo so far has been easier than I thought it would be. The first round is the scariest because you don't know what to expect. I'm on #5 out of 6 so only one more to go! And definitely stay on top of the nausea meds. Once you start throwing up you're screwed, but if you take them preventatively they work really well. Also, I look better bald than I thought it would.

  • dlittkemann
    dlittkemann Member Posts: 234
    edited June 2018

    thanks everyone. I'm having tough time. First tx mon and been taking the pill for nausea but either it or dex I had reaction to. Causes me to be so jittery. Hard to sit still. Couldn't see from blurred vision but now I'm so nauseated and can't take the pill. I don't want that reaction again. Anyone had this? Gravol isn't doing much

  • IntegraGirl
    IntegraGirl Member Posts: 147
    edited June 2018

    I did 8 rounds of chemo last year. I found a study by Dr Valter Longo that found fasting for 48 hours before treatment and 24 hours after treatment helped minimize side effects. So that's what I did. I got quite tired by the end and my sense of taste was shot but the other side effects were pretty nominal. I also didn't get a port and didn't regret that decision once. I took probiotics to help keep my gut happy. I drank tons of water....mainly carbonated because flat water tasted disgusting to me. I should have bought shares in Perrier Green Apple :)

    Be gentle with yourself. It's tough physically, mentally and emotionally but you'll get through it.

  • dlittkemann
    dlittkemann Member Posts: 234
    edited July 2018

    just hope it gets a bit easier. I'm too tired and weak to even sit outside w my son. Only one week today since I had first treatment. Hope I get even a small amount more energy

  • PreludeSing
    PreludeSing Member Posts: 102
    edited July 2018

    dlittkemann... (((hugs)))...a year ago I was going through exactly what you are going through. I found out after I finished chemo (when I did some genetic testing) that I was a weak metabolizer of some of the anti-nausea drugs they gave me....😣😣😣.

    Tiny sips of ginger ale alternating with water seemed to help me a little bit to keep hydrated...

    Really hoping you get the upswing soon!



  • dlittkemann
    dlittkemann Member Posts: 234
    edited July 2018

    So there is an upswing? Lol. That's what I was wondering

  • hapa
    hapa Member Posts: 920
    edited July 2018

    I had blurry vision after my first round of chemo. I was told it was a side effect of the steroids. No jitters, but I did have diaphragm spasms that kept me up all night one night. I called the 24 hour hotline about that one and the doctor told me it was a side effect of the steroids. Your jitters are definitely the steroids. The good news is I apparently adapted to the steroids and didn't have either of those side effects again. Best of luck with your subsequent rounds!

  • SunshineLo
    SunshineLo Member Posts: 2
    edited July 2018

    Hello. I am 26 years old. I start my first treatment today too, ACT regimen. I am stage 3 with a few lymph node under armpit. Any tips or any info anyone would like to share? Things I should know, things to avoid like food?

  • bobby77056
    bobby77056 Member Posts: 28
    edited July 2018

    SunshineLo - good luck to you!! Fiber, fiber... the hardest part for me was not being able to go to the bathroom. I almost passed out on day 4. Drink plenty of fluids, and try to see if you can take some "natural" remedies for nausea or over the counter. To me, the px meds caused me more side efects. Rest, and listen to your body!

    Good luck to you, and keep up posted!


  • noregrets63
    noregrets63 Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2018

    Stay positive, amazing how much your attitude can affect your body. I also am in the middle of my chemo regiment. Also Stage 3, large tumor and many lymph nodes removed- ER + PR + HER2 - I have had great success with following Dr. Longo's fasting regiment. It is not easy, but I am very determined and the 48 hour fast has worked very well for me, my nurses tell me to keep doing what I am doing because I have had no nausea or vomiting and my white blood counts have come back nicely each week. Its not easy, after two months there is a lot of exhaustion around those nadir dates. But I feel really fortunate that it could be much worse. I drink lots of water, some vitamin water zero and eat as healthy as possible. My Onc said I could do the fast but he didn't think it would help. I am going back to see him soon, I am happy to share this trial I did with anyone. I feel strong that everything happens for a reason, and having cancer and hopefully helping others is something I can do. I have strong opinions (now) that our food source is working against us, too many people with cancer. Each person will have to come to their own conclusions, but research and research because even though they have good intentions our Dr's are not assisting us in that area. You are young, it may be too much right now but when something like this hits us change is necessary. My cancer may have been caused by hormone meds I was on too long, I eat healthy...but know I can do better and I am. Good luck to you, be strong!

  • dlittkemann
    dlittkemann Member Posts: 234
    edited July 2018

    is anyone on the ACT regiment for chemo? Curious when have to switch to the second part half way through if it will get worse for side effects or is this part, the ac part the worst? Hope I have name right. It was short form on my papers dr gave me

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