Starting treatment for IDC

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Grandma05
Grandma05 Member Posts: 15
edited March 2019 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

I was diagnosed with IDC on January 29, 2019. Shortly after, I learned it had traveled to the lymph nodes. I've had a bone scan, pelvic CT scan with dye, breast CT scan with dye, and a full body scan all within a month. Monday they are putting a port in me for the chemo drugs. Up until now I've not been too upset yet, but now, I'm so scared of all of this. I have Stage IIB, Grade 3 IDC. Can anyone tell me what is next for me? My doctor has chosen chemo first, then surgery. Does chemo hurt? Does it make everyone sick? How did you deal with hair loss? Is there anything else I should know from your experiences?


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  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited March 2019

    Hiya,

    I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. You can find a lot more info and conversations by looking under the Chemo topic here. It can also be helpful to join the thread of people starting at the same time as you.

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  • Mncteach
    Mncteach Member Posts: 274
    edited March 2019

    Do you know what chemo regimen you will be doing? That will give you more info too! Sorry you have to join us but we are a very helpful group and can give you lots of information

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  • Grandma05
    Grandma05 Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2019
    1. Dx: 1/29/19; left; 2cc, now 6cc, stage IIB, Grade 3, lymph node involvement but I'm not sure how many yet, triple negative.

    Chemotherapy: Doxorubicin IV; Cyclophosphamide IV, Fosaprepitant IV.

    I am 62.

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  • CaliKelly
    CaliKelly Member Posts: 474
    edited March 2019

    Hi Grandma05, I was diagnosed at age 57, Stage3c, grade 2 , cancer in the lymph nodes also. I had chemo first, slightly different cocktail than yours. I had chemo infusion every 3 weeks ,6 cycles. My experience was like this: Day after chemo felt pretty good, due to the steroids in the i.v. after that, felt slightly flu like for a few days, nauseous but no vomiting, the anti nausea drug works well, 2nd week, tired but better each day, 3rd week pretty good, almost normal. Then ,starts over. Started losing hair on 16th day after 1st infusion, shaved my head, mostly wore scarves with fake bangs but had a couple of wigs.I kept my life as normal as possible, went to the gym, except first week of each cycle, went out socially etc. Food will taste very strange after awhile, not appetizing, even water! I preferred food with little taste.Lost about 15 lbs. TLC catalog has lots of things like wigs, bangs, hats etc, . Look online.You can do it Grandma! Just stay away from sick people while having chemo! Be aware of germs. I never had to postpone an infusion because of low blood counts. That's another thing, they check your blood counts before each session, at my hospital, I went in 1 day before for lab work. Good luck! Youre a Super Grandma! 💖 P.S. don't eat hot peppers, or vinegar!

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  • Grandma05
    Grandma05 Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2019

    Thank you for the info Calikelly. This helps alot to know what I might face. I understand every persons experience is different just like their cancer case is different. But I do appreciate the 'heads up' on what might occur.

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  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited March 2019

    I agree with the suggestion above to join the chemotherapy thread for people starting this month. It really helps to share information with people who are going through the same things. Also take the time to read the threads from people a couple months ahead of you and you'll learn about all the tried and true tips and techniques.
    Hang in there, it's all doable. And as someone on this board told me "you don't have to be brave, you just have to show up" If you experience any symptoms, let your team know and odds are, they can find ways of alleviating them. Don't suffer in silence - tell your nurses, doctors and come here to also get info and support. Good luck!

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  • Grandma05
    Grandma05 Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2019

    Thank you so much. Finding this group seems to be the best thing I could have found to help me through this. Thanks again. I really appreciate all the help and advice I can get.

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  • Grandma05
    Grandma05 Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2019

    Just had the port put in yesterday and was called today to tell me my treatment begins on Tuesday (also my daughter's 39th birthday). I knew it was coming but I was really hoping it wouldn't start on her birthday. My dad (her grandpa) passed away just hours after her birthday 14 years ago, so she isn't very happy about this news about her mom now. But next year I will give her the best gift of all, a mom that is free and clear of cancer to never have to face that enemy again! With God's help!

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  • CaliKelly
    CaliKelly Member Posts: 474
    edited March 2019

    I had my mastectomy on my birthday! My entire surgery team sang Happy Birthday to me as they wheeled me in to the O.R.😂😂💖💖My most memorable birthday for sure! Makes it east to remember my Cancerversary! Good luck G'ma ,you kick some cancer butt😚💕💕💕

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  • Grandma05
    Grandma05 Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2019

    Thank you CaliKelly. I'm not going down without a fight, for sure! I have 5 grandkids to watch grow up, get married and have great grandkids I can spoil. Way too much to do to let this monster win this fight! Round one starts Tuesday! I'm not going anywhere yet, I'm not done with life just yet!

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  • JanetMara
    JanetMara Member Posts: 179
    edited March 2019

    Hi Grandma05,

    I'm so sorry,you joined us in this crazy cancer world.

    Very important--make sure you are adequately hydrated (8-10 glasses of fluids/day) and plenty of rest and sleep especially before and after chemotherapy.

    There are people who tolerates chemo and there are those who cannot tolerate like me. Usually the side effects are nausea,vomiting but they give you Zofran to control it, loose stools--make sure you keep Imodium with you in case you have frequent diarrhea, hair loss--you can mix castor oil and coconut oil and massage on your scalp after you take shower,both will help you grow your hair, weakness--I take vitamins daily, DEEP breath a lot to help keep you oxygenated.I felt so weak on the 3rd and 4th day,so take adequate rest. DIET--try to avoid sugar as sugar feeds cancer,avoid GMO and processed foods if you can,try to go raw greens if you can.Alkaline water helped me,some don't believe in it but it did help me especially I'm older (65).

    JUAMARA

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