33yrs old and confused about chemo

cracker2 · June 2007

I am starting 3 different kindsj of chemo Monday and am getting very nervous.I have had a biospy done and found out I had cancer. They then found my lymph nodes were cancer to. I decided to have a bi-latteral done. they removed 24 nodes and 15 showed cancer. I went2 days ago and did a pet scan and am waiting for the results. Now I am starting chemo.I am nerverous about the side afftects and how quick they may come.Can anyone give me some adivse on what is about to happen to me? I am taking Adriamycin,Taxotere,and Cytoxan. It takes about 4hrs for me to take it. Will take all the info. you can give me. Thank You so much for talking to me!!!!!!!!

Anonymous · June 2007

Cracker,
Im very sorry to hear you have joined us here on this journey....but would like to help you if I can....
I didnt have chemo so dont know any of the answers for you, but I do know that you will need to post what kinds of chemo you will be having for others to be able to give you much information....so start there....and the next thing you know you will have tons of posts here from our sisters who have been in your shoes....

Hugs
Jule

cracker2 · June 2007

Thank You,
They haven't told me what kinds i will be taking just that it will take about 4hrs. and that there will be 3 different kinds of chemo. I do want to say thank you though for your help

mibriggs · June 2007

Hey hun

Big hugs to you.
I was 33 when I got diagnosed, I too had chemo and rads also mastectomy. It really was one big rollercoaster of treatment, but I have recently finished all the treatnment, and you too will get thru it.

I did a combination of three chemos called FEC, very strong but very effective. Glad I did it. I had 6 cycles, three weekly. I lost my hair ( but from my pic it has grown back in abundance as u can see, smile)
I went on a prechemo assessment before I started my treatment and everything was explained to me thoroughly, hopefully this will be the same for you.
This website was a life saver for me, lots of ladies will come along to share their experience. Just remember u will get thru this and we will help you along the way.

hugs
mel
xoxo

cracker2 · June 2007

Thank you so much for talking to me.I will check out the web site tonight. again thank you.

marla13 · June 2007

Hey cracker - so sorry you have to deal with this. I was diagnosed at 32, that was November '05. I went through chemo and rads - my last treatment being July '06. I had a 7cm tumor and 9 out of 12 nodes positive. Not just slightly, but cancer was growing out through the nodes. Pretty tough stuff. But, I am happy to report that 2 weeks ago I went for follow up scans and bloodwork and got the "all clear".

I will tell you this. What you are about to go through will be scary - you will have days where you think you can't take anymore. My advice to you is to take one day at a time. Rest every chance you get. Focus not on the entire treatment and how long it will take altogether, rather, focus ONLY on the next treatment that lies ahead of you. Get yourself from treatment to treatment and once you complete one, celebrate "one down"! This will be the hardest thing you've probably ever had to do, but you will do it, you will get through it, and believe it or not, you will be stronger because of it. The limitations you think you have now, you will find are not really there. You can handle more than you realize.

Standing on this side of the diagnosis, looking back, I can honestly say that if I had to, I would do it again. There were days in the beginning, where I almost decided to give up. I am so thankful that I didn't. I promise you that you can do this - stay strong for yourself and no one else. Cry when you feel like it, but always always keep a good and positive attitude about the outcome! Never, ever give up!

If you need anything, we're here. There are many wonderful ladies that understand exactly what you're going through, so when you think you're losing your mind - ask! There are no "dumb" questions!!! They are all important.

Hang in there!

((((((HUGS!!!)))))

Marla

JennKeisner · June 2007

I was diagnosed the day before my 33rd birthday 10/05(happy birthday to me!) when my daughter was 8 months old. Initially I did a lumpectomy and they found the that sentinal node was positive so I had to go back in for surgery a month later. I started chemo in 1/06 and did ACT. I finished chemo 4/06. During chemo I found that I was BRCA 1 positive so I decided in 6/06 to have a prof. bilateral mastectomy and oopherectomy.

I agree with Marla that when you are going through it, there are days that you just want to give up (not on life, but, on chemo). There were times I went in for my biweekly check up and just cried to my onc. He was also like my therapist at the time. Now I am 1 year post everything and I feel great! I know that I have done everything within my power to ensure that this beast never comes back (not that it can't but there is nothing more that I can do to prevent it). Just stay positive. Know that you CAN get through it though it will be a hard road.

The effects from the chemo were cumlative for me. The AC part wasn't sooo bad. I just got very tired and weak about 3 days later for a few days then I was fine until the next round. I was dose dense (every 2 wks). The Taxol was the worst for me. That is when I wanted to give up. I had severe joint pain. At times I couldn't even walk but again it was just for a few days. Look at it this way...in a 14 day span, you will have about 4-5 bad days so at least 9 good days. That is a much better way to look at it right? good luck!

cracker2 · June 2007

Thank you for your information. I have been able to stay postive so far, but now my chemo is right around the corner and not that i am not still postive because I do feel I can handle this, I can not let this get me my life is just begining. I am however very nerverous about the days to come and the side effects the chemo is about to do to me. So thank you very much for sharing everyting you know with me. I really need this. Again thank you.

cracker2 · June 2007

Thank You!!!!!!!!I quess that is one way of really looking at this. I am not one to slow down and have really never even missed any work. So you can imagen my worst fear is not the way this is going to make me look but how sick and how down will it make me. I have already had to slow down due to the surgery's and to know now I may have to slow down again is very scary to me. By the way I work for a moving company. I would move everything out of your house. Very physical work for someone who has to slow down so thank you again for your information. I really am glad you all have came to talk to me.

conniehar · June 2007

Cracker -

So sorry you have to join us. As others have said, you will make it through chemo. It's not a walk in the park, but it's doable. You will have good and bad days - but they won't be all bad!! I would advise you to go to the Going Through Chemotherapy board and join the thread for those starting chemo in June. You will get to know ladies starting chemo at the same time as you and you can share what you are all going through. I started in April and talking to my April sisters really helps.

Raye99 · June 2007

Honey -
I too am so sorry you have to go through this. But remember, you can do this and we are all here to support you.

Try not to concentrate on any preconceived notions of chemo - it is not as bad as one might imagine.

I worked all through chemo, only missing my treatment days (Fridays) and then, near the end, the Mondays after treatment and was still able to go out socially and enjoy normal activities. It did not stop my life.

You can do this.
Raye

cracker2 · June 2007

thank you i started today so on my way down this road. thank you for everything and all the information it is very appreciated.

cracker2 · June 2007

thank you for the advise. I will check it out. I started to day and am on my way. young stobborn and ready to kick it in the bottom.

tara2 · June 2007

Hi, It's my first time here and it's so good to hear so many positive stories. I was taken back by your's Jenn, I'm 34 and have a 9 mth old baby. I had a lumpectomy on 4th June and have my follow up assessment in two days time. I am dreading being told I need more surgery. It's good to hear that you went through something similar and now feel great. Thanks for sharing that. I have to go now but I will be back tomorrow to read more.
You are all an inspiration to me.
T

KAud · June 2007

Dx at 33 with 2 small girls age 5 & 3. I had a huge tumor 7-8cm in my right breast and several lymph nodes lit up on the Pet/CT. Had chemo 1st - TAC - once every 3 weeks for 6 times. Had bi-lateral in May and found 14+ lymph nodes

Now doing radiation and hormone therapy (tamoxifen).

It is one HUGE roller coaster ride.

You can do this though and before you know it - chemo will be over.

Karen

cracker2 · June 2007

Hey evryone just wanted to let everybody know that has helped me that round one has been reall good I was tired a few days and really sick for a couple of days after that it has been great.I am taking Adriamcin,Taxotere,and Cytoxan. I go in and sit there for 4hrs while the give them to me. The Adriamycin did make the gums in my mouth sore.Last weekend my family and me went to the relay for life and spent the night. It is an awesome thing. I recommed anyone to go who hasn't tried it. It helps alot to be around other people. I also lost my hair monday. Lots of changes but all worth it to have the rest of my life. Thank you everyone who has given me adivse or has more advise to give me.

maiolo · June 2007

hello cracker2

first off all, you're not alone. i see you've got some great advise from the ladies here and please know that we're here to help you.

i was first diagnosed when i was 33, stage 3, and had the works. after my lumpectomy, i think 2 lymph nodes were biopsied and they found cancer, so all were removed on that side at the time of mastectomy.

re. the chemo side effects, it really varies from person to person for the most part. when i had my first one, there were several ladies who started around the same time as me and were on the same stuff (Adriamycin, Taxol, ...) and we each had different experiences. mine was the strongest, i knew that from my doctor, and i somehow managed to still take my dog for his 1 hour walk everyday. i'm not even health conscious mind you, i'm actually very lumpish

all i can say about the chemo is to come there prepared, besides following all your doctor's advise for good measure.

i usually brought my own DVD player to while away the time. i brought comedies like Will & Grace. no sad, sappy stuff.

the only other thing i could think of was that one of my side effects from chemo was itchy hands. Kiehls lotions helped with that.

you know, when i felt like i couldn't take any more, i thought of this to myself --
this too, shall pass.

you take care

cracker2 · June 2007

Thanks so much for the information. I went again for my 2nd round. I am already sck to my stomache and the food taste aweful. The nurse saud to try using plastic silverware. That the metal silverware puts a bad taste in your mouth. Have anyone tried this or heard of it? Any way I am doing good for the most part. Thank you so much.

sschmidt · June 2007

Oh you are doing very well indeed. Try the plastic it may help. it is just a smell tast thing that will go away after chemo.

I almost cried when I first started reading these posts. It just seems so unfair to be so young and go through this. You will do well. I am 57 and I did well. Same drugs. It ahs been almost a year since last taxotere and I am feeling just great. Went swimming tonight.

I will be thinking of you. I didn't find this sight until I was finished with chemo. Whish I would have found it sooner.

Shirley

oscarsmom · June 2007

Hi Cracker,
I was 36 when I was diagnosed in Sept., chemo, bilateral, and rads. 8 positive nodes>>>>the worst part of the whole situation was the chemo> You will get through this. There are days that seem to last forever when you feel crummy, but you will be yourself again, I promise.
I still can't really eat chinese food or a certain kind of chicken noodle soup because I ate them during chemo, yuck. I think it is more of a memory of chemo then anything. You can do this. It may seem like forever right now, but take it one day at a time.
Lots of Love,
Pegs

debbie444 · July 2007

I was 33 when i was diagnosed. I had a lumpectomy with 28 nodes removed - 1 pos in May 05. I then had a bad time healing - a seroma , abcess and haemmorrage resulted in an ambulance ride and a long stay in hospital , then daily visits to the hospital to have the resulting holes packed with seaweed under gas and air.I started FEC in Oct 05 - all of the chemo nurses gave me a round of applause when i funally reached them. I then had Rads , followed by Tamoxifen and an Ooophrectomy , folllowed by a change to Arimidex. Now I am 2 years out - do you know something? It was all worth it. Put the lipstick on , get the high heels ready and stick your chin out - hit it running. It will put things into perspective and give you a new outlook on life if nothing else!!
Debbie

33yrs old and confused about chemo

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