starting chemo nov. 15. scared help!!!

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roxygirl64
roxygirl64 Member Posts: 32
edited June 2014 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

I am starting chemo this Thursday November 15.  I am so scared.  Went to onc. and blood pressure was 159/114.  I thought I was going to pass out.  Can anyone give me info on what you feel like after first treatment.  I am doing A/C for 4 doses every other week for 8 weeks and the toxin/hercepin for 12 weeks.  I am shaking and I have been taking my xanex to calm me but not working.  He gave me Emend to take hour prior to chemo and then one for the next to days.  Help I am so scared!!!

Jodi

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  • katoMato
    katoMato Member Posts: 645
    edited November 2007

    Hi Jodi,

    You'll be fine - don't worry. The fear before the first treatment is the worst. It's just fear of the unknown, and you'll be surprised how easy it actually ends up being. I'm glad to see you're reaching out for help on these boards. You'll find it here, for sure. I finished 4 TC tx's on Oct.3rd and now I"m on 10 of 33 rad tx's. It wasn't what anyone would call "fun", and I'm very glad I'm done, but it was doable, and more importantly it was necessary.

    The day of the infusion, the nurse or onc will probably explain to you about what kind of side effects are common to your chemo drugs, and how to deal with each one of them. I felt NOTHING that first day, nothing the second day - a little spacey, but that was it. I had been given meds for nausea, and I took them as directed. Never a problem. Funny things would happen - my taste buds went on vacation, I would be constipated, but nothing earth-shattering.

    Gather as much info as you can from the literature they give you, check these boards for info, you'll see other women's journeys and learn from them.

    You'll be done before you know it.

    And I'll be praying for you.

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  • carij68
    carij68 Member Posts: 7
    edited November 2007

    Hi Jodi,

    I just had my first chemo 4 days ago.  I am now feeling pretty good.  The anticipation is the hardest part.  Just make sure they give you good antinausea meds before and some to take home.  If you are feeling a bit ill at home.. be sure to take the meds they perscribed before it becomes overwhelming. You can also try the good ol' standby.. ginger tea, peppermint candy AND call your doctor if they aren't working. The nurse at my onc office is a very kind women, hope you have the same.  I am right here with ya girlfriend... Feel free to write :)  Cari

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  • chemo072
    chemo072 Member Posts: 682
    edited November 2007

    Jodi - big, big hugs. 

    chemo sucked for me big time, but it seems like a lot of women do better than I did.  I remember the fear well, and xanax IS a big comfort.  You will make it through, because you have to. 

    Some things to do (maybe, everyone is different):

    * suck on ice chips during chemo so that you it won't go to your mouth as much, so you don't end up with mouth sores. 

    * do not eat your favorite foods, you may well never like the smell of them again. 

    * relax as much as you can (right, hah!)

    * drink lots and lots of water, and take those anti-constipation meds

    * one day at a time ;)

    * find a group here to go through chemo with - I joined the "May 07" group because that's when I started and it made a HUGE difference in my life. 

    are neulasta, neupogen shots part of your treatment plan?  no sense getting low blood counts and a possible opportunistic infection when that's somewhat preventable. Keep those blood counts up! 

    that's all I got.  it'll be ok.   the hair thing was way overblown for me - I could have waited to get a wig, I put  so much energy and time into it and I hardly ended up wearing it.  It was nice to have, but not essential, for me at least.  

    let us know how it goes!  for me the first day was anticlimatic, the 2nd ok (as long as steroids are in effect I felt ok), it was the 3rd - 5th when I'd start to sink....and then I'd be down for another 5 days or so.  But hopefully it'll be much better for you! 

    everyone's different, do what's right for you! 

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  • SisterSuewith2
    SisterSuewith2 Member Posts: 8
    edited November 2007

    Hello Jodi, It's going to be OK. I just had my 3rd chemo treatment and I only have one more to go before I start my taxol/herceptin.  I'm also doing 4 rounds of AC every other week.  The nausea gets to me even with the meds.  I have found alot of helpful tips from others on the boards.  I have absolutely no taste for anything, so I try things to see if it will work for me.  I find that chicken noddle soup tastes good after I take the first bite. I can't drink water; it makes me gag. I did find that Crystal Light (light lemon flavor) helped to get the water down. Toast and Hot decafe Tea in the morning helps. Peppermint candies help for a little while with my nausea.  I couldn't do the lemon drops. Right now I'm having really bad acid reflucts; but the doc said I could take over the counter meds for that. Each treatment seems to build up in me alittle more each time.  I've noticed that I've been very tired this time. But just go with what your body tells you and relax if you can.  Your going to be fine. Keep a very positive attitude and know that it's going to over soon. I don't know what I would do without the ladies on this sight they have given me the best advise and suggestions.  Stay posted and ask for help if you need it, we will all be here for you. God Bless and Good Luck, Sue

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  • roxygirl64
    roxygirl64 Member Posts: 32
    edited November 2007

    Thanks to all of you for your information and the support. I think alot of the depression is cause the holidays are coming and I still have all my Christmas shopping ahead a me, but I know I can only take it one day at a time. As far as the shots they have not told me of any. I just hate for my kids to see me this way even though they are supportive and are here for everything. I have a great family, co-workers, family and my neighbors have been super, so now it is to me to get my attitude in the positive.



    Thanks again

    Jodi

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  • TenderIsOurMight
    TenderIsOurMight Member Posts: 4,493
    edited March 2008



    Jodi,



    Just a quick note urging your doctors to address that hypertension too! Your blood pressure is awfully high in the lower number (the diastolic) and I do hope that your doctors will take it again.



    This is just my opinion, but you hate to treat one known risk of breast cancer, and not the other of hypertension.



    Wishing you excellent results in both regards

    Tender

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  • Miss_Lolli
    Miss_Lolli Member Posts: 560
    edited November 2007

    Jodi, I can say that I was beyond terrified of chemo...maybe everyone is before hand? I almost backed out so many times...I have a high pain tolerance but hate being nauseated. All I can say is, after my first infusion I thought...."that's it?" lol  I had some queasiness in the days following but never any vomitting. For me it was a bit like being pregnant. Sometimes smells bother me, and sometimes I dislike usual fave foods and crave stuff I wouldn't normally like. lol

    The one thing I can say to you is ginger...I'm it's biggest advocate. Whenever my tummy feels unsettled I drink flat ginger ale, or peach ginger tea...even ginger snaps are good if you feel like sweets. I really kind of lost my taste for them though.

    The only other thing that stands out to me is, sleep when you're tired. If I get over tired that's when I feel the worst.

    I'm done with two out of four A/C's and my personal experience is...except for trying to stay out of crowds because of flu season,  I haven't been too bothered. (knock wood) lol  I hope it continues, but I have heard the fatigue is cumulative, so I'm not going to let shopping worry me. We're doing a dice game for Christmas presents this year, just because everyone knew I would worry about the picking of presents. That way someone could even pick up some random things for me to wrap. Please just try to make things simple for you this year and enjoy the days when you feel like yourself. I've actually had more of those than the other.

    Good luck to you and keep us posted.

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  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 4,820
    edited November 2007

    Jodi,

    It is all gonna be ok....big hugs to you. The anticipation is the worst--the fear of the unknown.

    Great help,love and support on this site. I could have never went thru it without these beautiful people. I finished my chemo the end of Dec. of last year. Take everyone's helpful hints and find what works for you. Listen to your body, rest when u need to. Take care of you!! It is not a walk in the park but it is doable. Come into the chat room one day...someone is always there and you can chat live.

    One note to SisterSue...I know what you mean about the water. I had the same thing with water. Now I drink it just fine.

    Jody,we are here to help you.

    Hugs and prayers,

    Candie

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  • roxygirl64
    roxygirl64 Member Posts: 32
    edited November 2007

    Well I am on my way for my first A/C treatment.  Just took my Emend and I am scared to death.  Thanks to all of you for support cause I need everything I can get at this point.

    Jodi

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  • paxton
    paxton Member Posts: 577
    edited November 2007

    Hugs and good luck today.  I'll be thinking of you.  I finished 4 AC treatments and had my 1st taxol on Monday.  I went through the whole anxiety/depression thing going to that appt, too.  One step closer to done. 

    I find it helpful to listen to relaxation CD's regularly to help keep my anxiety down.  Even just listening to music helps me.

    Good Luck!!

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  • myrenewal
    myrenewal Member Posts: 203
    edited November 2007

    Roxygirl - you'll be okay!!  You may not feel great while in chemo, but just let your doctor know exactly how you feel if you have side effects - everyone is different and my oncologist was very responsive to how I felt.  I had a prescription added for acid reflux and my steriods reduced at different times, all a result of side effects I experienced. 

    Even with side effects I was able to walk on my treadmill for about the first three treatments.  And I loved hot baths.

    How are you holding up? Hope chemo today went smoothly for you.  Pamper yourself during this time - you deserve it!  If you have bad days rest, on good days get out to a restaurant, the library, go for a walk - anything that makes you happy.

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  • roxygirl64
    roxygirl64 Member Posts: 32
    edited November 2007

    I am back from my first A/C treatment.  Wasn't as bad as I thought but I am feeling real shakey.  I hope that is normal.  They said I have to go back for some shot tomorrow and that was the first I knew about that.  It seem so unreal that this is really happening, but there is no turning back just have to take a day a time and think positve.

    Jodi

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  • Nancyab
    Nancyab Member Posts: 276
    edited November 2007

    Jodi, Congratulations that 1st step is the hardest. Now you are over the hurdle of the unknown. The shot is to keep your blood counts up, it does sting, but know it is just insurance while you battle. It may cause you to have body aches but it does pass. I was scared to death too when I started last January, by the 2 treatment I started losing my hair. because that actually hurt I had my DH shave my head and it felt so much better. Now my hair is almost 4 " long!!! It started coming back during my 12 taxol treatments. I just want you to know that you should be very very proud of yourself, you accomplished a lot today and before you know it, it's done and you beat that monster! Hugs

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  • Keenie
    Keenie Member Posts: 258
    edited November 2007

    Hi Jodi,

    I did 4 AC and finished tx in June. All the advice you're getting here is great - stay on your schedule for meds, even if you don't feel sick. You want to keep ahead of the nausea. I found drinking water a pain, but it helps with the constipation you may experience with the anti-emetics.



    My hair started to go on Day 14. Right on schedule! My hair has come back in nice and curly and I'm loving it! Don't be discouraged - be proud of yourself for taking action. I agree with the other girls - find a group to talk with during your tx. Our group was and is an amazing support. The prayers and love are overwhelming.

    Christine

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  • roxy42
    roxy42 Member Posts: 495
    edited November 2007

    Hi,I'm starting tuesday again for two more rounds.I had four rounds befor surgery.I'm doing 2 more.You will get through this.Drink alot of fluids.Eat small meals.I have 2 small kids and one disabled,and not lot of family to help.So taking care of them on kemo is hard.I'm getting through this journey thanks to women on these boards they will get you through stay positive....godbless roxy42

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