Starting chemo Dec 2007

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beasgirl
beasgirl Member Posts: 241
edited August 2016 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

Here's the stats for everybody here so far--add yours by sending a post and I'll paste it in:

 SUZ - Age 46, Dose Dense AC-12/12, 12/27,1/10,1/24, then Taxol (tentatively) Feb 4, 19, Mar 4, 18. Self injecting Neupogen every 2nd day, 5 or 6 times each cycle. (Suz , Let me know when you know your Taxol dates and I'll edit. I see your dates aren't 2 weeks exactly each time.

LORI - Age 42, Dose Dense AC-12/7, 12/21, 1/4, 1/18, then on to Taxol-2/1, 2/15, 2/29, 3/14. Treatments are on Fridays, I go back in on Mondays for Neulasta injections with each AC. Then on to surgery, 3/31 (lumpectomy & lymph node removal) and then radiation.

AMY - age 39. weekly taxol/herceptin x12. tx every Friday 12/14-2/29. To be followed by herceptin alone every three weeks for 9 months. (Unilateral mastectomy with DIEP recon. was 10/29/07.)

CINDY- Age 43 Lumpectomy 10/10, re-excision 10/26. TC x4. 11/20, 12/3,1/2,1/23 ,then on to radiation.

SALLY- age 38; found lump Sep 10 2007; Diagnosed Oct 8; bi-weekly AC 12/12, 12/26, 1/9, 1/23. Then bi-weekly Taxol 2/6, 2/20, 3/5, 3/19. Neulasta shot bi-weekly on day following tx. Following ACT tx, daily pill of Tamoxifen for 5 years. Surgeries were on 11/13: bi-lateral mastectomy with sentinel lymph node dissection and immediate reconstruction.

KMK - Age 44 - I was diagnosed with IDC 10/9. Lumpectomy 11/7/07, nodes negative for cancer. ER/PR +, Her 2 neu-, 1.3 cm tumor, grade 3. Had Brachytherapy (internal radiation) for five days beginning 11/14, and began Taxotere/Cytoxan for 4 times every three weeks, dates 12/19, 1/9, 1/30 and 2/20. I did have neulasta shot at time of chemo. Oncotype DX score was 31 which gave me a recurrence rate of 21 % which unfortunately puts me at high risk (low high at least). Will begin Tamoxifen for 5 years after chemo.

LAURA - Age 49. Lumpectomy and SNB on Oct 4, Chemo FEC (Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide) x 6 every 3 wks: Dec 3, 24, Jan 14, Feb 4, 25, Mar 17. then Radiation.

KATE - age 37. Taxol Feb 20, March 5, 19 and April 2. stage 3. her2 negative.

JEANNIE - 43- Unilateral Mastectomy Dec. 3, 2007- IDC, 6 cm,Stage II, Grade 3, 9/21 nodes, ER+, Her2+... Treatment Plan - 6 treatments every 3 weeks of Taxotere/Carboplatin - and Herceptin every week... while undergoing Tax/Carb then continuing w/ Herceptin every weeks for a year and Tamoxfin for 5yrs... 4 treatments down and 2 to go... Treatments are on Fridays-- last 2 are on 3/21/08, and 4/11/08.....Followed by 6-8 weeks Radiation....

WISHIWERE-(history of dx/treatment): Sept 20, 2007- CBC with PCP; Sept 21 -Dx Mammo; Oct 3rd -BS and US Bx -Called 2 days later with BC Dx-IDC/DCIS 1.7; Oct 17-MRI Bx- 2 days later, second BC Dx ILC/LCIS 1.0; Oct 25-Mast/SLN- CLEAR NODES!; Dec 5th-A/C started 


Sisters in Balditude! FUBC! Git along, little cancer cells, git along!!!

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Comments

  • dianeh1954
    dianeh1954 Member Posts: 20
    edited November 2007

    Hey Amy, I am starting chemo on 12/5 with Cytoxan and Eperubicin.  Every other week for 8 treatments.  Lucky me, I should be losing my hair around Christmas, but I got the results of my CT and Pet Scans and I am clear of all cancer..

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  • beasgirl
    beasgirl Member Posts: 241
    edited November 2007

    Hi Diane--

    Congratulations on being clear! So your chemo sounds like mine, just to be extra sure? Where are you located? I'm in the Boston area.

    Are you going to join a support group or anything? I'm on the fence about that...

    You're a week ahead of me--I'll be following you around to see what's in store for me!

    best--Amy. 

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  • georgias_mommy
    georgias_mommy Member Posts: 87
    edited November 2007

    Hi Amy and Diane,

    I start my chemo this Friday (November 30) so, I'm kinda on the cusp of the December chemo group. I usually post over there with those gals, but I saw that you both are having the same "cocktail" as I am (taxotere and cytoxan) and I thought we could all learn from each other. 

    Here we go! Be well!

    Sharon 

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  • beasgirl
    beasgirl Member Posts: 241
    edited November 2007

    Hi Sharon--I think I saw you over there when I was lurking, and meant to contact you about the meds. Good luck on Friday!!!! Are you ready? Will you have somebody go with you? Your little one is so cute!! Mine are big now--4 and 9. --Amy

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  • Marie816
    Marie816 Member Posts: 6
    edited November 2007

    Hi Amy, Diane and Sharon,

    New to all this, actually this is my second post on here. Starting chemo on Dec 4th, next tuesday !!! I had a left radical modified mastectomy and today I'll have my last fill ( reconstructive surgery ) Also have a port for my chemo... my husband says I have angel hair veins... I agree! So now with this port I feel blessed.My tx is A/C 4 rounds every other week and then 4 rounds of T...after that ...no idea...

    I am looking forward to talk and share with you all...

    I have a wonderful husband and 6 kids...

    Sharon, I'll be thinking about you on the 30th. Amy, yours is one day after mine... my thoughts and prayers will be with you all.Bye for now, Marie

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  • suz45
    suz45 Member Posts: 796
    edited November 2007

    Hi Amy, Diane, Sharon & Marie,

    I think you can count me in. I have my appt with oncologist & team on Dec 3. I'll have more info once I've seen them. I have been following (reading) the Nov thread for a while now, I had my surgery Oct 19 so I figured I be a Nov gal..... now Im hoping that it will be in Dec & not Jan. The waiting seems to be the hardest part. Hugs to all.Smile

    Suz

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  • beasgirl
    beasgirl Member Posts: 241
    edited November 2007

    Awesome--looks like we have an official club. yipeeFrown...

    Suz, I absolutely understand about the waiting--I had to wait almost 3 months for my surgery, because I had a diep reconstruction, and it was very stressful--by the time the surgery came around, I had thought about it so much, it was just a relief--even with the misery of recovering! Why the long wait? Did you have a complicated diagnosis?

    I'm still waiting for my second opinion, and I'm dreading that it will be different from my onc's--I really couldn't stand to change my mind at this point! And I've only been living with the idea that I'll need chemo for a couple of weeks.

    Marie--looks like we're in this together! What are they giving you? How old are your kids? Six! Holy mackerel! I hope they're big enough to take care of you and not the other way around.

    Looking forward to hearing updates from everybody--I imagine there will be more of us in the next couple of weeks.

    time for bed--getting my hair cut short tomorrow!! eek...

    Amy. 

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  • MaryB
    MaryB Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2007

    Hi Dec chemo partners!

    It's official. I will begin chemo AC x 4 +Taxol x 4 every two weeks, beginning Wednesday, Dec 5. My reckoning is that I should be ready for final reconstructive surgery in April and then the hormonal therapy for the next five years. I had a 1.1 cm ILC, 1/14 nodes,er+/pr+ , her2-. Dx in Sept, mastectomy and tissue expander in October. I had to have a second surgery to take out 10 more lymph nodes, since the original SLN appeared to be negative, but after closer inspection one was determined to be negative. I hated to have that second surgery and all the complications an ALND entails. I just got a sleeve to help with my recovery. At least I don't have to endure radiation too. Next major decision is when I chop off my hair and get a wig. I guess I have until the second session to do it.  Good luck to you all.

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  • suz45
    suz45 Member Posts: 796
    edited November 2007

    Hi Amy

    I found my lump on August 15 (I had an itch and I scratched and presto here I am) mammo & ultrasound Aug 20, core biopsy Sept 18 and then surgery.. lumpectomy LB and 21 Lymph nodes removed on Oct 19. Lots of appointments in between for results and such. 

    Received my pathology report on Nov 6.Frown  IDC 2 cm, node adjacent to tumor +mets DC 1.1cm and 1/21 lymph nodes +mets DC. Since then I have just waited for my Dec 3 appointment with the cancer agency. I guess thats just how long the waiting list is here. I couldnt get any info over the phone as to what sort of a wait there might be to start the chemo and radiation. Soooo I wait some more. 

    Enough complaining! I'm so glad I came across this board and will welcome sharing this journey with all of you. Time to shut the puter down so take care all & lots of hugs.

    suz

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  • georgias_mommy
    georgias_mommy Member Posts: 87
    edited November 2007

    Hi everyone!

    Thanks for your comments about my daughter, Georgia. How sweet you all are! She's doing her "Pa Pa" dance in that photo. My father-in-law would put his hands behind his head and do a little dance for her to make her laugh. She would mimic him and squeal with delight. What a gift!

    Amy, I am mentally preparing for my chemo tomorrow. I saw my oncologist yesterday and he answered a bunch of questions and gave me a good idea of what to expect in terms of side-effects. For those of you getting ready for TC, this is what he said...

    I need to have someone come with me (or at least drive me home) because they will administer a drug called Ativan to "relax" me and it tends to make you drowsy. My husband is going to be there with me. The overall treatment should last 2-3 hours, so I will be happy to have the company! 

    I have to start taking a steroid pill (Dexamethasone) this evening and one tomorrow morning. This is to combat any allergic reaction I may have to the Taxotere. I'll have that administered again right before they give me that infusion. 

    Taxotere has fewer reports of nausea than Adriamyacin (sp?) has. It also doesn't have the adverse effects on the heart. I'll probably feel like I have a case of the flu for about a week, but if I keep up with the meds they have prescribed I should fare very well. Typically, the week after the infusion will be the worst and that I should slowly improve until the next treatment. He said that I should to drink a minimum of 64 oz. of water a day and urinate frequently for the first few days after the infusion. I've heard that I should even set an alarm so I can get up every few hours. I can take a Tylenol PM to combat the sleeplessness caused by the steroids and try Coenzyme Q10 to see if it helps with the fatigue. 

    He said that there is an American Cancer Society office here in town and they have teamed up with a spa in the area. If I decide to buy a wig from the American Cancer Society, the spa will color and style it for me at no charge. That is definitely something to think about. 

    I remember standing at the check-out desk at the breast care center after my surgical follow-up. While waiting for an appointment to be scheduled, I glanced at the assistant's monitor where she had taped a piece of paper with the following words..."God would not bring you to it, if he could not see you through it." 

    If you have faith in God (by what ever name - thank you Karyll Wink) you are not alone. This, along with my family and friends (including all of you) will see me through this journey.

    Prayers for you all! Be well!

    Sharon 

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  • beasgirl
    beasgirl Member Posts: 241
    edited November 2007

    Hi all--

    Sharon--thanks so much for the info--it sounds a lot like what my onc told me when I peppered her with questions yesterday!! Ativan is good stuff. Good luck tomorrow--we'll all be thinking of you! And check back in when you can to let us know how it's going.

    I'm thinking a lot about hair today. I'm getting it cut short today, to be able to try on wigs easier and also to kinda get used to the idea of having less hair--I've had it long-ish for a long time. I don't know if any of your doctors mentioned this, but mine told me that most/many insurance companies will cover the cost of a wig. She wrote me a prescription for a "cranial prosthesis"!!!Laughing It's nice not to have price factor into my choice!

    Has anybody's doc talked about chemo slowing down the healing for recon. surgery? I know nobody expected me to need chemo, and so I decided on this pretty intense surgery, thinking I could take my time recovering, and then be done. I'm four weeks out, and still pretty sore, esp. at night, and certainly tire pretty quickly. Still, I'm WAY better than I was... I just hope the chemo doesn't slow down or mess up my recovery from the surgery.

    Suz, I'm sorry the system is slowing you down...does freaking out on people have any effect? That's always something to try when the chips are down...Yell! My sister is a master--she can throw up, develop hives, hyperventilate, cry, yell--it all gets awesome results!! I've never been that talented, sadly. 

    Why am I not more freaked out? Is anybody working the denial thing like me? I am almost weirdly cheery these days...  I'd blame it on drugs, but I've finally stopped taking the percocet, so it isn't even that!!

    Ah well, whatever works--

    Amy 

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  • georgias_mommy
    georgias_mommy Member Posts: 87
    edited November 2007

    Hi Amy! I think you've hit the nail on the head...WHATEVER works! Smile

    OK, I just have to ask....did you giggle your butt off when you read "cranial prosthesis"? I could barely get the words out of my mouth when I asked the doctor about a prescription. I'm sorry if that seems offensive to anyone. We've all been through so much in the past few months. Let's laugh at as much as we can!

    Sharon 

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  • beasgirl
    beasgirl Member Posts: 241
    edited November 2007

    Yeah, "cranial prosthesis" sounds to me like they're gonna make me a new head! Now THAT will be some advanced medical technology!

    A 

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  • Marie816
    Marie816 Member Posts: 6
    edited November 2007

    Hey girls!  I am so glad to be able to talk to you in here.

    Beasgirl, yes , as you said we are here together! I have 6 kids. They are: son 24, daughter 23, daughter 20 (married with a baby girl) , son 19  just graduated from the Marines, son 14 and daughter 12.

    MaryB we will be on the same tx and schedule. When I was reading your post was almost like reading mine. Is your surgery side sore after all the fills? I finished with them yesterday and it really hurts...Do you have a port for the chemo?

    Sharon, your daughter is a cutie pie! I will be thinking about you and praying for you tomorrow...Please let us know how everything goes.

    Amy, I got a wig already... I think a lot about my hair and I need to find a cute sleeping hat...LOL

    I hope you have a great night sleep... you all take care

    Hugs,

    Marie

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  • georgias_mommy
    georgias_mommy Member Posts: 87
    edited December 2007

    Hi everyone!

    I survived my first TC tx yesterday afternoon. We arrived at the cancer center at 1:00 and didn't leave until 6:00. There were times when we had to wait between infusions or after vitals and before being given the IV.  I was definitely happy to have my husband there for company. We took snacks, LOTS of water, magazines, my needlework, pictures of our daughter and an iPod. We ate the snacks, drank the water and that's really all we had time for believe it or not. The onc nurses were stopping by to check on me and as soon as the baby pictures came out, there was a steady stream of pictures being exchanged. We did have a small tv that we watched for a bit too. We also had a nice long orientation with the breast cancer social worker. I signed up for the look good, feel better course scheduled for Monday evening. We'll just play that one by ear.

    If anyone is interested in the play-by-play of the TC procedure, here we go...

    I was given an IV and taken back to the infusion rooms. We actually had a private room, but I was told that won't always be the case. I think since this was my first treatment, they wanted to ease me into the whole thing. Plus, there were a lot of questions to be answered.

    First they gave me an Emmend capsule. Then they gave me Aloxi (another anti-nausea med that lasts for FOUR days) and the blessed Ativan (sedative) via plunger in my IV. Then, we waited about 30 minutes for all of those meds to take effect. I took that opportunity to use the ladies room since I'd already had about 64 ozs. of water since 9 AM. They started a Decadron (dexamethasone) and saline IV that lasted about 45 minutes. The Decadron is used to counteract any possible allergic reactions to the Taxotere. The saline is just to keep the IV line "open" and to take the edge of all of the various chemicals you are receiving. After the Decadron infusion was complete, they flushed the IV line and started the Taxotere. They gave me a button to press if I started to feel dizzy, short of breath or otherwise "ill". They said that if I did develop an allergic reaction, that it would happen in the first five minutes of the infusion. Luckily, I had no problems. That infusion took an hour and then it was followed by another infusion of the Cytoxan which took another hour. Then it was out to fill my prescription for Emmend (AMEN) and home to my mother's homemade chicken soup.

    I was slightly woozy from the Ativan for the rest of the evening and noticed a strange taste in my mouth. I popped an Altoid and couldn't taste it, but could feel the cold sensation. Wow. I've had some very mild mid-lower GI cramping and a little heartburn and I woke up with a red glow to my face and neck which is fine with me because I'm very fair skinned.  I simply can't complain.

    Thank you for all of your prayers and good thoughts! I'll keep you updated.

    Sharon 

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  • clsd
    clsd Member Posts: 101
    edited December 2007

    Hi All,

    Sharon, helpful play by play of your treatment. I am pretty much on the same plan. #1 TC was 11/20. I think the first one was so hard because you have not idea what to expect. Stay strong ! You all have such  positive and infectious attitudes ! Hugs, Cindy

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  • suz45
    suz45 Member Posts: 796
    edited December 2007

    Good Morning Gals,

    Sharon I'm so glad your first treatment went well! You were in my thoughts all day yesterday. So a specially big hug and congrats for completing round one. Thanks for the play by play as its reassuring to hear how this is all done. You mentioned IV, do you have a port or are you getting an IV in the arm each timeYell?

    Amy, I love the cranial prosthesis Laughing I had a real giggle over that one. I'm gonna ask my doc for a prescript just to have it. I don't believe my extended medical covers wigs and I'm going to try to have one custom made anyway. I will explain later (really sweet story) I wish I had your sisters talents for theatrics, sadly its just not in me. I get more on the aggressive side if I'm not careful (PMS) The only thing I really pushed through was my mammogram they scheduled it for 6 weeks after I found the lump. I just said I don't think so and started making calls until I found someone to do it right away. I do ask to be put on the cancellation list whenever I get a new appointment. Sometimes it helps. I am learning patience more and more every day and that is a good feeling.

    Marie, Wow 6 kids....... I'm glad to here most are a little older so they can help you through all this. I only have one child and he is 17 years old. I'm sure it will be difficult for your 12 & 14 year old as they are still trying to find themselves. I wish you well and hope you are felling better after the last fill.

    I really cannot complain about anything right now. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by people who care. Two of my sisters heard that I was having a rough time this week waiting for this next appointment. They flew in from Winnipeg on Thursday to keep be company till Sunday. I haven't seen them in over 5 years and this was the first time in 22 years that they've come out to see me here in Vancouver. Needless to say this is very special to me. We are having so much fun catching up, laughing, crying and just being ourselves. I'm finally not wishing the time away I'm embracing it wholeheartedly. My DH also took me out last night to see a concert that I absolutely loved.  Now today we do what ladies do best........ its shopping dayMoney mouth.

    Much love, hugs and possitive thoughts sent to all of you and I hope everyone has a great weekend.

    suz

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  • georgias_mommy
    georgias_mommy Member Posts: 87
    edited December 2007

    Hi Suz and Cindy!

    Thank you so much for your prayers and kind thoughts. I don't know what I'd do without the support on these boards. There is definitely strength in numbers! I feel quite blessed. 

    My oncologist said that if would have more than four treatments, then he would have scheduled me to have a port surgically "installed". So, I'm going to have an IV port put in each time I go. I evidently have some pretty good veins (and several to choose from). If one becomes too scarred, they'll find another one. I'm hoping that everything will go smoothly. 

    My beloved cup of Starbucks Sumatra tastes like jet fuel this morning. Drat. I'm drinking it anyway because I don't want the caffiene headache on top of all this. I consider this a SMALL price to pay. Laughing

    Take care everyone. 

    Sharon 

      

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  • clsd
    clsd Member Posts: 101
    edited December 2007

    Hey Sharon,

    Soooo funny with the coffee. I too forced my precious cup of joe down each morning. The whole mouth/taste thing is just plain funky. I brush my teeth but still feel like I can't get everything clean. Ugh. Not finding a vein was one of my biggest worries for tx #1, since MORE surgery to put in a port was not what I wanted. But thank goodness, the nurse got a good vein on the first try, and no allergic reaction to the taxotere. Do you have to do radiation after chemo? I do since I chose lumpectomy, but am focused on being done with all this s#%& by summer ! How are you managing with mommy responsibilities and being a patient at the same time? I find myself digging deep sometimes.... Cindy

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  • loriann
    loriann Member Posts: 139
    edited December 2007

    Hi girls!  Well, since I've had a change of treatment plans (again) it looks like I will be joining you for chemo in December.  I was scheduled for surgery on Monday (port, lumpectomy and positive lymph node removal) but after reviewing the MRI the tumor looks a little larger (2.7 cm) so we are going with chemo first (which is what we were going to do in the first place - I'm just tired of waiting!)  So, Now I am still going to have the port put in on Monday, chemo teaching on Wednesday and then hopefully chemo on Friday.  That just doesn't sound right..."hopefully chemo on Friday".  Who would ever have thought one would be hopeful they could start chemo!!  I just want to do whatever it takes to get rid of this and hope and pray to remain strong thru the process!!  I'm not clear on what combination I'm getting since the oncologist went out of town Thursday, right after we decided on chemo first.  But if it's still the original plan, I think she said 4 cycles of AC and 4 of Taxol, then surgery and then radiation.  I am ER-/PR+ and still waiting on the HER2/neu.  I'm very interested to see if that is still the plan.  My BS will be talking to my oncologist on Monday so I should have some news when I go in for the port. 

    I have 2 wigs waiting for pickup and have a tenative plan of going in on the 14th to get my hair sheared and start wearing the wigs.  I feel stupid (even though I know it's perfectly normal) that the thought of losing my hair has bothered me so much!  I'm getting better at facing it every day but know the 14th will not be a happy day!  I love my hair (except that it's grey and I have to color it).  It's past my shoulders and very thick!  I just keep telling myself it will grow back...and it will!!

    A little about me...I live in Michigan, I'm 42, married and have a 15 year old daughter.  I have a friend who is a 2 time breast cancer survivor who has been a real lifesaver!  When she was diagnosed I did all I knew to do but until you have been there you have no clue.  I hope I can be of help to someone facing this awful disease the way she has been for me!!

    Anyway, I'm glad to have found you all and look forward to chatting with new friends going thru the same thing!  Talk soon, Lori

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  • georgias_mommy
    georgias_mommy Member Posts: 87
    edited December 2007

    Welcome Lori! I'm both happy and sorry that you've had to join us. You will be amazed at how much support you will find here. Just knowing that you are not alone is such a huge help. I hope all goes well for you next week. Check in when you can and let us know.

    Cindy, I will have radiation therapy after my chemo. I, too, had a lumpectomy because the tumor was around 1 cm. When the final pathology came back, it turned out that i had a mixed DCIS/IDC tumor with no node involvement. They measured the invasive tumor at .5 cm and the insitu tumor at .5 cm. Because of that, my oncologist wanted me to have the Oncotype DX text. Did you have this test? He thought that I would probably score in the low range of reocurrence, but as luck has it, I came back the gray area at a 19. He was planning on me being able to skip chemo and head straight to radiation and then on to Tamoxifen, but I kept running the "no chemo" scenario through my brain and I just wasn't comfortable. He agreed that he felt that was the best plan of action due to my age (39).

    The mommy thing hasn't been too bad so far. I am blessed to have my parents live in the same neighborhood and they have been a Godsend through all the trips that my husband and I have made to Baltimore (Johns Hopkins Hospital) and back for surgery. My husband is a full-time student, but he's been wonderful with trying to watch her when I need to rest. I am very thankful that my daughter is too young to know what is going on. I can't imagine what it must be like to have to explain this to older children. My heart goes out to you!

    Amy, you, Cindy and I look like we have a similar diagnosis. The TC regimen has been proven (in clinical trials) to increase the long-term survival/reoccurrence rates of node negative, early stage, high grade breast cancer. I'm all for that!

    Amy, I mean't to ask you, since you are in the Boston area, do you go to Dana Farber? I watched that movie on Lifetime called Crazy, Sexy Cancer and that is where she had gone. I hear wonderful things about them. If you have seen that movie, I want you to know that I am not one to drink wheat grass juice or founder on broccoli sprouts, but I DO believe in positive thinking. Wink

    There is another movie that I want to see called Dear Talulah (http://www.deartalula.com/), but it's only aired on Cinemax. It's about a 38 year old woman who has become a mother for the first time and finds out that she has breast cancer. The storyline is eerily similar to my own. Since I don't pay for premium cable, I haven't been able to record it. I'm hoping that it will end up on Netflix or in my local library soon. Has anyone else seen this film? 

    OK. I'm off to drown myself in another 32 oz of water before dinner. Take care everyone and I'll be praying for you!

    Sharon 

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  • beasgirl
    beasgirl Member Posts: 241
    edited December 2007

    Hey all--

    Taking a break from looking at wigs online, my new favorite totally pointless activity.

    Sharon, you SOUND great. At least in print--sounds like everything is going pretty well so far, knock wood. You know, my boys are 4 and 9, and although it has been hard to talk to them about it, they've handled it really well, and at least they're a little easier than they used to be!! I wouldn't trade my situation for yours, Sharon--babies are hard! But cute. But HARD! 

    I had my surgery across the street from Dana Farber, at Beth Israel Hospital, also wicked fancy.  But my treatments will be at Mt. Auburn in Cambridge, which is a little closer (and much much closer when there's Boston Traffic!), and to me cozy and homier. I don't know what the treatment center is like--probably not the luxury suites some ladies have described, but as long as they have a nice recliner for me, I'm good. I should get that movie--is it good? I like movies set in Boston...

    I'm having a port put in the morning of my first treatment. I'll be on herceptin for a year after the TC, and that's also given through an IV, so it seemed like a good idea.

    So--a lovely story--I went to have my hair cut short, like you, Cindy (oh, hi cindy!!--how old are your kids?) to get my kids, and me! used to less hair. The woman who cut it was totally sweet about the whole chemo thing, and did an awesome job--I really like it--and then when we were done, she didn't charge me!! This was a fancy place in town, I was prepared to shell out at least $40 (I never get haircuts, so splurge). Anyway, people are really amazingly kind.

    I am rambling. So glad more ladies have found us. See y'all soon--

    Amy. 

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  • clsd
    clsd Member Posts: 101
    edited December 2007

    Hey Sharon,

    Yes, my oncotype score was 13. I was so in the grey area ( once again), but with my grade 2/3 tumor, and with me having to have a RE-excision to get clear margins, I knew in my heart I had to go for every percentage point I could get with the chemo. My oncologist agreed, that with my age, 43, three kids, generally good health, that I should go for the 4 TC treatments, radiation, and Tamoxifan. I feel good about the decision.

    So my son (11) was extremely upset about me losing my hair, " What will my friends say when they see you at the Christmas concert??" I get it...it's all about what the other kids think at that age. So far, I still have the hair, so let's hope I can keep it til the concert mid December. If not, I already have a good supply of great fun hats and scarves...

    Amy, my kids are 15, 11, 8, how about you? I too got a 'free' haircut from a WONDERFUL woman named Kathy who is a two time BC survivior !

    Do any of you ladies have a caring bridge site? I opened one last month because I was not up to answering phones, emails, etc....It has been helpful to me mostly because I was just not up to repeating the same story over and over again. I was tired of hearing it myself.

    I have felt extremely good for two days now. I am so happy to be myself again, even if it will only be until 12/11, I will take it!

    I wish you all a good nights sleep, God bless ! xo  Cindy

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  • Laurita60091
    Laurita60091 Member Posts: 140
    edited December 2007

    Tomorrow is the big day. 

    I will start 6 cycles of FEC - Fluorouracil, Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide tomorrow morning. The plan is that this will be followed by radiation. 

    For someone who hesitates to even take Tylenol, the thought of putting these toxins into my body is crazy, but I will do what it takes to kill this thing!  The waiting is finally over... Lump found by me on July 1, mammogram on Aug 16, Biopsy Aug 30, Lumpectomy and SNB Oct 4th.

    Sometimes (only lately) the fear and intrepidation take over, but I try to focus on the positives:  Node negative, clear margins after surgery, lumpectomy aesthetically well done, good health coverage, positive and supportive health professionals, and most important - SO much support and encouragement from friends, family and new friends I am meeting along the way in this new journey. I have a lot to be thankful for.

    I bought a couple of "cranial prostheses"  the week before last, so I am ready for losing my hair.  I will probably check into eyelash prostheses as well, lol.  Like Loriann, the hair concerns were significant for me, having had a headfull of long brunette hair.  But I am trying to focus on whatever positives may exist - At 49 and going through perimenopause and hair thinning the last few years, I have always put off colouring my hair until I simply can't stand it any longer, because my scalp is sensitive and more hair seems to fall out after colouring.  Well, a couple of weeks ago when I found myself thinking the usual "should I colour it this weekend, or should I wait a bit?  when was the last time I coloured it? etc etc..." I realized - what the heck?  Colour it!  It's all going to fall out a couple of weeks after chemo anyway, hehehe.  I am actually looking forward to not having to think about colouring, combing, washing, etc etc....my hair.  I am going to appreciate deciding "which hair shall I wear today" and just put it on.  I try to look for whatever positives we can, among all the negatives. One of my best friends will help me shave my head when the time comes.

    It is very encouraging to share stories with so many women who are going through this.  Thank you to all of you!  It really helps to know what to expect.  I will be sure to check in after tomorrow's session and share.

    Peace and strength to all...
    Laura

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  • beasgirl
    beasgirl Member Posts: 241
    edited December 2007

    Welcome, Laura, and good luck--we'll all be thinking of you today.

    I'm the same way about the drugs--the only time I ever took a lot of nasty stuff before was, ironically, during a difficult pregnancy! But it does seem like there's not much choice.

    Cindy, my older son (9) was the same way about me losing my hair. He was very upset, and I thought he was worried about me, but it turned out, he was just worried it would be embarassing!! He seems to be getting over that, or at least getting used to the idea. Luckily, both kids (the other boy is a precocious 4 1/2) have a dark sense of humor, like their parents, so we get to make lots of jokes--seems to make it easier on everyone.

    Laura, I think maybe I'll go blonde for my last week with hair--what the heck? You make a very good point. Hair does get to be a hassle, esp. dealing with coloring. Maybe I'll stay grey when it comes back--it'll certainly make the transition easier!

    I've been thinking a lot about vanity, given that I'm one of those women who never really acknowledged that I care, or was kind of embarassed about caring.  The line when I was little was "pretty is as pretty does"...it wasn't supposed to matter how you looked, as long as you were nice. And then I went to a liberal college, where I imbibed lots of feminist stuff about how out society's ideas of beauty were oppressive, etc...Undecided hmmm...

    So this has been an unexpected education about it being ok to care about how I look! First it was the complicated and difficult DIEP surgery, which seemed like a lot to go through, and to put my family through, just to have a nice breast that hardly anyone will ever see...but I did it, and I'm glad! I even like my skinny tummy, which I thought I would hate!

    And now the hair thing. It's just weird to realize how much I care.

    Sorry for the ramble. I just imagine a lot of us go through this.

    love to all, and thinking of you, laura, and sharon (how are you?) and the other ladies going through it right now.

    Amy 

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  • georgias_mommy
    georgias_mommy Member Posts: 87
    edited December 2007

    Hi Amy,

    I'm a liberal college gal myself, so I completely understand where you are coming from. This experience has been quite an education on several fronts.

    I have been teetering between not caring and caring about my hair/appearance since I found out that I was going to have chemo. Most of the time I think that I'm going to be grateful not to have to color, cut, wash, goop up and style my hair. I've been going gray since my early 30's, so I am definitely considering accepting whatever I end up with and wearing it like a badge of honor!

    Sorry that I haven't posted in a while. I posted in the November Chemo conversation yesterday, but kinda hit a low point yesterday and melded with the couch for most of the day. I'm feeling OK, just run down and a little bit achey. I'm off the Emmend and the steroids, so I guess that is adding to the fatigue. The constipation is still an issue, but hopefully the colace and prune juice will help out on that! Good thing I don't have anywhere I HAVE to be today.Laughing

    One thing that I have found is that eating more frequent smaller meals seems to help with my energy level. 

    Welcome Laura! I'm sorry that you've had to join us, but know that we will be here for you when you have questions, concerns or just want to share. I'll be thinking about you today. Check in when you can and let us know how you are doing.

    Prayers for everyone! Be well!

    Sharon 

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  • Marie816
    Marie816 Member Posts: 6
    edited December 2007

    Hey Girls,I'm not sure if it was a good idea to post today as I am kinda freaking out .Tomorrow is my "D" Day or should I say "C" for chemo day? I know I am alone..I know I will be ok... I know in four months all this will be over but now ... right now IO am scared and I surely could use some encouragement.. I want to be strong ... i don't want Hubby and kids see me weak or crying... I want to be cheerful for all of you as well... Please forgive me ...Thinking of y'all

    PS. I promise I will post a more uplifting note as soon as I can

    Hugs

    Marie

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  • clsd
    clsd Member Posts: 101
    edited December 2007

    Marie, hang in there ! I too was so nervous before # 1. I think we have the right to be. Don't forget to drink TONS of water over the next week ! Tomorrow afternoon you will be one tx closer to the finish line ! You can do it. I was so nervous about them not getting a good vein, and then about tolerating the meds, but thank goodness I worried for nothing. I will pray for you tonight so you can get a good night sleep, that will get you through tomorrow. You can do it, hell, you have six kids, this should be a piece of cake !LOL ! We'll all be beside you every step of the way. You'll smoke it tomorrow, those cancer straggler cells don't know what they have gotten themselves into. Tomorrow they are HISTORY. You go girl ! Hugs and prayers to you ! Cindy

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  • beasgirl
    beasgirl Member Posts: 241
    edited December 2007

    Marie--you can do it! And if you need to have a little freak out, I think everyone would understand--sometimes if I just let myself bawl for 15 minutes, I'm done and I feel better. It's scary, but it's absolutely the right thing to do. So many ladies here have been through it and are fine...

    I"ll be thinking about you tonight and tomorrow. I bet tonight will be worse...if you have a sleeping pill or anxiety pill or something, tonight would be a very acceptible time to pop one!!

    Good luck, Marie--hugs--

    Amy 

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  • terri01
    terri01 Member Posts: 63
    edited December 2007

    Sharon,

      I see you go to Johns hopkins for your treatment.  I am also being followed at johns hopkins after biopsy and calcifications.  Have you had the pleasure of meeting Lillie Shockney, she was my angel

    Who are your doctors, surgeon and oncologist.  I have only been dealing with Dr. Eisner so far, thank God.  I haven't needed anything other than close supervision.

    Good Luck, you are in great hands at Hopkins.

    Terri

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