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Topic: Is Anyone Starting Chemo In Aug 06

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  • Posted on: Jul 20, 2006 04:15 pm
Toledo, Oh
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 240
Mamasj wrote:
My actual 1st chemo treatment is on 7/27. I am getting 4 DD of AC every 2 weeks, then either Taxol or Taxotere 4 times once every 3 weeks. I'm pretty nervous, but I want to get this started. What's it like the 1st time? What should I take with me?
Sue
IDC er &pr- her2+ 2out of 16 nodes Stage3 Grade2 3.2cm

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ferq
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 512
Jul 20, 2006 09:29 pm ferq wrote: Mamasj,
I will be taking my first treatment next week most likely. (maybe Tuesday) I have to wait on results of a Muga Scan to see which type chemo will be given to me..I'm nervous too in fact so nervous that today when I went to see my Oncologist to get my Oncotype test back and she told me since I had a score of 30 chemo was recommended I broke down & cried like a baby. I can't sleep tonight worrying about all of this but did want to join you for August since we will both be going through it close to the same time. I do know she said she would like to give me 4 doses of Adriamycin every 3 weeks if my Muga Scan is ok but she is also going to consult with another Oncologist to see what she thinks because I had asked about CMF but since I had Cytoxin 15 years ago she said she doesn't like to give it again. I will post what she decides when I find out & here is hoping we get through our treatments as well as the others seem to do. ((hugs))
patz
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 30
Jul 21, 2006 10:42 am patz wrote: I start chemo on August 1st. Four A/c's most likely. I have Muga heart test next week and also get a port put in. Then I will be on Herceptin one year and some hormonal therapy. I already have a wig and am planning on cutting my hair very short very soon. StageI, Grade3, No Nodes ER+PR-Her-2positive.
marymelodi
Fairport, NY
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 576
Jul 21, 2006 11:44 am marymelodi wrote: Hi ladies!
I had 4 A/C and 4 Taxol from Oct 2005 to Feb 2006. I have lots of experiences and advice. Send me a private message if you would like to talk/write.

Good luck!!! You can beat this and get healthy!!
ferq
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 512
Jul 21, 2006 12:06 pm ferq wrote: Mary,
I will probably be sending you a pm since you said it is ok..You have been through this & I feel so alone not knowing what to expect..((hugs))

Patz,
I have had my shoulder length hair cut twice already to my collar bone but think I will go ahead & get it cut very short then maybe later shave it..I don't have a wig yet or anything to cover my head but need to do that before I feel too bad to fool with it..I am going to ask my oncologist next week about a rx for a wig and see if my insurance will cover it..((hugs))
stateave
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 48
Jul 21, 2006 02:09 pm stateave wrote: Hi all. I'm going to the oncologist the 24th of July and I'm pretty sure they'll schedule the port/chemo then. I didn't even know they put a port in until I read the board! That's why I come here I'm really afraid they may delay it because I have to get a biopsy of my left breast on Tuesday. They said it was just because they wanted to be "extra careful" I'm okay with that but it's still a bummer. If that turns out okay it will be on to the chemo and I'm sure I'll get my first dose in August if not sooner. It's 4 treatments of A/T every two weeks, then two weeks of radiation (lumpectomy unless there's something on the left then who knows!) and then Tamoxifen for 5 years (I'm pre-menopausal and estrogen receptive) I hope you are all doing well. I've got shoulder length hair (and it's thick) I think I'll be getting it cut short as well. I'll have control over that right!
Mamasj
Toledo, Oh
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 240
Jul 21, 2006 05:51 pm Mamasj wrote: I got my port on Wed. It's still pretty tender. Now I'm just waiting to get the show on the road.
Sue
marymelodi
Fairport, NY
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 576
Jul 21, 2006 06:48 pm marymelodi wrote: Hi ladies!
I thought I’d answer some of the questions about chemo since you are soon going to start. I was diagnosed Aug 22, 2005 and had a lumpectomy on Sept 15, 2005 with sentinel node biopsy. My tumor turned out to be 2.1 cm, grade III, ER+, PR-, Her2- in upper right quadrant of the right breast, 4 lymph nodes removed and tested negative.

I began chemo Oct 27, 2005. Had 4 bi-weekly A/C treatments and 4 bi-weekly Taxol treatments, with Neulasta shot on the day after each treatment. Took three powerful, wonderful anti-nausea and anti-emetic (vomiting) drugs. They were Emend, Kytril, and Decadron (steroid). I also had compazine to use as needed.

I got a bad cold just before beginning chemo and had a hard time getting rid of it, but my blood counts never got so bad that I could not continue treatment or needed to be hospitalized. The only really bad event was on my next to last treatment for some reason the NP and I miscommunicated and I thought she said NOT to take the Emend and Kytril. She thought I had a supply of the drugs on hand and did not prescribe them for me. Anyway, I had my treatment and got sicker than a dog. I ended up in the ED after 8 hours of unrelenting vomiting. Once it got started it was really hard to stop. They gave me IV compazine and fluids for dehydration.

So, first advice . . . get the drugs they recommend and take them EVEN IF YOU FEEL OKAY. Prevention is the key. Don’t let the nausea and vomiting get started. I hope your insurance will cover the newest and best drugs. A friend of mine who is on Medicaid could not get them and it was harder for her. The steroid (decadron) did make me kind of hyper but I had some Ativan to take as needed. One night my husband came home and I had emptied all the dishes out of the cupboards to "re-organize." He thought it was funny that I was so full of energy after a dose of chemo. I did, too. But, I had clean cupboards, nicely organized.

Drink lots of fluids before, during, and after treatment. Water is best, in my opinion. But, even though I say that I drank lots of Welch’s Light Grape Juice (reduced sugar and calories) and Light Hawaiian Punch (reduced sugar and calories). There is ongoing research into anecdotal stories that purple grape juice reduces nausea in pregnant women so they are looking into it’s effect with chemo patients. I craved purple grape juice and drank gallons of it. I avoided caffeine and highly acidic drinks. I did occasionally feel okay about a small amount of orange juice, but not soon after chemo.

I found I did better eating small amounts more frequently. I tried to stick to lean protein (lots of boneless, skinless chicken, baked turkey breast, fish like haddock or tuna, boiled or poached eggs, skim milk), lots of yogurt & yogurt smoothies, vegetables, fruit, and whole grain. I avoided fast food, greasy, fried, sugary, salty, etc. I lost weight, but many people do not because of the combination of eating for comfort, having less energy for exercise, and being sick. My taste and smell senses were “off” and so some things were not as enjoyable. For some reason I loved hot and sour soup from the Chinese take-out and had it for Friday night dinner often last winter.

My treatments were on Thursdays and I took the anti-nausea drugs for 3 days so I usually was okay on the weekend. I got the Neulasta shot every other Friday. I did not get pain and aches from Neulasta. Or, if there was anything it was mild and Tylenol was effective. Some people say it affects them more.

I was fortunate in one way. I do not have children so I could come home from work and just go to bed if I wanted. My husband took care of the basics of the home and I gave myself permission to just let everything go. I was working full-time through everything and so I just concentrated on getting enough rest. There were weekends when I virtually slept, ate, and walked a bit. Nothing else. Mild exercise was good for me mentally and physically. Usually I just walked in the corridors where I work. Remember, this was winter in upstate New York and I avoided being out in the cold. It’s cold being bald in the winter! I wore a hat in bed.

That brings up the hair issue. Mine started coming out after treatment #2. I had cut off 30 inches and donated to Locks of Love after treatment #1. When I rolled over one night and got a mouthful of hair off my pillow I got up, went in the bathroom and used my husband’s clippers to start taking off my hair. It was coming out in handfuls anyway. I was afraid to shave my own head so I got my sister to do it. I never wore a wig. Didn’t like the look or feel. Something in me didn’t mind being bald so much. I had nice scarves, turbans, knitted hats, and other hats. A family in my church made me 4 hats and left them on the doorstep anonymously. A friend sent me a check to by a beautiful wool hat for winter wear. That one will get used all the rest of my life, it is so nice.

I’ve been off chemo almost 6 months and I now have about 1 ¼” growth. It started coming back after about a month. My first public outing without head coverings was Easter Sunday. I had grayish-brown long, fine, straight hair. Now I have white with dark undertones, short, coarser, curly hair. I am in my 50s so white hair was coming my way anyhow. I like what I’ve got and have received many, many compliments. It was weird to lose all hair on my body – eyebrows very thin, eyelashes very few, chin hairs disappeared, and pubic hair totally gone. I felt a bit like a pre-teen. But, it has all come back now, so not to worry.

My last period was Oct 4, 2005. I was 52 then and on the verge of menopause. I believe chemo made it “official.” I am now taking Tamoxifen but at my next 6-month check in November the oncologist will probably switch me to an aromatase inhibitor. I don’t want to be on Tamoxifen too long because I previously had endometrial hyperplasia, which can be exacerbated by the Tamoxifen.

I did have a port for the chemo. I’m glad that I did. It made the many needle sticks for blood tests and the infusions much easier. Also, I could knit while in the chair. The port was a bit inconvenient in some ways but I’d do it again if needed. I had it taken out the week after my last treatment so it would not interfere with radiation. I’ll tell you about my radiation story some other time.

Chemo is hard and scary. But, you can survive and thrive. Just keep in mind that each round of chemo is like sending in another wave of troops to wipe out cancer cells. They are not all vulnerable to attack at the same time so you have to send in the troops in several waves so that they get those suckers at the right times. Also, the different types of chemicals are like sending the Marines, the Navy, the Army, and the Air Force. Each has it’s own special and effective way of killing cancer. Your own healthy cells are strong enough to withstand the chemo and to recover pretty quickly. Give your body what it needs with rest, nutrition, fluids, and exercise.

These discussion boards were a lifeline to me. I hope you find them to be helpful and a great place to share, learn, laugh, cry, and give and receive hope and support.

Good luck! I'll keep checking back on you so ask me questions or send me a private message.

Remember, a woman is like a tea bag . . .you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.
ferq
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 512
Jul 21, 2006 08:29 pm ferq wrote: Thank you Mary! ((hugs))
kidzrn
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 16
Jul 22, 2006 08:03 am kidzrn wrote: thanks mary for all the information..answered some of my questions i had been pondering as i wait for my first treatment on 8/2. having 4 rounds of ac followed by 4 of taxol, both every 3 weeks. stage II, grade III, triple neg 2.9cm . may pm you at some point later. thanks
Mamasj
Toledo, Oh
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 240
Jul 22, 2006 09:35 am Mamasj wrote: Mary, thanks for the great info. It has helped me a lot. I know that I get aloxi first before the chemo meds.Thank you Again!!
May God Bless All,
Sue
patz
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 30
Jul 22, 2006 10:04 am patz wrote: Mary
Thanks for the details, it helps to hear from others who have been this road. Was interested to know why they did taxol since my situation is almost like yours but just four A/C's ,Herceptin, rads and a pill after all that for five years
marymelodi
Fairport, NY
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 576
Jul 22, 2006 12:15 pm marymelodi wrote: Patz:
I think herceptin is used for the her2+ tumors. I was her2 negative, so did not take it. My onc explained that the A/C and Taxol would give me the best results and I trusted her. My research taught me that A/C and Taxol have different effects on cancer cells, so I think that it's like using different kinds of stain removers with your laundry. If one formula doesn't get the stain, the other one probably will. With A/C and Taxol attacking in different ways the chances are better to wipe out any possible BC cells that might be lurking somewhere. If you are concerned bring it up and ask the doc why she/he is using this treatment protocol. Breast cancer has so many different variables to take into consideration. Each case is unique as far as I can tell.

Good luck!
Mamasj
Toledo, Oh
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 240
Jul 23, 2006 05:48 pm Mamasj wrote: This waiting for my first treatment is driving me nuts. I guess I'm just having a bad day. Kind of been depressed all day. My husband starts 3rd shift tonite, so he'll be working a double tonite. Won't see him till 8:30am.
This has also been the 1st day that I've been alone this much. We just had a memorial servivce for my mother-in-law last saturday. All my family from florida has goone home. So it's just my doggy kids and me!
I'm sorry to whine!
May God Bless All;
Sue
ferq
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 512
Jul 23, 2006 10:30 pm ferq wrote: Sue,
I understand how you feel..I have 2 children but they are older and on their own so it is just my husband & our two dogs now..I get very anxious when he is working long hours and start dreading my chemo even feeling sick and it hasn't started yet..I think depression is a big part in what we are going through plus for us that haven't started yet we are nervous about the unknown..I'm awake at 2:30 am anxious about having a MUGA scan tomorrow and I know that sounds silly but lately I feel that way about everything..I'm so sorry about your Motherinlaw..I hope you feel better tomorrow. ((hugs))
stateave
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 48
Jul 24, 2006 04:57 pm stateave wrote: Mary I couldn't begin to thank you enough for your posting it was very very helpful. I got word today I'm going to begin chemo on 07/31/06 I have 4 treatments every 2 weeks and I feel like a dummy as I forget the names of the drugs each time I leave the place (I "will" write them down) A/C I believe. It was scary to finally have a date. My husband is going to go and I told him I felt a little childish having him sit there w/me for 2 hours.. I'm going to take a big water jug with me and I'll be thinking about your email. While it is all a big bummer I got a little excited to hear that my chin hairs will disapear.. ... At least that's something to look forward to. Thanks again.
Mamasj
Toledo, Oh
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 240
Jul 24, 2006 07:00 pm Mamasj wrote: Hi everyone, having a better day today. I got my wig today, I nicknamed it Jetherine. I thought that if I nicknamed it, I might actually smile when I do need to wear it. I think I'm about as ready as I'm gonna be for Thursday. I'll let you all know how it goes.
May God Bless
Sue
gettingheal…
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 179
Jul 24, 2006 07:38 pm gettinghealthier wrote: HI everyone, I'm done with chemo and it seems like a distant memory. On Feb 1, 2006 I started A/C 4 doses 3 weeks apart. I then had Taxotere 2 treatments, 3 weeks apart. I've been done with chemo since May 17. My first wig I named Raquel. Didn't like it much. Looked more like a Phyllis (Diller) to me. Got a second one which I liked much better and I called it Summer. But, I found I preferred hats and bandanas or scarves, so didn't wear the wig as much. I had chemo during the winter too and the bald head does get COLD. My hair is coming back in thick. Still short and more salt and pepper than before. But, it's hair!!!

Mary gave EXCELLENT information, so I won't repeat what she said. I am currently taking rads treatments and am also getting Herceptin weekly for a year. Yes, Herceptin is only given if the tumor cells are Her2 positive. When you want to find out more about those issues, you'll find the threads here so helpful! Wish I had found this site before I started treatment.

Treatment affects everyone differently. Remember, it's temporary. Try to find something to be thankful for each day. And remember that you CAN do this one day at a time. I found prayer to be a very important part of my journey. It's a detour I hadn't planned, but God has been with me all the way.

God Bless, Vicky
Mamasj
Toledo, Oh
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 240
Jul 24, 2006 08:07 pm Mamasj wrote: Vicky, Thanks for the encouragement! I know that God is right beside me. I came into this scared but fighting and I'm not about to stop now. I als will be on Herceptin for a year due to HER2+. Also Radiation.
Thank You Again,
May God Bless
Sue
ferq
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 512
Jul 24, 2006 10:48 pm ferq wrote: Sue,
I'm glad you are feeling better & at least you have your wig so you are already prepared..

Vicky,
Thanks for the post to us. I am a strong believer in the power of prayer.
(((hugs)))) to all
boblisa
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 81
Jul 25, 2006 03:55 am boblisa wrote: Patz,

Your chemo sounds sorta like mine. I will start chemo next week, so I guess I'm an Aug. girl too. I was very disappointed to have to even do chemo because I am stage I node negative. Apparently the herceptin positive and the fact that 90% of my little demon cancer cells were reproducing makes me the lucky one. I am having a PET scan today, the port put in on Thurs. and a training session on Fri. I just started a new position at the school I work at and I am incharge of the inservice meetings which are also next week.( I am now the tech. director.)
I am hoping to have the first AC treatment on Thur., Aug. 3. I think she said 4 A/C 3 weeks apart, 4 something and herceptin 3 weeks apart,rads and then herceptin to finish out the year. It seems to me we have the same or close to the same treatments as ladies who are stage II or stage III so I am having trouble being happy with stage I. I guess I should stop whining and be glad, but when it comes to the chemo part, it doesn't seem to matter.
I am feeling very overwhelmed. I have 6 children, my 3 and my husbands 3 who all live with us. I have spoiled all of them and don't expect a whole lot of help. I do have 5 girls, and I expect that my youngest, 9, will be the most help. I have 3 in high school and my husband's son will be leaving for a trade school in Aug. too. So now that I'm through venting, my question is where did you get your wig?? I have been teaching 4th graders at a private school for 6 years and I think it will freak them out to see me bald, especially since I have very long hair.
I would also like to thank Mary as well. It's amazing how much it helps to hear from people who are done, as much as it helps to talk to those who are in it.

Stage I, Her+, ER,PR-
marymelodi
Fairport, NY
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 576
Jul 25, 2006 07:55 am marymelodi wrote: Ladies:
I thought of something else that will be very helpful. My cancer center gave me a 3 ring binder with sections of information and pockets inside the front and back covers. I put notebook paper in it and a calendar. I wrote down everything, everything and saved all the handouts, appointment cards, prescriptions, etc. I carried it to every appointment and treatment. I kept notes about my symptoms and side effects. I kept notes about every call to the symptom hotline that my center staffs 24/7. I never hesitated to call and ask questions of the nurses and residents that work on this hotline. Being organized make me feel more in control. Writing everything down helped me to tell the doctor how it was going when I saw her for my check-up before each treatment. They weigh you each time and I also kept a chart of each weigh in so I knew how I was doing. I started out overweight so I was not concerned about losing while on chemo. I wrote down all the meds and doses so I could tell anyone who needed to know and so I could do my own research.

Oh, some people say popsicles help you not have mouth sores. I never got mouth sores, but I loved the treat of the popsicles. I got the sugar-free type. It was another way to get more fluids, which are very, very important. Some of the drugs can be constipating so drinking more fluids than you otherwise would do is very important. I did use the Biotene products - mouthwash and toothpaste. They are not alcohol-based and so are more soothing if you do have a tender mouth. They cost more but go along way so it is worth the investment. I also rinsed with baking soda and a pinch of salt from time to time. I had a cold during most of the 1st half of chemo so I was treating cold symptoms as well as chemo side effects.

Keep a positive outlook and I agree about prayer and faith. I have a religious background and found that my faith and prayer did help me. I also read in the scriptures alot and would recommend some kind of inspirational reading each day as a way of helping yourself. Also, if you have any inclination to do any kind of charity or service work, in some small way, you should try to do something while you are in treatment. I am a knitter and I knitted gifts for the girls I teach in my church youth program and some scarves for other people. Sitting in the treatment chairs was boring sometimes but as long as I could knit I was okay. It really helps your spirit if you can serve someone and lift them up. I also tried to cheer along other people I met. There were much sicker people than me in the treatment center. It helped to be positive and smile. Even a smile can be uplifting to someone else.

Okay. Hope this isn't too preachy. I do wish you all the best and will keep in touch.

Happy days to all!
Mary
gettingheal…
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 179
Jul 25, 2006 10:25 am gettinghealthier wrote: Mary, I agree that attitude is so important. My mom fought lung cancer 9 years ago. She always said, "You don't have to look very far to find someone worse off than yourself." We all have tough days, but remember, they are temporary. Accept help from others. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Face this one day at a time. God bless, Vicky
stateave
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 48
Jul 25, 2006 01:22 pm stateave wrote: This might be a silly question but why would some people get Herceptin and some not?
stateave
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 48
Jul 25, 2006 01:28 pm stateave wrote: Here is an interesting question for you all. I start chemo 07/31 - have a support group meeting that night I would like to go to. Also have a trip scheduled for 08/5-08/7 - I really want to go to both of these events. Am I crazy for thinking I can?
patz
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 30
Jul 25, 2006 01:35 pm patz wrote: Lisa and everyone
My wig is a Paula Young, they are in most wig shops and the cancer center here in Louisville had them. It looks exactly like my hair, color and length. Got my Muga today, port tomarrow, First chemo August one. Praying for all of you as the start this journey through chemo. I also had a chemo ed. class but I already knew it all by being on this support group site and reading.
Take care all
Mamasj
Toledo, Oh
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 240
Jul 25, 2006 01:43 pm Mamasj wrote: Herceptin is for people with HER2+. As far as going to your support meeting, If you feel up to it go. Ask your Onocolligist about your trip. I have one secheduled for 2 weeks in October and mine said that they would work that into my treatment schedule, Please excuse my spelling.
May God Bless
Sue
stateave
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 48
Jul 25, 2006 02:09 pm stateave wrote: Okay I get it now. That was the FISH test they did. Mine was negative. Makes sense now. Thanks
ferq
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 512
Jul 25, 2006 05:25 pm ferq wrote: I left a post on the July thread but wanted to leave one here also..I start my treaments Friday and will be doing 4 TC. I go once every 3 weeks..I went to look at wigs today since I know this weekend I probably won't feel well and didn't have any luck..The ones they had were mostly very short ones and I want something similar to my hair if possible..I did order a few pretty scarves and a ballcap and some bangs..I can't get over how expensive everything is for us that really need things like this right now..Oh my oncologist is having a nurse come to my home Saturday to give me fluids..She said she likes to do this with at least the first treatment then if I seem to do ok probably won't have to do it next time..I go Monday for some kind of shot for my counts..I have my rx's being filled and my dh is stocking up at the store for other items like juice and the toothpaste & mouthwash..I hope I can go out of town next week and look for a decent wig! Well getting more anxious since I have a chemo date set here and wondering something that probably sounds really silly but when you are having your treatment and if you have to go to the bathroom can you get up and go or have to wait? I tend to pee a lot when drinking fluids and plan on trying to drink as much water as possible..((hugs)) to everyone and lots of well wishes & prayers..
Mamasj
Toledo, Oh
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 240
Jul 25, 2006 07:29 pm Mamasj wrote: My 1st one is Thursday, so I'll let you know about the bathroom thing. I also pee a lot with all these fluids. I just want to get this started.
May God Bless
Sue
ferq
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 512
Jul 25, 2006 10:00 pm ferq wrote: Sue,
Thanks and my thoughts will be with you..((hugs))

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