Topic: Starting Chemo Dec 2006

Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 531

Posted on: Nov 29, 2006 06:35 am

thomcat wrote:

I wanted to start a thread for all of us who will be starting chemo in December 2006. I am actually starting today and since it's so close to December I feel like I'll have more in common with all those starting in December.

I'm petrified and upset. Scared of the chemo and the office I go to...referred by a major breast clinic...is so unorganized. They just called to ask if I had a prescription for anti-nausea and no one has given me anything. Now, I have to stop off at the drugstore before getting there. This is not the first incident with them. I think I'll be writing a letter to somebody about how they need to get their act together. After all we are dealing with a serious subject here....sorry, I'm just venting!!!!!

Best wishes and good luck to all starting in Dec.

Hugs,

Cathy

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cafiorini Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 24	Log in to post a reply Nov 29, 2006 07:55 am cafiorini wrote: Oh Cathy, Prayers are with you, I got my port put in yesterday and I woke upp this morning just crying my eyes out. Sometimes it seams like we just can't take anymore, but then God gives us another day. Try to take the good out of everything and leave the bad behind. I start on the 5h I'll be on this long journey with you. Feel free to pm me if you would like, Christine
thomcat Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 531	Log in to post a reply Nov 29, 2006 02:03 pm thomcat wrote: Just got back from my first treatment of AC this afternoon. I'm a little spacey because they gave me extra antinausea meds (Ativan) because I had the sensation of feeling the liquid moving through my stomach. I came home and took about an hour nap. Getting ready to eat dinner. It will be interested to see how it goes. The onco nurse told me to eat whatever I wanted. I can say now that the apprehension of this is overwhelming and I felt much more relaxed once they got started. Best wishes, godspeed and hugs to all. Cathy
Curlylocks Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 1241	Log in to post a reply Nov 29, 2006 02:59 pm Curlylocks wrote: Hi Cathy and Christine, I want to wish you ladies all the best with your chemo treatments. I am almost 7 months post chemo, cant believe the time has flown so fast. I was part of the "December 05" chemo thread, started Dec 8/05 for 6 months, 4 a/c and 4 taxol, once every 3 weeks. I was terrified of the word chemo and had visions of constant vomitting and being bedridden for six months. The anti nausea meds that they have today are amazing and really work. I was only physically sick for my first round around 4 or 5 hours after my first treatment on the first day. I had my anti nausea med changed from Zofran to Kytril for the remaining 7 rounds and it did the trick. Chemo was not a easy, hard emotionally and physically but certainly doable is probably the best way to describe it. My biggest side effect from chemo was fatigue and constipation and lack of sleep from the steriods. I learned really quickly that taking senekot "s" the morning of chemo and continuing for the next week helped tremendously with the constipation. Fatigue was accumulative for me and just listened to my body, when I was tired, I slept. The biggest side effect was the hair loss which was the most devasting one emotionally for me. I had long curly spiral ringlets past my shoulders and lost it two days before xmas last year. Normally the hair starts to become dry like and your scalp will tingle or hurt like a tight pony tail around day 14 after the first treatment. It was much easier for me when it started coming out to just shave it as I didnt want to wake up xmas morning and have all of it come out in the shower. My husband shaved my head, I had a really good cry and then slowly got use to the idea although it was cold with no hair in the winter! I did not have a wig but went out and bought bandanas a week before my chemo started so I was prepared. I would like to pass on a few tips I learned during chemo: Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated and flush out the chemo drugs quicker. Take your anti nausea meds on time and dont skip any even if you are feeling okay. You will regret it later as it is harder to get nausea under control after the fact. Eat small light meals to keep your tummy from feeling unsettled, crackers, yogurt, pudding whatever you can tolerate especially for the first few days of each treatment. Have a thermometer handy to keep an eye on your temperature, anything above 38C you should go to emerg right away. Buy purrell, especially if handling door knobs, shopping carts, etc. Ask sick people to stay away as your immune system will be comprimised. If you cant tolerate drinking straight water as your taste buds will change, try Crystal Light or add a lemon to your water. Ask for help when needed, to do your groceries, take care of kids, cook meals, clean house. MOST IMPORTANT, take care of yourself first, you are #1 and need to rest for your body to heal and become healthly again. Today I am almost 4 months post treatment, am happy, healthy, cancer free and enjoying my life beyond breast cancer. There is light at the end of this tunnel and I am proof that you can do this! Your bc sister Michele Wenz
NancyM Joined: May 2005 Posts: 773	Log in to post a reply Nov 29, 2006 03:48 pm NancyM wrote: I agree with everything Michele said - I am 14 months post-chemo, and I am delighted to say that many of the things she brought up I had to think "oh, yeah, I forgot about that..." So you can see that eventually you will be on the other side of this journey and most of the difficult moments will be hard to recall!! Good luck to all of you!
teacher06 Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 137	Log in to post a reply Nov 29, 2006 04:16 pm teacher06 wrote: Thanks for the words of wisdom from one who has already been down this road. I start my chemo Dec. 4. My cocktail seems to be pretty standard...4 DD A/C then 4 DD of either Taxol or Taxotere, followed by 6 weeks of radiation. I will also get a year's worth of Herceptin because I am HER2/+. I get my port Dec. 1. I got fitted for and ordered my wig today. A good friend who went through this exactly a year ago brought me a shopping bag full of hats. She didn't like the feel of a wig, so she opted for hats. I plan to try the wig but who knows how I'll like it! I am not planning to work during my treatment. I teach first grade and I just don't think I'll have the energy to meet their needs, plus there are so many germs when you work with little ones. Good luck to all of you starting chemo in Dec. 06 and thanks to all you veterans who are willing to share your stories with us.
DottieW Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 165	Log in to post a reply Nov 29, 2006 10:22 pm DottieW wrote: Cathy, Christine, Michele et all ... I've been reading posts from many logs, and wanted to join in. I begin chemo tomorrow so I wish I'd have joined sooner... all the women before us have so much advice and I'm looking forward to learning more along this journey. I had lumpectomy in Aug, re-excision in Sept and still DCIS in margins so had single right mast on Nov. 7. Stage II, 2.5 cm, node negative and ER+/PR+ HER-. Had port put in along with mast, and glad I did since I have icky veins. Had MUGA scan last week but don't know results. Have been making notes from all other posts to ask more questions tomorrow. Will have four dense-doses of A/C every two weeks, and then Tamoxifen.. Am still pre-men but know that will change! Glad to know there will be so much support along the way! Hugs to all, Dottie
cafiorini Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 24	Log in to post a reply Nov 30, 2006 05:48 am cafiorini wrote: Sounds like we have the same treatment plan coming up for us. My first treatment is on the 5th. Not done until June good lord that seams forever away. My dr. said I did not need to worry about constipation, but i hear alot of women having that problem...did they discuss that with you? I got my port in and had my muga & pet scan then they did a ct scan which has me worried because that was not scheduled until they looked at the pet on the monitor. I see my oncologist on Friday for the results. God I hat waiting it always seems to be bad news. I went and bought two wigs and some caps yesterday so guess I am physically ready to loose all my hair. I think this is the scarriest part. I am afraid I am going to look like Uncle fester lol . Hugs to all you brave ladies out there. I can't wait to get to the other side.
thomcat Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 531	Log in to post a reply Nov 30, 2006 08:27 am thomcat wrote: cafiorini: Got your PM but was unable to respond. I'm almost 24 hours post first AC treatment. I was able to eat dinner last night but backed off on the portions. I took the compazine for precautions and took an Ativan before bed. The compazine is for mild nausea and the Ativan is for severe nausea and sleep. I did sleep well and woke to start my usual routine of getting my 6 yr old off to school. I was up surfing the net and doing light household chores and I felt tired. So, I took a shower and took a nap. Just had lunch and am heading to the dr for a Neulesta shot to boost the wbc. Then, I'm off to a session with an acupuncturist. THis is going to be a first for me and have no idea if it's going to help anything. A friend's MIL did while she has been on several rounds of chemo. She said it helped with nausea and fatigue. The only thing I have to report to the dr's at this point is that my face and neck appear to be red. Not sure if that's normal. Good luck on the results of your scans. I know all the testing and waiting on results is SO nerve wracking. Hugs to all starting this journey with us this month and those supporting us. Cathy
LoriEachday… Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 131	Log in to post a reply Nov 30, 2006 10:44 am LoriEachday wrote: </font> <font class="small">Quote:</font> I'm almost 24 hours post first AC treatment. The only thing I have to report to the dr's at this point is that my face and neck appear to be red. Not sure if that's normal. <font class="post">Hi Cathy, I'm just about to have my 4th TAC infusion. All three times, I got a flushed face for two days afterward. Then it went away. First time it happened I was afraid I had a fever but I didn't. It's kind of like a hot flash that hangs on for a couple of days. At least that's what has happened to me all three times. Hope you feel ok otherwise.
lucy59 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 93	Log in to post a reply Nov 30, 2006 03:01 pm lucy59 wrote: Hi All: I will be starting chemo on Monday Dec.4. I am ER-PR- Her2Pos . I will be getting 8 rounds of Taxotere and carboplatin for a total 0f 6 months and Herceptin weekly for one year. I begin Coumadin tonight for port and I have prescriptions for Nexium and Dexamethason. I am 59, work in a hospital in the XRay office so will be out of work for awhile. I too am scared. My Onc says it is nothing to worry about and that all will be fine. My first infusion I am told will be 5 hours. (Yuck). Glad to have all of you here with me. Lucy (from New York)
belindajo Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 93	Log in to post a reply Dec 1, 2006 09:15 am belindajo wrote: Hello all. Like Thomcat, I actually started with chemo on the last day of November so thought the December thread is where I should be. I am having dose dense AC and then Taxol, 4 treatments each. This is the day after my first treatment and I can honestly say that I cannot even tell I have had a treatment. I go for a Neulesta shot this afternoon. They say day 3 is the worst for being tired but scheduled on purpose for that to be on the weekend. I just hope all the rest of the treatments go so smoothly. I am ordering a couple of wigs this weekend from TLC (American Cancer Society) since I live in very rural Texas and have to travel out of town to shop for a wig. Tried to go to a place yesterday after getting treatment. What a nightmare. This was a place that sold prostheses and wigs for cancer patients. They said I could try on 2 wigs for free and then charged $10 for every try-on afterwards. They had a consult that charged $25 and after waiting 2 hours for her, she said, "You're going to be upset with me but I have to leave in 15 minutes." Needless to say, I walked straight out of there. Anyway, happy to report, ONLY 7 MORE TO GO!!!!!! Hugs, prayers and well wishes to all! Belindajo
DottieW Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 165	Log in to post a reply Dec 1, 2006 09:28 am DottieW wrote: Hi BelindaJo & Cathy, My first treatment was yesterday, and like Cathy, I felt woozy the rest of the day, napped, had a good dinner. Then took a Compazine mid-evening and the Ativan at bedtime. Slept better than I have in weeks. This morn is a bit woozy/nauseus but I'm trying a ginger chew I got at the health food store. Also got natural ginger ale there too (both for nausea). I will have the Neulasta shot after lunch today, and I heard this can cause the most bone pain and I'll probably be taking Vicadin and hitting the sack. Like you, BJ, that's why I also chose the weekend down time. Don't know if I'll be able for work on Mondy or not -- one day at a time! Hugs to all! Dottie
thomcat Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 531	Log in to post a reply Dec 1, 2006 10:26 am thomcat wrote: DottiW - read your post. Are you taking only AC? Did your onco recommend Taxol? Just curious...I'm questioning why mine wants me to do the AC/T. This is 2nd day post treatment for me. Was really tired this a.m. I am HUNGRY but have slight diarrhea so I'm laying off the Sennekot. Tried to nap but was restless. Taking each day one at a time. As Belindajo says, "1 down 7 to go". Hugs to all, Cathy
DottieW Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 165	Log in to post a reply Dec 1, 2006 12:52 pm DottieW wrote: Yes, I'm just four times of AC on the accellerated every two weeks. That's why I need the neulasta too. Just got home from that and feel pretty tired too. I think my Onc said Taxol was for node positive, but could be wrong.
ladydi Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 668	Log in to post a reply Dec 1, 2006 03:07 pm ladydi wrote: Hi all... I am also a "veteran" from the Dec 05 board. That sounds funny even saying it. I did 6 rounds of FEC, then a Billateral mastectomy then 4 rounds of Tax for a total of 10 rounds (every 3 weeks) for a total of 30 weeks on chemo! 35 radiation treatments and an ooph (ovary removal) to boot! The best advice I have is to hang in there. Take one step (one treatment) at a time. Try not to look too far down the road, or it look like you have this huge mountain to climb and it becomes unbearable. Remember, slow, easy steps! If anyone offers to help, LET THEM!!! If you can't think of anything to tell them, say FOOD! I loved having some homemade dinners in the freezer I could just heat and eat when I needed to. My hair is now growing back, I am finished with my active treatment and look forward to a vacation in Vegas in Jan with my husband. And all of you girls, will get thru this...together. Stay strong. You will beat this! Good luck to you all!
BFidelis Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 38	Log in to post a reply Dec 1, 2006 03:45 pm BFidelis wrote: Hello All! Make room in the pool, because here I come. Talked to the onc late this afternoon (Bone Scan OK, YEAH!) and she suggested my hubby & I look over the calendar and pick a date to start. It will either be 12/11 or 12/18. (4 AC followed by 4 T + Herceptin followed by a few months of Herceptin only.) I'm thinking of planning a grand "Hawaiian Vacation" next December. Does that run contrary to taking one day at a time? See ya round, BOK
lucy59 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 93	Log in to post a reply Dec 1, 2006 05:51 pm lucy59 wrote: Hi BOK: We have a similar plan. I will be starting Monday Dec 4. 8 C/T plus Herceptin and the rest of the year Herceptin alone. one whole year of FUN. I'm with you. Hawaii sounds good next December. Best of luck to you. Lucy
JeanOneal Joined: May 2005 Posts: 101	Log in to post a reply Dec 1, 2006 07:45 pm JeanOneal wrote: Looks like I will be joining some of you ladies this month. I start Taxol next Wed. (had it two years ago) and am a little familiar with side effects. Not happy but at least familiar. Trying to decide if it is better to take it every week or once every three weeks. Any advice there? Best to all and keep looking up.
StefH Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 130	Log in to post a reply Dec 2, 2006 07:12 am StefH wrote: Hi everyone! I was supposed to start AC + T on Monday, but I got fed up with the run around I was getting from my onc's office, so I have a Monday appt with a different onc office. I just want my questions answered. ;- I've had the port in now for almost a month, as I had it put in during my second surgery (had to go in for axillary dissection and reexcision of margins). So after two surgeries in two weeks and a four week recovery, I'm ready to go. Let's get this show on the road!
DottieW Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 165	Log in to post a reply Dec 2, 2006 10:49 am DottieW wrote: Hi Stef, I went to four Oncs and chose the only woman -- #4 ... I had three surgeries (each a month apart because I had travel plans in between!) and the third was the whole mastec and I also had the port on the third... so had it in about 3.5 weeks before the first chemo three days ago... so far, so good. Good luck to everyone. Dottie
tlc60 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 117	Log in to post a reply Dec 2, 2006 08:48 pm tlc60 wrote: Can I join too - I've got the s'mores!! 8-) I'm not sure of my exact start date, but I should be starting before Christmas. I have IDC grade 3, stage 1, neg nodes, triple neg. Right now I am home recovering from lumpectomy/SNB and ready for this journey to be over! Better get to pitching my tent now...
thomcat Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 531	Log in to post a reply Dec 3, 2006 06:20 am thomcat wrote: I'm glad we have this thread so we can all compare notes. I've had only one treatment and I'm doing OK. Trying to keep up with the usual routine but if I feel any tiredness I immediately slow down to nap for even 30 min. It helps. Amazingly, my appetite has been good and I do want to eat. I'll probably be one of the ones who GAINS weight on chemo. We're trying to get some Christmas cheer around here and will be decorating today. My sis is in town to help out so it's making things a lot easier. Good luck to all those about to start their chemo this week and hope all are doing well who started last week. Let's hang in there together. Hugs, Cathy
DottieW Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 165	Log in to post a reply Dec 3, 2006 07:42 am DottieW wrote: It's three days since first chemo and I still have appetite and feel pretty good... a bit achey today. At the first yawn, I'm down for a nap, and amazingly I'm sleeping 9 or 10 hours each night -- I take one Ativan, a mild anti-depressant, at bedtime and it sure works! I'm usually a very "up and active" person (and get by on 5 hours sleep) and never had a-d before, but I'm welcoming the rest!
gsg Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 2818	Log in to post a reply Dec 3, 2006 07:44 am gsg wrote: </font> <font class="small">Quote:</font> Yes, I'm just four times of AC on the accellerated every two weeks. That's why I need the neulasta too. Just got home from that and feel pretty tired too. I think my Onc said Taxol was for node positive, but could be wrong. <font class="post"> Dottie, I had 4 Dose Dense A/C and 4 Dose Dense Taxol and my nodes were negative. (chemo ended in august) I'm not entirely sure how they make their decisions about what you're going to get. I think each onc has their own protocol. I do know this regimen totally decimated my tumor(s)as my surgery happened at the end of chemo. There was nothing left of them. It's good stuff. Cathy, if you're uncomfortable with your care at your onc's office by all means search out another one, even though you've already started treatment. They're going to be a big part of your life for a long time to come and it's important that you are COMPLETELY comfortable with the onc and the staff. good luck to all of you as you begin your journey. it's not an easy road, but it probably won't be as bad as you imagined it. Try to keep moving...even when you don't feel like it. Hugs-- gsg
gsg Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 2818	Log in to post a reply Dec 3, 2006 07:47 am gsg wrote: btw...the steroids given stimulated my appetite BIG TIME. I never felt nauseated. Emend controlled that. In fact, I couldn't stop eating. I now wish I had tried harder to control that as I have a lot of weight to lose as a result.
teacher06 Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 137	Log in to post a reply Dec 3, 2006 11:42 am teacher06 wrote: My port went in Friday, my chemo begins tomorrow and I am DREADING it big time. I think it's fear of the unknown...my mind knows what's supposed to happen but what I don't know for sure is how my body will react to it. I'm slated for 4 DD A/C then 4 DD Taxotere or Taxol...I don't know how onc. will determine which one. I will have 6 weeks of rads and a year of Herceptin. It sounds like so much when I write it all down!
BethS Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 43	Log in to post a reply Dec 3, 2006 12:19 pm BethS wrote: I too had 4 A/C and right now am doing Taxol and Herceptin weekly for 12, followed by 46 more Herceptin and radiation. The A/C was tolerable, just felt crappy and tired. I was taking alot of Zofran and determined after the 4th A/C that that was what was making me really tired. So keep that in mind. My hair started to grow back, I have lots of peach fuzz, but Dr. it will fall out again from the Taxol. More fun to come, I guess. I wish you the best.
lucy59 Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 93	Log in to post a reply Dec 3, 2006 03:56 pm lucy59 wrote: Hi. GEtting ready for my BIG day tomorrow - My First. A 5 hour infusion of Carboplatin, Taxotere and Herceptin. Started the steroids and antinausea today. Feel OKay. just really getting nervous. I feel like when we our Great Pyrenese was still alive and how he hated going to the Vet. As soon as he got at the door we would have to literally drag him in. I told my husband he will have to put a leash on me tomorrow and do the same. Actually I am glad to finally get started on this and I have lots of prayer support from all around me so I think the nervousness will actually be worse than the treatment. once tomorrow is done I will mentally feel better. I will let all of you know how it goes as soon as I am able. Love and strenhth and faith will get us through. Lucy
gsg Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 2818	Log in to post a reply Dec 4, 2006 01:03 pm gsg wrote: Hope all went well for you today, Lucy59. Let us know how you are.
teacher06 Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 137	Log in to post a reply Dec 4, 2006 01:40 pm teacher06 wrote: Yeah...1 down, 7 to go! I had my first A/C today and the process wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated. Now I'm just waiting for the side effects to kick in. They put anti-nausea meds in my drip, plus EMEND beforehand and Zofran and Compazine for tonight and the next 2 days. I go back for a shot of Neulasta tomorrow. A friend brought dinner for our family so that's a treat. I wish all you December chemo girls good luck and I pray we will all be able to avoid the nausea!!

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