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CMF Question
Comments
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Hi Jen, I had my first CMF yesterday, so I am pretty new to this as well. One suggestion I have is to see if it is possible to have your tumor sent for ONCOTYPING. It is a fairly new and supposedly very reliable test to check for recurrance. Go to www.oncotype.com for more information. Depending on your score it can help with a treatment plan.
I had a score of 16 which is s gray area and we opted for CMF once every three weeks for 6 months and then 5 years of Tamoxifen. I am at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC.
Hope this is helpful and I know it is overwhelming.
-Melanie0 -
So glad your first CMF went well Melanie. I think you'll do just fine. Just remember to keep drinking that water for a few days to help flush the chemicals out of your body.
Don't know if your onc nurse talked to you about biotine toothpaste and mouth wash, but I used it during the chemo to attack mouth bacteria. It is also supposed to help ward off the mouth sores that can be a possible side affect with CMF. You can buy it at Wal-Mart, etc. You may want to check it out.
My scan is over. I have a complete road map on my left breast....fancy little circular stickers and huge black lines and dots. If all looks O.K., I will start radiation on Monday, but they still haven't given me my time slot for the radiation treatments.
Ginny must be feeling so well with the CMF infusions that she doesn't need us!!!
I hope she checks in soon!
The sun is out and I have lots to do today so I need to get moving. Hope everyone is doing well today.
Rita0 -
Hi gals,
I spent a night in the hospital last week for fluids. My counts were low and I picked up some awful stomach virus--lots of vomiting and weakness then I got some IV fluids in me--what a difference that made--made me feel much better!
I'm in the final weeks for chemo now and am anxious to be finished. I can't believe I've been doing this since late November! Number 11 is this Friday, number 12 next Friday and I finish the Cytoxan pills May 3rd. Then it's just getting my counts back to normal so I can have my final reconstruction surgery on June 22nd.
Hope everyone is doing well!0 -
Holly......SO GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU!
WOW! You've had a long tough "haul" with this chemo. I'm so sorry you had a recent hospital visit. My gosh gal! My heart goes out to you. ((((HUGS))))
I am so glad you can see the end. Yeah!!!!
It won't be long and you will have it all behind you and you'll be strutting around with new "boobs." Hang in there, Holly. You're on the count-down now.
Rita0 -
Holly, sorry about what you have been going through.
Hang in there!!
-Melanie0 -
Galigirl,
It sounds like we have a lot in common. I scored a 15 on the Oncotype and was node negative. My 2.5 cm tumor was estrogen positive. I went to 2 oncologists and got drastically different opinions. One told me I didn't need anything but Tamoxifen and the other told me CMF. But they both said without the Oncotype I would have had Adriamyacin. How is that for treatment variations?
So far I have had one treatment of CMF it seeems very doable. My second treatment is scheduled for Friday.
Good Luck. You are not crazy..you are just searching for what is right for you!0 -
Jen, I don't think it's that CMF is less aggresive I think it is less harsh on the system. It was the best choice for me as I was a triple neg. I also have heart issues. The AC can be very harsh on the system and you can only do it once! I'm not sure what the FEC or CEF is, maybe someone else knows? Ask your treatment center if CMF is an option for you.
Holly so sorry you had to spend the night at the hospital but at least you're well hydrated now!, So glad this is almost over for you. Take care of yourself!
LR, CMF is very doable, just remember stay hydrated no matter what! and Yes do get some of the biotene toothpast and mouthwash it helps too!
Think of you all0 -
Good morning all.
I thought that the water would not be an issue for me b/c I drink it all the time...but not today (day 3). I bought htose Crystal Light on the Go packets for my water bottle and it seems to be going down. I am at work but i am not sure that I am staying here.
LR- Good luck tomorrow with your treatment.
Feel good all!
-Melanie0 -
Hello CMF girls, I am checking to see how all are doing on CMF. Just to refresh your memory, I finished 8 all IV treatments of CMF in October 2006. It sounds like you are doing all the right things to get through. Trust me, it does end and becomes a distant memory. Radiation ends and also becomes a memory. I am on Arimidex and so far, tolerating it well. I used the Biotine products and I never had a mouth sore. When all the treatment is done you can take a trash bag and throw out the biotine, Nioxin, Aloe creme, Aquaphor, etc. and have a good feeling of dumping it all in the trash!! You will go back to normal products. Ladies, keep plugging along and soon you will be on this site just checking on the new girs and supporting them. Good luck to all and I do check on you frequently. Lots of love, Susan
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Good evening. Sounds like everyone is doing pretty well. Sorry to hear, Holly, that you had to go into the hospital. I know you will be so glad to get this all over with.
I suffered some after my 2nd treatment with constipation. I thought I was doing it right by taking Senekot-S, but evidently it is not enuf to counteract the medications or I didn' take often enuf. I will make some changes on next treatment next week. Had my blood work done yesterday and all was fine.
Rita, do you start your radiation treatments this next week? If so, best of luck.
Carole0 -
Good evening everybody!
Susan, thanks so much for checking on us and sending your encouragement. It is so nice to know that this will become a memory with time. Sometimes I really wonder. I am also glad to know that you are doing fine on the Arimidex. I will be taking that also when the treatments are done and have heard some horror stories about it, so I'm glad to hear that it's doable for you.
Carole, Yes, my radiation treatments will start next week. I had my simulation and marks put on Tuesday and I already lost one of them during golfing today so guess I will have to go back and get it recalculated and put on again. They were shooting for Monday as my starting date but they haven't called yet with a time so I guess I'll call tomorrow and see what is going on and tell them about the missing marker. I have learned that you have to be proactive when it comes to dealing with doctor offices and the return of calls. So glad Carole that you blood work was fine. My white counts went down right before my third treatment and I had to have the neulasta shot the day after my third treatment. The shot wasn't bad at all and it brought the counts up so that is the only time I've had it. Not everybody has to have the shot so maybe you'll avoid it and have a good blood count report each time.
Melanie,
Day 3 was always the worst day for me. I had trouble with everything on that day and ate alot of popsicles. Then day 4 rolled around and I was much better. It's really odd. Hang in there.
It sounds like everyone is doing pretty well. We can do it, ladies.
Talk to you later. This has been a busy day.
Rita0 -
Well, I only lasted an hour or so at work for my day 3. I was lucky enough to sleep most of the day and night away(my mother is helping with the kids). I am at work today feeling about how I did on Day 2. This site is so comforting.
I wish everybody a good day.
-melanie0 -
Hi ladies,
I took a little break from this because I was thinking too much about b.c. and needed to get into something else for awhile. Sometimes too much information can be too much. Anyway, I do love the support here, just needed a little time away.
Holly, man you have been through the ringer with this. I hope you are feeling a lot better. Thank God the end of this is near!
Rita, you got through your mapping, all the best to you next week. I hear radiation is like a walk in the park compared to chemo
Hi to all the new ladies who have joined! CMF is doable.
I have 2 more treatments left--yahoo! I have one this coming Wednesday and I am hoping my white blood cell count will be high enough to get it.
Love the gorgeous weather today! It is a good reminder that there is renewal after the harsh winter---we will all get through this and have our spring.
I have been on the internet for a week solid planning our 5th anniversary, husband's 50th, and just a celebration of the b.c. treatments...being over. We are going to Greece in August. Better have my port out before this I don't care if I am totally exhausted, it will be great.
Look at me, not here for awhile and now I am rambling.
Missed everyone and good to hear everyone is hanging in there.
Blessings,
Ginny0 -
Rita, I hope your scans went well
Melanie--how are you doing since your tx.
Lisa good to see you here--you helped me while I was going through CMF-thanks!!
Hugs and prayers,
Candie0 -
Thanks for your good wishes, Candie. The scans were O.K. and I'm definitely scheduled for my first radiation on Monday. I'm anxious to get it over with.
Ginny...so glad to see you back. I completely understand your need to put some space between you and bc but sure am glad to see you back here. I missed you! Wow! You're down to only 2 more! And after this next week...there's only one left and a trip to Greece on the horizon. Super!!
Hope everybody is doing well today.
Rita0 -
Hi Rita, so how were the scan? I am scheduled in mid May to do them? Do they give you tatoos with a needle? Just wondering and getting prepared for the next step.
I hear it takes no time to do the radiation, just in and out. Before you know it Rita, you will be done!
Hi Melanie, if at all possible, see if you can take at least 3 days off work to rest after your infusions. Usually by day 4 you start to feel better. Take care!
Hi Carole, I take colace the day before and during the 3 days after chemo (2 in am, sometimes 2 in the afternoon, and 2 at night) it seems to work and I found the senekot really hard to take with cramps..Maybe this may help you too?
Hi Jen, I hear the CEF is quite effective and you are young, so something to consider. CMF is supposed to be like a "chemo light", but I don't know because everyone handles things individually. All the best with your decision. Any more questions re:cmf please come here to ask. You can also read earlier threads here, pg1--very good info.
Hope everyone is enjoying the wonderful weather
Blessings,
Ginny0 -
Thanks you guys.
I appreciate it. Reading posts in this forum really helps me decide which chemo I think I should do. I'm wondering if all of you who did CMF were stage 1 bc and grade 1? And did your doctors give you the option, I mean were you able to chose?
Jen0 -
Jen,
My onc gave me 4 choices that came from the tumor board at the hospital. I had the choice of tamoxifen only, tamoxifen and have my ovaries shut down, and 2 different chemo choices CMF or TC. I picked the CMF after much research! I was stage 1, grade 3. Good luck with your decision.
Sue0 -
I was stage 1c grade 3 triple negative. I was only given the one choice!
Good luck with your decision0 -
Thanks Ginny for info on Colace. I need to rethink the whole laxitive thing. I just was not taking enuf. Anyway, all should go well this week with 3rd treatment. Then it will be just 5 to go. Yipee.
Anxious to hear how it goes for Rita on Monday.
Hope all goes well for everyone this week.
Carole0 -
Hi all,
What a difference a couple of days make. I do have some fatigue now and a mouth sore. Can I ask you ladies when you started noticing the hair loss? When can I expect to see it?
Rita, good luck today!
Anybody else with expanders? I am finding it difficult to find comfortable positions especially when the nausea kicks in.
What a wonderful resource and source of comfort you all are!!!
-Melanie0 -
Jen, I was stage 1, grade 3, double negative and had close margins after my mastectomy. I chose to be aggressive with this and do CMF chemo and rads. My doctors were split. My gut told me go for it. It is an insurance policy. I want to prevent a recurrence, or at least do all I can and know I did. Everyone is different how they chose and how they get through this. Research, listen to doctors and go with your gut. All the best!
Hi Carole, hope all goes well this week. Also, try and drink tons of water (helps the bowels too). If you are like me and water tastes weird right after chemo, try adding juice, or some taste to it.
Melanie, isn't it great that you start to feel more yourself inbetween on the "chemo holiday". I have 2 more treatments to go and have lost about 50% of my hair. I had thick hair to start with so no one really notices but me. Started to notice large quantities coming out after washing my hair, probably a month in or so.
Rita, how did your first rad treatment go? Now the unknown is gone---yeah!
Hope everyone else is having a good day.
I go in for blood work today and will see my onc to see if I can get chemo on Wed. I'm praying my white blood cells have improved because I really don't want a delay. The finish line is May 16th and God willing I will make it.
Enjoy the beautiful day,
Ginny0 -
Ginny, Thank you and I wish you the best with your blood counts.
-Melanie0 -
Hi everyone! My first radiation treatment is over and I survived with no side effects. It took quite a while to get me positioned correctly this first time. They took pictures, x-rays, checked the position, rechecked the position, moved me one way or the other, had the radiologist come in and check the position and then finally gave me the treatment that was done in about 5 minutes. Now they have the position readings they assure me that it will go faster tomorrow. So...tomorrow morning I have to be out there at 7:30 for #2.
Ginny, they did not tatoo me. Instead they used clear plastic transparent discs about the size of a penny. They are sticky and they stuck them on the outer perimeter of the area to be radiated. Then they marked all over me with permanent marker, which they may touch up daily if needed. It's sorta funny because when I went in today, my V-neck top covered all my marks but they added black marks to the upper area, so when I walked out I looked like a kid that had gotten hold of a permanent marker.
There was no pain from the treatment and no after effects the first time. They assured me that I would probably have some burning in time and be more tired than usual. Hey, I can do that!
Melanie, are you feeling better now that the third day is over? Did you suck on ice chips during your treatment? That is supposed to keep you from getting mouth sores. You can use biotene mouthwash and toothpaste to help with the mouth sores. Also you can make a solution of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and salt to swish around in your mouth and that helps, too. As for the hair loss, it took 2 to 4 weeks before I began to notice any at all. Then it was mainly when I washed my hair.
Jen, I was stage 1, Grade 3, er-, pr+, and her2 -. I had a choice of chemo followed by radiation or just rads. Like Ginny, I chose to attack it now in hopes that it won't return. The Grade 3 category worried me as that is fairly aggressive cancer, so that played a role in my decision.
Well I need to get some dinner on the table, so I'm out of here. Good luck Wednesday, Ginny. I hope you can take the treatment and get another one marked off.
Have a good night!!!
Rita0 -
I also had very thick hair and I was sitting on it. So I cut it short and donated it to Loks Of Love just before I started my chemo. My hair thinned by about half. But I was just noticing how thick it is getting again! In two weeks it will be 1 year from my last treatment of chemo! It takes a while for all the after afects to go away but they do pass.
Try to eat and drink something while getting your chemo it helps keep the mouth moist which is what you want! I drank two apple juice or tomato juice during every treatment along with a bottle of water sometimes two. I also munched on cookies or a sandwich. It helped a lot!
I also drank at least one pinapple juice a day to help keep the contipation away. it really works!
Rita, hope today went faster kknow that they know where to position you! Don't be surprised if midway through they adjust it a bit! They will likely take xrays once a week to make sure they are still getting the right areas!0 -
Hi
Well, I saw the oncologist today, and he gave me no choice. He said I need FEC chemo! It's mainly cause of my age. I really tried to avoid this one, but I guess I'll have to do it. This is so weird, they told me that FEC is standard now because it's better than CMF. So how come so many are getting it? This makes no sense to me.
Anyway, thanks for the answers...and good luck to all of you!
Jen0 -
Jen best wishes as you start treatment. I'm sure your Onc has only the best in mind for what you need!
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Hi
Rita--how is rads doing? The techs always drew all over me...I would tell them to use pretty color markers.
Jen--I was dx'd stage 2, grade 2, er+ pr+ her2- and I did 12 treatments of CMF
Melanie--I lost 75% of my hair and I had really thick hair. I finished chemo in Dec. and it is growing slowly but surely and it is getting thicker.
Ginny--how are your white bllod cells doing?
Melanie--my chemo nurses gave me ice pops to eat during infusion!! I always requested cherry--lol
Keep positive girls, youwill get through tthis with flying colors. I didnt ever think I would finish and right now I am 6 weeks post rads!!
Hugs and prayers,
Candie0 -
To all, I hope everybody is having the easiest time possible with the CMF and rads. I don't think I amd having radiation when the CMF is done. They never mentioned it, just tamoxefin.
I did have ice chips during the session, and lots of water. i have 2 mouth sores though. For right now, they are not a real problem.
I really have felt pretty good for the last couple of days, I don't think that i realized that there would be some days of relief in between treatments...this is a good thing.
My good friend at work is having a big 40th B-day party in the city this Saturday night. There will be lots of people in a big bar. This will be day 12 for me when the blood counts dip. Is this an event i should skip?
Thanks, ladies
-Melanie0 -
Hi ladies, well my white blood cell counts were too low for my chemo this week so I have to miss it and try next week. I was a little frustrated because I called my doctor's office and asked for neulasta shot so this wouldn't happen. So I will be at least one week delayed from my finish line---poop! The strange thing is I feel fine, more tire than usual, but good. Heck I even went to a John Mayer concert last week and didn't catch anything! So Melanie, go for the party, but just use some caution. Stay further away from people who may be ill and wash your hands a lot. If I am able to do chemo next week, they are going to give me a neulasta shot the next day to help me make my last chemo appt. Oh well, it could be worst.
Glad your marking...went o.k. Rita. Did they suggest you use any special creams? Can you swim in a pool? Just wondering, because we have a pool and I think I heard that you can't swim in a chlorinated pool while doing rads?
Jen, there are all kinds of treatments for all different pathologies. CMF is usually offered early stage women as a choice of AC or CMF. That was my choice. I thought CMF would be easier, but you know a shorter course of treatment is not a bad option. I don't think personally that CMF has been especially easy. It is different for everyone. Some get through the so called harder regimes without any major side effects. So all the best to you!
Hi Candie, thanks for your continued encouragement! How long does it take before you notice your hair starting to thicken and not fall out? I miss my thick hair and blow drying it straight. I know we are really blessed to keep our hair, but I'm starting to miss my old head of hair.
Holly, how are you doing?
Everyone take care,
Ginny0
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