Come join others currently navigating treatment in our weekly Zoom Meetup! Register here: Tuesdays, 1pm ET.
Weigh in: What are the best and worst gifts for people with breast cancer?
Share with us: What are your proudest moments of 2024 and personal goals for 2025?
Take our poll: How are you feeling as we near the New Year?

CMF Question

1…237238240242243…282

Comments

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited September 2013

    Cherish, they may be able to reduce your CMF dosage slightly for your last treatment.  They did that to me and it made a big difference.  It might not hurt to ask your onc about it.

  • softness1
    softness1 Member Posts: 100
    edited September 2013

    (((hugs))) Cherish,

    This too shall pass. The 7th treatment wasn't great for me either. But look at it this way the 8th one IS THE LAST TREATMENT!!!!!!Cool Hope you feel better

    Ann

  • cherish
    cherish Member Posts: 43
    edited September 2013

    Thx bunch for all the sisters here! Ritajean n softness1. Thx for the supports n always be there for me. I'm feeling better now! I will ask my onco next visit to reduce the dose. The LAST ONE.....

  • Jaybird26
    Jaybird26 Member Posts: 5
    edited September 2013

    Hello Ladies,

    I was told by my MO that she wants to start CMF instead of ACT. I can use all the input I can get. They say that these side effects are not as severe as ACT. This has all been so confusing. Thank you

  • mandy1313
    mandy1313 Member Posts: 978
    edited September 2013

    Hi Jaybird!

    Welcome to the club that no one wants to join.  But if you do get CMF, you will be in good company with this group.  Some of the old timers like me pop in and there are always new people to share your trip with. 

    I noticed your comment about your hair and you may be lucky like I was and not really lose your hair on CMF.  Mine did get a little thinner but I never needed a wig or even a head scarf to cover it. I think you will find CMF doable. Come back often and  ask all of  your questions.  We will be with you as you go on this journey.

    Hugs.

    Mandy

  • lenepete
    lenepete Member Posts: 2
    edited September 2013

    Hi, I am new to this group but just finished my first round of CMF.  I am also battling constipation.  I have tried the mild laxatives but have not stuck to them like I should have and will work now to use everyday.  I also had some nausea, but it was mild.  I had more burning in my stomach than anything else.  May be from the Decadron.  I also had the headache from the "C" drug , but it went away as soon as I finished the bag.  It caught me off guard, I was talking to my daughter and all of a sudden sounded like Donald Duck, lol, from the stuffiness I got with this, like a sinus infection.  My issue now is feeling down.  I am on my fifth day after my infusion and I feel washed out, mostly from not being able to sleep the first three days.  I was really wound from the Decadron.  My question is do they have to give this drug?  I felt like I was going to come out of my skin.  Thank you for letting me post, and I hope to make some new friends here.  I feel very alone right now around me, as everyone really feels weird talking to me.  It is though they are going to catch it, or I may ask something of them they are not able to give or handle.  I have also had the issue of some thinking this is a breast augmentation and the focus was on pretty breasts.  I know one day this may be possible, but for the next six months, it is not.  I had a double mastectomy and unfortunately I am triple hormone negative.  Again thanks for letting me post and hope everyone does well with their treatment either this week or in the coming weeks. 

  • Jaybird26
    Jaybird26 Member Posts: 5
    edited September 2013

    Hello. I just found out that I will be starting cmf on Wednesday. I would like to get any input I can in regards to side effects and what I can expect. Thank you

  • InspiredbyDolce
    InspiredbyDolce Member Posts: 987
    edited September 2013

    For constipation this is the best stuff!  I promise!  it's called Smooth Move, and is a tea you drink.  You steep it 10-15 minutes and drink it and the next day you go like normal.  It's amazing, and I found it to be the only thing that worked.  It also tastes very yummy, so don't get addicted to it.  :)  It also comes in an organic version now.  I got it at Safeway Grocery store, but I think WalMart and other stores have it as well.  Here is the link so you know what it looks like.  I had the purple box.  http://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/product/smooth-move-reg

  • Macy
    Macy Member Posts: 93
    edited October 2013

    Hi Jaybird, Yay, I see you already found this thread! I'm starting CMF this month too. There are a lot of great women here who have already completed their CMF journey and they will be able to answer your questions!

  • mandy1313
    mandy1313 Member Posts: 978
    edited October 2013

    Hi Jaybird!

    You asked about side effects to prepare for--everyone is different and everyone has different side effects..The one thing that is clear though is that alot of the anti nausea meds may cause constipation.  When I began cmf, one of the gals suggested that I take a stool softener the night before and for a few days after each tx--something like colace  (not the laxative one; the stool softener one).  It helped me quite a bit. Also your onc will prescribe some anti nausea meds.  Do not wait until you are nauseous to take them---just start them as your are directed. In my case, I took them before the chemo as well as for a few days after. 

    My oncgave me a list of things to have on hand, just in case. I kept all of the meds in a basket in my bathroom so I could find them.   So far as I remember they were:

    1.colace

    2.immodium AD (because some people get diahrrea from chemo)

    3.pepcid AC to deal with heart burn (this was very helpful).

    4.also ginger ale, lemon flavored drinks, sparkling water and water.  Some people, and I was one of them, find water is unpleasant to drink and prefer something such as ginger ale or lemonata (the Italian lemon flavored sparkling water).  You will want to drink alot of liquid after the chemo to flush it out of your system. And don't be shocked (sorry to be graphic here) but your urine may have an odd smell for 24 hours after the chemo. That is just the chemo going through your system, doing its job and leaving.

    5.bland foods in case your stomach is upset. Mac and cheese became a staple of my diet; so did creamed soups, and scrambled or medium boiled eggs with white bread toast--these are not my usual foods.

    6.if you live alone, easy microwavable meals, in case you don't feel like cooking for a few days after the chemo.

    7.Some of us sucked on ice pops during the actual tx which seems to help prevent mouth sores.  I got an "italian lemon flavored ice" because it was not too sweet.  If you don't have ice pops, you can ask the chemo center to give you ice chips to suck on.

    Don't worry--the first tx is the worst--not because it is worse than the others but because you don't know what to expect so (if you are like me) you will be somewhat scared. It is not as bad as I expected and in fact is quite doable. After my first chemo, I was so relieved, I went out to lunch with a friend.  It was only in the evening that I felt any side effects as it went through my system.

    Anyway we are all rooting for you.  You can do this!!

    Hugs,

    Mandy

  • Jaybird26
    Jaybird26 Member Posts: 5
    edited October 2013

    Thank you for the advice. I start tomorrow afternoon. The thing that stinks is that I still don't know if I will be receiving cmf or act. All so frustrating. Don't know if I should go with the more aggressive act. Ugh. Can't wait for this to be over

  • traii
    traii Member Posts: 379
    edited October 2013

    Jaybird good luck for tomorrow.

    Would be horrible for you not knowing in advance what you will be getting!

    I had 3 Taxoteres followed by 3 cmfs.



    All the best.

  • Macy
    Macy Member Posts: 93
    edited October 2013

    Jaybird, I sent you a PM but follow your instincts as you choose the best regimen for you. We know our bodies and ourselves best. Yes, our doctors, friends, family, etc. have our best interests at heart but in the end, it is ultimately our own individual decision. 

    Once the decision point comes for you today, I know you will make the best decision for you! (((hugs)))

    Mandy, thank you for the helpful tips. I will pick up some of this stuff this week. Gosh, I hope my SEs aren't too bad. I will be away from home for my first infusion so I'm really hoping that I don't feel awful and can't be comfortable like we tend to be at our own home. 

  • cherish
    cherish Member Posts: 43
    edited October 2013

    Jaybird26, I had the same concern as you before I started the tx, even though after the 1st tx I still wondering I am making a right choice. My surgeon suggests the AC and my onc gave me the options for AC or CMF. I got diagnostic the BC right after my mom was finished the AC tx. She had very sever SE and that's one reason to scare me of AC. On the other hand, I was afraid the reoccurrence if the CMF is not strong enough. But now I'm glad I did the CMF is because I'm able to keep my daily life going and it's not just me but also my family. My hubby, my daughter, and my son are having the same or more pressures than me because they see me how I am and will suffering just as I saw how my mom suffers fm tx. I'm able to join my son's graduation and also help him move into the dorm. I'm able to go on a cruise with my family for a short vacation. I'm also able to work and do the house works. I have 8 cycles on every 3 weeks. 10/10 will be my last tx ( if the blood test passed). The first 4 tx, I only feel sick for couples of days after tx. The 7th tx got me the worst especial the nose issues (like sinus but worse). I did lose a lots of hairs so I keep cutting my hair short ( actually trying a new hair style is not bad!). I did bought a wig but I don't need to use it. I did feel more fatigue toward to the end of tx. This is a great board, great people, and great supports that you will never found. Please do not hesitate to ask any question. We are here to help and support! Fight on!! :) hugs <3</p>

  • Macy
    Macy Member Posts: 93
    edited October 2013


    Thanks, Cherish for what you wrote here. I start CMF next week. Yes, my oncologist wanted me to do the ACT regimen but I am concerned about the SEs. They are definitely something to be concerned about and some of them (from what I read) might not go away after you are finished with chemo.


    Wish me luck with my CMF cocktail next Wednesday!~

  • softness1
    softness1 Member Posts: 100
    edited October 2013


    I finished my 8th treatment July 25th this year. CMF was very doable. My MO wanted me to do ACT as well but I was concerned about the SE's as well. With CMF I was able to continue to work. I had treatment every 3 Thursdays. The day of was never really an issue for me. I did have tingling in my legs, neuropathy but my nurse suggested vitamin B6 and it really did help. And I was constipated!!!!!! That was the worse.. I stewed Apricots, Cranberrie and raisins and that did help a lot. Initially I was nauseous, but then my meds were changed around a bit and as long as I stayed on top of them I was ok. The Fridays after chemo I would be a little loopy so I did take a few of those Fridays off. My job was very understanding thank God. Usually by Monday I was better and had 3 weeks to recover. The nurses in the infusion room are your best friends. They helped me with so many issues.


    After my first 2 treatments a bunch of strands of hair started coming out when I combed or brushed it. There was hair everywhere. I thought I was going to be bald, but my hair only thinned and no one else ever noticed. It actually got longer. The Cancer Society has a class called Look Good Feel Better that gives beauty tips to use during chemo. You get a wig and really nice make up. I was tired a lot, had bags so the concealer was a God sent. Also for a few days after chemo I had this metallic taste in my mouth. Water was disgusting.. Like drinking pennies. So I added Crystal light to it and was able to drink it. I was also a huge Mac and Cheese girl. Kraft profits from Feb-July had to be through the roof off of just me alone..lol.. It was manageable.

  • DanaMarie80
    DanaMarie80 Member Posts: 8
    edited October 2013


    Hey Ladies


    I just started CMF and radiation combined on 9/24. My onc is using something called the BonaDonna method. Its a 28 day cycle. On days #1 and #8 I get an IV push of 5-fu and take oral cytoxan daily on days #1-14. Then I get a 14 day break. Then the cycle starts all over again. I will have 6 cycles/6 months of CMF. The methotrexate will be added as an IV push along with the 5-fu when I am done with radiation. I guess you cant have methotrexate during radiation due to its toxicity.


    I have 6 weeks of rads plus 5 boosts. I have 2 weeks of rads down and a few more days of oral cytoxan until I get a 14 day break. But really not much of a break since I have rads.


    I'm only 32 and have not had kids yet. I've reresearched and found that CMF has an 80% chance of leaving a woman infertile.


    BC sucks and I'm trying to power through this and stay positive. This tnbc has been super aggressive and so I'm doing whatever it takes to kick this cancer in its a**!!!


    With CMF have any women gone on to have children? I lost all my hair with the ACT...its started to grow back. Will my hair fall out again? ? Or just thin?


    Sending hugs to all of you!!


    Dana


    Xxoo

  • mandy1313
    mandy1313 Member Posts: 978
    edited October 2013


    Hi Dana Marie!


    Welcome to the CMF board. I think you'll find that we all are here for you and will try to help you through this part of your tx as best we can.


    Like you I had radiation at the same time as CMF and during the radiation did not have the M part. From what I understood, the M combined with rads can cause some kind of permanent skin problems. The one thing to be aware of is that you may be more fatigued than if you just had radiation or just had CMF. I for one was pretty fatigued, but still managed pretty well.


    I don't know what will happen to your hair with CMF after your other chemos. I had thinning of my hair, which only I noticed. I did not ever need a head scarf or wig to hide it. I hope you have the same.


    There are others on this thread who have had CMF after other chemos and hopefully they will chime in and share their experiences with you.


    Meantime, sending you a big hug!


    And hugs to all the others in treatment too.


    Mandy

  • Macy
    Macy Member Posts: 93
    edited October 2013


    DanaMarie, welcome! I don't have a lot of advice to offer because I'm pretty new to all this. I'm another stage IIIer who will also be doing the CMF regimen. I see that you have done some chemo already so you probably have an idea as to what to expect?


    I don't know about the infertility part. Please talk to your onc about this. I know women sometimes have some of their eggs harvested and stored so that they can use them later when they are ready to have children. Good luck with everything and if I there is anything I can do, please let me know! (((hugs)))

  • traii
    traii Member Posts: 379
    edited October 2013


    danamarie,


    I had Taxotere and lost my hair, started growing back on CMF. My onc said it shouldn't fall out again but may just stop growing with the CMF but it just kept growing!


    Good Luck .. CMF was a breeze for me compared to Taxotere!

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited October 2013


    Senacot works wonders for constipation. It can be purchased over the counter at drug stores.

  • cherish
    cherish Member Posts: 43
    edited October 2013


    Today is my last chemo tx. Ya!!!! So far I'm feeling ok but fatigue. It's been a long journey but I did it! Thanks for all of sisters be here for me. Best wishes for the one who is still working on it. <3<3<3


    Is any one has info for what kind of post test or check out needed to be done? Greatly appreciated.

  • mandy1313
    mandy1313 Member Posts: 978
    edited October 2013


    Cherish:


    Wahoo Cherish!!! You stuck through thick and thin and you are done with CHEMO!!! YAY for you!!!! Come back here and let us all know how you are doing.


    Hugs,


    Mandy

  • softness1
    softness1 Member Posts: 100
    edited October 2013


    Way to go Cherish!!!!!


    Aside from a blood test my MO had me take a bone & CT scan after my last chemo. I know your so happy it's over. What a ride

  • cherish
    cherish Member Posts: 43
    edited October 2013


    softness1' how's the reconstruction goes? It must heart, right.? I


    Dater the finally check up, I'm going to do the reconstruction as well! If there are any thing you would like to share , it willbe greatly appreciated! Hug~~~~~

  • Macy
    Macy Member Posts: 93
    edited October 2013


    Hey ladies, I got my first infusion last week. It went well even though it was intimidating the first time. Is anyone out there who has also just started treatment? Looking for a friend as I go through this! The ladies on the October 2013 board are great but they are mostly doing other regimens. It would be nice to find another CMF newbie. :)

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited October 2013


    Macy, scroll back a few posts as think Dana just started the CMF the end of September. It's always nice to have a chemo buddy!


    Yea cherish! You're a chemo grad! Good for you! It will take a bit before you are back 100% to your old self but you will get there! You did it and I am so happy for you!

  • Macy
    Macy Member Posts: 93
    edited October 2013


    Thanks, Rita!

  • ritajean
    ritajean Member Posts: 4,042
    edited October 2013


    Are you still feeling ok, Macy?

  • cherish
    cherish Member Posts: 43
    edited October 2013


    thx bunch Rita ! Love u love u love u~~~


    I'm still recovering fm the last chemo. The main problem I have now is nose problem which is like sinus ( worse than that actually!) will go back to see my onc early of Nov. for a complete post check up. Another problem is depress... Not sure if it's the SE related but just feels low. I'm kind of nervous indeed. Feels like been working on a test and now it's the time to see how I score it.... Feels very tired but can't go to sleep......

Categories

Join Us on Zoom: Upcoming virtual meetups. Read more...
Give your account some personality! Add a profile photo.