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Tips for getting through chemotherapy

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  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 734
    edited June 2011
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    I would like to add chemo pants. Something that has a soft elastic waste so when you need to dash to the bathroom, you are not struggling with buttons or zippers.

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited June 2011
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    Great tips, ladies! It's wonderful that we keep posting helpful hints for making our chemo journey a little easier!

  • barble
    barble Member Posts: 1
    edited June 2011
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    thanks for the tips! I am on my 3rd chemo stage 2B 3/15 positive nodes ER+ HER2+ grade 3. clear margins all around. 15 months chemo, 5 weeks radiation, 5 years ER suppressors. My first chemo of doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide I was in emerg with nausea, vomitting and violent stomach cramps. The emerg nurse said that doxorubicin is brutal and they see patients in emerg all the time with same symptoms. I called my cancer clinic and was told I now qualify for the "cadillac" drugs of EMEND. They don't give them out until the patient has puked in pain because they are too expensive! I was told today that they were developed for a different chemo that is even worse than doxorubicin (andriamycin) but are slowly working them into the BC Cancer protocol and will give them to people who have suffered. EMEND is wonderful! 2nd chemo had no vomitting except was awake from dexamethasone for 5 days even with sleeping pill. developed shingles 2nd chemo when blood counts were down on day 7. was given anti-viral and spots are slowly going. had 3rd chemo today and am hoping for a boring uneventful cycle!

  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 734
    edited June 2011
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    Emend is standard protocol for my clinic. Yes it is expensive if you do not have insurance it is $458 for 3 pills, but worth its weight in gold.

  • sewingnut
    sewingnut Member Posts: 475
    edited June 2011
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    My center uses Aloxi and Emend both. Add the steroids and I was nausea free for 3 days then only had to take oral zofran for a day or two. The Aloxi and Emend were included in the chemo charges for me.

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited June 2011
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    Bump!

  • mccrimmon324
    mccrimmon324 Member Posts: 794
    edited June 2011
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    Bump for b1234

  • Allenan
    Allenan Member Posts: 23
    edited June 2011
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    CMF (Cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, Adrucil) or TC (Taxotere and cylophosphamide) 

     Greetings Everyone,

    Newbie to this thread  but not to the boards.  I was dx in April, had lumpectomy in May, and just had a 2nd re-excision (my third surgery) to clear margins.  Hopefully the third time is a charm.

    I was advised to post my Chemo questions here:

    I am so, so so scared of having to do chemo but I know its necessary.  I get so sick whenever I was pregnant, that I wonder what chemo--which is certainly more potent, will do to me.  I am hoping for the best, but need to prepare nevertheless.

    Anyway, my Question is:

     Anyone has experience with the Mild chemo regimen:  That is, CMF ( Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate and S-FU (adrucil).  I am considered Stage 1 and the Onc gave me the decision as to whether I wanted the CMF or the moderate regimen of  TC.

    I am trying to decide and have read the fist few pages of this thread.  I stopped becuase I dI was getting very anxious.  The information here is priceless and I hope I can become informed enough to make the right choice for me.  Thanks in Advance you wonderful, informed women.  I would be lost without this board.

  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 734
    edited June 2011
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    I did cmf one year ago and it did not work. I had a recurrence 11 months later.

    I just finished 4 rounds of TC

  • mike22
    mike22 Member Posts: 1
    edited June 2011
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    Thanks for sharing this tips.]

    Generic Viagra | Generic Levitra |  Suhagra
  • Allenan
    Allenan Member Posts: 23
    edited June 2011
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    Hello Again,

    Newbie here and posting again to find out about CMF and TC experience from any of you ladies.

    I am about to start chemo in 2 weeks and trying to find out about these two regimens.

    Anyone out there has had any experience with any of these two regimens.

    Thanks,

  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 734
    edited June 2011
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    Such a difficult decision. For me I was trying to get the job done with minimal damage to the rest of me and still be able to work and put a roof over my head. Looking back on it I wished I had just done all the big guns from the start and not put myself through two and ahalf years more of trial and erorr only to end up having to do it all anyway. I was very afraid and that was a huge factor as well. In addition, I was a health nut and not liking the idea of putting anything toxic in my body. I had to put those ideas on hold to get through chemo and that was not easy. I think that the mental /emotional part of this decease is equally as hard as the physical. For me I am seeing a therapist even though I am a therapist myself. Dealing with alot of PTSD type issues.

  • Allenan
    Allenan Member Posts: 23
    edited June 2011
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    Thanks Merilee,

    I have already decided whic chemo reg I will use but I just wanted to learn as much as possible about experiences.  How is the TC working out for you.  Stay strong and all the best.

  • JeanH
    JeanH Member Posts: 132
    edited July 2011
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    Hi ladies bumping to the top



    Jean

  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 734
    edited July 2011
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    Hi Allenan

    Thanks for asking. Quite honestly I thought the TC was a  frightening crawl through hell. But being on the other side of it now I am glad I did it. If that don't kill cancer nothing will!

    A couple of times I thought it was going to do me in as well. Very strong medicine.

    I feel good that I am taking strong measures NEVER to have a recurrence again. It is the most terrifying experience to be told "this is a recurrence." Gave me a nervous breakdown, which was horrible beyond words.

  • Paintingmywaythru
    Paintingmywaythru Member Posts: 221
    edited July 2011
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    Starting TC on Friday...checking out all the notes form everyone. Thanks.

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited July 2011
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    Bumping for the July '11 chemo starters.

  • SheriBell
    SheriBell Member Posts: 32
    edited July 2011
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    I have had 2 TC treatments on the way to 4 total at 3 weeks apart.  So far my experience has been very good with minimal side effects.  Have I had side effects, sure.  As I type I am completely bald but there is medicine for every side effect imaginable including anti-nausea and anti-anxiety.  I feel pretty good today and I have my 3rd treatment on Thursday.   I can't speak for other chemotherapies but the TC has been very doable for me.Wink
  • Madismommy719
    Madismommy719 Member Posts: 377
    edited July 2011
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    SheriBell, how many days from your 1st TC did you start to lose your hair??? I was told to expect mine about day 10-14. My regime is going to be TC and A.... The "red devil" they tell me??

  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 734
    edited July 2011
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    Good  luck ladies, I just finished 4 tc. Feel free to PM me if I can help or if you have questions about what is normal to feel and what is not, Also lots of good info on the April chemo thread

    Hugs

    Merilee

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited July 2011
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    bump

  • oldtimer35
    oldtimer35 Member Posts: 7
    edited July 2011
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    I want to thank you ladies for all the information you have given me in the last few months.  My youngest just finished her last chemo today-taxotere, and we are so happy.  You information has greatly reduced her side effects and made this a more tolorated journey.  She is scheduled for a dmx in august and reconstruction, so I will be around and reading more as her journey continues.  God bless all of you, and thanks from an old man.

  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 734
    edited July 2011
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    Awe...you are welcome, good luck

  • badger
    badger Member Posts: 24,938
    edited July 2011
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    bump up into active topics

  • Damaris51270
    Damaris51270 Member Posts: 2
    edited July 2011
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    HELLO LADIES,

    I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH TRIPPLE NEGATIVE CANCER LAST FEBRUARY HAD SURGERY AND HAD FOUR CHEMOS,

    IT WAS A SURPRISE TO ME AND I WAS TERRIFIED, NO ONE IN MY FAMILY HAVE HAD CANCER JUST HEARING THE WORD GETS YOU SCARED.  AFTER THESE FOUR DOC DID TESTING AND ALL WAS OK CANCER IS GONE, I STARTED RADIATION TODAY IM SUPPOSE TO GET 30. MEANWHILE DOCTOR JUST INFORMED ME THAT HE WANTS TO GIVE ME FOUR MORE AND STRONGER SINCE I TOOK THE FIRST FOUR WELL HE WANTS TO MAKE SURE CANCER DOESN'T COME BACK.... TOLD ME IF IT CAME BACK IS NOT CURABLE.  I WAS DEVASTATED AND CRIED ALL NIGHT I THOUGHT I WAS DONE... AND IT SCARED ME.... THOSE WORDS SCARED  ME TO DEATH.  I HAVE BEEN READING YOUR TIPS AND YOU GUYS ARE GREAT!!!  DOC SENT ME FOR  A HEART TEST BEFORE DECUDUBG WHEN TO START THE NEXT FOUR HE WANTS TO MAKE SURE MY HEART CAN TAKE IT. EVEN THOUGH I STAYED ACTIVE DURING CHEMO I HAD A FEW BAD DAYS WITH THE NEULASTA SHOT TO BOOST MY WBC, THAT INJECTION KILLS MY BACK I GET SEVERE BACK PAIN TYLENOL HELPS BUT NOT TREMENDOUSLY.  AFTER CHEMO I STILL HAVE BONE PAIN ACHES ON MY LEGS SOMETIMES I HAVE TROUBLE WALKING AND HAVE TO STOP AND THEN CONTINUE, I KEEP ASKING DOC IF IT WILL GO AWAY HE SAYS YES BUT I'M GETTING SCARED IT WON'T I CAN'T EVEN WERE SHOES WITH A LITTLE HILL. IS ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCING THIS? HELP IS THERE ANYTHING THAT WORKS WITH THIS PAIN? THANKS

  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 2,409
    edited July 2011
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    Damaris - many of us take Claritin to help with the Neulasta pain.  It works for many people.  You take it the day of chemo, the day after (when you get the Neulasta shot) and for a couple more days. 

    Please join one of the discussions for those who are starting chemo in the same month as you are.  It is very helpful and supportive, and we all share our experiences and tips for getting through it with minimal side effects.

    Hugs,

    Michelle

  • Damaris51270
    Damaris51270 Member Posts: 2
    edited July 2011
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    Mitchelle,

    Thank you soo  much i will try it and yes i will join you guys.

    thanks again, hugs to you too.

    Damaris

  • Nico1012
    Nico1012 Member Posts: 1,152
    edited July 2011
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    Bump!

  • badger
    badger Member Posts: 24,938
    edited July 2011
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    bump

  • badger
    badger Member Posts: 24,938
    edited July 2011
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    bump

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