Stage II w/Lymph Node Involvement
Comments
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Furfriend, I get anxious before each TC. I requested Ativan to take home the day before and the same day of chemo.
We are going through too much and it is ok to be anxious. We are strong and we can handle everything!0 -
Headeast,
I am with you as I need to start taking the Ativan. Even my nurse last tx told me to start taking it. Do you take it an hour before tx?
How are you doing with chemo?
I bet your weather is gorgeous right now. Much better then PA's although today was decent.0 -
Fur, I will take one now so I can sleep and tomorrow I will take it as a pre med in the IV. I had it since my first TC and it helps immensely.0 -
Furifriend, yes imdid have AC#2 yesterday.m they slip owed the cytoxin drip and my headache was not as badnthisntime. Also, the nurses thought the zofran was contributing to my headache so they gave me Ativan and it has been working fine. Not nauseus today and had an appetite. So all is surprisingly good, unless something is going to happen in a few days. I do t want to jinx it.
So the worrier in me is wondering if you have to feel like carp to know it's working?0 -
Smrlv,
that is good news!
Minimal SE's. I hope it continues for you.
Yes, I was told about the headaches and Zofran which is what I am still taking for nausea. I do get headaches some.
I don't feel too bad today. I am noticing bone pain from the taxol and a little tingling in hands/feet.
Did you catch the news about breast cancer and breakthrough method of surgery? I need to check the net curious about this news for all of us.
Have a good evening0 -
IDC w/Lymph Node involvement TNBC and Her2+
My name is Nicolle and I was diagnosed with breast cancer the day before my 37th Birthday (oct. 30,2013) I am here for support and guidance through this time of trouble. Does anyone else have the same diagnosis? I am goin to have my first chemo treatment nxt week. I am scared and anxious...as I have heard all the horror stories about chemotherapy.0 -
Sorella..as everyone will tell you, it is normal to be scared and anxious. I can only speak for myself but chemo wasn't as bad as I had myself convinced it would be. I wasn't nauseous and did not have to take nausea meds. The third day after treatment, I ached and just overall felt bad but didn't last very long. That day I would also have a little neuropathy pain in my legs and feet but didn't last any longer than half a day. Of course, we don't all get the same chemo nor does everyone react the same if they do have the same course of treatment. I would have my treatment on Tuesday and be back at work on Monday. Some would go back the next day. It seems daunting right now but you will be surprised how fast time flies!0 -
hi ladies, well had my first taxol yesterday, sofar so good, i was pumped with pepcid, decadron (steroid) and benedryl for an hour before the taxol, i swear i could of flew home after was kinda hyper, and last nite eoke up at 3:00 am top pj totally wet, had to change must of been all the drugs. My hemoglobin is low count is 97 it went down from my last treat was 127 the minis 120. No wonder i am tired and out of breath, the tacol should be easier on me i hope, my taste is coming back, hope it doesnt revert with taxol. Anyway so glad done with AC. I should start eating a good steak, yep gonna go to a nice steak resto soon. Lol we will SURVIVE right?
Smr hope your sides are not so bad, i started feeling more side effects after my 2nd AC and usually on day 5,6 was the worse. Hang in there
Fur did not hear about the new break throughs, ill look into it.
Sorella, welcome to our small but most supportive and friendly group tell us what u have and your treatment plan, we will get u through this, just remember chemo is scary but is also your recovery and temporary, we are herefor you xoxo
Headeast, hows Miami? I having dreams of watching the dolphins play,0 -
dear Sorella, I am sorry you have to go through this but it is well worth it, every second of it. I have IDC and DCIS plus one lymph node out of 25. They did a LND and only one came positive.
I noticed you wrote TNBC and Her2+, are you negative on the three? If so, why positive on Her2?
I don't mean to be nosy, but it is important for you to know what you have and what medicines they give you and for what reason. We don't want to be doctors, but we do want to have piece of mind and knowing what type of cancer we have, what percentages Ki67, Oncotype factor (I didn't want to wait and went ahead with chemo) will relieve you from anxiety.
Just a few suggestions of what to do before chemo, and I am sure more ladies will add to this:
Get a flu shot before chemo. Call you MO and ask if you can have one and how close to the first chemo.
Go to the other forums and look for how to prepare yourself for chemo, they have a number of suggestions, here in this thread as well.
Buy books related to chemo and nutrition. The better you eat, no citric, no tomatoes, no alcohol, no caffeine, the better you will feel. Nothing that bothers your body. Your body will have enough strong substances to deal with, you don't want to stress it more.
Decaf Ginger Peach Tea is great for me and helps with nausea.
I just feel fatigue. They will give you medicine to prevent any discomfort. When you feel good, don't think you are normal, be careful in what you do. You body will be tired, listen to it.
I had my last chemo yesterday, it is a great feeling, you will be there too!0 -
Headeast, congrats on your last chemo! Are you doing rads next?
Sorely, you have found the right place to ask questions and get support. The most important thing about chemo is to keep hydrated. Also, take Claritin to alleviate bone pain if you are getting the neulasta shot.0 -
headeast, yahoooooooooo! Your last omg it must be a relief, congrats so is there anything else you have to do or are u done done? So happy for you, however we still need you posting and helping us ok0 -
sorella, yes please keep hydrated especially during the first week after AC, at 2litres of water per day yep snd a bottle of gatorade also you must keep your electrolytes up, eat salty, i was dehydrated twice, not fun. Yes get your flu shot,get your teeth cleaned, if you have kids get a support system going you will need help, we can all attest as you get more treatments your body is weakened big time ok
Your hospital must have. Breast cancer support group to give you all ghe pamphlets on treatments,and if u feel like gaging when u look at them its normal. I was in denial for quite a while, thought i was supposed to have surgery first but they decided to go with 6 months of treatment. 3 down, 3 to go. Then surgery
Everyone has different side effects so just post what your feeling and vent if u have too
Cheryl0 -
Hi Sorella,
Nice to meet you in this crazy challenge we were given. Ask alot of questions of your MO and nurses, take a look at the board for suggestions on what to eat to stay healthy. Carbs, cereal, breads, puddings , apple juice & water were my choice eats. I had some nausea for the most part, still do but it is now getting more manageable on my tx of Taxol.
What chemo drugs will you be on and are you having surgery post chemo? I am not sure I understand your diagnosis.
We are here for you & will help in anyway we can. You are strong lady and will get through this along with the rest of us warriors. One of my suggestions is if you have nausea take your meds to stay on top of it. I was a little slow on taking mine and it makes it worse.
All the best!0 -
Hi Gals,
My bone pain is rearing its ugly head. Just took another Tylenol. All over very very achy. Stomach is bothering me as well not nausea but pain in my sides, gut as well.
So mad at myself I was to have a f/up echo last night and I forgot my standing order. OMG wasted time back and forth for nothing. Where is my head? Chemo brain? Rescheduled for next week now.
Hugs to each0 -
Hello Ladies,
I have been following this thread for a very long time but rarely post on it. As you can see I am several years out from Dx. I am currently NED and feel pretty good for the most part. I just wanted to stop in and let you know that you can do this. There are many, many of us that have finished treatment and moved forward to living very active lives. I do think about cancer every single day. I do not think that will ever change. I admit that my body is not the same either but I appreciate every day that I am able to get out of bed and get moving. So, hang in there girls, you're not alone in your fight. There are people like me that understand what you are going through and are here to help you in any way that we can.
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Navymom,
Thanks for posting today. I really needed to hear that we will get through this. My hair is starting to come out like crazy now and I don't feel well so I am beginning to go into a bad place. I just want my life back again, and it seems you do have yours,
Have you done anything special as far as diet or exercise to stay healthy? Also, you say you still think about cancer every day. How do you manage to think about it without it taking over?0 -
Smrlvr,As far as diet and exercise, I have always been an "exerciser" Currently I am almost 54 years old and go to various aerobics classes 4 to 5 times a week. My DH and I also swing/ ballroom dance about once a week. And my diet is just a matter of moderation...but I stay away from all fast food. If I want to drink some wine or have a martini, I have it. Same goes with a hamburger or a piece of cake....but all in moderation. I gained 22 lbs during chemo and have about 10 lbs that just don't want to leave the party. Oh well.
And I do think about cancer everyday. In the beginning, I went to those dark places too. I cried over my hair, my scarred up body, and the frustraton of always thinking the damn beast would return. I even said those same words "I want my life back" But as months and now years went by, my spirit got stronger and my confidence took over that I would beat this monster. That being said, I do stll have bad days, especially when one of ladies on this forum that I have grown to know and admire loses her fight. Those are painful times for all of us. I do believe that treatment is a crap shoot. Chemo/Rads either works or it doesn't and only time will tell. Statistics are on our side that most of us will be OK. A Dx of cancer and the treatment required definately changed me. Hopefully for the better.
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NavyMom, you are an inspiration! thank you for posting. Feels good to read notes from a lady out of this nightmare. I can't complain, though. I am so happy to just have finished my last chemo and won't have rads. yay!
Mercedes and Smrlvr, thank you for your note! Yes, I am so happy that even feeling crappy with SE I don't care lol! No, no rads for me, nothing to radiate. They got rid of breasts, lymph nodes. Margins were clear.
Don't have hair, don't care. I have cute wigs I bought them cheap and my hairstylist cut for free! In different tones, so I have a different hairdo every day!
I am sweating like crazy though, hot flashes. The chemo threw me to temporary menopause. It shall pass, and if it doesn't I won't care. I am so happy I am alive and that chemo is over!
Hang on there!0 -
headeast, so happy for you, i guess it will take a couple of weeks before u rid of those chemicals. But it must be a feeling i cant wait.
I had my first taxol las wednesday even though my hemo was below the min. I am sooooo tired, i was told i would pick up, i am eating enriched iron foods and im pissed i want to do so much before xmas, shopping etc, i just font have the energy.
Furfriend did that metal taste disappear when u started taxol? Anyone?0 -
mercedes, thank you so much. Have you tried Blood Builder? A lot of the ladies in the threads recommended it and it helped me with my count, as well as my protein shakes, soy free, dairy free and all free, basically vegetable.0 -
headeast - yay for being done! You should see a marked improvement in the way you feel at about the 6-week point PFC.
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Hello,
Thank you for the inspiring story Navy! Glad you shared with us as I need something uplifting every now & then!
Congrats Headeast you must be thrilled. Happy Dance, Happy Dance -Twirl & Jump!!!!
Mercedes, still metallic taste but is is getting better. How do you know how your liver is doing? I don't see this info on CBC panel?0 -
thank you, SpecialK and FurFriend! I am really happy to see the end and the beginning of something i this journey. In three weeks starting Tamoxifen. Any suggestions, ideas?0 -
Headeast..happy for your being done!!0 -
thank you, Liz! Now heading to the Tamox road. Somewhat scared about the SE0 -
I am on arimidex as I was post menopausal and I have a few aches but as long as I keep moving, I do OK. I've never been on tamox so I can't speak to that. I don't like taking anything but I've made up my mind that I will do whatever it takes to give myself the best chance of this not recurring. I guess in a way, I'm thankful they have something to help with that. Maybe you won't have too many SE. I hope that for you!!0 -
thank you, Liz. I think the same way. Whatever it takes to not to have this again!0 -
Has anyone seen statistics that show how much risk being overweight affects recurrence rate?0 -
headeast - i've been on tamoxifen since late May . I found taking it with food helped me, at first i felt a little nauseous. Other than that the crazy hot flashes & night sweats. But i take xanax b4 bed and it helps me get between 4-5hrs of solid sleep. Now over 6 mos i havent noticed any other major SE's. Congrats on being done too! Thats awesome!0 -
thank you, mjsgumbas!0
