Calling all TNs
Comments
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Natalie, mine wasn't bad either. I had it done locally because my left arm veins were so bad, they couldn' together an IV in. It was a little sore for a couple days but that was it. I am a little heavier so maybe the extra padding helps..?? I too am hoping some others will chime in for you.
Kathi
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Natalie, My port was uncomfortable, not quite painful. I got a "2 seater" and the chemo nurse said she didn't like that variety. Getting the needle in for blood draws and the infusions was very painful and no amount of topical ointments helped. I was so glad to get rid of it when I knew all treatment was over. I think most ladies here have had little to no pain. I hope things settle down soon and your port won't be an issue. Furthermore, hope your treatments are kind to you. Jan
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Natalie: Did your doctor prescribe valium for muscle spasm? Mine did although I never need it. Valium is also supposed to be "hypnotic" and "sedative." Maybe it can soothe you for a good night's sleep even though it doesn't "treat" pain per se. I hope someone who has similar experience to you can post soon.
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Natalie, - my port hurt when I first got it, too, and I had a chemo treatment the day after it was put in, so I am sure that didnt help. It protruded and was easily irritated by clothing or bra strap, too. If the pain is severe, do ask your dr about it! Perhaps it is on a nerve?
I hope it eases up for you!
Also, after the first treatment, when they had to go thru the steri-strips, I always used Emla cream to numb the port skin before each treatment!
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Natalie my port insertion wasn't painful just a little sore for a day or two. When I was due for chemo they gave me EMLA patches to put on an hour before infusion and I didn't feel a thing. It may be as another NYCG says and it may be sitting on a nerve or it may have a kink in it. I loved my port because it was so much easier than the nurses trying so many times to get a needle in.
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Natalie, my port was very sore for several days after it was put in. I think it was almost a week before it really settled down. If it continues to bother you, let the surgeon know....particularly if it is warm at the site. Also, I used to be a hairdresser. It was my favorite job of the many different things I did over the years. My concern for you it that all the odors associated with that profession may be tough to handle during chemo. Do you do a lot of coloring and perms? Also, some people feel pretty good the first two days after chemo while the steroids are still racing around in their body and then feel worse on days 3-5. I know that being self-employed makes it even more important to be able to keep up with your client's appointments. If it turns out that you can't follow through on an appointment, I hope you let your clients know exactly why. I think most clients would be understanding and want to return when you are able to work with them. I wish you the very best through treatment and beyond.
Kay
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Dearest Meadow, Sizzle, Jan, Treelilac,NYCgirl,Cocker and Kay,
Thank you all for your helpful insight and advice, it's so helpful and greatly appreciated!! Kay, it's so nice to hear you enjoyed being a hairdresser. I've loved being one, I'm 46 and I've been doing it for 27 years. I mostly do color/highlighting/cuts and a handful of perms, I'm praying that I'm able to keep my schedule as much as possible.
Thursday is getting closer and I'm getting really scared. I'm going to be strong and tough and I know it'll become routine, but that still doesn't take away the vulnerability and the fear of what's about to happen and all changes that are coming. That being said, thank you all again, reading about you amazing ladies gives me strength and lets me know that what I'm feeling is normal.
Love & hugs Natalie ❤❤❤❤0 -
Natalie, - it's not fun, but it IS very do-able!! Hang in there! If you have questions, there is always someone here who has some answers and ideas!
and I agree with Kay, - I think your clients would surely understand if you cancel an appointment if they know the reason!!
Hugs from NYC!
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Natalie, I think everyone is scared for their first chemo. It's because you really don't know what to expect or how you will respond to it. I told them I was scared and they added a little Ativan (or something like that) to my first infusion. I fell asleep during the infusion and felt good that evening. I lived two hours away from where I got treatment, so we would usally stop for dinner on the way home from each treatment. Normally, the premeds they give you keep any unpleasant side effects away for at least 24-48 hours. A lot of people have problems sleeping the first night or two after chemo because of the steroids they give to prevent allergic reactions. I had a lot of energy the first couple days and then would crash big time somewhere between day 2 and 3. Are you doing the AC first? A big thing with that one is to stay hydrated. If you are feeling wiped out, your blood pressure may be low and you might need extra fluids. That happend with my first AC and my blood pressure bottomed out. After that, they always gave me an extra liter of fluids and I didn't have that problem again. I'm betting you will do fine, but you will feel a lot more confident after you get that first one under your belt.
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Hi everyone, A TNBC Sister suggested I come on here. Diagnosed March 18th with TNBC, aggressive ductal carcinoma, 3.2 cm, grade 3, stage 2/3 (not sure until after surgery) doing a trial of chemo, surgery, then when trial is over going locally for more chemo, poss rad, reconstruction. I don't know what's in store except for the FIGHT! Friday is my 3rd chemo and already my stomach gets in knots, but I just stay busy until my chemo angels (daughters) and I make the 2 hr journey to Boston, MA from NH. Glad to find you all!
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Welcome Oddswinner! This is a great place for support, encouragement and knowledge. You Can Do This!
I cannot thank enough, all my sisters who have helped me through So Much! In 2 days I will have my last TC chemo. July 7 I will have my recon surgery. I am feeling (believe it or not!) a lil scared to be finishing chemo because at least now, I feel it is actively KILLING CA Cells.
I want to move on with a positive outlook, but am still hung up on this Trip Neg dx. But you all give me strength!
Besides, I am a blonde now, and don't blondes have more fun!?
I have been so lucky with chemo...sure some SEs and eye troubles...but I am looking forward to getting my energy back (and lose the 13 lbs I gained).
I wish you all undergoing chemo, minimal SEs, and for all of us to get through these post-dx months and years free of the BC Devil.
I think of all of you, my friends, all the time!
Thank you, again and again!
love, arlene
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Welcome to BCO Oddswinner! Sorry you have to be here but this is a great place to help guide you.
Arlene, you're looking good! Glad to hear from you!
Ladies, I have an appointment in the morning with a gyno/pelvic pain specialist. I could use some prayers please! My mind is going to the worst like cancer or some sort of infection. Some of you may remember I've had pain and burning after urination and have had countless urine tests and some cultures that thankfully have all been negative. So my docs thought it would be a good idea to see this specialist. I keep telling myself that the ultrasounds and CT scan only showed a small simple ovarian cyst and small uterine fibroid but I also keep thinking what if?? You know what I mean? My hubby is going out of town but will be back Thursday and that's adding to my stress! Anyway, please say a prayer or send good thoughts if you don't pray. Thanks and love to all of you!!
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Awww, Teka! Thanks so much love!! XOXO
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Welcome Oddswinner! Do you know the name of the chemo in the trial? Just curious. We are glad you are here!
Arlene. you look lovely!
((LUV))
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Luvmydobies= BIG HUG FROM ME!!!
Oddswinner= welcome= So sorry you have joined this lovely club.
Arlene= Congrats!
Meadow= I love you!!!
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Eileen I love you too!
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Thank you, my friends!
Luv, i had a hemorrhagic 2.5cm ovarian cyst last november. By february it had shrunk to 8mm. It caused some bleeding and cramping in november and december. Not cancer. Maybe you have something like that going on? I am sending prayers and hugs!
PS i think I would like to be man in my next life! Or even better.... A dog!
Love, arlene
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Welcome Oddswinner. So glad you found us. I remember the fear as each treatment got nearer and nearer but it will soon be your last. Rads was a walk in the park for me and I had no issues whatsoever with it, not even tiredness. Remember we will be in your pocket and thinking of you.
LUV our gorgeous darling we will be with you tomorrow, as always keeping our fingers crossed and hoping all will be well. Saying heaps of prayers and sending huge warm hugs and lots of love. xxooxx
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Welcome Odds!
Arlene, - you look terrific!
Luv, - may you get a good report and a solution to your discomfort!!
Hugs to all here!
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Thank you all so very much for the never ending love, hugs and prayers. I'm hoping it's just all hormonal/peri menopausal issues from chemotherapy! I haven't had any bleeding since December. We'll see though. I pray for and love each and every one of you ladies too! I'm taking you all with me tomorrow. I'll update when I can. Thanks again! XOXOXOXO!!!!
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Greenae: I gained 18 lbs from taxotere. It took 12 to 16 weeks to come off. It was all fluid in my lower body. If you weight gain is from that. NO WORRIES!!! it will come off.(you will live in the bathroom shedding the fluid)
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Hi Eileen
Oh, I hope that's it! But I have been eating so much junk I don't usually eat. My main exercise is Spin, and my PT won't let me go just yet. I have 6 axillary cords. Blaah. I am hoping they pop during recon sx.
Just curious, how many rounds of TC did you do? I am doing 4, but I see some do 6. I hope it is enough to Kill All this BC Crap!
Hugs!
Arlene
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Hi
I hope everyone is feeling well and enjoying nice weather! I worry about our friends in Texas and other flooded areas. May all be safe and sound!!
NYC is warm and sunny as I try to psych myself up for lat flap procedure scheduled for tomorrow. I had hoped to avoid it, but after I needed to have implant removed from radiated side in January, there seems to be no other route. I even asked about removing the te and leaving flat, but ps doesnt think the skin would heal and close even then.
Will try to get online from the hospital, - he said to figure 3 days there.
Hugs to all!
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greenae= I did 6 rounds. They told me 4 to 6 depending on my counts and any SE I had.Another NYC=Good luck tomorrow!
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AnotherNYCgirl, I'll be praying for you tomorrow. Update us when you can!
So the specialist I saw this morning inserted a pessary in my vagina in hopes of it alleviating my pain and burning. This was the most uncomfortable and painful exam I've EVER had! I'm still hurting/cramping and burning, and I hope it's just from the exam and not the pessary being the wrong fit or something. She said to leave it in 8-10 weeks until my follow up with her. I am supposed to use Crisco down there at night. I never expected anything like this! She told me she thought I have something like TMJ but it's in my pelvic area. She also told me to start an Omega 3 supplement for inflammation. I don't know if I agree with her diagnosis. She didn't even want to test me for any vaginal infections but I guess my symptoms didn't warrant any of those. She didn't really want to hear much about what I had to say and I think she had her mind made up regarding my diagnosis before I even saw her. My psychiatrist is the one who referred me to her. She didn't do a regular pelvic using a speculum. I thought that would've been the first thing she did!The note says "the problem you have is tight muscle (sort of like TMJ) of the pelvic muscles. We need to stretch and brace the muscles for the burning sensation and urinary symptoms to go away. The pessary in place addresses the urinary burning". Do y'all think I should see a regular gyno?? From what I read about the pessary it says to take it out once a week to clean it and to use a vaginal acidifier to prevent odor and infection and she didn't tell me any of this after I told her my concerns about infection! She also didn't even look at my ultrasound or CT results. She said those mean nothing to me! I just said well my Oncologist seemed to think you needed to look at it! I just don't feel like I got any real answers today. This doesn't feel like muscle pain to me. Any input/advice is appreciated.
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Arlene...originally my MO said I would do 8 rounds, but she changed her mind and said I was only going to do 6 rounds. Since this is my second time with BC, for some strange reason I wanted to do all 8, but figured she knows better than I.
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Another NYCgirl...I got you in my pocket and hope that everything turns out well for you. Will check in on you later.
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oh Jeeze. Eilleen and shorfi,I hope 4 cycles is enough?! I am worrying already.
Anothernycgirl, I am wishin, hopin and prayin for an easy time for you, with beautiful results! You Got This, Girl!
Hugs to all! I am flying on Decadron for the last time.
Arlene
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Arlene you should be fine. I'm sure your MO is competent and knows what he/she is doing. And besides your tumor is very small and I bet you will be fine. Sending virtual hugs to you.
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Thank you so much, shorfi! I am a worrier. Ugh! I am treated at NYU, and love all my docs and RNs.
Love, arlene
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