Starting Chemo in Nov. 2011...anyone else?
I will begin my first chemotherapy the last week of October and will continue for approx. 7 months. I will have 4 cycles of AC every two weeks and then 4 cycles of Taxol every two weeks. I have Triple Negative Breast Cancer so I have been prescribed an agressive dense dose of therapy. Anticipating all of the "fun" associated with chemotherapy....I am strong and able to get through this journey!
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Nel and Kathy,
Welcome and thank you for joining us too. It will be a so nice to have so much encouragement and support in the coming months ahead.
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Hi! I am hoping to start chemo in November. had lumpectomy and then re-exicision waiting to hear if I have clean margins. Anxious to get started and get it over with! Will be looking for wigs this week!
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Welcome to all the newcomers,
I thank you for your presence and the inspiration we can share with each other. We jointly will go through this journey with strength, hope..some days of uncertainity but we will all rebound quickly with courage and faith to continue!
I am mentally preparing for my first chemo treatment on Weds. Going today for my EKG. I am all prayed up and ready :-)
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3girls,
There are so many wonderful wigs on the market now that look very natural. I have been wearing wigs for years daily....very rarely show my real hair because I love the look that wigs give me and the style options. Find a wig that allows your personality to shine through and have fun with the options the wigs will give you until your hair grows back.
I have decided to stay bald the entire time because of the uniqueness and character it give me.....I call it "Bald, Bold, Brave and Beautiful". We are not defined by our hair but we do love it :-)
Continued blessings to you!
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Thanks GrandmaV for your words of encouragement! You are in my prayers and thoughts as well. We will get through this journey...challenged, a bit worn but victorious and cancer free in the end.
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Hi Kathy....goodluck with your first chemo treatment this morning...yes our treatment regiment is very similar. I have you in my prayers all day and know that you will have a successful first day which is hard because of the uncertainty. We both have the Triple Negative sub type which has its own unique challenges so we will have to give each other special support during our journey. We will take it one day....one chemo treatment at a time :-)
Blessing to ya!
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Allagashmaggie,
Best wishes and prayers to you on your first day of chemo....you will be fine and have the strength to make it through each and every treatment over the next several weeks. Losing our hair...our crown of glory is very difficult but it doesnt define us. Your baldness will show people your strength....help them to see your true outer beauty and enhance your inner beauty!
You are in my prayers my fellow warrior.
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Claireinaz,
I also heard that there is a possibility of weight gain during chemo treatment....I pray for no weight gain...please not ! I have been trying deligently to lose my extra weight and really don't need any additional lbs.. I will also be increasing my workout time and watching my diet very closely.
Many blessings to you!
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Denise - thank you for your positive attitude! It sure helps. I am on my way to Chemo School in a few minutes and was feeling a bit stressed. Thought I would pop in here and there you are spreading good attitude! Blessings!
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Grandma v and El Jaye- Thank you. It is so nice to have the support from other women. Does anyone know how to post your picture. I have tried but to no avail....
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Allagashmaggie and Kathy,
I've been thinking about you today and wondering how your first treatment went. I hope all is well and your se's will be few and managable.
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Hi Denice, Well I have officially started....Appt with Dr. was at 9 AM and chemo started around 10:00 AM. Had the A & C combo (beware-the A is red!!!) I was on my way home by 12:30 PM! I even got dressed up a little and wore my sparkly shoes! The nurses are wonderful and the clinic was a "full house". That was my eye-opener; seeing all the other patients....I have to count my blessings because I feel so healthy. Went to work in the afternoon (only 4 hrs) but still feeling pretty good. You will be in my prayers on Wednesday....think you'll do just FINE! OXOXOXO
Kathy
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"Chemo School" was good. It was a one on one meeting with a nurse who went over all the different aspects of my treatment. I have pills to take before and after to help with allergic reaction and nausea. It was nice to be able to sit and talk with the nurse about all my concerns and worries. I went to section of the Cancer Agency where the wigs and head covers are, but got too emotional to be able to even consider choosing one. I will go there on Friday with my daughter. She is going to be my chemo buddy this week and I am sure she would be happy to help me!
Kathy - praying for you! Glad things went well this morning.
Allagashmaggie - hope you are doing well this evening
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Dear all--Denise especially--
I got my second opinion yesterday..talked to an oncologist who said that weight gain is a combo of different drugs used (some make you retain water) and lack of activity and eating comfort food because you feel so awful. She said the steroids given are low-dose and not given for very long. She said that doesn't affect weight gain. If you look at some of the other threads here lots of women lost a lot of weight on chemo.
My life is the outdoors, hiking etc. and then bikram yoga, I plan on staying with that level although I know I'll have my down days and the tx has side effects that don't always lend to activity. But my mind is made up now. I'll let you know.
BTW my tx also is AC every other week four cycles then taxol weekly x12.
Bought a wig and some hats. Weird. I'm skipping the scarves, don't like that they seem to scream chemo patient (to me). And I"m not a hat person. I don't know if I'll be able to wear them anyway. Attitude is everything, right ? I see myself as a healthy person who has some cancer. The tx is what will make me sick, but the disease is just that: a disease. It's a condition that has to be tx, like so mahy other conditions....
Strength in numbers. Thanks to all you strong positive ladies!
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Claire,
Thanks for the info. I will meet with my onc. tomorrow and hopefully find out what treatment I will be getting and when I start. You must really be in good physical condition. I have a feeling that will help you get through chemo with few side effects.
LJ, It's a good idea to take your time choosing a wig. I got a wig from Victory in the Valley, a non profit organization that helps people with cancer. The day I was there I felt very rushed because there was so much going on there and ended up with a wig I'm not very happy with. I may join their breast cancer support that meets every other Tuesday, so I think I'll take it back and see if I can trade it for a different one.
I've been wondering how Allagashmaggie and Kathy are doing the day after their first tx. I hope everything is OK.
Hope everything goes well for you tomorrow, Denise.
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Hello ladies!
I too am now a November Chemo. I will be starting on Nov 4th. I'll have T/C every 3 weeks for 6 cycles. I had my "chemo class" yesterday. It's good to know what resources are out there if I need them.
I am anxious about side effects, only because I don't know how I'll react. I know after the first round, I'll be much more calm about the whole thing. The unknown is just so scary.
The tips they gave did make me laugh. One nurse said not to eat your favorite foods right after chemo, because you may develop an aversion to them. Made me think that was the PERFECT time to eat brownies and chocolate, because then maybe I won't want them again ever. Oh, the calories I could save......
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Gamergirl - Welcome! I love your idea of eating brownies and chocolate. I may have to add a few other foods to that list. I need to lose weight and if i develop an aversion to favorites that would be awesome!
I am having my first chemo on Friday - I was really worried about the side effects but after meeting with the nurse I am feeling a bit better. Went out last night and stocked up on things I need and some i might not need! Digital thermometer, immodium, hand cleanser, etc etc.
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Gamergirl,
Thanks for joining us. We can all help each other through this next step. In fact I think I'm more nervous about Chemo then I was about the surgery.
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Welcome Gamergirl,
We are glad to have you join us. I think we are all anxious about this chemo thing but I know that you and the rest of us will do just fine. I have my first treatment in the morning....I'm all prayed up and rdy to get this started so I can move on to my surgery and recovery.
Best wishes to you and much luv!
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Hi Claireinaz,
Thanks for the information on the weight gain issue. I will need to make sure I watch my calorie intake and keep up my exercise regiment. Lord knows I don't need to gain more weight during this process. I'm with you on wearing scarves....I will stick to my bald head, cute hats or wigs when I really want to doll up.
Sending positive vibes and healing power your way!
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Greetings to All of You,
I had my first round of chemo yesterday and, like with many things, the anticipation was more stressful than the actual event. I have had no side affects yet, 24 hours later but am told it may take 3 days before noticing anything. I have had no nausea at all. They first gave me nausea medication through the IV, then a prescription for pills. I have not had to take any pills yet. I also have to have a shot of Neulasta 24 hours after receiving chemo each time. This is to build white blood cells. Because I live so remotely, we asked if I could self adminster them at home. They showed us how to do it and it was not a problem. I may actually feel more side affects from that. It can make mussels and bones ache but they said a pain medication can be taken for that (tylenol or ibuprofren or a stronger med if you have any left from surgery). The main thing is keep hydrated, and keep hands washed a lot so I stocked up on hand sanitizer.
To sum up, I am feeling fine tonight. I don't know what tomorrow will bring but I am feeling much relieved about all of it right now.
I have decided to go bald and wear it like a badge. I have buff bandanas and head gear and I live in Northern New England so it is hat season anyway. I always have the option of getting a wig if I don't handle my baldness well but I don't foresee that happening. Thanks Grandma V for thinking of all of us today as we began this journey. Best to all
Allagashmaggie
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Greetings Kathy9433,
Congratulations on completing your first chemo treatment with no side effects. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I am praying that mine will be relatively uneventful and a peaceful experience. I have packed a light lunch to take with me...my computer and some relaxing music. I hope I can get out of there early like you....I was told to prepare to be in the Infusion Center all day as late as 5pm.
I'm all prayed up and ready to meet my new best friend "chemo" for the next 7 months. I need the chemo to do what it does best....seek and destroy cancer cells!
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Denise you are in my prayers tonight. All day? Wow - I was told to be prepared for 3-4 hours for the first time, then 1.5 hours for the others.
Kathy and Allagashmaggie - praying that you both continue to feel ok!
GrandmaV - I am with you - more concerned about chemo than my surgery!
Praying for everyone!
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Good Morning Kathy,
I am sending good thoughts your way and hope it is as peaceful an experience for you as it was for me on Monday. I had not gone to a chemo class but a social worker came into my room during my chemo and was most reassuring and informative. She was my stress reducer. The Cancer Care center I go to is a fairly new facility, very pleasant rooms (or as pleasant as a chemo room can be), and they provided a nice lunch as I sat there. I did take my ipod with me but ended up not listening to it as they have tv there and the social worker was chatting with me for quite a long time. This morning I am able to eat a good breakfast and even can tolerate coffee very well. I am a little achey in the muscles but I believe that is from the Neulestra shot I had to give myself. They told me that would be a side affect. So far so good and I believe it will be for you too. My warmest regards,
Allagashmaggie (Stage 1 - lymph node negative, ER+, PR+, HER-neu negative, 1.6 cm tumor, but Grade 3 - and why I opted for chemo) Oncto-type score 24
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Hi everyone,
Allagashmaggie, I'm so glad to hear you're doing so well. If you don't mind my asking, What Chemo combination are you on?
I'm not going to have a chemo class either. I saw my onc today and he wants me to have an echocardiogram, before I start chemo. Echocardiogram is Tuesday and I start Chemo on November 4. I will be on Taxotere, carboplatin and Herceptin. The T/C will be 6 rounds every three weeks and Herceptin every week for 18 weeks. When I'm done with T/C then the herceptin with be every 3 weeks for 9 more months for a total of a year. After T/C I will have radiation for 6 weeks. Then start on a homone blocker (he didn't say which one) for 5 years.
I hope Denise is doing well today and everything is going smoothly.
Kathy, I hope you are still doing as well as you were the day of your chemo.
Hugs
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Hi Everyone, it was so great to find this link, and hear that everyone is experiencing what I am, anxiety about what lies ahead. I too start my Chemo on 4th Nov. I''m on FEC, every other week for 6 rounds, then I have an option of whether to do a further 12 weekly low dose sessions, then onto 5 years of Hormone Therapy. I am also going through menopause at the same time, and had already been having panic attacks with that. Its so good to read all of your comments, and I feel so much more positve now about what lies ahead.I've just had a Bilateral Mascetomy and have chest expanders in, is there anyone else out there having discomfort with them? Am wondering how long that lasts. Also is there anyone else on FEC? Hugs to you all.
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GrandmaV,
I received Taxotere and Cytoxan. It took about 2 1/2 hours for those to be administered. I am told I will have 6 rounds, maybe 4. I am not sure how they determine the number of times. I suppose blood work has something to do with it. Then I will begin the 35 sessions of radiation and will be on Arimidex hormone therapy for 5 years after that. I am 58 and had a complete hysterectomy 9 years ago so am already post menopausal. The hysterectomy was for benign reasons. I had some nauseau last evening just before bed but took a pill and it went away quickly. I also had a low grade headache and a temperature of 99.7 but ibuprofren took care of that. Today I am still a little achey and very much in a fog mentally. I was told by one of my friends who has gone through this that was normal for her. Also had a crying session last night. This is all hitting home now. But I got over it. I have also been told to cry whenever I feel like it and not hold it in. One thing I can't seem to get past is the "guilt" feeling. I keep thinking I could have done something to prevent putting myself through this. I know that is unreasonable and hearing about so much breast cancer, it is just luck of the draw. Good luck and I know you will do fine.
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Lizzy,
I love your attitude! Thanks for starting this - I feel like I belong here. I start chemo on 11/4 - 4 rounds of TC - plus herceptin for a year.
Anyone else getting or have gotten TC? Any war stories to share?
Also, I heard about cold cap technology to stop hairloss - anyone have any experience with that? and Will my eyebrows also fall out - sorry for focusing on the wrong things right now - guess it's part of my coping mechanism - and I have a 5 year old daughter who started crying when I told her that mommy is going to be taking medicine for a little while that will make me go bald. ugh!
thanks,
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CaroleH:
Regarding expanders, I too have some discomfort. I can feel something really strange on the bottom crease of the breast (maybe the expander, I don't know). I also feel uncomfortable when laying on my back. I hope we can lay on our side once the whole process is over. I always wake up with a terrible back ache. Although it is better with a pillow under my knees. My neighbor tells me that the feeling of having a bra on never really goes away- she had a bilateral MX years ago.
Did I describe your discomfort or are your symptoms different?
Susan
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Today I took my first pre-chemo drug, the dexamethasone. That really made it hit home! Holy crap - I am having CHEMO!!! My drive to work this morning was tearful as it hit me. My co-worker quickly came to my aid and helped me over this hurdle - thank goodness for friends and people like all of you!
I am really worried about my 13 year old son. He is not sleeping too well and was hard to motivate this morning. I worry that my cancer treatment is hard for him to deal with. Together with this, my husband had surgery on Tuesday on his knee and is on crutches for the next 6 weeks and on Monday - my sister (who lives with us) had a radical hysterectomy and lymph node removal for uterine cancer. What a disater we all are.
Any one have suggestions on how best to help him out?
Thanks for listening to my stressed out ramblings!
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