Starting Chemo in Nov. 2011...anyone else?
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Claire ~ I have heard other people say they started Tamoxifen at the same time as starting rads. For whatever reason, my team wants me to start after rads. I have waited about 1 month between each tx (surgery, chemo, rads), so I don't know if they'll have me wait at all before beginning the Tamox. Probably not. I am really worried about taking Tamox too =[ I wish I could skip it, but my cancer was totally driven by my hormones, so I really don't have a choice.
SAN
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Me too, Sandyland--estrogen at 100MPH!
GrandmaV, where can I buy EMU oil? Stupid question, but an EMU is a bird. Any relation to the oil? I hope not. I wouldn't want any creatures being hurt by my cancer.
I'm like a size 36 AA, so I will at least avoid skin to skin contact, ha ha. I'm not sure if anyone would notice if I had a BMX and recon, but I would and want some semblance of my little girls down there--so recon it is.
I just read this post and it sounds pretty wack-a-doodle. Chalk it up to chemo brain. I'm submitting it anyway!
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hi, new here,have my last taxol treatment Thurs. and visit with onc same day to dicuss next step just had 5 srs treatments on 3 new brain tumors ended yesterday feeling really tired and some nausea don't know if this is normal from radiation or residual from last taxol treatment alot of anxiety abot what cat scan showed any feedback would be apprciated
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Welcome Braids3 ~ I'm so sorry that you are facing such serious issues. This is a wonderful forum to laugh, cry, or (as you might have noticed), rock your chemo brain. My daughter, Emily, had a brain tumor when she was seven, which required surgery, so I understand how scary those can be. I'm so glad you found us, we'd love to support you.
Claire ~ Girlfriend, your posts make me laugh out loud! Emu oil is from an emu, but the animal is not hurt in the process of extracting the oil (so I was told). I bought mine from www.emuoildepot.com. The guy who runs the place (Ray) is totally awesome and will answer the phone and take your questions, personally. The website is very educational too. Keep those posts coming =]
SAN
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Hi all! I am taking the advice of a posting on the Apr/May 2012 forum and reaching out to those who've had the experience. I hope you don't mind my asking but I am starting DD AC next week and based on what I have read on othe forums so far, I am TERRIFIED! I did 7 weeks of Taxol and it was quite manageable.., just lots of fatigue and stomach upset - quite the opposite of most, I fondly referred to the stomach issue as my weekly colon cleanse without the prep! I'm hoping the AC will be manageable with the appropriate prep and meds. Any advice? I truly appreciate it!!! Signed, Terrified of AC!!!
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Had last Taxol #12 today! It hasn't hit me yet...need to get through this week. It has been getting harder and harder. Hugs and smiles with the onco nurse's today, they are great.
Glaireinaz ~ you make me laugh too, I just love "wack-a-doodle"!!!!
GrandmaV ~ I'm taking in all your great info on rads. I'm worried about not being able to wear a bra! I am a 36D. Probably a C on left side now.
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C-squared, I did AC DD first and then 12 weeklies of Taxol (just finished 3 weeks ago). It was unpleasant but doable. I had smell issues ( could smell EVERYTHING and that made me sick); loss of appetite, some fatigue. The night of and the next day-day and a half were the hardest days. I did feel somewhat nauseated but more just "icky". I lost 8 lbs on AC and kept it off so far (knock wood).
I lost my hair, but I expected that. I didn't eat a whole lot. But I teach at a university and was teaching 4 classes while on AC...I just got my chemo on thursdays and then had F/S/S to recover. I was fully functional by Monday.
Try to turn your fear around into thinking of AC as one more way to flip the big fat bird at cancer.
Claire
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wack-a-doodle, I mean Claire, (lol) Just make sure its 100% emu oil. I got mine at a local health food store, but they also have a web site: http://www.montanaemuranch.com/0
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bethu77:
The exchange feels so much better than the expanders. The expanders are hard, the implants so much softer. One word of advice- If you feel the expanders are large enough, the implants will be smaller. So if you are happy with your size, make sure your surgeon knows to order implants that will give you the same look. I wish I looked as big as I did when I had the expanders in. I look a tad bit smaller now. Other than that, you will be so much happier with the final implant. They still don't feel like your natural breasts- I am one month out from the exchange and have some discomfort. But nothing like the expanders... Thank Goodness..
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Thank you so much Claire! I have my chemo scheduled for Thursday afternoon with the HOPE that I will be functional on Friday and Monday with the weekend to recover. I am surprised to hear that it "hits" that fast (night of for you?). With the Taxol I was okay until about Sunday so I will have to see how I respond and possibly switch to Friday for chemo. What about Neulasta? Did you have to have that too?
I lost 10 un-needed pounds on Taxol and also my hair. I'm already tired of the wig and looking forward to summer for scarves/bandanas.
Prior to reading through some of these forums I wasn't nearly as fearful of the AC and based on my experience with the Taxol - I thought Taxol was quite manageable. My worst SE were fatigue and stomach upset so I lived on sleep and Immodium! Is there any specific advice that you have for managing the SE's of AC? How did you handle the nausea? Did they give you anti-nausea pre-meds? And did Zofran or Compazine help? Sorry - so many questions! And I TRULY appreciate your insight. Thanks again!
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braids3, We're so glad to have you with us. Congratulations on finishing taxol and radiation! Did you have whole brain radiation? or was it targeted on the three tumors? We're so glad that you came here so we can encourage each other through these tough times. There's also a thread about whole brain radiation and the ladies there would be more familiar with what all that entails, its found at: http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/8/topic/777599?page=24 . I hope you get good news from your scans. Please let us know.0
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Sandlake, I just tried to hide it with layers, vests, and jackets when I went out, but I've also heard that some women do very well with sports bras that open in front, or camisoles with a shelf. If you wear a tank top undershirt or t-shirt under your bra, you may need a little bigger bra, just make sure there are no underwires. You'll find what's most comfortable for you.
edited to add: Congratulations! No more taxol!
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C-squared, Thank you for joining us. You've come to an amazing group of women. I didn't have AC, but a lot of the ladies here did and they have a lot of wonderful tips for you. Please ask all the questions you want to, we all had those questions at the beginning too, so someone here will be able to answer them for you. Please keep in mind that everyone is different, so while you read a lot of terrifying posts, not everyone experiences those kind of SEs.0
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C-squared, welcome aboard and so glad you are here! Ladies are right...they are all amazing. I had 4 DD of AC and there were different issues for me than with Taxol. (I also have had some nausea with Taxol, like they say you shouldn't!). AC, for me, was doable but hard. My biggest advice is to stay hydrated as much as you can. Ice chips helped, even when I was nauseous, as did diet ginger ale (I'm diabetic, so have to be be careful with sugar). When they tell you to take something for nausea as soon as you have a hint of it, listen! I never threw up, and the meds helped. (Combo of Zofran given IV on the day of treatment, Compazine at home along with Zofran and Ativan if needed). Compazine worked best but made me sleepy. Zofran was good too. Ativan doesn't do much for me. Calms me (with steroids the first night, but that's it). Rest when you need to. And keep us posted! Not easy, but not impossible! And you have a great group to vent to!
Braids, will be thinking of you tomorrow and congratulations on the last treatment! It's an accomplishment. So very sorry about the brain issues and will be eager to hear what is said about that. Fatigue seems to be the key word for alot of us, no matter what is happening. We are putting our bodies through so very much.
Claire, you make me smile all the time! And I agree...it helped when I remembered that this stuff is kicking cancer's butt bigtime!
Sue, glad to hear implants are better! I feel like I have boulders and tell my doc that they are like hubcaps under my skin!
GrandmaV, I'm listening in on all your rads advice. I have my simulation next Friday. DEEP breaths!
God bless, all
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Andi - I thought rads was much easier than chemo. Once you get into the routine of going every day you'll begin to notice what works for you. I hope you have an easy time of it. You'll be finished before you know it.0
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Just had my 7/12 taxol today, surgery scheduled for 5/25 am having partial mastectomy on right breast, then on to radiation I go
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GrandmaV, I've heard it is much easier and thank you for your encouragement. And with expanders, I haven't worn a bra since my surgery! Quite freeing but weird. Even camisoles' straps go right over where my port is and irritate it. I don't know what size you would call me right now, but my plastic surgeon told me that they refer to this 'stage' of recon as the ciabatta bread stage! Made me laugh! I commented on what a weird shape they are as they 'grow' - lumpy, sort of rectangular and that is what he came out with! And I just don't need a bra with these hubcaps under my skin. I am going to ask them about emu oil at my sim. They didn't get into specifics of what types of oils/creams and just let me know they have several they suggest, some stronger than others if needed. Different 'level's I guess.
Naan, I hope you are managing well after your tx. My surgery came first, back in November. I will be thinking of you as yours approaches. The most irritating part was dealing with drains, but don't know if you will with a partial.
Have a great day, everyone, whatever your step in this journey.
Andi
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Hi ladies, good to hear you are all doing so well! I love to read how everyone is doing.
Csquared, everyone is different on chemo...some feel fine the night of and the next day, then it hits--with me it came on right away. I did have 4 injections of neulasta the day after each DD AC. I didn't mind since I knew it would keep me healthy to keep getting treated and avoid delays.
I took zofran--they gave me anti-nausea in my IV meds-but the zofran didn't work so well, so I asked for phenergan, another anti-nausea, and my doc filled the prescrip and it seemed to work better. I had taken it post surgery for a non-cancer related surgery and I had some left. I tried it when the zofran didn't work so well, and I liked the phenergan (can't remember the brand name).
What worked the best for nausea, finally? Sipping a very cold real (not diet) Coke on ice. That above all else was most successful.
I found Taxol after AC to be easy, but you can handle AC too. AC in particular has a very high success rate--so look at it that way--you're doing yourself good by getting through it.
Hugs to everyone
Claire
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Csquared ~ My chemo regimen was a little different than yours in that I got AC & T all together, every 3 weeks for 6 rounds. Because I had all three at the same time, I'm not sure which SE's came from Taxol and which came from AC, but I did have significant nausea. The secret weapon I discovered was ginger snaps (get ones with as few ingredients as possible/mostly healthy) and Ginger Ale (cold). I took Zofran every 8 hours like clockwork, but when it didn't do the trick, the ginger snaps (any ginger cookie will do) TOTALLY saved me!
AC has been known to cause mouth sores, so chewing ice (or a Popsicle) when the Adriamycin is administered, helps to restrict blood flow to your mouth and keeps the mouth sores at bay. I learned this from a chemo nurse and only had mild mouth sores on 2 of my 6 rounds. I don't know if it made the difference or not, but I was very glad for the information at the time!
Also, I agree with Claire (aka Whack-o-Doodle) about going in with a strong mindset. Fear and excitement register very similarly physiologically. Tell yourself that you are excited to BLAST this cancer with something as powerful as AC! I started out calling my chemo meds "Poisons" and ended up calling them "Life Giving Elixirs!" (LGE's for short
I noticed the quote you have listed with your diagnosis and I agree. I've always told my kids that we can't always control our circumstances, but we can control our response to them and our own attitudes. You are strong and you WILL get through this. We are here for you when you need us.
Blessings,
SAN
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Andi-thanks
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naan - only 5 to go! Yay!
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Sandyland,
I love my new nickname
I just finished my first out of 33 rad tx today. More emotional than I thought I would be although every time I heard the buzzing of the machine, I said to myself "go get 'em, guys!". See you on the rad thread for Apr/May!
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c-squared- I had 4 AC first and did well.....i came home and had a headache but it was manageable. I didn't have and still don't have an appetite. I did 12 taxol after AC and just finished on Friday. I was so happy at how well I did. I highly recommend from Walgreens a mouthwash called Prevention. I had one small mouth sore when I was negligent and didn't rinse but I used it a minimum of twice a day and never had an issue. Walgreens doesn't always stock it but can order it. I drank a lot of smoothies with added protein....farina....easy stuff to eat. I am so amazed at all the drugs they give you and how well they work. The ones they gave me at home-I just took every 6 hours or whatever it was.....they told me once you start throwing up it is hard to start. I never once threw up and felt that was a huge plus. I was pretty nauseous....still this past weekend I swallowed a mouthfull of soda and it felt like it got stuck-what a scarey feeling. One of my friends saw the fear on my face. I should have known better....small sipps.
Nann- congrat on almost being done!!
Claire-congrats on getting through your first RT! I am so afraid of RT.....like you I am going to just "go get em" hold still...and be done.....I had a hard time with the Breast MRI despite the fact I am an MRI Tech and that is what I do. I have a hard time on my belly due to arthritis and back surgery. I am thankful to have it done on my stomach as I hear it is the better way to go. How was the planning of the RT? DId they do a lot of tests and a lot of time lying on the table? Not sure what to expect. I almost went to school to be a Radiation Therapy Technologist. Funny the turns life takes.....
Braids3-welcome to the forum and I will keep you in my prayers as you have your testing and Congrats on your last Taxol!! We have that in common
Never thought I would be able to say that. 0 -
Bonseye, Congratulations on finishing chemo and for getting your pic line out! That's quite a milestone!0
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GrandmaV-Thank you soooo much! It is so nice to hop in the shower and not have to worry about getting my arm wet...being able to reach up on a shelf....all the little things--hahaha I so appreciate these little things....am starting to freak out knowing my TRAM is less then a month away. Seeing my PS next week....have a few questions for him! I am taking something to relax me when I am home and especially when I have time to think.....just gotta get throught that next. I so appreciate your thoughts!
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Thank you all for your feedback. I feel comforted by your experiences. Unfortunately, I am becoming overwhelmed and physiologicly stressed.., already nauseated from the thought of AC! I want to believe.., I'm just so frightened!!!
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Bonseye, what kind of TRAM surgery are you having (if you don't mind my asking)? Sometimes the break between treatments is difficult for us, because it gives us more time to worry. Hopefully, you'll be able to enjoy yourself during your break. I'm so glad you're taking something to help you relax. I've always been a worrier, but since my doctor put me on an anti-depressant I've been really calm about things. It does help.
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Nel, Is your next AC on the 27th? Just 2 more, wow.0
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C-squared, You may have already posted this, but what day do you start AC next week? We would all like cheer you on as you go through this leg of what some have come to call the "warrior dash".
edited to add: The waiting is so hard. Have you thought about asking your doctor for something to help with anxiety?
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Grandma V-The regular TRAM...I am going to ask about the DIEP and see if my surgeon does that. I love my surgeon so much and he is a Top Doc and totally amazing so I won't go anywhere else. I had a staph infection so I have more to be done and he is mid-stream......The TRAM will be for the right side as I have a TE in the left. They will put my implant in the left at the time of the TRAM....just getting through each day till I can check this off too.....0
