Starting Chemo in December 2016

Hi, I'm just going to throw myself in here because I'm starting chemo November 29th which really puts me more in sync with this December group.

Scared? Yes. I dread the fact that tocix chemicals will be pushed into my body. Feeling overwhelmed with all the new information I need to process and all the appointments I have comming up. I'm a terrible organizer of schedules and dates. I don't want to deal with any of this at all and wish I could just run and hide away somewhere.

During my chemo treatments I will be getting an Cyclophosphamide injection and then Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) drip. Then I come back for a Neulasta injection the following day. I hope I've got this right. I will have four rounds of this once every three weeks. Then I will be changing to a different regiment which I can't remember exactly right now. They told me this first initial treatment will be the strongest and from which I am most likely to have the worst and most side effects. But they keep telling me it's different for everyone and they just can't predict how one will react.

So glad to be here to share with you ladies and wishing everyone good luck.

Scaredashell, they measure tumor markers on ladies who are doing their chemo prior to surgery. It's a measurement they can get from your blood labs. They can track the size of the tumor and see if it's shrinking that way. Your tumor is pretty similar to mine and we both already did the surgery. So they can't measure those markers on us during chemo. You will learn a lot in a very short period. Kinda like drinking from a fire hose! Lol. Peruse through the October and November boards and you can see experiences from ladies who are going through it right now. It's scary, but it's doable!!

Rache

Hi. I start cmf chemo on 12/01/16. 

Hi ladies, I'm starting chemo in the next few weeks. I have my first meeting to discuss what drugs, timing etc on Monday. I had a right mastectomy 2.5 weeks ago but hope I can get started before the Christmas holidays otherwise it will most likely start in Jan. But I'll stay here for now! The thought of chemo is daunting. I got through surgery quite well but now im thinking that was the easy part

StayMom - I agree with you I'm thinking the surgery was probably the easy part too.....sigh.

I went wig shopping yesterday....found one I ordered since the shop didn't have the right color for me. I hope I like it when it arrives. There is another thread I took a look at that has some lists of

I think Nfullblume's suggestion of looking through the October and November chemotherapy threads will help answer some questions for us newbies and have a lot of good information.

There is also another discussion thread that has a list of many things to consider and possibly purchase in preparation for chemo. Here's the link from Forum: Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After → Topic: Questions about Preparation in case anyone else wants to check it out. https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topics...

Welcome everyone. We're going to get through this together!

Hi December Chemowarriors,

I hope you have done your own researches about your respective chemo treatments and side effects. It pays to be well informed and prepared.

I just wanna add some extra tips which you may need during and afterthe first chemo infusions you will be getting.

Constant hydration before, during and after chemo is a must.

If your chemo makes you itchy all over, most probably it is a sign of SE and you have to tell your MO's right away. Usually Claritin or Loratadine makes stops this itchy feeling and othe mild allergies. However, be careful of taking any drugs if you are not sure about their effect on you because your body might react negatively. Always consult you MO's and medical teams if you have problems.

For headaches, fever and muscle pains, analgesics and steroids can help but not without your MO's prescription. Some say massages and acupuncture help too but be careful.

For constipation, solid prunes or juice might help but there are other natural food you can take. It is better to eat natural foods to counter any problems you may have but always consult your MO's first.

For diarrhea, you can also eat natural food that eases your bum stomach like drinking hot green tea, apples, and others. Maybe you can search the net for other natural remedies. Meds such as Senokot, Sodium bicarbonate, etc will help but with MO approval.

For mouth sores, maybe you can prevent it by taking a mouthwash mixture of a cup of water, 1/2 tsp baking soda & 1/4 tsp salt every 2 to 3 hours. If mouth sores persist, tell your MO about it. They can prescribe antibiotics and anti-fungal meds for it.

For diet, try to eat a healthy well-balanced diet, with more emphasis on natural fruits and veggies. Surf the net for anti-mutagenic foods such as brocolli, kale, cabbage, etc. Supplements can be taken depending on each of your conditions and always with approval from your MOs and med teams.

Remember ladies, the above are just tips. You should always seek professional advice from your MO's and medical teams for proper treatment of your specific conditions.

Good Luck and May God give each of you, your loved ones and medical teams all the wisdom, guidance and protection for the journeys ahead.

Regards,

Gina

Scared,

From my own reading, chemo drugs usually have many similarities as far as side effects are concerned. Usual SEs include headache, nausea, body pain, constipation, diarrhea, body itch, dry eyes, etc. There are medicines given ahead of chemo to prevent nausea and body pains like anti emetic drugs and steroids (placil and dexamethasone, for me as examples). These pre meds sometimes have their own SEs too.

However there are some serious side effects related to specific chemo drugs like cardio toxicity, kidney and liver malfunctions etc. These SEs are better discussed with your MOs. The pre-chemo lab tests are very important to determine your body condition and are used to determine what type of chemo drugs will suit you.

Sadly I haven't had time to be as informed as I wish I were. It has all been so overwhelming that I can only take so much information so fast. I had almost 2 solid weeks of testing which really took their toll emotionally but the good thing is that cancer has not spread to far points of my body, but I had to endure about 6 tests to get that conclusion.

I got my port today. After it was placed a nurse showed me a real one (outside of the body) and how it looks under the skin and how nurses can tell where to put the needle for adding chemo. I found that very helpful. I can't really see anything on my body because it is covered with glue and on top of that steri strips. No shower for 48 hours. If I had know that ahead of time, I might have washed my hair this morning.

My neck hurts, first to hold it up and then to turn from side to side, but I have only been out of surgery for 4 hours. Ibuprofen is helping and I think I will have no problem sleeping tonight. It may take several days for the steristrips to come off so I can see the port (they say don't peel them off).

OK, hope that helps those who will be getting ports soon. I had the option of getting the port the same day as chemo, but I'm glad I didn't. That way I have a week for my port to heal before chemo starts.

Hello my ladies. Having my port installed tomorrow and will let you know how it goes. They will be putting me out for the procedure. They told me the whole process will take 1-2 hours. I am by myself now that DH passed away but I have a dear girlfriend who will be taking me staying and bringing me home. So here we go...😳😳

Good Morning ladies,

I received my portfolio on Monday, chemo teaching on Tuesday , got my hair cut short Tuesday afternoon, and start chemo monday morning at 8:15. I live in a small town, and have to travel 45 miles one wayou for the chemo!. God's blessings to all of you and Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving