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Jeannie69 View Drop Down
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    Posted: Sep 15 2019 at 4:22am
Hi, I'm Jeannie and I'm 68. I was just diagnosed with tnbc about 3 weeks ago. Luckily the PET scan showed no spread past the lymph nodes. I had my port placed on the 13th. Found out I get my first chemo treatment this coming Thursday. Very nervous, but my group of Doctors and nurses are great so I'll be in good hands. Just not knowing how my body will react is nerve racking.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote strongtogether Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 15 2019 at 7:16am
Welcome to this club Jeannie. Sorry you have had to find it. 
This forum has been very helpful in all sorts of ways. I hope you find it useful as I have.
Good luck with the treatment on Thursday. Do you know what the treatment is going to be? 
 Commonly it will be referred to by an acronym like AC-T which is doxorubicin hydrochloride (Adriamycin) and cyclophosphamide, followed by treatment with paclitaxel (Taxol)


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Alaisha Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 18 2019 at 4:50pm
Hi Jeannie I think it's the nerves that get us. I had my first round of AC-t two weeks ago It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be I was sleepy for several days. I still have my hair :) Next week I have my 2nd round.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jeannie69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 20 2019 at 7:48am
Well, I survived my first chemo treatment.you were right it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. All the premeds really worked. Still feeling pretty good this morning, pray that continues. Just extremely thirsty, started after the chemo. Has anyone else felt like this
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Plume Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 20 2019 at 10:58am
No didn't feel thirsty but was too nauseated and tired to feel any other sensations!!!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Laurarev Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 21 2019 at 1:28pm
No, I didn’t feel thirsty either. But I think it’s good that you’re thirsty because they really want us to drink A LOT of water when we’re getting chemo. I also was too nauseated, tired, headache, etc.. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jeannie69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 21 2019 at 1:43pm
I'm just a little confused I guess. I do have a little nausea but I take the med they gave me and I'm fine. But I've only had one cycle, will my reaction change with more cycles. They're also adding another med next cycle.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote strongtogether Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 22 2019 at 5:27pm
It might. I've heard people talk about a 2 week lag, and you have to keep an eye on things like constipation. 6ou might be lucky and not have bad effects!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jeannie69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 23 2019 at 12:59am
That would be great. The nausea is not that bad and the meds they gave are working. Sooo this I can cope with. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JudyLynne Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 24 2019 at 9:47pm
Hi y’all. Sad to need to find this forum too! I’m 55 and was diagnosed with TNBC-ductal, Stage 2/Grade 3 on 9/11/19; first oncology visit today; port going in Thursday (9/27) and first chemo (ACT) on 10/1; seeing breast surgeon on 9/30—like Jeanne I am nervous about how chemo will make me feel. Also, current plan is to do chemo every 2 weeks for 4 rounds and then weekly for another 12 before surgery. That completely caught me off guard as my first opinion surgeon (general surgeon) already had me thinking surgery first (mastectomy and maybe double depending on genetics). Seeing a breast surgeon oncologist for second opinion. Anyone else have all this chemo on the front end?

Edited by JudyLynne - Sep 24 2019 at 9:48pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote strongtogether Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 25 2019 at 8:19am
A lot of people do. I just wanted the thing out asap, and the thing with lymph nodes is that they dont really know unless they get them out and biopsy them. 
I think to be honest that both have advantages, but from an outcome perspective that both options are equally good. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JudyLynne Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 25 2019 at 8:34pm
Thanks for the insights!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JudyLynne Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 28 2019 at 6:05pm
I am supposed to start my first chemo treatment on Tuesday. Other than things to pass the time, what are some helpful items I should take with me?

Edited by JudyLynne - Sep 28 2019 at 6:05pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote strongtogether Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 29 2019 at 2:04am
 Will you be using a cold cap? If so I'd suggest something warm. A support person who can spend some of the time with you, especially to take instructions from the nurses regarding how to handle your symptoms over the next week. Make sure you have a clear idea of what to do if things are getting hard with side effects!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Laurarev Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 29 2019 at 8:50am
I would definitely bring someone with you if you can. You will most likely be there a long time. That being said, even though I always feel like I’m there FOREVER, I never seem to have any desire to do any of the “things” I’ve brought with me to do... coloring, word search, read a book, etc.  At this point (I’ve now had 5 treatments) I could possibly listen to an audio book, but mostly I just talk with whoever has accompanied me, or even to my fellow fighters sitting in the chairs next to me. Everyone had a story, and they usually want to share it... and it helps connecting with other people. At least that’s been my experience. Your infusion center will most likely have a place to get ice and water, so be sure to bring your own water bottle. Some people are really bothered by the metallic taste, so if you have a plastic or glass water bottle that would be better. Also, your infusion will probably give out snacks, but you may want to bring some of your own. I was told that sucking on the candy lemon heads during infusion helps with your taste buds. A “chemo friend” once offered me a package of her Belvita toasted coconut crackers (she’s been getting chemo for 2 years and knows some tricks). Ever since she gave me those crackers it seems to be one of my favorite treats to eat during chemo. I also like to pack blueberries, a banana, and a plain turkey sandwich. The friend who gave me the crackers also suggested that if you fill a water bottle up with water and put about 3 drops of pure organic peppermint oil in there it helps with mouth sores. So, just a couple of my suggestions for what it’s worth. Good luck! Let us know how you do!! 💕
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JudyLynne Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 29 2019 at 10:37pm
Thanks yall—good ideas and yes I plan to use a cold cap-saw that mentioned on this forum and ordered one.  I saw a thing to put in your mouth to reduce mouth/teeth issues. Do those work?  The thing I saw looks so big I thought I’d gag so I’m planning to try a small frozen baby teething ring to see if it helps. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Plume Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 30 2019 at 1:36pm
Make sure you know where the loo is and how to temporarily disconnect the drip for you to go!!

I was put with an "old hand" the first time and she showed me what to do and also how to alert the nurses' station when the pack runs out and a new one is needed.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Monarch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Oct 01 2019 at 10:13pm
Welcome JudyLynne and Jeannie to the group.  

I am a newbie as well.  This forum is a fantastic resource of those that have done it, and lived to get the t-shirt.  The older survivors can give you tips and tricks and Donna123 is your best resource for research information. 

I am only 14 weeks into my neoadjuvant chemo therapy (before the surgery).  My breast surgeon explained to me, that in most cases of TNBC (today), they attempt to reduce the size of the tumors prior to surgery, because our TNBC is so aggressive and the outcomes are better for the patient.  As always, I am sure there are doctors that differ in approach.  The protocol I am most familiar with is A/C-T.  It is very important to remember that each person reacts differently.  Some can fly through with few symptoms, while others, seem to check every box on the "rare symptom" list.

Keep in mind, this chemical journey is CUMMULATIVE!  Each chemo adds to those before it and, brings your body down a bit further.  Listen to your bodies!  You know best.

Monarch



Edited by Monarch - Oct 01 2019 at 10:16pm
DX IDC, Metastatic Stage III, 6/6/2019, Nodes pos, 5.6 x 3.3 x 3.5 left breast. Ki-67 90%. AC x 4, T x 12, Partial Mastectomy and Targeted Axillary Dissection, Thyroidectomy,
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Monarch View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Monarch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Oct 01 2019 at 10:21pm
The mouth pieces do not work well with Oral Mucositis.  Ask you doctor for a RX of magic mouthwash.  They have to compound it.  It has lidocaine and gives you relief. There is also another mouthwash they can give you also.  If you need it, I will go check mine out.  I cannot remember what it is.  It's a little thing called chemo brain, and it will hit you probably 8-10 weeks in.  Short-term memory just goes, "Poof.  It's gone!"

They also insisted that I keep a batch of the following made up and rinse four times a day.  This helped me the most.  I just now developed the oral mucositis.  If you don't have to get it, don't!  It is excruciating pain.  

Mix 8 oz of water
1 tsp salt  (I add more salt probably double)
1 tbls of baking soda (heaping)

Shake and use it several times a day.  It calms the burn after brushing your teeth.  It comes in handy.

Monarch


Edited by Monarch - Oct 01 2019 at 10:28pm
DX IDC, Metastatic Stage III, 6/6/2019, Nodes pos, 5.6 x 3.3 x 3.5 left breast. Ki-67 90%. AC x 4, T x 12, Partial Mastectomy and Targeted Axillary Dissection, Thyroidectomy,
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JudyLynne Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Oct 01 2019 at 10:45pm
Great info to know!
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