chemo
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Category: TNBC Forums
Forum Name: Let's Talk About Chemotherapy
Forum Description: A place to discuss Chemotherapy
URL: http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=11027
Printed Date: Mar 26 2026 at 9:22pm
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Topic: chemo
Posted By: aligrace726
Subject: chemo
Date Posted: Mar 22 2013 at 7:49pm
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I haven't been told I need it yet, but it looks pretty likely. Stage 1 TNBC. Don't know the first thing about Chemo How long does a chemo session last every day? And don't you have to have outpatient surgery to place a port? Just curious about this because if I do need it I will need to make arrangements for someone to drive me and I need to know what to expect before choosing someone to go with me. Is treatment an all day thing, a few hours a day or what?
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Replies:
Posted By: Katdoll
Date Posted: Mar 22 2013 at 8:26pm
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Your hospital will provide you with detailed information, but you seem like someone who wants info ASAP (I'm like that) so here are answers to your questions. I was given a choice of having a port put in or doing the chemo with IV in the arm. I know many folks who've done IV and were fine with it. I decided on port because I'd had bilateral mastectomy and single node biopsy and did not want to increase risk of lymphedema. Outpatient surgery is necessary to place (and remove) the port. It's not general anesthesia, just a sort of twilight sleep where you drift in and out. I found it to be an easy procedure - in fact I had amazing lucid dreams throughout and was bummed when they woke me up because they interrupted a very beautiful dream. I had some pain at the surgical site for about 24 hours after but it was very manageable with painkillers. I was at the hospital for about six hours on chemo days, although the actual infusion took about half that time (you always start with a blood draw and then it takes a while to get you set up for the infusion). Don't assume you won't be able to drive. I often drove myself there and back and had a friend meet me there. It is a really good thing to have a friend with you for support and to pass the time. You might need to go back the morning after each infusion for a neulasta injection (to boost your white blood cell production). I always felt fine the morning after infusions and I drove myself to all the injection appointments. I'm happy to answer any more questions. My chemo course was 4 infusions of Adriamycin/Cytoxan, one every other week, and then 4 of Taxol, again one every other week. ------------- Tested positive for BRCA1 mutation (187delAG) in 4/09 @ age 44; BSO 9/09; diagnosed w/TNBC in 10/09; 1 cm Stage 1 TNBC IDC, grade 3 + 1.5 cm DCIS; BMX 11/09, nodes clear; chemo (AC/T). |
Posted By: aligrace726
Date Posted: Mar 23 2013 at 6:26am
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Katdoll, Yes I'm that way, I feel better if I got some info going into the doctor's office.
I had a left side mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy, do you recommend that I do the port also. So chemo is pretty much a all day thing? I've had some people tell me they go 3 days straight and then go back 3 weeks later for another three days, etc. Sounds like your schedule was a little easier than that. Thanks for the answers and advice. Feel free to add anything you think I might want or need to know. Like I said I'm new at this. |
Posted By: denise07
Date Posted: Mar 23 2013 at 9:08pm
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Ali,
Hi again I think every ones chemo is different in some way mine was every three weeks and I was given adriamycin/cytoxin and taxater(spelling) every three weeks apart and I recieved six treatments I was also very scared but guess what? I never got sick from chemo not even once I did not have to have a port either I used to go out for lunch after my treatments felt fine even my doctor was amzed I never got sick once and I wish the same for you.
Hugs
Denise ------------- DX Idc 10/07,st2,gr3,2/6 lymphnodes |
Posted By: beck
Date Posted: Mar 24 2013 at 8:21am
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I HAD PORT PUT IN IN HOSPITAL, BUT IT WAS TAKEN OUT IN SURGONS OFFICE, I DID CHEMO FOR 3 HRS , EVERY OTHER WEEK, DOVE MYSELF, NEVER GOT WHAT I CALLED SICK, BUT DID HAVE SIDE EFFECTS, SOME GET SORE MOUTHS , I DIDNT, BUT WAS RUN DOWN AND TIRED ALOT I DID DRIVE MYSELF TO EACH CHEMO, TOOK SNACKS DRINKS , BOOKS THINGS TO KEEP ME BUSY , I SEEN SOME TAKE LAPTOPS , OR YOU CAN NAP OR WATCH TV, I NEVER LIKES TAKING ANYONE, I GUESS IT WAS MY ALONE TIME, I WOULD GO SHOPPING AFTERWARDS MANY TIMES , TO GET MY THINGS DONE, BECAUSE I KNEW , I WOULD BE DOWN FOR A FEWW DAYS , ABOUT THE THIRD DAY AFTER CHEMO , HOPE THIS HELPS BECK ------------- ER postive in 2007 10 nodes in underarm,primary unknown, right side, did chemo and rad. Dec. 2011 TN left side 1.5 CM no nodes stage 1 did cmf chemo and rads. |
Posted By: HOC
Date Posted: Mar 24 2013 at 9:38am
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I'm going through chemo right now. Just finished my 2nd of four doses of AC last Thursday. (Every other week followed by Taxol which will be weekly for 12 weeks.) I had a port put in at the time of surgery since I knew I'd be needing chemo. I'll be honest, at times the port hurt worse than the mastectomy. It made my neck hurt when I turned my head and made it hard to sleep. However, I'd still take it over the IV for the chemo just because it's so much easier. The first chemo session I went to they said to allow 5 hours. I was done closer to four, though. It just depends on what they schedule you for. This last Thursday I had the blood draw at 8am, Dr apt at 9am, and infusion at 10am. I finished up the infusion at about 2:30. It takes awhile because first they give me premeds and hydration for nausea, then comes the Adriamycin which takes about 15 minutes, then the Cytoxan which is an hour, then finish up the hydration and I'm free to go. I've felt pretty good both times on the day of and day after (with the exception of a rare side effect to a premed that makes me dizzy and headachey). The following day I go back in for hydration to help with nausea and for a Neulasta shot. This one lasts about 2-2 1/2 hours. The day after the Neulasta is when I get hit. The shot causes me pain and tenderness in my jaw, neck, shoulders. I take vicodin to combat it and that makes me sleep all day. That was yesterday. Today, it's still sore and tender, but I can deal with it without the vicodin. By tomorrow I expect to be back to almost normal. So for me, it's just two days down. Luckily it's on a weekend when my husband can take care of the kids and I just sleep a lot. Hope that helps! Good Luck to you! Heather
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Posted By: beck
Date Posted: Mar 24 2013 at 11:51am
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hos... did you try clartian before the shot , it helps alot with the side effects , learned this at cancer center, start taking it 3 days before Beck ------------- ER postive in 2007 10 nodes in underarm,primary unknown, right side, did chemo and rad. Dec. 2011 TN left side 1.5 CM no nodes stage 1 did cmf chemo and rads. |
Posted By: aligrace726
Date Posted: Mar 24 2013 at 4:21pm
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Thanks for your reply Heather. You're the first to mention the port. I'm not sure what to do about that. But I will ask the oncologist when I go Tuesday. If its as bad as the mastectomy I don't think I want it. I had to sleep in the recliner for a week after that and didn't get any sleep at all. How do you shower with the port? I'm not much on baths and wondered about that. Unfortunately my story is different. I had a lumpectomy with clear margins and the doctor told me I only needed some radiation. But he did say it was aggressive and there was a chance it could come back, so I told him to do a mastectomy. He done the mastectomy thinking I wouldn't need any treatment at all after that. But after I got my results back and they were Triple negative, everything changed. I haven't seen the Oncologist yet, but I assume from everything I've read on here I will. So I want to be prepared with as much knowledge as possible when I go. Are you Triple Negative? ------------- DX...Triple Negative BC, March 22. 2013. 1.5mm. Treatment and BRCA pending. |
Posted By: aligrace726
Date Posted: Mar 24 2013 at 4:25pm
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Thanks Beck, I haven't started treatment yet, but I will ask about the Claritan. How are you doing and are you done with your treatments? ------------- DX...Triple Negative BC, March 22. 2013. 1.5mm. Treatment and BRCA pending. |
Posted By: beck
Date Posted: Mar 24 2013 at 4:32pm
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i was done will chemo last june, port is no big deal, ive done it twice , i was just put under at hospital in some sort of twilite sleep i could hear everyone and talk to them, but didnt feel a thing, both time i had it out in surgeons office , didnt feel anything then eather , its a little sore for about 5 days , then you dont notice it much, Beck ------------- ER postive in 2007 10 nodes in underarm,primary unknown, right side, did chemo and rad. Dec. 2011 TN left side 1.5 CM no nodes stage 1 did cmf chemo and rads. |
Posted By: raehyg
Date Posted: Mar 24 2013 at 4:57pm
| The port is the way to go.... was a life saver when my daughter had cancer. The port is under the skin so you can shower. I am comforted in seeing that I am not the only one feeling the pulling....I thought it was just me. I started AC on Monday the 18th and overdid it since my port was placed. I was extremely tired and have been working without a rest. Friday I left work early...I started to get some slight mouth issues but was rinsing with nutrosol and magic mouthwash and that helped. I was very nauseous but I think the coffee I was still drinking contributed to that. Since I have stopped I was much better. I seem to get winded pretty quickly iand I am very tired. I am not allowed to go back to work until Friday so I am hoping to regain some stamina. It is frustrating!!Oh and noone ever tells you that your hair foliicles hurt....a really weird feeling. I assume they try to forget that part. |
Posted By: aligrace726
Date Posted: Mar 24 2013 at 5:04pm
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Thanks rawhyg, Like I said I'm new with this, what is AC? And you said your daughter had cancer, Are you saying you and her both? How is your daughter doing? Nope, haven't heard the follicle thing yet. That's a new one. Are you TNBC? ------------- DX...Triple Negative BC, March 22. 2013. 1.5mm. Treatment and BRCA pending. |
Posted By: raehyg
Date Posted: Mar 24 2013 at 5:15pm
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Aligrace,
Yes my daughter is a cancer survivor. She had neuroblastoma when she was a baby and is now 14. I am triple negative stage 3. AC is cyclophosphamide and doxirubicon. My spelling is propbably a little off so sorry. I am on an every other week regiment for 4 cycles and will be following by Taxol. They are doing the adjuvent therapy on me and then double mastectomy and radiation. I am not sure if they need to do more chemo later on but I am not too concerned. Yes my daughter went through chemo, radiation and several surgeries. The only good thing is at least I am sort of familiar with the whole process etc. As far as the hair, I guess as the follicles are dying they hurt and feel like thumb tacs...really weird I wasn't expecting that. Its also itchy at the same time. I think you lose your hair day 14 or so. I am only day 7 and checking everyday anyway.....best of luck to you!
Rachel
PS I don't how to add my diagnoses to my signature...I thought I did that already
------------- TNBC invasive ductal carcinoma dx 2/21/13, dose dense AC/T, will have double mastectomy end of summer |
Posted By: aligrace726
Date Posted: Mar 24 2013 at 5:43pm
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Wow, I'm glad your daughter is okay. I already had the left breast mastectomy, treatment to be determined Tuesday. I'm guessing we have the same thing. Because at first I was diagnosed with DCIS and after my lumpectomy I got clean margins, but after the mastectomy results came back and my sentinel node, progesterone and estrogen were negative, my diagnoses went to Triple Negative. Do you know if everyone that has triple negative have DCIS first? You sound like a very strong person. If its okay I'm going to add you to my friends list. I would like to stay in contact with you since we are so close in diagnosis and treatment. I'm starting to wonder if I should opt for have a right side mastectomy. Thanks so much Hugs ------------- DX...Triple Negative BC, March 22. 2013. 1.5mm. Treatment and BRCA pending. |
Posted By: raehyg
Date Posted: Mar 25 2013 at 8:50am
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Aligrace,
I don't think you have to have DCis first but I have not done my research. Since my cancer is large and aggressive(stage 3), they have to do the adjuvent chemo first. My breast surgeon told me that was what she thought had to be done before I saw the oncologist. When I saw the oncologist, she confirmed that course of treatment. I will be getting a double mastectomy. I had decided prior to hearing all the facts with the option to change my mind if I thought it was necessary. When I found out the rest of the details I realize I had no choice. My left breast is full and my right has a fibroadenoma which is benign but every year I have a 12 % chance of getting cancer in it. I am having more issues with worrying about reconstruction than anything else. As far as doing the other side for yourself, I would discuss it with your oncologist and breast surgeon. If you are stage 1 it may be overkill since it was caught early on. You have to see what type of treatment they want you to do....especially since no lymph involvement, etc. Best of Luck on Tuesday ------------- TNBC invasive ductal carcinoma dx 2/21/13, dose dense AC/T, will have double mastectomy end of summer |
Posted By: aligrace726
Date Posted: Mar 25 2013 at 10:18am
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Thanks raehyg, I plan on asking her about if I should have a right breast mastectomy tomorrow. But I think I would feel better if I did. I've already seen a reconstructive surgeon, not sure why my doctor set that appointment up before seeing a getting all my results back and seeing a Oncologist. But I went to the appointment anyways. I dont' think I will have the reconstructive surgery. I'm almost 48 and from the details he gave me it sounds like it would be very painful. I think I can live with the scars, just as long as God blesses me and takes this horrible disease out of my body. I would be very grateful for that and satisfied. But I can understand someone in a younger age group wanting the reconstructive surgery. My Oncologist is a Hematologist too with 37 years experience, so I hope she is well informed about all of this stuff. Still don't understand why some do chemo before surgery and some after. How is your Chemo going? Lots of Hugs. ------------- DX...Triple Negative BC, March 22. 2013. 1.5mm. Treatment and BRCA pending. |
Posted By: raehyg
Date Posted: Mar 25 2013 at 3:30pm
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Aligrace,
I heard from many that they have regretted not doing reconstruction....I am having issues with that as well. Even older women regretting it. I am 40 and I think in the long run it would upset me if I didn't. Your only 48 very young....I spoke with someone today who did it and said it wasn't half as bad as she thought. I am not sure which type I am doing. I heard the implants are the easiest and simplest recovery. I am thinking of the diem or tram.
The chemo is going ok...this week is a little better more energy....just my head feels like there are thumb tacs in it....my hair is getting ready to die off I guess. ------------- TNBC invasive ductal carcinoma dx 2/21/13, dose dense AC/T, will have double mastectomy end of summer |
Posted By: aligrace726
Date Posted: Mar 25 2013 at 4:04pm
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I'm still struggling with reconstruction. I've only looked at my scar a few times. I only got my stitches and staples out friday. I really didn't look at it until then and I came home and took my first shower since surgery. It was kinda tramatic. I saw a plastic surgeon last week and he said I would have to do the expander and then implant, but he also mentioned doing something to the right side to make them both look similar. He said he really couldn't do anything right now until he knew if I needed treatment or not. So I've really put that on the back burner. I'm planning on asking my Oncologist tomorrow if it would be a good idea to remove the right breast also. My daughter recommends I do the reconstructive surgery. She made the point that I may not have the insurance later on down the line to cover it. But honestly all I can think of right now is getting through this. Someone mentioned to me on here that your head would feel like that. Do you plan on getting a wig? ------------- DX...Triple Negative BC, March 22. 2013. 1.5mm. Treatment and BRCA pending. |
Posted By: JulieKCA2013
Date Posted: Mar 25 2013 at 10:31pm
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Ali I can give you a example of my night. My first chemo visit took 5 hours, most of it waiting on the doctor and then prep of the drugs. The actual administration of the drugs took an hour. I showed up at 3 for a checkup, 4:30 was when I was suppose to report to enfusion, but my doctors visit ran over so it was about 5 when I got to enfusion. They took me back at 5:30. Set me up with some pre chemo drugs for nausea. About 6:30 we started the Adriamycin, which is a push, the nurse sits there and administers it without an IV. Then we waited for 20 minutes and I had an IV put on for the cyclophospamide, which took 30 minutes as well. The worst part of the first visit was the wait. ------------- Dx 3-7-13 TNBC, 5cm pT2N1M0 3-19-13 ACx4, 5-14-13 Taxolx4 7-17-13 BMX ypT1N2M0(.9mm) 4/24 nodes. 10-8-13 completed Rads x 30 12-3-13 completed Eribulin Trial 10-18-13, 3-19-14 Bone/Ct Scan Clear |
Posted By: raehyg
Date Posted: Mar 26 2013 at 9:23am
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Bought two wigs and a few scarves......Don't know what I will wear. As for reconstruction, I am glad I have a few months to get over my fears. I am not having surgery until the summer so day by day I am becoming braver, lol. I spoke to someone from road to recovery from the American cancer society yesterday. She never had any surgeries prior to bc and she said it wasn't half as bad as she imagined it. Maybe you can call the amc and they can set you up with a survivor who can talk to you also. I think you have some time to figure things out. You will get some additional info after your onc. appt. Good luck ------------- TNBC invasive ductal carcinoma dx 2/21/13, dose dense AC/T, will have double mastectomy end of summer |
Posted By: HOC
Date Posted: Mar 28 2013 at 4:36pm
| I DID try Claritin, but it didn't seem to help. I only took it the day before, day of, and day after the shot though. Should I take it earlier? Do you think it matters that it's 24 hr Claritan D rather than the 12 hr the Dr. said to get? |
Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Mar 28 2013 at 4:51pm
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HOC, Not sure as I only tried the Claritin (not Claritin D). I still had some mild bone pain, flu like symptoms, but nothing compared to when I didn't take the Claritin. The pain was very manageable with tylenol or advil and a nice heating pad. Donna ------------- DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
Posted By: HOC
Date Posted: Mar 28 2013 at 5:05pm
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Yes, I'm triple negative, too. I had a 3cm tumor. I could've had a lumpectomy, chemo, then radiation, but chose to do single mastectomy with sentinel node and chemo instead. DCIS is ductal carcinoma in situ which is cancer in the milk duct that hasn't spread out of the duct. Once it breaks through it's called IDC or invasive ductal carcinoma. I was just talking with an RN who told me that if the cancer is DCIS and between 1-5mm, that no chemo is recommended whether it's triple negative or not. It's only once it becomes invasive that they worry. The port isn't bad anymore. It hurt quite a bit in the beginning, but if you do end up doing chemo, I'd highly recommend it. These chemo drugs are really hard on your veins and the port accesses a much larger vein that can withstand it. One final thing, the hair follicles hurt a LOT just before and while your hair is falling out. I'm going through that right now. It started falling out by the handful last Thursday, on day 14. I had my 7 year old cut it shorter on Monday (I had pretty long hair), to about shoulder length, and yesterday I had a neighbor shave it. I was hoping it would hurt less without the weight, but it really didn't make much difference. It seems that it continues to hurt until it's gone. How did your appointment go? Have you decided on a treatment?
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Posted By: aligrace726
Date Posted: Mar 28 2013 at 6:47pm
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I think my appt. went good. Mine was only 1.5 mm. My oncologist said I didn't need any treatment because it was so small and I got clear margins during the lumpectomy and went on to have the mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy by choice. But she did do a lot of blood work and said she wanted to check it out and go over my surgery lab results with a fine tooth comb before making any final decisions. I go back and see her next Wednesday. She also gave me the paperwork to fill out for the BCRA testing. I'm just waiting for the Genetic Counselor to go over it and call me to set up an appt. So I still feel like I'm walking on pins and needles. Keep me posted on how you're doing. You can pm me if you like.  I think about a lot of you that replied to my posts. But I feel like I'm being intrusive if I ask how things are going. ------------- DX...Triple Negative BC, March 22. 2013. 1.5mm. Treatment and BRCA pending. |
Posted By: raehyg
Date Posted: Mar 28 2013 at 7:21pm
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Aligrace....did I read correctly no treatment? If so thats great!
Hoc...I was wondering does your hair get really dry right before coming out...the head pain subsidded and I feel like I am treating myself like a science experiment. The only thing driving me crazy is my itching head...I am at day 11.
Rachel ------------- TNBC invasive ductal carcinoma dx 2/21/13, dose dense AC/T, will have double mastectomy end of summer |
Posted By: HOC
Date Posted: Mar 29 2013 at 10:11pm
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Today is the 9th day since my hair started falling out. My scalp seems very dry. I shaved my hair two days ago down to a number one on the clippers. Now when it falls out it looks like whisker stubble. :) I too feel like a science experiment. I read some things online about the pain so I tried a lotion on my head. This was Wed when it was still really bad. Hurt a TON putting it on, but it might have helped a little with the pain and dryness. It was a stuff called Ecza Salve from a little stand at the Pike Place Market. They also sell lotion bars made with beeswax that are amazing. I was going to try one of those next if it stays so dry. I use a really mild soap in the shower called Seba Med (from Amazon) that's supposed to balance your ph and be gentle and not drying, but I still feel like I have dandruff and it itches. At least the pins and needles pain is almost gone. Just a little more on top of my head... Oh, and Aligrace, I'm pretty new to this and have no idea how to PM people. :(
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Posted By: babymelany
Date Posted: Apr 10 2013 at 5:31pm
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Wow! That was a lot of helpful information! I just started chemo last Friday and already I had some itches on my head that hurt when I scratched. I thought I was being overly sensitive and while it sucks that we are all experiencing similar symptoms, I feel better that I am not alone in the process!! Thanks for sharing you're experiences!! :) Melanie  ------------- SINGLE MOM OF 2,BRCA1+ Lump 11/12,DX 1/24/13 BC @age 36 (2 days B4 bday),3/5/13 Double Mast,Stage 2, Grade 3, 3.4 tumor 0/6 nodes AC/T 4-7/13,Rec-chest wall 9/12,Proton 10-12/13,CT NED 1/14,Rec-5/14 |
Posted By: dkmoore2
Date Posted: Apr 25 2013 at 4:06pm
| Diagnosed with TNBC Invasive Duct. Stage 1 1.8cm grade 3. Left Breast Mastectomy, no nodes. I did my first chemo treatment on April 16th, I've been sick ever since. Cannot hold down water. I dont think I can do this. Who out there has done hollistic stuff only. Im Backing out..... |
Posted By: Annie
Date Posted: Apr 25 2013 at 6:42pm
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Hello DKMoore2, I am sorry you are experiencing this nausea and inability to keep anything down. After my first chemo I had the same thing happen. I urge you to call your Onc. Nurse right away and tell her what is happening. You should be able to receive an injection of an antinauseant to stop this. I know it is discouraging but in my case after experiencing what you are going through the Oncologist reduced the chemo for the rest of the rounds of treatment a little (which is often done) according to side effects...Chemo is usually given in proportion to one's weight but in some cases it is not tolerated and so a small reduction is made. What they did really worked for me and as well the anti nausea medication was increased and I was also given an IV of Stemetil after I received every Chemo and just before I was to go home. After all these measures were adopted I did not have one bit of nausea or vomiting. Please call you Onc. or his Nurse right away so something can be ordered for you. Re-consider backing out...I am living proof that the first chemo and only the first chemo I received caused these symptoms...There is SO much that they can do to Stop these side effects... Do not be discouraged, I understand how you feel I remember, but this can change. Take care and will wait to hear how you are doing...Love, Annie ------------- Annie TNBC Stage IIA Gr 3 1cm lesion 2/5 lymph nodes+ lumpectomy,FEC & D 30Rads finished(08/2009) BRCA- Chronic Cellulitis due to Radiation-- L.Mastectomy Jan 2012 |
Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Apr 25 2013 at 7:08pm
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DKmoore2, Annie has given you excellent advice. Please call your oncologist's office and let them know. I found they are very willing to help with any and all side effects and should have a nurse on call 24 hours a day. They should be able to get you where the side effects are manageable. I don't want to scare you but Triple Negative is very aggressive. Surgery and chemo (and sometimes radiation) are the only treatment options. Please don't give up. Donna ------------- DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
Posted By: dkmoore2
Date Posted: Apr 26 2013 at 9:01am
| Hope this in replying to the kind people that wrote to me from Canada. I had issues reloggin in. I did call my oconoligist and told him that I still could not hold anything down. He said it was unusal and that there was nothing more he could give me. He did agree to "add some more anti nausea" in round 2 of chemo. I am so scared and I really dont want to go back. Thank you for your advice. How can I find information of people that didnt do the the chemo with triple neg and survived for many years. This decision is so hard to make and freaking out my mother, my daughter and my husband. I feel like they are killing me. Help. |
Posted By: beck
Date Posted: Apr 26 2013 at 9:25am
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9 would seek another doctor , this can not be so, my doctor would of never left me that way anytime i had problem, they would help, that is what they need to do, i never heard of this this is not right , they cant just give you this stuff and tough luck kiddo , talk to someone else my doc said there are many chemo if one dosent help or you can tolerat it we try another, please dont go the no chemo route yes there has been a few people that didnt do chemo for different reasons , but everyione is different, must of us were glad we were able to, i myself had er postive in 2007 did it then and tn in 2011 pleas talk to another doctor ------------- ER postive in 2007 10 nodes in underarm,primary unknown, right side, did chemo and rad. Dec. 2011 TN left side 1.5 CM no nodes stage 1 did cmf chemo and rads. |
Posted By: krisa
Date Posted: Apr 26 2013 at 11:31am
| Dk, are you taking Emend? I ate like a horse while on chemo, thanks to Emend and the other anti nausea meds that I took. |
Posted By: beck
Date Posted: Apr 26 2013 at 11:49am
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YES I ALSO TOOK EMEND ------------- ER postive in 2007 10 nodes in underarm,primary unknown, right side, did chemo and rad. Dec. 2011 TN left side 1.5 CM no nodes stage 1 did cmf chemo and rads. |
Posted By: mainsailset
Date Posted: Apr 26 2013 at 12:51pm
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dkmoore2 Lesson learned from my sis who couldn't keep anything down for a mere 10 minutes. I got her into my oncologist who ended up testing her for Addisons. Turns out that was the problem. It is a failure of the adrenals and is widely overlooked. It IS treatable but is very serious. The testing is simple, but please do have him test for it. May you find relief soon. Mainy ------------- dx 7/08 TN 14x6.5x5.5 cm tumor 3 Lymph nodes involved, Taxol/Sunitab+AC, 5/09 dbl masectomy, path 2mm tumor removed, lymphs all clear, RAD 32 finished 9/11/09. 9/28 CT clear 10/18/10 CT clear |
Posted By: dkmoore2
Date Posted: Apr 27 2013 at 7:38am
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I have no idea which of the 3 anti nausea meds in the IV. I finally saw an accupuncturist that saved my life. That very night ate dinner for the 1st time and ate all three meals the next day. I feel alive again! Thank you Leonard and I am going to the oncologist again on Tuesday. Family very anti chemo - Im very confused but chemo2 is Tuesday. Thanks for your support
One more question that always puzzles me. I see all the sub titled diagnosis of the members of this group and it makes me sad. There is so much recurrance or other cancer ....why?
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Posted By: Annie
Date Posted: Apr 27 2013 at 8:36am
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Hello DKMoore2, I see that you were able to eat yesterday that is great. Also read the above about your Onc. I just wanted to mention that along with giving me a separate IV bag with Stemetil in it after the chemo was done and before I went home, I also was prescribed tablets of Stemetil to take twice or three times a day following chemo...I forget the exact dosage but I took it in addition to the other strong anti-nauseant I was also taking which was Zofran. You could ask your Onc if he might want to consider to prescribe more anti-nauseant pills like the one I mentioned or another one he may prefer depending on it going along with the other anti-nauseant you take and the type of Chemo you are receiving. I am not sure if he is reducing your dosage of chemo a bit. Here in Canada we see the Onc a day before Chemo where he reviews our blood work and goes over anything and the next day chemo is given...not sure how it works where you are. As far as you seeing some recurrance here, yes that can happen depending on several factors. However there are COUNTLESS people who are doing very very well without any recurrance years and years after chemo and Radiation. It is just that they are now busy living and going on with life. In order to do all we can to prevent any recurrance especially in TNBC chemo is CRUCIAL to increasing the chance of a good outcome. I know that chemo upsets people, I have known some with that attitude too but as my ONC said we have to hit it hard! and this is the best way we have. YOU, will get through this!!! we are all here to help you along ANYTIME you need us or have any questions or just need to talk. Remember that and we will be thinking about you on Tuesday and I will be praying for you...Take care...Love, Annie ------------- Annie TNBC Stage IIA Gr 3 1cm lesion 2/5 lymph nodes+ lumpectomy,FEC & D 30Rads finished(08/2009) BRCA- Chronic Cellulitis due to Radiation-- L.Mastectomy Jan 2012 |
Posted By: arabella
Date Posted: Apr 27 2013 at 9:34am
dkmoore2....TNBC is considered a highly aggressive cancer. It is my understanding that by the time you get this diagnosis you may have micro cancer mets that could be circulating in your body even though lymph nodes test negative because this is such a fast growing cancer. This is one of the reasons that they want you to do chemo with this TNBC diagnosis.....to treat you prophylactically. In many cases, there are no micro mets and the cancer may be gone.... but you just never know. I don't mean to scare you, but this is my understanding of this disease. Because it is so aggressive and very fast growing this is the reason you see the recurrences which are heart breaking to read. It would be so good if you could get a 2nd opinion from a medical oncologist who is familiar with this aggressive Triple Negative Breast Cancer. You and your family members would likely feel better. It is a pain to have to do this, but in the long run, worth the trouble. It was for me. I talked to three different oncologists. Making these decisions are so difficult and it's so easy to be influenced by others in trying to come to terms with just what to do. My advice would be to try and get a 2nd opinion as soon as possible, educate yourself as much as you can about your situation and then go with your gut as best you can. Remember, you are the one actually living with this and suffering its effects. So glad you were able to find an acupuncturist who could help you! My very best wishes to you. Please keep us updated as to what's going on with you. Wishing you peace, Kaye ------------- Dx TNBC 1/2013; age 63; 1.1 cm; Stage 1, Grade 1(?); lumpectomy clear margins; ALND -; severe SEs to first TC and treatment stopped; radsX25; BRCA - Recur 6/2015 Mastectomy |
dkmoore2 wrote:Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Apr 27 2013 at 11:07am
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Dkmoore2, Annie and Arabella have given you excellent advice. TNBC is very aggressive and chemo and radiation are all we have to fight this disease. There is a higher rate of recurrence because it is more likely to travel thru the lymph or vascular system than other bc. We also don't have adjuvant therapies like Tamoxifen or Herceptin to help reduce recurrence. We have to throw everything at it and hope it doesn't recur. As you can see from my signature I've battled a recurrence. I've had chemo twice and never had any nausea. I believe it was probably due to excellent anti nausea drugs given to me, including steroids. I actually gained wait while on chemo, ugh! With my recurrence, I used acupuncture to help me. I believe it really helped with my fatigue level and clear out my liver enzymes. I'd recommend it too. You can do this! Donna ------------- DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
Posted By: MLindaG
Date Posted: Apr 28 2013 at 11:00am
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dk, I had quite a bit of nausea as well and ended up on 4 different drugs besides the premed which made it live able but it never went totally away. The good thing is if you go on to taxol I did not get nauseated at all. It gets better. Wishing you the best. I have heard that acupuncture works glad you had that and it worked! I probably should have tried it......... |
Posted By: toatley75
Date Posted: Jun 20 2013 at 3:03pm
| I have questions about premeds. I currently take Benadryl, Ativan, Decadrun and Zantac as part of my pre meds. I know the reason for taking all of these before chemo, but I was wondering if anyone else has taken these as part of pre meds and what their experience was with it or premeds in general. I'm not sure which of these meds it is that makes me feel very flushed, naseauated, and just plain drunk. I had my doctor reduce the ativan by 1/2 for my second treatment but that made it worse. Anyhow, I just wondering if anyone would like to share their experiences with premeds. :-) |
Posted By: MLindaG
Date Posted: Jun 20 2013 at 6:28pm
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toatley, Hi! Hope you are feeling OK. I took some type of anti nausea premed and Decadron (steriod) as premeds when I had A/C and the bendryl, anti nausea drug and decadron with taxol. The premeds are supposed to help you through the first day of receiving the chemo. I felt the effects of the chemo within 4-6 hrs. The feeling of "just plain drunk" makes me think of what I used to call "I'm in a fog" which I always thought of as "Chemo brain". The Chemo is making you nauseated..........that's why they are giving you all the anti-nausea drugs as premed and oral. I started by taking one (compazine) which after 6 hrs. I was still very nauseated.........I then took zofran and the compazine...........then I just felt slightly nauseasted all the time. It was like back when I was pregnant........LOL Not everyone gets as nauseated as I did but if you talk to old time chemo patients it was very common for them to throw up a lot. I never threw up (Thank goodness) After my 2nd round I took a patch as well as the zofran and compazine and after the third round I took another drug that made me sleepy plus the patch, zofran and compazine!! So.......I'm not sure but it seems like it is the Chemo causing all the havoc! ------------- Dx TNBC 6/12; age 59; Stage 3, Grade 3; 3.5 cm, 3/10 nodes + chest wall nodes; A/C x4, T x 12 completed 12/12 with PCR, 2/13/13 lump; IMRT Rads x 33 completed 5/22/13 BRCA 1 negative. |
Posted By: toatley75
Date Posted: Jun 20 2013 at 6:39pm
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The pre meds are what i get before i even receive my chemo so I know it's the pre meds that are making my body feel this way. I also take emend by mouth before I go in and zofran the next 3 days. Then compazine is my relief medicine after that if I need it. Im like you and have had some nasuea but never have thrown up. ------------- TNIDC T2 N1 M0 Stage 2B Diagnosed 4/30/13 AC Started 5/24 4 cycles every 3 weeks |
Posted By: MLindaG
Date Posted: Jun 20 2013 at 11:26pm
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I felt fine for about 4-5 hrs. I would go out for lunch after my chemo. Hope you figure out what is causing your problem. :) No fun huh? ------------- Dx TNBC 6/12; age 59; Stage 3, Grade 3; 3.5 cm, 3/10 nodes + chest wall nodes; A/C x4, T x 12 completed 12/12 with PCR, 2/13/13 lump; IMRT Rads x 33 completed 5/22/13 BRCA 1 negative. |
Posted By: dkmoore2
Date Posted: Jun 21 2013 at 8:41am
| I got really sick - vomiting etc. and couldnt eat or drink with the a/c chemo and pre meds. What helped me the most (was on Ativan and other premeds) going back in on day 3 and 4 for hyrdration. Last two of my 4 rounds were much much better. Now getting Taxol 1st round which laid me out flat for 4 days with so much pain. So, if someone has a trick to relieve the side effects of this chemo would be happy to hear it. |
Posted By: toatley75
Date Posted: Jun 27 2013 at 10:20am
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My doctor and I figured that I was sensitive to Benadryl and she is going to put it in a drip for me to dilute it even more. I can handle everything else that has been going on with me, but the flushed, nausea, and extreme sleepiness feelings I feel when they IV push the Benadryl is something I can't take. I have two more of these and then will start the Taxol weekly for 12 weeks. I have had some side effects, the worst being stomach issues like reflux and constipation. I hope my side effects are limited also when I start the Taxol because I will be working again (I'm a teacher on summer break right now) and it will be a lot more challenging then. I hope your side effects get better dkmoore2. ------------- TNIDC T2 N1 M0 Stage 2B Diagnosed 4/30/13 AC Started 5/24 4 cycles every 3 weeks |
Posted By: MLindaG
Date Posted: Jun 27 2013 at 4:31pm
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toatley, Now that I think about it I did have trouble with the first benedryl(it was a drip but they did it in 10 min.) .........I had the shakes, felt awful and could barely make it to the bathroom without help........they gave it to me over 45 min. instead of the quick way they usually give it. I did fine. At the time the facility had never had my symptoms before and didn't know what to do.........so I called my girlfriend in CT who had gone through chemo a couple years before me and was my go to about everything chemo and she had heard about having it go in slower........so they said they would try it - it worked. So I had numerous chemo nurses tell me I was famous for this new way of giving benedryl for anyone with a problem!!! LOL I thought to myself........it seem to make so much sense to me........slow it down so my body doesn't go crazy!! I did still sleep for the hour it took for the taxol but woke up and felt great after that. :) It is interesting how after we are done with something we put it right out of our minds! (Such as childbirth!) I didn't get benedryl with the A/C. ------------- Dx TNBC 6/12; age 59; Stage 3, Grade 3; 3.5 cm, 3/10 nodes + chest wall nodes; A/C x4, T x 12 completed 12/12 with PCR, 2/13/13 lump; IMRT Rads x 33 completed 5/22/13 BRCA 1 negative. |
Posted By: miz
Date Posted: Jul 04 2013 at 10:59am
| I found a lump on my breast 4.1 had all the test and a biopsy and my doctor said it was DCIS. Continued with a Pet / CT scan and blood work ekg, Eco 3D and by the time I went to see an oncologist every thing changed. She said I have triple negative invasive stage 11A. Blew me away. Got a port installed and had my first treatment of A/C chemo on Tuesday. Chemo went very smooth and I feel pretty good. today is day three. Don't really know what to expect... but so far so good. Glad I had a port put in. No problem with the port so far. I will have 4 treatments of a?c an 4 treatments of Taxoil. Still up in the air about lump or full masectmey... any suggestions. |
Posted By: MLindaG
Date Posted: Jul 04 2013 at 12:53pm
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miz, Are they going to do the genetic testing? They told me that if I was BRCA1 + I would have a mastectomy.......if not they said there is no difference with outcome between the two and suggested a lumpectomy. I was BRCA1 and 2 negative and decided to do the lumpectomy. So far so good but then again I just finished with the whole process in May of this year. I think if you do a search you'll will find others opinion on this subject and I'm sure others will chime in here if they see your question. Sounds like you are doing fairly well so far which is good!! Good luck! ------------- Dx TNBC 6/12; age 59; Stage 3, Grade 3; 3.5 cm, 3/10 nodes + chest wall nodes; A/C x4, T x 12 completed 12/12 with PCR, 2/13/13 lump; IMRT Rads x 33 completed 5/22/13 BRCA 1 negative. |