Starting Chemo Monday - Trying not to freak out
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Forum Name: Let's Talk About Chemotherapy
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Topic: Starting Chemo Monday - Trying not to freak out
Posted By: AllisonH
Subject: Starting Chemo Monday - Trying not to freak out
Date Posted: May 20 2017 at 9:08pm
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Hi, all! I was diagnosed TN a month ago. My treatment plan is chemo, surgery, radiation. Chemo will be AC every two weeks for 4 cycles then TC every week for 12 weeks. It's taken some doing getting started with the chemo because of some other issues I had, but it's finally here. And, I'm freaking out - quietly, in my head, anyway. I'm as ready as I can be, and I want to get started so I can be done. The actual getting chemo part is really bothering me. I'm an incredible wimp when it comes to pain. I'm sensitive or allergic to so many things, I can just imagine what chemo will do for me. If there's a weird or unusual side effect, that's the one I'll get. (Even my scientist friend who is supporting me through all of this agrees that I get the weird side effects.) I've prepared the best I can - I have friends and family to support me. I have the extra medicines ready to go, including the gunk to put over the port to dull the pain of the needles. I've been reading posts in this forum. I've read books and websites. I know I can't know what it's like until I've started, and I know everyone is different. But, still. Freaking out. When you had chemo, what do you wish you had known before starting? Thanks.
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Replies:
Posted By: denise07
Date Posted: May 20 2017 at 11:17pm
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Hello AllisonH, Wish the best for you for your first round of chemo hope all goes well for you.The first chemo is the worst as far as anxiety goes it's the unknown of what to expect, that is normal for all of us.Hope you have no side effects and breeze through it,I had act chemo every three weeks had no reactions and did not get sick even once.The one think I wished I had known before chemo was to control my anxiety but that is impossible.Good Luck before you know it your chemo will be done and over with! Hug's Denise
------------- DX Idc 10/07,st2,gr3,2/6 lymphnodes |
Posted By: SusaninVA
Date Posted: May 21 2017 at 11:47am
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Hi Allison, So glad you have expressed your fears about this. I want you to know that when I went to my first chemo, I thought about not going because I was so scared. But then I remembered everything I had read and knew this chemo is crucial for TNBC treatment. The nurses will keep an extra close eye on you during your first chemo. Please tell them how sensitive you have been in the past to drugs. I see you are living in Henrico. I am right down the road in Mechanicsville, VA! I went to the Virginia Cancer Institute at Reynolds Crossing on Forest Ave in Henrico to receive my chemo (Dr. Khatcheressian). In the end, it was much more doable than I ever thought. I stocked up on all the things that were on the list in all the literature they gave me, but actually needed very little of it. Please remember to keep hydrated (water is the best, but I had an affinity to diet Ginger Ale during that time.) Do you have somebody to stay with you during the first few days after your chemo? If you are worried about a reaction, hopefully you will know pretty quickly, though. I will be thinking of you on Monday. Please let us know how everything goes! It is very scary going through all of this, and I do know of a small breast cancer support group which meets in Richmond, if you are interested. Just let me know. Sending you hugs and best wishes!
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Posted By: AllisonH
Date Posted: May 21 2017 at 3:31pm
| Thanks, Denise, for the encouraging words. Fingers crossed I also have no problem. |
Posted By: AllisonH
Date Posted: May 21 2017 at 3:36pm
| Susan, thanks. Glad to know I'm not the only one. Happy there's someone close by. I'm going to St. Mary's for mine. I'd love to know about any support group. The only one I know about meets when I can't. Just deep breaths over and over. I also like ginger ale, especially cranberry ginger ale. Just so unsure of everything. What do I wear? |
Posted By: SusaninVA
Date Posted: May 21 2017 at 4:58pm
| Allison, you will want to wear a button down blouse so your port is easily accessible. I always wore slacks, but I'm sure a nice pair of comfortable jeans is OK, too. I ended up taking a backpack with me which had some favorite snacks or books. Some people would bring their i-pads and earphones. Of course, if someone is with you, you can just enjoy some good conversation! My nurses used a spray to numb the port area (it would make that area very cold for a minute) before they put the needle in. It never hurt having the needle in, and I couldn't even tell anything was dripping! The breast support group (which I have visited on occasion) meets at Richmond Surgical every third Wednesday evening at 5:30 PM. One of their Nurse Practitioners, Susan Uhle, facilitates the group. You do not have to be a patient there to come to the meetings. Their address is 8921 Three Chopt Rd. Suite 300 Richmond 23229. It's easy to miss the building as there is no sign out front - just have to look for the address. Parking is in the back of the building. Susan Uhle really helped me a lot - she persuaded my surgeon to hold off on a third surgery so I could start chemo in a timely fashion. Once in awhile, she invites a speaker to come to the group. I enjoyed meeting there because it was a small group and Susan is a wonderful listener. I've heard good things about Saint Mary's; I went through Henrico Doctors at Forest and they were good as well. I will definitely think about you tomorrow and hope all goes smoothly. You will one day look back on all of this, and wonder how on earth you got through it. But you will get through it! Sending my love and heartfelt best wishes! |
Posted By: SusaninVA
Date Posted: May 21 2017 at 5:00pm
| "every third Wednesday evening" should read the third Wednesday of every month. Sorry! |
Posted By: AllisonH
Date Posted: May 21 2017 at 9:55pm
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Thanks, Susan. I'll put it on my calendar. I work most Wednesday nights, but I'll see what I can do. There's a group through Bon Secours that meets at the Watkins Centre the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30. Going to have trouble making that one, too. I'm sure I'll find one eventually. I'm planning on taking my Kindle and phone. Will probably take headphones, but mom and friend are coming with me so probably won't get to use them unless mom is driving me nuts.  Also have coloring books and markers but don't know if I'll take them this time. I have a calendar/journal that I'm going to take with fancy pens. Most likely will take some crackers but otherwise will wait to see what they have to offer. Thanks for sharing. I'm still freaking out but a little less so. Thanks for the love and wishes! Deep breaths!
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Posted By: Penny
Date Posted: May 21 2017 at 11:32pm
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I was petrified too! I did have a reaction to the Taxol but after that, it was smooth sailing. They pre-loaded me after that with steroids and slowed the drip down and I was fine. I brought snacks with me and my Ipad. Be aware of the taste bud issue for the first week. That is what freaked me out. No one really said anything about the taste buds to me and I was so worried my full four months of chemo would be like the first week post chemo, IT's NOT. For me, the third infusion was the worst (I had 4 total infusions, TC every three weeks). I am 50 days post my last infusion and starting week 5 of 6 RADS. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I was really afraid of the CT scan after my last chemo. That came back clear and I really relaxed after that. Chemo isn't great, but it isn't terrible either. Eat ice chips during your infusion. For me, that helped with the taste bud changes. Know you are not alone, we have all been there and gone through that fear. I am still bald, praying to get through all of this in a few weeks and very very grateful for this site. It has been a true blessing to post my fears on this site and have others walk me through this. The saying "give yourself Grace through this" means something to me now.. So, give yourself some Grace.... be well Penny ------------- DX IDC, TNBC 12/7/16 (age 55), Stage 1a Grade 2, .6cm, 0/1 nodes, Lumpectomy & node dissection 12/22/16, BRCA1&2 negative 1/23/17 Chemo TC. Chemo completed 3/28/17. 30 RADs completed 6/6/17. |
Posted By: SusaninVA
Date Posted: May 22 2017 at 4:43pm
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Hi Allison, Just wondering how you did today. Hope everything went well. Like Denise said, the first chemo session is the scariest. I had to smile when you mentioned your Mom - I'm sure she is so worried about you, and yes, Moms can drive us crazy!
 When Penny mentioned waiting for her hair to grow back in, I remember that like it was yesterday. I am planning to get my hair trimmed for the first time very soon! It came back with some curls, and I think it may be wavy for awhile....I hope so anyway. Please let us know how you fared. I know for me the fatigue did not set in until 2 or 3 days after the infusion (I had TAC every 3 weeks). Listen to your body, and rest and sleep when it tells you that's what is needed. I hope you can take off some time from work after each infusion. (I work part time, and I always took the week of chemo off.) Be kind to yourself....and eat 3 meals a day, even if you aren't hungry. They can be small meals, but keep your system going! And take you anti-nausea pills - they really do work! (I would go off of them too quickly and learned that nothing would stay down!) Hope you can sleep well tonight and know that you have made it through a day you will never forget...... |
Posted By: denise07
Date Posted: May 29 2017 at 11:52pm
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Hello Allison, Checking in to see how you are doing! sure hope your first chemo went well with no problems, please when you feel up to it let us know how things are going for you. Denise 
------------- DX Idc 10/07,st2,gr3,2/6 lymphnodes |
Posted By: AllisonH
Date Posted: May 30 2017 at 12:14am
| Chemo itself was just fine, no big deal, so thanks for the reassurance there. Friend and Mom went with me, and we just chatted the whole time. Unfortunately, ever since then, I've been sick constantly one way or another-headache, dizziness, nausea, extreme muscle pain, etc. Fourth day was my fatigue day, and I was out of it pretty much the whole day. I'm fairly sure one of the anti-nausea medicines caused the migraine and dizziness which caused, you guessed it, nausea. I've been very hungry but don't want to eat. Had to keep working through it all which was quite unpleasant. Next two days off so going to try to figure out what to do for next week when I have chemo again. Need a different anti-nausea than zolfran. Thanks for listening to me whine. Hate to be that person and don't want it to be my only conversation with people. Glad to have people that understand. Thanks for checking up on me. |
Posted By: Penny
Date Posted: May 30 2017 at 10:15am
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Hi Allison - I am glad to hear from you. I did not take any of my anti nausea medication (I was told to wait until I actually had a symptom or wave of nausea and then take the med). I was then told to take it like clock work. So, are you pre taking the meds because you don't want nausea or are you actually nauseous? Ask your onc, but that is what my nurses told me (and they knew best). Afraid to eat? Why are you not eating? I was told to eat (every two hours) and to walk, walk, walk and hydrate (all of which I did). So, maybe you need to mix this up a bit. Always check with medical but that is what I did and I had zero nausea or dizziness. Hang in there!!!!! This will be over before you know it. Also, keep a journal - chemo symptoms follow patterns so you will know what to expect :) Penny ------------- DX IDC, TNBC 12/7/16 (age 55), Stage 1a Grade 2, .6cm, 0/1 nodes, Lumpectomy & node dissection 12/22/16, BRCA1&2 negative 1/23/17 Chemo TC. Chemo completed 3/28/17. 30 RADs completed 6/6/17. |
Posted By: SusaninVA
Date Posted: May 30 2017 at 9:47pm
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Allison, So glad to hear you made it through your first infusion. Sorry to hear about your headaches and nausea, though. I forgot to ask if you have to take the Neulasta injection the day after. If so, a side effect of that is aches in the bones. Claritin (the allergy drug) can help prevent that. Just take one pill of Claritin the night before, and then take for several days after. I hope each day will have you feeling better and stronger. Taking chemo is like a roller coaster - you start to feel better, and then when you are almost feeling back to your old self, another infusion comes along, and you're back where you started. You will soon know which days will be your "good" days and which days will be your "everybody leave me alone" days. Please keep us posted! |
Posted By: GrammaSue
Date Posted: May 30 2017 at 10:09pm
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Hi Allison, Just saw your posting about starting chemo. I'm sure by now you are past that first treatment and everything went well. I have gotten through the first round of Adryamycin/Cytoxan and am now receiving 12 weekly infusions of Paclitaxel (Thursday will be the third of twelve). I agree with what SusaninVA posted about chemo being a roller coaster. I find that just about the time I think I'm feeling better its time for another treatment. BUT remember that there are a fixed number of treatments and hopefully, at the end, you will find that they worked well and can move on to the next phase of treatment. I wish you luck in the upcoming months and will watch to see how you are doing. Regards, GrammaSue PS: If this 70 year old can do it, so can you!!!
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Posted By: AllisonH
Date Posted: May 31 2017 at 12:13am
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Thanks, everyone! Penny, yes, I waited until I was nauseous to start taking the zolfran. Started headache and dizziness which caused more nausea. Thought it was weather-related migraine but waited to take migraine medicine because of taking so much other stuff. Stopped taking zolfran. Finally took migraine medicine which helped but honestly nausea didn't leave until a day or so ago. I do have a second anti-nausea which helped but will put me to sleep, so I can't take it when working. Not eating was a combination of the nausea and nothing I wanted. I think I've got that covered now, though. Stocking up on small containers of jell-o, applesauce, and pretzels. I've been trying to walk more, but I work in an outdoor mall, and it rained every day last week. Don't think I drank as much as I should have, but, again, have a new plan for that, too. I was trying to space out drinking through the day (sipping, really), but I just do better if I chug it down. Susan, yes, I get Neulasta second day after chemo (fits my schedule). They told me to take Claritin, but I take Allegra every day for allergies. Claritin does nothing for me for allergies and not supposed to take both at the same time. Well, so much for that! Skipped Allegra and took Claritin; allergies made me sick. Took Allegra and skipped Claritin; bone pain was awful. I'll be sure to take them hours apart, but I'm taking both. Checked with onc, and while not generally recommended, not a problem for a couple of days. Also, it's only for the AC chemo, not the TC, so only have to do it 3 more times. Had to laugh. Every day last week was pretty much a "leave me alone" day. Not good for a retail manager! Anyway, lessons learned, and new plans in place, so hoping next week goes so much better. Also, asked for an extra day off which I may do for the other AC weeks, but I don't have enough PTO to do that for every chemo week since I have to plan for surgery time off, too. Hopefully, won't need it, though. Right? Right! GrammaSue, sounds like you and I are on the same chemo plan. Thanks for the encouraging words. BTW, I'm 58, so not terribly far behind you. Wanted to share this story with you because I knew you'd understand. Had to see my PCP this morning for something probably not related to BC stuff (but who knows). Anyway, I love her because she's tough, doesn't let me get away with stuff, and so on. We're similar in age, and we often share stories about aches and pains (my knees, her back). I'm sure she's not the right dr for many people, but she's perfect for me. Anyway, I saw her right before I started chemo, and I could tell she was upset and concerned about everything. When I saw her today, it was supposed to be a quick, 15 minute appointment. Turned into at least half an hour. We talked about all kinds of things related to the BC. She told me she knew I was strong enough to get through this. She actually got a little weepy! She hugged me and told me she loved me. I was overwhelmed and so appreciative. Made me realize how much this is affecting other people, too. Came out of there feeling so much better emotionally. Felt so good! Thanks, everyone. I'll let you know how next week goes.
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Posted By: SusaninVA
Date Posted: May 31 2017 at 1:40pm
| Allison, I had to smile when I read your post. I will be 58 next month (went through the chemo when I was 56). And I imagine you are up on your feet a lot being a manager - please take care of yourself. Go to your office and sit down for some breaks when it gets to be too much. Gramma Sue, you are an inspiration! I am glad that you are tolerating your chemo and please take care of yourself as well. I believe I saw you on another thread where you said you are getting help with household things. Please do! I was fortunate in that my husband and teenage son became rather self sufficient (they had to be!) and was also touched by the offers (and sometimes, insistence) of friends to do things for me during that time. So I am not to far from you in age, either. Sending out hugs and best wishes for you both and hope that this time will pass quickly and you can be on the other side of this looking back. I still have "flashbacks" of certain things that went on and, almost two years later, it still does not seem quite real to me all that went on. And Allison, your PCP sounds like a gem! |
Posted By: SusaninVA
Date Posted: May 31 2017 at 1:46pm
| Penny, sending you hugs and good wishes as well. It sounds like you are holding up fairly well - hope this time goes quickly for you, too! |
Posted By: Penny
Date Posted: May 31 2017 at 2:30pm
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I am doing great! This is my last week of RADS. Met with my rad onc, and based on my protocol, age and treatment they expect great results. CT scan clear, port out, chemo done, rads almost done. Follow up care plan is 3 months and then I go to med onc for mammogram on affected breast. No other treatment scheduled. What will I do with all my time (now that I no longer have to go to a medical appointment everyday)? I will live life, not worry, stay active and healthy. I gained 4 lbs during my treatment and that has all fallen off. My little blonde hair is poking out on my head and that is super exciting. I have learned a lot about myself and others during this journey. I have worried my life away before this diagnosis and I won't do that again. The women (and men) on this board and those who I meet in my daily life have been a blessing. Everyone that see's me knows I am going through cancer treatment and their kindness and eagerness to talk with me, hold my eye contact a little longer and just general "loving behavior" is just amazing. I am kinder, have slowed down a bit from my "task manager lists" and value the little things for sure. My company I work for has shown me grace and have accommodated everything needed to continue to work through all of my surgeries and treatments. I am a very lucky lady! ------------- DX IDC, TNBC 12/7/16 (age 55), Stage 1a Grade 2, .6cm, 0/1 nodes, Lumpectomy & node dissection 12/22/16, BRCA1&2 negative 1/23/17 Chemo TC. Chemo completed 3/28/17. 30 RADs completed 6/6/17. |
Posted By: SusaninVA
Date Posted: May 31 2017 at 10:59pm
| So glad to hear, Penny! Yes, this process changes you for sure. But I think aside from the scars and side effects, most people are changed for the better. I feel like I am a better person now than before - I certainly appreciate each day, and try to notice little things (like my rose bush blooming and the songbirds singing), and I don't stress over "stupid" stuff anymore. When my husband told me the company he works for was sold to an investment company from China, I didn't stress; just told him we take one day at a time around this house and we will deal with whatever comes along! I enjoy this new viewpoint so much more! And I have an appreciation for certain friends who astounded me with their love and compassion. My heart remains touched by their caring. (I just lost one of those friends last month and wrote a post about her - Nancy.) Still think of her every day; she was my "second Mom". Glad to hear this is your last week of treatment! You may feel a little bit of anxiety next week, realizing that you have no appointments. It's kind of like graduating! You will adjust and then start prioritizing your life again - and your priorities will probably be different. That is a paradox - how something so terrible as this diagnosis can bring so many gifts as we adjust to a new life. My theme right now is "simplify" and I am definitely eating better and exercising more - have even learned how to do yoga! Now, I love yoga and don't know how I ever lived without it! You will also enjoy seeing your hair grow out! You have a lot to look forward to! |
Posted By: denise07
Date Posted: May 31 2017 at 11:39pm
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Allison, Hope you are feeling better! A thought just came to me, I had steroids for three days before my chemo and was wondering if you get them before yours?I also had anti nausea meds that I took for a few days before chemo and one pill in the office the day I had chemo took it about 1/2 hour before chemo started.Did do the neulasta shot the day after chemo I noticed you get that to,I did drink alot of water during chemo and after to flush it out of the bladder and kidneys and lots of gingerale.Just was wondering about the steroids I don't think you mentioned any thing about steroids.Hope you feel better soon and may be check on the steroid situation. Denise ------------- DX Idc 10/07,st2,gr3,2/6 lymphnodes |
Posted By: snugltz
Date Posted: Jun 01 2017 at 12:48am
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To me chemo was hell. I wanted to quit but my doc and family wouldn't let me. And as so many said, just when I was feeling a bit better it was time for the next chemo treatment. The Neulasta was awful. I think worse than the chemo or probably the combination. But stick it through You will be glad later. It will end. And you will know you did what you could. And time goes by and you will forget how bad it was. I was 58 when diagnosed. But I was lucky and was already retired. I know for myself I could never have gone to work. So you have my sympathy and prayers. ------------- 1 cm, 0/2 neg nodes, lumpectomy 6/16/10, cytoxin/taxotere 4x every three weeks, rad start 11/8 33X |
Posted By: AllisonH
Date Posted: Jun 01 2017 at 12:55am
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Yes, I get steroids but the 2 days after chemo, not before. Just sent question about that to dr. Heard from dr today, and she's going to give me different anti-nausea, olanzepine (Zyprexa). Hope it works better. Oh, crap. I just looked this up. It's an anti-psychotic for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Two of its most common side effects are headache and dizziness. Um, not sure this is the right drug. I just messaged dr office about it. Anyway, thanks for the suggestion about taking the drugs early. Thanks, Snugltz, for the alternative viewpoint and honesty. It has been very unpleasant so far, and I'm really not sure how I'm going to make it through this. I'm also still the caregiver for my 89 year-old mother, and that's not going to change. She's doing the best she can for me, but it's a struggle for both of us. I'm hoping the plans I've put in place for next week will help, and it won't be as bad. Thanks, everyone! Allison
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Posted By: AnnL
Date Posted: Jun 01 2017 at 12:31pm
| Allison, I'm new to the chemo world, too. I'm on 6 rounds of TAC and just had my first on May 24. I had a lot of trouble with nausea, too. My doctor had given me Compazine and Zofran. The Compazine didn't really help, but I found that if I took the Zofran like clockwork every 8 hours BEFORE I felt much nausea, it really helped. My doctor has switched the Compazine to Phenergan, and I'm scheduled to receive an injection of Sustol at my next chemo instead of Aloxi. She said Sustol is new and has shown to be very helpful! Perhaps you could ask about it? It's a time-released medicine that gives you the protection for 5 days. I'm willing to give it a try! Today is the 8th day after my chemotherapy, and my stomach is just now beginning to feel hungry. I feel like I have a fist up under my ribcage, so I'm taking Nexium. I've never had acid reflux or heartburn before, so I had no idea that it feels like this. When I described the symptoms, that's what the doctor said it was. Hopefully the Nexium helps. Good luck with your next treatment! Let us know how it goes :) |
Posted By: snugltz
Date Posted: Jun 01 2017 at 2:20pm
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allison ------------- 1 cm, 0/2 neg nodes, lumpectomy 6/16/10, cytoxin/taxotere 4x every three weeks, rad start 11/8 33X |
Posted By: snugltz
Date Posted: Jun 01 2017 at 2:27pm
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oops sorry I was so negative. I know you want positive. And there is positive. Time goes fast. You will get though. It must be extremely difficult taking care of your mom too. My daughter had her first baby during my chemo. I had to wait an extra week between treatments so I could be with her. She lived three hours away. But it was hard to not help her after the initial delivery because Doc said I should not go out much due to the chance of catching something because of the low blood count we get with chemo. So I do at least somewhat understand and empathize and sympathize with you. But do it. You can make it. Its been over 6 years since my last chemo. I always wonder why it was so bad. I forget how it was, I just know I felt awful. You will make it. Hang in. It may seem like forever now but it really flies by. If you ever want to talk about it to someone who gets it you can give me a call. let me know and I will give you my number. Just keep going one day at a time. ------------- 1 cm, 0/2 neg nodes, lumpectomy 6/16/10, cytoxin/taxotere 4x every three weeks, rad start 11/8 33X |
Posted By: SusaninVA
Date Posted: Jun 01 2017 at 10:40pm
| Allison, I didn't realize you are taking care of your elderly Mom. Have you talked to a medical Social Worker at your hospital? She/He may have some resources to help you with your Mom's care. I hope the changes to your anti-nausea meds will work. Have you found some foods you can eat? Please eat and drink as best you can. And rest! Easier said than done, but you have to make your care a priority to get through this. If you get to the end of your rope, please let me know if you want to private message me. I live close by and could help you on my days off. And I really mean that - chemo is tough and I don't know what I would have done without some help. Please take care of yourself! |
Posted By: AllisonH
Date Posted: Jun 09 2017 at 11:55pm
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Hi, everyone! Checking back in after round two. I absolutely love reading everybody's comments. Can you tell I'm feeling better? So, so much better this time. Dr actually listened when I said I'm sure it's the Zolfran making me sick. Switched me to Ativan. Still got Zolfran as Aloxi in infusion and a migraine started fairly soon afterward. Onc pharmacist said take your migraine medicine now. Definitely helped, but I would like to get rid of the Aloxi, completely. AnnL, I'm going to ask about the Sustol. Took compazine and another migraine med Monday night and haven't needed anything since! Yea!!! So happy to have that constant sick feeling gone. Next, the Neulasta shot - took both Allegra and Claritin and took Claritin consistently through tonight with tylenol. Still some pain in back, neck, collarbone but nowhere near as bad as before. Again, so much better than last time. Fatigue wearing me down a little more this time because it's not masked by all the feeling sick, if that makes sense. Previously told my boss that fourth day would be my day off, but I think I'm changing that to 3 ½ days. Didn't think I was going to get through the end of shift last night and was pretty much worthless the last couple of hours. I talked to my boss and told him I would need to be early shift on Thursday and probably short shift, too, off by 2 PM or so. So, the next question is for everyone who has done this - how different is one set of chemo from the other? I'm doing the AC now, have two more rounds. Then I start the TC, 12 weeks. Were they about the same, AC harder, TC harder? What was it like for you? Final note for people new to this who are reading this post for enlightenment and encouragement: I wasn't prepared for how sore and sensitive my scalp was going to be particularly these last few days. I'd already picked out my wig, so today was the day - shaved my head and put on the wig. My scalp's still sore, so I may not be able to wear the wig full time quite yet, but I did pick up a couple of caps. One more milestone down. Thanks, everyone!
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Posted By: AllisonH
Date Posted: Jun 09 2017 at 11:59pm
| Thanks, Susan. I will definitely let you know. So far, it's okay, but I can see where this is going to be very, very wearing as time goes on. Some of my friends are actually helping with my mom, bringing her lunch, etc. which is very helpful. |
Posted By: SusaninVA
Date Posted: Jun 13 2017 at 2:09pm
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Allison, so glad to hear your second infusion went better. Glad to hear that you have your wig, and hope you quickly get used to wearing it. I think when I was wearing my wig, I actually looked younger . I don't have any feedback to give on your protocol of chemo because I had the TAC (all three at one time every three weeks). Hopefully, someone can come along to tell you about specifics on your protocol. How is your Mom doing? I'm glad to hear that your friends are offering to help. I am still touched by all my friends who offered me help during that time. They were like angels! I hope your supervisor is understanding and helpful as well. Remember to make your care a priority - you have to take care of yourself in order to endure through all your treatments! I hope you and your Mom will be OK. Do the best you can, and one day you can look back at all this and wonder how you got through it! Sending you my best!
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Posted By: AllisonH
Date Posted: Jul 18 2017 at 7:04pm
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Thought I would check back in and let you all know how it's going. Hope this helps others going through this, too. Unfortunately, 3rd and 4th AC treatments did not go as well as 2nd. Still having trouble with drinking enough so went in for extra IV fluids which helped greatly. Took off from work the week of the 4th treatment because the cumulative effects were really wearing me down. That was a very smart move on my part. I wound up working one evening because no one else was available, but that was fine. Started TC cycle yesterday, first of 12 weekly infusions. Feeling just fine today though a little tired. Took this week off, too, since I didn't know how I would react. Have to see how the rest of the week goes. My boss is being very accommodating. In fact, corporate is sending someone down to work this week because I'm off and my boss is on vacation. Everybody helping out. Note for anybody else having trouble getting enough fluids: watermelon! One of the nurses mentioned that watermelon is, of course, very wet. I got a big container and have already eaten most of it. I think it's helping. Finally, my hair and wig. Turns out, I don't mind going out in public bald. I really don't mind. Several friends have told me I have a well-shaped head.  If you'd asked me, I would have said, no way. I got a couple of painter-style caps with shorter brims to wear to work or other places I feel I need to wear something on my head. Found a bunch of really cute ones on Amazon with sparkles and sequins and pretty colors. I also got a really cute mesh fedora. It's too big so I've been wearing a sweat band underneath it to hold it up. I haven't been able to wear the wig - it's scratchy, it slips on my head, and it's very hot. The hats are hot, too, but easier to take on and off.So, that's where I am right now. Thanks for everyone's help and support. Allison
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Posted By: gordon15
Date Posted: Jul 18 2017 at 7:53pm
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My wife is finished with chemo but her blood tests lately showed low on potassium and sodium chloride (she drinks lots of water) She got some "Powerade Zero" it has sucralose as artificial sweetener but it has electrolites, fyi ------------- wife: IDC/Lobular Stage2B 2008 lumpectomy/TAC+rads TNBC Stage 3A/w/metaplastic/squamous Nov2015 Carboplatin-Gemzar chemo/masectomy Taxolchemo+rads 4-16 PET scan stable 9-2016/ 1-2017 |
Posted By: SusaninVA
Date Posted: Jul 23 2017 at 5:33pm
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Hi Allison, So good to hear your update! Yes, the weather here in Richmond has been very hot - there is an article in today (Sunday) copy of Richmond Times Dispatch. Apparently, the thermometer at Richmond International Airport hit 101 degrees yesterday afternoon. Add to that our "Richmond humidity" and it can really pack a punch. I'm glad you are trying watermelon, and hope you can keep down anything liquid. You are much braver than me - I could never get my nerve up to go out of the house bald. I'm glad you have found some comfortable caps you enjoy wearing. When the weather was cold, I remember wearing a cap (knitted) which I picked up at the infusion center. It kept me so warm - I am amazed at how insulating our hair is. Being the hot Summer, I am glad you feel free to go as you are, or to wear a cap. Glad to hear you took some time off from work too. Your body needs rest, and there is no substitute for that. I hope the next 11 weeks go by quickly for you so you can "graduate" from chemo. Everyone is different, but for me, chemo was the hardest part (and I do hear other people say that as well). Enjoy your watermelon and stay cool!
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Posted By: LouWM
Date Posted: Aug 06 2017 at 9:00pm
| Allison H, this is Nana Lou, just checking in to see how things went with chemo. I had my first chemo with taxol on Monday, with my second treatment tomorrow. I am at the beginning of this long journey. My TN BC was stage 2a, a primary tumor of 1.9 cm with cancer in two lymph nodes. The surgeon wanted me to have chemo first to attempt to kill off the cancer prior to surgery. She was hoping for a complete pathological response. One week after my first chemo, the tumor is so small that I can barely feel it. Ha, take that, cancer! The good news with this result is that the surgeon will need to take fewer lymph nodes and there will be less risk of lymohedema. Yay. Second chemo session tomorrow. I took my iPad and happily did email and facebook all during the infusion. I plan to try to find ice chips to suck on for the next session because it is supposed to help protect taste buds. My food looks like Earth food, but it tastes like it is from Planet Zork. That was temporary, and food tasted normal again by Friday. Best wishes. Lou |
Posted By: AllisonH
Date Posted: Aug 06 2017 at 9:44pm
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Thanks, Nana Lou! I had my first Taxol/Carboplatin three weeks ago. It went okay except for the benadryl part. They gave me way too much, and I went completely loopy. Later in the week, I started having this weird thing where it felt like the side of my head particularly my ear was filled with fluid. Caused dizziness and lightheadedness. When I went in for next Taxol, onc decided to send me to ER for MRI and CAT scan of head. they found absolutely nothing. By the time we were done, onc decided to skip chemo for that week. Saw ENT who also couldn't find anything but gave me prednisone. That seemed to help some, but I'm still having the problem. Went for Taxol last week, had long conversation with onc. She's decided to cut out the carboplatin completely (I was supposed to get it every third time with Taxol). When I was ready to get chemo, NP came in and said I couldn't have it because my platelets were too low. Normal range is 150-400. Mine were at 50. So, no chemo for second week. It really upset me because I feel like I'm getting behind. We'll see how tomorrow goes. The worst is that chocolate doesn't taste right. That makes me very sad.  Allison
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