I start chemo on Friday
Comments
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I know this is really scary
I know this is really scary for you. I had chemo 6 years ago and I was terrified. For me, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The nurses were so good and kind to me, made me feel like a princess. Yes, there were side effects, but the worst one for me was the hair loss. But then, my hair came back curly and thick! It was worth it, knowing that I was killing the BEAST. My nurse told me to think of the chemo as a little pac man going through my body eating up the little bits of cancer that was there. I just tried to take it one day at a time. I learned to REST when I needed it, to listen to the nurses, to do what they said to do. I felt kind of like I had the flu for most of the time. Achy and tired, but I made it through and you will too. I tried to laugh at myself as much as possible. When I lost my hair, one of the men I worked with shaved his head and said he would show me 101 ways to wear my hair with markers! Your little girl will be your strength and you will be hers. You WILL find the strength to get through this. You just have to reach down and grab it within you. Prayer also helped me. I also read uplifting books and went on the internet. I found lots of people a lot worse off than me. YOU can do it. We are all rooting for you. God Bless You!
Grains0 -
I just finished my 2nd round
I just finished my 2nd round of chemo. I was so frightened of the unknown. My fear was much worse than the actual chemo. As stated you will be treated with great care. There were ladies chatting, eating, and laughing at my first chemo. I thought if they can be so nonchalant, so can I. It was really uneventful. I had my port. Everyone is so different with after effects. I was constipated so used milk of magnesia, which is offensive to me now. I had saltines, jello, apple sauce, plain white toast, and broth on hand. My symptoms show up on the 3rd day. I feel great day of and day after. Hope this helps some. I'm sending prayers and hugs your way. I've also needed a lot of rest, but I'm almost 67 years old.0 -
The first one is always
The first one is always scariest because of the unknown...so let's get rid of that factor for you. I do not have a port because I am only having 4 sessions. They do a simple iv and that's just fine. First they will give you a pre-cocktail of anti-anxiety, anti-nausea, etc. drugs. You will feel a little loopey/sleepy. then they will start the chemo drugs. After all is said is done it will have taken anywhere from 5-7 hours. (The first time is longest because the nurse will interview you and go over everything and they go slowly to make sure there aren't any adverse reactions.) All doable.
I have two daughters, 10 and 8 years old. When I talked to them about it, I tried to be very matter-of-fact, scientific with the information. That helped them to not feel too scared. (They get their cues from our behavior.) Then I talked to them about their fears. I drew pictures of the cells and even got out a ruler to show them the size. Be honest and they will understand in their own way, in their own time.
As for the hair - losing it is just an example of how the medicine is doing its job. For my family, the thought of losing my hair was much worse than the actual process. Once it had happened (15 days post first treatment) then everyone's anxiety levels seemed to lessen.
I wish you all the best. None of us wants to be here, but we are all here for each other so never hesitate to ask for help.
Sending you the best, Pitt0 -
CHEMO
I'M HAVING MY SECOND CHEMO ON FRIDAY, THE FIRST WENT REALLY WELL FOR ME, I WAS PRETTY SCARED, BUT THE NURSES AND EVERYONE ARE SO VERY CARING AND KIND. I HAD A PORT PUT IN DURING MY MASTECTOMY. MY HAIR IS STARTING TO COME OUT, SO WILL PROBABLY HAVE HUSBAND SHAVE IT, HOPE IT GROWS BACK IN THICK AND CURLY....I'LL SAY A PRAYER FOR YOUR GOOD REACTION TO CHEMO.
GOD BLESS,
LIZZIE JANE0 -
Hi miccaldwell. I am so
Hi miccaldwell. I am so sorry that you have to do chemo. I was lucky and didn't have to. I want to wish you the best of luck. There was a post on here about a book about cancer that was aimed for children. I will bump it up for you to see if you might be interested in getting it for your daughter. Good luck to you and keep us updated on how you do.
Sue
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Hi lizziejane! I want tolizziejane said:CHEMO
I'M HAVING MY SECOND CHEMO ON FRIDAY, THE FIRST WENT REALLY WELL FOR ME, I WAS PRETTY SCARED, BUT THE NURSES AND EVERYONE ARE SO VERY CARING AND KIND. I HAD A PORT PUT IN DURING MY MASTECTOMY. MY HAIR IS STARTING TO COME OUT, SO WILL PROBABLY HAVE HUSBAND SHAVE IT, HOPE IT GROWS BACK IN THICK AND CURLY....I'LL SAY A PRAYER FOR YOUR GOOD REACTION TO CHEMO.
GOD BLESS,
LIZZIE JANE
Hi lizziejane! I want to wish you good luck with your 2nd chemo this friday! I am happy that your first one wasn't too bad for you.
Sue 0 -
Best wishes, I posted asRitzy said:Hi lizziejane! I want to
Hi lizziejane! I want to wish you good luck with your 2nd chemo this friday! I am happy that your first one wasn't too bad for you.
Sue
Best wishes, I posted as discouraged but that was for other reasons. If I did not have a preexisitng problem most would have been pretty tolerable.
the nurses are very caring and attentive, and the process is pretty smooth.
what you learn from your first treatemnt is how YOU as an individual react then are prepared for the next one. One good suggestion I found here was to have crackers at the bedside like when you are pregnant before you get up. Remember if the first one has a difficult sideeffect you can call them . and also correct it for the next one.
I did not get a port, I guess most places do for adriamycin but my place does not necessarily. They watch your IV like a hawk when they are pushing in the adriamycin. Anyway i am starting taxol and in the same anxiety boat, wondering how it will be, but we will get through.0 -
Thanks!pitt said:The first one is always
The first one is always scariest because of the unknown...so let's get rid of that factor for you. I do not have a port because I am only having 4 sessions. They do a simple iv and that's just fine. First they will give you a pre-cocktail of anti-anxiety, anti-nausea, etc. drugs. You will feel a little loopey/sleepy. then they will start the chemo drugs. After all is said is done it will have taken anywhere from 5-7 hours. (The first time is longest because the nurse will interview you and go over everything and they go slowly to make sure there aren't any adverse reactions.) All doable.
I have two daughters, 10 and 8 years old. When I talked to them about it, I tried to be very matter-of-fact, scientific with the information. That helped them to not feel too scared. (They get their cues from our behavior.) Then I talked to them about their fears. I drew pictures of the cells and even got out a ruler to show them the size. Be honest and they will understand in their own way, in their own time.
As for the hair - losing it is just an example of how the medicine is doing its job. For my family, the thought of losing my hair was much worse than the actual process. Once it had happened (15 days post first treatment) then everyone's anxiety levels seemed to lessen.
I wish you all the best. None of us wants to be here, but we are all here for each other so never hesitate to ask for help.
Sending you the best, Pitt
Thank you all for all the well wishes and support. Hearing from you all who have been through it sure helps! I am still nervous, but less so. I'll let you all know how it goes! And good luck to all on your particular stage of treatment1
Lori0 -
If all goes well with the Insurance Prior Auth
we will be starting chemo the same day. Like you, it was a difficult decision for me but I know those that have gone before me on this site will be cheering me on every step of the way. I'm like Pitt, I've opted to only do the IV since I'm only having 4 sessions.
The worst part of every aspect of this process is the waiting. Now that I'm mentally and somewhat emotionally prepared (with the help of some meds) I want to start. My biggest fear now is that the authorization won't come in in time. What did they think was going to happen when they (insurance) paid the bill to have both breasts removed? I wonder about them at times. But I digress.
You and I will get through this - kicking, screaming, crying, being pulled or pushed, gently nudged by these wonderful sisters. But we will do it.
Thanks Pitt for the "in a nutshell" of what a chemo day may look like. Lola0 -
Yes Pitt - and others -lovelylola said:If all goes well with the Insurance Prior Auth
we will be starting chemo the same day. Like you, it was a difficult decision for me but I know those that have gone before me on this site will be cheering me on every step of the way. I'm like Pitt, I've opted to only do the IV since I'm only having 4 sessions.
The worst part of every aspect of this process is the waiting. Now that I'm mentally and somewhat emotionally prepared (with the help of some meds) I want to start. My biggest fear now is that the authorization won't come in in time. What did they think was going to happen when they (insurance) paid the bill to have both breasts removed? I wonder about them at times. But I digress.
You and I will get through this - kicking, screaming, crying, being pulled or pushed, gently nudged by these wonderful sisters. But we will do it.
Thanks Pitt for the "in a nutshell" of what a chemo day may look like. Lola
Yes Pitt - and others - Thank you for your encouragement. And Lola - we'll make it through this! I'm getting the port because the Herceptin goes for a year. . .but the first will be IV. I've been told to drink LOTS of water the day before, day off and the day after - it helps with the veins and the aftermath.
I'll be sending positive vibes your way - praying that the authorization comes through. We can compare notes! Have they prescribed anti-nausea meds for you? I have to go the day before to get some medicine I have to start the day before - and others to take once I'm going through it - they say it really helps.
Talk to you soon!
Lori0 -
Lola and Lorimizcaldwell said:Yes Pitt - and others -
Yes Pitt - and others - Thank you for your encouragement. And Lola - we'll make it through this! I'm getting the port because the Herceptin goes for a year. . .but the first will be IV. I've been told to drink LOTS of water the day before, day off and the day after - it helps with the veins and the aftermath.
I'll be sending positive vibes your way - praying that the authorization comes through. We can compare notes! Have they prescribed anti-nausea meds for you? I have to go the day before to get some medicine I have to start the day before - and others to take once I'm going through it - they say it really helps.
Talk to you soon!
Lori
I will thinking of you both from now til Friday and praying on Friday that the day goes as smoothly as possible for you. At least that is what I experienced and have seen numerous times in posts. Water Water Water, 5 days out of first treatment and when I forget to keep pushing water I can tell the difference. The Chemo Chicks all reminded me to eat little and often. But most of all...the very best thing for me. Knowing that if I came here for help it was here. Everyone is here for you. Becky0 -
Good luck to both of you onlovelylola said:If all goes well with the Insurance Prior Auth
we will be starting chemo the same day. Like you, it was a difficult decision for me but I know those that have gone before me on this site will be cheering me on every step of the way. I'm like Pitt, I've opted to only do the IV since I'm only having 4 sessions.
The worst part of every aspect of this process is the waiting. Now that I'm mentally and somewhat emotionally prepared (with the help of some meds) I want to start. My biggest fear now is that the authorization won't come in in time. What did they think was going to happen when they (insurance) paid the bill to have both breasts removed? I wonder about them at times. But I digress.
You and I will get through this - kicking, screaming, crying, being pulled or pushed, gently nudged by these wonderful sisters. But we will do it.
Thanks Pitt for the "in a nutshell" of what a chemo day may look like. Lola
Good luck to both of you on starting chemo this Friday!
Leeza0 -
Lori - Yes - I'm starting some meds on Thursdaymizcaldwell said:Yes Pitt - and others -
Yes Pitt - and others - Thank you for your encouragement. And Lola - we'll make it through this! I'm getting the port because the Herceptin goes for a year. . .but the first will be IV. I've been told to drink LOTS of water the day before, day off and the day after - it helps with the veins and the aftermath.
I'll be sending positive vibes your way - praying that the authorization comes through. We can compare notes! Have they prescribed anti-nausea meds for you? I have to go the day before to get some medicine I have to start the day before - and others to take once I'm going through it - they say it really helps.
Talk to you soon!
Lori
a steroid to protect against reaction to the taxotere. The first round of Emend, one of the anti-nausea I get when I get the chemo, and then I have the pills for the next 2 days and he gave me a prescription for compazine as well. I'm also going to start ativan tomorrow as I'm starting to have increased anxiety and it's hard to sleep.
I need to ask them for the prescription for the good mouthwash to help with mouth sores. I will drink plenty of water. Tougher for me as I have incontinence issues already and have to make shi-shi (Hawaiian for pee!) frequently as it is. Should feel like 3rd trimester PG! LOL
I'm sending vibes your way as well. I may have internet access while I'm there and will try to post or have my daughter write. The IV in my hand may make it more difficult to type.
Take care! Lola0 -
I'll be praying for both ofjnl said:Good luck to both of you on
Good luck to both of you on starting chemo this Friday!
Leeza
I'll be praying for both of you. Remember, just one day at a time. Break it down to one hour or one minute if you have to. God bless you. I am still waiting to see if I have to have chemo. Will find out next wed. This will be the 2nd time for me. You will be surprised, but you will soon feel like you are a part of a little family at the hospital, with the nurses and other patients. Take care and let us know how you are doing.0 -
I see the oncologistlovelylola said:Lori - Yes - I'm starting some meds on Thursday
a steroid to protect against reaction to the taxotere. The first round of Emend, one of the anti-nausea I get when I get the chemo, and then I have the pills for the next 2 days and he gave me a prescription for compazine as well. I'm also going to start ativan tomorrow as I'm starting to have increased anxiety and it's hard to sleep.
I need to ask them for the prescription for the good mouthwash to help with mouth sores. I will drink plenty of water. Tougher for me as I have incontinence issues already and have to make shi-shi (Hawaiian for pee!) frequently as it is. Should feel like 3rd trimester PG! LOL
I'm sending vibes your way as well. I may have internet access while I'm there and will try to post or have my daughter write. The IV in my hand may make it more difficult to type.
Take care! Lola
I see the oncologist tomorrow and will get all the pre-meds - but I think it is about what you are getting! Good idea about the biotine -I'll ask about that tomorrow. Keep me posted and good luck! Also - thanks to all you who have wished us good luck! I think I can speak for both Lola and me - we appreciate all your support!
Lori0 -
Yes
If hair loss is the biggest thing, we are doing VERY well! I am at that point now and will admit that it's scary. BUT I know I was a wreck the day I went for chemo and it all turned out just fine. Thankfully, I didn't have much more than aches either from the taxotere or from the neulasta shot, but if that's all that I have to contend with, this is extremely doable! Instead of thinking of it as poison, I prefer to think of it as medicine that is attacking every bad cell floating around in me, and with this new neulasta shot, my white cells have been perfect at both subsequent oncology visits that I've had. You'll be right behind me, miz, as my 2nd treatment will be on Nov. 13th. It is doable and the hair WILL grow back. It's a bump in the road and I can't wait to look back at this, like so many others on here, and realize how strong I was. Wishing you the best during your first treatment!0 -
know how ya feel
just wanted to say hi and hope everything goes well for you! i took chemo (6) treatments and just finished on oct 1 2009. it was tough no doubt my counts were off just about the entire time. my daughter was 13 when i was dignosed and it was hard on her even though she doesnt really know how bad i really did feel the part of asking her to cut my hair when it started falling out think she realized what i was dealing with.. its tough for kids to understand when its something tough with have to do.. i wanna wish you the best and my prayers are going your way!!
brenda0 -
YOU WILL DO FINE
Looking at day 2 now after fist Chemo. Last night was a little scary but this morning is better. Off to get Nuelasta shot this afternoon.
Will be thinking of you and praying for an easy day for you on Friday. Drink lots of water and eat small snacks. Hope they give you Emend.
Donna0 -
Lola and Lorimizcaldwell said:I see the oncologist
I see the oncologist tomorrow and will get all the pre-meds - but I think it is about what you are getting! Good idea about the biotine -I'll ask about that tomorrow. Keep me posted and good luck! Also - thanks to all you who have wished us good luck! I think I can speak for both Lola and me - we appreciate all your support!
Lori
We are cheering you both on every step of the way. And I will tell you, I am very susceptible to nausea (On anti-nausea meds for both pregnancies, sea sickness, etc.) and I have done extremely well with the Emend and Compazine! They work VERY well!!!! I wish you both the best of luck and drink PLENTY of water every day!!!!!!!!!!! Pitt0
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