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Welcome, Jan
I'm 40, and my treatment was very different from yours, but I want to welcome you and encourage you to ask any and all of your questions -- there are lots of women and men here who will have good information and reassurance for you.
I had bilateral lumpectomies back in June, then chemo and radiation, but didn't have a port. As far as chemo, please keep in mind that chemo is nothing like it used to be, or like what you see on TV -- with the exception of hair loss, they have drugs for every side effect now, and you shouldn't have to suffer too much with really bad side effects. Chemo isn't fun, but it really is manageable.
And there are ways to make the hair loss a little bit fun -- I had fun buying cute hats and headwraps, and kind of enjoyed not having to spend time taking care of my hair. The ACS has a terrific site, tlcdirect.org, for hats, scarves, and headwraps for women undergoing cancer treatment -- great prices, and cute stuff. The folks at TLC are probably sad that my hair is growing back, as I was spending way too much money with them there for awhile! :-)
There are also great resources for free hats and headwraps for women undergoing chemotherapy -- let me know if you'd like those links, and I can post them later for you.
Traci0 -
Though I am sorry for the
Though I am sorry for the reason you are here, I'm glad that you found us here on these boards... I was dx'd last May, at the age of 42 as well. Mine was also stage 1, IDC luckily it was caught early...what a blessing that is. I didn't chose a mastectomy, personally I just wasn't emotionaly prepared for that. I underwent a lumpectomy that turned out to be a partial mast. by the time they achieved the clear margins. My treatment plan is different than yours, I did not have the traditional chemo, but went on to 35 rounds of radiation, so I have no pearls of wisdom to offer in that regard.
But I can tell you that there are many warrior sisters here, who have walked a path similar to yours and they will all chime in with their own personal experiences.
I wish you luck this week...take a deep breath... we will walk this with you...
♥ & hugs,
~T0 -
Welcome Jan. Sorry you have
Welcome Jan. Sorry you have to join this group.
The best advice I can give is to take it one step at a time. It's very overwhelming to take it all at once. I didn't have a MUGA scan--I had the echocardiogram which was not bad. I do have a power port. I think I had a local--not sure if that's the same as conscious sedation. The med team called it the "Michael Jackson". Anyway, it was inserted as outpatient surgery and I did not feel or remember them putting it in. I'm very glad I have it and so will you once you start chemo. It saves you vains. Make sure you put the knumbing cream on 2 hours before treatment and you wont feel the needle going in. My team told me 1 hour before but that didn't work so I tried 2 and that worked.
Post here as often as you need. There are a lot of caring, supportive people to help.
Sher0 -
Hi Jan, I am new writing on
Hi Jan, I am new writing on this site also but I have read many issues on this site for over 18 months which was when I was first diagnosed. The people here really support each other. I had a mastectomy, chemo, radiation and a year of herceptin. I did have a port which was put in at the same time of the mastectomy. I can tell you now that if they didn't give me one I would have certainly went back and had one put in. Watching people every week getting IV's in their hands justs made me crazy because I have alot of trouble with those IV's due to rolling veins. The port has been a God send for me. I still have mine and I finished my herceptin in July but I asked to keep it because I get zometa now for osteo.
The chemo is not so bad with all the drugs they give you to prevent nausea and other side effects. I really can say the hair loss and fatigue were my biggest problems. You will find that you are stronger than you thought. As others have said this site will support you don't be afraid to ask questions I have justed started and it really helps. Good Luck0 -
Hello Jan
Well, you have come to the right place. Welcome! We can certainly relate to where you've been and where you've yet to go in treatment. We have all been through the anxiety you are feeling in one way or another. This is just one of the many emotions that come with the diagnosis and treatment of BC. I can certainly relate to the port placement. I was SO terrified of having that done. I asked my surgeon to just put me out because I knew I would be way too nervous during the implant. It truly isn't as bad as we first think. I am actually now greatful I did have it done because I couldn't imagine what my poor veins would be like at this point. Do you know what type of Chemo you will have? The side effects can be scary, but we are all different in how our bodies react to it, so one can not know for sure which ones, if any, we will suffer from. The best advice is to just be prepared. At the top of the screen, there is a search area, you can type in any topic and you will find numerous posts on any subject that will contain very helpful information and advice on how to get through this process. Such as the port, Muga Scans, Chemo, hair loss, etc...I myself have posted on all of these. The American Cancer Society is also a great resource for information.(18002272345) You can call them, inform them of your situation, and they will not only send you some extremely helpful info, but can recommend places to go for any help you may need. And of course, your new Sisters and Brothers are here for you 24/7 to help you get through this! Feel free to post anytime about "anything"!
Hugz and Prayers sent your way
Cathy0 -
Jan
My chemos have been different then most.
Best I can say:after checking w/Dr
Take all pre and post options
Take stool softener
Take laxative
Hydrate hydrate hydrate
Whether you shave your head is up to you. I did not. I have lots of hats for the cold weather,and did get a wig, although I seldom use it.
Remember this is about you.What you want and what you need.
Peace0 -
Welcome
Sorry that you have bc, but you're on the right site. Lots of support here. I work in surgery and you shouldn't remember any of your port placement, even though you're "conscious". I "had" cancer on the right breast. Through with treatment now. Profalatic herceptin/tamoxfin. Had HER+,ER and PR+ stage3c invasive ductal carcinoma with 20 positive nodes. Went through all treatments. I had very few bad days. Kept working, only took a day or two for rest. I work part-time, so every weekend was 4 days off. Alot depends on ur treatment and outlook. Stay positive and dehydrated! lol I know this may sound dumb, but, like you I was not real fond of loosing my hair. Was down to my waist. I like my no fuss, no muss hair doo. It's about 2 in long now. Wash and go. I do have ears that stick out, that's ok. Been through alot worse than short hair.
Lots of med choices for possible side effects that you might have. They pre-med you before the give chemo.Make a list of questions. There is no "dumb" questions. stay on this ite for support, cause we truely understand ur plight. Good luck with ur first visit of chemo. You'll be fine. Hugs, Gayla ( I'm 49, going for 50
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Wow! This really IS theKatz77 said:Welcome
Sorry that you have bc, but you're on the right site. Lots of support here. I work in surgery and you shouldn't remember any of your port placement, even though you're "conscious". I "had" cancer on the right breast. Through with treatment now. Profalatic herceptin/tamoxfin. Had HER+,ER and PR+ stage3c invasive ductal carcinoma with 20 positive nodes. Went through all treatments. I had very few bad days. Kept working, only took a day or two for rest. I work part-time, so every weekend was 4 days off. Alot depends on ur treatment and outlook. Stay positive and dehydrated! lol I know this may sound dumb, but, like you I was not real fond of loosing my hair. Was down to my waist. I like my no fuss, no muss hair doo. It's about 2 in long now. Wash and go. I do have ears that stick out, that's ok. Been through alot worse than short hair.
Lots of med choices for possible side effects that you might have. They pre-med you before the give chemo.Make a list of questions. There is no "dumb" questions. stay on this ite for support, cause we truely understand ur plight. Good luck with ur first visit of chemo. You'll be fine. Hugs, Gayla ( I'm 49, going for 50
Wow! This really IS the place to be! Thanks to everyone for the kind welcome. Feeling a bit better about the port placement and chemo already. :-)0 -
I'm hoping to make hairlossTraciInLA said:Welcome, Jan
I'm 40, and my treatment was very different from yours, but I want to welcome you and encourage you to ask any and all of your questions -- there are lots of women and men here who will have good information and reassurance for you.
I had bilateral lumpectomies back in June, then chemo and radiation, but didn't have a port. As far as chemo, please keep in mind that chemo is nothing like it used to be, or like what you see on TV -- with the exception of hair loss, they have drugs for every side effect now, and you shouldn't have to suffer too much with really bad side effects. Chemo isn't fun, but it really is manageable.
And there are ways to make the hair loss a little bit fun -- I had fun buying cute hats and headwraps, and kind of enjoyed not having to spend time taking care of my hair. The ACS has a terrific site, tlcdirect.org, for hats, scarves, and headwraps for women undergoing cancer treatment -- great prices, and cute stuff. The folks at TLC are probably sad that my hair is growing back, as I was spending way too much money with them there for awhile! :-)
There are also great resources for free hats and headwraps for women undergoing chemotherapy -- let me know if you'd like those links, and I can post them later for you.
Traci
I'm hoping to make hairloss a little fun with the wigs I got. They are kind of pretty. I'll check out the tlcdirect.org, thanks!0 -
Thanks for the advice on theSher43009 said:Welcome Jan. Sorry you have
Welcome Jan. Sorry you have to join this group.
The best advice I can give is to take it one step at a time. It's very overwhelming to take it all at once. I didn't have a MUGA scan--I had the echocardiogram which was not bad. I do have a power port. I think I had a local--not sure if that's the same as conscious sedation. The med team called it the "Michael Jackson". Anyway, it was inserted as outpatient surgery and I did not feel or remember them putting it in. I'm very glad I have it and so will you once you start chemo. It saves you vains. Make sure you put the knumbing cream on 2 hours before treatment and you wont feel the needle going in. My team told me 1 hour before but that didn't work so I tried 2 and that worked.
Post here as often as you need. There are a lot of caring, supportive people to help.
Sher
Thanks for the advice on the numbing cream. I've heard it is very helpful. Did your port hurt after it was put in? I've heard some people say it hurts for a few days, and some have said longer.0 -
chemo drugsCat64 said:Hello Jan
Well, you have come to the right place. Welcome! We can certainly relate to where you've been and where you've yet to go in treatment. We have all been through the anxiety you are feeling in one way or another. This is just one of the many emotions that come with the diagnosis and treatment of BC. I can certainly relate to the port placement. I was SO terrified of having that done. I asked my surgeon to just put me out because I knew I would be way too nervous during the implant. It truly isn't as bad as we first think. I am actually now greatful I did have it done because I couldn't imagine what my poor veins would be like at this point. Do you know what type of Chemo you will have? The side effects can be scary, but we are all different in how our bodies react to it, so one can not know for sure which ones, if any, we will suffer from. The best advice is to just be prepared. At the top of the screen, there is a search area, you can type in any topic and you will find numerous posts on any subject that will contain very helpful information and advice on how to get through this process. Such as the port, Muga Scans, Chemo, hair loss, etc...I myself have posted on all of these. The American Cancer Society is also a great resource for information.(18002272345) You can call them, inform them of your situation, and they will not only send you some extremely helpful info, but can recommend places to go for any help you may need. And of course, your new Sisters and Brothers are here for you 24/7 to help you get through this! Feel free to post anytime about "anything"!
Hugz and Prayers sent your way
Cathy
I am getting Herceptin, Carboplatin (sp?), and Taxotere. I've not heard of anyone else on Carboplatin before. The oncologist gave me info on side effects of all of these meds. Part of me is afraid to read too much, because I am a very anxious person. My husband is sometimes my information "filter". He will do research, and fill me in, but filter out the "rare" side effects and such..unless I ask for them.0 -
Same hereJanInMN said:chemo drugs
I am getting Herceptin, Carboplatin (sp?), and Taxotere. I've not heard of anyone else on Carboplatin before. The oncologist gave me info on side effects of all of these meds. Part of me is afraid to read too much, because I am a very anxious person. My husband is sometimes my information "filter". He will do research, and fill me in, but filter out the "rare" side effects and such..unless I ask for them.
I was on the same "cocktail" except for the Herceptin (should of been, but that's a whole 'nuther story) however, I will be soon. So, I'm guessing you are ER/PR- & HER2+? There are several of us on the TCH. I never had any problems with the Carboplatin, it was the Taxotere that gave me the most grief. I only had the "Big D" once, a few mouth sores, lost my taste buds & developed blisters on my feet, but Vitamin E cream cleared that right up. The Neulasta shot that they might give you the day after to keep your counts up may make you achy for a few days. Didn't have too much problem with the nausea as long as I took the meds for it and only had to the first day or two after Chemo. It sounds worse than it is! It's not so fun at the time, but doable. You will be tired ALOT and won't have much energy for awhile. You're right, too much info can make you more upset and that's encouraging to hear your Hubby is researching on your behalf. Don't worry too much-we're here for you and will help you through it. One day at a time!
Cathy0 -
Welcome to the club that no
Welcome to the club that no one wants to join! My dx was different from yours, but you have many new friends on this board who have been through what you are going through. I will say that throughout the whole ordeal, I learned to just take each day one at a time and to accept help from others when it was offered.
I wish you the best in your treatment. Hugs & prayers sent your way...0 -
I am on the same cocktailJanInMN said:chemo drugs
I am getting Herceptin, Carboplatin (sp?), and Taxotere. I've not heard of anyone else on Carboplatin before. The oncologist gave me info on side effects of all of these meds. Part of me is afraid to read too much, because I am a very anxious person. My husband is sometimes my information "filter". He will do research, and fill me in, but filter out the "rare" side effects and such..unless I ask for them.
Just wanted to tell you that I am on the same cocktail. I read your response to my post. I put my cocktail on just for that reason. It's helpful to hear from those on the same thing even though all of the responses are SOOOOO supportive. This is an amazing site. I will tell you, that I was very nervous, and I did pretty good. I'm nervous this time too.
I will try to keep the site updated so I can share my experience. i like you, found that it was time to slow down on the all the possibilities/side effects because it made me more anxious. When I went for my first treatment, I told the nurse, dont tell me what you are giving me when. That way my mind couldnt play tricks on me. I will tell you that those I have heard from on this site who are on the same cocktail seemed to do really well. Not saying there are no side effects, but they are treatable. listen to your body,drink LOTS and LOTS of water. I found that walking helps lift my spirit and my energy level. About the port, it was a breeze having it put in, my bra strap sometimes makes it sore a little. No biggy. I have alot of Faith in Jesus Christ and I have many, many prayers going up for me, and I will be praying for you. God Bless.0 -
Hi Jan and Welcome! LooksJanInMN said:Wow! This really IS the
Wow! This really IS the place to be! Thanks to everyone for the kind welcome. Feeling a bit better about the port placement and chemo already. :-)
Hi Jan and Welcome! Looks like you have gotten some good advice already from this great group of bc survivors. Sending you prayers and hugs!0 -
Welcome Jan!
Just wanted to welcome you to the most supportive group of women you'll hear from (as you've already seen!). There are lots of posts available and you can always reach out to the sisters here. There are lots of women that have been thru it all and lots of survivors too.
I'm 45, Stage 1 IDC, negative nodes, hormone positive and HER2 negative. I also chose lumpectomy, so can't speak to that aspect of things. I had radiation, 30 treatments, and will follow up w/tamoxifen for 5 years.
Regarding your fears about "concious sedation"...if they do your meds right, you will be relaxed and comfortable and probably won't remember a whole lot afterwards. The concious part is because they want you to be breathing on your own, but not awake enough to get in the way of the procedure because you are moving.
Keep us posted on your progress! God Bless...
Julie0 -
Welcome Janjbug said:Welcome Jan!
Just wanted to welcome you to the most supportive group of women you'll hear from (as you've already seen!). There are lots of posts available and you can always reach out to the sisters here. There are lots of women that have been thru it all and lots of survivors too.
I'm 45, Stage 1 IDC, negative nodes, hormone positive and HER2 negative. I also chose lumpectomy, so can't speak to that aspect of things. I had radiation, 30 treatments, and will follow up w/tamoxifen for 5 years.
Regarding your fears about "concious sedation"...if they do your meds right, you will be relaxed and comfortable and probably won't remember a whole lot afterwards. The concious part is because they want you to be breathing on your own, but not awake enough to get in the way of the procedure because you are moving.
Keep us posted on your progress! God Bless...
Julie
Welcome Jan, I am 43 and was diagnosed in November of 09. I had a port placed in December and I really don't remember anything. I was very scared of the surgery also, and it all turned out okay, I remember thinking, I stressed myself out for this, so you will be fine. I will have to have a bilateral masectomy, but they are doing chemo first which I have already had my third treatment. I just get very tired 3 days after treatment, but other than that, it is not too bad. This is a great site and there are so many supportive people that are here to help.0 -
Warm Welcome, JanInMN
We're all here to support and encourage each other.
I was diagnosed at 45 - and am now a 6+ year survivor.
As frightening as it all can be - it's also doable. We'll be here to accompany you each and every step along the way.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
Hi
I had Stage I and had a lumpectomy rather than the mastectomy. I had a PET scan and then had the port put in. Its funny - they give you twilight sleep and I was joking with the anesthesiologist during the procedure. You don't feel a thing. The port is good and you will be glad to have that rather than using the veins. I made the surgeon take mine out as soon as chemo was done, I am trying to be as positive as I can that it WILL NOT COME BACK!!!! I was on a coctail of carboplaten and taxotere once every three weeks for 6 rounds. My oncologist put a small bag of anti nausea medication in the IV before the chemo, and anti-nausea pills for the next three days. They worked wonders. The only time I was nauseous enough to throw up was right after the last chemo. Maybe it was nerves, or maybe I celebrated a little to much - he he. But that was it. I kept taking my vitamins and medications during chemo to keep me as strong as I could be. I work and only missed the Friday of chemo the whole time. Saturday and Sunday after were melt down sleepy days. My hair fell out about 3 weeks into chemo and I wore wigs until I had about a half inch back. I wish you all the best during the treatments - keep us informed!!!
Hugs - Pat0 -
I am having the same treatment you are
Hi Jan and welcome!
I am having my 5th out of 6 chemo. cycles this Friday. I also get Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin. I have not really had many side effects at all. I take my anti-nausea medicine exactly as prescribed and have not had a problem with that. I have several different wigs, long and short and to tell the truth they look better than my real hair. I have not had any side effects from the Neulasta shot that I get the day after my chemo. treatments. I spent a lot of wasted time worrying about side effects I never even got. My advice is, if you get a particular side effect let your oncologist know right away because there is probably a medication to take care of it. Remember just because there is a possibility of a certain side effect with your chemo. treatments does not mean you will get it.
Take care0
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