How was your exp. with Chemo treatments?
I am new to this forum. I Need all the help and support I can get. Tomorrow I meet my Onco so I am not sure what treatments I am getting. I always pictured chemo to be like the end of the world. So I thought I may ask some of you how your exp. was. Are you able to move? Do you need to wear pampers? Does your head feel OK? Can you think clearly? Are you able to speak? I am so sorry for my ignorance, but I saw two of my family members suffer from this HORRIBLE disease and the picture I have of chemo is very dark. Perhaps I confused the side effects to the symptoms of the disease? Don’t know. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Thank You.
Comments
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We are all different!
If you already wear Pampers then you'd need to keep wearing them.
Is Chemo the best days of your life - NOPE but it is quite do-able. I've been through 16 doses of Chemo over a year ago - 4 A/C 2 weeks apart and then after surgery 12 weekly Taxol. For me - not for evryone - A/C was not bad at all - well hair left, nose and eyes ran like a spigot and I was tired 2 days out the 2 week but it was a 'restable tired'. I was riding my horses and giving lessons within days of the first infusion; 3 days after my second A/C I (was 63 at the time) drove in my first Powder Puff Mud Bog - got 2nd. While A/C is bad for some it wasn't for me - never had pain or nausea. The Neulasta shots weren't bad either for me - they just put me to sleep 2 hours after injections for 2 hours. Taxol on the other hand was real nasty (it's easier for some). I did 12 weekly Taxol and was utterly and completely exhausted the entire time. Could not sleep (had to go on sleeping pills to get any sleep). Bassically I spent almost the entire time laying on the couch or bed. Again no pain or nausea.
My last Chemo was over a year ago - so was my last Rad. Am I back to 100% of what I was - NOPE never will be probbably - I get tireder easy but I do anything I want to
It is great to ask abut how we reacted to TX but remember that there is no one way that all will react - we are each so different.
Susan0 -
Thank You...Rague said:We are all different!
If you already wear Pampers then you'd need to keep wearing them.
Is Chemo the best days of your life - NOPE but it is quite do-able. I've been through 16 doses of Chemo over a year ago - 4 A/C 2 weeks apart and then after surgery 12 weekly Taxol. For me - not for evryone - A/C was not bad at all - well hair left, nose and eyes ran like a spigot and I was tired 2 days out the 2 week but it was a 'restable tired'. I was riding my horses and giving lessons within days of the first infusion; 3 days after my second A/C I (was 63 at the time) drove in my first Powder Puff Mud Bog - got 2nd. While A/C is bad for some it wasn't for me - never had pain or nausea. The Neulasta shots weren't bad either for me - they just put me to sleep 2 hours after injections for 2 hours. Taxol on the other hand was real nasty (it's easier for some). I did 12 weekly Taxol and was utterly and completely exhausted the entire time. Could not sleep (had to go on sleeping pills to get any sleep). Bassically I spent almost the entire time laying on the couch or bed. Again no pain or nausea.
My last Chemo was over a year ago - so was my last Rad. Am I back to 100% of what I was - NOPE never will be probbably - I get tireder easy but I do anything I want to
It is great to ask abut how we reacted to TX but remember that there is no one way that all will react - we are each so different.
Susan
Thank you for your reply. I am 32 and new to all this. I just worry about the treatment though I know it's necessary to be better.0 -
What are you? I'm IBCLoveBabyJesus said:Thank You...
Thank you for your reply. I am 32 and new to all this. I just worry about the treatment though I know it's necessary to be better.
What are you? I'm IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer), Stage 3, ER+PR-, HER2-. The treatment depends a lot on what you are. Surgery yet - mast. or lump.?
Susan0 -
I had IDC, stage 2a, grade 3Rague said:What are you? I'm IBC
What are you? I'm IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer), Stage 3, ER+PR-, HER2-. The treatment depends a lot on what you are. Surgery yet - mast. or lump.?
Susan
I had IDC, stage 2a, grade 3 with Lymphvascular Invasion, no lymph nodes involved. I just had the lump removed, but I am considering removing them in the near future because of my anxiety.0 -
Chemo treatments
Hi BJ, I just finished treatment #4 and it is not so bad, I started TC back in October and then they found cancer in tihe other breast so then had to do TAC. So really had 5 treatments. I would suggest telling you're onco all the fears, mine is awesome, I am really only sick days 3 and 4 of chemo and that is the nausea but he gave me some antinausea stuff with ativan for anxiety. I thought I would have no energy but not too bad just if I over do it. Listen to what you're body is saying, rest if need be, That is the best advice I can give. I have 2 treatments left and then 6 weeks of radiation. NOt sure how that will go but I really thought it would be alot worse than it is. I lost my hair on day 21 that was the biggest thing for but it is bearable when you get used to it. Do not have to shave the legs or have unwanted facial hair for the time being. Hope this helps and good luck.
Lori0 -
Thank you Lori. I will keeplori1961 said:Chemo treatments
Hi BJ, I just finished treatment #4 and it is not so bad, I started TC back in October and then they found cancer in tihe other breast so then had to do TAC. So really had 5 treatments. I would suggest telling you're onco all the fears, mine is awesome, I am really only sick days 3 and 4 of chemo and that is the nausea but he gave me some antinausea stuff with ativan for anxiety. I thought I would have no energy but not too bad just if I over do it. Listen to what you're body is saying, rest if need be, That is the best advice I can give. I have 2 treatments left and then 6 weeks of radiation. NOt sure how that will go but I really thought it would be alot worse than it is. I lost my hair on day 21 that was the biggest thing for but it is bearable when you get used to it. Do not have to shave the legs or have unwanted facial hair for the time being. Hope this helps and good luck.
Lori
Thank you Lori. I will keep you posted.
How soon after your first diagnosis did they find the second? I hope everything goes well with the RAD. I heard it's much easier than Chemo.0 -
Just finished #6
This time around is easier than the first time. I get nauseaed, but am able to function. Get very tired and my legs ache, but all very do-able. Hard part is when I can't sleep for a couple of days following treatment, then I tend to get down, but was able to take something this last week when I went to bed and it worked. So I keep my ears open on this site for 'helpful hints'.
My head can tend to feel a little cloudy, but am able to laugh that one off! Overall, I think chemo has come a long way in 9 years! I should take stock in Charmin, but not pampers!
You can do it!
Carol0 -
Thank You Carol! It helps mecamul said:Just finished #6
This time around is easier than the first time. I get nauseaed, but am able to function. Get very tired and my legs ache, but all very do-able. Hard part is when I can't sleep for a couple of days following treatment, then I tend to get down, but was able to take something this last week when I went to bed and it worked. So I keep my ears open on this site for 'helpful hints'.
My head can tend to feel a little cloudy, but am able to laugh that one off! Overall, I think chemo has come a long way in 9 years! I should take stock in Charmin, but not pampers!
You can do it!
Carol
Thank You Carol! It helps me to read about other people's exps.
Do you do your treatments through a port or your arm? I didn't get a port. And I am a chicken with needles. One has to learn at some point.0 -
At first, I was terrifiedLoveBabyJesus said:Thank You Carol! It helps me
Thank You Carol! It helps me to read about other people's exps.
Do you do your treatments through a port or your arm? I didn't get a port. And I am a chicken with needles. One has to learn at some point.
But--after that first scary one, it really wasn't nearly as bad as I imagined. I had 6 rounds of TAC. My first 3 went very easily. I did get the bone/joint pain after the Neulasta injection for about 3 days. I also alternated between diarrhea and constipation for a few days after chemo. I also noticed fatigue. My hair began to fall out at day 14 so we just shaved it all off--made a party of it!
The fourth was a little tougher and five and six were a little tougher yet. By that I mean--more fatigue, and aversion to the taste of most food. Nothing really tasted good. But, I noticed for me--the blander the food the better. I pretty much lived on Cheerios with milk, peanut butter on white bread and scrambled eggs.
Having said all this, I never vomited or even came close. I'm not saying I wasn't glad to see if over with, but it definitely was NOT as bad as I thought. I did have a port--which for me made it a whole lot easier.
Good luck--you're gonna do great!
Hugs, Renee0 -
RagueRague said:We are all different!
If you already wear Pampers then you'd need to keep wearing them.
Is Chemo the best days of your life - NOPE but it is quite do-able. I've been through 16 doses of Chemo over a year ago - 4 A/C 2 weeks apart and then after surgery 12 weekly Taxol. For me - not for evryone - A/C was not bad at all - well hair left, nose and eyes ran like a spigot and I was tired 2 days out the 2 week but it was a 'restable tired'. I was riding my horses and giving lessons within days of the first infusion; 3 days after my second A/C I (was 63 at the time) drove in my first Powder Puff Mud Bog - got 2nd. While A/C is bad for some it wasn't for me - never had pain or nausea. The Neulasta shots weren't bad either for me - they just put me to sleep 2 hours after injections for 2 hours. Taxol on the other hand was real nasty (it's easier for some). I did 12 weekly Taxol and was utterly and completely exhausted the entire time. Could not sleep (had to go on sleeping pills to get any sleep). Bassically I spent almost the entire time laying on the couch or bed. Again no pain or nausea.
My last Chemo was over a year ago - so was my last Rad. Am I back to 100% of what I was - NOPE never will be probbably - I get tireder easy but I do anything I want to
It is great to ask abut how we reacted to TX but remember that there is no one way that all will react - we are each so different.
Susan
Please, everyone forgive me but.....I absolutely laughed myself silly and am still laughing at Rague's first sentence...If you already wear pampers...
It just struck my funny bone...I love Rague, anyway....I so needed to laugh..just returned home from my daily visit and care taking of my best friend who is still clinging to life...brain cancer...
Again, if I offended anyone with my laughter, forgive me...and wouldn't it be depends instead of pampers?0 -
There is no way that I wouldLoveBabyJesus said:Thank You Carol! It helps me
Thank You Carol! It helps me to read about other people's exps.
Do you do your treatments through a port or your arm? I didn't get a port. And I am a chicken with needles. One has to learn at some point.
There is no way that I would not have gotten my port. I have great veins but chemo is rough on them and we only have one arm left to use after surgery so I intended to protect them by having my port. I still have my port over a year post Chemo and the plans are for it to stay where it is for several more years. My choice along with my Drs. I want it there if/when it is needed again rather than have to have another one put in, (All I have to do is have it flushed once a month.)0 -
I was Also Terrified... But so far, so Good...Rague said:There is no way that I would
There is no way that I would not have gotten my port. I have great veins but chemo is rough on them and we only have one arm left to use after surgery so I intended to protect them by having my port. I still have my port over a year post Chemo and the plans are for it to stay where it is for several more years. My choice along with my Drs. I want it there if/when it is needed again rather than have to have another one put in, (All I have to do is have it flushed once a month.)
I was Very fearful for the first chemo treatment, which was 2 weeks ago. It went well... very few side effects. it's Scary it went so well. I had minor pains from the leunesta for about 3 days then ok. I have my next treatment in a week and hope it goes as well as the first. So far, no hair loss, but I'm expecting it to happen soon. I have wigs ready to go. I also have a port, which made the experience Much Better. wishing You all the Best for your treatments.0 -
OK, I'm going to give it to
OK, I'm going to give it to you straight. Was it a picnic, no. But can I really remember much about it 24 years later? Heck no! ;-)
I am alive and I work fulltime and my mind seems the same as it ever was. I love my life and I am so grateful to still be here.0 -
Thank you ALL for your
Thank you ALL for your honest feedback. I met the Onco today and I am getting my plan next week. Waiting to meet with an Endocrinologist to save my eggs- another tough desicion to make as I am not yet a mother. Any thoughts? I will be going on the 5-year pill after treatments - chemo and Rad.
I only have one good arm for this chemo event, and that worries me. No port - but now i am worried based on what you all said to me.
At the same time I am running out of time. Need those treatments in the next couple of weeks, and between the egg situation and the rest, may not have enough time for another surgery...
WISH ME LUCK GUYS!
Thanks again.0 -
I didn't have chemo, but, ILoveBabyJesus said:Thank you ALL for your
Thank you ALL for your honest feedback. I met the Onco today and I am getting my plan next week. Waiting to meet with an Endocrinologist to save my eggs- another tough desicion to make as I am not yet a mother. Any thoughts? I will be going on the 5-year pill after treatments - chemo and Rad.
I only have one good arm for this chemo event, and that worries me. No port - but now i am worried based on what you all said to me. At the same time I am running out of time. Need those treatments in the next couple of weeks, and between the egg situation and the rest, may not have enough time for another surgery...
WISH ME LUCK GUYS!
Thanks again.
I didn't have chemo, but, I want to welcome you to this great site and to wish you good luck with whatever treatment you have.0 -
I have a port.LoveBabyJesus said:Thank You Carol! It helps me
Thank You Carol! It helps me to read about other people's exps.
Do you do your treatments through a port or your arm? I didn't get a port. And I am a chicken with needles. One has to learn at some point.
The first go round I didn't get a port. I figured 4-8 rounds, I don't need one. Only had 3 rounds and my veins were shot. Not a smart decision. This time, first thing I asked for was the port and Tina, the infusion nurse was so happy with me. It would take up to 5 tries to find a vein that would work for Zometa. So when it was time for the chemo it was a no brainer. I had a masectomy on my right so it only left my left arm.
My advise is talk to your onco, and go with the port! My veins are like leather in my left arm!0 -
portsusie09 said:I didn't have chemo, but, I
I didn't have chemo, but, I want to welcome you to this great site and to wish you good luck with whatever treatment you have.
Since you are having chemo ... I just wondered if not having a port installed was your decision ... or your doctor's. If it was your decision ... you might want to reconsider. I'm a big chicken and the thought of chemo and having them poke and prod for veins made me want to run away and say "NO!!" to the whole thing. But after talking to the oncologist, several friends ... and asking for input on this discussion board ... I knew the ONLY way I could do chemo was with a port. The smartest thing I ever did. The person who invented that thing was a genius. Having the port installed was a surgical procedure ... but it just takes a few minutes and I think you can start your chemo that same day if necessary.
Good luck with whatever treatment ... and port/no port decision ... you make.
hugs.
teena0 -
Your questions...
I was extremely stressed about chemo. Now, 13 days after #1 - Yes I can move, anywhere, I've never been incapacitated; no I don't need pampers; my head feels fine except had a mild headache for a few day. Your questions seem a little extreme; where did you read these awful things? The best thing you can do is HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE. I drank 17 8 ox cups of water from the morning of chemo thru that night. I'd been doing at least 12 for a few days prior, as advised by the ladies here.
Some people react more strongly, we all respond uniquely and the chemo cocktails vary. But you should not experience anything even close to these you've listed. The worst part is the apprehension, fear, because chemo once was more difficult but now they do it with more prevention of side effects in mind.
I'm totally up and around, have strong food cravings now, get tired easily, sometimes flu-y feelings come over me but I lay down and it goes away. The first few days were the most unpleasant mostly because of being so tired and a bad taste in my mouth and a general yuckiness. However snacking every couple hours really helps, A LOT - keeping something in my stomach makes me feel better. OK, hope this helps; you'll be OKAY! (if you HDRATE!!) The worst is the word "chemo".
hugs,
LynD0 -
Definately HYDRATE!Findingout said:Your questions...
I was extremely stressed about chemo. Now, 13 days after #1 - Yes I can move, anywhere, I've never been incapacitated; no I don't need pampers; my head feels fine except had a mild headache for a few day. Your questions seem a little extreme; where did you read these awful things? The best thing you can do is HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE. I drank 17 8 ox cups of water from the morning of chemo thru that night. I'd been doing at least 12 for a few days prior, as advised by the ladies here.
Some people react more strongly, we all respond uniquely and the chemo cocktails vary. But you should not experience anything even close to these you've listed. The worst part is the apprehension, fear, because chemo once was more difficult but now they do it with more prevention of side effects in mind.
I'm totally up and around, have strong food cravings now, get tired easily, sometimes flu-y feelings come over me but I lay down and it goes away. The first few days were the most unpleasant mostly because of being so tired and a bad taste in my mouth and a general yuckiness. However snacking every couple hours really helps, A LOT - keeping something in my stomach makes me feel better. OK, hope this helps; you'll be OKAY! (if you HDRATE!!) The worst is the word "chemo".
hugs,
LynD
I'm real bad about not remembering to add the need to HYDRATE to my posts - I've ALWAYS kept a cup/glass/bottle of iced water handy so to me it was just 'habit'. During the summer I always have a small ice chest with me with a bag of ice and bottles of water or herb tea I've made.
Susan0 -
PortsRague said:Definately HYDRATE!
I'm real bad about not remembering to add the need to HYDRATE to my posts - I've ALWAYS kept a cup/glass/bottle of iced water handy so to me it was just 'habit'. During the summer I always have a small ice chest with me with a bag of ice and bottles of water or herb tea I've made.
Susan
Usually the decision for ports is made based on the number of treatments needed...I had 4 infusions, thus no port...More than 4 infusions my oncologist said, a port would be greatly advised...I only had a problem with the very last infusion...4 sticks..
Best wishes for your up coming treatment..0
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