tomorrow is the big day

sunnygirl

I'm a newby--diagnosed with invasive lobular cancer in Dec, had a lumpectomy which showed multi-focal tumors in my right breast. A masrectomy followed on Jan. 8 and I had clear margins--no radiation--but one positive lymph node. I start chemo tomorrow 4 rounds of AC every 2 weeks, followed by 4 rounds of Taxol every 2 weeks. I am scared to death. Help!!

Aortus

You've come to the right place
There's no reason to be scared to death, SG; as you will shortly find out, there are plenty of breast cancer survivors on this bulletin board who will be happy to help guide you through this. When my beloved wife Moopy was diagnosed in late November, we literally stumbled across this place. We can't imagine trying to endure this journey without the wonderful women and men we have met here. You will find solidarity here, and hope, and so much more. Please come back often!

Best,
Joe

lynn1950

Chemo
A am so glad you found this site. We are all here to help each other every step of the way.

You don't say if you have a port. A port is a small object surgically placed in the chest so that you don't have to receive the chemo infusion through a vein in your arm. The port can also be accessed for any labwork you may need. I had a port and was given EMLA cream (lidocaine)to apply an hour before labwork which made port access painless. But I am a wimp. Whether or not you have a port, the first step in chemotherapy is usually to check in and then have blood drawn. Then you most likely will see your oncologist who will go over the labwork and let you know if you are good to go.

Be sure and drink plenty of fluids prior to chemo. This will help flush your body of the drugs. If you can, bring your partner, or a friend with you. My experience with chemo is that the chemo nurses are very kind and will do everything they can to make sure that your experience is the best possible. They will monitor what is happening with you very carefully. About nausea: There are good anti-nausea medications that can be given prior to and after chemo. One of the premeds is a steroid, and may cause insomnia. You may want to ask for a drug like Ativan to counteract that effect.

I am sure that you have many questions, and that there is lots that I haven't mentioned. I rely on my friends here at CSN to fill in what's missing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Lynn

sunnygirl

lynn1950 said:

Chemo
A am so glad you found this site. We are all here to help each other every step of the way.

You don't say if you have a port. A port is a small object surgically placed in the chest so that you don't have to receive the chemo infusion through a vein in your arm. The port can also be accessed for any labwork you may need. I had a port and was given EMLA cream (lidocaine)to apply an hour before labwork which made port access painless. But I am a wimp. Whether or not you have a port, the first step in chemotherapy is usually to check in and then have blood drawn. Then you most likely will see your oncologist who will go over the labwork and let you know if you are good to go.

Be sure and drink plenty of fluids prior to chemo. This will help flush your body of the drugs. If you can, bring your partner, or a friend with you. My experience with chemo is that the chemo nurses are very kind and will do everything they can to make sure that your experience is the best possible. They will monitor what is happening with you very carefully. About nausea: There are good anti-nausea medications that can be given prior to and after chemo. One of the premeds is a steroid, and may cause insomnia. You may want to ask for a drug like Ativan to counteract that effect.

I am sure that you have many questions, and that there is lots that I haven't mentioned. I rely on my friends here at CSN to fill in what's missing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Lynn

chemo
hi Lynn,

I don't have a port. I was ready to get one, but the nurse in the chemo class said my veins were worth a shot and seemed to think a port would be a complication (KISS). I do have that "emend" pill to use, plus I think they infuse something before "big red" to cut the nausea. Do you ever feel sick during the infusion--nausea or diarrhea??

Marcia527

sunnygirl said:

chemo
hi Lynn,

I don't have a port. I was ready to get one, but the nurse in the chemo class said my veins were worth a shot and seemed to think a port would be a complication (KISS). I do have that "emend" pill to use, plus I think they infuse something before "big red" to cut the nausea. Do you ever feel sick during the infusion--nausea or diarrhea??

no port for me
I didn't get the port either because I'm a whimp. The doctor thought I had really good veins too and left the choice up to me. So I didn't get one. I had no problems. I had 'big red' too. They gave me something to help the nausea during infusion and I had no problem until I got home. In fact I felt great until 30 minutes to an hour after. That's when I got sick. It gave me time to get home and get in bed anyway. Everybody is different though and you might not get sick.

rjjj

Dear Sunnygirl
I am glad you came to this network of courageous survivors (we all become survivors after we are diagnosed) and you are too!! I know how very scary the thought of Chemo can be we have all known someone in the past who had nightmares with it. The thing is so much has changed from the past such as the anti-nausea meds. I have had no real nausea..there are so many meds to prevent this. I did have trouble sleeping at first from the steroids given. But they also have ativan which helps imensely for this. I am tired and do not have much energy, but it is doable. The worst part for me is the hair loss which is emotionally disturbing...but not permanent thank God!!
YOU CAN DO IT! Keep coming here you will recieve a wealth of information and help. I am having the third of 6 chemo treatments on Wednesday and radiation will follow for 6 weeks after that.. I will continue on the Herceptin for one year. This is not scary for me as it only targets the cancer cells and leaves the good ones alone. (my hair will grow back on it)
I will be thinking of you tomorrow, you will also be in m prayers. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.
Good luck and God Bless
Jackie

lynn1950

sunnygirl said:

chemo
hi Lynn,

I don't have a port. I was ready to get one, but the nurse in the chemo class said my veins were worth a shot and seemed to think a port would be a complication (KISS). I do have that "emend" pill to use, plus I think they infuse something before "big red" to cut the nausea. Do you ever feel sick during the infusion--nausea or diarrhea??

During the infusion
Sunnygirl, I never felt sick during the infusion. Once it got going, I would talk with a friend, eat a little something, watch a video, read. Right after, we would always go...shopping. Other than insomnia, the chemo wouldn't hit me until sometime the third day after. By the third evening I was ready to take anti-nausea pills and try to sleep through the yukkiness for a couple of days. By the sixth day I was usually feeling a little better.

Keep coming and asking questions. There is a wealth of experience and knowledge here. Love, Lynn

tasha_111

rjjj said:

Dear Sunnygirl
I am glad you came to this network of courageous survivors (we all become survivors after we are diagnosed) and you are too!! I know how very scary the thought of Chemo can be we have all known someone in the past who had nightmares with it. The thing is so much has changed from the past such as the anti-nausea meds. I have had no real nausea..there are so many meds to prevent this. I did have trouble sleeping at first from the steroids given. But they also have ativan which helps imensely for this. I am tired and do not have much energy, but it is doable. The worst part for me is the hair loss which is emotionally disturbing...but not permanent thank God!!
YOU CAN DO IT! Keep coming here you will recieve a wealth of information and help. I am having the third of 6 chemo treatments on Wednesday and radiation will follow for 6 weeks after that.. I will continue on the Herceptin for one year. This is not scary for me as it only targets the cancer cells and leaves the good ones alone. (my hair will grow back on it)
I will be thinking of you tomorrow, you will also be in m prayers. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.
Good luck and God Bless
Jackie

Sunnygirl
If I can get through it anyone can, I hold a black-Belt in cowardice. I freaked when I was told i had to have chemo and my hair was going to fall out. But it really wasn't all that bad. The nurses are a pleasure to be around and I never once felt sick, lost my sense of taste and had a job eating anything, but never sick. I had a pic put in because my veins are virtually non existent, that made things easier than being stabbed at every time.
I hope you get on OK tomorrow, I will be thinking of you. I hope it is as easy for you as it was for me. Keep us posted.

Big HUG jxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

creampuff91344

tasha_111 said:

Sunnygirl
If I can get through it anyone can, I hold a black-Belt in cowardice. I freaked when I was told i had to have chemo and my hair was going to fall out. But it really wasn't all that bad. The nurses are a pleasure to be around and I never once felt sick, lost my sense of taste and had a job eating anything, but never sick. I had a pic put in because my veins are virtually non existent, that made things easier than being stabbed at every time.
I hope you get on OK tomorrow, I will be thinking of you. I hope it is as easy for you as it was for me. Keep us posted.

Big HUG jxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I think the worst thing
I think the worst thing about treatment is the unknown...you can't imagine what it is going to be like, and after you get started, it seems that it is doable, although a pain in the backside. The hair loss seems to be the thing that really bothers most people, as most other side effects can be controlled with meds...hair loss can't be "cured". Hang in there, and before you know it you will be looking toward the last chemo treatment, then the last radiation treatment, and then you are through. Come to the boards often with any questions you may have, as there is always someone out here that has experienced whatever you may encounter. Know that the sisterhood is always here, night or day, and there is never a moment when you should have to go through this by yourself. Good luck tomorrow, and you will be in my prayers. Judy

mmontero38

Good luck tomorrow
Good luck tomorrow Sunnygirl, I can't add more than what was already said other than drink LOTS of water. Before, during and after. You need to flush those chemicals out and stay hydrated so, if you weren't a water drinker before you need to start now. I'm glad you found us. Hugs, Lili

bsiems

starting chemo
Hey, you are having the same treatments I did, 4 rounds of AC every two weeks, followed by 4 rounds of Taxol every two weeks! I had both my kids with me my first time, they were both in their 20's, that really helped. I see everything as a journey, and this was just another experience I was going to get to try. I used Emend and never got sick. In fact, I continued working, I'm a teacher, the whole time. There were some days I had to stay home and rest, but not very many. As others have said, drink lots of water, suck on hard candy if that's something you like. I found there were lots of people to meet and talk to, and I found my situation was never quite as bad as anyone else's! I am a 3 and a half year survivor!
I had a port put in the same time as my mastectomy. I have good veins too but to me the port made things a lot easier.
A friend that just took chemo a couple months ago called me before her first treatment and asked how she would go to the bathroom. I kind of chuckled and just said you unplug yourself and go. I guess I just watched to see what others did, or asked the nurses, they are very helpful. Good luck. You will make it through.

Jadie

sunnygirl said:

chemo
hi Lynn,

I don't have a port. I was ready to get one, but the nurse in the chemo class said my veins were worth a shot and seemed to think a port would be a complication (KISS). I do have that "emend" pill to use, plus I think they infuse something before "big red" to cut the nausea. Do you ever feel sick during the infusion--nausea or diarrhea??

One word of advice sunnygirl
One word of advice sunnygirl is to eat light before and after your treatment. Especially until you see if you will be nausious or not. I came out of my first chemo feeling like a million bucks so I went to one of my favorite restaurants and had a large lunch. Big mistake. By the time I got home I was sick. A lesson learned.

Good luck with your treatments. I'm sure you will do fine.

Hugs
Jadie

Derbygirl

The first chemo treatment is
The first chemo treatment is a big day and I hope your day is not as bad as you expected. Some really good advice that I received in the beginning was to not expect side effects because all of us are different. I drank plenty of water, ate small frequent meals and rested often. Whatever side effects you have are outweighed by the potential benefit of chemo. Good luck!

mimivac

You will be fine.
Sunnygirl,

Most people do not get sick during the treatments themselves. Some have very few side effects at all. Mine are not too bad, but I was plenty scared before the first one. I take Emend for two days after treatment and then Zofron for 5 days after that. You are not alone in this. Post about whatever bothers you and chances are someone here has an answer or at least a similar experience. You will do just fine, I'm sure of it.

Mimi

peggy65

i send you love, courage,
i send you love, courage, compassion, tears, sunshine, peace, and serenity. there comes a time when we have to offer these bad things up. maybe this is one of those times. i hope that your treatments go well. they will all over before you know it.i know you are filled with fear but know that the chemo and radiation are the vehicles used to get rid of the beast. as you go through your treatment know that many people send oyou good thoughts. love, peggy

sunnygirl

peggy65 said:

i send you love, courage,
i send you love, courage, compassion, tears, sunshine, peace, and serenity. there comes a time when we have to offer these bad things up. maybe this is one of those times. i hope that your treatments go well. they will all over before you know it.i know you are filled with fear but know that the chemo and radiation are the vehicles used to get rid of the beast. as you go through your treatment know that many people send oyou good thoughts. love, peggy

One down, seven to go!!!
Thanks to all of you for those great words--my first infusion went very well. I had the BEST infusion nurse in the world--so patient and calm and GENTLE!!! No nausea yet, I've been home for about 3 hrs now--had some toast and a banana and have been drinking lots of water (and peeing orange-yuck!). Back tomorrow for the neulastin shot. I can't tell you how much it means to have this support(hubbie and family are terrific), but you guys have BEEN HERE.
Love and hugs,
Sunnygirl(I guess the blond hair goes in about three weeks)
p.s. I saw someone use one of those polar caps in the infusion room today. It requires lots and lots of dry ice, but it must be working, she had a full head of very long haie!!

mimivac

sunnygirl said:

One down, seven to go!!!
Thanks to all of you for those great words--my first infusion went very well. I had the BEST infusion nurse in the world--so patient and calm and GENTLE!!! No nausea yet, I've been home for about 3 hrs now--had some toast and a banana and have been drinking lots of water (and peeing orange-yuck!). Back tomorrow for the neulastin shot. I can't tell you how much it means to have this support(hubbie and family are terrific), but you guys have BEEN HERE.
Love and hugs,
Sunnygirl(I guess the blond hair goes in about three weeks)
p.s. I saw someone use one of those polar caps in the infusion room today. It requires lots and lots of dry ice, but it must be working, she had a full head of very long haie!!

way to go!
You are now officially initiated! LOL. Well, I'm glad it went well. Take care of yourself and post any questions you may have. Now is the time to watch funny movies, read books and indulge yourself in general.

I've heard about those caps. There is some controversary about whether they hinder chemo or not. Hair loss sucks, but I would rather be on the safe side. I mean, if you're going to go through it, you might as well do all you can to make sure it works properly.

Mimi

RE

sunnygirl said:

One down, seven to go!!!
Thanks to all of you for those great words--my first infusion went very well. I had the BEST infusion nurse in the world--so patient and calm and GENTLE!!! No nausea yet, I've been home for about 3 hrs now--had some toast and a banana and have been drinking lots of water (and peeing orange-yuck!). Back tomorrow for the neulastin shot. I can't tell you how much it means to have this support(hubbie and family are terrific), but you guys have BEEN HERE.
Love and hugs,
Sunnygirl(I guess the blond hair goes in about three weeks)
p.s. I saw someone use one of those polar caps in the infusion room today. It requires lots and lots of dry ice, but it must be working, she had a full head of very long haie!!

Chemo
Hi Sunny,

Just saw your post, glad it went well for you. Remember to be kind to yourself and rest when you feel like you need to. We will be here for you so don't hesitate to drop in with any questions or perhaps just to vent a bit. My best to you!

RE

mmontero38

sunnygirl said:

One down, seven to go!!!
Thanks to all of you for those great words--my first infusion went very well. I had the BEST infusion nurse in the world--so patient and calm and GENTLE!!! No nausea yet, I've been home for about 3 hrs now--had some toast and a banana and have been drinking lots of water (and peeing orange-yuck!). Back tomorrow for the neulastin shot. I can't tell you how much it means to have this support(hubbie and family are terrific), but you guys have BEEN HERE.
Love and hugs,
Sunnygirl(I guess the blond hair goes in about three weeks)
p.s. I saw someone use one of those polar caps in the infusion room today. It requires lots and lots of dry ice, but it must be working, she had a full head of very long haie!!

Woohooo
Way to go Sunnygirl. I am glad your first infusion went well. Remember to keep drinking the water and eat light foods. Ask your chemo nurse what the side effects of the neulasta may be so you'll be prepared (many have experienced muscle ache). Keep us posted. Hugs, Lili

Derbygirl

sunnygirl said:

One down, seven to go!!!
Thanks to all of you for those great words--my first infusion went very well. I had the BEST infusion nurse in the world--so patient and calm and GENTLE!!! No nausea yet, I've been home for about 3 hrs now--had some toast and a banana and have been drinking lots of water (and peeing orange-yuck!). Back tomorrow for the neulastin shot. I can't tell you how much it means to have this support(hubbie and family are terrific), but you guys have BEEN HERE.
Love and hugs,
Sunnygirl(I guess the blond hair goes in about three weeks)
p.s. I saw someone use one of those polar caps in the infusion room today. It requires lots and lots of dry ice, but it must be working, she had a full head of very long haie!!

So glad your first treatment
So glad your first treatment is behind you and you know what to expect each time. Sometimes the scary part is the unknown. I also had Neulasta injections which came with bone pain and relieved with over the counter meds. This side effect is temporary and it's keeping you safe during the low immunity period. Looking forward to hearing from you during the coming weeks. Good luck!

Mikes Sunshine

! down
Sunnygirl, I am so glad your first infusion is done, The not knowing what will happen is very hard. I had my first one on Feb.6. I never got nausous from the treatment but very tired and no energy. I took Emend on the day of reatmentand they gave me Zofran in theIV. I also took Decadron for 3 days aferward and Ativan and Compazine. I slept alot thefirst few days. I don't think I will use the compazine next time just the ativan. Just keep in mind whatever happens it is only temporary and you will feel better. Lov, Nancy