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Crystlesmom
Crystlesmom Member Posts: 20
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi everyone...having my first chemo this Thursday and I'm scared out of my wits!! I'm 53, went in for a mammogram and a tiny lump turned into this fiasco!! LOL Stage 2, invasive, had lumpectomy, lymph node removal, now scheduled for 1st chemo, then radiation, then meds!! What can I expect?
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Comments

  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #2
    Hi Crystlesom and Welcome!
    Hi Crystlesom and Welcome! So sorry that you found us because of your diagnosis. But, we are here to support you and offer encouragement.

    I didn't have chemo, so, I can't tell you what to expect, but, many here have and will help you. Do you know what chemo you are having? It seems there are several different kinds with different reactions.

    Good luck to you!
  • Crystlesmom
    Crystlesmom Member Posts: 20
    #3
    survivorbc09 said:

    Hi Crystlesom and Welcome!
    Hi Crystlesom and Welcome! So sorry that you found us because of your diagnosis. But, we are here to support you and offer encouragement.

    I didn't have chemo, so, I can't tell you what to expect, but, many here have and will help you. Do you know what chemo you are having? It seems there are several different kinds with different reactions.

    Good luck to you!

    I'm having TAC chemo
    I'm having TAC chemo therapy.......I'm glad I've found this board, because I can see you all are so welcoming and full of info!!
  • faithandprayer
    faithandprayer Member Posts: 177
    #4
    Welcome
    Welcome Crystalsmom -
    We're on different plans so I'm not certain what you can expect. I just wanted to pop in to say "hi" & "welcome" and let you know I'm cheering for you as you enter your next phase and 1st chemo round.

    KC
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #5
    faithandprayer said:

    Welcome
    Welcome Crystalsmom -
    We're on different plans so I'm not certain what you can expect. I just wanted to pop in to say "hi" & "welcome" and let you know I'm cheering for you as you enter your next phase and 1st chemo round.

    KC

    Hi Crystalsmom and Welcome
    Hi Crystalsmom and Welcome also! I am glad that you found this site too! It has helped so many of us in so many ways.

    I didn't take chemo, but, I am sure that several will address your question.

    Welcome again and good luck to you!

    Kylez :)
  • RiverGypsie
    RiverGypsie Member Posts: 13
    #6
    Kylez said:

    Hi Crystalsmom and Welcome
    Hi Crystalsmom and Welcome also! I am glad that you found this site too! It has helped so many of us in so many ways.

    I didn't take chemo, but, I am sure that several will address your question.

    Welcome again and good luck to you!

    Kylez :)

    Welcome!! - I'm new too
    Just wanted to welcome you Crystalsmom, and to let you that you have found the most supportive and wonderful group of people. I have had Chemo and as a matter of fact, am going to be starting a new one tomorrow. I have been very fortunate as far as side effects. There were days of some discomfort, tiredness, and I did lose my hair. I just think of all these things as part of the recovery. The days of my treatment I go full of positive thoughts. The nurses and everyone there takes away any fear you may have. You will get through it and remember....you're not alone!! I wish you the best and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
  • tasha_111
    tasha_111 Member Posts: 2,072
    #7
    RiverGypsie said:

    Welcome!! - I'm new too
    Just wanted to welcome you Crystalsmom, and to let you that you have found the most supportive and wonderful group of people. I have had Chemo and as a matter of fact, am going to be starting a new one tomorrow. I have been very fortunate as far as side effects. There were days of some discomfort, tiredness, and I did lose my hair. I just think of all these things as part of the recovery. The days of my treatment I go full of positive thoughts. The nurses and everyone there takes away any fear you may have. You will get through it and remember....you're not alone!! I wish you the best and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

    Welcome
    Crystalsmom, I had FEC/Taxotare chemo. It's really not as bad as you think. The fear of the unknown was the worst bit. And the nurses are just great!
    Wishing you the best of luck. Jxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Calleen
    Calleen Member Posts: 411
    #8
    RiverGypsie said:

    Welcome!! - I'm new too
    Just wanted to welcome you Crystalsmom, and to let you that you have found the most supportive and wonderful group of people. I have had Chemo and as a matter of fact, am going to be starting a new one tomorrow. I have been very fortunate as far as side effects. There were days of some discomfort, tiredness, and I did lose my hair. I just think of all these things as part of the recovery. The days of my treatment I go full of positive thoughts. The nurses and everyone there takes away any fear you may have. You will get through it and remember....you're not alone!! I wish you the best and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

    Welcome..
    I'm a newby too... I am waiting for my surgery.. I think I must be backwards because I was diagnosed on May 8th and i've been going through all kinds of tests and finally will be having surgery.. I'm not sure yet if I will have chemo.. I can tell you one thing though.. this site has already been a comfort to me... you will find alot of support through all phases..

    Calleen
  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    #9
    tasha_111 said:

    Welcome
    Crystalsmom, I had FEC/Taxotare chemo. It's really not as bad as you think. The fear of the unknown was the worst bit. And the nurses are just great!
    Wishing you the best of luck. Jxxxxxxxxxxxx

    Hi Crystalsmom, Welcome I am
    Hi Crystalsmom, Welcome I am only on treatment 2 of chemo. The 3rd day after treatment I feel out of it. I sleep it off. The chemo treatment its self does not hurt. Everyone one is different, just take the meds as directed. Best of luck, I know how hard this is.
  • dyaneb123
    dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950
    #10
    Hey there
    I'm on TAC too. I
    Hey there
    I'm on TAC too. I had my 3rd treatment last week. It's not pleasant , but I havn't had any bad nausea...just some diarea problems....usually after the first week I feel pretty much back to normal. It's just one step at a time..so focus on getting through the chemo now, then
    the rest will fall into place.Make sure you have your nausea meds, some immodium(just in case)
    lots of clear liquids to drink, sprite, tea, water,...I just wanted milk my first week, but that's hard on the stomach...you'll find some things don't taste good now. I can't drink coffee anymore, and most juices taste foul. But I like fresh lemonade and lemon in tea. The lemon cuts through the metalic taste somewhat.Anyway, good luck. Let us know how you do on your first session.
    Dee
  • lmmo
    lmmo Member Posts: 56
    #11
    dyaneb123 said:

    Hey there
    I'm on TAC too. I
    Hey there
    I'm on TAC too. I had my 3rd treatment last week. It's not pleasant , but I havn't had any bad nausea...just some diarea problems....usually after the first week I feel pretty much back to normal. It's just one step at a time..so focus on getting through the chemo now, then
    the rest will fall into place.Make sure you have your nausea meds, some immodium(just in case)
    lots of clear liquids to drink, sprite, tea, water,...I just wanted milk my first week, but that's hard on the stomach...you'll find some things don't taste good now. I can't drink coffee anymore, and most juices taste foul. But I like fresh lemonade and lemon in tea. The lemon cuts through the metalic taste somewhat.Anyway, good luck. Let us know how you do on your first session.
    Dee

    Hi Crystalsmom
    I am new too. Found a density May 7th, more tests May 20th, then an MRI, Pet Scan, Bone Scan, biopsy, bilat mastectomy, etc...I have a post, anyway these friends have given me much encouragement. Good luck, thinking of you too.
    Lisa
  • brenda247
    brenda247 Member Posts: 124
    #12
    welcome
    hi i had surgery on april of this year but i had a masetomy but that was what was best for me.. i was stage 2 invasive as well.. i was cancer free and had no trace of cancer in my limpnodes they removed 3.. with the kind it was and in my family they sent me to onocology and he put me on chemo 4 rounds as a precaution.. i hate it so bad but its something i know i have to do.. dont be scared you will get through this im on my 3rd treatment have one to go and cant wait til that day!!! you will have side effects no doubt but everyone is different and they will give you meds to help.. i lost my hair 2 weeks after my first treatment but not everyone does. i just wanna let you know my prayers are with you!!! and you be ok!!
  • brenda247
    brenda247 Member Posts: 124
    #13
    back again
    just wanted you to know i have gotta so much support here and it has gotta me through it all!!!
  • padee6339
    padee6339 Member Posts: 763
    #14
    brenda247 said:

    back again
    just wanted you to know i have gotta so much support here and it has gotta me through it all!!!

    DITTO
    DITTO DITTO DITTO to all of the replies. Glad to have you on board, but not for the reason you are here. Welcome!
    Pat
  • chickad52
    chickad52 Member Posts: 497
    #15
    WECOME
    Welcome Cryslesmom, So sorry you had to find us. As the others said, everyone reacts differently to chemo. I am stage 2a, and in chemo treatments now. Surgery to follow after the treatments. I just finished Adriamycin/cytoxan. Next is Taxol/Herceptin for 12 weeks. The Herceptin for a year. Side effects for me have not been too bad. Just metalic taste in mouth. Heart palps sometimes and just tired. I wish you alot of luck and prayers. Diane
  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
    #16
    Hi Crystlesmom....
    can't help you with the chemo, but did want to welcome you. There are many here who will (and have already)give you good sound advice. Glad you found us. :) Pammy
  • rjjj
    rjjj Member Posts: 1,822 Member
    #17
    Akiss4me said:

    Hi Crystlesmom....
    can't help you with the chemo, but did want to welcome you. There are many here who will (and have already)give you good sound advice. Glad you found us. :) Pammy

    Crystlesmom
    I am glad you found us. It sounds like you have a upbeat attitude and that is half the battle. I have finished chemo and rads and am on Herceptin for rest of the year. It is doable and we will help you through it. I had stage 3a invasive. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and am so glad you found us here.
    Hugs, jackie
  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    #18
    Crystlesmom....
    Just wanted to welcome you and say that I'm very glad that you have joined us.

    Hugs,

    CR
  • lolad
    lolad Member Posts: 670
    #19
    CR1954 said:

    Crystlesmom....
    Just wanted to welcome you and say that I'm very glad that you have joined us.

    Hugs,

    CR

    Crystlesmom
    Just wanted to tell you that you are at the right place here at this board. Everyone is wonderful here, and you can always get answers and support. I cant tell you bout treatments yet, i find out mine tomorrow when i go to my onc. Good luck at yours and know that you will make it through this tough road. Hugs to you and prayers

    laura
  • aztec45
    aztec45 Member Posts: 757
    #20
    Crystlesmom said:

    I'm having TAC chemo
    I'm having TAC chemo therapy.......I'm glad I've found this board, because I can see you all are so welcoming and full of info!!

    TC-The A
    Welcome to the site. I have only joined myself just yesterday but I feel like I am surrounded by long-time friends.

    I am having TC with some other drug that starts with a B. Like everyone has said, the chemo meds effect everyone differently. I have only gone through one round and have five more to go along with rads.

    My side effects have been about like everyone else...diarrhea, tiredness, hair loss, muscle aches (from the shot), fever, chills, and rashes. Some of my side effects only have occurred in the first week; other side effects have lasted the entire three weeks.

    Just communicate with you docs what you are experiencing so they can address it early. Drink plenty of water and clear liquids. Try to eat to keep your strength up. Try to do something for yourself that you like to keep your mind off of the cancer and side effects for a few hours, i.e. music, reading, sketching, whatever.

    And when you feel like the weight of the world is upon your shoulders....GET ON THIS WEBSITE SO WE CAN SUPPORT YOU!!! :)

    P
  • mlmjt1
    mlmjt1 Member Posts: 537 Member
    #21
    Hi Crystlesmom
    I had bilateral mastectomy and am on adriamycin and cytoxan for 2 more sessions every2 weeks apart for a total of 4 treatments then switch to taxol and herceptin. I actually feel like I have morning sickness on about 2 days after chemo. They give me 2 meds for nausea and decadron IV then the chemo. I feel tired but mostly anxious but I am still working part time about 4 to 6 hours 4 days per week. I biked 10 miles yesterday which was stupid cuz it wore me out but so far I am getting there.

    Stay in touch...lots of great support here from people who really know what they are talking about

    Hugs

    Linda t

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