Looking for survivors that had positive nodes

realmichelle7335

I start chemo this week and locally I have not found anyone that had positive nodes. I would really love to get some positive feedback and also get a small glimpse as to what I should be preparing for. How should I expect to feel during chemo? Will I be able to work and take care of my family? How concerned should I be about going through treatment during flu season? Maybe I'm just now getting scared because everything happened so fast that I didn't have to process.

Rague

Positive nodes

I had 19 positive nodes.  This month is 6 yes since DX and doing great.

We are each unique and no one can tell you exactly the hat to expect that you will not experience.  For me, neoadjuvant A/C (Adrimycin/Cytoxan) was not bad at all, did not slow me down at all.  Taxol was nasty - completely and utterly EXHAUSTED the entire time.  For some it is the other way around - Taxol easier than A/C but no way to know ahead of time.

I did not have to worry about 'taking care of my family' as Hubby took over all house chores, cooking and house pets (2 dogs and my bunny); Son (adult) took over all barn chores with the horses so all I had to do was what I felt like doing/wanted to do.

I had no problems with going anywhere I wanted to in large 'crowds'.  In fact, I usually get every cold that is running around but didn't while on chemo or since.  

We are each unique so there is no 'One Size Fits All' as to what we will individually experience.

Winyan - The Power Within

Susan

realmichelle7335

Rague said:

Positive nodes

I had 19 positive nodes.  This month is 6 yes since DX and doing great.

We are each unique and no one can tell you exactly the hat to expect that you will not experience.  For me, neoadjuvant A/C (Adrimycin/Cytoxan) was not bad at all, did not slow me down at all.  Taxol was nasty - completely and utterly EXHAUSTED the entire time.  For some it is the other way around - Taxol easier than A/C but no way to know ahead of time.

I did not have to worry about 'taking care of my family' as Hubby took over all house chores, cooking and house pets (2 dogs and my bunny); Son (adult) took over all barn chores with the horses so all I had to do was what I felt like doing/wanted to do.

I had no problems with going anywhere I wanted to in large 'crowds'.  In fact, I usually get every cold that is running around but didn't while on chemo or since.  

We are each unique so there is no 'One Size Fits All' as to what we will individually experience.

Winyan - The Power Within

Susan

Thank you

Thank you so much. Just knowing that there are survivors out there puts me at ease. Honestly chemo has put more fear in me than cancer itself. 

desertgirl947

I had one node affected,

I had one node affected, although the surgeon removed all of them on that side.

I had chemo and radiation therapy.  I managed the chemo better than I thought I might.  In some ways the taxol was easier than the adriamycin/cytoxin.  With the AC there were a few days I felt queasy but not sick.  With the taxol, I had some challenges with coughing and taking deep breaths -- not sure if it was the taxol or the culmination of effects from the chemo.  I did not stay prisoner in my home.  Because I worked with young kids in a school setting -- and parents will knowingly send sick kids to school -- I did not work.  If I had had a different kind of job, I think I could have worked most days.

If you pay attention to your body, you catch on to the pattern it seems to develop as you do chemo.  Then you get an idea of when you want to stay put and when you are ready to get out and about. 

Hope this helps.

button2

Michelle I had 9 nodes

I had 9 positive nodes, two of which had developed into 1 and 2cm tumors. I had treatment just like Susan described only the A/C chemo was much more difficult for me. Anyway, I've pretty much forgotten about it now (3 years later) and I feel better than ever. You need to ask for help whenever you can and take a nap every afternoon. You can get through this!!! 0000XXXX Anna

MrsBob

Hi!
I had traces of cancer in

Hi!

I had traces of cancer in a lymph node or two. I had the four treatments of the A/C (i think there were 3 but its been so long ago, 1999) I was 30 and I had two young sons. I remember I was so scared and my mom cried when I left for my first treatment. That is totally normal if you feel that way. However, it wasn't so bad. I remember leaving the treatment and thinking ok, all that worry for nothing, I feel fine. Later I had a small bland supper, took my nausea pills and went to bed. I gagged one time but never was sick. The next two days I was very tired, but I rested and I always took my meds on time (like the anti nausea meds, even if I felt fine.) After a few days I got my energy back and life went on. I was very blessed that I had no problems the entire time. Each treatment went the same way. Bloodwork was always good. I drank a protein supplement and took vitamins. My hair fell out the day before my second treatment, but it also was fuzzy by my last treatment Everyone is different, just listen to your body and do what the doctors tell you to do. Take it easy when you need to. Oh, and make sure you dont do anything physical for long periods (such as hours of shopping). I remember once my energy was gone, I was done. You dont want to be somewhere and not be able to get back home without being carried A really nice bc mentor brought me books to read and I really got into reading for the first time in my life, because I was able to rest while enjoying a good book.

I wish you all the best. Let me (us) know how you are doing

Hugs,

Missy

Marcia527

Two lymph nodes with cancer.

I had 15 lymph nodes removed and two were cancerous. Surgeion also removed one breast. I did not have reconstruction. I thought for sure I was on my way out. I was diagnosed Aug. 5, 2003. 

Treatment was chemo, surgery, more chemo, and radiation. Than went on Tamoxifen which I had a problem so onc switched me to aromasin.

I was nausous all the way through chemo. I would only throw up after chemo about 30 minutes or so. This gave me a chance to get home first. 

But everyone is different. Good luck.

GlowMore

Marcia527 said:

Two lymph nodes with cancer.

I had 15 lymph nodes removed and two were cancerous. Surgeion also removed one breast. I did not have reconstruction. I thought for sure I was on my way out. I was diagnosed Aug. 5, 2003. 

Treatment was chemo, surgery, more chemo, and radiation. Than went on Tamoxifen which I had a problem so onc switched me to aromasin.

I was nausous all the way through chemo. I would only throw up after chemo about 30 minutes or so. This gave me a chance to get home first. 

But everyone is different. Good luck.

Nodes**

First Michelle I want to say that I really appreciate you filling in your Home page so we can see what has happened with you.....and secondly ....please do not fear....if you possibly can please try your best to let go of fear...because it is paralyzing.  I remember how very afraid I was at first but then made a conscious decision to face it and take it one day at a time with God's Help.  I had a lumpectomy in May of 2002 after doing about what you did....found the lump myself but let it go a few months....almost let it go too long.  I was part of the Sentinel Node Blue Dye Study back then which today makes it easier for them to see if the cancer has spread.  My surgeon scooped about 19 lymph nodes out from under my left arm and 6 of them had cancer cells....which of course meant chemo.  I recall that I felt like I had been hit by a train when he told me that...and then I decided that I would think of all 19 lymph nodes as being in a row and that the first 6 had 'caught' all of the cancer....and I told him that.   However, knew I had to do the chemo/radiation also.    Did something called   FAC.....did not do the taxol back then...it was very new and my onc recommended the 5FU drug along with Adrimycin and Cytoxin.   Had a violent reaction the first chemo treatment  but after that the next 5 were ok....they had planned to do the FAC every three weeks and the 'F' drug again in one week but my whites went down too low to be able to do that...which actually was a good thing because it meant the chemo was working is the way I look at it.  Got high fever each time about day 10...took levaquin...made it thru...never threw up...but almost did when I forgot to eat something after threatment one night....went through all of the things talked about....exhausion ...depression etc....but really truly tried my hardest not to be afraid....  Was alone (a widow) but had friends who helped me ....and just held on to my best friend of all ...Jesus.   (not a religious nut but don't know how else to put it).   Anyway....that was back in 2002 and 2003.... I'm IDC Triple Negative Stage 3B ...and I'm also STILL HERE ** Hang in there....we send you love and encouragement....and prayers for strength and courage.   Glo  

Clementine_P

I had node involvement in 2 nodes

It was minimal but it was there - and was the reason why I decided to get chemo.  I was scared silly before my first chemo treatment.  It turned out to be not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.  I never threw up and really only felt nauseated a couple of times.  I had a very similar experience to MrsBob.  I was able to continue on with things in my life (but did not work while I was on chemo), was careful to do what the doctor told me and also made sure to tell the doctor of any side effects I was experiencing.  I too had plenty of energy until I didn't.  It was like when my energy got used up, I needed to rest ASAP!  So I agree to take it easy on yourself in all aspects of your life.  I walked 2-5 miles daily when I was on chemo and my oncologist was very happy with that.  I had no serious side effects to speak of.  I hope you find chemo to be doable too!  Please stay here on these boards and ask any questions or vent whenever you feel the need.  We've all been there and we understand.

Best,
Clementine

coral2015

I had chemo after my

I had chemo after my diagnose, 8 rounds A/C followed by Taxol. Had a bilateral mastectomy a month ago and found out one of my nodes was positive (out of six). Chemo wasn't bad, just really tired a couple of days, first 4 rounds felt really nauseous, but  you will get meds for that. I used medical marihuana too, didn't smoke I used edibles and candies that helped me with the sides effects of chemo (couldnt sleep, had some pain, couldnt eat much). I was advised to get shots before chemo (flu and pneumonia), kept going with my life as normal as I could. Took care of my son, cooked, laundry, shopping, you might feel a little tired, so If you can set some times to take Breaks/ naps. I am a SAHM so I didnt worry much about work. But as you, I felt really scared, our life have changed so much but I learnt to live one day at the time, keep a positive attitude (not easy), laugh a lot, enjoy your family and stay strong.

 

realmichelle7335

Thank You all

I just wanted to say Thank You to everyone for the great advice and words if encouragement. I had my port inserted yesterday, but due to me having a cold with some upper respiratory issues, my first round of chemo has been put off until next week. I will keep you all updated. Again thank you all so much! I don't feel so alone now ☺

GlowMore

realmichelle7335 said:

Thank You all

I just wanted to say Thank You to everyone for the great advice and words if encouragement. I had my port inserted yesterday, but due to me having a cold with some upper respiratory issues, my first round of chemo has been put off until next week. I will keep you all updated. Again thank you all so much! I don't feel so alone now ☺

You Are not Alone*

And not only are you not alone....we Pink Sisters will reserve the Pink BC Special Bus and we will all ride with you to Chemo.....bringing pink wine and pink cookies and anyother pink things you can think of    Just be sure to tell us the date....if we have missed it....we were there with you in Spirit for Sure *** Believe me...we KNOW how you are feeling***  Hang in There.........  Hugs, Glo