Gonna start my chemo after thanksgiving

Eleanor1
Eleanor1 Member Posts: 68
I haven't been back here for a long time but I am happy to tell you I had my surgery a month ago, lumpectomy with sentinel bx and axillary diss.
Lymph nodes and margins all came back clear with the final path. Stage 1 Grade A. My tumor size was 1.9 cm, borderline from being a stage 2 siince stage 2 is ttumor size of 2cm. Pet scan was negative but my mammostrat study I was scored hi moderate. I will be starting my chemo after thanksgiving, a series of 4 every 21 days of Taxotere and Cytoxan. I have been trying to be strong and positive in front of my family but now that I have a schedule for my chemo,i am scared to death. I will put a brave face this thanksgiving and I will do my best to enjoy the day with my family and friends. I know I can do this, I found a new and deep relationship with God after all this and thats what keeping me positive. I know He is with me all the way.

Comments

  • salls41
    salls41 Member Posts: 340
    Thanksgiving
    I got my my dx the day before Thanksgiving last year... I can not tell you what happened on Thanksgiving day because I was numb from my news, not knowing what would happen, what to expect, nothing.. all I knew was I had CANCER! I do remember smiling and trying to keep the tears at bay as I told members of my family...well my chemo is over, my surgery is done, my scars are healing and my hair is growing back... no eyebrows yet darn it...
    This time next year you will look back as well and remember yoour post and your fear and you will be so thankful that as nasty as chemo is, it has to be nasty to kill that beast and you will be thankful for chemo. Chemo becomes your best friend and your worst enemy all at the same time!
    Look forward to your thanksgiving meal and to the friends and family you will share it with. Remember we will be here for you when you are going through your chemo!!
    Take care
    Sandy
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    Chemo
    I want to wish you good luck for your treatments. Please believe you'll be OK (during and after). I was dx last year (@ 32), with IDC, grade 3, so I was stage 2a.

    Be careful how much you eat on thanksgiving night since you don't know how you would react to the chemo (in case you experience constipation). Some people suggest eating small portions more frequently, especially the day before.

    I want to share some tips for your treatments:

    I purchased this book for special diet: http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Fighting-Kitchen-Nourishing-Big-Flavor-Treatment/dp/1587613441 please note some foods are NOT recommended to eat during treatment, or post diagnoses. This book addresses some of these issues.

    This book for nutritious drinks: http://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Juices-Natural-Vitality/dp/1844839737/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352590603&sr=1-1&keywords=the+big+book+of+juices

    Additional Tips:

    DRINK WATER ALL DAY LONG
    Eat small portion of foods, more frequently
    Exercise (even if it's just power-walking)
    REST (listen to your body)
    Stool softeners handy (this was my most chronic side effect) - if she starts to get constipated, have her take one pill 3x a day, starting 3 days prior to treatment (please consult Dr.)

    Please keep us posted on how you're doing.

    Sending you super hugs from NY.
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    salls41 said:

    Thanksgiving
    I got my my dx the day before Thanksgiving last year... I can not tell you what happened on Thanksgiving day because I was numb from my news, not knowing what would happen, what to expect, nothing.. all I knew was I had CANCER! I do remember smiling and trying to keep the tears at bay as I told members of my family...well my chemo is over, my surgery is done, my scars are healing and my hair is growing back... no eyebrows yet darn it...
    This time next year you will look back as well and remember yoour post and your fear and you will be so thankful that as nasty as chemo is, it has to be nasty to kill that beast and you will be thankful for chemo. Chemo becomes your best friend and your worst enemy all at the same time!
    Look forward to your thanksgiving meal and to the friends and family you will share it with. Remember we will be here for you when you are going through your chemo!!
    Take care
    Sandy

    Congrats on the clear path
    Congrats on the clear path report! Please try to enjoy your Thanksgiving with your family. I am wishing you good luck with chemo.

    Hugs, Megan
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    Hope this helps!
    I have found the site chemocare very helpful in providing information on practical tips on how to deal with chemo. Here are a couple of examples:

    Taxotere

    http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/Taxotere.aspx

    Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

    http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/cyclophosphamide.aspx
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    Nodes and clear margins is
    Nodes and clear margins is great news Eleanor!
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    We understand how scared you
    We understand how scared you are, but, you've got all of pink sisters to lean on. Remember that Eleanor. I hope you have a nice holiday with your family and I am wishing you good luck with chemo. Keep us updated on how you are doing.


    Hugs, Lex
  • TinaLynn
    TinaLynn Member Posts: 1
    Chemo
    Chemo is doable. I had 4 rounds of Adrymiacin and Cytoxan every other week and then 4 rounds of Taxol and Carboplaten. You will make it through chemo with a positive attitude, it really does help. Lean of friends and family when you need to, they really do want to help in any way possible. Stay strong! Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    TinaLynn said:

    Chemo
    Chemo is doable. I had 4 rounds of Adrymiacin and Cytoxan every other week and then 4 rounds of Taxol and Carboplaten. You will make it through chemo with a positive attitude, it really does help. Lean of friends and family when you need to, they really do want to help in any way possible. Stay strong! Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

    I am sorry that you even
    I am sorry that you even have to take chemo at all. I will be hoping that you will have no side effects Eleanor. Keep us posted.


    I hope you still have a nice Thanksgiving with your family.


    Hugs, Diane
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    DianeBC said:

    I am sorry that you even
    I am sorry that you even have to take chemo at all. I will be hoping that you will have no side effects Eleanor. Keep us posted.


    I hope you still have a nice Thanksgiving with your family.


    Hugs, Diane

    Eleanor ..
    I will be sending out positive vibes, prayers and asking for HOPE, and Strength for you.

    While you're getting your first chemo infusion treatment, please make sure you notify
    your Onco RN of any funny feelings, tightness of chest, hot flashes, etc.

    If you can, take things like laptop, notebook, books, or music with you to keep you
    busy during the chemo session. Also, pack a snack or things to munch on. I also
    took herbal tea bags with me. Coffee was okay, but I needed a change of pace after
    hour number 5.

    If this is your first chemo infusion, it may be the longest -- so prepare yourself
    for a several hour session.

    Best of luck, and prayers.

    Vicki Sam
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    VickiSam said:

    Eleanor ..
    I will be sending out positive vibes, prayers and asking for HOPE, and Strength for you.

    While you're getting your first chemo infusion treatment, please make sure you notify
    your Onco RN of any funny feelings, tightness of chest, hot flashes, etc.

    If you can, take things like laptop, notebook, books, or music with you to keep you
    busy during the chemo session. Also, pack a snack or things to munch on. I also
    took herbal tea bags with me. Coffee was okay, but I needed a change of pace after
    hour number 5.

    If this is your first chemo infusion, it may be the longest -- so prepare yourself
    for a several hour session.

    Best of luck, and prayers.

    Vicki Sam

    I'm sending lots of positive
    I'm sending lots of positive thoughts, good luck and prayers.


    Hugs, Kylez
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    Kylez said:

    I'm sending lots of positive
    I'm sending lots of positive thoughts, good luck and prayers.


    Hugs, Kylez

    Eleanor, I am also wishing
    Eleanor, I am also wishing you the best of luck with chemo and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.


    Sue :)
  • JanPat
    JanPat Member Posts: 25
    You Can Do This!
    I received my diagnosis and had surgery just before Christmas last year. I too was frightened of what the future was going to bring but so thankful to be surrounded by my loving family and friends. Find something fun to look forward to for each treatment. I love socks so I purchased 8 pair of fun and silly socks to wear to my treatments. The oncology staff quickly figured out what I was doing and would look every time to see what socks I was wearing. Even the physicians got in to it! It did not make all of the ugly of chemo go away but it gave me something positive to focus on. I also started a new devotional and learned to spend a lot of time praying for others when I was hyped up on steroids and couldn't sleep. I will keep you in my prayers!
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    JanPat said:

    You Can Do This!
    I received my diagnosis and had surgery just before Christmas last year. I too was frightened of what the future was going to bring but so thankful to be surrounded by my loving family and friends. Find something fun to look forward to for each treatment. I love socks so I purchased 8 pair of fun and silly socks to wear to my treatments. The oncology staff quickly figured out what I was doing and would look every time to see what socks I was wearing. Even the physicians got in to it! It did not make all of the ugly of chemo go away but it gave me something positive to focus on. I also started a new devotional and learned to spend a lot of time praying for others when I was hyped up on steroids and couldn't sleep. I will keep you in my prayers!

    I will be watching for an
    I will be watching for an update on how chemo goes for you Eleanor. Praying it goes smoothly.
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    Megan M said:

    I will be watching for an
    I will be watching for an update on how chemo goes for you Eleanor. Praying it goes smoothly.

    Yes, you can do it Eleanor!
    Yes, you can do it Eleanor! Keep us posted!


    Hugs, Noel
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    Good luck!
    Here praying that everything went smoothly with your first chemo treatment. You'll do great!

    Please let us know how you're doing/feeling when you can.

    Hugs
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member

    Good luck!
    Here praying that everything went smoothly with your first chemo treatment. You'll do great!

    Please let us know how you're doing/feeling when you can.

    Hugs

    Eleanor .. How are doing ??
    How did your first chemo infusion go?


    Please check in with us when you can.


    Vicki Sam
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member

    Good luck!
    Here praying that everything went smoothly with your first chemo treatment. You'll do great!

    Please let us know how you're doing/feeling when you can.

    Hugs

    How did your 1st chemo go
    How did your 1st chemo go Eleanor?


    Hugs, Jan
  • Venus2012
    Venus2012 Member Posts: 4
    New Chemo After Thanksgiving
    I am so sorry you are dealing with this. So is your family. That was the hardest part for me to realize. The chemo is not pleasant, but if you take you anti-nausea meds the moment you feel uneasy, they work. I had my lumpectomy June 2012 and started chemo 6 weeks later. Same chemo cocktail as you, 1 every 3 weeks, series of 4. I took my friend Heather with me to the treatments. She brought IPAD, cards, magazines. The time passed- it takes up to 3 hours for the treatment.
    She was a blessing. Take a laptop, movies make the time pass quickly.
    You will lose your hair. I lost my eyelashes and eyebrows during radiation. Still upset about that, thought they would stay.
    I am praying for you to have strength and for your family to be strong and understanding and patient. SLEEEEEP is mandatory. Your body must recover.
    Look forward to hearing from you!
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    Venus2012 said:

    New Chemo After Thanksgiving
    I am so sorry you are dealing with this. So is your family. That was the hardest part for me to realize. The chemo is not pleasant, but if you take you anti-nausea meds the moment you feel uneasy, they work. I had my lumpectomy June 2012 and started chemo 6 weeks later. Same chemo cocktail as you, 1 every 3 weeks, series of 4. I took my friend Heather with me to the treatments. She brought IPAD, cards, magazines. The time passed- it takes up to 3 hours for the treatment.
    She was a blessing. Take a laptop, movies make the time pass quickly.
    You will lose your hair. I lost my eyelashes and eyebrows during radiation. Still upset about that, thought they would stay.
    I am praying for you to have strength and for your family to be strong and understanding and patient. SLEEEEEP is mandatory. Your body must recover.
    Look forward to hearing from you!

    Hoping and praying that your
    Hoping and praying that your doing well and that you have no side effects. If you can, post an update so we know how you're doing Eleanor.


    Gentle hugs, Lex
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    Alexis F said:

    Hoping and praying that your
    Hoping and praying that your doing well and that you have no side effects. If you can, post an update so we know how you're doing Eleanor.


    Gentle hugs, Lex

    Worrying about you Eleanor.
    Worrying about you Eleanor. Hoping you will update us soon.


    Hugs, Kylez