Starting Treatment

LouisaP said:

Maybe my comment was too long

Maybe my comment was too long since noone had anything to say. But I want to kniw if anyone has had the port cannula in their neck?  How about chemo first? The cancer isn't in my lymph nodes according to the tests I've had but they are large. I'm getting conflicting information.  Thanks.

I'm so sorry for what they put you through!  I had chemo first as my tumor was very large.  It shrunk down from 6.2 to 1.5 cm before they did the surgery.  Prayers that you will be fine!  Let us know the results of the test.  We're here for you!

Sharon

I had surgery first, knowing radiation was a go but chemo depended on findings.  I did do chemo, eight infusions over sixteen weeks.  My port was put in about a month after my surgery.  It was a little below my collarbone.

Chemo was do-able.  I had mine on Mondays and was fine until about Thursday.  I was ok then, but for a few days I felt a little queasy and preferred to just stay home.  By Sundy, I was good.  That only happened with the AC.  The taxol did not make me queasy, but there were times when it was imposible to take a deep breath or catch my breath without coughing. If I paced myself,  that helped, as did taking an allergy pill the few days that were difficult.

About 5 days after my second infusion, my husband and I were still able to travel from CNY to eastern OH for my family reunion.  Ten days after I finished chemo, we were able to go down to outhern PA a few days and then on to southern MD for my class reunion.  

For some chemo does not keep them down.  Others struggle.  You probably won't know until you start.  At least here, you can get a variety of experiences, which is helpful.

Hi Louisa.... it sounds like you had a terrible time with the port surgery.  I've never heard of a port in the neck but all things are possible.  Mine was under my right collar bone.  Really sorry to hear you are having all these problems because you are under enough stress as it is....but just try to take it a day at a time and hang in there if you can.   Maybe the car situation is  not as important right now as your health....perhaps someone else can be found to help your daughter get to her job...and this is a time for you to be good to yourself for sure.   Prayers for good results and please keep posting and let us know how you are doing.

So sounds like port is in roughly in the normal collar bone area but the tube is higher.  That sounds ok as long as it works.  Chemo.....  Went quite well for me, I could drive there and back no problem, however, when tiredness hits please rest.  You will need it and you like me will be able to do so as I am at home and don't work.  We are lucky that we can.  I needed a lot of sleep day and night.  Hair comes out generally just before second treatment.  Just get it all off before or a first sign of losing and get yourself some hats/scarves or wig.  You can get some really nice ones on line on headcover.com and other siites.  You will loose weight at first as appetite usually goes.  Eat fruit, yogurt, anything that you can either force down or zingy to taste.  Smoothies are good for you and easy to stomach.  Freshens the mouth which can get a metallic taste with chemo.  Mouth sores are common, rinse out daily several times at least with salted water, it will help.  Don't panic if your nails go nasty to the point of dropping off.  SORRY THESE THINGS SOUND AWFUL.  It's ok again normal.  They will grow back, as will body hair later.  Hair on the scalp often comes back curly and later goes back to normal.     I honestly never really felt sick, they feed anti nausea meds just before chemo and they are really amazing.  Drink water, as they always say.....    Suck on fruity candy.  Bad food won't do any harm at this time rather than not eat at all, you will only feel like eating small amounts in any case.  Fatigue is chronic for some and aches and pains set in for some too.

if you are on an antidepressent make sure there is no interaction to any anti Cancer drugs after treatments.  There are many which are safe and they will guide you.  Cymbalta now has a generic and is wonderful for aches and pain management as well as depression.    Trial and error.  Effexor, or its generic is an antidepressant plus helps control hot flashes after chemo.  Tamoxifen can sometimes make life unbearable with hot flashes and this medicine did help.  Again trial and error, everyone is different.

You can always talk and chat to us any time on this site.  Are they no support groups where you live?  When  you feel a little better a gym perhaps with light exercise.  Yoga and Tai Chi is gentle.  Aquatic exercise very good at the local YMCAs etc.  Short walks.   Walking someone's little dog if you have a bad back.  I do Aquatic Class and Tai Chi especially directed to osteoarthritis.  Hope you can find something later down the line.

LouisaP said:

Well, I had my first chemo.

Well, I had my first chemo. AC. But my port has a kink & I have to get it redone!!! I don't know when. So blood tests, chemo & next day more antiemetic went in my hands. Then I went for a dye test on port & it only works if I twist my head & neck up & to the left lol. Not comfortable. Roz I already am on Effexor for depression. It didn't help my menopause flashes. I'm on a med similar to Cymbalta for my neuropathy.  Gabapentin. The chemo waa ok. Just tired. But I'll be getting 3 Iron IV's the next few weeks. That should help.  My iron's been low already before chemo

II've asked the Dr a bunch of times about other breast but MRI is all clear. I swear with this one treatment the tumors feel smaller. I doubt it but they really do. 

Very sorry to hear you have to get the port redone.........keep us informed and we are all sending you good thoughts for good outcome .......... love your great attitude about the tumors feeling smaller ***      ........You Can Do This ! ! !        Prayers for Strength & Courage.........  xxoo  Glo