First Chemo Monday

Mosis50
Mosis50 Member Posts: 59
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I am counting down the days/hours until my first chemo session on Monday. I am taking 4 sessions of adriamycin and cytoxan, then 4 sessions of taxotere. I decided not to be in a research group that could have allowed all 3 drugs at once. Hoping that the side effects may be less this way. Anyway . . .I am asking for lots of prayers to go with me on Monday and following days as I start this second part (already had mastectomy) of my battle with BC. I know I am going to win the battle as I have God on my side and so many people praying and a wonderful support group of family and friends (and YOU of course). Thanks for all of your prayers so far. They are working!!! Keep them going. I wish I knew what my side effects were going to be but I guess I will know soon enough. I love this group!! You are ALL wonderful individuals and even when I don't answer you, I read and say prayers for you!!! THANKS!!!! Susan

Comments

  • Sandis
    Sandis Member Posts: 85
    #2
    You're in my prayers. I have completed 3 of 4 AC sessions and then have four sessions of Taxol. I'm doing fine. The worst part for me was the anxiety before I started. Heard too many horror stories. I tend to feel morning sickness like nausea for about 10 days after chemo, then tired. But, I haven't missed work, love life and feel blessed that there are so many great medications. We aren't having the same kinds of experiences with chemotherapy that our sisters who went before us had. Also, when you have a side effect that worries you or concerns you, don't hesitate to call the doctor or nurse. They have been very kind and helpful and have always had some guidance (normally more medicine) but its been helpful.Also, drink plenty of water this weekend and keep it up. You're in my prayers. Sandi
  • Mosis50
    Mosis50 Member Posts: 59
    #3
    Sandis said:

    You're in my prayers. I have completed 3 of 4 AC sessions and then have four sessions of Taxol. I'm doing fine. The worst part for me was the anxiety before I started. Heard too many horror stories. I tend to feel morning sickness like nausea for about 10 days after chemo, then tired. But, I haven't missed work, love life and feel blessed that there are so many great medications. We aren't having the same kinds of experiences with chemotherapy that our sisters who went before us had. Also, when you have a side effect that worries you or concerns you, don't hesitate to call the doctor or nurse. They have been very kind and helpful and have always had some guidance (normally more medicine) but its been helpful.Also, drink plenty of water this weekend and keep it up. You're in my prayers. Sandi

    Thank you for your words of encouragement, Sandi. I can always depend on encouragement from this group. Thats is why I keep coming back. Susan
  • newboobs
    newboobs Member Posts: 121
    #4
    I had mastectomy and 4 rounds of AC chemo and then some reconstruction surgery. Chemo is tough, but you already know that. I got great info on the National Cancer Institute website for tips on doing well during chemo. My biggest advice is drink lots of water before you go and really load up on it when you get home - you'll want to flush out the chemicals asap. Also, get up and walk around, just get some exercise in if only to walk around the house and then to the mailbox. Don't dread it...think of it as another weapon you're using to fight cancer. I finished up chemo 14 months ago and it truly seems like I had it 3 years ago. Life will be so awesome to you when you're finished! Good luck and keep us posted.
  • sashi
    sashi Member Posts: 7
    #5
    I was terrified before my 1st chemo. Just keep in close contact with your nurse to make sure you get the meds you need to control the side effects. Also the doctor should give you meds to keep you from having nausau. Just press him for the good stuff. If he can't, go somewhere else.
  • DeeNY711
    DeeNY711 Member Posts: 476 Member
    #6
    Like Sandis, I too have had 3 of the four Adriamycin/Cytoxan and agree that the anticipation is far worse than the chemotherapy. After the first doses, I felt myself tensing up waiting for something to happen. It never did. I think you have a happy surprise ahead of you, but thoroughly understand your worry. Love, Denise
  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    #7
    Hi Mosis:

    You'll be in my thoughts! Try to relax as much as possible and you'll do just fine. No fun, but necessary and the less tense you can make yourself,the better that first treatment is likely to be.

    Looking forward to hearing from you once that first treatment is behind you and you feel up to sharing. ATTITUDE is very important and yours seems to be GREAT! Just keep it up.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink
  • maggiepogo
    maggiepogo Member Posts: 4
    #8
    Hey Susan. I just got through with Chemo about a month ago. I had Taxotere, Genzar and Epirubcin. For the first couple of treatments I experienced being tired. Eventually, my red and white counts got very low. Then I had to be hospital because I caught a stomach virus and had no way to fight it.Remember that when you take chemo, be sure to wash your hand and don't be around people with colds, etc. You are more suspectible to catching them. As for me I had to do chemo then a mastectomy, them more chemo. I had inflammatory breast cancer. (rare and very aggressive). I will keep you in my prayers. Take someone with you tomarrow. It will make you feel better. God bless you. Marie
  • kelliwithani
    kelliwithani Member Posts: 3
    #9
    I don't know how old you are but I did the study you are refering to. After just 4, I could not do it again. I am so glad that I did all three at once because I basically came through it like a charm. I had may concerns about doing it all at once, but this my be one way to save others lives. It was hard enough to go through chemo. On my last day of chemo (after going through the study), if I had to do four more treatments I would have declined. I was very pampered because of the study, I was given drugs that would help me deal rebound. It has been the hardest experience of my life, but this might save my daughter's life. We are the reason they have clinical trials. To see if we can help someone else. I do not wish anyone to go through what I jave gone throut.. I am so glad I did all three at once. Yes at times it was hell, and I am a single mom with minimum support from the x-husband. He thinks I ask for all this. Wouldn't he like to know. I wish you the best of luck and please reply if you like. I start radiation on tomorrow. We are here to make others better and stronger. For your info I am 41.
  • kelliwithani
    kelliwithani Member Posts: 3
    #10
    I hope your doctor told you as mine did, " you will lose your hair". for me that ended up being every thing except for my eyebrowes, lashes and hair on my arm, but every where else gone that god.
  • momof4
    momof4 Member Posts: 56
    #11
    Mosis you will just do fine, i was scared like you had 3 chemo so fare with 7 more to go and everytime i take someone with me the hardest part for me while i am there is the time the nurse accesses my port the fact of drking alot of water is true make sure you take a water bottle to drink while you there first time and second time i was also taking zofran for nausea every 6 hrs but on my 3 i asked for more so now i take zofran and compasine at the same time and it has not been so bad just tired during the afternoon and evening but i am able to sleep all nigth long wich it helps alot since i have for small kids and going tru a divorce at the same time by the way i am 43 had mastectomy on february i will say a prayer for you keep yourself strong and positive always remember MIND OVER MATTER :) love Mariat.
  • Kimm
    Kimm Member Posts: 12
    #12
    I start my first on Friday. i have not had surgery yet ..lumps too big they wanted chemo then surgery. i hope all goes well for you. They say each of us are so different in chemo.

    Kimm

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