first timer

michele46
michele46 Member Posts: 6
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
This is my first posting to the group. I start my chemotherapy on Monday morning. I have been diagnosed with inflitrating ductal carcinoma 2 cm tumor, no lymph involvelment, margins clear. I am scared to death of the chemo. I know it is only 4 rounds but I am so afraid of being sick

Comments

  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #2
    Hi Michele. Welcome to the board. I won't tell you chemo is a breeze but I can say I had worse hangovers in my youth, if you don't count hair loss. They have marvelous anti-nausea drugs. I took Anzamet the first 3 days following each cycle. I didn't eat as much as usual, I took frequent naps and avoided strenuous activity. When my mouth got sore I gargled with salt water and it cleared right up. I took a supplement called Acidophilus (healthy bacteria) and never suffered chemo related diarrhea. On days when food didn't appeal to me, I stuck with saltine crackers and chicken noodle soup. Drink plenty of water. It will help flush the drugs. A great friend of mine, who was 44 during her chemo, bought a darling wig and worked part time throughout. I teach elementary school so my low white cell count kept me away from the kids but I live alone and did everything for myself, including keeping up with house and yardwork. A positive attitude helps and remember that prayer can accomplish miracles. Remember, too, that many of us have gone through the same thing during this past year and are here if you need us. Good luck!
  • Snookums
    Snookums Member Posts: 148
    #3
    tlmac said:

    Hi Michele. Welcome to the board. I won't tell you chemo is a breeze but I can say I had worse hangovers in my youth, if you don't count hair loss. They have marvelous anti-nausea drugs. I took Anzamet the first 3 days following each cycle. I didn't eat as much as usual, I took frequent naps and avoided strenuous activity. When my mouth got sore I gargled with salt water and it cleared right up. I took a supplement called Acidophilus (healthy bacteria) and never suffered chemo related diarrhea. On days when food didn't appeal to me, I stuck with saltine crackers and chicken noodle soup. Drink plenty of water. It will help flush the drugs. A great friend of mine, who was 44 during her chemo, bought a darling wig and worked part time throughout. I teach elementary school so my low white cell count kept me away from the kids but I live alone and did everything for myself, including keeping up with house and yardwork. A positive attitude helps and remember that prayer can accomplish miracles. Remember, too, that many of us have gone through the same thing during this past year and are here if you need us. Good luck!

    I know your pain and fear and you have begun to walk thru that fear by coming here. These are good poeple with good ideas and wonderful support. This day will pass and you will get thru this! Pull on your faith, your family and your friends. It's amazing the people you never imagined to be there that are there 100% and then some. You will be forced to lean on people and God will show you that there are MANY good people out there for you. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and take one bite at a time, one day at a time. The old saying about how do you eat something as large as an elephant . . one bite at a time. Focus on you and your needs for today and the tomorrows will take care of themselves. My prayers are with you- watch for your angels, they are with you- peace and love- C
  • billandpatty
    billandpatty Member Posts: 86
    #4
    Michele
    Welcome to the group. I think being scared is a pretty normal reaction to having to have chemo treatments; we all have doubts about what we think we can get through. Chemo is no picnic, but you will be amazed with yourself at what you'll be able to get through in the next few months. Drink lots of water before and after your treatments (I'm assuming that they will tell you that). If you have trouble with nausea, tell the doctor or nurse right away, they will prescribe a different anti-nausea medication (I went through a couple before they found something that worked for me -- ins. companies don't want to pay for the expensive ones -- but insist that they get you something that works for you). Try to eat, even a little bit, to keep up your strength. When I couldn't figure out what I was hungry for and didn't feel like fixing anything, I would go to our local deli and get a small serving of something that looked appealing that day. During treatment try to stay away from people that have colds and flu -- (I tried to tell people not to hug me -- they could give me lots of hugs later when my blood count was back to normal). And get rest, let yourself nap or go to bed early if you feel like it. Treat yourself to something you like to do, a movie or music or facial once in awhile. Remember, they (the doctors) don't want you sick, they want you to be able to finish your treatments, so don't worry, they will help you so you aren't sick. Take care.
  • CaroleDrake
    CaroleDrake Member Posts: 1
    #5
    Hi Michele, How is your chemo going? I am new to this group and have now had 6 chemo treatments. I still have two to go. I will be so glad when my hair starts to grow back, but I just might continue wearing the wig!! I love how easy it is to get ready and how little time I have to spend styling my hair!!!

    Carole
  • DeeNY711
    DeeNY711 Member Posts: 476 Member
    #6
    All of us who have had chemotherapy had the same apprehension and feared that it would be a horrific experience. I'm pretty sure that all of us would have to admit that the things we imagined were really far worse than the actual experience. In the early years of chemotherapy, prior to the medications we now have available to help us through it, public perception quickly gravitated toward the horrific picture we still have in our minds. You will be so relieved following your first treatment, and then you will only have 3 left! Keep a happy thought and know that we are here for you.
    Hugs,
    Denise
  • twicebitten
    twicebitten Member Posts: 5
    #7
    I was Dx with infiltrating ductal carcinoma (my tumor at the time measured about9x9cm)11/03. I have had 8 rounds of chemo and am 1 week post modified radical mastectomy and dissection of about 18 lymph nodes. The chemo wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. You see, I had synovial sarcoma as a child (12 years old in 1981) At that time I had my leg amputated and needed 10 months of chemo. The chemo then was BRUTAL! It is nothing like that today. They have so much to help with the nausea etc. You will do fine. Keep your chin up. I began chemo this time around expecting the worst and was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't that bad! Where are you being treated?
  • michele46
    michele46 Member Posts: 6
    #8
    twicebitten said:

    I was Dx with infiltrating ductal carcinoma (my tumor at the time measured about9x9cm)11/03. I have had 8 rounds of chemo and am 1 week post modified radical mastectomy and dissection of about 18 lymph nodes. The chemo wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. You see, I had synovial sarcoma as a child (12 years old in 1981) At that time I had my leg amputated and needed 10 months of chemo. The chemo then was BRUTAL! It is nothing like that today. They have so much to help with the nausea etc. You will do fine. Keep your chin up. I began chemo this time around expecting the worst and was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't that bad! Where are you being treated?

    I have nothing to complain about compared to you!
    My God you are an inspiration! Treatment is in Alexandria VA. I start this monday morning. Thank you for your thoughts
    Michele
  • michele46
    michele46 Member Posts: 6
    #9
    billandpatty said:

    Michele
    Welcome to the group. I think being scared is a pretty normal reaction to having to have chemo treatments; we all have doubts about what we think we can get through. Chemo is no picnic, but you will be amazed with yourself at what you'll be able to get through in the next few months. Drink lots of water before and after your treatments (I'm assuming that they will tell you that). If you have trouble with nausea, tell the doctor or nurse right away, they will prescribe a different anti-nausea medication (I went through a couple before they found something that worked for me -- ins. companies don't want to pay for the expensive ones -- but insist that they get you something that works for you). Try to eat, even a little bit, to keep up your strength. When I couldn't figure out what I was hungry for and didn't feel like fixing anything, I would go to our local deli and get a small serving of something that looked appealing that day. During treatment try to stay away from people that have colds and flu -- (I tried to tell people not to hug me -- they could give me lots of hugs later when my blood count was back to normal). And get rest, let yourself nap or go to bed early if you feel like it. Treat yourself to something you like to do, a movie or music or facial once in awhile. Remember, they (the doctors) don't want you sick, they want you to be able to finish your treatments, so don't worry, they will help you so you aren't sick. Take care.

    Thank you all for your thoughts! I have all of my nasuea meds sitting at the kitchen table waiting for Monday. I was able to obtain and insurance ok for the Anzemet so I am really hoping those 3 little pills valued so highly will do the trick. I am lucky to have a great family support. My husband of 30 years David and our fantastic daughter, Stania she is 16. Are constant reminders of why I should do anything I possible can to keep this cancer from reoccuring.
    How about work? I know it is different for everyone. I sell Real Estate and need to get back to it as soon as I can. Any thoughts on this?
    Thanks Again
    Michele in Alexandria VA
  • Mich1417
    Mich1417 Member Posts: 37 Member
    #10
    michele46 said:

    I have nothing to complain about compared to you!
    My God you are an inspiration! Treatment is in Alexandria VA. I start this monday morning. Thank you for your thoughts
    Michele

    Hi Michele!
    I'll be doing my 2nd dose of chemo on Monday! I'll be thinking about you! The first one was a breeze compared to what horror stories I've heard about chemo. I have had a positive outlook on my whole thing since it started on Feb. 2nd with my mastectomy. I had a 5cm tumor with 3 lymph nodes involved. I have 6 cycles of chemo to go through. I only felt bad the night of chemo and on day 3, but no sicknesses, just achey, headache, and tired. Piece of cake! I teach step aerobics and a spin class, and I went back to 2 classes a week on the weeks I don't get chemo. My classes are always on day 1 or 2 of my chemo, so I will not teach those days. But, I find that working helps keep my energy up. I also workout on the other days after day 3.
    If you like your work, you won't have a problem going back. Good luck on Monday, and let us know how it was for you.

    Michelle
  • Future
    Future Member Posts: 133 Member
    #11
    michele46 said:

    Thank you all for your thoughts! I have all of my nasuea meds sitting at the kitchen table waiting for Monday. I was able to obtain and insurance ok for the Anzemet so I am really hoping those 3 little pills valued so highly will do the trick. I am lucky to have a great family support. My husband of 30 years David and our fantastic daughter, Stania she is 16. Are constant reminders of why I should do anything I possible can to keep this cancer from reoccuring.
    How about work? I know it is different for everyone. I sell Real Estate and need to get back to it as soon as I can. Any thoughts on this?
    Thanks Again
    Michele in Alexandria VA

    Michele.
    I had chemo every two weeks for 8 treatments, completed treatments 5 months ago. I was able to continue working. I would have chemo on Thursday and take Friday off or telecommute. The three day weekend helped. My husband knew I wanted to keep working and he was terrific, he picked up pretty much all the household chores. Make sure you keep an eye on your bloodwork and talk with your doctor. When my hematocrit got low I started to feel tired. Doctor puts me on shots and count went up and so did my energy. Best of luck - humor and prayer is what kept me going.
  • Future
    Future Member Posts: 133 Member
    #12
    michele46 said:

    Thank you all for your thoughts! I have all of my nasuea meds sitting at the kitchen table waiting for Monday. I was able to obtain and insurance ok for the Anzemet so I am really hoping those 3 little pills valued so highly will do the trick. I am lucky to have a great family support. My husband of 30 years David and our fantastic daughter, Stania she is 16. Are constant reminders of why I should do anything I possible can to keep this cancer from reoccuring.
    How about work? I know it is different for everyone. I sell Real Estate and need to get back to it as soon as I can. Any thoughts on this?
    Thanks Again
    Michele in Alexandria VA

    Michele.
    I had chemo every two weeks for 8 treatments, completed treatments 5 months ago. I was able to continue working. I would have chemo on Thursday and take Friday off or telecommute. The three day weekend helped. My husband knew I wanted to keep working and he was terrific, he picked up pretty much all the household chores. Make sure you keep an eye on your bloodwork and talk with your doctor. When my hematocrit got low I started to feel tired. Doctor puts me on shots and count went up and so did my energy. Best of luck - humor and prayer is what kept me going.
  • michele46
    michele46 Member Posts: 6
    #13
    Mich1417 said:

    Hi Michele!
    I'll be doing my 2nd dose of chemo on Monday! I'll be thinking about you! The first one was a breeze compared to what horror stories I've heard about chemo. I have had a positive outlook on my whole thing since it started on Feb. 2nd with my mastectomy. I had a 5cm tumor with 3 lymph nodes involved. I have 6 cycles of chemo to go through. I only felt bad the night of chemo and on day 3, but no sicknesses, just achey, headache, and tired. Piece of cake! I teach step aerobics and a spin class, and I went back to 2 classes a week on the weeks I don't get chemo. My classes are always on day 1 or 2 of my chemo, so I will not teach those days. But, I find that working helps keep my energy up. I also workout on the other days after day 3.
    If you like your work, you won't have a problem going back. Good luck on Monday, and let us know how it was for you.

    Michelle

    Dear Michelle,

    what type of treatent are you having is it ACT?
    Thank you for your thoughts. You all have made me feel so much better. Yes I sell Real Estate in Washington DC. The market here is incredible and like I told my husband, I don't have time to be sick!
    Thanks Again
    Michele
  • Mich1417
    Mich1417 Member Posts: 37 Member
    #14
    michele46 said:

    Dear Michelle,

    what type of treatent are you having is it ACT?
    Thank you for your thoughts. You all have made me feel so much better. Yes I sell Real Estate in Washington DC. The market here is incredible and like I told my husband, I don't have time to be sick!
    Thanks Again
    Michele

    Yes, taxotere, Adriamycin, and cytoxin. So far, so good. If all the cycles go as well as the first one, I think if I sold real estate, I could probably have gone back to work by day 5, and continued until my next chemo. Maybe with some shortened days?
    We'll compare notes in the next several days.

    Michelle
  • kamaha
    kamaha Member Posts: 7 Member
    #15
    michele46 said:

    Thank you all for your thoughts! I have all of my nasuea meds sitting at the kitchen table waiting for Monday. I was able to obtain and insurance ok for the Anzemet so I am really hoping those 3 little pills valued so highly will do the trick. I am lucky to have a great family support. My husband of 30 years David and our fantastic daughter, Stania she is 16. Are constant reminders of why I should do anything I possible can to keep this cancer from reoccuring.
    How about work? I know it is different for everyone. I sell Real Estate and need to get back to it as soon as I can. Any thoughts on this?
    Thanks Again
    Michele in Alexandria VA

    Hi Michele,
    When I was on AC, I had chemo on Tuesday and didn't work the rest of the week, then had 2 weeks w/o chemo and I worked then. When I was on Taxotere, I only took off the day of chemo and was able to work the rest of the time. I'm a special ed. teacher. I had 8 rounds, every 3 weeks, from April through Sept. of 2003.
    Good luck!
  • jennuine
    jennuine Member Posts: 2
    #16
    Hi Michelle. I had my first chemo session on the 19th. How are you doing? How was your first? I never experienced nausea, but fatigue and headaches have been my vices. Are you planning on going back to work? I feel guilty sitting at home, but it seems like the right thing to do right now. I am only 29 so I have many years ahead to worry about working; that's what my husband says anyways. :-) I was diagnosed with mucinous carcinoma, 2.5 cm, margins clear and another tumor on the same side that was diagnosed as DCIS. I had to have a bilater. mastect. and am also recovering from that as well. I'd love to hear from you and see how things are progressing. Jenn
  • michele46
    michele46 Member Posts: 6
    #17
    jennuine said:

    Hi Michelle. I had my first chemo session on the 19th. How are you doing? How was your first? I never experienced nausea, but fatigue and headaches have been my vices. Are you planning on going back to work? I feel guilty sitting at home, but it seems like the right thing to do right now. I am only 29 so I have many years ahead to worry about working; that's what my husband says anyways. :-) I was diagnosed with mucinous carcinoma, 2.5 cm, margins clear and another tumor on the same side that was diagnosed as DCIS. I had to have a bilater. mastect. and am also recovering from that as well. I'd love to hear from you and see how things are progressing. Jenn

    To all you wonderful people, thank you for reaching out to me. i had my first round moday, 3.22.04. I have had not nasuea, but malaise and headaches. nothing too bad to report. the fatique is a real pain, but i can live with is. I had inflitrating ducal carcinoma, 2 cm tumor removed from under my left breast then a second wide excision with sentinal lymphs checked all clear. my case was kind of interesting in that the orginal tumor was encpasulated in an abcess about 4 m in size. they say it could have been my body trying to fight off the cancer. Go figure.
    am waiting for my oncology nurse to call to see if i can go off the anti nasuea meds. jennuine my em mail is dmsshaw@aol.com pleae feel free to email me at that address if you want to ge4t ahole of me fast. my thought and prayers are with all of you
    cheers
    m
    just waiting for my hair to fall out! has yours?
  • michele46
    michele46 Member Posts: 6
    #18
    michelle good luck tomorrow on your second treatment. I will be thinking of you. I did not have any nasuea just head achy, lack of appetitie and now some mouth sores. took all the anti nasuea meds and will again on round two in two eeks. no just waiing fot my hair to fall out!

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