Getting ready to start chemo and I am scared
Comments
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Hi,
Sorry to hear of your
Hi,
Sorry to hear of your diagnosos. I also had mastectomy but am still in process of reconstruction with expanders. I had all those chemo drugs too. You will be glad to have a port when you start the chemo. I got mine dury mastectomy surgery so I don't know how it is done but am glad to have it when I am there watching others get IV in their hands.
I found the hardest part to be keeping my kids on their schedule but had lots of family help with that. My kids are younger, 6,4 and 22 months. They did not like seeing me feel sick and it was harder on them when I lost my hair. I know missing vacations and games is awful but just think of all the ones you will get to see after the treatment because there is treatment for us. My kids did not like me in bed but were glad to know they could come watch a movie with me. I know your kids are older but maybe you could plan card games or movie nights with them.
Everyone has different side effects from the chemo. Make sure to tell the doctor and nurses how you are feeling and they can always give you ideas that can help you feel better.
My hair started falling out after the 2nd treatment and in big clumps so I had it buzzed off. It was ok but I am getting impatient while it grows in. It started growing back on the Taxol.
Good Luck with the treatment, your kids will be proud of you when it is over,
KIm0 -
BunnyJane I will be sure
BunnyJane I will be sure and let you know how it goes the first time. Let me know how you do.0 -
Sorry you have to go through
Sorry you have to go through this. You are very strong to have endured such a big surgery. I had a port and I was a bit sore for a few days after having it implanted but not too bad---cake compared to your surgery. The 4 AC treatments were a bit tough for me. I only ate applesauce, toast and bannanas for the first 2 days after each treatment and drank gatorade. Make sure you take your anti-nausea meds. I took 5 different kinds and alternated every 3 hours for 5 days.
The Taxol did not make me sick. Just tired and some bone pain for about a week or two after each treatment.
Its not a picnic, but it was definitely not as bad as I had feared. Its doable. The actual infusions were not too bad. They do blood work, you see your onc. and if your counts are reasonable they treat you. With a port, you don't have to suffer having a needle in your arm or hand each time which for me was huge! I have very small veins. For my second treatment my port did not work so they had to put the i.v. needle in my wrist and it was torture! My port worked after that and I was so, so happy!
The AC infusions took about 1 and 1/2 hours. The taxol infusions lasted about 4 hours with a half hour infusion of benadryl before hand.
Try not to be scared, it really is very doable. You will be ok. I always had either my husband or sister or both with me for every treatment and that really, really helped. Good luck, and keep us updated. Eil0 -
Eli4186Eil4186 said:Sorry you have to go through
Sorry you have to go through this. You are very strong to have endured such a big surgery. I had a port and I was a bit sore for a few days after having it implanted but not too bad---cake compared to your surgery. The 4 AC treatments were a bit tough for me. I only ate applesauce, toast and bannanas for the first 2 days after each treatment and drank gatorade. Make sure you take your anti-nausea meds. I took 5 different kinds and alternated every 3 hours for 5 days.
The Taxol did not make me sick. Just tired and some bone pain for about a week or two after each treatment.
Its not a picnic, but it was definitely not as bad as I had feared. Its doable. The actual infusions were not too bad. They do blood work, you see your onc. and if your counts are reasonable they treat you. With a port, you don't have to suffer having a needle in your arm or hand each time which for me was huge! I have very small veins. For my second treatment my port did not work so they had to put the i.v. needle in my wrist and it was torture! My port worked after that and I was so, so happy!
The AC infusions took about 1 and 1/2 hours. The taxol infusions lasted about 4 hours with a half hour infusion of benadryl before hand.
Try not to be scared, it really is very doable. You will be ok. I always had either my husband or sister or both with me for every treatment and that really, really helped. Good luck, and keep us updated. Eil
They have given me a patch to put on before treatments. You wear it for 5 days. They said they would give me meds for nausea before treatment. I have always had a weak stomach so I am really worried about being sick. Thanks for the suggestions on stuff to eat and for the encouragement.0 -
Congrats early Missgogo onmissgogo said:I will finish my radiation
I will finish my radiation up on Mon. But I went thru the Chemo during the Holidays last year. And finish the Taxol on 5/14/09. Just take one day at a time.
Congrats early Missgogo on finishing rads Monday!0 -
Sorry you are so scared.survivorbc09 said:Congrats early Missgogo on
Congrats early Missgogo on finishing rads Monday!
Sorry you are so scared. Hopefully someone can help ease your fears. Good luck to you!0 -
I started chemo for breast cancer in May 2009, and I had no idea it would be this bad. I really do not know the best way to prepare you for chemo other than if you have a higher power that you believe in, then that is what is going to get you through. I believe that chemotherapy is the worst kind of human suffering anyone could endure. I hate to sound pessimistic, but I am being honest about it. I would also suggest meeeting with your doctors as much as you can and ask a lot of questions so that you can get a better understanding of what is going to happen, because your body is going to undergo many changes that are going to have a huge impact on you emotionally and physically. I would also suggest joining a support group, or if you have family members involved in your treatment, to keep them close by to confide in. Chemo takes a lot out of you, but with determination and support from others, you will make it. I wish you all the luck and just stay strong and I will keep you in my prayers.0
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Welcome, bbrandy35bbrandy35 said:I started chemo for breast cancer in May 2009, and I had no idea it would be this bad. I really do not know the best way to prepare you for chemo other than if you have a higher power that you believe in, then that is what is going to get you through. I believe that chemotherapy is the worst kind of human suffering anyone could endure. I hate to sound pessimistic, but I am being honest about it. I would also suggest meeeting with your doctors as much as you can and ask a lot of questions so that you can get a better understanding of what is going to happen, because your body is going to undergo many changes that are going to have a huge impact on you emotionally and physically. I would also suggest joining a support group, or if you have family members involved in your treatment, to keep them close by to confide in. Chemo takes a lot out of you, but with determination and support from others, you will make it. I wish you all the luck and just stay strong and I will keep you in my prayers.
We're all here to support and encourage each other. Am sorry you're having a difficult time with chemo - yes, it can be quite horrible. And those who have not endured it cannot possibly understand...
But remember that it is temporary, it does come to an end, and you will heal. Visit us often, whenever you'd like or need to.
Best wishes to you.0 -
Hi bbrandy! I am so sorrybbrandy35 said:I started chemo for breast cancer in May 2009, and I had no idea it would be this bad. I really do not know the best way to prepare you for chemo other than if you have a higher power that you believe in, then that is what is going to get you through. I believe that chemotherapy is the worst kind of human suffering anyone could endure. I hate to sound pessimistic, but I am being honest about it. I would also suggest meeeting with your doctors as much as you can and ask a lot of questions so that you can get a better understanding of what is going to happen, because your body is going to undergo many changes that are going to have a huge impact on you emotionally and physically. I would also suggest joining a support group, or if you have family members involved in your treatment, to keep them close by to confide in. Chemo takes a lot out of you, but with determination and support from others, you will make it. I wish you all the luck and just stay strong and I will keep you in my prayers.
Hi bbrandy! I am so sorry that your chemo is so horrid. I didn't have to take it and I am very thankful for that. I wish you all the best and welcome to the site!
Hugs, Lex0 -
Hi bbrandy35! Just want toChristmas Girl said:Welcome, bbrandy35
We're all here to support and encourage each other. Am sorry you're having a difficult time with chemo - yes, it can be quite horrible. And those who have not endured it cannot possibly understand...
But remember that it is temporary, it does come to an end, and you will heal. Visit us often, whenever you'd like or need to.
Best wishes to you.
Hi bbrandy35! Just want to welcome you also to the site. I am sorry that chemo is hard on you. But, it is another weapon to fight the beast. And, it will end.
Keeping good thoughts and prayers for you!
Hugs, Jeanne0 -
I found out after my first
I found out after my first mammo at 40yrs old... That was in August 2008. Biopsies and lumpectomy in January 2009. May was the mastectomy and reconstruction. Then lymphnodectomy and my port placed... The port is good thing. They don't have to search for veins and I heard that it is more painful if they use hands for IV.
Family support is good. I have 3 boys ages 15,14,10. My husband is awesome.
The first chemo felt like a bad pregnancy. I took my meds. It did help. But I felt sick for 5 days. I get my second chemo tomorrow. EEEEEK! Then I felt just weak and tired. I am doing some physical therapy with my arm due to lymphnodectomy. Some people can work through there ordeal. I have to tell ya I am not one of them. But I do want to go back to college in the fall but I don't know if I'll have the energy.
God Bless ya with your experience!0 -
Good luck tomorrow! Postkiley40 said:I found out after my first
I found out after my first mammo at 40yrs old... That was in August 2008. Biopsies and lumpectomy in January 2009. May was the mastectomy and reconstruction. Then lymphnodectomy and my port placed... The port is good thing. They don't have to search for veins and I heard that it is more painful if they use hands for IV.
Family support is good. I have 3 boys ages 15,14,10. My husband is awesome.
The first chemo felt like a bad pregnancy. I took my meds. It did help. But I felt sick for 5 days. I get my second chemo tomorrow. EEEEEK! Then I felt just weak and tired. I am doing some physical therapy with my arm due to lymphnodectomy. Some people can work through there ordeal. I have to tell ya I am not one of them. But I do want to go back to college in the fall but I don't know if I'll have the energy.
God Bless ya with your experience!
Good luck tomorrow! Post and let us know how you do with your chemo!0 -
it will be ok
hi, i too was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39. I had total mastectomy, and 3 out of 9 lymph nodes were malignant. I was not a candidate for reconstruction at the same time. i did 18 weeks of chemo. Having a Port placed is definitly the way to go. If they haven't already given u a prescription, you may want to request EMLA cream it numbs the port site so you won't feel the stick.
Yes, I understand about the whole support thing, my mom was by my side every minute and my husband was great, but its very difficult when they have no idea what u are going through.
The only thing i can say is...... no matter what, you have to believe with your whole heart and soul that you are going to be ok and you will be. The hurry up and wait part is difficult.
I am new to this site but, I wish you the best and will be glad to answer any questions, or even just listen,
Sincerely,
Leticia0 -
SBMelm3544 said:thinking of you and hoping
thinking of you and hoping it goes well!
You will be starting your chemo the same day I have my last chemo treatment. I will be thinking of you and others who are having their treatment. Hope everyone's chemo treatments get better and there is less nausea.
Hugs,
Margo0 -
Scared and ready as well
Hi,
I do understand how you feel. Today is your new begining. We are lucky, we can be treated by the most advanced methods available. We are on the road to a full recovery.
I am in a similar situation and starting my treatment early next week with the same regimen. Catheter and treatment starts the same day. I am very scared myself but I know I will be OK. Nothing ever came easy to me but I am a fighter and never gave up. All this is only temporary for a permament cure. Please keep your spirits up, you WILL BE OK.
Please let me know how did it go today.
Best Regards,0
Pammy 
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