Starting Chemo on Monday

winsomebulldog
winsomebulldog Member Posts: 117 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I start chemo in just 4 days! AC-T plus Herceptin. I'll be going in early Monday morning to have my port installed, then go straight over to the treatment center to get my first dose of chemo. I got my hair cut short yesterday, and have "Chemo Teaching" tomorrow morning. I guess I'm as ready for it as I can be. I went through several posts here and made myself a shopping list, most of which I picked up yesterday. I've got a couple more things to get, and then it'll just be a matter of getting that first treatment and seeing how it effects me.

I just wanted to say again how grateful I am for this board and everyone on it! It's made things so much easier for me since I can come here and learn about this entire process, from dx, to chemo, to rads and everything in between. I've already learned so much, and it makes the whole thing feel less intimidating. Thank you to everyone who's ever contributed here!

God Bless,

Jennifer
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Comments

  • Jean 0609
    Jean 0609 Member Posts: 2,462
    #2
    Hi Jennifer,
    Just wanted to let you know that I will be thinking about you Monday. You are right about this site. You can find anything that you need to know somewhere on here. I just finished my chemo yesterday. Luckily for me I had a relatively easy time. No major side effects and I wish the same for you. Make sure to let us know how you make out. Hugs, Jean
  • MNLynn
    MNLynn Member Posts: 224
    #3
    Please know that my thoughts
    Please know that my thoughts & prayers are with you as you start this part of your journey.

    I agree with what you have said about this board - I definitely feel like I am not alone as I face each day in this journey that I never signed up for! Such a wonderful community of caring people.

    Sending hugs . . .

    ♥ Lynn ♥
  • Heatherbelle
    Heatherbelle Member Posts: 1,226 Member
    #4
    ...here I go again...
    i just
    ...here I go again...
    i just LOVE your doggie picture! i have to smile every time I see it! Best of luck to you starting chemo. That first one is hard because you just don't know what to expect, it's all unknown. Sounds like you're well prepared, and have read into it alot, arming yourself with information is a good battle plan ;) you'll do great! Chemo is no walk in the park - but it is doable. I get just a little queasy every now & then, I've never actually vomited or even come close, just a kinda "icky" feeling that usually passes & if it doesn't, I have really good anti nausea meds that work quickly. I'm tired ALOT. That's the main side effect I get, from needing a 20 minute cat nap to being so exhausted I literally can't hold my head up. So I'm learning to take it easy! I'll be thinking of you on Monday.
    *hugs*
    Heather
  • tjohnson2310
    tjohnson2310 Member Posts: 168 Member
    #5
    Good luck
    Good luck with your treatment. My first chemo treatment was not as bad as I had thought it would be. I am in my sixth week this week. I feel like a pro..LOL.

    God Bless
  • jo jo
    jo jo Member Posts: 1,175 Member
    #6
    Hi Jennifer...just wanted to
    Hi Jennifer...just wanted to say good luck getting in the port and with your first chemo treatment...im just sorry you have to do it.
    Im glad your preparing yourself...it helps!
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #7
    Jean 0609 said:

    Hi Jennifer,
    Just wanted to let you know that I will be thinking about you Monday. You are right about this site. You can find anything that you need to know somewhere on here. I just finished my chemo yesterday. Luckily for me I had a relatively easy time. No major side effects and I wish the same for you. Make sure to let us know how you make out. Hugs, Jean

    Good luck to you on Monday
    Good luck to you on Monday Jennifer! Sending prayers and hugs to you!

    Megan
  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
    #8
    jo jo said:

    Hi Jennifer...just wanted to
    Hi Jennifer...just wanted to say good luck getting in the port and with your first chemo treatment...im just sorry you have to do it.
    Im glad your preparing yourself...it helps!

    Best of luck, Jennifer
    For me, the first treatment was so, so scary. But, turns out--it wasn't so bad at all. I feel very lucky in that I only got a minimum of side effects--like Heather--sort of a queasy feeling at around day 3,4,5 but never vomited or even close. Had major food aversions, so I found things that worked--peanut butter sandwiches and milk, plain cereal (like corn flakes or cheerios) and milk.

    The Neulasta shots the day after did cause some aches and pains, but I used Ibuprophen for that.

    You can do this, and you will.

    Take good care, pamper yourself, rest when you need to, let people help and take care of you, try to laugh--every day!

    Hugs, Renee
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #9
    missrenee said:

    Best of luck, Jennifer
    For me, the first treatment was so, so scary. But, turns out--it wasn't so bad at all. I feel very lucky in that I only got a minimum of side effects--like Heather--sort of a queasy feeling at around day 3,4,5 but never vomited or even close. Had major food aversions, so I found things that worked--peanut butter sandwiches and milk, plain cereal (like corn flakes or cheerios) and milk.

    The Neulasta shots the day after did cause some aches and pains, but I used Ibuprophen for that.

    You can do this, and you will.

    Take good care, pamper yourself, rest when you need to, let people help and take care of you, try to laugh--every day!

    Hugs, Renee

    You will be in my thoughts
    You will be in my thoughts and prayers on Monday Jennifer! You are a fighter and you will win the fight!

    All of your sisters in pink are here for you!


    Sue :)
  • LynnKT
    LynnKT Member Posts: 47
    #10
    I understand how you must be
    I understand how you must be feeling. I finished chemo in March '10. I, too, was nervous, but like a few of the others that have responded, I never had a "severe" reaction. Days 3,4, & 5 after were usually the ickiest because that's when the steroid that they gave me (Decodron) wore off. A few tips I can give is (1) look on chemo as medicine and that it is helping your body fight a disease, and (2)eat very mild foods and very small meals for the few days after each treatment. Don't let your stomach get too empty. Even a few crackers will help to avoid queasiness. God bless you, Lynn
  • Mama G
    Mama G Member Posts: 762
    #11
    LynnKT said:

    I understand how you must be
    I understand how you must be feeling. I finished chemo in March '10. I, too, was nervous, but like a few of the others that have responded, I never had a "severe" reaction. Days 3,4, & 5 after were usually the ickiest because that's when the steroid that they gave me (Decodron) wore off. A few tips I can give is (1) look on chemo as medicine and that it is helping your body fight a disease, and (2)eat very mild foods and very small meals for the few days after each treatment. Don't let your stomach get too empty. Even a few crackers will help to avoid queasiness. God bless you, Lynn

    I guess the good thing about having the port put in on the same
    day as your first chemo is you'll be numb and tired. Probably just go home and go to bed afterward. You'll probably fall asleep during the treatment! CHEW YOUR ICE, THOUGH!!!
  • winsomebulldog
    winsomebulldog Member Posts: 117 Member
    #12
    Thanks, everyone for the
    Thanks, everyone for the encouragement! I've got a friend who's said she'd like to make me some soup and homemade ice-cream for next week. So I'm looking forward to that. Like everyone has said, it's the UNKNOWN that's scary. I'll be very glad to get on the other side of this first treatment, so I'll know what to expect for the rest of them!

    Thanks again to all my pink sisters and God bless each and every one of you!

    Jenn♡
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #13
    winsomebulldog said:

    Thanks, everyone for the
    Thanks, everyone for the encouragement! I've got a friend who's said she'd like to make me some soup and homemade ice-cream for next week. So I'm looking forward to that. Like everyone has said, it's the UNKNOWN that's scary. I'll be very glad to get on the other side of this first treatment, so I'll know what to expect for the rest of them!

    Thanks again to all my pink sisters and God bless each and every one of you!

    Jenn♡

    good luck next week you can
    good luck next week you can do it!!! you have your plan and your supports. hoping it goes easy for you !
  • cahjah75
    cahjah75 Member Posts: 2,631
    #14
    Jennifer
    it is definitely the unknown that is scary. I was well prepared like you before the 1st one. Luckily I haven't had hardly any side effects. I do get tired more easily. Just remember to drink your water and you'll be fine. I have my 2nd chemo on Tuesday. I'll be thinking of you on Monday. Sending cyber {{hugs}}
    Char
  • chriskaput
    chriskaput Member Posts: 109
    #15
    good luck
    wishing you lots of luck on your first day of chemo! Hang in there, take your nausea meds before you start the AC and drink lots of fluids the days after. Water may taste gross as it did for me on AC so I drank Vitamin water. I also stocked up on crackers, apple sauce, jello and anything bland (lived on pasta with butter). Take a sleep aid like tylenol pm to sleep the first night or two after treatment as you may not be able to sleep. I always woke up around 2am and couldn't fall back to sleep.

    all the best

    Chris, NY
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
    #16
    It will be okay
    We'll all be there with you in spirit.

    Sending you hugs!

    Sylvia
  • rgrimwood
    rgrimwood Member Posts: 1
    #17
    Good luck Jennifer
    I will be starting my first chemo on Tuesday. I just got my port put in yesterday after having a lumpectomy two weeks ago. I have two sisters who have had breast cancer, so I have an amazing family of support (as well as a scary family history.) This is my very first posting as I just registered on the site, so I have a lot of reading and research to do in the next few days.
  • LynnKT
    LynnKT Member Posts: 47
    #18
    Another thought I had for
    Another thought I had for you regarding fluid intake. Very, very important. Water, of course, is the best. But if your tastebuds are off for a while during treatment, you may want to try Gatorade. I found that it was a good option sometimes. I also drank apple juice, Sprite, and mild tea. I would stock up on whatever might taste good to you. That way you will have plenty of options after treatment. Take care, Lynn
  • Jean 0609
    Jean 0609 Member Posts: 2,462
    #19
    LynnKT said:

    Another thought I had for
    Another thought I had for you regarding fluid intake. Very, very important. Water, of course, is the best. But if your tastebuds are off for a while during treatment, you may want to try Gatorade. I found that it was a good option sometimes. I also drank apple juice, Sprite, and mild tea. I would stock up on whatever might taste good to you. That way you will have plenty of options after treatment. Take care, Lynn

    I love coconut water after chemo!
    Unfortunately, my grocery store was out on Monday & Tuesday. Had last chemo Wednesday & really miss my coconut water I've been drinking gatorade, diet gingerale, and Fuze (which I picked up when I couldn't get the coconut water). It's not bad and comes in different flavors.
  • Jean 0609
    Jean 0609 Member Posts: 2,462
    #20
    rgrimwood said:

    Good luck Jennifer
    I will be starting my first chemo on Tuesday. I just got my port put in yesterday after having a lumpectomy two weeks ago. I have two sisters who have had breast cancer, so I have an amazing family of support (as well as a scary family history.) This is my very first posting as I just registered on the site, so I have a lot of reading and research to do in the next few days.

    Hi rgrimwood & Welcome to this site!
    Sorry you are battling this nasty beast, but rest assured you will find much information here from all the great sisters (and some brothers). Remember, we are here for you. You can yell, scream, vent....whatever you feel like. Keep us posted and let us know how you make out on Tuesday. Sending positive thoughts & prayers your way. Hugs, Jean
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #21
    sea60 said:

    It will be okay
    We'll all be there with you in spirit.

    Sending you hugs!

    Sylvia

    Wishing you good luck with
    Wishing you good luck with chemo. We will all be with you!


    Hugs, Jan

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