starting chemo Monday
I start chemo on Monday scared to death but want this monster gone out of me.
I will be getting Taxotere,cytoxan,and adriamycin.And then Neulasta the next day. every 21 days for 6-7 treatments. I will also take Emend,Dexamethasone, and Aloxi.
I hope all is doable and no side effects from them.
I got a copy of my path report dont really understand it all.
estrogen is positive 18% 1+ intensity
progesterone- negative
her-2/neu negative (1+)
My surgeon said that I have a 50% chance of it coming back, WOW wish I would of had them both taken at the same time so not to have to worry about it,but to late now.
Would love any input as what to expect and all. I will post again hopefully Monday night.
Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!
Comments
-
Starting Chemo
After my right mastectomy I had 4 rounds of Adriamycin/Cytoxan given every other week followed by 12 rounds of Taxotere once a week. I did not have radiation. Like you I also took Emend, dexamethasone and Aloxi. Benadryl was part of the pre-meds on chemo days, also. At various times I also took Compazine and Ativan. I did Neupogen shots as my insurance company would not pay for Neulasta.
On precisely Day 14 after my 1st chemo infusion my hair started to come out in bunches. It took about 10 days before it looked so ridiculous that I had my husband buzz off what remained. I then wore scarves, head coverings or my wig depending on the weather and the situation. Adriamycin is known as the "Red Devil" due to it being red in color. My nurses suggested that when it was injected into the IV (it is not in a bag hung from the IV pole) I should drink something very cold and icy to help prevent mouth sores. My husband always made me a big smoothie to take with me and slurp down while the Adriamycin was being pushed. The A/C rounds were not too bad for me. The fatigue does build up with each successive round.
The Taxotere was pretty difficult for me. I had diarrhea and vomited several times each day. I lost my desire to eat and things just tasted like paste. Eventually I just stopped eating. My oncologist said you can go a long while without eating but hydration was really important. I had to be given IV fluids twice. I lost 40 pounds. There is something to be said about being overweight to start with. I never missed a single round though and my blood counts were OK. Oh, and I lost 8 fingernails and 2 toenails. I also had constantly watery eyes. That particular side effect has continued and it has been 15 months since my last chemo infusion.
I am now considered to be in remission. I have a full head of salt and pepper "chemo curls." I am grateful to have hair of any type. The watery eyes are a pain in the ---. I have (unfortunately) gained back 25 of the pounds that I lost.
I strongly believe in educating yourself about your particular type of cancer and the treatments you will be getting. The fear of the unknown makes things worse than they need to be. The ladies here are a good source of information. You can send a private message also if you want to do so.
Good luck. Keep us posted.
IRENE0 -
So happy that you had a nice
So happy that you had a nice Thanksgiving too, so, did we.
I think everyone is scared with that first chemo. It is the fear of the unknown, so hopefully after today, you will feel less afraid. Drink lots of water and call your doctor if you have side effects. He can usually prescribe something for you to help.
Have your oncologist explain your path report to you fully until you understand. I think that is always important. I am ER and PR+ and HER2-.
Good luck Monday and keep us updated on how you do.
Hugs,
Lex0 -
I wanted to wish you goodAlexis F said:So happy that you had a nice
So happy that you had a nice Thanksgiving too, so, did we.
I think everyone is scared with that first chemo. It is the fear of the unknown, so hopefully after today, you will feel less afraid. Drink lots of water and call your doctor if you have side effects. He can usually prescribe something for you to help.
Have your oncologist explain your path report to you fully until you understand. I think that is always important. I am ER and PR+ and HER2-.
Good luck Monday and keep us updated on how you do.
Hugs,
Lex
I wanted to wish you good luck with chemo on Monday and I am praying for no side effects for you.
Hugs, Megan0 -
I don't put a lot inMegan M said:I wanted to wish you good
I wanted to wish you good luck with chemo on Monday and I am praying for no side effects for you.
Hugs, Megan
I don't put a lot in statistics and how does your surgeon know. He is not an oncologist, so, you just fight as hard as you can and good luck Monday.
Hugs,
Noel0 -
I'm glad to hear you had a
I'm glad to hear you had a good holiday...I hope that you were able to push cancer and chemo and surgery aside so that you could enjoy your children. What a blessing to have time with them.
I also did the TAC on a 21 day cycle. But I did neupogin, a cousin to neulasta. It wasn't easy, but it was doable. Here's my advice...drink lots of water starting now and keep drinking lots of water for at least 3 days after your infusion. Ask your doc and/or pharmacist about claratin (not claratin D) for the bone pain associated with the neulasta, my pharmacist said it's recommended by the manufacturer. It helped me. Take your meds as prescribed by your doc, and call them with any questions/comments you have about side effects. I was told that there is a way to help with any side effect, but they can't help if they don't know about it.
Be sure you know what circumstances would warrant a call, which would warrant a visit, and which means a trip to the ER. Do you have a number to call if you questions after regular office hours? What about during office hours...what's the best way to get a question about SE's answered?
Also come here with your questions about SE's...sometimes the 'been there, done that' perspective can help too.
On the stats...I don't look at them. Your job right now is to focus on today's fight, because that particular tomorrow may never come to you. I hope you have many, many cancer free tomorrows.
Hugs,
Linda0 -
Hi lovely sister, I am also
Hi lovely sister,
I am also happy you had a good holiday with your family.
I was given ACT too for my chemo regimen and although I didn't experience that many side effects, I can give you some insight about what things to prevent. It is very important to drink a lot of water - at least 8 full glasses a day. This will help clean your system as soon as possible. It is highly recommended you eat small portions of foods throughout the day to prevent nausea and to help your digestive system process foods. I almost ended up in ER because I couldn't go for 12 days?). If you can, try eating foods that are high in fiber. I suggest you start taking stool softerners the day before chemo to clean your system. Rest when you boy needs it - you'll know when you start feeling tired. I never threw up, but one thing that helped me was ativan (pill for anxiety). It helped me in so many ways, it even made me hungry sometimes. It also helps you sleep and not to feel sick. Again, drink a lot of water and let your body rest as much as it needs it. If you experience a side effect from chemo, don't assume it's normal. Don't panic, but contact your Dr. to let them know and have him/her confirm it is a chemo side effect. Last, but not least, during your infusions (for AC), be sure to chew on ice, at all times! It helps prevent mouth sores. I didn't get one thanks to this. I also experience headaches during the c infusion but taking a strong dose of tylenol an hr. before helped me minimize this.
I hope this helps.
Oh! If you can't taste foods be sure to add one of the following ingredients to increase the taste: lemon, maple syrup, olive oil, sea salt.
To help with your blood count, be sure to eat greens, beets, lentils, beans, white fish...
No alcohol during treatments. No vitamins. No sushi. No chemicals. And check with Dr. before taking any meds.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
I want to wish you good luck and remember, the fear is worse than the actual infusions. Go with faith as you are not alone.
Hugs0 -
Happy to read you had a niceGabe N Abby Mom said:I'm glad to hear you had a
I'm glad to hear you had a good holiday...I hope that you were able to push cancer and chemo and surgery aside so that you could enjoy your children. What a blessing to have time with them.
I also did the TAC on a 21 day cycle. But I did neupogin, a cousin to neulasta. It wasn't easy, but it was doable. Here's my advice...drink lots of water starting now and keep drinking lots of water for at least 3 days after your infusion. Ask your doc and/or pharmacist about claratin (not claratin D) for the bone pain associated with the neulasta, my pharmacist said it's recommended by the manufacturer. It helped me. Take your meds as prescribed by your doc, and call them with any questions/comments you have about side effects. I was told that there is a way to help with any side effect, but they can't help if they don't know about it.
Be sure you know what circumstances would warrant a call, which would warrant a visit, and which means a trip to the ER. Do you have a number to call if you questions after regular office hours? What about during office hours...what's the best way to get a question about SE's answered?
Also come here with your questions about SE's...sometimes the 'been there, done that' perspective can help too.
On the stats...I don't look at them. Your job right now is to focus on today's fight, because that particular tomorrow may never come to you. I hope you have many, many cancer free tomorrows.
Hugs,
Linda
Happy to read you had a nice holiday! Stay positive and good luck Monday.
Hugs, Debby0 -
My two cents...LoveBabyJesus said:Hi lovely sister, I am also
Hi lovely sister,
I am also happy you had a good holiday with your family.
I was given ACT too for my chemo regimen and although I didn't experience that many side effects, I can give you some insight about what things to prevent. It is very important to drink a lot of water - at least 8 full glasses a day. This will help clean your system as soon as possible. It is highly recommended you eat small portions of foods throughout the day to prevent nausea and to help your digestive system process foods. I almost ended up in ER because I couldn't go for 12 days?). If you can, try eating foods that are high in fiber. I suggest you start taking stool softerners the day before chemo to clean your system. Rest when you boy needs it - you'll know when you start feeling tired. I never threw up, but one thing that helped me was ativan (pill for anxiety). It helped me in so many ways, it even made me hungry sometimes. It also helps you sleep and not to feel sick. Again, drink a lot of water and let your body rest as much as it needs it. If you experience a side effect from chemo, don't assume it's normal. Don't panic, but contact your Dr. to let them know and have him/her confirm it is a chemo side effect. Last, but not least, during your infusions (for AC), be sure to chew on ice, at all times! It helps prevent mouth sores. I didn't get one thanks to this. I also experience headaches during the c infusion but taking a strong dose of tylenol an hr. before helped me minimize this.
I hope this helps.
Oh! If you can't taste foods be sure to add one of the following ingredients to increase the taste: lemon, maple syrup, olive oil, sea salt.
To help with your blood count, be sure to eat greens, beets, lentils, beans, white fish...
No alcohol during treatments. No vitamins. No sushi. No chemicals. And check with Dr. before taking any meds.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
I want to wish you good luck and remember, the fear is worse than the actual infusions. Go with faith as you are not alone.
Hugs
Can't add much to the advice already given but.....if there's one thing I stress is....take the prescribed anti nausea pills religiously! I started them the day before each chemo and took them for 5 days....every six hours....take them even though you may not feel nauseated..it's easier to PREVENT nausea and vomiting than to get it under control once it starts....most likely you will lose your taste buds for about a week after each infusion...just experiment with different foods...drink, drink, drink! Have some Gatorade on hand and some extra strength Immodium on hand....just in case...call your onc with any fever 100 degrees or above....
The first is always the scariest....just walking through door is hard...but it is doable....
Wishing you the best........
Hugs,Nancy0 -
chemocare.com
I lived on this website for remedies for side effects of chemo. Also bring a blanket and a good book.0 -
I have not done chemo but my
I have not done chemo but my thoughts are with you..
Denise0 -
Hoping that today with yourtjohnson2310 said:chemocare.com
I lived on this website for remedies for side effects of chemo. Also bring a blanket and a good book.
Hoping that today with your first treatment of chemo went well for you!0 -
Chemo
Good responses from everyone - Of COURSE!
Look for the blessings. I would not wish cancer on ANYONE, but having gone through surgery, chemo (ongoing with Herceptin only for a year), and radiation, I have found blessings.
The worst part - yes the unknown. I'm sure our "cocktails" are different, and every individual reacts a little differently to any given drug. So saying, just keep going. Pray, ask for help - even if you think you don't really need it, keep a positive attitude.
Get yourself a support circle, a GOOD support circle. Be very particular about who you allow into this inner circle. Positive people only. I had told one of my sisters and not the other in the earliest days. One sister is positive and supportive. The other sister, while loving, positive and supportive is all about the drama. LAST thing I needed!
My infusion day is Thursday. I developed what I call "Thursday Phobia" during the cocktail stage. Insomnia, anxiety, stress. My doctor(GP) had prescribed Xanax (low dosage) for anxiety. I started taking that on Wednesday evenings prior to infusion and sometimes even on Tuesday evenings prior to infusion - AS NEEDED. What a help that was! I actually slept and felt rested so I was able to better deal with any anxiety that arose.
Yes, take a good book, or knitting or crocheting (simple pattern - you will be receiving drugs that may make you drowsy), water ( I hate, hate, hate Gator-ade), maybe a healthy snack. Check with your hematologist or infusion nurse about any herbal anything - even green tea. They can interfere with your chemo.
Hang in there! You have to walk the road by yourself but others have already done so and can help you deal with what you find. So you are not all alone in the undertaking.0 -
treatment guidelinesLoveBabyJesus said:Hi lovely sister, I am also
Hi lovely sister,
I am also happy you had a good holiday with your family.
I was given ACT too for my chemo regimen and although I didn't experience that many side effects, I can give you some insight about what things to prevent. It is very important to drink a lot of water - at least 8 full glasses a day. This will help clean your system as soon as possible. It is highly recommended you eat small portions of foods throughout the day to prevent nausea and to help your digestive system process foods. I almost ended up in ER because I couldn't go for 12 days?). If you can, try eating foods that are high in fiber. I suggest you start taking stool softerners the day before chemo to clean your system. Rest when you boy needs it - you'll know when you start feeling tired. I never threw up, but one thing that helped me was ativan (pill for anxiety). It helped me in so many ways, it even made me hungry sometimes. It also helps you sleep and not to feel sick. Again, drink a lot of water and let your body rest as much as it needs it. If you experience a side effect from chemo, don't assume it's normal. Don't panic, but contact your Dr. to let them know and have him/her confirm it is a chemo side effect. Last, but not least, during your infusions (for AC), be sure to chew on ice, at all times! It helps prevent mouth sores. I didn't get one thanks to this. I also experience headaches during the c infusion but taking a strong dose of tylenol an hr. before helped me minimize this.
I hope this helps.
Oh! If you can't taste foods be sure to add one of the following ingredients to increase the taste: lemon, maple syrup, olive oil, sea salt.
To help with your blood count, be sure to eat greens, beets, lentils, beans, white fish...
No alcohol during treatments. No vitamins. No sushi. No chemicals. And check with Dr. before taking any meds.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
I want to wish you good luck and remember, the fear is worse than the actual infusions. Go with faith as you are not alone.
Hugs
Also check with your Dr - you may be advised to not go to a buffet restaurant while you are undergoing chemo! You really may feel well enough to go out sometimes!0 -
New to this siteMelaniedoingwell said:Chemo
Good responses from everyone - Of COURSE!
Look for the blessings. I would not wish cancer on ANYONE, but having gone through surgery, chemo (ongoing with Herceptin only for a year), and radiation, I have found blessings.
The worst part - yes the unknown. I'm sure our "cocktails" are different, and every individual reacts a little differently to any given drug. So saying, just keep going. Pray, ask for help - even if you think you don't really need it, keep a positive attitude.
Get yourself a support circle, a GOOD support circle. Be very particular about who you allow into this inner circle. Positive people only. I had told one of my sisters and not the other in the earliest days. One sister is positive and supportive. The other sister, while loving, positive and supportive is all about the drama. LAST thing I needed!
My infusion day is Thursday. I developed what I call "Thursday Phobia" during the cocktail stage. Insomnia, anxiety, stress. My doctor(GP) had prescribed Xanax (low dosage) for anxiety. I started taking that on Wednesday evenings prior to infusion and sometimes even on Tuesday evenings prior to infusion - AS NEEDED. What a help that was! I actually slept and felt rested so I was able to better deal with any anxiety that arose.
Yes, take a good book, or knitting or crocheting (simple pattern - you will be receiving drugs that may make you drowsy), water ( I hate, hate, hate Gator-ade), maybe a healthy snack. Check with your hematologist or infusion nurse about any herbal anything - even green tea. They can interfere with your chemo.
Hang in there! You have to walk the road by yourself but others have already done so and can help you deal with what you find. So you are not all alone in the undertaking.
I wish you the very best with your chemo. It looks like you have gotten a lot of good advice. I just met with my medical oncologist yesterday and I've decided to do chemo. I'll be getting Taxotere and Cytoxan. I'm so scared but after doing some looking on this site, I'm hopeful that it won't be as bad as I was expecting. My fear is having some sort of allergic reaction to the drugs. Not sure when I'll start because I'm still healing from my lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy. This was one "club" that I sure didn't want to belong to, but nice to know I'm not alone in this.0 -
How did your 1st day ofMelaniedoingwell said:Chemo
Good responses from everyone - Of COURSE!
Look for the blessings. I would not wish cancer on ANYONE, but having gone through surgery, chemo (ongoing with Herceptin only for a year), and radiation, I have found blessings.
The worst part - yes the unknown. I'm sure our "cocktails" are different, and every individual reacts a little differently to any given drug. So saying, just keep going. Pray, ask for help - even if you think you don't really need it, keep a positive attitude.
Get yourself a support circle, a GOOD support circle. Be very particular about who you allow into this inner circle. Positive people only. I had told one of my sisters and not the other in the earliest days. One sister is positive and supportive. The other sister, while loving, positive and supportive is all about the drama. LAST thing I needed!
My infusion day is Thursday. I developed what I call "Thursday Phobia" during the cocktail stage. Insomnia, anxiety, stress. My doctor(GP) had prescribed Xanax (low dosage) for anxiety. I started taking that on Wednesday evenings prior to infusion and sometimes even on Tuesday evenings prior to infusion - AS NEEDED. What a help that was! I actually slept and felt rested so I was able to better deal with any anxiety that arose.
Yes, take a good book, or knitting or crocheting (simple pattern - you will be receiving drugs that may make you drowsy), water ( I hate, hate, hate Gator-ade), maybe a healthy snack. Check with your hematologist or infusion nurse about any herbal anything - even green tea. They can interfere with your chemo.
Hang in there! You have to walk the road by yourself but others have already done so and can help you deal with what you find. So you are not all alone in the undertaking.
How did your 1st day of chemo go?
Hugs, Diane0 -
Ask your Dr about rather or
Ask your Dr about rather or not Vitamins are OK to take. I was told no multi vitamins and no antioxidants but had approval to continue on with my Vit D (it helps with my SAD and I did chmo through the winter - it also helps with calcium uptake) and my Vit. B complex. Also was told to continue with calcium. During Taxol I started having problems with keping enough potassium so had to start mega doses of it about 1/2 way through. But by now you should have had your Chemo Education so you know what your Dr wants/doesn't want you dsoing.
We're all different and have different needs so there is no "right" answer that fits all. Also our Dr are different.
Susan0 -
I am so sorry I missed this,LoveBabyJesus said:Hi lovely sister, I am also
Hi lovely sister,
I am also happy you had a good holiday with your family.
I was given ACT too for my chemo regimen and although I didn't experience that many side effects, I can give you some insight about what things to prevent. It is very important to drink a lot of water - at least 8 full glasses a day. This will help clean your system as soon as possible. It is highly recommended you eat small portions of foods throughout the day to prevent nausea and to help your digestive system process foods. I almost ended up in ER because I couldn't go for 12 days?). If you can, try eating foods that are high in fiber. I suggest you start taking stool softerners the day before chemo to clean your system. Rest when you boy needs it - you'll know when you start feeling tired. I never threw up, but one thing that helped me was ativan (pill for anxiety). It helped me in so many ways, it even made me hungry sometimes. It also helps you sleep and not to feel sick. Again, drink a lot of water and let your body rest as much as it needs it. If you experience a side effect from chemo, don't assume it's normal. Don't panic, but contact your Dr. to let them know and have him/her confirm it is a chemo side effect. Last, but not least, during your infusions (for AC), be sure to chew on ice, at all times! It helps prevent mouth sores. I didn't get one thanks to this. I also experience headaches during the c infusion but taking a strong dose of tylenol an hr. before helped me minimize this.
I hope this helps.
Oh! If you can't taste foods be sure to add one of the following ingredients to increase the taste: lemon, maple syrup, olive oil, sea salt.
To help with your blood count, be sure to eat greens, beets, lentils, beans, white fish...
No alcohol during treatments. No vitamins. No sushi. No chemicals. And check with Dr. before taking any meds.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
I want to wish you good luck and remember, the fear is worse than the actual infusions. Go with faith as you are not alone.
Hugs
I am so sorry I missed this, but, I am hoping that all went well for you today!
Sue
0 -
Hoping that your firstdisneyfan2008 said:I have not done chemo but my
I have not done chemo but my thoughts are with you..
Denise
Hoping that your first treatment went well for you. Post when you can.
Hugs, Leeza0 -
Wishing you good luckAmy-LLL said:Today
Hope it went OK for you today. I start Chemo on Dec 7th and I am scared as well. Great advice above and just wanted to let you know I am thinking about you!
Wishing you good luck Amy-LLL on December 7th with your chemo! Keep posting so we know how you are doing.
Sue 0
Discussion Boards
- All Discussion Boards
- 6 CSN Information
- 6 Welcome to CSN
- 121.6K Cancer specific
- 2.8K Anal Cancer
- 446 Bladder Cancer
- 308 Bone Cancers
- 1.6K Brain Cancer
- 28.5K Breast Cancer
- 395 Childhood Cancers
- 27.9K Colorectal Cancer
- 4.6K Esophageal Cancer
- 1.2K Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine)
- 13K Head and Neck Cancer
- 6.3K Kidney Cancer
- 671 Leukemia
- 791 Liver Cancer
- 4.1K Lung Cancer
- 5.1K Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
- 235 Multiple Myeloma
- 7.1K Ovarian Cancer
- 56 Pancreatic Cancer
- 487 Peritoneal Cancer
- 5.4K Prostate Cancer
- 1.2K Rare and Other Cancers
- 534 Sarcoma
- 719 Skin Cancer
- 647 Stomach Cancer
- 190 Testicular Cancer
- 1.5K Thyroid Cancer
- 5.9K Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
- 6.3K Lifestyle Discussion Boards