Topic information for: What To Expect
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I start chemo on tuesday and I am so nervous! What should i have ready? What should I bring in with me? I can't wrap my mind around it...
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 9 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2007
Sylvia,
I would have a spouse, family member or friend drive you. I was always tired when I was done and it was quite a drive plus a ferry ride into the city. Wear comfortable clothes. I had a port so always wore a shirt that buttoned up the front as it was easier to access. Bring something...Comment 7Sylvia,
I would have a spouse, family member or friend drive you. I was always tired when I was done and it was quite a drive plus a ferry ride into the city. Wear comfortable clothes. I had a port so always wore a shirt that buttoned up the front as it was easier to access. Bring something great to read. My chemo mix contained something that made me sleepy so I always took a nap. I always asked what was in my "recipe". I would also take a list of questions to ask like what are the usual side effects I might experience. I always had to come in the next day for a neulasta shot so had a chance to ask questions. Ask if you have questions after the office closes, who can you contact. My oncologists office and infusion room always had a "party" atmosphere with plenty of goodies to eat. I spent a lot of the time talking and laughing with the other patients receiving their treatments.
Everybody's reaction to chemo is unique. We all get through our treatments in a variety of ways. I never had one minute of nausea but food tasted odd. The first week after my treatments I felt like I had the flu. I just listened to my body and rested. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids. I was determined to stay positive, cooperative, and to see the humor in just about everything, but always stayed my own best advocate. Never be afraid to ask questions and trust your gut. You will do ok.... I wish you didn't have to do this but you WILL be ok. Hang in there.... please keep in touch with us. Big hugs and take care, Sharon -
anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
I like what Sharon wrote. I went in totally open to the experience and joked around a lot. Chemo changes your life but for the better when all is said and done. You really learn patience, to respect your body, how to nap. The nurses are amazing and hopefully you have access to a 24 hr help line...
Comment 2I like what Sharon wrote. I went in totally open to the experience and joked around a lot. Chemo changes your life but for the better when all is said and done. You really learn patience, to respect your body, how to nap. The nurses are amazing and hopefully you have access to a 24 hr help line to manage any issues that come up. I was lucky to have that option. Usually a dr would call me back within minutes with a plan. Lotsa good vibes and healing coming your way!!!
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What if my doctor never mentions the Oncotype test? I am an early stage HER2 positive and had a bilateral mastectomy. Will my chemo will be harsh?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 6 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2011
I didnt know about it either until I started researching. I asked my oncologist why I didnt have one and he said because it is often used to see if one is going to get chemo or not. They knew I was going to, so there was no use in doing the test. Dont know if that is your case, but it was in...
Comment 1I didnt know about it either until I started researching. I asked my oncologist why I didnt have one and he said because it is often used to see if one is going to get chemo or not. They knew I was going to, so there was no use in doing the test. Dont know if that is your case, but it was in mine. Wish you well!
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anonymous
Survivor since 2010
I had the oncotype DX test but it is my understanding it is not used for all types of breast cancer. I believe it is used specifically for estrogen positive cancers -- I do not think it is used for HER cancers, but your oncologist would know the answer to this.
Comment 1
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Does anyone have advice? I'm starting 12 weeks of taxol/herceptin weekly. Then nine months of herceptin every 3 weeks. I'm scared as heck.
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 7 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2010
I was very scared also. I did 5 treatments of taxotere,carboplatin n herceptin n then 9months of herceptin. For me,the chemo kicked my butt, I didn't do well. But it was over before I knew and now I am totally fine. You will get through it, try to stay hydrated before n after your treatments....
1 comment 1I was very scared also. I did 5 treatments of taxotere,carboplatin n herceptin n then 9months of herceptin. For me,the chemo kicked my butt, I didn't do well. But it was over before I knew and now I am totally fine. You will get through it, try to stay hydrated before n after your treatments. Make sure you let your oncologist know of any side effects. There's many drugs to alleviate bothersome symptoms.
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
I've had over a year of treatment so far and only 3 Herceptin left. I started scared too!!! Walking, yoga and especially meditation have been invaluable. Having a support network, asking for help when you need it, praying to whomever you believe in, cuddling pets, Netflix movies, audiobooks all...
1 comment 0I've had over a year of treatment so far and only 3 Herceptin left. I started scared too!!! Walking, yoga and especially meditation have been invaluable. Having a support network, asking for help when you need it, praying to whomever you believe in, cuddling pets, Netflix movies, audiobooks all help. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and your medical team will help you through any issues. Her2 is now an ok one to have - at least we have Herceptin and a bunch if new treatments in studies now too.
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Hi! I have just been diagnosed and go for surgery in about 10 days. How long after surgery will I be able to get back to my daily jogging and exercise classes? Also, Will I still be able to jog and go to gym during radiation therapy?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 5 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2007
I agree with the above answer. It depends... on the type of surgery you have. Are you going to have a lumpetomy, mastectomy with just sentinal nodes or full axillary type surgery? Everybody reacts in their own way. You may feel weak and tired. You also need to let your body recover from the...
3 comments 0I agree with the above answer. It depends... on the type of surgery you have. Are you going to have a lumpetomy, mastectomy with just sentinal nodes or full axillary type surgery? Everybody reacts in their own way. You may feel weak and tired. You also need to let your body recover from the anesthetic and just the trauma of the surgery. After my mastectomy, I was pretty much back to normal even before the drain was removed. The first two days, I was very, very, tired. I had --zero-- post operative pain. That being said.... I am just one person on one end of the spectrum. There are plenty of other women who had the opposite reaction to a mastectomy. If you have a mastectomy, and plan to have reconstruction, during the mastectomy process, an expander is placed. The expander can give you some grief because I have yet to hear of anyone saying they didn't have discomfort. You probably will be free to do any kind of exercise you feel up to but always check with your surgeon. I am sure your surgeon would be leery of any really vigorous exercise that might cause bleeding or dislodging of drains. You need to listen to your body.... if you are tired, rest. We all have the desire to get back to normal as soon as we can. Don't try to push yourself to do something that is too much. It may set you back in the healing process. I am not saying to become a couch potato, just cooperate with your body to allow it to heal. Please keep in touch with us here. We are here to help support one another through and after this journey. Take care, Sharon
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
It will depend on what type of surgery you will be having, you would need more down time for a mastectomy than you would for a lumpectomy. Not sure about jogging and exercise classes you may have to give the gym a miss for a short time. Good luck
1 comment 0
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Having a stereotactic biopsy next week. I'm very nervous. How long does the needle stay in my body?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 5 answers
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Take deep breaths and do NOT move. Stay still. I did just that and had no pain at all
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anonymous
Survivor since 2007
Michele, I agree with Mary about everything she said. You will feel some pain as the area is numbed. You will feel pressure. Take a valium or similar drug... but you will need to have someone drive you back.
Fear creeps in because of the unknown. You have never had anything like this done...Comment 0Michele, I agree with Mary about everything she said. You will feel some pain as the area is numbed. You will feel pressure. Take a valium or similar drug... but you will need to have someone drive you back.
Fear creeps in because of the unknown. You have never had anything like this done and you can only imagine what it will be like... totally a human thing to happen. The procedure is relatively quick, but you will spend time waiting.... for the doctor, for the anesthetic to take effect, and for the result to come back. I think we can all say the wait for the results was the worst of all. I will tell you the results will be back within a week. Try to keep yourself busy, Most of these things come back benign. In fact, one of my friends just had this same procedure done and it was benign. I really wish you the very best. Take care, Sharon
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Hi girls, I'm just about to start on Paclitaxel and was wondering if anyone else has been on it. If so, how did it go?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer-
anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Ive had 8 of 12. For me it's been much better than A/C. Still tired and weak and no stamina!! However for very doable. I'm working 35 hours week. No neuropathy as of yet :). After work prettying lay around and rest up. I've not had nausea and feel blessed for this. My chemo nurses say I...
Comment 0Ive had 8 of 12. For me it's been much better than A/C. Still tired and weak and no stamina!! However for very doable. I'm working 35 hours week. No neuropathy as of yet :). After work prettying lay around and rest up. I've not had nausea and feel blessed for this. My chemo nurses say I have done great with this. But even so- its the hardest thing I've ever done. Physically and mentally. You can do this!!! Be positive and get ready to fight! Even on your worst day you have to tell yourself you will be done soon!!!! This will make you stronger and a fighter!!!! You go girl!!!
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Im on number 9 of 12 and it's been doable. Don't get me wrong, there have been tons of side effects, but so far manageable. Feel fluish and tired almost all week, underlying feeling of nausea at times but Compazine helps with that, hair loss sucked but again it's doable. Hot flashes have been...
Comment 0Im on number 9 of 12 and it's been doable. Don't get me wrong, there have been tons of side effects, but so far manageable. Feel fluish and tired almost all week, underlying feeling of nausea at times but Compazine helps with that, hair loss sucked but again it's doable. Hot flashes have been what bother me most ~ I live in the south so it's already hot and humid in the mid 90's so it's harder to cool off and when I do I end up with chills lol
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I just found out I have breast cancer and I wanted to know if anyone can give me some tips on what to do. I'm lost. I'm not scared because I know I can fight and overcome this.
Asked by anonymous
Patient- View all 5 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2007
Oh Saana, I know we are all very sorry to hear you are starting on this journey. At first, this is a bewildering experience; you don't have a lot of answers because you don't know what questions to ask. You probably know what type of breast cancer you have, and they may have given you a...
1 comment 5Oh Saana, I know we are all very sorry to hear you are starting on this journey. At first, this is a bewildering experience; you don't have a lot of answers because you don't know what questions to ask. You probably know what type of breast cancer you have, and they may have given you a preliminary stage and bits of other information. My advice The following helped me so much at first and throughout this journey & it's pretty simple.
Get a 3 ring binder. This will be where you keep ALL copies of your test results. You are entitled to your test results so don't take NO for an answer. Take this binder with you to every one of your appointments. You are going to have a bunch of them.
Remember to get a business card from each office you go to see. I taped them on the inside cover of the binder so they would be handy.
Have a list of your medication you take, if any. Also have with you important information and telephone numbers on a list as you will be filling out many patient introduction forms from each and every office.
Another extremely important thing to do is take your spouse, a relative, or a friend with you to your diagnostic & treatment appointments. This person has to be able to take notes. You are going to be given a lot of information and you won't remember most of it. This is extremely important as you will have those notes to refer back to in upcoming days. Right now, you are still in the "fact-finding" portion of your treatment.
Please remember, there are many women on this board you have been where you are and we want to help you along your journey. Your positive attitude is all important! You will also need the support of your family, and friends. We will always be here for you. Please count on women here as your "sisters" we will supply you with much information from our vast collective bunch of experience. You will be ok. We have all walked this path. God's blessings, & take care, Sharon -
anonymous
Survivor since 2011
I. Like what the o there's said. Also, be sure you are really happy with you team of doctors. Make sure they're compassionate. If not , get an appointment with another team. Best of luck . I'm just. A year from my diagnosis and cancer free now! You go girl!
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I will be starting Tamoxifen soon and was wondering of any side effects I should be aware of. What have you all been dealing with concerning this?
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 7 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2007
It is so difficult to answer this because the side effects are all different for different people. As with the other numerous chemicals that are put into our bodies for the treatment of breast cancer, we are all individuals and what happens to one women doesn't necessarily happen to another. One...
Comment 1It is so difficult to answer this because the side effects are all different for different people. As with the other numerous chemicals that are put into our bodies for the treatment of breast cancer, we are all individuals and what happens to one women doesn't necessarily happen to another. One woman may have an absolute horror story about Tamoxifen and scare your socks off. When in reality, that isn't going to be YOUR story. What might happen when you first start taking a drug, might not continue as your body adjusts to it. You can ask 10 different women and end up getting 10 different answers and none of them will end up applying to you. Hopefully, you are one who has nothing of significance in negative side effects. Just report to your oncologist how you are feeling as it is all important. One thing is for sure.... we are ALL special in our own individual ways! Good luck to you and hope you do very well! Take care, Sharon
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
My sister inlaw has been on tamoxifen for 9 years now and looks like she may stay on it permanently, she has hot flushes and hip pain but no weight gain. I have been on it for about six months, hot flushes, fatigue and vaginal dryness. All but the hot flushes seemed to have improved and as yet...
1 comment 0My sister inlaw has been on tamoxifen for 9 years now and looks like she may stay on it permanently, she has hot flushes and hip pain but no weight gain. I have been on it for about six months, hot flushes, fatigue and vaginal dryness. All but the hot flushes seemed to have improved and as yet haven't had any weight gain. We are very lucky to have this drug, there are so many cancers that do not respond to treatments like this. Good luck.
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Just finished 4 treatments of the A/C and getting ready for the Taxol. Will have 12 treatments. Can you share your experience with Taxol? Just want some background of peoples differnet side effects.
Asked by anonymous
Patient- View all 6 answers
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
I had the exact same treatment and taxol was hard but no where near the way it was with a/c. Fatigue was hard to deal with but I didn't feel nauseous and flu like as with AC. And my hair started growing back during taxol:) Good luck
Comment 3 -
anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
I am side effect queen so i didn't even look them up. (to avoid placebo....) I had all the bad effects - lost my eyebrows/eyelashes even. I lost some toenails. Had severe bone pain. neutropenia (fever and low white cells). Spent a lot of time in emerg and the dr's office. 6 months later I still...
Comment 1I am side effect queen so i didn't even look them up. (to avoid placebo....) I had all the bad effects - lost my eyebrows/eyelashes even. I lost some toenails. Had severe bone pain. neutropenia (fever and low white cells). Spent a lot of time in emerg and the dr's office. 6 months later I still have hip pain and fatigue but it's constantly getting better. I use glucosamine only for the discomfort and can hike in the mountains for 2 hours. So it's all good in the end! Stay strong and take care!!! You're halfway there!!!! Oh and anythings better than nausea!
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I am starting AC chemo this Thursday. How do you feel during the administration of the chemo? Does it make you feel strange or does it burn or anything? I'm pretty anxious about it.
Asked by anonymous
Stage 3A Patient- View all 6 answers
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anonymous
Survivor since 2007
Hi Jonna, so sorry you joined the club. I too, had 4 rounds of AC and felt nothing while it was being administered. They put something in my recipe that always made me take a nap. The infusion room is a place you thought would be sad and depressing. I was never in there when it wasn't...
6 comments 2Hi Jonna, so sorry you joined the club. I too, had 4 rounds of AC and felt nothing while it was being administered. They put something in my recipe that always made me take a nap. The infusion room is a place you thought would be sad and depressing. I was never in there when it wasn't somewhat of a party atmosphere. Always goodies to eat, and we were --all in the trenches-- together so there was a very funny.... "gallows" type of humor. I never dreaded my treatments because the sooner I completed then the sooner, I would get back to my real life. My hair started to drop out 2 weeks after my first treatment. I shaved my head with my horse clippers! My taste changed.... my favorite stuff... coffee and chocolate really tasted awful. I was NEVER nauseated. I felt like I had the flu.... achey 3 to 4 days after the treatment. After about the 8th day, I started feeling better and my life return to good. I had treatments every 3 weeks. All in all, it was just a process I had to go through. I stayed very positive and laughed.... a lot. You stand up to it, and march through the process. I can't predict how you are going to feel because we are all different. You WILL feel tired and you will have less energy but this will all pass. Be an advocate for yourself. If something doesn't seem right QUESTION IT!!!! I was always polite, never cranky with the staff BUT.... if I had a question, it better get answered. Hang in there.... you WILL get through this. We are all sisters in this crazy way. Please keep in touch with us.... we really want to help you through this. Take care, Sharon
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anonymous
Patient
Hi Joanna! I started my first chemo April 6 of this yr. it's hard to believe I have already completed 10! I did 4 treatments of the AC ( every other wk) then started the T (taxol) portion, which I have completed 6. I have 6 more to go. I'm on weekly treatments on T. ...... As for how it feels....
Comment 2Hi Joanna! I started my first chemo April 6 of this yr. it's hard to believe I have already completed 10! I did 4 treatments of the AC ( every other wk) then started the T (taxol) portion, which I have completed 6. I have 6 more to go. I'm on weekly treatments on T. ...... As for how it feels. What I have found on this board is that everyone is different...so my experience might be how u will feel......I have a "port" which I use a cream an hr before treatment. Helps numb the area. Then when Im at the hospital for chemo, I still have them use the cooking spray. Lol! Yes, just in case. ;) it's very quick and I don't feel it when the insert my IV. ;) my nurse then starts my pre-meds. It's about 4 bags of IV meds( benedryl, atavan, pepcid, anti-nausea med) then the A (red bag) then the C (clear). All of which for me were done through my IV. I did geek sleepy once my benedryl was given. my process was about 4hrs total once I got into my chair. I was so anxious my first time I thought I was going to pass out. But, I did fine and now I look "forward" to going. Only because I can say YES! I'm 1 more closer to being done. ;) I will say...drink lots while u are there, yes, the "red" chemo "A" does make u pee red. I drank so much while I was there I was also peeing alot too. Lol! When I was done w:treatment, I also had the nuelasta shot the day after. My dr suggested taking Claritin to help w/any bone pain I might have. I did, just as a precaution and did well. I won't go into side effects- as everyone is different. Ive been extremely lucky- I'm doing well. Staying positive really helps! Well...all in all...take each treatment 1 at a time. Listen to your body. You will have good and bad days. That's okay. I wish you the best! Keep fighting like girl...prayers and hugs to you my sister!!!! ;/)
Related Topics
- Ac Chemotherapy
- Biopsy
- Chemotherapy
- Diagnosis
- Exercise
- Getting Back To Normal
- Her2
- Herceptin
- Mastectomy
- Oncotype
- Paclitaxel
- Radiation
- Side Effects
- Surgery
- Tamoxifen
- Taxol
- Treatment
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