Starting chemo tomorrow - Page 2

Brenda_D · 01-24-2007, 04:15 AM

I made a list of questions to ask the oncologist.
He will love me.

Joy · 01-24-2007, 09:23 AM

Brenda it is the feisty patients that make the best patients. I agree with some of the others as it sounds like you will begin a chemo protocol first given the schedule you shared. Also I was surprised to see tamoxifen as you are er/pr-. Chemo can be challenging, but look at all the beautiful women on this site who have done it, are doing it. It is very doable. You will be amazed at how strong you really are.

Herceptin is quite easy and, as mentioned, is not technically a chemotherapy drug. It is a biologic therapy.

I hope your pain gets better fast. And I encourage you to ask your onc questions, keep active on this site (welcome by the way). Good luck and let us know what your medical plan will be so we can lend some support.

Where in Illinois are you? I grew up outside of Chicago and went to NIU and lived in DeKalb before moving to Colorado.

Brenda_D · 01-24-2007, 10:56 AM

I just got back from my first chemo, and it went well.
I asked my list of questions and found out I'm not getting Tamoxifen at all. He was thinking I was ER+ and I am not.

I got the anti nausea meds, Zolfran and something else, and then Adriamycin and Cytoxan, then I got the Herceptin. Then a saline flush followed by a Heperin flush.
I'm to get blood work in 10 days, then again before my next chemo.

So, first chemo down and 3 to go.

Catherine · 01-24-2007, 11:22 AM

Yeah Brenda,

That's the way to think 1 down, 3 to go. Congratulations. Just one other thought. Did they do a Muga test before the Herceptin. My doctor wants the Muga test before the Herceptin. This is a heart test to see how well your heart pumps. You might ask about this.

Remember, lots of water. Warm water can be easier to drink than cold. Rinse mouth 3-4 times a day with baking soda.

You go girl, Catherine in Oregon

Brenda_D · 01-24-2007, 11:31 AM

No muga test. He just asked how my heart health was.

I ordered some Biotene rinse and it should be here today, so that should help with mouth sores. (I hope)

Sheila · 01-24-2007, 02:22 PM

Brenda

Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids and think positive...you are already 1/4 the way through this....if you have questions, post...there is always someone who has been there done that on this board...
Sending a big warm hug

Heart Sutra · 01-25-2007, 09:03 AM

Hi Brenda,

I hope you are feeling well today. As everyone else here has said you can get through this (even when you think you can't) I will have my third A/C treatment on Tues. and I'm already getting nervous.

From what I understand chemo side- effects are different for everyone. I have most side- effects for 3 days starting on the 3rd day after treatment. The 3rd day these are pretty bad, but you get through it. By day 6 I feel myself again. Like many others here have said, one good week and one bad. It is very important to take your anti-nausea meds. They will help. The nausea will make you feel like you have a sleeping sickness. Drink lots of water and try to eat, that helps as well.

Ask lots of questions. The onc at times doesn't offer all the info. I think they repeat it so many times they forget who they tell what. So, you need to be the best in following up on your treatment and ask. Write everything down. There is so much info at times we forget or get it mixed up, the notes will let you go back and look at it later. Is your husband good at researching, if so have him do the research. My partner is the "best" at this. He is also the "best" at hugs and kisses and comforting, you need that as well. Also, when you feel really bad take as much help as you can from whoever offers. You will need this.

Cancer is hard, it's the hardest thing I've ever been through. Hang in and take one day at a time.

Sue

rinaina · 01-25-2007, 10:26 AM

Hope all went well today and that you will do okay. Some handle chemo better than others. I was fortunate not to have much in the way of nausea but I did have a rough go of it in other ways. But I am fine now and it is way behind me and that is what will happen to you to when it is all over. Good luck and let us know how it is going.

Brenda_D · 01-25-2007, 11:02 AM

After chemo, I had small sinus type headache. I laid down and felt better. I started taking Phenergan at 4pm yesterday and am not feeling too bad. I woke up a few times with stomach pain, but it went away when I turned over.
So far, so good.