Starting chemo tomorrow

[Brenda_D]

Hello everyone. I'm starting my first chemo tomorrow and am looking for advice. Do's and don't do's.
My Onc is starting me on Herceptin and Tamoxifen.
I have a port put in and got a couple lidocaine patches from my doctor, since the port area is still sore.

I was dx 12/12/06 with IDC with mets to bone. I had a lumpectomy with axial disection. I got clear margins and no axial node involvement. (yay!)
I do have inner mammary node involvement and several areas of bone mets, according to the Pet/CT scan and 3 doctors.
I am awake now because of bone pain. ugh.. and will talk to the onco about that too.

Any tips will be appreciated.

[Sheila]

Brenda

The first dose of Herceptin will be a loading dose and will take about 2 hours. You may feel achy and tired after the first dose, kind of like the flu for a day or so. After that, the side effects should be minimal. Everyone is different, I have been on Herceptin for 3 1/2 years, every 3 weeks. I drive myself 85 miles to the hospital, get my treatment, and sometimes go shopping on the way home. Occasionally I feel tired the first day, but not every time. The tamoxifen is an oral drug, and side effects should also be minimal. Any other chemo on the horizon? Good Luck. You will do fine

[Brenda_D]

Thanks Sheila.
I'm hoping for a good first treatment. The problem is that I'm having a lot of pain in my back and legs at the moment, and I have no idea what it's related to. Maybe it will be gone tomorrow.

As far as future chemo, I don't know. He just said 4 treatments 3 weeks apart, then I guess testing to see how it's working. He said radiation in the future but didn't say how far out in the future.

[Mary Anne in TX]

Good luck on your first treatment, Brenda. Those aches and pains make our mind worry us sometimes. "Treat" yourself to something fun like Sheila's shopping after treatment. I do, and it makes it so much easier. Sometimes, when weather is bad, it's just a walk in the mall or wherever it's dry. Sometimes it's a cup of hot tea to unwind and get back in charge of my mind and body.

Take care and God bless you.
ma

[tousled1]

My only advise is to drink plenty of water both during and after your chemo. I've never taken Tamoxifen so I can't give you any advise there. For your port you should ask your oncologist for a prescription for Lidocaine cream. I use it before each Herceptin treatment. All you do is put a glob of it on the port and then cover the area with a small piece of plastic wrap. Using it I feel no pain when they stick the port. Good luck to you.

[SusanV]

Brenda,

Just wanted to wish you good luck with your chemo, and to also add because you will be seated in a chair for a few hours, and you are already dealing with back pain...speak up and ask for pillows to really make yourself comfortable for the infusion....putting your feet up may also alleviate pressure on your back.

Good luck !

[Linda_M]

Hi Brenda,

I hope your first treatment goes well for you. Everyone reacts differently to chemo and I hope you're one of the "lucky" ones.
Do you have anyone that will be going with you? Sometimes it can be a little daunting being alone for your first treatment. Also you might be in more pain in your bones from sitting so long, perhaps a friend can drive you so you can stretch out in the car on your return. Besides having a friend along makes the time go by quickly. You can always take a favorite book (sometimes the hospital magazines are pretty outdated!), and if you have an MP3 player or iPod, you can listen to your favorite music.

Again, good luck and (((((hugs)))))

[Brenda_D]

Thanks everyone. I did get a couple lidocaine patches for use before chemo. My doc said to put one on the night before and take it off about an hour before treatment.

The hospital called to see how I'm doing with the port. So far it's ok, except for being sore.
I did have a sore spot under my jaw the next day, and told them about that. I'll also tell the oncologist, in case it was a lymph node swelling. It's still a little sore today.
I plan to take some GatorAide with me to treatment, and my hubby is taking me this first time. He wants to be with me to see what's going on and how it's going to affect me.
He's a sweetie.
I am lucky that the onco comes to our little town once a week to an outpatient clinic here, and I'll get my treatments right here in town. It's only about a 5 minute drive to the clinic. I'll also be able to get my rads here in town too.
That means a lot to me, since travel would be a issue at this point in time.
Thanks agin for your input and well wishes. It makes me feel like going the first time won't be so bad now. :)

I will definately bring up my back and leg pain too.

[KRISS]

I'm sure you do fine. I just had my second yesterday and my feelings during the day were much lighter than the first time. Just wanted you to know it's OK to be scared and sad. I know I cried as they were hooking me up the first time. The nurse was so supportive and told me these were not the first tears that room had seen. So don't feel ashamed if that's what you want to do. Good luck to you. I'm sure will come through with flying colors. Kriss

[StephN]

Treatment for breast cancer can be pretty hard, but you say you are getting Herceptin and Tamoxifin. If this is correct, the Tamox is a hormone suppressor that you take in pill form. The Herceptin is a targeted therapy that is not a "hard" chemo and should not make you sick. You will probably have chills due to a little fever the first night, but after that it does not happen. These drugs do not cause nausea or blood counts to drop, except in rare cases.

A couple of questions. Is your Herceptin a one week or 3 week dose?
Where are your bone mets? This can be some cause of the pain.

If you have bone mets, a normal treatment for them is ZOMETA or other bone strengthener. Maybe you should ask what is being done for those bone mets. Also, very often bone mets are radiated with very closely targeted beams and this had good effect.

You are new, but the above questions could be very important in the overall picture. Hang in here and we will help you along the way.

[Brenda_D]

Hi StephN. My onc said 4 treatments 3 weeks apart to start out. Rads will come later on.
From what I've read Herceptin and Tamoxifen are a couple of treatments that have some of the lesser side effects, and for that I'm greatful.
The doc asked about my heart health (no known problems) and told me I wouldn't have to worry about nausea, they will give anti-nausea meds ahead of treatment. He did say I'd lose my hair about 2 to 3 weeks into treatment.
He may have other drugs planned for the future, but he hasn't told me anything else yet.
According to my Pet/CT scan, the mets are in the inner mammary node chain, my shoulder, lumbar spine, and hip area.

[doh2pa]

Hi Brenda,

First of all I want to mirror everyone else here and say you will do fine. It's scary at first, but you will get through it. We are all pulling for you.

I wanted to question whether you had heard your onc correctly. Tamoxifen or Herceptin should not make you nauseous or loose your hair. Are you sure you are not getting Taxol or Taxotere?? They will cause hair loss and nausea is possible but a lot of women (I was one) just had mild stomach upset, not real nausea.

Good luck!
Donna

[Jean]

Brenda,

Thinking of you and wishing you well. The first treatment is not easy
as Kriss said, the unknown is the worst part. Hopefully you will do well
and as you already know everyone is here to help you with any questions.

Sending you all good wishes,
Jean

[Brenda_D]

I wondered that myself, Donna. I tend to think he was speaking in terms of future treatment, but I will find out for sure tomorrow.

[Sheila]

Brenda

When you said 4 treatments 3 weeks apart, that sounds to me like chemo first then the Herceptin and tamoxifen....you need to ask what type of treatment so you will know more what to expect...usually chemo is first then the Herceptin.

[Brenda_D]

I will know more tomorrow, and I'll post after I get back home, if I feel up to it.

[bashmaz]

Hi - I add my best wishes for your first treatment. I noticed that you are ER- and PR-, so this would mean you wouldn't be getting Tamoxifen as it is a hormone suppressor for ER/PR+ve cancer.
As it's been shown that Herceptin works better when used in conjunction with Taxol (or Taxotere), I have to think you'll be getting one of these (and they do cause hair loss, or at least lots of thining!)

Best Wishes
Marianne (I'm almost 5 years out from my initial surgery and treatment:ER/PR- and Her2+++!)

[Mary Jo]

Brenda - Sending lots of love, hugs and support your way. I remember being scared of my first chemo too BUT it all went well and I'm sure it will for you also.

God give you His peace Brenda,

Mary Jo

[Bev]

My best guess too is you'll be doing taxol and herceptin. Taxol is harder than tamox, but easier than AC. It's the premeds that made me feel loopy. Once you find out for sure what meds you are doing, find out about the drugs by clicking search and entering drug name on the little purple bar above.

You'll be OK! Best wishes, BB

[Catherine]

Hi Brenda,

You'll feel much better after tomorrow is behind you. If you really do get a chemo drug tomorrow, ask which one it is. Have them write it down for you. If it is chemo, ask your oncologist or the nurses if they have a handout you can take home. It tells you what to watch out for. Call your doctor if you have any of the symptoms you are to watch for. One is a high fever. I had 8 rounds of chemo and never got a high fever.....and most people DO NOT. My point is that as a precaution you know what to look for when you get home and you know who and where to call. I only had to call once in 16 weeks. I was so sore from Taxol that they gave me a steroid over the phone on a Friday night. I am so glad your husband is going with you. Support and another pair of ears is very important. Drink lots of water. Have a variety of snacks on hand in case you get sick from chemo. I liked chocolate boost, jello and popsicles.

All the best, we are all on your side, Catherine

[Brenda_D]

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

[Joy]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.