Newbie!

[Mickey1382]

Afternoon - I just joined the HER2 group and have just decided what to do next. I have had a bilateral mastectomy (8/8/13), will have a port inserted on 9/25/13 and start chemo 9/26/13. I am confused, scared but strong and in info overload by all of the information received. I will need help from those who have trekked this journey up the mountain and are far ahead of me. So I'm asking for guidance and will continue to read the posts that clearly help me understand that I have a long way to go.

I've selected TCH as the treatment as oppose to A&C (adriamycin, etc.). This group helped me make that choice.

Thank you for being there and to Christine for creating. I respectfully say that her spirit lives on. Enjoy your blessings!

[tricia keegan]

Hi Mickey and welcome, if you check out the newcomers forum you'll find others starting this with you, I did the A/C/T/H and I'm eight years out now and continue to take Arimidex up to ten, although by the time I get there it may be for fifteen!!:)

I just wanted to wish you well with your treatments and if you have any questions feel free to ask, I found chemo to be no picnic but do able and once you take you take your anti nausea meds (even if you feel you dont need them) you should be fine as its easier to prevent nausea than stop if it starts. I also drank water during and after the infusion which helped and just ate little and often as had no appetite, good luck and keep us posted!

[sarah]

Hello,
Sorry you're joining us but this is a great site, great family here.
You have to stop taking most vitamins and supplements during chemo and radiation - check on what's ok. I gave up everything but I think calcium was ok.
Chemo is tough - tiring so plan for it. get food in that you can just heat up and if you like reading, lots of good books and also DVDs. Ginger is good for nausea if you have it. Remember it will end and it's so important.
If they put you on AIs (Tamoxifen or Femara) take it at night, it helps lessen any potential side effects.
try to walk a little every day. some people on chemo gain (I did) and some lose weight.
As tricia said, drink water during your treatment and chat with your fellow travellers, they may have some good tips and it may help pass the time.
you will be too tired to drive yourself home so arrange for someone to take you. Here we have the ability of a taxi (free of charge) taking us and picking us up although my husband did it.
Wtih radiation, you'll see the same group of people for most of your 5 or 6 week sessions and so you'll become good acquaintances during that time. I kept a bottle of Maalox by my bed since radiation caused gerd (burning sensation) and that helped. You can drive to radiation and it's fast. never put cream on the skin before a radiation session and again no vitamins or supplements.
Good luck.
hugs and love
sarah

[NEDenise]

Welcome Mickey!
Sorry you need us, but soooo glad you found us. I think you'll find knowledge, support and even a chuckle or two!

It sounds like you are already striving to make informed decisions about your treatment.
Good for you!
Too many patients see a white lab coat and just go with whatever that doc says.
Tricia's advice is good (no surprise there!), especially about the nausea meds.
I'd just like to add... don't hesitate to pamper yourself at every turn.
There will be plenty of time to be brave and strong later!
If you need a nap... take it!
If you want a treat... eat it!
If people offer to help... let them!

I hope to see your posts often.
Best of everything to you! Please let us know how things are going.
Denise

[Mickey1382]

Good Morning Denise Sarah & Tricia and everybody else! I thank you much for the info. I've taken notes and will be ready! I think. Water, naps, nausea, ginger, take certain drugs at night, to name a few. :) I also see that I was in the wrong spot; found the Newbie group and will post there. Some of the posts I've read have questions I'd like to ask. I am really glad you are all here to support us and each other, but sorry we've met under these circumstances. I am remaining positive, strong and will be peeking here. Enjoy your blessings!

[Jackie07]

Hi Mickey,

Looks like you are well prepared and ready for the next stage of your treatment. This is a wonderful group and we will walk with you every step of the way.

Love your profile picture...

[Mickey1382]

Evening JackieO. Thank you, thank you. BTW photo is Devil's Hopyard in East Haddam, Connecticut. Have a great evening!

[dearjilly]

Mickey, well done finding this site. It's a good one. Very helpful and full of knowledge.
Just wanted to say hi.