Hi Lori,
I responded to your other post, but thought I would give my 2 cents here too.
I had a different chemo regimen, but thought I would share my experience. I had chemo every two weeks, and Herceptin every three weeks once chemo was over. I was fortunate to feel well enough to work full time during treatment. Keep in mind that everyone is different so be sure to pay attention to how you feel and do whatever is necessary to make it through. The hair loss is tough, but was less devastating than I imagined. I chose to wear a wig everyday, but that is what was comfortable for me in my situation. The American Cancer Society offers a program called 'Look Good, Feel Better'. You will be shown how to apply make-up and will given free products such as MAC, and other high end products. You will also be fit for a wig of your choice - all of this at no cost to you. Contact them via their website
www.cancer.org or call 1800 ACS-2345.
Hang in there, this actually passes quicker than you think. I'm sure you will have more questions as you move through treatment. Don't hesitate to come here and ask anything you want. We have all been there and can share our experiences and show you that you are not alone in this battle.
__________________
Gerri
Dx: 11/23/05, Lumpectomy 12/12/05
Tumor 2.2 cm, Stage II, Grade 3, Sentinel Node biopsy negative
ER+ (30%) /PR+ (50%), HER2+++
AC X 4 dose dense, Taxol X 4 dose dense
Herceptin started with 2nd Taxol, given weekly until chemo done
then given every 3 weeks for one year ending on March 16, 2007
Radiation 30 treatments
Tamoxifen - 2 yrs (pre-menopausal)
May 2008 - Feb 2012 Femara
Aug 2008 - Feb 2012 Zometa every 6 months
March 2012 - Stop Femara, now Evista for bone strengthening
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Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look
back and realize they were the big things.
- Robert Brault