My first infusion of Herceptin is tomorrow - and I worry!

swimangel72 · 04-22-2008, 08:13 PM

I can't believe tomorrow is the day already! I'll be getting my very first infusion ever of chemo - Herceptin and Navelbine. I don't have a port installed (yet) - they'll go into my left arm. I have pretty good veins there, but still I worry. I've had plenty of advice from doctor friends (including an oncologist) which makes it easier, but still I worry. I had a bad case of diarrhea today (probably a 24 hour bug caught from my husband.) It seems to be gone already - keeping my fingers crossed - otherwise, I'll be sure to call the oncologist tomorrow morning.

My biggest worry is my opened abdominal incision - since my March 3rd mastectomy and Diep, and a staph infection the following week, my abdominal incision has been opened. I still pack it twice a day. It is healing from the inside out, but so slowly. All the doctors on my team - whom I totally trust -as well as my oncologist friend have said not to worry - that it'll take a couple of weeks before my white blood cell counts drop and by then, my incision should be almost closed. Still I worry.....and appreciate any prayers you all can spare to help me calmly get through my first experience with chemo. Thank you all!

caya · 04-22-2008, 08:40 PM

Good luck Kathy. I didn't have my port inserted in time for my first chemo, but it was fine. I was ready to go for the second one.

The best advice is to relax, drink alot and take the anti-nausea meds BEFORE the nausea starts. It's more difficult to play "catch-up" with it, it's easier to nip it before it starts. Take the meds. Do not be a hero. Rest when you need to. Take all offers of frozen casseroles etc. You will be fine.

I am thinking of you and wishing you well.

all the best
caya

SoCalGal · 04-22-2008, 09:22 PM

Hi - I have been dealing with cancer for 12 years...I can still remember that anxiety of the first chemo. I can promise you that the anxiety of chemo is worse than the chemo will be. Herceptin is benign - you won't have problems with it. With very very few exceptions it is easily tolerated. I have never been on navelbine but know many woman who are on it. It is not too bad. Over the 12 years I have seen woman who function very well with chemo. Barely letting it stop them. And I've seen woman like me who have a lot of fear and worry and who always seem to get the weird remote side effect. I can tell you that whatever your reaction to it - you will get through and it will become easier. You get into a system and learn what works best for you. So many have walked the path ahead of you - try to keep that in your mind - you are walking a well worn path and you are not alone. Regarding the port - I have never had one and hopefully never will. That's just my preference. This is a scary adventure but you found a great place to get support. Tomorrow I am getting a new infusion - Zometa for bones. And even after so many years of chemo I am apprehensive (understatement) and worry about how I'll feel. It's all about the quality of life- right? I'll say a prayer for us both. Oh - I also had extensive surgery. Didn't have an open wound but had severe infections in my skin and legs and had IV antibiotics with a visiting nurse all summer. That too passed. Stay strong. It will all be okay. Hugs-
Flori

BonnieR · 04-22-2008, 10:52 PM

Good luck to both Kathy and Flori tomorrow.
As Flori said, the apprehension is so big. I like to remember what the psychologist told me, "the first infusion is like bursting a big balloon of anxiety". And I hope you feel that way too, once it has begun. You are on the road to recovery. God bless and keep the faith.

harrie · 04-22-2008, 11:28 PM

Kathy,
Good luck tomorrow! But after going through your mastectomy and DIEP, the chemo should be very manageable. I had the DIEP, bilat mastectomy, Oncotype and similar dx to yo.
Soccermom also had the DIEP and she experienced a staph infection also. She is done now and is doing great.
Let me know if I can be of any help.
Maryanne

Mary Anne in TX · 04-23-2008, 03:27 AM

Kathy, best wishes. I hope a calm washes over you this morning as you get ready for your 1st! I think you will find it not so bad as anticipated. Herceptin and Navelbine seemed mild to me (but they weren't the 1st). And Flori is so right. Just reach out and "the others" will walk you down the path.

And Flori, good wishes for a bright day for you also today. May the sun shine on you and make it a warm and wonderful day.
Love to all who face each day as a warrior, ma

swimangel72 · 04-23-2008, 05:39 PM

Thank you all so much for your kind thoughts and help! Everything went well - other than the 2 hour delay in the waiting room. Always seems to happen to me. So my total time there was 4 1/2 hours - my poor husband who hates to wait did VERY well. He's learning patience too, just like me. Next week I get my port installed - but my arm felt fine during the Navelbine infusion and still feels fine. But they're giving me no choice about that, just as well - I'm tired of making decisions! I also went to my lymphedema therapist after my chemo - she explained what she'll be doing for my treatment (massage therapy) and said I have only a slight lymphedema in my arm, so it's good we caught it early. She'll also help me with my range of motion issues with the cording in my arm - so that will definitely be a big help.

Flori I hope everything went well for you today - I was saying a prayer for both of us too last night! Thanks again everyone!

Bill · 04-23-2008, 06:07 PM

Kathy, I'm sorry I just read your post, but I'm glad everything went well. My Father told me that everything gets a little easier once you get into the "routine" of going to chemo., and know what to expect. He was right, as always, haha. Once you get into the "routine", most of the unknowns become knowns, and some of the fear goes away. As far as patience goes, I never had any, but over the last 4-5 years, I've gotten some, and I've come to realize it's a matter of "practicing" patience. I'll never truly have it, but I practice it constantly. I hope that makes some sense. Kathy and Flori,,,,,,,,,you are in my thoughts and prayers, Bill

Mary Jo · 04-23-2008, 06:20 PM

HI Kathy,

I, to, just read your post. I'm happy to hear your first infusion went well. Like everyone else said, and I'm sure you now understand, the anticipation is usually worse than the actual chemo.

God bless you...

Mary Jo

Sheila · 04-23-2008, 06:42 PM

Kathy
Sorry I am reading this a day late, but so glad your first infusion went well...the rest should be easier..I went without a port for 4 years and finally got one last November....I love it for my infusions! The fear of the unknown makes everything seem so scary and unmanageable....you do learn patience when going through chemo though...I spend lots of time waiting, for the Dr, for the meds to be mixed, for the infusion!!! I have found a new love in reading...something I never took the time to do before cancer.

Joan M · 04-23-2008, 06:45 PM

Kathy, Good luck tomorrow. It's natural to be apprehensive. I remember when I first went for chemo. I was really frightened, but by the time I was having Herceptin weekly for 52 weeks, it became very routine. Best, Joan

Soccermom · 04-24-2008, 12:51 PM

Kathy ,Hope your infusion went well! I had DIEP also but had a streptococcus infection in my abdominal incision. It only set me back about 6 weeks and now you cant even tell I had an open wound! No biggie.
I am like Joan and by the time I began Herceptin I was so accustomed to being at the infusion center I knew the "drill". Take some good reading materials or something else you can do while sitting!
Best of luck,Marcia

swimangel72 · 04-24-2008, 03:37 PM

Thanks again everyone - you are all so very encouraging! I saw my PS and breast surgeons today and they are both very happy with how my incision is healing - but they won't let me return to work on Monday because it's still open. Just as well - next Wednesday I'm scheduled for a port to be installed and also for two sessions with the LE therapist, so I'll be busy. I'm also trying to shop around for a bra that will fit properly - my new Diep side is so much bigger than my left side - one nurse suggested I buy two different size bra's, cut them apart and sew them back together. I think I'll pass - easier to just pad the smaller side, lol!