Starting chemo tomorrow

Brenda_D · 01-23-2007, 03:00 AM

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 · 01-23-2007, 06:45 AM

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 · 01-23-2007, 06:59 AM

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 · 01-23-2007, 07:17 AM

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 · 01-23-2007, 07:55 AM

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 · 01-23-2007, 08:43 AM

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 !

bashmaz · 01-23-2007, 07:30 PM

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 · 01-23-2007, 08:00 PM

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 · 01-23-2007, 10:04 PM

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 · 01-23-2007, 11:24 PM

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 · 01-24-2007, 04:15 AM

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