new to BC

[dhealey]

Welcome to our club. Sorry you had to join, but none of us are here by choice. This is a wonderful site full of women like yourself with a wealth of knowledge and compassion. I took the A/C and taxol and now am on herceptin and aromasin ( switched from arimidex due to joint pain). I can say I have had no side effects from the herceptin except maybe fatigue, but I am still working and going with my daily activities. I will finish in Jan. 2008. As you can see from my bio I was diagnoised about a year ago and even though I thought it was a long year, it has flown by, treatments and all. Best of luck to you on your journey and again welcome.

[BonnieR]

SurPer, let me add my welcome. You can see by my signature that we have some things in common. But at the same time each of us is different. It is almost impossible to answer your question since everyone responds to treatment differently. I found it helpful to read the professional literature that I was given so to have a baseline for my questions and concerns when I visit here. I was given alot of books on breast cancer and treatments to help me get an understanding of the process. Then I could ask about specific issues here as they came up. I learned here the practical things my oncologist didn't tell me. Like it is wise to have dental cleaning done BEFORE starting chemo. Or to stock up on easy to prepare foods and things like liquid supplements (Ensure) at home. And to ask for Compazine ahead of time just in case you feel nausea afterwards. Lots of hints like that. Or to wear comfortable clothes for treatment cause it takes all day at first. And can get chilly. Bring things to read and listen to. And ask your oncologist and staff your questions. Have a notebook so you can write your questions and the answers. Even BETTER, always have someone with you who can listen and speak up.
And ask us as things occur to you. Cruise around this board and you will probably find threads that already address some of your questions...
Sorry you had to come here but glad you found us. I am relatively new but it has been a blessing.....

[Jean]

Hi Sue,
I am sorry that you hae been dx. with bc. But as everyone has mentioned
you have found the very best information site and besides the information
many new friends.

I had the same treatment as you. You will find it will not be as bad as you may be thinking. First of all you will want to be a bit more careful
as far as exposing yourself to people who have colds etc. Your inmune
system will be lowered during treatment. I would also suggest not to have your nails professional done during chemo. The point is to keep yourself away from any type of possible infections etc. Have your teeth
cleaned and any dental work prior to treatment. You can expect that about two days after your treatment to feel some side effects. Mostly
you will feel like you are coming down with a flu. This could last two days
and then you will begin to feel better. Make sure to take all nauesa meds even if you feel you don't need them. You may also have some heartburn
from the chemo. I took over the counter Prosalac, once again stay on the medication so nothing takes hold. Herceptin is rather easy, I did experience what we call the crusty nose. Your nose will run and then dry up, for this problem I would use neosporin cream inside my nose. Some of the gals use a nasal spray with saline. It is important to make your meals
count and eat protein. Small meals more often, I found yogurt to be a
good source in between meals. It is important to keep drinking fluids.
I realize how frightening this all is but please know your not alone.
Just reach out to me if you have any additional questions.
All good wishes to you.
Jean