Port in - Chemo tips?

Sheryl H · 03-15-2007, 11:06 AM

I had my port put in yesterday. Not too bad, although I'm more sore than I thought I would be.

I had a lumpectomy in Dec. 2006. My onc didn't think I needed chemo, so I started radiation. Before finishing that, I had the Oncotype DX test done, which showed I had a high rate of recurrence, so he decided I would benefit from chemo after all. I start it March 20th. Four treatments of A/C. I know I need to rest if I need it, drink lots of water and take my antinausea meds. Anyone have any other tips?

I am her2 positive, so will be taking Herceptin down the road.

Thanks for all your help.

LAURIE · 03-15-2007, 11:10 AM

I did not work during chemo and I really enjoyed the days I felt good. Like a little vacation. I did not have the greatest time on A/C, but if I can get through it, you can. Complain all you want and watch funny things on T.V. laughter is truly great medication.

Erin · 03-15-2007, 12:30 PM

Did my 2nd round of TCH last Thursday. Had lots of problems with severe constipation this time. My system just went on strike and I was in really severe pain. Now I have swung the other way and can't seem to eat without spending a hour in the bathroom each time. Don't know if AC has this side effect, but compared to all the others it was the worst!

You may feel pretty good the first few days after your infusion. It tends to really hit home for me on days 3-8, so don't overdo, thinking you are going to sail through. I think the worst part is the Chemo-brain...the spacey feeling and the inability to concentrate or recall words. I know that this bothers me more because I am working and trying to maintain a level of work that is probably unrealistic in the long run :-)

Best of luck with your first treatment. Let us know how it goes.

janet11 · 03-15-2007, 01:49 PM

Good luck Erin. I finished 6 cycles of TCH in January. I'd take 1 senekot nightly for the first 4 days of the chemo cycle. Then the first time I had the 'runs", I'd take 2 Immodium. the second time, I'd take 1. Never had to take more.

This is what my onc suggested, and it really kept things under control for me.

Good luck,
Janet

tousled1 · 03-15-2007, 10:39 PM

I guess I was lucky with the A/C. I had dense dose 4 A/C followed by 4 Taxatere. While on the A/C I took EMEND the day of and then for 2 days after. I was fortuante I was never nasueated. I did drink plenty of water. The only thing I had was that my white and red blood counts dropped severely. I had to get the Neulasta shots and Procrit shots. I did get fatigued as well. A/C is doable just make sure you drink plenty of fluids and take your antinaseau meds whether you think you need them or not.