Hi Colleen. I am doing three at one time: Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and Cisplatin in 21 day cycles. I got some information on side effects but felt frustrated as it seems they don't know alot until you get your first dose.
I just joined connect today. I have been diagnosed with Thymoma. Mayo believes it is stage three but there have been issues properly staging the tumor due to how much necrosis there is. My anxiety is just through the roof. I have never been to so many doctor appointments in my life. I am currently 44yrs old. My tumor is currently not operable due to how close it is to my aortic arch (I think that is what the surgeon said). They want to try and shrink it with chemotherapy and the idea terrifies me. Anyone here done chemo? I am also soooo scared of the eventual sternotomy. How did everyone stay positive and not spiral?
@judyjohnson2025, I can understand how worried you are. You are in good hands at Mayo Clinic.
It's not uncommon to have chemo before surgery to help shrink the tumor and make it easier to get the cancer out with clear margins (meaning getting all the tumor out.)
When you hear the words chemo, I can imagine your mind races with all the stories of side effects. Keep in mind that there are many different types of chemo, some have few side effects. I find knowledge is power. Do you know what type of chemo you will be getting, the name of the drug? Did the nurse or doctor review the side effects with you?
I just joined connect today. I have been diagnosed with Thymoma. Mayo believes it is stage three but there have been issues properly staging the tumor due to how much necrosis there is. My anxiety is just through the roof. I have never been to so many doctor appointments in my life. I am currently 44yrs old. My tumor is currently not operable due to how close it is to my aortic arch (I think that is what the surgeon said). They want to try and shrink it with chemotherapy and the idea terrifies me. Anyone here done chemo? I am also soooo scared of the eventual sternotomy. How did everyone stay positive and not spiral?
I just joined connect today. I have been diagnosed with Thymoma. Mayo believes it is stage three but there have been issues properly staging the tumor due to how much necrosis there is. My anxiety is just through the roof. I have never been to so many doctor appointments in my life. I am currently 44yrs old. My tumor is currently not operable due to how close it is to my aortic arch (I think that is what the surgeon said). They want to try and shrink it with chemotherapy and the idea terrifies me. Anyone here done chemo? I am also soooo scared of the eventual sternotomy. How did everyone stay positive and not spiral?
I don't mean to scare anyone. I was diagnosed with a thymoma in February of 2023. Surgery on May 12, 2023. I was told it would be a robotic surgery, only being out of work for 3 weeks. I woke up with tubes all over me, a gash a foot long in my back shoulder area, right below my shoulder blade, with tubes coming out of it, and missing half a lung, along with nerves cut. I've been in pain ever since. The pain is constant and unbearable. What was suggested by one Pain Center, and a 2nd opinion a 3-hour drive away, my insurance will not cover what they suggested. I went through radiation, got shingles, got pneumonia, unbearable nerve pain for over 2 years now. Having regular CT or PAT scans. Oh yeah, shingles reoccurred, and another trip to ER with pneumonia. I was a hefty 145 lbs. at 5'2", I'm now trying to maintain 94-95 lbs. It's just hard to have an appetite with all the pain. I go to Mayo Clinic tomorrow and am praying so hard they can help me. I'm excited, but hard to hold out hope right now. I'm accepting all the prayers I can get.
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Hi Colleen. I am doing three at one time: Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and Cisplatin in 21 day cycles. I got some information on side effects but felt frustrated as it seems they don't know alot until you get your first dose.
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2 Reactions@judyjohnson2025, I can understand how worried you are. You are in good hands at Mayo Clinic.
It's not uncommon to have chemo before surgery to help shrink the tumor and make it easier to get the cancer out with clear margins (meaning getting all the tumor out.)
When you hear the words chemo, I can imagine your mind races with all the stories of side effects. Keep in mind that there are many different types of chemo, some have few side effects. I find knowledge is power. Do you know what type of chemo you will be getting, the name of the drug? Did the nurse or doctor review the side effects with you?
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1 Reaction@judyjohnson2025
I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis! My heart goes out to you 💖
I found my strength and resilience through hope, positivity, acceptance and action.
Embrace the journey, and take it one step at a time.
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2 ReactionsI just joined connect today. I have been diagnosed with Thymoma. Mayo believes it is stage three but there have been issues properly staging the tumor due to how much necrosis there is. My anxiety is just through the roof. I have never been to so many doctor appointments in my life. I am currently 44yrs old. My tumor is currently not operable due to how close it is to my aortic arch (I think that is what the surgeon said). They want to try and shrink it with chemotherapy and the idea terrifies me. Anyone here done chemo? I am also soooo scared of the eventual sternotomy. How did everyone stay positive and not spiral?
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2 ReactionsUnfortunately the surgery had to be postponed for a month while I am treated for MG.
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1 Reaction@samsammie, all the best with your upcoming surgery. Did you learn more about how the surgery will be done and how to prepare?
I’m having surgery 11/4 the surgeon hasn’t specified how he will go in.
I am sorry, I hope you have you back soon. In the meantime I wish you the best.
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1 ReactionThank you so much for the prayers. I thought I was going to get good news at the Mayo Clinic yesterday. Ended up in the ER. I just want me back.
I am sending prayers to you. All I can say take one day at a time. I know it’s a redundant statement but it helps me when I am upset.