Scared and needing support

ccardenas112 @ccardenas112

It can be a very nervous time, but everyone experience is different. I actually had very little trouble with a chemo regiment similar to yours. Drove myself to all appts, went by myself, and had minimal side effects.

Few suggestions:
- Would be beneficial if someone goes with you for first appt for moral support.
- Take all pretreatment meds for nausea that are recommended / prescribed.
- Drink fluids prior, if dehydrated, harder to start IV. Do not worry about drinking too much and needing to go bathroom, I would just take IV pole with me.
- Wear comfortable clothes and easy to access arm for IV.
- They always weighed me when checked in, so started wearing slip on shoes.
- If after starting chemo, if some food do not agree, try something else.

And if having problems or side effect tell nurse / provider , they can help with symptoms.

Laurie

Thank you! These are so helpful. I never thought about the slip on shoes. I actually get my port in tomorrow so I’m nervous about that.
Thank you for your help! ❤️

Good luck with port, if had to do again, I would of asked for port. Would of eliminated all IV picks, my veins wiggle and many techs had problems. Actually asked about a port toward end and they said to close to finishing to make sense.

Laurie

I can't write about treatment experiences as I was hormone negative but HER2 +. But I can tell you how I managed. The port was a "godsend" It was conveniently placed and easy for the nurses to access. Yes you will be weighed every time you go for treatment to acurately give you the correct amount of your chemo. I always had water to drink, a book to read or a crochet/knit project to work on. One of my pre drugs for nausea (I think) made me sleepy so I napped.
I stayed as active as I could throughout my treatment. My morning walks were a must every day. I ate well, probably better than pre-cancer. If raw fruits and veggies bothered my digestive system, I cooked them and I could tolerate them so much better. A positive approach was also key for me. I also napped when I was tired, but no more than a half hour mid day. Don't hesitate to tell your team what is happenig at home, there may be adjustments you can safely make.
Our experiences are similar but different. Listen to your body and your needs. I wish you well.

Thank you so much! The port placement wasn’t bad at all! I’m very good about hydrating so hopefully that won’t be a problem for me. My goal is to keep active throughout because that helps me mentally more than anything. I exercise now 3-5 times a week so I may need to dial back the intensity and give myself some grace if I’m not feeling like it. I just want to be able to enjoy my son’s basketball games. Thank you for your suggestions! They’re very helpful🙏🏼❤️

I was diagnosed at 66 with TNBC. For me, red devil came first and I did lose my hair right on schedule-around the second treatment. Knowing this would happen, I did preorder a wig which I did wear until my hair grew out some. Be patient-it takes awhile.

Red devil is progressive, I believe. I didn’t feel too bad after the first treatment, but by the third and fourth I was not able to live my normal life. Taxol was easier although others disagree with this.

My husband went with me to my first chemo, but after that I drove myself. I preferred this as I developed a relationship with my infusion nurse. I packed iPad, healthy snacks, ereader-whatever made it seem “enjoyable” if that makes sense at all.

Lastly, I took advantage of visiting an integrative medicine doctor. He helped my greatly with diet, supplements (he did not sell them) and alternative methods for healing (meditation, acupuncture, etc.) if I chose to avail myself of those-which I did not. These doctors will not be covered by insurance but the cost was not outrageous and it was worth it for me.

Best wishes to you, Cindy

Thank you, Cindy. This is very helpful. I’m encouraged to know that I’ll be able to drive myself to most chemo. I’ll have to change my plan as needed once I start the “red” treatment since my son is younger and will have activities he needs to go to.
I have an appointment for a wig fitting tomorrow just to have everything in place before I start.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and tell me your experience. I really appreciate it. Glad you’re on the other side of this🙏🏼❤️

It’s very normal to be scared. I was scared too. The best thing to do is tell yourself you will be fine. Try and go on this journey with a positive attitude. Not everyone gets sick and feels bad. My worst part of chemo was, I slept allot. I never got sick . I also had Taxel, 16 treatments and then 35 radiation. It’s a process in which you listen to your oncologist and follow all the instructions they give you, don’t ever be afraid to ask questions . Unfortunately losing the hair usually comes within the first treatments, this is a devastating aspect but you will move on from it with time. My hair has come back with avengance! Better than before and no gray!! Your body will let you know what it needs, rest etc. Listen to your body. I wish you all the best on this journey and you will be ok

Thank you! This is encouraging to hear. My chemo nurse said she only had a handful of patients that felt sick and the main complaint was feeling very tired.
I’m an extremely positive person by nature so I think just the anticipation of starting it all is what is getting to me.
One of my nurses said my hair would thin with Taxol but not fall out because my treatment is a lower dosage more frequently, but then another said it would fall out. I guess I’ll find out;) I have 12 weekly treatments with Taxel then once every 3 weeks with the red chemo. Some sort of surgery afterwards depending upon my genetic testing.
I’m not worried for myself, I just don’t want my son to have to change his life drastically for me.
Thank you for your comment and I’m glad you’re better now!

Just wanted to add? I also drove to all my appointments, I packed a bag of snacks and I took word search books and crossword puzzles with me to keep occupied. For some reason I craved tuna fish, so I would take a sandwich with me. It makes the time go faster. Hope this helps!!