I've never had either one but just wanted to say how sorry I am that you have this crappy disease. I hope you recover from your surgery quickly and everything goes well with the chemo and radiation. ((((Cheryl)))

I've had chemo and radiation. All chemos are not the same. They have different chemicals they can use. The first chemo I had (off and on for 2 years) was not bad. I never got sick. I did lose some feeling in my fingertips and feet. The feeling usually comes back. I also lost my appetite and lost a lot of weight. My doctor prescribed Megace with gives you an appetite and I gained my weight back.
Several months ago the doctor changed one if the chemicals in
my chemo. It's the one that causes the numbness. The new chemical caused me to lose my hair, and that's been the only side effect. I have my
chemo in San Antonio and drive 53 miles one way. I go by myself and have no problems driving there and back.

There was nothing to my radiation. It only took about 10 minutes and I never felt a thing.

Cancer treatments have come a long way. Don't be afraid. Just be glad there is something to fight the cancer. :0)

I too was petrified when I learned I needed both chemo and radiation after a lumpectomy.

As Maryann said, "All chemos are not the same." Also, some folks will handle the same chemo differently.

I had a mix of 3 things and I lost about 1/2 of my hair, but when it all came in new, it was wonderful curls...thus the moniker chemocurl.

I think I had 6 doses, spaced 3 weeks apart. I had it on a Thurs, and on Fri I always felt like Superwoman and had tons of energy. By Sat, I felt a little icky and just pampered myself, doing nothing but resting/relaxing.

Radiation was a breeze. I went daily (5 times a week for 6 weeks) and got it before going to work. I was in and out of the hospital radiation center in probably less than 15 minutes. I don't remember having any side effects from it at all.

but any hints or suggestions on how I can get through this would be wonderful and much appreciated.
Just pamper yourself through it all like you have never pampered yourself before. If anyone offers assistance with anything, consider letting them help. Get your rest, plenty of it. Eat healthy to keep up your strength though it all. Get plenty of rest, and treat yourself to naps whenever possible. If you are well rested and well fed, your spirit and body will best be able to handle the stress of it all.

Hang tuff...this too shall pass.

Sue...wishing you well.

Wishing you the best Cheryl. Please keep us all posted as to how you are doing. ((Hugs))

Sue

I also was diagnosed with breast cancer late Feb of this year. Have had 5 surgeries since then (last one was to insert a medport to receive my treatments) and am now on chemotherapy,(Cytoxan, Methotrexate and Florouracil) having 2 weeks of treatment and then 2 weeks off lasting 6 months. I have only had 2 treatments, but so far have not had many side affects. First treatment, I took an anti-nausea pill and the constipation wasn't very nice. Next treatment, I drank LOTS of water afterwards, ate foods to help with constipation and didn't need an anti-nausea pill. But they do administer Zofran for nausea at the beginning of my chemo treatments. My first treatment took 2 hours, as they needed to see how I reacted to each med. Second treatment was less than an hour. As Sue stated, pamper yourself, get lots of rest (the world will wait until you are through your treatment). I was never one to take a nap, but I now take one every day. Search for foods that will help raise your white blood cells, foods that help with constipation, should you need the anti-nausea meds. My Dr told me not to eat large meals, just to 'graze' all day. And wintermint candy helps with any stomach upset that I may have. I also have blood drawn every Tuesday and have learned to drink lots of water before the draw, to keep myself hydrated so it is easier for the lab tech to make the draw.

On a lighter note, as they say "your mileage may very"..:-)
I'm thinking you will do just fine.

I'm thinking the 3 drugs I had were the same ones jean is having.

My boyfriend went with me for my first treatment, and then we stopped and ate out afterwards. After the initial treatment, I went alone and usually shopped and went out to eat by myself while I was in out of town and in a much bigger town with more stores and places to eat. I never took the anti-nausea med, though I had the prescription filled and available if I had needed it. There may have been something for nausea in the actual treatment, but I'm not sure.

Sue

Gee Whiz, Cheryl! When you do something you do it big! lol
(a bad sense of humor helps too lol)

I agree with what every one else has written. Just go with the flow, and don't be angry like one of the ladies sitting next to me. I told her that I was HAPPY to be there getting chemo.. the alternative didn't sound to good to me and that I was thankful that there are all these options!
Well, I've taken the anti nausea pills.. they are wonderful. I didn't need them with the chemicals before Christmas. They say most people DO need them for those. But I DID need them for the new chemicals (the ones before Christmas weren't working... these are) and they say most people on this one don't! lol DH says I have always been difficult!

I could not have radiation, so I don't know about that. like everyone said, chemicals and people are all different and everyone reacts differently. I CAN tell you that things have changed in just the 11 years from my last round with chemo. You'll probably be tired. I slept last week away! lol You might join a support group for a while. It really helps to have people to talk to. I felt like my friends and family were probably sick of listening to me and it was nice to speak with peeps that were going through the same thing. My support group was called beyond cancer. It was for all kinds of cancer. AND they were all so full of GREAT information! We all learned so much, about new treatments, new drugs... neat stuff that your doc doesn't tell you ....

The length is different too. Chemo before Christmas was 1 8 hour day every 3 weeks. Now it is one 6 hour day and one 4 hour day every 4 weeks.

And you can come here and talk to all of us!

((((((Cheryl and family))))))

Very important to keep up your spirits. Since losing my one breast, I hear a lot of boob jokes...(I make jokes about it myself). All my family was here for mother's day, played games and laughed our heads off. During one card game, one daughter said "I don't have a pair of anything, I said, "neither do I" (insert laughter) just then hubby walked through the door..other daughter said "oh yes you do" (insert more laughter)....My point is, a positive outlook does wonders for our physical and spiritual health. It is scary, but there has been so many medical breakthroughs the last few years...

I had pretty rigorous chemo for two years in the early 80s. Things have changed a lot since then. As others have said some chemo isn't so bad and there are lots of meds to offset side effects. Even though my chemo was pretty tough, I wasn't sick for very long each time I had it and most of the time I felt good and enjoyed life immensely. I also lost my hair completely but I also lost my right leg above the knee so I guess that put the hair in the proper perspective - not a big deal. I think it's important to try to think positive - including thinking positive about side effects not being too bad and trying not to have a lot of anxiety about that. Long term successful treatment far outweighs the temporary side effects of chemo.

Thanks so much everyone for your help - it sounds like the chemo may not be quite as bad as I keep thinking it will be - I know it is no "picnic" to go through and I hope that the nausea tablets will help. One thing that I have found since being diagnosed is the great number of people who have had cancer in some form - it almost seems like it is in epidemic proportions!!!!
I am trying to keep up my spirits and to keep a positive attitude - I could have been in a lot worse situation if the colon cancer hadn't turned out as well as it did, so I am very thankful for that.
Jean - you have had five surgeries - wow - I certainly hope that mine will stop at 2 for the breast.
Kat, your comment about the alternative not being so good is very true. The Mater Hospital in Newcastle has a very good oncology/radiation department and I have seen one of the doctors there and when they discuss the treatments, they ask am I willing to go down that road and I think to myself that I would be mad if I didn't. I guess they cannot force patients to have these treatments and each patient's circumstances are different, but these treatments are to try and prolong life and to help us.
Anyway, I still have some things to do before heading for the hospital, so thanks again for your help - and your support!!!!

Hoping everything will go as well for you as it did for me. I had two breast surgeries, as you have, then chemo followed by radiation. My experience was not bad. I only felt a bit sick the day after my chemo sessions and then bounced right back. Radiation was just every morning on the way to work - no problems. My "getting ready for work" time was considerably shorter when I was hairless :)

hugs, good thoughts, and prayers to you; as well as "know", our red shirt Thursdays will include special thoughts for your winning this battle! Nanny

Can't add a lot here because it mostly has already been said. The one thing that bothered me the most was being so tired all the time. I still have not regained all my strength but it is better, As Maryann said, chemos vary widely and it will depend on what you have but the treatment has come a long way and you don't really hear the horror stories any more. I didn't lose any weight, in fact, I gained 30 over the year and one half treatment because of steroids they gave me with my chemo. I also had the anti nausea meds and never through up even once. With my radiation with the breast cancer, I had some burning of the skin but even that they managed with meds, It was like a sever sunburn. I am currently in remission and consider myself very lucky. Good Luck with your treatment and please keep us updated on how things are going. Having all my internet friends to lean on and share my cancer with was a real asset to me. Don't be afraid, the treatment is to heal you and to give you good results. I always tell everyone that the worst part of the diagnosis was the fear when you hear those words but I decided that I wouldn't let fear rule my life and from that day forward, I just took one day and one step at a time without fear.
csncer is no longer a death sentence ...thank God.

I have to admit that chemo was not very hard for me either. No nausea or vomiting at all. No mouth sores (I sipped popsicles and ice cold water during the infusions which helps prevent them). Sure I lost all my hair everywhere but it grew back and I have to say my chemo cut with the curls was the nicest hair style I ever had. I considered the chemo my friend as it was saving my life. Getting angry and depressed is a normal feeling and you certainly don't have to stay positive all of the time. I did find that I learned to enjoy the small things in life and didn't sweat the small problems anymore. I am a happier person now. Cancer sure did change my life and in some ways for the better.

I am so sorry this year has been so bad for you, I know the feeling! (I too was diagnoised with cancer in Feb, was blessed as a hysterectomy was all I needed to be cancer free). To top it off for me too was the fact that I'd turned 50 the first of Feb :) Anyway, things are still VERY new for you, and your emotions are probably still very raw, but you have many friends here who care!

Vickey-MN

I just want to say, I am so sorry you are having
to deal with this.

And, you have received a lot of good, good information.
All chemos are definitely not the same. Just be
sure you, or an advocate, make sure you are getting
everything you need - something for the nausea, the
loss of appetite, etc. Talk, talk to your Dr., your
pharmacist, etc. what ever it takes.

They have some wonderful fixes for some of the side
effects.

I wish you all the very, very best. Hang tough.

Hugs.

I wish every one of you suffering from this horrible disease an easy treatment time and a complete cure and a healthy life from then on.

as the ladies said every doc has h/her own mix..i had 4 doses every 3 weeks...lost my hair (i helped it along and shaved my head) wore scarves, and a hat...a nice warm one, since i went thru it late summer/fall. the "side effect" for me was the steriod i was given ..motor-boated all over the house for the 3 days i took them, then crashed and slept--alot! i recieved the mix thru an iv in my arm and had to sit for 3-4 hours...watched tv or read..btw i drove to and from all my appts alone, because i was able to...never had to take the pill (at home) for getting sick..the mix they gave with fluids before the treatment, worked for me...now a pal i met did, and was sick, but not for long...

had 33 radiation treatments...in my case i did have skin peeling (like a bad sunburn) and used special script ointment..what was difficult for me was the darn table you lay on..no padding and those 10 minutes were hard on my back...and holding still...

now i'm on fermera an anti-hormone, that both a coz-inlaw and i have found makes you pretty tired..but she's back to work and i manage to get what needs to be done..almost, lol...thanks be for insurance! those little brown pills are expensive!

i'm having a little difficulty dealing with the new curly hair-do...but actually it's kind of fun!

i never use the "c" word. i'm not trying to hide or make believe it didn't happen, but i also don't want to be defined as that granny with cancer...think one of the best moments i had, was when i was leaving and the nurse said something funny...was loling...had another patient stop me and ask for some of whatever i had..so gave him a big hug...from then on i did/do try to smile laugh and not dwell on what has happen but what i can do ahead...

please relate all your treatment, care, and what you're going thru...i was so happy the other ladies did here...who knows? you may help another woman sometime someplace...

btw they have some cute bandana-type scarves at wal mart in the purse dept(?) i found one for halloween that was orange with skeletons..so wore it with an orange top for trick or treaqting with the grands...told them it was my halloween costume!

Cheryl, you will be in my prayers while you are going through this. Like the others have said chemo is not as bad as the horror stories you have heard. I was really afraid until after my first treatment. My doctors gave me a prescription before I started. I wasn't sick to my stomach at all, but I did get anemic so be sure and eat right.The chemo nurses were wonderful, so be sure and talk to them about any issues you have. Radiation was no problem. I finished my treatments in February and already have my hair back. I still get tired and have learned to pace myself. Just follow the advice that these great ladies have given you and you will do fine. Take care of yourself and God Bless.

Cheryl,I'm sorry you have to join this sisterhood,but as the others have said it's all doable.

I was diagnosed in 2008 3 mos after i had undergone a total knee replacement,so i too had a double whammy that year.

I didn't have to have rads,so can't comment on those.I just had 6 chemo sessions 3 weeks apart,and to be truthful it seemed each one was a little different.I had a port,so that made it easier for me as well.

I had taxotere and cytoxan chemo drugs and aloxi for nausea,benadryl and a steroid,all of these were infused thru my port before the actual start of the chemo drugs.

My biggest problem was diahrreah(sp) and nothing they gave me for it helped,but that's just me.I lost 47 pounds,also all my hair .The hair fell out on the 17th day after the start of chemo,just as they had predicted.

I have my hair back now but it is much straighter and thinner than it was b4 chemo,and has no body whatsoever.

Would i do it again,you betcha!! As someone else said it's better than the alternative,and it's all doable.

Just keep a positive attitude.
When you go to the dr,take someone with you or at least a small tape recorder,i did both.Dr's don't mind the recorders.

You may also want to visit Breastcancer.org.My surgeon recommended this site to me and it was and still is a big help.

In the meantime i'll add you to my prayer list.Hang in there,"This too shall pass".
Kathi

Wow, this *has* been an awful year for you.

The only experience I have with chemo and radiation was when my mom was being treated for lung cancer. I remember that the chemo wasn't pleasant, as she was there for 5-6 hours, and she didn't feel great the same day. She did have some nausea, but no throwing up, and said it was manageable. I know she didn't plan to do anything else on the days she had chemo.

By the next day, though, she was all right. Her chemo was once a week, and she had six good days each week. She said it was *way* better than she had expected. She continued to go bowling every week, work part-time (she was retired) as a tax preparer, and go out with her friends.

She did lose her hair, which was traumatic, but she bought two good wigs and a few scarves and made the best of it.

As for the radiation, it was very quick and, she said, completely painless.

I hope you have the best possible experience and results. You'll be in my prayers.