Stage 3 breast cancer
Shellseak posted:
I've recently been diagnosed, is chemo really as bad as everything i've been reading. I haven't had the opportunity to talk to someone who has actually gone through it, or is going through it.
6 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Stage 3 breast cancerI've recently been diagnosed, is chemo really as bad as everything i've been reading. I haven't had the opportunity to talk to someone who has actually gone through it, or is going through it.
mhall6252 responded:
Welcome, and sorry you are dealing with this question. It's hard to know what you've been reading, so I have no frame of reference for answering your question. What I can say is that I am 62 and had dose dense chemo last summer. It wasn't as hard as I had made it to be in my mind. And there are meds for every side effect except hair loss and fatigue. Anti-nausea meds have gotten really good, I never vomited from chemo, not once. If you'd like to see and read a bit about it, I have a blog with pictures. Maybe it will help ease your mind.
http://www.mch-breastcancer.blogspot.com/2011/06/hair-today-port-tomorrow.html
If you start with the link and then read forward, you'll be able to learn how I got through chemo. I hope it helps ease your mind a bit.
Hugs,
Michelle
http://www.mch-breastcancer.blogspot.com/2011/06/hair-today-port-tomorrow.html
If you start with the link and then read forward, you'll be able to learn how I got through chemo. I hope it helps ease your mind a bit.
Hugs,
Michelle
Michelle
Read my blog at www.mch-breastcancer.blogspot.com
Smile and the world smiles with you!
Read my blog at www.mch-breastcancer.blogspot.com
Smile and the world smiles with you!
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 breast cancerWelcome, and sorry you are dealing with this question. It's hard to know what you've been reading, so I have no frame of reference for answering your question. What I can say is that I am 62 and had dose dense chemo last summer. It wasn't as hard as I had made it to be in my mind. And there are meds for every side effect except hair loss and fatigue. Anti-nausea meds have gotten really good, I never vomited from chemo, not once. If you'd like to see and read a bit about it, I have a blog with pictures. Maybe it will help ease your mind.<br /> <br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.mch-breastcancer.blogspot.com/2011/06/hair-today-port-tomorrow.html">http://www.mch-breastcancer.blogspot.com/2011/06/hair-today-port-tomorrow.html</a> <br /> <br />If you start with the link and then read forward, you'll be able to learn how I got through chemo. I hope it helps ease your mind a bit.<br /> <br />Hugs,<br />Michelle
I am sorry that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The ladies on this site are very compassionate and will give you their advice as you go through treatment.
The most important thing to remember is that everybod's reaction to treatment is individual - so one person will tell you about bad side effects and another will tell you she breezed through treatment.
So keeping that in mind there are a few things that will help you get through chemo. Keep yourself well hydrated with water and fruits like watermelon that have a high water content. Also tea an soups are good. Also eating many small meals every 2 or 3 hours is better than large meals. Lean protein is good. Stay away from fast, fatty, and processed meats. And lots of fruits and veggies will help with possible bowel problems.
As Michelle said, there are meds for the side effects of chemo, so please let your doctor know if you need them. This is NOT the time to try to be a hero!
Listen to your body and if you are fatigued or tired, then rest - don't push yourself - you must put yourself first! Let friends and family help with the household.
I was able to get through chemo by doing what I have listed.
Remember t o put yourself and your needs first and foremost while you are undergoing treatment.
Please let us know how you are doing with your chemo - and good luck!
Judy
The most important thing to remember is that everybod's reaction to treatment is individual - so one person will tell you about bad side effects and another will tell you she breezed through treatment.
So keeping that in mind there are a few things that will help you get through chemo. Keep yourself well hydrated with water and fruits like watermelon that have a high water content. Also tea an soups are good. Also eating many small meals every 2 or 3 hours is better than large meals. Lean protein is good. Stay away from fast, fatty, and processed meats. And lots of fruits and veggies will help with possible bowel problems.
As Michelle said, there are meds for the side effects of chemo, so please let your doctor know if you need them. This is NOT the time to try to be a hero!
Listen to your body and if you are fatigued or tired, then rest - don't push yourself - you must put yourself first! Let friends and family help with the household.
I was able to get through chemo by doing what I have listed.
Remember t o put yourself and your needs first and foremost while you are undergoing treatment.
Please let us know how you are doing with your chemo - and good luck!
Judy
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 breast cancerI am sorry that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The ladies on this site are very compassionate and will give you their advice as you go through treatment.<br />The most important thing to remember is that everybod's reaction to treatment is individual - so one person will tell you about bad side effects and another will tell you she breezed through treatment. <br />So keeping that in mind there are a few things that will help you get through chemo. Keep yourself well hydrated with water and fruits like watermelon that have a high water content. Also tea an soups are good. Also eating many small meals every 2 or 3 hours is better than large meals. Lean protein is good. Stay away from fast, fatty, and processed meats. And lots of fruits and veggies will help with possible bowel problems.<br />As Michelle said, there are meds for the side effects of chemo, so please let your doctor know if you need them. This is NOT the time to try to be a hero!<br />Listen to your body and if you are fatigued or tired, then rest - don't push yourself - you must put yourself first! Let friends and family help with the household.<br />I was able to get through chemo by doing what I have listed. <br />Remember t o put yourself and your needs first and foremost while you are undergoing treatment.<br />Please let us know how you are doing with your chemo - and good luck!<br />Judy
Sorry for your diagnosis and glad you have come to us to chat.
Everyone reacts differently to treatment, and there are many different types of chemo drugs, so let us know some more info if you can.
As others have told you staying hydrated is really important. Watermelon was literally my best friend thru the chemo. It was easily digestable and contains lots of water.
I also found chicken soup soothing, raisin toast, and drank a "boost" everyday.
Let others help you whenever possible- you need to take care of you now!!
Come back often and share your info.
We are always here for you -
best -
Jenna
Everyone reacts differently to treatment, and there are many different types of chemo drugs, so let us know some more info if you can.
As others have told you staying hydrated is really important. Watermelon was literally my best friend thru the chemo. It was easily digestable and contains lots of water.
I also found chicken soup soothing, raisin toast, and drank a "boost" everyday.
Let others help you whenever possible- you need to take care of you now!!
Come back often and share your info.
We are always here for you -
best -
Jenna
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 breast cancerSorry for your diagnosis and glad you have come to us to chat.<br />Everyone reacts differently to treatment, and there are many different types of chemo drugs, so let us know some more info if you can.<br />As others have told you staying hydrated is really important. Watermelon was literally my best friend thru the chemo. It was easily digestable and contains lots of water.<br />I also found chicken soup soothing, raisin toast, and drank a "boost" everyday.<br />Let others help you whenever possible- you need to take care of you now!!<br />Come back often and share your info.<br />We are always here for you -<br />best -<br />Jenna
cindy12345678 responded:
Shellseak,
I am sorry you have been dxd with this. I was terrified of
chemo. Today they have something for every side effect.
Tell your onc or onc nurse about your symptoms and they
will help you. I never threw up. I had some heartburn.
It will make you tired. The main thing is to take care of yourself.
I kept myself on a meal schedule, and an exercise
schedule. Whatever you can handle ie: maybe a small walk.
Some of the drugs don't have many side effects at all.
'Most have hair loss. But it will grow back. I was more
afraid than I needed to be. And like the ladies have said
if you don't want to eat something drink something.
That is very important. Please let us know how you are
doing.
Cindy
I am sorry you have been dxd with this. I was terrified of
chemo. Today they have something for every side effect.
Tell your onc or onc nurse about your symptoms and they
will help you. I never threw up. I had some heartburn.
It will make you tired. The main thing is to take care of yourself.
I kept myself on a meal schedule, and an exercise
schedule. Whatever you can handle ie: maybe a small walk.
Some of the drugs don't have many side effects at all.
'Most have hair loss. But it will grow back. I was more
afraid than I needed to be. And like the ladies have said
if you don't want to eat something drink something.
That is very important. Please let us know how you are
doing.
Cindy
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 breast cancerShellseak,<br />I am sorry you have been dxd with this. I was terrified of<br />chemo. Today they have something for every side effect.<br />Tell your onc or onc nurse about your symptoms and they<br />will help you. I never threw up. I had some heartburn. <br />It will make you tired. The main thing is to take care of yourself.<br />I kept myself on a meal schedule, and an exercise <br />schedule. Whatever you can handle ie: maybe a small walk.<br />Some of the drugs don't have many side effects at all.<br />'Most have hair loss. But it will grow back. I was more <br />afraid than I needed to be. And like the ladies have said<br />if you don't want to eat something drink something.<br />That is very important. Please let us know how you are<br />doing.<br />Cindy
brcansur responded:
Hello and welcome, I am sorry to hear of your dx but you have come to the right place we are here and opened 24/7 to chat or just listen for a shoulder to lean on or cry on or even for a good laugh every once in a while.
Now about the chemo I agree with all the other ladies you need to make sure and eat and drink through out the day that really does help a lot. My onc told me to try very small meals every 2 hours to stop the upset stomach feeling and it really did work. Even if it is crackers or toast it is something in your stomach. I would eat raisin toast with peanut butter for almost every meal for weeks but it worked and stayed down so that was what I had. Plus vanilla milk shackes for my drinks hey that is what tasted good for me and stayed down so that is what I used for my meals and drinks at the time. Then in between I ate fruit and veggies water melon was very good snack. Then I walked as much as my body could take even if it meant just around the house. But getting up and moving does help you feel better faster after each treatment.
But like everyone has said each person reacts different because each of us is different. I wish you all the best sending a loads of angel hugs your way. Please come back often to let us know how you are doing. Roberta,
Now about the chemo I agree with all the other ladies you need to make sure and eat and drink through out the day that really does help a lot. My onc told me to try very small meals every 2 hours to stop the upset stomach feeling and it really did work. Even if it is crackers or toast it is something in your stomach. I would eat raisin toast with peanut butter for almost every meal for weeks but it worked and stayed down so that was what I had. Plus vanilla milk shackes for my drinks hey that is what tasted good for me and stayed down so that is what I used for my meals and drinks at the time. Then in between I ate fruit and veggies water melon was very good snack. Then I walked as much as my body could take even if it meant just around the house. But getting up and moving does help you feel better faster after each treatment.
But like everyone has said each person reacts different because each of us is different. I wish you all the best sending a loads of angel hugs your way. Please come back often to let us know how you are doing. Roberta,
Roberta
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 breast cancerHello and welcome, I am sorry to hear of your dx but you have come to the right place we are here and opened 24/7 to chat or just listen for a shoulder to lean on or cry on or even for a good laugh every once in a while. <br />Now about the chemo I agree with all the other ladies you need to make sure and eat and drink through out the day that really does help a lot. My onc told me to try very small meals every 2 hours to stop the upset stomach feeling and it really did work. Even if it is crackers or toast it is something in your stomach. I would eat raisin toast with peanut butter for almost every meal for weeks but it worked and stayed down so that was what I had. Plus vanilla milk shackes for my drinks hey that is what tasted good for me and stayed down so that is what I used for my meals and drinks at the time. Then in between I ate fruit and veggies water melon was very good snack. Then I walked as much as my body could take even if it meant just around the house. But getting up and moving does help you feel better faster after each treatment. <br />But like everyone has said each person reacts different because each of us is different. I wish you all the best sending a loads of angel hugs your way. Please come back often to let us know how you are doing. Roberta, <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0">
mary19192 responded:
Adriamycin is pretty bad Chemo. I had a diagnosis of Stage III. I am sure you will get that as your first Chemo. Make sure you get a Port inplanted. Don't take the Chemo through the veins in your arm. I had four session of Adriamycin & Cyclocin they were bad. Ten days of feeling bad. The next four session of Chemo was Paclitaxel (Taxel) Not as bad, but does cause nerve damage so take supplements of L-Gulamine 30 grams daily. You can find that at GNC. I mixed it with yogurt or smoothies. Of course every person is different. Make sure you drink lots of water during treatment or get IV fluids it will help on recovery time. You are in my prayers.
Report This| Share this:Stage 3 breast cancerAdriamycin is pretty bad Chemo. I had a diagnosis of Stage III. I am sure you will get that as your first Chemo. Make sure you get a Port inplanted. Don't take the Chemo through the veins in your arm. I had four session of Adriamycin & Cyclocin they were bad. Ten days of feeling bad. The next four session of Chemo was Paclitaxel (Taxel) Not as bad, but does cause nerve damage so take supplements of L-Gulamine 30 grams daily. You can find that at GNC. I mixed it with yogurt or smoothies. Of course every person is different. Make sure you drink lots of water during treatment or get IV fluids it will help on recovery time. You are in my prayers.
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