Topic information for: chemo
Related Questions
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Is there an expected phase of depression after a lumpectomy or mastectomy? During or after chemo?
Asked by Catherine Nodurft
Family Member or Loved One- View all 14 answers
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sandy glisman
Survivor since 2011
I'm only four weeks out of surgery but i already know i will never be the same. Not physically or emotionally!! It forever changes you but not all bad. Alot of wonderful things have come from this!! I have learned to be more patient, not sweat the small things, appreciate things i took for...
11 comments 13I'm only four weeks out of surgery but i already know i will never be the same. Not physically or emotionally!! It forever changes you but not all bad. Alot of wonderful things have come from this!! I have learned to be more patient, not sweat the small things, appreciate things i took for granted, found kindness where i never knew it existed, and met amazing courageous ladies, like all of you!! I get depressed, but i try to focus on the good things that have happened. We just all have to find and accept our new "normal" We can do it, with each others help!!! Us pink ladies ROCK!!! Stay strong and focused!!
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Lisa Cefaratti
Survivor since 2009
I am a BC survivor. Diagnosed in August of 2009. Had single total mastectomy followed by 4 rounds of chemo. As I was going through everything I was sort-of in a holding pattern. Just doing everything day by day as I needed to, but once the chemo was finished I felt this overwhelming sense of...
7 comments 8I am a BC survivor. Diagnosed in August of 2009. Had single total mastectomy followed by 4 rounds of chemo. As I was going through everything I was sort-of in a holding pattern. Just doing everything day by day as I needed to, but once the chemo was finished I felt this overwhelming sense of depression. I felt lost, left at the side of the road. There were no more treatment appointments, doctor's appointments went to every 3 months then every 6, and I really felt like...ok, it's time for me to pick up the pieces now. But I didn't know how. I didn't know how to feel, what to feel, or what to do for that matter. On top of all that, my body decided that it was time to launch me into menopause. Now, almost 2 years later, the depression has pretty much subsided, thanks to taking walks with my dogs. I do have a very bad case of extreme exhaustion, which has been very challenging. I can sleep from 10pm until 4 or 5pm the next day sometimes. I find I have to force myself to get up, and even then, my legs feel like they are lead. I am back to work part-time, and it is getting a little easier as time goes on. I found that most of my depression came from guilt. I felt that I should be able to bounce right back into my life. I don't think after breast cancer you ever bounce back into your life. For me, anyway, it's a somewhat "different" life. You look at things differently, you will notice that many things don't matter anymore...little things, that shouldn't have mattered before. You will also see people in a different light. I noticed the triteness in many people. People who take their lives for granted, and are focused on what they have and are going to get, rather than if they are kind to other people, and accepting of other's mistakes. Anyways, I digress. I guess in a nutshell, you very well may experience depression, but there are a whole lot of other emotions you will also experience. Just learn to take the bad with the good, and know that it WILL get better! Good luck to all you women who have yet to start on this journey. It really is a journey of the body, mind, and spirit. So, be good to all of them, because this journey really never ends...you will always be a survivor!
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What nutrition supplements are recommended during Chemo treatment? Especially for raising the White Blood Cells level?
Asked by Laura Crawford
Learning About Breast Cancer-
Cathy Wadkins
Learning About Breast Cancer
Dear Laura,
My doctor told me not to take any vitamins because chemo works the best when your immune system is down, that's why they give you 24 hours after each chemo a neulasta shot and that starts building your white blood cells back up. Right before they hit me again with chemo they checked...1 comment 1Dear Laura,
My doctor told me not to take any vitamins because chemo works the best when your immune system is down, that's why they give you 24 hours after each chemo a neulasta shot and that starts building your white blood cells back up. Right before they hit me again with chemo they checked my blood and it always came out good.stay away from people because you are subject to any jerks and wash your hands constantly. So don't worry about vitamins until you are completely through with chemo, let it do it's job -
Karrie Cameron
Patient
My case manager told me today to take a multiple-vitamin but not the one for women as there is estrogen in it. So just look for a regular multiple-vitamin.
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I am 2 years past first finding out I had BC. I have had chemotherapy, radio, 5 operations and am now on tomoxifen and zolidex. I am tired all the time, completely exhausted and I keep putting on weight. Has anyone else had this problem? X X
Asked by Bev Hollis
Learning About Breast Cancer-
Lynnette Belt
Learning About Breast Cancer
Yes I have been taking
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Arimidex since last May and I have gained 30 lbs am exhausted and cannot walk my mile and a half I used to walk every day, I had more energy during radiation! -
Bev Hollis
Learning About Breast Cancer
It's so hard, thank you for replying. I def had more energy when I was having treatment. Had a hospital appointment last week and they said I can stop having the zoladex injection, I'm hoping that will help me get back to normal x
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What is the best way to deal with hair loss? I had my first chemo treatment five days ago and I'm dreading it. I'm more nervous and sick about that than the chemotherapy. I know it's silly, it will grow back.
Asked by L D
Survivor since 2004- View all 11 answers
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Nancy Bailey
Learning About Breast Cancer
Don't feel silly! I cut my hair close before I started chemotherapy. It did give me a sense of empowerment and I actually like wearing it short. It has been four days since my second treatment and I am beginning to lose what's left. As hard as it may be, I have decided to shave the...
Comment 4Don't feel silly! I cut my hair close before I started chemotherapy. It did give me a sense of empowerment and I actually like wearing it short. It has been four days since my second treatment and I am beginning to lose what's left. As hard as it may be, I have decided to shave the remainder and try to get past it.
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Diana Foster
Survivor since 2012
Hi LD...your feelings are normal. :). It's very difficult to lose your hair. My oncologist told me I'd start losing my hair about 2 weeks after my first chemo. She was right. I spoke with women that had gone through the same thing and most said the decided to have it cut or buzzed before it...
3 comments 3Hi LD...your feelings are normal. :). It's very difficult to lose your hair. My oncologist told me I'd start losing my hair about 2 weeks after my first chemo. She was right. I spoke with women that had gone through the same thing and most said the decided to have it cut or buzzed before it started to come out or when it first began. When I began noticing mine coming out, I had my boyfriend buzz it for me. It would have been too difficult to watch it come out in clumps. Plus it made me feel empowered. I think the anxiety about losing my hair was worse than it actually being gone. Afterwards I felt I relieved. I had one step over with...then could move on to the next step! I wear scarves a lot. There are some great organizations where you can get beautiful scarves and wigs from. Just let me know if you'd like the links. Wishing you the best!
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I've has a double mastectomy, 6 chemo treatments and 12 lymph nodes removed on one side. I'm thinking of not getting radiation. What is there left to radiate? Has anyone elected the same in the past?
Asked by Estelle Dacquisto
Stage 3A Patient-
Kathy M
Learning About Breast Cancer
I had a double mastectomy and chemo and will be undergoing radiation. Their reasoning was that there could still be cells under the breast skin especially if you had a skin sparing mastectomy which they often do if you elect to have reconstruction. As far as lymph nodes, I also had a lot removed...
5 comments 2I had a double mastectomy and chemo and will be undergoing radiation. Their reasoning was that there could still be cells under the breast skin especially if you had a skin sparing mastectomy which they often do if you elect to have reconstruction. As far as lymph nodes, I also had a lot removed but there are still lymph nodes remaining and radiation is supposed to be a direct attack on any residual cancer cell in that area. I hope this helps but if not perhaps get a second opinion from a different oncologist.
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Lori S
Learning About Breast Cancer
Could also be remaining cancer cells in the chest wall.
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What are the treatment options and side effects for pregnant women?
Asked by Linda Simms
Learning About Breast Cancer -
Why is chemotherapy still needed if breast cancer has been caught early? I have grade 3 cancer & although the tumor (28mm) was removed & the lymph node showed clear, I have to have chemo
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer- View all 4 answers
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Elise Merchant
Learning About Breast Cancer
Because it's to ensure that there aren't any straggling cells. :-) Good luck!
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Yolanda Pruneda
Learning About Breast Cancer
I'm at a stage 2b and just completed 6months of chemo. The Doctor told me that chemo is recommended since there is still a 40% chance the cancer has spread in areas he's not able to see yet. The chemo helps and I'd get it to be safe. My lymph nodes are now clear and the large tumor shrunk.
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I'm meeting with the chemo Dr in a couple of days. When should I to expect to start the process of getting started?
Asked by Francine Williams
Learning About Breast Cancer-
Diana Foster
Survivor since 2012
Hi Francine, chemo, is sometimes done before surgery. It just depends on your Onc and stage of cancer. My chemo was done first. I met with my dr, the had a PET scan, MUGA scan(which determines how strong your heart is prior to taking chemo). Normally you'll meet with your Onc after those test are...
Comment 1Hi Francine, chemo, is sometimes done before surgery. It just depends on your Onc and stage of cancer. My chemo was done first. I met with my dr, the had a PET scan, MUGA scan(which determines how strong your heart is prior to taking chemo). Normally you'll meet with your Onc after those test are done. Then usually you'll have a port installed in your chest area. This makes it so much easier to administer your chemo. And save your veins from being stuck each time. I am so glad I had mine in the long run. :) I just finished my chemo last month and now getting ready for my surgery. Good luck to you!
Diana
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Francine Williams
Learning About Breast Cancer
Thanks meet with the Chemo Dr. andvj start next week had my surgurey first then haven my port install Tue and starting Chemo Wed I'm do nit ready!!
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Has anyone done taxotere and Cytoxan with very low steroids?
Asked by victoria lynam
Stage 2A Patient-
L D
Survivor since 2004
Yes, that is what I'm going through right now. I've done 2 treatments so far. I'm tired the first week and increasingly feel better until the next treatment. I haven't had nausea, but more of an unsettled stomach. I started to get a yeast infection from the antibiotics and/or steroids so am...
Comment 0Yes, that is what I'm going through right now. I've done 2 treatments so far. I'm tired the first week and increasingly feel better until the next treatment. I haven't had nausea, but more of an unsettled stomach. I started to get a yeast infection from the antibiotics and/or steroids so am drinking kefir or yogurt to counteract.
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My mom is going through her chemotherapy still but she won't eat. She says she's not hungry. Is this related to the chemotherapy? She's down to 82lbs. Is there something we can do?
Asked by anonymous
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Betsy Chapin
Survivor since 2010
My biggest hurdle with chemotherapy was eating. Over the course of 6 cycles, I lost 30 lbs. I had no appetite and most food tasted horrible, even water. When I found something I could eat I stocked up on it because I knew I had to force down anything i could to stay healthy. For me, that was...
Comment 3My biggest hurdle with chemotherapy was eating. Over the course of 6 cycles, I lost 30 lbs. I had no appetite and most food tasted horrible, even water. When I found something I could eat I stocked up on it because I knew I had to force down anything i could to stay healthy. For me, that was creamed based soup such as chowders, bisques, and squash/pumpkin soup. Crackers and toast at times also tasted ok. Normally I am a coffee/chocolate lover. Both these made me sick. I found, especially as chemotherapy progressed, it became more difficult to eat. I could not prepare food or be around when my family was eating as the smell of it upset my stomach. If your mom can find just anything that she can "stomach" then that will help her. Just understand it is common and allow your mom time to experiment with foods that she get down.
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Debbie Fritz Forsythe
Learning About Breast Cancer
WHEN I WENT THRU CHEMO, NOTHING SMELT GOOD OR TASTED GOOD. I TOLD MY DR. AND HE PRESCIBED ME ,I WISH I REMEBER THE NAME, BUT IT WAS A MILKY WHITE LIQUID, YES IT HAD A STEIROD IN IT ,BUT I GAINED 30LBS........... THE THING THAT GOT ME THRU WAS ROAST BEEF FROM THE DELI AT YOUR STORE!!!!! MY DR....
Comment 2WHEN I WENT THRU CHEMO, NOTHING SMELT GOOD OR TASTED GOOD. I TOLD MY DR. AND HE PRESCIBED ME ,I WISH I REMEBER THE NAME, BUT IT WAS A MILKY WHITE LIQUID, YES IT HAD A STEIROD IN IT ,BUT I GAINED 30LBS........... THE THING THAT GOT ME THRU WAS ROAST BEEF FROM THE DELI AT YOUR STORE!!!!! MY DR. SAID TO EAT ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING AND WORRY ABOUT YOUR FIGURE LATER..... GOOD LUCK MY SISTER ...........
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