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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Breast Cancer / July 2004

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Mastectomy > Next step chemo

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Ruth - 21 Jul 2004 14:56 GMT
Had my mastectomy last week with a tissue expander, hasn't been all that
bad, I was released the following day, have been up, out and driving, going
to get my hair done today.  Worst part has been the drains and the medicine
ball that are attached that limit me from taking real showers.

Chemo (AC) is the next step, was wondering what I should expect, can anyone
shed some light?

Ruth
Chris - 21 Jul 2004 15:54 GMT
Hi Ruth,

I believe there is an FAQ somewhere that you can consult. That said, AC
was quite a memorable chemo for me. It sucks, but not necessarily as bad
as you expect. And, hopefully, it will be very worth it.

  One of the most difficult parts is that you will lose your hair -
guaranteed. People are very kind about that and don't really say much
about it.

  Also, you will be tired out more easily. For me, it was like I only
had so much energy for the day and when it ran out, it ran out. So, plan
to do bigger activities earlier in the day and allow yourself to poop
out early. My body also felt more vulnerable during AC.

  AC also gives you bigtime nausea, BUT there are great nausea meds out
there and so this shouldnt be a big problem. If it is, you should
complain loudly because this is an area that can be fixed. You will
probably get Zofran with Ativan and Compazine for breakthrough nausea.
Take the Zofran. I learned the hard way that if you don't take it
preventatively, you can't keep anything down and have to go back in for
IV Zofran. Embarrassing to say the least!

Thats about all I can think of. Be kind to yourself. Ask for help when
you need it. Drink lots of fluids. Have a lot of fun. It isnt as bad is
seems like it will be, but it is definitely something to get though.

Good luck,

Chris


> Had my mastectomy last week with a tissue expander, hasn't been all that
> bad, I was released the following day, have been up, out and driving, going
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> Ruth
Chris - 21 Jul 2004 15:59 GMT
Ack, how soon we forget!

  The other important thing about AC is that it affects your immune
system. There are times when your white blood cell counts will be very
low, sometimes you might have to delay treatment because of it. You need
to teach people to be very careful with you in regards to illness.
People really want to help and if you give them guidelines regarding
your suppressed immune system, they will follow them with gusto. I still
have friends who give a 15 minute blow by blow sniffle disclaimer every
time I see them. That is what you want when you are on AC. You do NOT
want to get sick. Adults are really good about it when they know. I just
don't touch other people's children when I am on chemo. The biggest
problem I have is store clerks. We all have gone to work with a cold and
they are no exception. WHen I am on chemo I carry hand sanitizer in my
purse and wash my hands as soon as I get into the house.

Sorry to go on about this, but it is better to be careful than get sick
and I have learned this one the hard way too!

Chris
Tim Jackson - 21 Jul 2004 19:15 GMT
> Hi Ruth,
>
> I believe there is an FAQ somewhere that you can consult.

at www.cancersupporters.com

Tim Jackson
 
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