so scared... chemo starting aug 24th
From:
dancemom
Date:
Aug 12, 2009 09:24 AM
Finally starting my treatment for locally advanced cancer with lymph node involvement.
We are doing neoadjuvant (sp?) chemo first for 6 months.
I am having nightmares about it..
Got some prescriptions from the oncologist for anti nauseau, etc. prochlorperazine, dexamethsone, ondansetron...
Any advise?
K
We are doing neoadjuvant (sp?) chemo first for 6 months.
I am having nightmares about it..
Got some prescriptions from the oncologist for anti nauseau, etc. prochlorperazine, dexamethsone, ondansetron...
Any advise?
K
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From:
Scott Secord
Date:
Aug 13, 2009 10:45 AM
Morning K. First of all let me say I understand this is very scary for most people. Have you looked into the resources at your local hospital or cancer center? If you are a patient at Mount Sinai or University Health Network you can be seen in the Breast Cancer Survivorship Program. If not most have a patient education program that can provide information to your regarding your treatments.
Your anxiety and restlessness is a normal response for many who are face with starting chemotherapy or any of the cancer treatments. Its important to work with your healthcare team to provide education and reassurance. Being informed is the best way to be prepared. If not Willow Breast - www.willow.org can also be a help and they have breast survivors on line who can talk to you one on one.
I have worked with many breast patients here at Princess Margaret and not all of the women or men experience all of the side effects of chemotherapy. Some even work through their treatments. Its very individual. It really will depend on you and your own body's reaction. With the help of the anti-nausea medications many have been able to get through this will minimal effects. Others that have found it a challenge work with their chemo nurse/clinic to manage any side effects as best as possible. You will experience hair loss and you can ask your nurse how quickly you can expect this. Some women shave their heads in preparation. The Look Good Feel Better Program www.lookgoodfeelbetter.ca has been very helpful to deal with your fears about hair loss.
You have time to talk to a few people/survivors before your treatment. You will find out from them that it is not a fun experience but you will be able to get through this difficult treatment.
When you do have your treatment especially the first time ask them to explain all aspects of the treatment slowly and clearly so you know what to expect. Most chemotherapy nurses do this as a rule with their patients. Try to build a relationship with your nurse as they will be a key person to talk to about your symptoms and your feelings about the treatment.
I hope this helps. Hope to talk with you again on Caring Voices. All my best Scott.
Manager Breast Cancer Survivorship Program
Princess Margaret Hospital.
Your anxiety and restlessness is a normal response for many who are face with starting chemotherapy or any of the cancer treatments. Its important to work with your healthcare team to provide education and reassurance. Being informed is the best way to be prepared. If not Willow Breast - www.willow.org can also be a help and they have breast survivors on line who can talk to you one on one.
I have worked with many breast patients here at Princess Margaret and not all of the women or men experience all of the side effects of chemotherapy. Some even work through their treatments. Its very individual. It really will depend on you and your own body's reaction. With the help of the anti-nausea medications many have been able to get through this will minimal effects. Others that have found it a challenge work with their chemo nurse/clinic to manage any side effects as best as possible. You will experience hair loss and you can ask your nurse how quickly you can expect this. Some women shave their heads in preparation. The Look Good Feel Better Program www.lookgoodfeelbetter.ca has been very helpful to deal with your fears about hair loss.
You have time to talk to a few people/survivors before your treatment. You will find out from them that it is not a fun experience but you will be able to get through this difficult treatment.
When you do have your treatment especially the first time ask them to explain all aspects of the treatment slowly and clearly so you know what to expect. Most chemotherapy nurses do this as a rule with their patients. Try to build a relationship with your nurse as they will be a key person to talk to about your symptoms and your feelings about the treatment.
I hope this helps. Hope to talk with you again on Caring Voices. All my best Scott.
Manager Breast Cancer Survivorship Program
Princess Margaret Hospital.
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From:
Leila Shenouda
Date:
Aug 13, 2009 11:18 AM
Hello, I am a Nurse at Princess Margaret Hospital and I work in the Chemo area. I saw your posting and recognized your feelings since they are similar to those of many of my patients who are about to start chemotherapy. It is important for you to know that you will be receiving your treatment from a team of specialized health care professionals that can provide you with a wealth of knowledge and support. You are not alone in this – your health care team is there to support you.
Here are some tips for you:
- If possible, bring a family member or friend on your first day of treatment because you will receive a great deal of information and education on how to manage your treatment and also what to expect. This person can help you absorb the information, and remember it. Some people also find it helpful if a family member/friends takes notes.
- You can bring an iPod or walkman so that you can listen to your favourite music while getting your treatment, a book or magazines. Bring drinks and food with you since you will be at the Hospital for many hours.
- Before your appointment, write down any questions that you have about your treatment. This will help remind you to ask them.
- Many Cancer Centres offer a class about chemotherapy. These classes are a great way to have your questions answered before starting treatment. Libraries within Cancer Centres also have a wealth of information. If you can’t make it into your Cancer Centre before you start treatment, you could call the Library and see if they can email you some information.
- You may want to familiarize yourself with the services offered at your cancer centre in the psychosocial oncology department- they have a group of professionals that can offer additional support (i.e. counseling, social work, support groups) and you should never hesitate to let her health care team know how you are feeling. Visiting a social worker or psychologist is very normal since a cancer diagnosis can bring up many issues that are useful to talk about with a professional such as drug coverage etc.
- My Final piece of advise is that you make sure to take your medication for anti-nausea as prescribed since this will prevent some of the undesirable side effects that chemotherapy can cause. Some people wait until they feel nauseas, but this is not necessary – take them before treatment so that you can minimize or avoid these side effects.
Best wishes to you!
Leila
Here are some tips for you:
- If possible, bring a family member or friend on your first day of treatment because you will receive a great deal of information and education on how to manage your treatment and also what to expect. This person can help you absorb the information, and remember it. Some people also find it helpful if a family member/friends takes notes.
- You can bring an iPod or walkman so that you can listen to your favourite music while getting your treatment, a book or magazines. Bring drinks and food with you since you will be at the Hospital for many hours.
- Before your appointment, write down any questions that you have about your treatment. This will help remind you to ask them.
- Many Cancer Centres offer a class about chemotherapy. These classes are a great way to have your questions answered before starting treatment. Libraries within Cancer Centres also have a wealth of information. If you can’t make it into your Cancer Centre before you start treatment, you could call the Library and see if they can email you some information.
- You may want to familiarize yourself with the services offered at your cancer centre in the psychosocial oncology department- they have a group of professionals that can offer additional support (i.e. counseling, social work, support groups) and you should never hesitate to let her health care team know how you are feeling. Visiting a social worker or psychologist is very normal since a cancer diagnosis can bring up many issues that are useful to talk about with a professional such as drug coverage etc.
- My Final piece of advise is that you make sure to take your medication for anti-nausea as prescribed since this will prevent some of the undesirable side effects that chemotherapy can cause. Some people wait until they feel nauseas, but this is not necessary – take them before treatment so that you can minimize or avoid these side effects.
Best wishes to you!
Leila
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From:
dancemom
Date:
Aug 13, 2009 04:19 PM
thx so much scott & leila for the wealth of information. i have done a lot of reading & research but the anticipation of the unknown is the worst part i think.
i will definately use the resources of willow & other organizations throughout the process. i am heading off to cuba tomorrow with my daughter & 7 others for one last hurrah since this is going to be a difficult year ahead; and start treatment right after I am back so I can't reach out until I have started the chemotherapy.
thx again,
kim
i will definately use the resources of willow & other organizations throughout the process. i am heading off to cuba tomorrow with my daughter & 7 others for one last hurrah since this is going to be a difficult year ahead; and start treatment right after I am back so I can't reach out until I have started the chemotherapy.
thx again,
kim
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From:
1marmalade1
Date:
Dec 05, 2009 09:04 AM
I am starting neo on Dec. 16th. I am 5-6cm. I understand neo is intended to shrink tumour, however, I am wondering why I am getting 8x rather than 6x like so many others. Any thoughts?
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