Chemo

[Honeyto7]

I am 63. On the 19th of January I had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I will begin chemo next week. I will have Taxotere and Cytoxan. I'm not sure I'm spelling them correctly.

Also anyone have experience with the Penguin Cold Cap to keep your hair?

Any advice appreciated

[Imat]

Hi, my name is Tami. I too had a bilateral mastectomy on January 18Th. I had expanders put in at that time as well. Your spelling is correct on the chemo drugs. I started the taxotere and Cytoxan about a week and a half ago. And used a Cap to freeze my head called a Dignicap. So far so good, I still have my hair as of today. The first week after the chemo I had some side effects the nausea and vomiting as well as joint and bone aches. Today I'm feeling a little better it's just day by day. Let me know if I can help you By sharing any of my experiences.

Hugs,

Tami

[Honeyto7 in reply to Imat]

Thanks Tami. Where do you live?

[Imat in reply to Honeyto7]

I live in Miami Beach, Florida, Although I have only lived here for two years. I was born and lived my entire life in Arlington Virginia. How about you ?

[mrsschwartz SHARE Volunteer in reply to Imat]

Hi imat: I'm sorry your first chemo treatment was a bit rough, but I have a suggestion that may help. Please tell your doctor you experienced nausea and vomiting and ask for a drug that will alleviate those symptoms. They're called "antiemetics" and there is a wide array available to choose from. One called Emend actually shuts off the nausea center in your brain and can be given in pill form, or by IV along with your infusion. Yes, nausea and vomiting can be an unpleasant side effect of treatment, but with some meds you may be able to avoid them altogether. And, with all you're going through, there's no reason to suffer needlessly. In fact, you may want to call the oncologist before you go in for your next treatment so that she can write a prescription that you can fill in advance. Keep us posted and good luck.