one more chemo question...

sgishelly · Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 6:09 pm Post subject: one more chemo question...

Hi Everyone,

I'm just wondering how long it takes to administer the chemo. I called in for my appointment today and they gave me a 3:45 appointment and I was thinking that there would not be enough time for everything. I did receive a message when I got home this evening from the onco office to call them back so I'm thinking maybe they have figured that out and need to change the appointment. Anyway I was just curious...

Also, I'm a big reader...should I take a book to read or will I not feel like it?
_________________
Shelly
Dx Nov 1, 2004 at 40 y/o
Right MRM, Left Simple Mast. - 12/9/04
Stage 2A IDC -
Primary tumor 1cm
3+ / 14 nodes, ER/PR+, HER2-
34 rads - finished 5/25
chemo - AC and Taxol FINISHED 7/6/05
beginning reconstruction 2/06
brain mets 4/06 - now stage 4

Muttsmom · Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 7:08 pm Post subject: Re: one more chemo question...

Hi Shelly,
How long it takes to get chemo depends on what chemo you're getting. I got FEC and got all 3 at the same time. Some get AC and then Taxol or Taxotere, CMF etc.
I'd definately bring a book to read. My onco's office had magazines, snacks, juices and all that good stuff but bringing a book will help the time pass. I'm assuming that to start off each treatment, everyone gets the same which would be nausea meds and decadron (steroids) before they actually start giving the chemo. Some chemos are drips and some have to be pushed and those the nurse will be right there with you and all the nurses that work for the cancer institute I go to were great and we'd just sit and talk about everything while they were giving the chemo. Where I went, sadly, they were open to 7:00p.m. even with all the rooms they had for chemo, it was always full, so your appt. might be the time they gave.
I'm sure there are similiarities and differences depending on where you go, but the chairs I sat in were recliners and you could actually take a nap if you wanted to.
Good luck and you'll do great
Nancy
_________________
Nancy
2/14/02 ILC 43 - 5.5 cm 9+/16 nodes
Stage IIIA er/pr+ Her2-
2/02 MRM
FECx6 radsx33
Tamoxifen - Arimidex (chemo induced menopause)
4/03 SM w/bilat. recon.
9/03 expanders removed
5/04 repair reconst. disaster
10/04 Actonel for bone/joint pain from Arimidex
NED - 5 years
3/07 Diabetes
In memory of Kim 12/1/04

sgishelly · Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 10:39 pm Post subject: Re: one more chemo question...

I will be doing the AC/Taxol chemo. I guess it just will take as long as it takes. I just didn't want everyone getting ready to go home and me still sitting there getting my chemo.
_________________
Shelly
Dx Nov 1, 2004 at 40 y/o
Right MRM, Left Simple Mast. - 12/9/04
Stage 2A IDC -
Primary tumor 1cm
3+ / 14 nodes, ER/PR+, HER2-
34 rads - finished 5/25
chemo - AC and Taxol FINISHED 7/6/05
beginning reconstruction 2/06
brain mets 4/06 - now stage 4

Muttsmom · Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 10:46 pm Post subject: Re: one more chemo question...

LOL I promise, they won't forget you're there. I'll let someone who's done the AC by itself tell you how long it takes since I had all 3 of mine at the same time.
Hang in there girl, before long you'll be done with chemo.
Nancy
_________________
Nancy
2/14/02 ILC 43 - 5.5 cm 9+/16 nodes
Stage IIIA er/pr+ Her2-
2/02 MRM
FECx6 radsx33
Tamoxifen - Arimidex (chemo induced menopause)
4/03 SM w/bilat. recon.
9/03 expanders removed
5/04 repair reconst. disaster
10/04 Actonel for bone/joint pain from Arimidex
NED - 5 years
3/07 Diabetes
In memory of Kim 12/1/04

DiO · Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 11:30 pm Post subject: time for chemo

If I remember correctly my AC treatments took about 1-1/2 hours with premeds then the AC. The taxol took much longer as they have to give it very slowly--I was there a good 4-5 hours each time. It's good to drink a lot during the treatment and you can also snack if you like. I always had someone bring me lunch during the taxol. Reading is definitely a help to pass the time, although I always sat in the common room rather than a private one as I'm a people watcher, and many of the patients like to chat also. Good luck!
_________________
God Bless, Di

IDC 12/03 at age 55
lumpectomy, SNB 12/18/03
2cm tumor, 1/6+node, stage 2, grade 2 er/pr+ her2nu-
4 AC, 4 taxol, dose dense
33 rads
Arimidex started 7/04

penelopez · Senior User Joined: 11 Oct 2004 Posts: 165

Hi Shelley,

When I had A/C, it was nearly 1/2 day long.

The infusion itself only took about 1 1/4 hours. After the first time, I had them run it a little slower because I got a killer headache for 24 hours from it.

Everything else building up to it took a long time. First, they took the blood to see if the counts were acceptable. Then, wait for that result. Then, onc. looks at the result. Then, see onc. for 5-minute check. Then I had a bunch of pills I had to take before the infusion. Then I had to wait 30 minutes after taking them. Very often, they were way behind and did not take me on time to start out. So.....my point is Smile

that everything else actually took a lot longer than the infusion.

You're gonna do fine! Wink

Good luck and hugs,

Margie

Cindy · Senior User Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 156

Hi Shelly. Yes, it does take a few hours. Are you having it done in the hospital's chemo room or in the doc's office? I always took a newspaper to read but the drugs they give you, along with the chemo, may make you doze for a while. Also, take along a 2 litter bottle of water and drink it all during the infusion. You need to flush your bladder. The more you flush, the quicker you can move the excess out of your system. They will tell you to drink a lot of water. You will have to tinkle while there, but they will disconnect you so you can "go". If you are having it in the chemo room, you will be there with many other people. Some people get to know each other and strike up conversations. They put you in a nice reclyner. My hospital had small tv's you could watch. I wish you well.
_________________
Where is the cure???
www.truefacesofbreastcancer.org
www.diepbreastreconstruction.org
www.bcsisters.org/forum
www.mybreastcancerstore.com

ann hollis vail · Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 7:55 pm Post subject: Re: one more chemo question...

Shelly,
You are so awesome in the way you have approached this monster!
Thinking about you ! Hollis

Marion · Experienced user Joined: 28 Nov 2004 Posts: 60

Hi, Shelley: I agree with the others. The A/C was only about 1 1/2 hours. The bloodwork and waiting on the results prior to going to the chemo room takes about an hour. I'd definately bring a book if you like reading or take a friend. I had a different friend every time and it was a good chance to catch up on things. I got my A/C in a recliner and they provided drinks, TV and blankets (you sometimes get cold as the IV drips into the veins). You'll do fine and it will be over before you know it.

Marion

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