scared and confused

[babs824]

seems i posted questions on the wrong site as i did not notice the difference between the social and med community sites...anyway wondering if i can do anything to plan ahead for potential side effects of tx which will start in about a week. i have increased effexor and plan to put on a few pounds as i tend to be underweight. i also expect to work only part time and try to keep gym attendance going. i also see that i should drink more water than i am accustomed to. Before i had breast ca i got lots of good advice about mouth and skin care and felt it really helped. i am hopeful i can mitigate some side effects by planning ahead?

[lapis]

It already sounds like you're doing the right stuff!  As can-do said, sides are so different for each person, and you don't know how you will respond.  You've already been through chemo so you have an idea of how it could be.  Try not to be scared!  Know that you can do this, heck, you've already beaten breast cancer!
If you are prone to dental issues, be sure that you floss daily, brush regularly, and address dry mouth when or if it begins.  You may want to have your teeth cleaned more often than usual since the gums often become inflamed.  I told my hygienist I was on tx and she helped me monitor my oral health.  I believe I had my teeth cleaned at 2-month intervals till the inflammation subsided.
Do drink extra water, and stay out of the sun.  Treat skin issues if and when they arise.  Ask for help from others here whenever you feel you need advice or support.  There is always someone who has been through this and can help you.
It's awesome that you can work part time.  You may need more rest than usual.  Gather your support team around you.  Enlist the help of family members when you're not feeling well.  You've done this before, I'm sure, in your chemo experience.
It seems like I'm just repeating what the others have said, but I want to encourage you and I urge you to be positive, let go of the fear.  You may feel a bit better, in an odd way, when you actually start tx, cause then you won't have to worry about starting anymore!  
March on, and let me know if there's any way I can support you.

Wishing you great success,
Lapis

[can-do-man]

Treatment effects everyone different so planning to far ahead might be hard. Its not something i would want to do again but i didn't find it as bad as some do. Just take it one day at a time, do stay hydrated but don't over do it. I found taking tylenol before my shot a waste because the side effects didn't start till about 12 hours later. staying active is a plus, i found laying around just made me feel worse. Try to keep a good attiutude and before you know it 24 weeks will be over.............You can do it, wishing you the best.

cando

[Diane12855]

You sound like you already are headed in the right direction. Remember to take a Tylenol or Ibuprofen before your shot. It seems like the first one is the worst for most people on here. Also drink lots of water at shot time, as well as all during tx. The skin really needs lots of lotion, and stay out of the sun as much as possible. I'm going on shot #20 so my brain fog is full blown and that's all I can think of right now. I'm sure others will have more ideas for you.

Good Luck!
Diane