Topic: Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin

Jun 6, 2012 10:24 AM kfontaine wrote:

Thanks so not alone on eye twitch! Thought itwas something serious!!

Jun 6, 2012 11:23 AM dancetrancer wrote:

kfontaine, yep, I had the eye twitching, too - it comes and goes (I'm still in treatment). 

Regarding the hair not growing back, yes, that does happen, unforuntately, in about 3% of cases where Taxotere is involved.  It can go as high as 6% if another drug is also involved - I believe that is Adriamycin (but not 100% sure on that drug).

Jun 6, 2012 12:12 PM lago wrote:

The eye watering is from dry eyes. Try using eye drops/artificial tears. Do NOT use visine or any of those products to get the red out.

As far as hair loss. Yes it happens and I do believe dance's stats are correct from what I remember reading. 3% possibly 6% on Adriamycin.

A friend of mine (from when we were little kids) was diagnosed with cancer of the anus 1.5 years before I was diagnosed. She had 4 rounds of chemo (not sure what her cocktail was) and radiation. The radiation is what  caused permanent life style issues. Her sphincter muscle is compromised so she "leaks" a bit and wears depends. Sex is now painful because of the area that was radiated. Ask her if she's sorry she did chemo… no way. She is so happy to be around her daughter, husband, brother, father, nieces… well you get the picture. I know I too ready about the hair loss and thought I would be one to get something like that since I seem to get the less common stuff. I came to terms with that very early on in my treatment. Decided I rather be bald than have mets.

Granted I will never know what it's like to have permanently lost my hair but at least I prepared myself. It's really very rare. Granted it rare to have nails lift and be permanently damaged/lifted but I'm living with that SE just fine. Nail polish, wigs, Anastacia brow duo what ever it takes. (My eyebrows are thinner now too but so what). I feel good!

Bottom line is understand there are risks but don't assume it will happen to you.

Jun 6, 2012 01:21 PM Alice72 wrote:

Kfontaine, yes, I have eye twitching off and on every day. Also, my eyes water especially when I first get up. My 5th TCH is coming up in about 10 days. It seems like each treatment brings slightly different SEs. I've developed sore corners on my mouth this week. As for the hair, I had my head shaved once my hair started falling. That was in early April. I now have a short gray stubble all over my head plus very fine hairs (sort of like a baby bird) that are about 1/2 to 3/4 " long. I have no idea what color my hair will be when it grows out. I suspect it will be gray or white. I was a blonde once upon a time and have kept that color up until TCH got underway. Still have eyebrows and lashes for now. My scalp has been covered with a rash, but MO prescribed antibiotics, which have helped. I'm grateful it has stayed off my face. So, if you are like the rest of us, you'll experience an array of SEs, some of which will be more annoying or uncomfortable than others. Thank goodness this group is here to help us all cope.

Jun 6, 2012 01:48 PM lago wrote:

Cuticle cream also works on fingers and feet. I used this stuff:

   < click picture for linky

Jun 6, 2012 02:39 PM mt4ever wrote:

I have the eye twitching also!  So far just on one side but I still have 3 treatments to go! 

Jun 6, 2012 02:54 PM Alice72 wrote:

Thx for the Product suggestions Special K, Iago, and love74. I have written down the brands and will try them all.

Jun 6, 2012 03:05 PM SpecialK wrote:

dmorgan - yay for being done! My lashes/brows fell out toward the end of chemo, but didn't cycle - only fell out the one time.  Both are thinner than before but still decent - nobody could tell, they look normal.

Jun 6, 2012 10:43 PM Alice72 wrote:

Love74, for the record in case others are interested, the Rimmel lip gloss you recommended is called RIMMEL MOISTURE RENEW CREAM LIPGLOSS PINK PROTECT. I've ordered some from Amazon.

Jun 7, 2012 11:32 AM Love74 wrote:

Thanks Alice71...I could have looked in my purse for you but I was so comfy on the couch when I was typing!  It does work good and its not thick and goopy.  I have a few different colours...love them.

Jun 7, 2012 05:29 PM Moonflwr912 wrote:

Had my last TCH today. Whew! Glad that part is over. Quick question, my feet are swollen, nowhere else, but, my feet are really.big. hard to zip up my shoes. Weird had some swelling before, but not like this. Kept my feet up for a while, and it helped some, but still not normal. Is this from todays tx? I'll wait and see how they are tomorrow after sleep. Much love.

Jun 7, 2012 06:18 PM vickilind61 wrote:

moonflower, congratulations!!!   And like dancetrancer, I will let more seasoned members reply in regards to the foot swelling. 

Jun 8, 2012 04:12 AM kfontaine wrote:

I had my last TCh (for now) on Monday and I got swelling in legs and feet. I found drinking more water helped! Butof course keep an eye on it...

Jun 8, 2012 04:56 AM Kelloggs wrote:

Congrats to those of you who just finished...YAY, you made it!!!

Jun 8, 2012 08:48 AM ashla wrote:

Congrats to all who have finished chemo. I've been monitoring the forum as I wind by wy through my rads. Down to 2 boosts left and I'm afraid to say it but the Omaz method has served me well so far.
Just popped in to tell you something that is just so wonderful that it couldn't wait. I met with a dear friend that I haven't seen in years. She is a world renowned researcher and medical school professor.. specializing in fertilty issues , hormonal regulation ,gene expresion and uterine hormone.and has extensive knowledge about breast cancer issues as a rsearcher and breast cancer survivor.
She said that right now.... if there is such a thing.... that the best cancer to be diagnosed with right now is breast cancer. There is enormous progress being made on many fronts and this Herceptin carried smart bomb is truly a remarkable breakthrough and not only for BC.
I know it's hard to stay positive but there really is reason for optimism.
Have a great weekend everyone.