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Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin

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Comments

  • Majanumba1
    Majanumba1 Member Posts: 66
    edited February 2009

    Cupcake, you are a ray of warm spring sunshine! Your advice and encouragement to newbies is just so right on.

    I agree that the worst thing about chemo has been the unknown. The first tx you just feel so out of control. Your idea about the calendar with the smiley/sad faces is so good because you get an instant visual of where you are in your cycle. I have been keeping a journal. I was so much more relaxed this last tx #4 because I had a pretty good road map of how I would feel and steps I could take to help feel better.

    Probably, the hardest for me is just resting when my body says to. Otherwise I get weepy and hyper sensitive.



    There has been some discussion about the hot flashes that some of us post meno campers are suffering. I think Bold is onto something with the estradiol count and I am going to have that checked since I am both er and pr -. Honestly something has to give.



    Welcome to all of you that are just starting. We can get through this together.



    maja





  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited February 2009

    Bold:  I am not an over acheiver! Innocent I just hate to waste time being sick!!Cool  On another note, thanks for your thoughts on the estradiol.  I agree with maja, that may be something to look into.  I was diagnosed as PCOS in my late 20's and I know my hormones were never ever right.  Started having mild hot flashes in my 30's and by 40 they were getting more than a little annoying.  Now with the TCH and the soon to be Tomoxifen, I need to get things nailed down.  I think I would rather se an endrocrinologist over a gyno for this.

    Cupcake  You enjoy that race!  I am almost close enough to hear it (about 75 miles)!  You should come down here sometime and watch in person.

    Lisa

  • cupcake7
    cupcake7 Member Posts: 321
    edited February 2009

    Lisa:  oh my gosh I would love to.  who knows mabye someday will take you up on it.  Guess your in a little rain right now cause the race has been red flagged.  Good thoughts on endrocrinologist.  I know there is something wrong with me in that I have never recovered from the chemo with the dryness in the vagina.  I went to a gyn and she suggested an estrogen based cream and I said I can't cause I am HER2...I could see on her face...hunh?  My poor husband has lost one of his rattles and now the play pen is shut down for repairs...gotta get this fixed.  Dang race is over Matt Kenseth won fromt he rain stoppage...bummer my driver Jeff Gordon could have came up there....oh well luck of the draw.

    Thanks Maja that was a nice thing to say....

  • bethanybeane
    bethanybeane Member Posts: 167
    edited February 2009

    Dear Ones,

    So glad to see some of you finishing up chemo! and, grateful to Cupcake for her ongoing support to us all.

    Blessings and peace,

    Bethany

  • bluedasher
    bluedasher Member Posts: 350
    edited February 2009

    I looked into the Mammosite radiation seeds which takes just 1 week of radiation. Unfortunately, there are a lot of restrictions on who can use this method. The tumor cavity can be no more than 3 cm. It also cannot be too close to the surface of the skin (my tumor was too close so I can't have it).  It is also still considered experimental (at least by my HMO).

    A catheter balloon thing has to be inserted so if that wasn't done at surgery it means another minor surgery to put it in. Some people have had infections. 

    There are other seed methods that use multiple catheters but I haven't seen details about them. 

    When I see my rad onc in 2 weeks, we are suppose to discuss whether I could do the 3 week rads or whether I need 6 week. It 3 uses a higher dose per treatment with fewer treatments. Some things I've read say it isn't good for large breasted women but others disagree so I'll have to see what my rad onc thinks.

    Another type of short treatment is partial breast irradiation which doesn't do the whole breast - they focus on the area around the tumor. I think that one may be considered experimental - there are trials going on for it but the one I looked at required enrollement within 42 days of surgery.

  • plakatakr
    plakatakr Member Posts: 45
    edited February 2009

    Bluedasher- too bad you can't do the Mammosite, it was great!

  • cupcake7
    cupcake7 Member Posts: 321
    edited February 2009

    Blue:  I am so confusion on Radiation.  What in the world are they radiating?  There was no tumor and the area they took out the lump of cancer cells there not radiating, but said if it comes back it usually comes to the chest wall so they are doing the upper superclav.  They take x-rays. what are they looking at???  It is so confusion to me.  Ask and your made to feel like they are the doctors and you are just the patients and just sit there and be quiet. 

    Beth:  Hi so good to see you...how are you doing???? 

  • katherine1966
    katherine1966 Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2009

    Lisa, just wanted to thank you for yoiur quick reply. I am using sensodine toothpaste, and the majic mouthwash.Just wanted to make sure not to get those awful mouth sores again. Thank you for all your help. I am so new to this and am frustrated. Thank you again,Katherine

  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited February 2009

    Katherine:  Magic Mouthwash!!!  That WAS the stuff my mom used!!!  The mouth sores were one of my biggest fears going into chemo.  I saw how bad they were for my mom, mom in law and grandma - with 3 different cancers.  Katherine, just hang onto  this thread and we will help you thru.  This is the greatest bunch of people you could have ever found.  Also, I had forgotten about the salt water washes the others mentioned.  I did that when the icky taste/film got unbearable and I think it helped.

    Cupcake:  Sorry you boy Jeff lost in the rain!!  It has been so sunny here, today's rain was a real fluke, sorry!

    Bethany:  Thanks for checking on us!!!

    Bold:  Are you doing OK girl?

    Blue:  Oh the mind of an engineer....  God Bless you for guiding us thru all the stuff we don't want to decipher!!!

  • bethanybeane
    bethanybeane Member Posts: 167
    edited February 2009

    Hi Cupcake,

    Doing ok. Herceptin only. Finished radiation in mid December. Feeling pretty achy and tired still. I started on Arimidex 5 weeks ago, but achiness and mouth sores preceded this - just can't tell what is chemo hanging on or just from Herceptin -- although Onc says Herceptin has no side effects.....I think she's just wanting to be sure I don't give up....as if I would...... The back of my cheeks have ulcers at the jaw joint and I cannot open my mouth very wide. Got to find out what this is about. Does anyone else have jaw pain and/or foot pain?

    But being done with chemo is great. My hair is about an inch long and I've been happy to have no headgear since early January. See photo.

    Peace, Bethany

  • cupcake7
    cupcake7 Member Posts: 321
    edited February 2009
    Bethany:  I think those are left overs from chemo.  They did say it takes about 6 months to get your health back and I bet that is to get rid of the residue of the chemo too.  I'm happy for hair like you and the best for me is to sit on our leather couch and lean back to rest my head and not to feel so cold.  Beings radiation is everyday I wish it was over already.  Now your done with everything what is up from here?  When did you start feeling the effects of the radiation?
  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 306
    edited February 2009

    Hi all its 3:08 in the morning. We are having a wind storm. And rain is to follow. I felt great today and then all the sudden I felt awful. Diarrhea and nauseous. I hate that it robbed me of the evening and my DH will be gone tomorrow.. grrrrr. Anyway loaded with appropriate drugs I have managed to thwart any further digestive issues. I can not wait till this is a memory.I can handle it but it sucks sometimes. Maybe that ONE glass of champagne was not such a good idea,. Who knows. Tomorrow is yet another day of life and I am going to live it.

    Anyone research proton inhibitors. I know that we have two in calif. one is closer than my onc.@ city of hope. I think I will call tomorrow and see what they have to say. I am interested because it does not burn the skin upon entry or after the tumor. So no scar tissue in the chest etc.. But I have a lot to learn about it. I will keep you posted.

    Thanks for the info about the seeds. My tumor was 3.3cm soooo I think that I would not qualify. They took out the size of a tennis ball. I am only a c cup. But I have to say there is no way that you would ever know that I even had surgery. They went in at the nipple.(a small incision) and brought the tissue up and sewed it perfectly. I am truly blessed to have had a masterful surgeon. However she is now pregnant with triplets. I will see her for my four month check up but then who knows when I will see her again.

    Well if I am to have a day at all tomorrow I should try to sleep. I have a computer teleconference tomorrow I should sleep through.Embarassed

    Good nite allKiss

  • Denali
    Denali Member Posts: 113
    edited February 2009

    Yesterday was my first awful day (chemo #1 was on Thurs).   Got to church in the morning but then in the afternoon I started crashing.  Achey all over.  I finally took some Alleve (and a Xanex) to be able to sleep.  What did you all take when you felt so achey??  Please, please advise!  I almost came to the 'puter late last night to research, but couldn't make it out of bed.

    My friend's church makes up these Valentine bags every year for chemo patients and one was delivered to me yesterday.  Had lotion, soap, chocolate, cards, hat and all kinds of goodies in it.  What a wonderful thing they do.  I insisted on an address so I could send a thank you card.  There's so many good people in the world!

    Cupcake:  thank so much for your wise advice!  I started the new TCH thread to attract newbies as I noticed this thread started 2007.  I should have looked closer as there's lots of newbies on here. 

    Also, I was trying to think of a 'reward' for myself after each treatment.  My DD and SIL have a Z--so I said let me drive the Z as my reward.  (Figured rewards couldn't involve food of any kind--yuk!)  I used to have a 280Z and then a 300ZX.  COOL cars.  Finally, traded it in for an SUV that my 2 German Shepherds could fit into.

  • traci1970
    traci1970 Member Posts: 104
    edited February 2009

    Denali, You are normal to feel so bad right now.  I had my treatments on Thursday and my neulasta on Friday and I felt so bad on sat, sun and mon that I usually just stayed home.  Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to flush the chemo out.  The neulasta made me feel achey.  I felt like I had the flu every time I got it.  It was my body being forced to produce mone marrow.  I took tylenol every four hours and took the ativan.  It did help.  I am so sorry you are feeling so bad but it will get better, I promise.  I kept a journal of how I felt on each day that way I would kinda know what to expect on day one, day two and so on.  It was easier for me if I was mentally prepared for the days I knew would be bad.  I could plan my days better that way and I knew when my tastebuds were okay and when they sucked.  You will find your way and grow stronger.  I will keep you in my prayers...Traci

  • Smile2006
    Smile2006 Member Posts: 132
    edited February 2009

    Yesterday was a bad one for me as well.  But I have a cold on top of everything.  It was going around our office.  I was hoping to escape it, but no such luck.  I ached all day yesterday, I have no voice and the cough was driving me nuts.  But I am able to hold liquids down and no fever.  So I cant complain too much.  I am still in bed this morning...going to take it slow.....one step at a time.  Im just really bored.  You can only watch so much TV and staring at this computer gives me a headache after a while. 

  • rayhope
    rayhope Member Posts: 75
    edited February 2009
    Denali:  After my Thursday treatments, I feel okay Thursday and Friday.  My worst days are Saturday and Sunday; I start improving on Monday and feel pretty good again by the end of the week.  I normally plan to stay home Sat through Tuesday or Wednesday.  My tx#4 is this Thursday, so I'm trying to get everything at work and home done before then.  It really helps if you plan on doing "next to nothing" on those down days.  Not knowing what to expect the first time really made it worse for me.  At least on the subsequent ones, you have an idea what to expect and know that the bad symptoms will pass.  Hope you're feeling better!
  • rayhope
    rayhope Member Posts: 75
    edited February 2009
    Smile:  Hope you're feeling better also.  One of my worst fears has been that I will get a bad cold or flu during treatment.  So far, I have missed it and hope I can continue to do so.  Take care of yourself and get better soon!
  • cupcake7
    cupcake7 Member Posts: 321
    edited February 2009

    Look at you camp counselors go!  Great job Traci and Rayhope.  You will never know how much your words of wisdom will go in helping a newbie.  I remember my camp counselors guiding me through my first few TX and it was so helpful to me.  God bless you lifting up your sisters.

  • jkcrml
    jkcrml Member Posts: 53
    edited February 2009

    I have not started the chemo but will on the 12th of March. I read each of these posts and amazed at the strength of everyone. I always thought I am a strong person too but can't quite get over being so scared. Does this go away after the 1st treatment or just something no one talks about? I do alright for a while then start to cry which seems to make everyone around me crazy since that is not my personaility. Does this get better??

  • rayhope
    rayhope Member Posts: 75
    edited February 2009
    jkcrml:  It gets much better after the first treatment.  You know what to expect and what to do to help prevent side effects.  I'm halfway through; while I certainly do not look forward to treatments, I don't have that terrible fear I had the first time.  There's lots of good advice on this board and don't ever hesitate to call your onc if you think it's necessary.  You will be fine! 
  • Smile2006
    Smile2006 Member Posts: 132
    edited February 2009

    jkcrml  I consider myself a very strong person as well.  If you find me crying then something has to be terribly wrong.  So I understand what you are saying about it driving everyone crazy around you.  It is scary at first, but my first TX was last Thursday and it really wasnt that bad.  I did not have a good weekend because I have picked up a cold that was going around my office.  This has made it a little more difficult, but it will pass.  I found myself wanting to cry last night, so instead of crying on my boyfriends shoulder, I crawled into the shower and just sat crying while the water was running over me.  I use to think how silly that is....but it really does help to let your emotions out.  There are alot of people on this board to support you and answer your questions...all you have to do is ask! 

    I found a thread that gives "chemo kit" list.  I have just about everything on it.....may not need it all...but I am prepared! 

    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/706846?page=1

    Hope this helps.

    Shari

  • gramma23
    gramma23 Member Posts: 482
    edited February 2009

    Hello to everyone and I am sorry if you are having a bad time right now. I was so scared my first tx but then it got better after I knew what was going to happen and when I would feel bad. I would take my tx on Wed. and by Friday night I started to feel bad and by Sunday I was so sick. I did learn to have my bowels loose before the tx with the Miralax.If I did not then when the diarrhea hitI was in bad shape. My nausea meds worked when I remembered to take them. I really had chemo brain the first tx. When I finally figured out what some of the older campers here were talking about I made out okay. I had really bad counts through it all but my onc said it was the fibromyalgia and arthritis that caused this. I had to have several units of blood and it is low again with the radiation. I do not know anyone that has had this problem except me. the Neulasta was really hard on me with the pain. the one thing I did not have was hot flashes but then I had a hyst at 29. I had 0% hormone involvement but the HER2+ was high and the lymph nodes were 3 but the sentinel node was almost as big as the tumor. The Ki-67 is high so I am doing everything I can to get rid of this stuff. the radiation is uncomfortable but not as bad as the chemo was or at least it is different. I have just a couple of weeks left and the last 5 will be boost. they will just do it on the scar for 5 days and that should be it.

    My advice is to take care of yourselves and try not to catch colds and do a little exercise when you feel like it. It is hard to get your strength back if you don't.I do take pain meds and Xanax for my fibro and it does help with the ache feeling but the Neulasta would not respond to anything. I had severe bone pain from it. I guess a hot shower was the best for that. Try anything and everything to get rest.I learned it does not matter if the house is messy you can clean it up later. Wash your hands often and carry those pens with the spray antiseptic. I never touch the elevator buttons or doors with my bare hands but if I have too I use the antiseptic spray. Drink lots of water or liquid that is not caffeine. Caffeine dehydrates you. I had a lot of problem with that too because of vomiting and diarrhea. If you can get extra fluids with your tx or even some have gone in the day after to get a IV for extra fluids.I am so glad that part is over for me and I will be glad when it is over for all of you.

    Carolyn ( the old one!)

  • RockstarmomPaula
    RockstarmomPaula Member Posts: 124
    edited February 2009
    CoolGood Morning Beautiful Ladies It is Day14 of my 2nd Tx I still feel good have had a couple of bloody noses I am assuming that it is normal??? I still have my short hair thats crazy waited for the rest to go maybe it will funny scary thing the shedding is down to a few hairs now?? Stay tuned on that! Cupcake & Lisa &my 2boys Thank you for the reassuring words about my heart I will relax about it.Smile Everyone is in agreement REST when you can you deserve it! Cloud & Denali Welcome to you both sorry you are here,but you are most certainly among some of rhe best friends you will ever know! Traci I also keep a journal of how I feel each day,it helps to know what to expect,Maja I totally agree with you Cupcake is awesome We all are so very lucky to have her !!! I love her!!! To Everyone On the mouth sores was it something you got from the 1st Tx or did it happen later Should I change toothpaste even it I haven't had any yet????
  • cupcake7
    cupcake7 Member Posts: 321
    edited February 2009
    Jkcrml:  Welcome to the camp no one really wants to come to, but glad you are here with us for love and support.  You will find a warm, strong sisterhood that will support you.  They will listen, give advise of what they did, and love you through this difficult journey you are about to take.  The thing of being in here is we all understand what you are feeling cause we have , or feeling now, the same thing.  This is a place to get advice, but also a place you can vent.  There are so many emotions you are going through, scared, why me, denial, anger, sadness, acceptance, etc.  I was all over the map with my emotions so I understand what you are feeling, I really do.  So you will know Carolyn is the one that has had it the worst, so she is an example of how bad it can get, but you will most likely go through what everyone else is, that isn't as bad,  so don't be afraid. Us older gals just have a ruffer time I think. You will experience fatigue, it is just about universal,and you may experience some nausea, but there are so many meds they can give you to help if not stop it completely.  There are other things like hair loss, teary eyes, constipation, diarrhea, nose bleeds,  and mouth sores,  as the chemo kills the cancer cells (yeah), but also wipes out the good cells too that causes S.E.'s (side effects)  As you go along you may get some of these and may not, each person is different.  If something comes up you don't understand what is happening this is the place to run to cause someone is going through it or has gone through it that can help you with advice of what to do. In here we are all on the same chemo TCH (Taxotere, Carboplatin, Herceptin) and experience about the same things on the S.E.'s.  We are the lucky ones to be able to get Herceptin as it has saved my life and today I am cancer free and I was a stage III.  So for us HER2 gals we are the fortunate ones to benefit from this mircle drug.  Come in and post offten.....cyber hug to you
  • RockstarmomPaula
    RockstarmomPaula Member Posts: 124
    edited February 2009
    CoolSmile You Go Girl! !Great words to jkcrml You are no longer A rookie you have one down Doesn't feel great to be able to help someone else It is such an Incredible feeling to know we are not alone. Excellent work!! Hope your cold gets better!!
  • Magnola
    Magnola Member Posts: 75
    edited February 2009

    Well, the week is finally here.  Friday is my first treatment.  I'm in a funk today-guess reality is setting in.  I am feeling very anxious but want to get started to get it over with.  Any suggestions on what to bring to the treatment.  I've downloaded a couple movies to my ipod.  How about ice chips or popsicles?? 

  • Smile2006
    Smile2006 Member Posts: 132
    edited February 2009

    The onc I go to only allows for one person to be with me at a time.  I fell asleep because of the benadryl that was given to me in the IV...wish I had my  neck roll....I have already packed it in my bag for next time.  Maybe a small blanket...I'm not much on sharing blankets that other people have had on them, especially up around there face.  I am sure they wash them...but still.  Ice chips, snacks....I am going to pack the little snack size peaches, nuts and and some water for my next visit. I was glad I had my boyfriend with me.....I really hate needles and he was there to distract me while I was getting my IV put in.  I did not have any reactions to the meds....just sleepy from the benadryl. 

  • Lucy73
    Lucy73 Member Posts: 3
    edited February 2009

    RockStarmomPaula: I just had Tx 4 and still have lots of hair. It fell out like crazy for about a week after Tx1 and then it stopped. Unfortunately I decided to shave it after about day 5 of fallout. It seems to be hanging in there.  My eyebrows and lashes have thinned since then, but they are still there. I definitely had nose bleeds.  

     I have been "OK" this round until today (day 5) when I woke up with terrible cramps in my stomach and intestines.  I have taken Senna, prune juice, and lots of water. But the cramps seem to coming from all over my midsection. I tried taking a walk, but that was just miserable. Now I am just sitting in bed with a heating pad on my belly hoping it will go away.  Luckily it is a nasty rainy day, so I don't feel so bad about being holed up at home. Anyone have any advice? 

     I had a lumpectomy and am currently undergoing chemo.  I am now considering reconstructive surgery.  The cosmetic outcome of my surgery is less than desireable!  Anyone have any thoughts?

     Hope everyone is hanging in there.  

  • RockstarmomPaula
    RockstarmomPaula Member Posts: 124
    edited February 2009

    CoolJkcrml Welcome to you!! I apologize for missing you! Magnola I bring magazines and a book my best friend lives where I go for chemo,so she is there everytime, my husband takes me so I have great support,there are people in the Infusion room that are alone it breaks my heart I can not imagine not having anyone with me. Im sure for some its by their choice but my support system of family and friends is so important to me.Lucy I was going to shave mine but decided to wait and see what happened I'm glad I waited I'm enjoying my short do.So sorry about your surgery results,I had a lumpectomy also, my surgeon went back in right where he did the biopsy just a little wider but it healed great.The worse for me is where I had nodes removed  in your armpit doesn't heal that well but it is hidden well.What can I do for the nosebleeds? Anybody!! Help

  • rayhope
    rayhope Member Posts: 75
    edited February 2009
    Magnola:  The first time I did have someone with me.  After that, I really preferred to go by myself.  Once you know what to expect, the actual chemo infusion is not bad at all.  In fact, the premeds (benadryl and ativan) make me very relaxed, even sleepy.  I like to read and rest while there.  You may need more support a couple of days later when the side effects start.  I even prefer to be alone then; I've never liked to be "fussed over" when I don't feel well.  I do have family and friends I can call if I need anything.  However, I know everyone is different.  Just see what works for you. 

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