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Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin

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Comments

  • my2boys
    my2boys Member Posts: 124
    edited February 2009

    Good Morning Everyone.  I hope you are all doing well today.

    Lisa....how are you feelilng?  I'm FINALLY doing better.  Feeling like my old self again...HOOORAY!   No more gatorade...yippeee!

    Sorry rayhope.....I have no experience with lasix.  I did, however, gain about 10 pounds over the course of the 6 treatments.  You are right, it is important to drink plenty of water.

    Denali....I'm glad that your doctor was able to answer your questions about rads.  There are so many different factors that determine if a patient needs them or not.  Like I said earlier, I didn't, but others who are similar to me might have. 

  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited February 2009

    my2boys:  I am feeling really good today.  My only problem is I am suffering from the lazy's this morning!  My taster seems to be OK now.  I am sooooo glad to have that behind me.  I know it sounds whimpy, but that bothered more than almost anything else!  I am still drinking the gatorade this morning, but I think that has become a habit now.  Need to break that.  Too much sugar in that stuff!  I am going to go get on the treadmill for a while.  Time to get serious about getting back into shape.  One day at a time.  Here I come!

    Have a great day campers!

    Lisa

  • kmn0701
    kmn0701 Member Posts: 13
    edited February 2009
    Denali, that's great news! I have my first Heceptin only treatment this afternoon. I'm really hoping for an "uneventful" weekend. Yay!!
  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 306
    edited February 2009

    Lisa: Good for you on the treadmill. I have not been that good about doing a  lot of exercise. just walking and keeping up with things seems to be it for me.right now. Once in a while a swim in the week before treatment. I am not going to the academy awards I am going to one of the parties. But there will be stars there and I will give some dirt on Monday I promise.

    This rash on my face is still there. My face is sore and red. Real pretty. yikeees Embarassed Other than still being exhausted all the time I feel pretty good. I must admit that I am nervous to still have three more of these. I am so jealous of the sisters that only have four treatments. 6 is a lot to deal with. I know that some people even have 8 so I should be grateful but still I'm just saying.

    It is hard every morning when my brain is booting-up to the reality of the situation. It seems that you have to take the journey every morning, work through all your fears and then Begin your day. I pray that each one of us has this bump and that we all die of old age, I think that I am one of the oldest left on this thread and I am only 54. So much more life to live. I am sorry. But some times all we talk about are SE when there is this 5000 pound gorilla in the room. I know that every one has there way of coping. But if I can't talk about here then where?

  • rayhope
    rayhope Member Posts: 75
    edited February 2009
    Bold: You're not the oldest.  I'm 60 and will be 61 in April.  I spent the six months prior to my diagnosis working out with a personal trainer and dieting.  I lost 20 pounds and actually gained some muscle.  Needless to say, BM with TE and TCH have set me back.  I'm lucky now if I feel like a 20 minute walk (that's not often).  Now the emphasis is on beating the cancer.  Hopefully, I will be able to resume my routine when all of this is over!
  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 306
    edited February 2009

    Thanks rayofhope for response, your young too. We wll get our groove back. By the end of summer we will be more beautiful than ever inside and out.

     I have one more major problem (not really in the scope of things) My eyes visibly twitch sooo much that people can not look at me when they are talking to me. It drives me nuts but I could live with it but other people find it scary to look at. Oh boy at this fun!

  • Smile2006
    Smile2006 Member Posts: 132
    edited February 2009

    Bold.....stay strong...this will all pass.  Hope you fet to feeling better and sores and redness goes away soon.  This week has been extremely hard on me..I thought it was from the first tx and I was ready to quit...but it seems that I have picked up an infection that has kicked my butt.  I am hoping the antibiotics will kick in fast and I will be feeling back to normal again.....at least as close to normal I can get. 

    I have already cut my hair some.....I am not looking forward to it falling out.  That is going to be hard for me....I am already a cry baby now...with just the fatigue...cant imagine what I am going to be like with fatigue and loosing my hair.

    Thanks for listening....hope everyone is having a healthy day! 

    Shari

  • kmn0701
    kmn0701 Member Posts: 13
    edited February 2009

    Bold....I know the feeling. It's hard to stay positive when you're feeling crappy too. Hang in there.

    Shari....hope your infection goes away soon. I had a cold before I started chemo last week & it's still lingering. I think it's a virus though so I'm not sure there's much I can do about it. Just a bit congested & runny nose. Hopefully it'll be gone before I lose my nose hair!!! 

    I'm also experiencing slight tingling/numbness in my tongue & a sort of feeling like I have either a UTI or yeast infection....just sensitive/sore in the nether regions. This just sucks!

  • jkcrml
    jkcrml Member Posts: 53
    edited February 2009

    Smile.. hope the medicine kicks in soon- chemo and an infection- that's a lot to handle. I haven't started chemo yet but am trying to be proactive on the hair; I teach 2nd grade so each week we measure an 1 inch of my hair and I get an inch cut off on the weekend. I'm hoping that will help us all when there is nothing left! Have a great week end

    Karen

  • RockstarmomPaula
    RockstarmomPaula Member Posts: 124
    edited February 2009
    CoolLisa & my2boys Glad to hear you are both doing better! Each day without the Chemo will just keep getting better!! Magnola I hope you have good results with your port mine has been in now a month today actually,it feels like part of me now.I am so glad I got it the chemo is so much easier and the blood draws too.Smile Hope you feel better fast, I noticed when I get tired I am more prone to crying.Just keep in mind You are strong it is only hair and it will grow back!! Bold I have my  3rd Tx on Monday! HOORAY 1/2 way over!!!!!!!! We can do it Girl I am right there with you!Cali Glad you are done with chemo keep us posted on how you do with just Herceptin, I am very curious about that. Everyone There is a site called Chemo angels I signed up with them I was given 2 angels they send cards and little gifts just to help you it is an awesome program. These women make me smile they have beautiful words of encouragement and are doing it from the goodness of their hearts, When I am done with my journey I wish to be a Chemo angel, it would be an awesome way to give back!! So check it out if you are interested,it is very cool!!
  • mason204
    mason204 Member Posts: 36
    edited February 2009

    Just a quick note looking for advice....

    Had chemo on Tuesday and 3 days of Emend.  No nausea AT ALL.  It was wonderful but now the honeymoon is over.  I took my last Emend yesterday and today at 1 p.m. the nausea set in and it's bad.  I've tried:

    Eating (didn't help)
    Crackers
    Flat gingerale
    Candied ginger
    Water

    I was told to take a metaclopromide for breakthrough nausea (didn't work an hour later) so I took a Zofran.  That was at 2 p.m.  I get about 10 second periods of relief but still feeling awful.  Everything's sitting at my throat right now....

    The bone pain from the Abraxane is setting in an I need to take a pain pill.  Problem is the nausea is so bad I can't even imagine swalllowing one.  My water intake is also lessening as I feel like I can't keep it down.  I need to stay hydrated.

    Feeling too poorly to check all posts for more solutions.  Am I missing anything I can be trying?  I'll check back in a bit.  This darn carboplatin...Thanks, ladies.

    Cheryl.

  • Denali
    Denali Member Posts: 113
    edited February 2009

    Hey, Bold, I'm 60!  And oh, so proud! 

    I did the bravest thing today!  This 60 yr old marched into a drug store and bought KY jelly!  (I'm getting nosebleeds between the chemo and my oxygen concentrator I have to use when I sleep, so dr recommended it for my NOSE)  Ok.  I didn't exactly march and I had to talk myself into going in, but I DID it!  Of course I had to stand in front of the 'family planning' shelves for 15 mins to find the plain, amidst all the sensual types--warm, silky, liquid, etc.  Tried to wear a look of excited anticipation as I reached for it.

    The only other thing I had to buy was a LAXATIVE !  how embarrassing.  But I DID it!

    I picked up the wig I'd ordered.  Silly me thought it would come all pretty and styled.  sheesh.  It's straight and stuffed in a teensy box.  Live and learn.

    Paula, you should have a party when you've reached the 1/2 way mark in this journey.  I'll bring the Margaritas, k?

    Bold: hang in there!  Talk it out with us if you need to.

    Cheryl:  so sorry you're feeling so badly!  Call your dr!  See if there's something else they can prescribe.  Quick-- as it's Friday and the office will probably be closed tomorrow!

  • duneoaks
    duneoaks Member Posts: 94
    edited February 2009

    Cheryl, I am so sorry that you are having such a tough time---I wish I had some answers. 

    Mary Ellen--how are you doing since your chemo.  I woke up at 4:30 this morning, took a pill for nausea and went back to sleep.  The biggest problem I have is major stomach cramps--constipation again.  They just come in waves--hopefully the Senecot will work soon. 

    Bold--I hope you have a wonderful time at the Oscar party and that your rash can be concealed.  By the way, I'm 57 years old and plan on another 40 or so.  My husband and I are at our beach home in SC to relax and heal--God's beauty is amazing. 

    Everyone loves my wig--my friends at the bank don't know what I'm going through and told me my new cut was adorable and made me look 10 years younger--I just said thank you and went about my business.  I do prefer hats at home, but it's nice to get compliments. 

  • RockstarmomPaula
    RockstarmomPaula Member Posts: 124
    edited February 2009
    CoolDenali Where you at in Colorado?Margaritas would be lovely!! I didn't even notice the CO! I bet you were the talk of the pharmacy!! Do find someone to cut and style your wig it makes a big difference it helps you own the look to you, Mine is so much better since I did Its more my personality! Cheryl Do call your Dr. there is no reason for you feel so bad,it is not acceptable they need to figure it out for you!!! Sending lots of good thoughts and Prayers to you!!
  • Denali
    Denali Member Posts: 113
    edited February 2009

    Rock:  I'm in Arvada (suburb north of Denver).  I see you're in the southern part of Colorado, right?  Do you ever get up this way? 

    Wouldn't it be so cool to have an after chemo get together/vacation for all of us??  It's nice to think about anyway.

    Cheryl, we're all worried about you!  Have someone call the dr for you.  Shoot, I'll call for you.  Let us know how you are, when you feel up to it.

  • RockstarmomPaula
    RockstarmomPaula Member Posts: 124
    edited February 2009
    Cool Denali My brother & his family live in Arvada! Wow its a small world! I haven't been that way for awile now but do come that way sometimes.  Im glad you are here its so nice to have a fellow Coloradan, Wray is on the KS,Ne border, 5 miles from my house is Tri-Corners Where you can stand in all 3 states where they meet.
  • Magnola
    Magnola Member Posts: 75
    edited February 2009

    Hey All.  I had my first TC treatment today (1 down, 5 to go!) and my first Herceptin yesterday.  I am wating impatiently for my day 3 crash but feel completely normal now.  I eased dropped in on several conservations at "chemo lodge" today.  When the nursed asked folks if they had any naseau in between sessions, no one said they did.  Now I don't know if my onco has discovered the triple threat regime (Zofran, Compazine and Ativan) but I am hopeful.  If you have taken these three and they didn't work, don't tell me.  I like my rosy colored glasses just fine.  The power of mental wellness!

    Remember, I'm a newbie at all this, but Mason, why can't you take another Emend when your feeling so bad .  Is it only allowed the first days after treatment?  I know you must be feeling so awful right now!

    I'm getting my Neulasta shot tomorrow (adminstered by my husband).  Any suggestions in keeping the bone pain down.  Is Iboprofen about the best thing to take?

    And my last question that is most near and dear to my heart...when can I have a glass of my beloved wine?  My doc said it was fine in moderation and may help keep me relaxed.  Should I wait awhile?  I know there will be times when it would be the last thing I would want to have, but for the moments when feeling good???

  • Smile2006
    Smile2006 Member Posts: 132
    edited February 2009

    Cheryl = I hope you called your doctor...i was given enough nausea medicine to last me the whole week.  Let us know how you are doing.

    Magnola -  What I found to be most helpful for me was a heating pad.  Someone posted they used a heating blanket.  I dont have one...really no need being in Florida, but the heating pad I have can wrap around my hips.  Be positive....you may not have the 3 day crash..you could be one of the lucky ones Smile.  As for drinking a glass of wine...I would like to know that answer as well. 

    I wasnt happy with my hair cut..so I went back today and had a little more taken off the sides....I actually kind of like it..who knows...maybe when my hair grows back I will keep a short style.

    Keep a smile on your faces...it always brightens a room

  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 306
    edited February 2009

    Sweet Magnola (blossom): As far a the wine goes. I too love wine but I was gentle on my liver. I know that these Chomo Toxic! drugs process through our liver so please be gentle on your system. I always wait till the sat before next tx as the Sunday is the day before and I have to take  steroids. But that just how I roll everyone must listen to there own bodies. I know what you mean about the relaxation. I miss it too along with my hair and life as I knew it. But it will be back and we will be able to take our wonderful trips to wine country again. GRRRRRRR!

  • RockstarmomPaula
    RockstarmomPaula Member Posts: 124
    edited February 2009
    CoolSmile That pic of you with your shorter hair is very sexy Girl You rock that look!!, I liked your other pic that was good to but this is way better,That was how short I went to 1st time around mine now is even shorter than yours now.I have been thinking about having mine short as well when it grows back.Smile &Magnola I have occasionally had a drink since I have started Tx just one on social occassions, sometimes, doesn't seem to cause me harm. So I think all things in moderation?? Maybe?? Everyone is different I have been very blessed to feel good and have next to no SEs so far, but the ride is only 1/2 way done on Monday for me,so positive thoughts that my good fortune continues.
  • Denali
    Denali Member Posts: 113
    edited February 2009

    Oh my, Rock, you'll just have to come visit your family soon!  I'd love to get together!

    Bold, I just noticed you're in Glendale.  I'm from Lakewood, California (near Long Beach).  It is a small world, huh?

    I was told we could have alcohol in moderation.  Chemo is hard on the liver and alcohol gives it a double whammy.  So maybe wine spritzers with half the wine and 7-up?  And it's better at the end of the 3-wk cycle than at the beginning.

  • Magnola
    Magnola Member Posts: 75
    edited February 2009

    Thanks! That was my feeling, too. Moderation close to the end of each trt!  Next question...how do I see all these pictures everyone's downloading?

  • jkcrml
    jkcrml Member Posts: 53
    edited February 2009

    Hi, did any of you get a second opinion??? Are there any teachers in this group, if so did you teach thru this???  I turned 60 last summer, this summer was suppose to be spent in Italy life sure changes in a hurry Smile

    Karen

  • duneoaks
    duneoaks Member Posts: 94
    edited February 2009

    Karen--after a positive biopsy and a positive breast MRI, I did not think it was necessary to have a second opinion.  I had a relationship with our oncologist, so I trusted his decision.  He presented my case to about 50 other Dr's and they agreed with TCH.  If you have any questions, get another opinion.

    As far as wine, my onc says it's ok in moderation.  He said there are studies going on right now about red wine and cancer.  He said his drink of choice for me would be red wine. 

    Hoping for a nice long walk on the beach today--it is a gorgeous day in SC

  • Smile2006
    Smile2006 Member Posts: 132
    edited February 2009
    Good Morning!  Still congested....going to try to take a short walk today..if it warms up a little.  Tired of being in this house!  I was planning on having a girls night of games and gossip...but just dont feel up to it Frown!  Hope all of you are feeling strong and beautiful today! 
  • gramma23
    gramma23 Member Posts: 482
    edited February 2009

    Mason204, Call your chemo nurses for info. Mine were there 24/7 and they can help you with anything. Doc is on call too! I took phenegran for light nausea and Ativan for bad nausea but it made me go to sleep. I was sick a lot more than most so I tried to just do liquids like boost and ensure while I was sick. If you have diarrhea don't eat chicken noodle soup but I did drink chicken broth some. the kind with low fat. I ate jello and Popsicles too but got to where I could not tolerate the green ones. Everything I used to like was not good to me. I found that if I just threw up and got it over with I felt better. One day I was so sick when I went for H tx only I was throwing up and fainting. I was dehydrated and so they gave me 2 extra bags of IV and some med in my IV tube too and morphine to knock me out because I was having back spasms from the Neulasta. That was my worse time and I am not sure that I did anything different. the Carboplatin did not agree with me either and to think of it they lowered it for the next TCH tx. I guess that helped.

    As for bone pain some have said Claritin worked for the pain they got with Neulasta but I am not sure why. I never tried it since I was on so much meds as it was. At the top of the page put in Claritin and it should bring up the old posting for that. I will be looking for you but I would talk to doc first about it.

    Hang in there campers and I my Herceptin only is okay just feel tired but then I am doing radiation too so maybe it is the combo.

    Carolyn

  • Magnola
    Magnola Member Posts: 75
    edited February 2009

    Duneokas-where in SC.  We spend our summers in Edisto Beach.  I went to USC and lived in both Columbai and Greenville before coming down to Tampa. Saw your Raleigh connection, too.  My brother and sister went to NC State and the family is in Charlotte. There is nothing better than the coast of SC!

  • duneoaks
    duneoaks Member Posts: 94
    edited February 2009
    MAGNOLA--it is DeBordieu--between Pawleys Island and Georgetown--we love it here.  I was born in Columbia and still have family there.  Hope you are having a great weekend.
  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited February 2009

    Morning Campers:

    On the wine issue.  I love wine.  However, during treatment, I could not stomach the smell of it.  I made my husband stay on the other side of the room if he wanted a glass.  Very depressing. But on my 3rd week in between tx's, I could tolerate other cocktails.  I would indulge in a cocktail here or there on week 3.  But alcohol is hard on the liver like Bold said, so use caution.

    jkcrml:   I am a teacher and I worked thru treatment and never got sick.  I tried not to work during the week of treatment when I could get a sub, but that did not always work out.  Just be sure to send home any students that are coughing, sniffling, etc. and you should be fine.

    For all of you new camp counselors; you guys are doing a great job.  Carry on!

    Lisa

  • ipohgirl
    ipohgirl Member Posts: 56
    edited February 2009

    Dear Denali,

    Hi there! I'm from HK. Have almost the same markers as you,

    ER9+), PR (-), HER (+++), Grade 3, Stage 2A, N0/4, 47 years old, menopaus.

    Could you please tell me what chemo you are on? The first onco I saw on Fri recommended FEC together with Herceptin, followed by RT and hormone therapy.

    Will see two more for opinions tomm, and start the chemo next week. Did lumpect on 10/2, surgery's fine. 

     Read somewhere that the TC regime is less damaging to the heart. Ladies, any idea about this?

    Also, what is the SE of hercetin and femara?

    Thanks. 

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