Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
Comments
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Thank you all for being here. I can't imagine going through this without you!
Bold: I was glad to see your post today. Was hoping that silence just meant you were recuperating from partying. Also, what kind of concealer is good for covering face rash?
I also do the relaxation/healing meditations. Did it for surgery prep also. I used Peggy Huddleston's program. (www.healfaster.com) It was orginally developed for surgery, but can easily be adapted for helping with chemo--and for basic coping. They use it at some of the hospitals here in Boston.
Duneoaks: Any progress with stomach pain? By the way, my hair supply is down to little tufts. Nothing that could be seen in public! I keep saying that I am going to shave it off, but then chicken out.
Amlactin is good for cracking skin. The smell isn't too great, but it works well.
I am planning to get on a plane all by myself and go to South Carolina on Thursday. First time I have ever had trepidation about travelling--and travelling alone.
Hope you all have good sleep and pleasant days tomorrow. Just keep ticking off those days on the calendar. We are all surviving and prevailing!
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Bold~ I started TCH on 2-2-09 and I also have the face rash going on. It is hot!! I honestly felt and looked like a teenage boy who was using steriods. My doctor put me on a dose-pak and gave me some gel that seems to be keeping it at bay (for now). I had my second treatment yesterday and my rash isn't nearly as bad as it was my first treatment. Glad to hear you found some good concealer
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Mary Ellen--where are you going in SC?--I am at our beach house until Saturday. After Monday I did not have problems with my stomach, so I did not call the onc. I will talk to him when I go in for my next TX and see if he will recommend Prilosec or something similar. I still have lots of short stubbles on my head and they do itch--still dealing with the folliculitis also. Hope everyone has a great day.0
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Ladies, it has been quite a while since I've posted but I have been so inspired by reading the postings. I especially found comfort in the mediation suggestion posted by BOLD. Thank you! I have completed 4 TXs of TCH and am getting Herceptin once every three weeks until the end of Sept/early Oct. I am also on Day 20 of radiation on my way to 33. I am finding myself fighting depression - I thought I was really losing it but I see so many of us are experiencing the same symptoms. I can hardly talk about the diagnosis/prognosis without completely breaking down but then sometimes I think about how far I have come on this journey and feel so pleased. It is doable but only because there are so many wonderful women willing to share their experiences, etc., and help each other along. Thank God for all of you!
I did develop the rash described after TX #2 and it lasted about five days. Tried all the treatments talked about and it did go away not to return after any other TXs. I have neuropathy in my fingers that may continue for six months according to my ONC. I also have terrible nails but finally the nosebleeds have stopped. I haven't begun taking Tamocifen yet but have the prescription filled. I'm a little nervous about it and I'm not sure why...guess just because it's another pill and for five years. God bless you all!
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Rockfan, I cried all the way to and from radiation for weeks. I have no idea why. I just had to get it all out. I finished radiation today!!!! 7 weeks!! I did NOT cry today. I was happy as can be.
Has anyone had the metabolism 2D6 test for the tamoxifen? Have any of you spoken to your onc about it?? I want the test before I take it because if it is not going to help me I am going to take another direction. ??
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Congrats on finishing your radiation Traci1970. I have 5 left to go and although I did not cry I was so down everyday and still feel terrible. It is not as long now at a time. they are doing the boosts but I am a crispy critter and my skin is oozing at night so I don't sleep well at night. I will be so glad when this part is over. My RBC are down even more now and they won't do a blood transfusion until I am at 7 and I was 8.8 today but very dizzy and my heart is beating hard at the least exertion. I don't mind the Herceptin but I feel a little bad the first day and sometimes the next but nothing like the TCH was.
bluedasher, the chemo nurses were the ones who were allowed to use the port but when I needed a blood transfusion they fixed it up for them to use it for that. Usually I always had a Herceptin treatment about that time anyway so they just capped it off and then it was easy. I like our girl who takes the blood for CBC and anything else. She did quit for a while and it was an older woman who was really rough but before I had my next blood draw the good one was back. I told her how happy I was.
Keeping everyone in my prayers and wishing all of you an easy time.
Carolyn
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Hi everyone, it has been a while since I posted but have been keeping up with the board even if I haven't written. My last treatment #4 sort of kicked my a** but I feel better now and will have treatment #5 on Monday. Just when you start feeling better. I was very interested to read about the meditation as I have been talking to my nurse advocate about this and she just made me copies of some meditations that she likes. I am still suffering with about 30 hot flashes a day! My onc prescribed Effexor but it makes me very ill. I was in bed for 2 days with vomiting ad diarrhea after taking one pill. Not good at all! So I am now trying meditation and hoping that it will work as I believe that the hot flashes are made worse by stress. I took a meditation class about 9 years ago and it was really helpful to me at that time. I wish that I had made it a part of my daily routine then.This BC certainly is stressful, as everyone on this board knows. I thought I was dealing with it but it is an ongoing process.!
Bluedasher, the chemo nurses at my center will access my port for me if I need a MUGA or blood work since nurses and techs in other departments don't have much experience with ports and would rather use a vein.
I hope everyones skin rash is better. The day after chemo my skin is so flushed but it usually goes away in a couple of days.
Try some warm Vitamin E oil on your nails it really moisturizes them Also keep them really short.
Bold, it was great to hear about the Oscar party. It sounded like so much fun! We had fun just watching it.
Is anyone else addicted to American Idol?
I hope everyone has an easy time and keep on keepin on.
Maja0 -
Hello Fellow campers:
I remember I went through a very violent menopause. I had at least 10 flashes during the day and numerous at night. And this was without chemo. I found that if I did not or had very little caffein it helped allot. I also know that stress seems to trigger it.(good luck with that)a I had a fan next to my bed that I could just pop on and cool off. In the summer I got one of those neck air conditioners from Brookstone. I also found that if I exercised it helped a little too. But the real truth of the matter is that time is what really worked. and it took three years or so. Funny that my onc. still considers me peri-menopausal even though I have not had a period in 9 years. But my estradiol levels are 32.2 and FSH 61.9 indicating to me that it is all but over. And strong chance that after chemo this fat (and bald)lady will be singing. I secretly hope, so that I do not have to do hormone therapy. As my tumor only had 2% estrogen +. I do not want to take any unnecessary risks for recurrence or mets. I hate making these decisions. Who the heck knows. Maybe a psychic is the way to go (just kidding).
The rash on my face seems to have subsided significantly.
I went to the optometrist today to have a retention cyst checked as all this crying has aggravated it. While I was there he told me that you really need to keep an eye (Pun) on your tear ducts. If you have constant tearing to the point that it is running down your face (not from crying but inadvertently) you should see your eye Dr. as taxotere is known to block tear ducts and they need to be stinted. If they are not caught in time there can be long term effects. Not to scare but if anyone has symptoms please be advise. (what would I do without parenthesis) (lol).
If anyone is interested in different meditations, please just let me know. I will be glad to type out some others that are very good for healing and relaxation. Positive imagery needs to become a regular habit for it to give you the full benefits. We understand that we need to take our vitamins everyday to help our bodies heal and stay health, the same is true with the power of the mind. I know from my own experience that my mind drifts to horrible places with this stupid BC. I sometimes think how would I handle a recurrence or mets. I have to redirect my mind to a more positive place. I am not saying to live in la la land (even though I was born in Hollywood) But do not make that a reality. Instead visualize a future event or accomplishment and feel the truth of that thoughts fruition.
Oh boy I guess I did another rant. Sorry I get carried away. But we are more than Chemo, rads, surgery, hormone therapy and Herceptin. We are spirits and souls that need to be loved and comforted not only by our friends and family but by ourselves. Sometimes is is the easiest to ignore. That is what is truly meant by take care of yourself. (not the a facial, manny and peddy are bad things) Sometimes it may feel as though our bodies have betrayed us and we can no longer trust them. That is why it is so important to go deep into ones self and mend repair and find peace and happiness it there waiting for all of us.
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Sorry me again. How do you add your tx to your signature line. I tried but can't seem to get it to work. THANKS.
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Nevermind
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Maja-I too suffer from terrible hot flashes (the only thing that stopped them was the birth control pills). I take 75mg of Effexor but I still get them day and night. The cancer center where I go just started offering acupuncture for many ailments, with hot flashes being one of them. I had my first "treatment" today. It was very relaxing and calming. She put about 11 "needles" in me and I went home with 2 little ones in my feet. (The 2 stay in a few days then fall out). I am going for 7 weeks. I hope this works. If nothing else it was a very soothing way to spend 45 minutes.0
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I am almost ready for Camp TCH!
I got my treatment schedule today: 6 treatments of TCH every 3 weeks, Herceptin alone on the off weeks, finish with Herceptin every 3 weeks until February 2010. I start Wed, March 4.
Still plenty to do before I pick my bunk: bloodwork today, a cardio test tomorrow, and port insertion on Friday.
Any helpful hints for the port insertion? I spoke with the surgeon and he says it will be placed under my right collarbone. I saw the port and it is big and heavier than the plastic type. The oncologist preferrs this one because it has a one-way valve so it doesn't get clogged.
I want this to go as easy as possible and for it to be as comfortable as possible, so any suggestions or words of wisdom are appreciated.
Cheers!
Cloud
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traci: This is the THIRD time I have typed this and it keeps disappearing!!!!!!!!! My onc tested me for the tamoxifen metabolizing. I get the results this coming Monday. He said if I don't metablolize the Tamox, an alternative would be to have my ovaries removed. That is fine with me, Any unneceaasry body part that could get cancer is free to go in my book.
Lisa
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To all Hot Flash sufferers:
I have been getting hot flashes off and on since I was in my early 30's. My hormones have been messed up most of my life due to PCOS. Chemo has taken the hot flashes to an all new level. I have gotten very few (if any) good night's sleep since chemo started. Last night I finally slept thru with no hot flashes and I attribute this to the 1 hour massage I got yesterday. Nothing like a massage to flush the toxins from your body. I have noticed that since chemo, I don't sweat. I can get on the treadmill and work like crazy and I just don't sweat. This can't be healthy and I swear it is keeping to many toxins in my body. Since I am almost 3 weeks out from my last tx I am again able to drink water and I am guzzling it by the bottle. The water intake combined with the massage I believe is what helped slow the hot flashes.
However, I am scheduled to start tamoxifen this coming Monday, so I am sure that will bring about an enitely new set of problems and symptoms.
Bold: Let us know what your doc says about hormone therapy with your low estrogen number. Mine was 98 - no escaping for me.
Cloud: Good luck with your TCH, may your S/E's be few.
Lisa
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Cloud, sorry about having to join the campers but this a great group and they will help you. I have finished my TCH and still doing Herceptin until in June. I have 5 rad left and I can't wait for that to be finished. I hope you have few se too but if you have some be sure to ask your nurses that give the chemo because they can help a lot. They will soon be like family to you. I am always happy to see them when I go for H only and they wave at me when they see us in the waiting room.
Get as much exercise as you can when you feel good enough to even if it is yoga or walking whatever. Lisa has done great with riding her horses. I was not too good at doing exercise but looking back I know it would have helped me . don't be scared it will get easier as you go along. the first time is the scariest.
Maja (Carolyn) #4 was my worse too. I got a little constipated before the tx and after that I decided to take the Miralax before tx and it helped me.
Good luck to every one
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Cloud--I'm sorry that you had to join our club, but this is the most supportive and informative group of women I have ever known. As far as the type of port you have, mine is plastic, but it's still pretty big, but I am so glad I have it. I must say it is not comfortable for a couple of weeks after it's put in, but just take some Advil or Tylenol for the pain--it bothered me more than my mastectomy. Mine is right under my left collarbone because my surgery was on the right breast--it was put in the day of my surgery. Make sure you have the Lidocane (numbing) cream to apply before your treatments. You will find out through this site that everything you are experiencing is "normal" in this group--it is reasuring to know that you are not the only one with hand rash, nosebleeds, crying spells, etc--just ask, and someone will try to help. Good luck.0
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Lisa, That is pretty much my plan. I want to have the tamox test and if it is not favorable then I will have my remaining ovary removed. My Oncologist (whom I love) has never given anyone this test. I know I need it and I told him I wanted it. I was wondering what lab everyone uses for this test. I gave my oncologist all of the information I could find but there seem to be a bunch of labs that do this. I want the most reputable one. I don't want to use some fly by night oddball lab. Could you please find out as much as you can for me Lisa?? I appreciate it soooo much. Traci
OOH, I am also considering vacationing in your neck of the woods. We could lounge by a pool somewhere and chat over a nice umbrella drink!
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Cloud: I had my port placed a week ago yesterday and first treatment was Friday. I had no problem with the procedure. I was awake the whole time (but on some nice "lala" juice) and it went smoothly. I will say that it is pretty itchy now with the skin healing. I'm still knocking on wood, but I haven't had any real SE's since the chemo last week (some belly issues, but nothing to bad). I think my onco's has a great combo of meds to ward off a lot of the bad stuff. Be sure to follow their instructions and keep thinking positive thoughts.
Good luck! (Jeez, I sound like such an expert and I'm only 6 days ahead of you! This board DOES help!)
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Sailor, best wishes for your trip. I went on several business trips during chemo. Mine were always on the 3rd week and they went fine.
Just be careful to get enough rest and eat propoerly. I did pace myself more carefully than usual and sometimes had a room service dinner instead of going out so I could go to bed earlier.
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Cloud Welcome to the Sisterhood You couldn't be among better people, I think I am the only one who has posted that had my port put in while I was under antetesia Im glad I was out it wouldn't go on my right so they had to do it on the left Im glad I was not aware of anything. I also do all my blood draws a nurse is the only one who can access it but the lab tech is right there to take the tube for my CBC.You should not have to have it drawn out of your arm when you have a port.Bold I totally agree being Positive is so important I know that is why I am making it each day,I just keep fighting every step, I see you figure out how to put the date in, For anyone that wants to know go to My Home,Edit Profile bottom of page says signature type it there and submit!!0 -
Hello All. I am new to the board. I was dx 2/08. I started May 1, 2008, with TCH every three weeks and finished August 14. I also had Zometa in there every six weeks. Still on Herceptin and zometa and also Tykerb. I had chemo on Thursdays and Sunday was my worst day with the fatigue and intestinal issues. I managed to most work through my chemo treatments. The metallic taste was the worst thing for me. Lasted about 5-6 days really bad and then gradually faded off. I started taking a product at the end of my chemo called Transfer Factor and it helped so much with the intestinal problems and the fatigue. I still take it to this day and have not had so much as a cold or a runny nose. I just got my PET scan done two weeks ago and am cancer free. I feel for all you ladies going through the chemo right now and it just really sucks. I had long blond hair and of course lost it. Right now it is growing back in nicely and I ditched my wig.; The hair thing bothers me on occasion but is so secondary to fighting this awful disease.
Jennifer
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Hi Everyone.....congratulations Jennifer! Cancer Free is a great thing to hear....good for you!
Paula and Cloud - I was under general anesthesia when I had my port put in. I woke up and it was done...voila. I have all of my blood draws done from the port as well as all of my chemo/herceptin infusions. The MUGA scans are a different story. They have to use the veins for those.
Has anyone heard from Cheryl? How is she doing with her nausea since her dose of Emend ran out. I have been praying for her and hoping that she is doing better this week.
I start my herceptin-only infusions next week. It's two weeks since my final chemo #6. I'm starting to feel like my old self again. I've actually had a few hours here and there when I forget about the breast cancer. I NEVER thought that I could have gotten that far....it's a great feeling. Ladies who are currently in chemo.....you WILL start to feel like your old self again. Please trust me on this.....I was convinced that I would NEVER get this far. I'm sad to have to go back in every three weeks for this Herceptin because each day is such a gift and it has been wonderful NOT having to go to the cancer center. Don't get me wrong, I am happy that we have Herceptin, just sad that I have to keep going back there every three weeks. I guess that it must be the bad memories.
Have a wonderful afternoon ladies. Stay strong.
Anne
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Hi Anne:
Yup, I'm still here - thanks for asking. I'm coming out of my 6th tx and am recuperating much slower this time. I've been lurking for the past week or so because I've been feeling pretty lousy. Couldn't believe I had no nausea to speak of for 3 days post treatment then, the day after the Emend stopped BANG!!! the worst nausea ever. I started back up on Zofran for 4 more days after that before I stopped the nausea pills 7 days post treatment! The neuropathy has been kicking up pretty badly too. Had trouble walking for about 5 days (my legs would give out from the pain) and today I'm walking around although the soles of my feet are numb. I'll be speaking to my onc's office once again for yet another post treatment plan. I can't believe that after 6 treatments, I still feel like I'm starting from square 1 every time.
On a happy note, today is my 44th birthday! I remember when I was diagnosed at 38, my doctor was so encouraging about my prognosis 5 years out. Back then it seemed like such a long time. Now I can't believe how quickly the time has passed.
Try to stay well everyone.
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Hi Jennifer: Thanks for your encouragement. I am most interested in Tranfer factor. What is it? You must have hair now. How long is it? (morbid curiosity) The digestion is the roughest for me so I am interested in anything that would help. Looking at your signature you did a great job kicking cancer booty! Congats!
Anne: You are such a sweetheart. (I can tell). Just think of those trips to cancer center as maintenance. Make sure that you keep everything in balance. Eating exercise,and stress.And we will be better than when we started on this challenging journey. ( I say these things so that I will do them too) No hormone therapy for you? Thats cool huh?
We are all on our way!!!!! Are we there yet? Are we there yet?..................?..................?
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Cheryl Happy Birthday To You!!!! Sorry you are still having trouble,I wish I could take part of it away from you, You deserve a break from it!! just know in time all this will be a thing of the past Can't happen soon enough. I am sending good thoughts, bunches of hugs, and lots of Prayers!! Feel better fast!!! Please!!!!!! 0
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Happy Birthday to Cheryl, Happy Birthday to Cheryl!!!!!!!! Hang in there girl! You've come a long way!
Gramma: I am glad you are doing well. Only 5 more rads - way to go!!! When you have the time, try some walks, it will make you feel better. You are always in my prayers. I think you and cupcake are just amazing.
Traci: I am soooo about a slushy drink with an umbrella! You name the date and I will clear the calendar! I am having a "Lisa survived chemo" party at my barn tomorrow afternoon. I will be manning the margeurita blender!
On the tamox test: I will ask my doc on Monday which lab they use. I think I may have been the first one my doc ordered (at least from the office I use, he has 3) because he had to tell the nurse exactly what he wanted and give her instructions.
Port Surgery, etc: I was out cold for my port surgery too. It was sore for about 2 weeks, the chemo nurse thought it might be hitting a nerve. That finally went away. While my port really gets in the way of my hobbies (horses) and the fact that I am clumsy and constantly banging it with something, I am so glad I have it! Everything comes in or out via the port. I don't even need to use a numbing agent, with a good nurse I don't feel a thing.
my2boys: I am almost 3 weeks out from my last treatment and I am starting to feel normal. I can tell that my blood counts must still be low, but time will take care of that. I know it will take time to get my stamina and muscle mass back, but at least now I know nothing is stopping me. This coming Monday will be my first Herceptin only treatment. It will be so nice to be in and out in under 2 hours instead of 6!
magnola: Isn't it amazing how fast you get good at this crap?
Everyone have a wonderful evening. Party on!
Lisa
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Hi everyone! Happy Birthday Cheryl!!
Im going through that bad taste this week! My hands are itchy....trying to keep lotion on them, just gets so aggrevating. My hair is starting to shed more and more each day....especially when I style it in the mornings. On another thread they suggested planetbuff.com...think I am going to order one to try it out. Im not looking forward to shaving my head...
Wishing everyone the best!
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Thanks for words of wisdom, on the port procedure. I plan to return to work right after the procedure. Your words encourage me that it is possible.
I had my MUGA scan done today. The test couldn't be scheduled in my local town so I was scheduled at a large radiology center in a neighboring town. I found it very freaky to learn that they would draw my blood, add radioactive something, wait 30 minutes, and then push it all back into me.
I asked if I would be shown proof that the blood they were injecting into me was actually mine. The tech told me no. I said surely she had some way of identifying the vial so they patient could confirm the vial was theirs. She said no; I would just have to trust her.
I went along with it like a good little cancer patient, but I wanted to dart out the door and look for a center that could prove proper handling of my blood before it was injected into me. <grrr>
I am looking forward to the end of outside tests and just settling in with my cancer center. I keep saying that I need to handle this like a Marine, and I will have the hair cut to match, but a part of me really needs a place to fall into a comfy chair without being reminded of the all the house- and yardwork that isn't being done.
I had to go to the cancer center for additional bloodwork this afternoon--mildly elevated liver functions--and I was able to see the infusing room. I was so glad to have a preview before Wednesday; the nurses were all smiles and the patients, though not equally bright-eyed, acknowledged me in their own way. I think I will easily feel comforted and supported there.
Cheers!
Cloud
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Thank you for finding out about the test for me Lisa.
Jennifer congratulations on being cancer free. That has to be a wonderful feeling!
Cheryl I hope your birthday was awesome. I celebrated my birthday last week end with my children and it was the sweetest birthday I have ever had. You have been through so much and you have been in my prayers
Traci 0 -
I found the neatest site that provides chemo pts a free website. You know how a gazillion people ask how you're doing and when is your next treatment? Well, you can post blogs, it has a calendar for your chemo schedule (and even allows you to indicate which days you need a ride), and it allows folks to type you a message. Check it out. I made a site for myself:
CHERYL: HAPPY BIRTHDAY !! When you get older, I think we should each get to celebrate all WEEK, don't you?! So glad to hear you're better. I've been thinking of you every day!
Shari: We began tx the same day, but you're having the yukky taste this week? It was just the first week for me.
For itchy hands (I had a rash too) I found something by accident. I bought a bottle of Eucerin and with it came a tube of ointment called Aquaphor. I put it on the backs of my hands 2x per day and they're no longer chapped. It really works!
Lisa: I'll meet you for a margarita, k?
Speaking of alcohol, when I was at the dr's for Herceptin today, I overheard the nurse tell someone that the dr will be able to tell if we've been drinking because of the elevation in our liver counts. EEKs. So we need to drink in the MIDDLE of our 3 wk cycle, NOT just before the blood is drawn. I've promised myself ONE marg every 3 wks.
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