Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
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Smile: Oops! I have an ongoing joke with my onc. "What my onc doesn't know allows me to have fun". Just watch for proper wound healing and you should be fine! I am soooo jealous!
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So far its good...I have been following her after care instructions to a T!!
She also gave me a few tips about hot flashes. She suggested watermellon juice (cools the blood ) and to try taking yogurt mixing in a little water and club soda (equal parts of each) to make an 8 ounce glass..with a dash of salt..that will cool the body down, so she says. I have not tried that, but plan on getting yogurt tomorrow.
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I have a freind (and fellow esthetician) that does permanant make-up. I believe I will give her a call today. She is also a talented make-up artist, and I have known her for 15 years, so I trust her. I am getting soooo tired of drawing my brows on everyday. It is much harder when you no longer have a natural line to folllow. Thanks Shari!
I am also going to try and find an accupuncturist in my area for the hot flashes. I cannot go for the next 5 years without a good nights sleep. I would have more energy if I had more sleep!
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Cakelady: Hmmm. That's a tougher question than it appears...keep the PICC for Herceptin only? Probably not, considering the risks involved.
If your veins are just small, you can hydrate yourself beforehand - the nurses always find a way to get the IV in. In my case, my veins were also "tough" and tended to "jump" when accessed. Herceptin's also easier on the veins than traditional chemo so having a line may not be as necessary. Once you start feeling better (I had little or no SEs on herceptin), you'll want to get your life back, especially with summer coming. You'll want to swim, shower more and do stuff. Having your line flushed daily kinda puts a cramp in your style. I also found that the heat of the summer aggravated the blisters and the sores were even worse.
If your veins are just too difficult to access, consider a portacath. I have one now and it's changed my life. No reactions, no infections, I can swim, shower and it's flushed monthly. Nothing comes with guarantees and there are those who have had problems with a portacath but if you don't want to ditch the PICC and really want to have some kind of "line", I'd ditch the PICC and go with a portacath. You can get it removed once the Herceptin is done.
Hope this helps.
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Morning: Did everyone loose there eyelashes and eyebrows or is it a selective punishment. I already have blond ones but I would look terrible without them. I get nervous about permanent make up as I have so many different looks that I would be Leary of locking in to one. I have a friend who had her eyebrows tatted and I do not like the shape. But she is stuck. Now a tiny black line where the eyelashes are would be beautiful on anyone right?
Right now I got conjunctivitis from some makeup or my cat or just lucky. Don't be hating cuz I beautiful. (bald ,fat, pink twitching eyes, chemo gas, flaky shin cover girl)
Cakelady: I agree with Mason. If it is torture to get stuck every three weeks then the port should be considered.
Love yo all
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Bold I got the eye yuck last time.
Isn't it pretty. 0 -
Bold, I didn't lose my eyebrows though they thinned. My eyelashes stayed - I haven't even noticed any thinning.
I've been reading but haven't felt like posting much.
For those who will be getting rads later - I'm more than half way through and so far it is so much easier than chemo. I feel pretty much normal.
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Hi all! Newbie here..
DX- Inflammatory Breast Cancer
I have read with much interest and thank you for posting your experiences, hints and tips.
I start TCH next Tuesday (4/14/09) at Moffitt Center South - Tampa. I will have to travel 2.5 hours to get to Moffitt and then have the trip home so I'm wondering if anyone here has a similar travel issue? I'll be on a 3 week cycle for 6 treatments.
The biggest hang up is that Medicare is going to require that Moffitt administer the Neulasta the day after Chemo. They won't let me bring it home so it will require either an overnight stay in Tampa or a trip back the next day. One of my sisters is an RN and qualified to give the shot. I've also heard that folks on private insurance get Neulasta mailed to them and they inject it themselves.
I will be relying on friends and family for transportation and just hate the thoughts of imposing two trips or an over night stay.
Has anyone else faced the Neulasta/Medicare problem?
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Shari: I think it could be both. When you don't feel well that is far from thinking about and when it hurts is another biggie that drives a nail in the box. There is something wrong, and it is common with chemo patients. Why they haven't figured it out I don't know. Guess it isn't high on the priority list when their trying to save you life. Although you would think my husband is on his death bed if he don't get it. But when you think about it they already took one of his rattles away and now his play pen has closed for repairs on it......lol I am going to do everything I can to find out why and then pass it on. Not only in here, but actually for months every GYN, ONC and PC just don't know why it happens and how to care for it so they need to know too. Yes Astro Glide helps, but it is not right. Even if I go the whole six months out of chemo and it quits, then I can pass it on that it will get better along with the hair loss and teary eyes. It is a priority for me to find out.
Hi Swampy and welcome to Camp Chemo. That is a long way to travel. Why won't they let you bring it home??? I did. You may want to see if you can beings you have to travel so far. There is no medical reason you can't. They do have to wait 24 hours from chemo before you can get it. I was a big chicken to give myself the shot and finally ended up going back the next day, but I bet if you whine big enough they will let you bring it home.
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Cupcake, It's not a problem with my doctor. She's fine with letting me bring the Neulasta home. It's some Medicare rule that Moffitt pharmacy can't release it to me for consumption somewhere else.
I have called a "local" rad/onco center and asked if they could administer it to me with a doctor's prescription on an outpatient basis (even that is a 50 mile round trip). The only way they would agree to that is if I transferred all my treatment to them. Screw that! The local docs couldn't even diagnose my cance. That's why I went to Moffitt with a doctor who was head of breast cancer research there for 25 years!
I've talked to both my D coverage 3rd party insurance and they say it is not being claimed under drugs, but as part of the primary treatment (I assume that means it's considered part of the chemo treatment). I've talked to Medicare and they say that "it must be administered by my (Moffitt) physician or under direct supervision by an assistant of my physician".
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Swampy - Welcome to our group. I am a Fla girl too - where are you? Stay on the insurance co. They will only do what you force them to!
Lisa
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Hi Ladies,
Since losing my hair I have been wearing buffs, wigs and scarves. The wigs are the most uncomfortable. I just recently discovered hats with hair on ebay and I wore one to the stables this week. It was pretty comfortable and i was able to muck out the horse stall without breaking into a huge sweat. There is hair attached to the underneath of the hat band and it is in a cute boyish cut. I got some compliments about the hat and just purchased a second one today.
Thanks for the suggestions about eyebrow creation. I am sure that will be the next hair to go. Already lost the nasal hairs. I had almost no SEs from the Herceptin alone this week, but next Wednesday i go back to the full TCH treatment. It will be my second treatment and I am interested to see if i will be more or less sick than last time. It seems there is wide variance out there. I get no other drug with the Herceptin and have not been offered Neulasta after TCH.
Linda
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Mason..... thanks for the advice. Ya I think after my TCH is over in July I will get rid of the PICC and just let them stick me. I know they can do it and it will be easier for me to be normal.
Lisa... thanks for the tip on PlanetBuff......I ordered some and they are cool, nice and soft.
Bold.. No, I meant that the PICC line is more trouble than getting stuck every 3 weeks, so when I am off the TCH then maybe I will get rid of it and just get a regular IV for the Herceptin once every 3 weeks. But I still have 5 more TCH tx to go......... Uggg.
ccbaby.. How's your hair? Mines still coming out in piles.... are you going to shave it off? I am waiting till the last minute.
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Hi ladies,
I buzzed my hair just after treatment 2. My hair has stopped falling out and is growing back--in most places. Do you ladies keeping shaving your head so that it looks even, or do you just let it grow and trim only if it becomes unreasonably uneven?
I would hate to shave my head only to wish for the stubble once my treatments are over.
Treatment 3 is scheduled for Wednesday. So far my eyelashes are really thinning, but my eyebrows--like the hair under my arms and legs--have not thinned at all.
cakelady, how brave of you to just hang in there with your hair loss. I couldn't handle the hair all over the place. Now with my hair growing back, I am wondering what would have happened it I hadn't buzzed it. Oh well, call me crazy, but I like the feel of my stubble.
Bold, Do I have it right that Monday is treatment 6? Oh my stars, I am so excited about reaching the half way mark with treatment 3 that I can't even imagine how it will feel to be able to count down the hours for the final treatment. I wish you strength, peace, and happiness.
I wish that for all us.
Cheers!
Cloud
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Cloud I still have fuzz on my head and I stopped cutting it after the first time that I shaved it. My DH wanted to make me bald but I told him NO MORE. So I have a fuzzy head (it's not thick at all). I also have leg hair and the amazon on my arms has not budged. I still have to have the nurses tape on the underside of my arm or else pulling the bandaids off hurst more than the needle. Congratulations on #3 I understand completely I am gearing up for #5 and just the thought of going into #6 thrills me.
Linda~ I am shocked that you are still mucking stalls (good for you). Another option is you can get hairpieces on TLC (pretty cheap) and then add a hat. I love this option and it really is nice and cool. I don't care for my wig unless I am cold which with the hot flashes is not very often these days...lol...
Cupcake~ If you are talking about doing the deed I think I need a refreshers course.....loll.... My poor DH is in the drought of his life poor baby.....
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Of course Linda is mucking stalls, it is what we do, we don't have any choice
. Jaimie, you are kinda new here, but I rode my horse all thru chemo, it is what got me thru it sane. I am on my way to Ocala, FL (horse heaven) right now the horse trailer shop. I am so excited. I am seriously upgrading my babys' ride - mine too! Of course my patience for the 3 hour drive to get there is a bit short - thank goodness for wi- fi.Lisa
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Wow, good for you riding thru Chemo. I can see how it would keep you sane there is nothing like riding and taking care of horses.
I know all about mucking..hehe.. I did it to pay for my board for 10 years I am just really impressed. It might be that one of the barns I was at only mucked when I worked (all day job).
Lisa have fun picking out your new ride. We go thru Ocala when we go to see my MIL. My DH knows that I am not to drive thru there because I am too busy looking at horses ..:)
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CCCloud:Partly sunny today here in CA. My plant enjoy the cool weather and are blooming beautifully. I am going to get out in the garden a little today. I have finished the eggs and they are the best ever! My DH is making a cheese cake to take to my sisters. Life goes on. I sure do appreciate it. Yep NUMERO 6 on Monday. Half of me is very exited the other half dreads it like crazy. I worry about not getting feeling back in my finger tips and I have terrible pain in my hips. I have not fully recovered from that stupid bronchitis. I want to be strong and I guess everyone is weak at this point in treatment. I still envy the girls that only did 4 txs. But onward and upward once this puppy is done I will be getting better and better. Cloud you are one of the nicest people I have ever cyber talk to. I am grateful for you in the sucky journey.
Swampy: Please scream and shout as much as you can. If you just keep calling till they want you to go away. Or ask them if they will pay for transportation or if the doctor has a in home nurse that she uses. I know that onc do have them for there stage IV patients. SOOOO keep working on this. I am sure that you will eventually win. We are all behind you.
Lisa: Hows the hair this week. When are you going to post a new oic? I am so glad that you are feeling full of strength and vitality.
Cupcake: I hope that you find the answers to your gyn problem. You never said if it was an actual yeast infection, was it? I still believe in toys when all else fails (and even when it does'nt) I may keep you man happy too. Just a thought from someone who use to have a strong sex drive. (now all but gone) (poor DH) (what the hell poor me)
Have a wonderful Sat. I hope that you have reason to laugh and love!
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Bold: I will see about a hair pic tomorrow, I am traveling today. The top still has some bare spots, but in the past few days, things have really started to fill in nicely. Of course, I want a full head of past the shoulders hair back right this second, but I can finally say that the growth rate is improving and I won't be bald forever.
I got my new horse trailer today! I am so excited! DH is happy with the deal and I am happy with the trailer. Sorry to bore the non-horse folks, but it is 4 horse extra wide and tall with 10 ft living quarters with a slide out! I can't wait to go camping - screw that tent business!
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Good afternoon all!
Well,... I did it, well DH did it, buzzed the (what used to be so feminine and attractive) hair off my head. Now I find my self starring in the mirror only to see someone who looks remarkably like my dad looking back!!! So scary! Just for fun left a mohawk to get a "rise" out of family on Easter. My 13 year old son keeps coming up to me rubbing my stubble and saying how cool of a mom I am.
My 2nd tx is next Wednesday. I have done pretty good so far with SE's, runny nose, leg and pelvic aches from neuprogene shot, but thats about it. My biggest complaint are these monster TE's (900cc!!!) I think PS may have sutured too tight to muscles on my right "guy" (can't be girls,.... these are way too hard and round,...like, you know their heads!) I have pains I can't begin to describe. But if I lift my right arm up over my head you can literally see 2 lines of something sticking out of my skin. VERY sore. I found some burn ointment at drug store and it has 2.5% lidocaine in it so I rub it on to numb it works quite well.
IPURSUIT: I am so very sorry you are feeling so bad and not tolerating your treatment too well. I truly hope SE's get better for you. I am sending you positive energy!
I noticed quite a few of us are all on same scheduled week. I think this is wonderful we can all bond and share our experiences together to learn from one another. For those of you who are ahead of us in mid or late tx's Thanks so much for the advice, we are absorbing all that you write.
Guess I will end with a quote of the day: "Experience is the hardest kind of teacher; It gives you the test first, then the lesson."
Happy Hippity Hoppity Day Everyone!
Denise
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Swampy: Ok lets look at this. They say you have to have it done there right? Well do you have to check it out of Pharm to take it to the infusion? That is what I had to do. Anyway just pass infusion and come on home and do it. Might be a glitch if they know you have to wait 24 hours to get it. I think though you have a good case to take it home and let your RN do it for you. I certainly would go up the latter until I found someone that would give you a green pass on it. Do they honestly think we are going to become drug addicts giving us the needles? Yeah I can't wait for my chemo hit! It don't take you to the moon, but to hell.
Bold: You are funny my dear. Can they do a test for yeast or do they just know??? Seems strange if they could do that they didn't and that would rule out one thing. Man the list of things I can't do while on this treatment. I can't find the list right at this posting, but when I do I will post it for you. One thing I was thinking that maybe the chemo wracked the lining so back that it is more sensitive to soaps etc and irritates it. It is not acting like a yeast infection.
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deemdee: You go with the mohawk ...I couldnt look at myself in the mirror until the next day and I still dont like looking at myself now, but I know what you mean, I look my dad too! Never saw it before.
My daughter tried on my wigs and posted the pictures on her facebook....everyone commented on how much she looks like me...
She is a character!! Lisa...so glad your happy with the new trailer...sounds awesome! Is it May yet???
HAPPY EASTER!!
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Shari: I have a countdown on my Homepage for the May trip and I beleive it is 34 days
And the best part is, I am confident that I will have enough hair to go hatless by then!!!!!Now that I have my fancy trailer, I will make sure my buddy Bootsie and I get the October horse trip organized with firm dates. I was on the internet while traveling today and I found a place in Sanford that looks promissing - you would barely have to travel!
Wanna see my new toy?
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Nice Ride Lisa~ Your boy is going to be happy with you
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Smile-your hot flash drink sounds interesting. Does it have to be a specific kind of yogurt? Why do you have to mix water and club soda in it? I start tamox on Friday and hot flashes are a s/e. I've been struggling with them for months. I'm on effexor and did accupuncture. Some days they are fine, but I'm scared with the tamox they will be out of control, just in time for our hot and humid summers.
Cupcake-it is nice to see you posting. Everyone misses you and your great sense of humor. I hope your "down there" problem gets resolved.
Happy Easter!
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Trying to post another picture. Thanks for the tip Lisa. Here was my wild Man
and hey look I actually used to smile Dx 12/24/2008, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
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kjbell: I am not sure why you mix water and soda..that is just the mixture I was told..and plain yogurt. I have not tried it yet, I need to stop and get me some yogurt...everytime I have a hot flash I am mad at myself for not stopping.
Lisa: The trailer looks nice...Sanford is not that far away for me : )
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Jaimeih - Put the pic in photobucket or something similar - then click the basic url (post to websites or bb's). ON this site, in your post, click the oak tree (next to the smile guy), then paste the url from photobucket type site.
Lisa
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kjbell: I really want to hear from you afer you start the tamox. I had hot flashes during tx, but the tamox has taken them to an all new level. My Monday morning project is to find an accupuncurist. I can't live like this, I need sleep.
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Cakelady....My hair is still coming out bad. iIhave about 1/4 of the hair left from just a week ago. I am holding out shaving it until I get my wig. I am having one custom made to fit my head and I am hoping to get it on Monday. It is suppose to be very natural looking. I am still wearing my ball cap with a very small ponytail sticking out the back. I had my 2nd treatment yesterday and I am sure that will make the rest of it fall out quick anyway. Take care and have a great easter everyone!0
