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Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin

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  • plakatakr
    plakatakr Member Posts: 45
    edited April 2009

    kjbell- I finished chemo 12/5/08. The white area on 3 nails is just now starting to get larger. I'm keeping my nails as short as possible and hoping.

  • Denali
    Denali Member Posts: 113
    edited April 2009

    Hi all,  I'm totally addicted to this website and read 2-3 times per day.  Just haven't been posting much.  Getting chemo #4 on Thurs and trying not to dread chemo wk coming up.  I guess I'm used to the wk after chemo being down and out.  But do you all ever have days in wk 2 or 3 (the supposedly, 'good' weeks) that you just feel crappy?  It's so hard to predict. 

    Had a great Easter with lots of laughter as usual. We had no children--just my 2 adult kids and their SOs plus 4 dogs.  So we had a dog treat hunt.  That was fun. 

    Then I suggested everyone bring a lottery ticket to put into a gaudy hat. We each drew one out-sort of like adult Easter eggs. I bought 10 altogether so I could hide the other 9. I've never bought a lottery ticket (!) so I probably did it all wrong-bought them out of a machine at the grocery store. Has a winning ticket ever come out of a machine?

    When the kids were young, I'd hide eggs so that they'd have to make breakfast and feed the dog to find them-yep, in the dog food bag, behind the milk and once inside a new box of cereal (had to unseal, hide the egg and glue it back together. So this year since they were bringing all the food, I hid the lottery tickets so that they'd find them, if they set the table-put them in the plates, in the tablecloth, even in the dog treat jar. Felt like old times.

    As it turned out my son and his girlfriend won $200 on one ticket!!! And guess what? It was one out of the machine! Cool, huh?!

  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited April 2009

    Linda, that is fantastic!!!!  Sounds like you had a great Easter with your family.  Those are memories that can never be taken away.

    You are on the same schedule as Smile, she gets #4 on Thursday too.  Yes, it is normal to feel yucky on your good weeks - just part of it.

    Take care. Lisa

  • Deedee79
    Deedee79 Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2009

    I'm on herceptin once every three weeks. Year will be up in Aug.  I have taste, but my food feels strange when I eat. It seems like my teeth and food feel numb. Anyone else with this? Thanks, Dee

  • kjbell
    kjbell Member Posts: 454
    edited April 2009

    Plakatakr-Yep, the white areas are growing larger on my 3 nails too. I too notice the color ridges across my nails. I guess pre chemo, post chemo growth. I cut mine down too. I hope we don't lose them.

    Deedee-Are you undergoing rads? I have only had 1 Herceptin only tx, but I do have a funny taste in the middle of my tongue, as weird as that sounds. It is like a slight burning, metal taste. I assumed it was from the rads, but who knows. I still get tingly fingertips too.

  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited April 2009

    No rads for me.  I have had 3  herceptin only tx's and my taste buds are fine. Trust me, I have a waistline to prove it.Frown

    Lisa

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 925
    edited April 2009

    Has anyone ever been anemic after they started TCH ??  If someone has what did they do for you ??

    thanks,

    Jaimie

  • REKoz
    REKoz Member Posts: 164
    edited April 2009

    Hi Jaimie-

    I have chemo induced anemia. My Onc. seems to do treatment for that different from what I've read. Many women it seems ,will get nothing unless hemoglobin drops below 8.0. And then they get a blood transfusion which seems to work like a dream. My Onc uses 10.0 as a threshold and if it goes below, I get a shot..it's not procrit but just like it..ansap or something? He does this to avoid any transfusions. I had one shot mid cycle which did bring up my hemo but not hugely. I was 9.9 last time and begged to hold off the shot as I had another week to "protein up." And that's just what I did. Ate lots of meat...even red which I had cut down on a lot! Peanut butter, eggs, whey protein in a banana shake. Brought the counts up to 10.3 last Friday which meant no shot and OK for chemo.

    You mentioned being out of breath which is definitely a sign of low hemo. Did you get your blood tested? You definitely need to stay on top of this.

    Good luck

    xoEllen

  • bluedasher
    bluedasher Member Posts: 350
    edited April 2009

    Jamie, I was anemic all through chemo. I tried eating protien and making sure to get plenty of iron. If the red blood cell production is knocked out by chemo, that doesn't help. For me the nadir was around 3 weeks after a chemo then it would go up a bit but still below normal. As the cycles went on it got worse.

    When the hemoglobin got down to about 8 they would give me a transfusion which would bring it up to a more liveable level but still anemic. I had two units before the 4th chemo and 2 units at my post chemo check (3 weeks after tx 6). 

    Edited to add, I think just about everyone gets somewhat anemic during chemo but not everyone gets to the point where they need a transfusion.

    Ellen, I'm surprised your onc uses a shot. My understanding is that all the RBC stimulating drugs (not just Procrit) are implicated in encouraging tumor growth.

  • cakelady
    cakelady Member Posts: 176
    edited April 2009

    Jaimieh...my doctor said I was only slightly anemic and didn't do anything yet. Are we allowed to take iron supplements or do we just eat more foods with iron in them?

    Lisa... I was curious if you get those hot flashes on TCH or just Herceptin.....I'm only on treatment 2 and my doctor asked me if I had any hot flashes, I haven't, but I thought that was too early to get them.. I thought you get them when you are on Tamoxifen, are you on Tamox right now?

    Anyone get a rash on your legs?, that is red and a little itchy? what did you do about it?

  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited April 2009

    I am still slightly anemic.  I got a transfusion after tx#4 and felt better instantly, but still a bit anemic.  Taking iron during chemo will do nothing but make you even more constipated.

    Hot flashes started with the TCH, but the tamoxifen has made them even worse.

  • REKoz
    REKoz Member Posts: 164
    edited April 2009

    Blue-

    My Onc. is a sought after well known bc specialist. I trust him implicitly but surely you have given me a great question to ask when I see him on Friday. Will let you know his response.

    Ellen

  • bluedasher
    bluedasher Member Posts: 350
    edited April 2009

    Cakelady, I don't know if taking iron supplements is okay on chemo but my onc said more iron wouldn't help the anemia because the issue is the chemo drugs interfering with fast dividing cells (including both cancer and bone marrow cells) rather than a lack of the materials to make red blood cells.

    As far as hot flashes, I think TCH causes them when it puts pre-menopausal women into "chemopause". It is messing with your hormone levels and creates similar symptoms to when menopause makes them drop. I didn't get any hot flashes during TCH. I assumed that was because I was post menopause so chemo wasn't changing that. But I could be wrong. Even going into perimenopause, I only had two hot flashes and they were many years before menopause so maybe I'm just resistant to them.

    REKoz, The drugs are Aranesp, Epogen and Procrit. There is an article about it here:

    http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/3549 

  • rayhope
    rayhope Member Posts: 75
    edited April 2009

    Jaimieh:  I was anemic all through chemo and still am (just finished 2 weeks ago).  My hemoglobin has stayed between 9.5 and 10.5; normal is 12-15.  My onc gives transfusions if it drops to 8.5. 

  • ccbaby
    ccbaby Member Posts: 503
    edited April 2009

    Cakelady....My 2nd treatment is going better than my first one. Last time, my white blood cells got down too low and I got 2 infections, so this time I got the Neulasta shot on Monday. I am still in chemo-fog, but other than that, I feel pretty good. I bit the bullet and shaved my head today, couldn't stand it anymore. How are you feeling?

    I will take a look at the websites all of you recommended. Thanks!

  • lynnmom1968
    lynnmom1968 Member Posts: 19
    edited April 2009

    Hi All,

     Swampy:  I also go to Moffitt South.  I live in Tampa.  I wish you the best with the Neulasta.

    Some of you have mentioned problems with your nails after treatment ended.  My last TCH was Aug 26 2008, I still get Herceptin every three weeks.  I'm still having problems with my nails splittling.  This did not happen until after my TCH treatments ended.  Prior to chemo, I had very healthy and strong nails.

     As for hair, hang in there.  I just went bald most of the time because it was so hot here in Tampa.  I now have about 2-3 inches of hair (after 8 months) and can't wait for it to get even longer.  I'm thinking of growing it out really long (maybe).

    Things do get better and even the worst side effects will be just a memory some day.

    I wish you all the best.

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 925
    edited April 2009

    I was not anemic when they had my blood draw today :)  They also did a CT to check for a thrombsis but they think it is from the extra steriods that I get to counteract all of the facial issue that decadron causes.  I was at the hospital from 10:30 this morning until 4:30 this evening.  I am exhausted.  I did also have a low grade fever in addition to a heartrate-125-150's which eventually came down.  Now I just need to suck it up thru 2 more treatments my bones actually hurt today :( 

    I am beginning to think that I am just a baby :(

  • Denali
    Denali Member Posts: 113
    edited April 2009

    Thanks to Lynnmom1968 for returning to the board and sharing your valuable experience to us Newbies!  I won't mind splitting nails, but I'll be heartbroken if they come all the way off!  I'm also dreading losing eyelashes.  I was hoping they'd offer fake eyelashes in the Look Good, Feel Better classes.

     Getting chemo #4 tomorrow.  Not looking forward to Sunday when I crash.  I'm taking pain meds this time for the aches.

    After all the anemia talk, I was thinking that's the reason I'm craving protein--one week it's steak, the next it's chicken.  I just had dinner at TX Roadhouse---mmmmm--with a Margarita!  Do you think it'll show up in my liver levels tomorrow?  They'll say, Linda, have we been tippin' the bottle lately, have we???

  • Smile2006
    Smile2006 Member Posts: 132
    edited April 2009

    I had a two Sangria's tonight...drinking water all night and in the morning......couldnt resist them...the best in the area!  I have my tx4 tomorrow and it has been really hard for me to cope with this...Thank you Lisa for being there for me!  Its not what I want to hear but what I NEEDED to hear! 

    I had another busy day at the office....loving that!  Keeps my mind off of my personal issues! 

    How often do they draw blood?  Just wondering if that is what will happen tomorrow.

    I am on a steroid High...so it will be a LONG night for me!  Time to clean house and do laundry!

    My guy will be going out of town this weekend so I am having a pajama party with my girlfriends ....so im not alone this weekend...anybody want to join?  Fun times...(wishing)

  • jkcrml
    jkcrml Member Posts: 53
    edited April 2009
    Denali and Smile- Good luck with tx 4! 2 more and you are done with this part of the treatment. The margarita and sangria sound great! I'm sure it's what the Dr. ordered to get your blood flowing! Smile
  • Deedee79
    Deedee79 Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2009

    Hi KJBell ! Yes, I had 35 rad treatments.

  • cupcake7
    cupcake7 Member Posts: 321
    edited April 2009

    Thanks Paula even though I don't post I do watch over you and read how each of you are doing.

     Cheryl:  Thanks for letting us know how you are.  I just don't know how you could have done this for so long. I'm glad you got to visit that spa.  You certainly did need it after what you have been through.

  • REKoz
    REKoz Member Posts: 164
    edited April 2009

    Yikes Blue- I'm not liking what I read in that article. I'm going to print it out and have it with me to refer to. I'm sure he has his reasons for feeling it's safe for me. I wonder if he would feel the same if I were later stage? Anyway, I only have 2 more weekly treatments to go. One after tomorrow...that even sounds better!!  I think that as long as I stay above 9, I will do my best talking to avoid that shot. Thanks for that info. MAN! This site and it's "residents" are so wonderful!

    Smile- A pajama party sounds like a blast! And the best time is when there is when no man is around. Love em as much as we do, there's nothing like  a slumber party with our girlie friends. And I'm only saying that from my imagination as it's been a l-o---ng time since I've been to one! You just gave me a great idea for a new entry on my bucket list! Too bad some of those I'd want the most live so far away. I do hope you're up for enjoying it! So what if you sleep a little longer than the rest?

    .Denali- You sound like so much fun!! Somehow I feel like you and I could create a lot of fun mischief together! And awesome Easter fun for your older "kids." I'll have to tuck that idea away for next year when I feel like celebrating Easter again!

    Now I have complain...I know most, if not all of you ladies have your sleepless nights due to steroids. But what's my excuse???? I go from sleeping 16 hours for 2-3 days after treatment to waking up after 4 friggin hours!! From 11:00pm till 3:00am today and I do not sleep during the day but I am WIPED! WhAT UP WITH THIS??????

    xoEllen

  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited April 2009

    Ellen, The strange sleep patters must just be part of the package.  I am 9 weeks out from my last tx and my sleep is still messed up.  I think part of it is mental because life is not totally back to normal until the herceptin is over.

    Denali and Smile, 4 down only 2 to go!!

    Spa's, margerita's, pj parties, whatever it takes to get you thru!!!!!  We have earned all the fun we can handle!!

     Have a great day everyone!

    PS:  Smile, call me for a butt kickin' any time!Cool

    Lisa

  • gramma23
    gramma23 Member Posts: 482
    edited April 2009

    Blue, thanks for the website on Procrit, and the rest. My onc is wanting to start me on Procrit since I am anemic again. I have had 9 units of blood since my 3 tx and through rad too. I am just at 9.8 right now but having trouble breathing and fast heart rate which is not unusual for me anyway. It is just the deep breathes hurt and it hurts in my throat too. I think it is from rads but I have to go to the cardiologist now. I can not do a stress test with the weakness I feel. they did the MUGA yesterday so I am anxious to see how that faired. I think my anemia is from arthritis too because when I stated chemo I was at 11 which is not normal. Just below and boy did the chemo knock me down. I had 2 Aranesp shots before the FDA decided not to give it to patients that were expected to survive. Now my onc says since he has criteria that will let them give it (rheum arthritis) they are going to get try to get that approved. I do wish they would also check my lungs first. I still have to work which is not easy feeling so short of breath but I am just stubborn enough to do it.

    For all the ones just starting I am the one who has the problems but most don't have as many. I am sure most will sail right through this. I don't want to scare anyone. It is not a walk in the park for anyone but it is doable and necessary so hang in the and take care of yourselves.

    gramma23 (Carolyn)

  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 306
    edited April 2009

    Gramma23: As far as I know unless they are radiating bone you should not be suffering from such low counts. I am so sorry that you have to go through this. The pain of arthritis is horrible and you have been through enough. Make sure you give a time alternative diet tip for arthritis it sure helps my 85 year old father. He has Bragg's apple cider vinegar pure honey and garlic. He swears it changed his life.

    Cakelady: I have heard of rashes on legs from this site. I think that it had to do with one of two things RBC or severe dryness. Are they little red blisters? I hope they go away before you read this.

    Denali:Only 2 left you are handling this with humor and grace.

    CC: I am so sorry that its been hard already. I think that it gets easier because we learn how to deal with all this CRAP. I will hold you in my prayers and thoughts that things get better for you.

    Lynnmon:Yikess that all the hair we get after 8 months off chemo. My hair grows normally about a 1/2 inch a month. I am getting anxious already. I best not wig out.

    Ellen:I have a hard time sleeping too. I think we have a lot on our minds. Life, Death, all the stuff that we have not gotten done. Overly sensitive to everything etc.......I try meditation and prayer. It helps until I wake up again 1 hr later. Sucks huh?

    Smile: I had some pretty bad liver numbers but it was from the steroids. I had Champagne and wine on easter and I was fine on Monday for  Last TX. So enjoy life just make sure you drink a boat load of water to make up for it.

    You know I should be crashing but I am so glad to not have to take anymore scary drugs I think I am high on relief. But I know I should take it a little easy. I want to garden, clean out the garage, Pay bills, catch up with friends and lastly Get my work back on schedule. Like any of that is going to happen. The gardeners will be lucky if I roll up the hose.

    I hope everyone has a peaceful day.

  • Unknown
    edited April 2009

    CHEMO Day was Tuesday (14th)

     So far so good. No immediate reactions to the TCH infusions. No joint or bone pain from the following day's Leunesta injection. Here it is Thursday and I have had some slight indications of nausea, but additional Atavan seems to help quell the urgency.

     I guess I'm in the "chemo fog" stage. Feel a little "loopy" and of course tired. The only bad reaction I've experiences is constipation. Wow... 2 rounds of Senekot, prune juice, even a glycerin sepository took 12 hours to get that squared away! I'll know now to add the Senekot to my post chemo ancillary drugs.

     Drink and pee. Drink and pee. Lots of juices on Monday, Tuesday and Wed. had me running potty breaks. I did get pretty good at learning how to disconnect my IV tower and roll my way to the bathroom! LOL. But the 2.5 hour drives to Moffitt leave a lot to be desired. No decent potties for about 100 miles of the trip!

     A light lunch to day and a power nap, and hopefully I'll have a little more energy later today.

     hugs. all and thanks for the tips and encouragement!

  • traci1970
    traci1970 Member Posts: 104
    edited April 2009

    For constipation I suggest Miralax daily.  It was the best for me.  No gas, no pain no upset stomach at all.  You can mix it in any drink and you don't taste it.  It just keeps things "moving"  You can take it once a day and if you are having bad problems you can take it twice a day until things improve.  The senekot and colace did nothing for me but the miralax worked immediately.  I hope you are feling better soon swampy :) Traci

  • Unknown
    edited April 2009

    Thanks, for the tip about the Miralax, Traci! I'll switch if I have any more problems. I think some of the problem stems from the 2.5 hour car ride with no potty stops for about 90 miles of it.

  • cakelady
    cakelady Member Posts: 176
    edited April 2009

    Bold....  I thought my leg rash was dry skin at first but now it seems more like broken cappillaries under the skin, it is not a raised rash or blisters, but more like little pin dots  that make the whole area red. I see the onc on the 22nd  so I will be sure to tell him.

    ccbaby... I'm glad you feel okay.  I am okay too, just tired and don't feel like doing anything.  A tiny bit of nausea last night but didn't last, I took a Pepsid and a compazine.  My hair is truly ugly, and may have hubby shave it.......I have to bite the bullet too.....just like you and go for it.....hmmm.

    I never got a Neulasta shot.... when do you get those? will they tell me if I need one?