Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
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Hi Swampy... yes... stay strong and although many don't and can't understand what you're going through, know that many like myself have been through it and you will too. Hang tough.
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Hello Everyone !!
I'll be joining all of you on TCH this month. I'm starting the week of May 5th. I'll be having Taxotere and Herceptin weekly for 12 weeks and Carbo every 3 weeks for 12 weeks. I'm nervous about the weekly schedule, but I like the idea of getting it all overwith (with the exception of Herceptin) quickly.
I've just started reading through this thread, but I don't see many of you on the weekly schedule. What I have read has been very, very helpful!
Best to All,
Kathy
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Cheryl: I remember as a kid having Chicken Pox. I guess it is a Rite of Passage. I think you have a great knack for finding the beauty in whats around us. That is what gives us quality of life.Good luck with your new challenges. I hope that this spring is filled with renewal.
Jaimieh:12 days past last TX #6. I must say that recouping from it is still going on and it not fun. However that light at the end of the tunnel is so bright its driving me towards perfect health. I must say that I have to remind myself allot. I am pooped (literally and figuratively.) Doable.
Cupcake: Thinking about you.
I am starting to get back to work which is sooo cool. I miss the creative side. (and money). I still have radiation to go but I can not wait it get things going again. I have to be careful not to get to much on going so I still have time to heal and regenerate. I swear chemo suck a lot of minerals and proteins from our bodies. I want to research how to rebuild more quickly than what I can eat. Looking forward to exercising more too. My goal is Balance. Remembering to breath deep is hard enough. OHMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.
Sorry for all the newbies. What a world what a world. I hope you find things that you need here. I did. (still do).
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Bold- I have a feeling that #6 is gonna take a while to recoup but the feeling of only having to go into the infusion room to get H will push me forward. Sorry to hear that you are pooped (L&F) that stinks (probable L&F). I know that SE all too well. I just hate that with me it sneaks up on me. I am remembering Doable, doable, doable. Glad to hear that you are getting back to work remember to be kind to yourself don't take on too much.
Cupcake- Thinking about you and I am gload to hear that you advocated for yourself. This surgery is important and I would hate to see if messed up because someone forgot to do something.
Dreadadron is coming and I am dreading it. My mood has been brighter the further out I get from treatment #4. I am beginning to think that the chemo. messes with your mind in addition to your body. I am just going to take it one day at a time and hope for gentle SE's.
Speaking of stupid employees at doctor's offices I have my PCP scheduler wanting to schedule my pre-op for 1- 2 weeks after my last chemo. When I tried to explain the blood work to her she just kept telling me that my counts would be fine by then. Finally I had to demand that I was scheduled for 1- 1 1/2 week before my surgery to ensure my counts and the employee got pissed at me. So I still don't have a pre-op scheduled for June and they haven't called me back yet after 1 week. If I don't have one after next week I am calling the doctor. They are such idiots.
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Cupcake, thinking about you and praying for a speedy recovery. mason, I hope that you are immune to the chicken pox! You don't need that.
Regarding nails. I thought i had escaped the nail issues until post tx 6 when 4 of my nails developed dark spots. Ugh. My friend who is a Podiatrist told me to buff them to remove the ridges that had developed during chem. You can get the buff files that have 6 0r 7 different abrasives starting with the roughest moving to the lightest which just polishes. I did that and 2 of the nails look normal now and the other 2 look better. I don't know whether the buff stimulates blood flow but it seemed to work. I also but vitamin e oil on them like she recommended. Maybe the buff stimulates blood flow which heals? I have started giving myself head massages in the hope that it will stimulate hair growth. It is worth a try.
My oncologist has a very hard time listening and sometimes I have to ask her the same question 2 or 3 tmes before she can focus. It is very annoying. My daughter went to my last appointment with me and was furious at her lack of attention. I am so grateful for this thread as it has helped me to be aware of questions I should ask, meds for SE's etc. I am very persistent until she answers but it has been very stressful! I am confident that she is doing the right thing but her "bedside manner" is terrible. So keep demanding answers to your questions and if you can't do it take someone with you who will advocate for you. Demand the best care and do not let anyone brush your concerns aside!
Welcome to Camp Chemo newbies. I am so sorry that you have to be here but glad that you found us! i keep saying it but HANG IN THERE!!!!!! As Bold said What a world! It is both terrible and wonderful....
I hope everyone has a great weekend filled with laughter and few side effects.
love,
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"Speaking of stupid employees at doctor's offices...."
I have a name for these people... WINDOW WITCHES! From my view point that includes all non medical personnel who attempt to direct your health care or try to make medical decisions for you based on "office policy", or their own sense of superior knowledge. They will stand at the reception window and discuss your symptoms, finances, prescriptions or other personal information loud enough for the entire waiting room to over hear. Every office seems to have at least one.
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Good Day All!! I have been reading all posts Just been busy !! I Am feeling great Monday Is My Final Chemo !!!!! I will party like a Rockstar!!! I had the option from my Rads Doc to do 16 treatments instead of 32 higher dose but done faster,Since I will have to go to Greeley which is 21/2 hours away and I have to stay there the 3 weeks is better for me than 6!! Cupcake My thoughts are with you Love you are such a strong woman you can do anything, Duneoaks & Sailor you are right behind me one foot in front of the other Ladies you are almost done! Smile Keep hanging in there You Can do it!! Bold Baby I will be so glad to be done like you You are my Inspiration to keep going You are strong and Beautiful!! Newbies Welcome all You will be glad you found us,Before you know it it will be in the past for each and everyone of us,WE CAN DO IT! 0 -
Thanks for the welcome! I was just changed from Taxotere to Taxol. Not sure why! Something about lung function (I just quit smoking). Anyone had this happen?
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Cupcake I forgot to tell you,your hair is Gorgeous Girl!!! Sigh I can not wait to have hair again!! Sailor Great avice on the eyeshadow instead of pencil my brows are thinning the pencil for me looked horrible I did the eyeshadow it looks so good Thank you my Dear much appreciated! Maja I love your thoughts on a getaway at the end of treatment We deserve IT!!! jkcrml On Herceptin only they are doing a blood test before each one ?? What are they looking for?? Everyone on Herceptin only every 3 weeks how long is your infusion time?? I thought on every 3 weeks it would only be 30 minutes! I'm confused Help Please??? 0
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Paula, I was to get a blood test, MUGA and visit with the oncologist once every 12 weeks when on Herceptin only. (Because I'm on the bisphosphonate study SWOG S0307, I think I'll now get blood taken and an onc visit every two months.)
Some places do the once every 3 week Herceptin infusion in 30 minutes and others use 90 minutes. My place uses 90 minutes and when I asked, they said that they found that there were more side effects with the shorter infusion time so they use the longer one. Sounds like a good reason to me.
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Hi everyone and welcome to all the new campers! You will find such a wonderful support system here and there is nothing you can't say.
Shadow (Kathy)- Yay! Finally found someone beside me on a weekly schedule! Mine was every 3 with a week off in between. I had all 3 drugs (TCH) at the same time. Your carboplatin only every 3 is interesting. Did your Onc. give you a reason for that? My Onc. put me on weekly for two reasons: One was that I have bilateral carpal tunnel (doesn't go too well with neuropathy issues) and the other is that I had to be able to work. On weekly, you're getting less- a spread out version of the every 3 week blast. My counts (except hemoglobin) stayed within range until last week which was supposed to be my second to last tx. My platlets suddenly nosedived so they wouldn't give me chemo (did get Herceptin though.) So I have my next treatment on Monday and SHOULD finish up the following Mon., May 4th. Since I have had the biggest break in chemo (2 weeks) since I started, I am really feeling human again. PM me if you would like and I'll delve further into how the weekly worked out for me.
Congrats Rockstar...one more!! It's so awesome so many are finishing up. I never thought the day would come. I will have to post in all caps when I finish. I don't think I'll be able to contain myself.
Cupcake- You're in my thoughts as always. I do hope things go well. You deserve only good things. You've given so much hope to all of us here.
Back to work Bold! Yay! It's been a long struggle for you. I have a feeling things will fall into place very quickly for you.
Smile- Where are you? Hoping you're beginning to feel better now. Did you talk to your Onc. about stopping at 4? You really have had a tough time of it. I hope things go your way.
Well, it's off to dinner. I even feel like going out for dinner these days! Was a time that was the furthest thing from my mind. Daughter's shower is Sunday and I am really pumped! I had forgotten how nice it feels to be excited about something. Jamieh- There is no doubt in my mind that chemo effects your mental facilties in so many ways. Beside the chemo brain, I just feel completely FLAT. No affect whatsoever. It's not depression as I'm not thinking all negative. My mind becomes just like my body. Unable to do anything but be a slug!
Have a great weekend ladies. Spring has finally sprung in full force here in NY. Everything is popping, sun is shining and brilliant colors are finally replacing that DULL brown everywhere.
xoEllen
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Hi Everyone, I'm curious... just finished my 6th cycle of TC but will continue with Herceptin until December... I'm wondering if anyone here has had or is on Radiation. I will have radiation after my surgery which is scheduled for May 6th. I would like to know if Radiation is anything like chemo was since I will be sometime in June.
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Cheryl: Your post are so inspiring. Thanks for the thoughts on the Coylte. I just love that process and to beat it I have to take two fleet enema's for the other end. Last time I couldn't reach the port and my husband had to do it for me...talk about a bonding experience...oh that is so embarrassing. But gotta do what we got to do as you say. Please be careful around sick people. I even put on one of those funky hospital mask when I went in to get the prep stuff at the Pharmacy. People are in there getting meds cause the majority of them are SICK. Our immune system is so beat up. For the rest of you campers I pray for your strength and hope those in between have a beautiful weekend.
Karen: Thank you for your prayers I convet any I can get....
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Cupcake: My thoughts and prayers are with you and I am asking for a speedy recovery for you : )!! Today is the first day that I made it through without feeling sick to my stomach. Absolutely nooooo energy. I went in for my Herceptin yesterday and discussed my thoughts with the nurse. she said to talk to my onc on my scheduled date in two weeks. I have been doing some reading and the other ladies that who only have 4 treatments have the same diagnoses as me. Just depends on the onc and what they want to do. SO I will wait and talk to the onc...so until then I will continue reading and researching.
Welcome to all you newbies....sorry you have to go through this but you have found a place to express your thoughts fears and ask any question.....the campers are great hear. I dont know what I would have done with this place.
I have an event tomorrow night then an all girls night out. Multiple Birthday party with limo and all. Should be lots of fun...I just hope my stomach and energy lasts. So lots of rest tomorrow!!
Rockstarmama...congradulations!!! This is a tough road and you MADE IT!!!
GOod night ALL
LISA.....how many more days....I cant wait!!
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Smile - 21 days till St. Augustine
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Dearest Mommy Cupcake,
Had been busy lately trying to transfer my son back to a school nearer to home, so haven't read teh postings. This is week two of my third cycle, not too bad. I didn't need the neulasta shot though my necrophils were borderline. No complaints.
But I felt very sad after reading the blogs of Leroy Seivers and another Korean journalist (Shin cancer blog) based in Singapore. Both passed away recently, but their courage and spirits will live on thru every person struck with this battle. The weatlth of information shared besides their deepest feelings were both generous and touching.
I will pray for your surgery this Tuesday, Cupcake, as will many others on this board.
I want to let you know how much your kindness, generosity and love have made a difference on my fight with cancer. You are truly one of the most important angels sent to me.
You will be in all our thoughts.
To other Campers,
Hang on there! We'll reach the finishing line sometime. Soon. All of us.
Hugs,
Ipohgirl
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Lorena, I had radiation after my TCH but still took the Herceptin while doing radiation. I had 7 weeks and 1 day which is really 36 treatments but 5 of them were boosts which they concentrate on the area of the lump. I had a lumpectomy but some who had a mastectomy has had radiation too. I tried to think of it as being two months since that sounded less time to me but it was really a pain having to go everyday. It is nothing like chemo. You are only there a few minutes which makes it seem even more useless to go everyday but they are really giving you some strong stuff so it is good you do not get much at a time. they would Xray me every so often before a treatment to make sure everything was still lined up like they wanted it. I would say the longest time I was there was for the set up. You have to have a CAT scan and measurements but after that you are in and out in no time. I saw the doc every week so they could check the skin and if I had any questions but that too took only a few min. A lot of side effects depend on if you still have your breast and also if you have large breasts. I had a lumpectomy and I am large according to them. Anyway I had very sensitive skin and have autoimmune problems too which all play a part so be sure discuss any of this with the rad onc. I am sure they will bring all this up. Some have fewer tx and some have as many as I did. They also radiated up on my collar bone and chest in that area to get the lymph nodes they said on the side I had cancer. Mine was stage IIb and grade3 but my path said it was stage III grade 3 so I am not sure what the rad go by. Maybe because the lump and lymph nodes were removed. Just ask as many questions as you need to and do some reading on the radiation boards. I did not want to take rad but it seems that this has been what has helped a lot of women and they didn't get chemo and it never came back. I went with it but was scared about it and now I am glad it s over. I am still taking Herceptin every 3rd week. Cupcake had to stop Herceptin during her rads. I guess a lot depends on doc.
Good luck with it.
gramma23 (Carolyn)
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Just joining the team - My regimen is as well TCH - I'm having my port installed (sounds like a carburetor) next week & then chemo begins on May 8th. I'm on a three week cycle & have to stay on Herceptin for a year - Radiation starts right after the chemo so no issues with continuing with Herceptin during that time.
I hadn't even thought about the childhood illnesses my daughter has not yet experienced - she's 3 & is a very cute germ host.
Thanks all for the details - although I'm still not sure on all the lingo - is there a post of acronyms ??
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Hi Min8428....sorry you have to be hear, but you have found a great place. I have not seen any posts with acronyms..just ask if you dont know what something means...they will let you know. I live in Apollo Beach, but work in Brandon..you are a neighbor to me!
Im off to a busy day today. Hope I can keep up. My company has a table tonight at the Release Event at the Westshore Yacht Club to sell our apparel (I will be sporting my long hair wig : ) ) Then it is out with the girls afterwords. We are celebrating three birthdays at once. So my guy fixed us up with a limo (not that I will be drinking much) but it is nice not to have to drive.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful day!!
Shari
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mln8428: As Shari says, sorry that you find yourself here but the ladies are very supportive.
My youngest daughter was 4 when I started treatment for the first time. During my first 6 months on chemo, she started JK and contracted every illness in the book as kids her age do when they start school. My fear at the time was that it was the worst time to start chemo. As I remember, I didn't catch the stuff she brought home. Maybe a cold here and there but it wasn't too bad. A note of hope--that same 4 year old is now 9 going on 10. It's been so cool watching her grow up, may I wish the same for you.
Oh, here are a few acronyms....
http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/nosurrenderbreastcancer/vpost?id=2191098
Cupcake: I'll be thinking of you on Tuesday. Stay brave - I'm probably getting my ovaries out next, the surgery doesn't scare me but what I have to do for the "clean out" seems scarier than cancer.
Cheryl.
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Smile: We're on the same schedule and I too was whining, "WHY do I have to do 6 instead of 4??" But I totally agree with all the responses from the rest of you. Big sigh.
I had an especially hard time after Chemo #4 Thursday a week ago. After Sunday's crash, I couldn't seem to get out of bed for a week! The dr had told me I was anemic (9.5 hemoglobin), so I figured chemo 4 made it do a nose dive. But when I went in for my Herceptin, a week after my chemo, they couldn't find my blood pressure. When they resorted to the manual BP monitor, they found a top number but no bottom number. Sigh. I was dehydrated. Big time. IVs are easier to get than transfusions, thank goodness, so they filled my tank up with 2 IV bags. I left the dr's office with more energy than I wobbled in with and had strict instructions to stop taking my high BP meds. I'm still no ball of energy, but at least I'm able to get up these days.
Silver lining: I lost 8 more pounds! (Skinny people: please refrain from gasping in horror. Plump people: share my joy in ANY silver lining.)Welcome to the Newbies! You'll soon be addicted to this board like the rest of us are. It's always a source of new information and inspiration.
Rockstar Paula: I'll be very close to you when you're in Greeley! I live in north Arvada and could meet you somewhere. Will you be there over the wkends? When do you begin?
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Denali~ #4 seemed to kick my backside also. Here's to hoping that #5 is much kinder I go Monday.
Beautiful day here and I am exhausted but I determined to enjoy the next 2 days. It is supposed to be in the 80's here and I got some gardening that needs to get done. I think I am going to take a stool and sit on the stool. I already did the squatting and my legs are burning. Gotta enjoy the weekend before I go back to the hole. I got my Emmend Rx so I am hopeful that I will be able to keep the nausea away. Pushing forward
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Denali I go on May 12 to do CT scan and simulation then they make a plan I would like to start in May but with Memorial Day I probably won't get to start till June , I will come home on the weekends. If possible we could meet for dinner one evening while I am there I would love to meet you that would be awesome, We will try to figure something out closer to time I will be there.Smile Nice that you are feeling better Enjoy your event!! Have A Kick A** Time!! You Deserve It!!! 0
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Rockstar:Can you believe it. OMG I am soooooo happy that you are coming to the end of this part of the journey. I hope that your last one hold no secrets and very little punch. I am 13 days out from last and once more amongst the living. So much to look forward to, it is a driving force. I look forward to jumping in the pool this summer. I will not even have to worry about my hair. Only SPF. I am thinking of you want a front role seat at the cyber rockfest.
Cupcake: I pray that your doctor is skilled and caring and for a quick recovery. No doubt you will do great. You have so much to look forward to too. You DH and you will have soo much fun when this is behind you.
Newbies:Damn! and welcome to camp chemo. I hope you find compassion and encouragement here. FLA is getting popular here.
Mason: How are you feeling. Has the house settled down after the chicken pox episode. I hope so.
Denali: I have lost 8 pound on # 6 too. I needed it and more. I plan on loosing all excess weight, as my onc has told me will lessen my recurrence chances. Weight carries estrogen sooo. I am still going to enjoy creative cooking and dinners out but I will eat less move more. UGG. I lost mine cuz I just could not eat. That has never happen to me before EVER.
Smile: Have fun!!!!! Just remember to sit more it really helps make you last through an event. For me anyway I find that if I do not stand and talk but sit and enjoy the company I'm fine. You will be stunning in your long wig. Party on.
Maja:Thanks for the tip on nails (hope it works) Mine are still sooo sensitive. GULP! I hope I get to keep them.
Lisa: Come on we all want a hair update!!!
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mln8428 - Sorry that you have the need to join us, but you have come to the right place. Don;t worry about the jargon, you will catch on and no one cares when you don't. Hug that baby and hang tough. I am in Fla too - but not too close, I am on the east coast.
For the rest of the campers: I hope you are all doing well. Bold, I FINALLY have enough hair to show up in a pic. I am horse camping in a state park right now so I will ask one of my camping buds to take a pic.
Have a great weekend!!!!!!!
Lisa
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Hi everyone
You ladies that are almost done, YEAH!!! I wish I was... I have 4 more TCH to go and then continue Herceptin til next year. The doctor said I was only slightly HER 2 + and the Herceptin is a better safe than sorry thing. He consulted all the other onc's he works with on that. Did any of you get nosebleeds? I have gotten a few small ones, but one this morning was a bit worse. And also, I hear we are supposed to eat a lot of protein......but avoid soy... does anyone supplement with any extra protein? and how much protein do you all eat?
LISA... how neat , horse camping... I love horses too, used to ride 'em , never owned 'em.
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Cakelady...I have had blood in my nose the entire time during my first 2 treatments. Not a 'nose bleed', just blood in the nose like when I wipe it or blow it. My onc said it is normal. For extra protein, I add instant no fat dry milk to a lot of my food when cooking, like scrambled eggs, malt-o-meal and mashed potatoes. It has protein in it and was recommended to me. Also, Carnation instant breakfast has protein in it. I try to eat A LOT of protein.
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Hi Ladies,
I have two question about some side effects. Why are my the eyes twitching? Which drug is making that happen and is there anything to make it stop? Also, my skin is really flaky on my torso. Any suggestions to reduce the flaking? I moisturize like crazy and do not have problems with my face, arms, or legs, but the torso is out of control!
Thank you to the camper who suggested a piece of sharp cheddar cheese before eating to get rid of the metalic taste. I finally got to the market, bought the cheese, tried it, and it WORKED! This morning I was able to drink my first cup of coffee in over a month. True, I did have to add a little cream, but it was worth it.
Cakelady, I have never had a nose bleed, but I, like ccbaby- Christy, always have a little blood when I wipe or blow my nose. One thing I have noticed is that I seem to have a pattern of an allergy attack around the 9th day following my chemo treatment.
I am so glad that we all seem to be better this week. Denali- Linda easy as you go there, sounds like you could have gotten into some real trouble. I am so glad they've got you on the mend.
I thank you all for your support. When I feel bad, I know you all will help me out. When I feel good, I think of you all and send out an offering of stamina and joy. Here's hoping that on some level you are able to receive my offering because, currently, I feel fantastic!
Cheers!
Cloud
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I made it through the night
!! In fact...in to the morning! I rolled in around 5:30 and woke up at 7:30....whats up with that?? The fashion event was great, sold a good amount of apparel and had a fun night will all my girlfriends...and for the first time in months felt sexy and beautiful! Hope everyone is having a beautiful Sunday morning.....Smile....
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Hi everyone. I am new to this forum, just started my TCH last week. Today is day 11. My cancer was left side, IIa, estrogen +, HER2 (did I say all that properly?
I get 6 TCH and then just the H for the remainder of a year (which is 11 more treatments). Radiation after the TCH portion and then tamoxifen. Whew. I have a port.
The first treatment went GREAT. Totally different than I expected - no fatigue, just a bit of constipation/diarrhea/heartburn, all manageable, and I will be more prepared next time. But NO NAUSEA at all.
However...(you knew there was a 'but' coming, right? - a day or so after the treatment,my forehead started to break out. Now I am 51 and this never happens to me. But it didn't seem too bad, until...it got worse and worse and WORSE. Today is day 11 and my hairline, jawline, behind my ears, neck chin, and some on my chest is covered with bumps and pimples. PAINFUL and gross. And totally unexpected as I have not read ANYTHING about this in lists of side effects. I have read about the DRY skin, but this is oily and red and pimply like a teenaged boy (no offense to teenaged boys out there - I feel sorry for them now!). I called the onco nurse on Wed (when it wasn't quite this bad) and she said it might be from the Herceptin and there was nothing to do about it until my body got used to it. But it is continually getting worse now and I am getting to the limits of being able to hold it together emotionally. I don't want to go out or see anyone which will not be good for me.
I've done SO well otherwise and have been feeling more and more confident - until this happened. Has ANYONE experienced or heard of anything like this?
Thank you so much, in advance.Amy
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