Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
Comments
-
Amy, I didn't have a large break out, but I did get a few pimples for each of the first three treatments and then it stopped. My second treatment, I had a break-out on my scalp. My oncologist prescribed an antibiotic cream for acne and it cleared up..
0 -
So far so good 5 days out from TX#5. I was extremely tired on days 3 and 4, but I am better today. I was proactive with my Compazine and Ativan, and that helped with the nausea. I have started back on Diflucan for the yeast infection that has occurred after the last 3 TX. Cloud--most of us have had some twitching of the eyes, but I don't know which med causes it. Amy--you have found a great group, but I'm sorry you have to join us. As far as the pimples, I had folliculitis on my head that went away by TX #2, but no bumps on the face. Seems like I remember Bold having problems with that. It is a glorious HOT spring day here in NC.0
-
Cloud;the eye twitching is from the taxotere. It has been a real annoyance to me. That and tearing are part of the journey. Nothing but time will cure it. As far as the dry skin. I used aquafor and I'll tell you sister that stuff is incredible. It hold moister in. Please remember that drinking water also hydrates the skin. I have never been soooo soft in all my life it is as if my skin has been renewed. (other than my hands that have taken a bit of a toll)
I go in for Echo on Monday. I know that it will be just fine. Then Weds. I go to meet rad onc. Onwards and upwards. Still not good taste buds. I went to the farmers market this morning and had a strawberries and it tasted terrible and it was'nt the strawberries fault.
Hope everyone is enjoying there weekend to the fullest.
0 -
Amy~ Sorry you had to join us. I had exactly what you are describing on treatment #1 and they gave me some topical plus I have to be on prednisone after my treatment. My face actually hurt once it got to be so red/purple. It did eventually go away and I am happy to say that I haven't had it since #1.
I started dreadadron this morning but so far so good. Tomorrow is #5 and I sure hope that I get a decent nurse tomorrow. It is 93 degrees here in Maryland and it sure is a shock to the body. Love the warm weather but I will not be wearing the wig in this heat. I hope my SE are minimal this time.
0 -
ccBaby....Thank you Christy, does the powdered milk have more protein than regular milk, because I drink a lot of milk anyway? and Yes , I do drink that Carnation Instant Breakfast. and I guess the bloody nose thing is expected, my onc is never worried about it, and it doesn't happen all the time.
Cloud... Wow, I didn't think anyone else had the eye twitching thing...I do too. But I used to get that sometimes anyway, even before all this cancer stuff started so I thought I was just getting it more often now....how wierd.
0 -
Smile - I told ya you could no it!!!!! I am so glad you had a great weekend!!!!
California - Yes, the eye twitching is part of it, also eye getting really dry or really runny - just pick one. Don't know which drug, must be the Tax or Carb, cause I have not had it since I stopped those two.
Cakelady - Yes on the nosebleeds - not really blood dripping, but a "bloodish" nose. That is very normal.
Had a great weekend at horse camp!! I hope you all had a good weekend too!
Lisa
0 -
I just organized my SE bag of drugs. I found some old pill bottles (with easy to remove caps) and spent some time removing capsules from those "punch through" packages! I was so weak after my first TCH tmt that I couldn't extract them. Now they are handy! :-) Well labeld and easy to get to. I will be more aggressive in taking antacids and diarrhea medicines next time!
I also plan to buy more of this stuff on my next trip to the drug store. Full bottles! That's the ticket!
0 -
Has anyone had problems with spider veins after being on TCH for a while?
0 -
Cakelady...I am not sure if the powered milk has more protein than regular milk, but they also recommended adding the powered milk to the regular milk for extra protein as well. Also, I look at the labels of all of my food to see how much protein it contains. There is a cereal called Kashi Go Lean that has 13 grams of protein in it that tastes good. I eat a lot of rotissiere chicken breast and it contains a lot of protein.
Amy...my face broke out terribly too after the first treatment, but cleared up after a week.
About 10 days after my second treatment, my scalp has broken out really bad too. I think I may have folliculitis of the scalp. That was about a week ago as well, and is starting to clear up some now.
0 -
ccBaby.. How do you like that wig? I was thinking of getting one but I really think I will not be comfortable in it. I think it would be hot and scratchy, and I get over heated easily anyway, and here in Calif. its too hot.. I am too in to being comfortable.. How does it feel to you? I do wear scarf type things or bandannas, or hats. So, between my fake boob forms, my scarf and my big bandaged arm where my PICC line is,.....I look like a walking cancer advertisement!!!!!!0
-
Hi All. It's been awhile since I posted. I have #4 on Friday and am anxious to move on to #5 & #6! Congrats to so many of you who have finished and welcome to the new ladies-like everyone says, so sorry that you have to go through this but glad you found us.
I have had minimal se's through my journey-I even still have hair-though short and patchy, but you can see it under my bb hat. I wonder if it was from the month off in between #1 and #2. The docs all thought I had an infection but it turned out to be a reaction. I was sidelined for a month while they shot me up with tons of antibotics. Anyway, I did wake up this morning with a red blotch right under my lip. I remember reading about others having this, but I can't remember what they recommended to treat it. It doesn't hurt, but it is quiet ugy. Any suggestions?
0 -
Hi all, I'll be starting taxotere/carboplatin/herceptin too and am scared. I thought all along I was her2- and a second test showed up positive so at the last minute my chemo had to be changed and am trying to get it settled in my head. Any helpful hints? Thanks.
0 -
Cakelady...I don't mind the wig too much, it isn't itchy but it does get a little hot. I was outside working in the flower bed and started sweating under the wig and the sweat started rolling down my face and dripping. I immediately went inside and took it off! lol0
-
I've had four rounds of TCH. My hair is mostly gone. I found a fantastic wig by "Rene of Paris". I get tons of compliments on it and mostly people don't even know its a wig. I can't imagine having a blast of TCH every week, because I so cherish the two good weeks that I have in between, even while getting Herceptin weekly. Best of luck to you!
0 -
dbOak: Glad you found this support group! I just did my first TCH two weeks ago and I know exactly where you are coming from. The same HR2 change happened to me and my entire chemo scheduled changed between meeting with my onco and getting the diagnosis and the first treatment. I was so confused. Especially about all the prescription drug schedule. I made a spread sheet and sent it to my onco's nurse. She made two corrections and faxed it back.
Everyone reacts differently to the TCH. You about have to do the first one and see how your body reacts. My SEs were not debilitating, just "there". My biggest SE was constant diarrhea. Being someone who never even liked to take an aspirin, I tried to tough it out and didn't take enough anti-diarreah meds. I won't hesitate to take any of the mitigating drugs next time.
You can do this. Take comfort here in this forum and feel free to cry, laugh or just bitch. We all understand.
0 -
Gramma23, thank you so much for the response.0
-
dboaks: Do not be afraid. There are many of us that have completed 6 rounds of TCH and we are all here to tell the tale. It has its very hard times but it does give you time to get you groove back before they hit you again. Time flies and before you know it you will be done and complaining that your hair is growing to slowly.
Tomorrow is cupcakes surgery. I hope she does great. It will be wonderful to have that taken care of. I know that any surgery that you are better than when you when in is always a good one. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Swampy: I hope that you are taking fish oil and coQ10,Vitamin D and B6, Calcium as well as some sort of digestive support like activia. These thing can really help. I went to an Eastern Dr. when I first started chemo. These where her suggestions and they have helped me allot.
I was wondering has anyone else experienced really soft skin? My skin is sooo soft all over. The bad thinfg is that skin around my eyes looks older and my neck too. I know that I should be grateful to be alive and I am, but darn it anyway. I am still holding on to the hope of keeping my fingernails and toenail. My finger tips are very sore. I am now 14 days past #6. I had my echo today and the tech said it was fine. I am meeting with the rad. onc on weds. gulp! Well only 2 out of a 1000 people get a secondary sarcoma cancer from radiation. Low odds but so was getting cancer 1 in 8. Well that secondary cancer comes in 5 years. Maybe they will find the cure by then.
Dreaming.
0 -
Dear Ladies,
SWINE FLU ALERT
The flu, which started in Mexico, is now worldwide. A group of students from NY caught it after a recent holiday in Mexico and so did others around the US.
Do take care ladies, and mask up when you go out. Those of us still on chemo are all the more vulnerable as our resistance is low.
In Asia, after the SARS flu epidemic which killed about 1,000 people in 2003, governments here are on high alert.
Take care, everyone!!
Can someone please share whether it is OK to take a holiday after TCH 6 is completed? We plan to to the UK in the recess between TCH 6 and RT whihc coincides with the summer hols. Also, anybody from the UK in this thread? I hope to get my herceptin shot in London so I could stay longer.
What happens if one takes a shot one or two weeks later from the three weeks' once schedule?
I will ask my onco next week when i go for my fourth tch but gotta start planning now.
Hugs,
Ipohgirl
Hugs,
Ipohgirl
0 -
Proud to say I pushed thru treatment #5 today
One more to go! The only bad thing is I have to go back up to the hospital on Wednesday to get a blood transfusion. My RB cells are in the tank 
So taking my wiser camp councelors advise (Lisa) I smiled and said okay. I was told that I will feel better quickly so I am looking forward to that. I was so tired after treatment today that I slept from 2:30- 11:30pm which made me sad because I missed my baby girls first T-ball game which she did awesome at according to my DH.I am hoping for a mild SE's this round (I can hope right). Gotta get my clothes ready for my last TC treatment. I am making a shirt its pink with crystals that says "We deserve a lifetime" I was going to do "I" but DH made me change my mind. Did I mention how much I love him
I was pretty excited because I set up my first herceptin only appt today 0 -
Go Jaimieh! You will fell MUCH better after the transfusion!
0 -
Lisa~ I was thinking of you so instead of crying I said "okay how soon can I get it done". See your advise was VERY helpful. Thank you ((bighugs)). They think this is why I am crashing so hard.
0 -
Lorena you are welcome and I hope I have helped some.
AmyIsStrong & dbOak welcome but sorry you have to go through this. I have found out that everyone has different side effects but each one has a person here that has had something like it. Just holler and someone will chime in. By all means ask the Nurses who do the treatments for help too. They have seen it all. One of mine called me a trouble maker because I ran the gambit on SE.
Jaimieh, I had a lot of transfusions and I would not have made it without them. I have been through with TCH since Nov 2008 and rad in March 2009 but I am still having red blood cell problems. They think it is from my arthritis. I am taking Procrit now and sure hope it works like the transfusions did. I felt real good for a couple of days after the first shot so I am hoping they are coming up. You can not eat enough protein to build your cells back you have to let the bone marrow do it. Once you are through with chemo & rads you will start to build better. I say rads because I had a problem with that but most don't. Just me I guess. Anyway I hope the blood gives you lots of energy and it is immediate. But don't be surprised if your platelets go low for the next blood count check. It will get back to normal by it's self. Mine always did. I think the reason that happens is because they take the platelets and plasma out of whole blood and so that dilutes your own platelets. When you are low on platelets just take it easy for a short time.
Lisa, you are a real big help to these girls. You and Bluedasher are good counselors.
Have a good day everyone and remember Cupcake. She has surgery today at 1:45 CA time.
gramma23 (Carolyn)
0 -
Cupcake~ I hope your surgery goes well ((bighug))
Carolyn~ That is good to hear. I have one more treatment of TC and I don't have to do rads so I am hoping I can get away with just this transfusion.
0 -
Hi Ladies-
ONE MORE chemo to go - next Monday, May 4th..I hope. Had it yesterday after low platlets messed me up last week. Platlets back up but RBC is STILL going lower and now stands at 8.3. Funny, but I'm not anymore tired then I had been. Actually, since it has been over 2 weeks without chemo for me, I felt better then I had since I started! So far, nothing recommended for that- the Onc. was not in yesterday.He did order blood taken for B levels and other counts that I can't remember related to low hemoglobin. Hopefully, they'll know whatever it is I need to make sure my counts are normal for May 27th surgery. I will be MOST unhappy if something gets in the way of that. I'm at the chemo finish line and I need to move on to the getting the boobs phase!
My daughter's shower was just plain WONDERFUL! Pretty close to my old self, I had a great time and plenty of energy. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the food was FABO! I ate everything and anything offered me!! Without all the nausea experienced early on, I have packed on close to double digit poundage! NOT GOOD! I need to fit into the dress I got for the wedding and at this rate, that ain't gonna happen!
Jaimeh- you and me babe...one more!! No rads for me either. WHOO HOO! My God, did we never think this day would come? What a haul!
Good luck to all you newbies. As you see, it does come to an end even though you can't fathom that while in the throws of se's. We are here to see you through this just as our sisters before were for us! Hang in there and NEVER let nausea rule you. DEMAND EMEND!
xoEllen
0 -
Cupcake... hope surgery goes well. Hang in there!
0 -
Ellen~ I didn't feel like I would ever get to where i could say one more but I am there and pushing forward. The emend (knocking on wood) seems to be working and I am thrilled. I really think being that sick made the SE 10x worse. Are you having you exchange May 27 ??? I have mind scheduled for June 17 and I feel the exact same way you do.
0 -
Just coming out of the chemo fog! TX 3 kicked my butt for 5 days! but I am moving on up now (I hope!)
Welcome to all the new campers! Hope all your SE are easy ones!
Cupcake I will be thinking and praying for you today! Good luck on the surgery!
Denali- 6 pounds!!! That was the hard way to lose them! Maybe this could be the start of a new diet fad
Smile- glad you had a great time and felt good- you were due for some fun!
Rekoh and Jaimieh one more to go!! the end is getting near! Way to go.
Have a great Tuesday
Karen
0 -
I AM DONE !!!!! ITS FEELS SO GOOD LADIES NO MORE CHEMO!!!! duneoaks TX 5 was the same for me Day 3 & 4 on the 4th day I actually left work early and went home and slept I am expecting the same from this last TX !! By the 2nd week my energy was coming back, 3rd week after I even felt like me again.REKoz & Jaimieh & duneoaks Hooray for 1 more to go !!! Welcome to all newbies so glad you found us. Bold I also have soft skin and my eyes & neck make me lokk older as well Crazy shit huh?? Cloud The eye twitching is wierd I call it my perpetual wink mine was mostly my left eye but now its both,just another perk from Chemo, Cupcake My thoughts,prayers hugs and lots of love are with you!!! 0 -
Rockstar: ROCK ON!!!!!!!!!
Dun:The spider veins I believe are exacerbated by the swelling in your legs. I do not know if you had water retention from chemo But I sure did.
Amy:How are you doing? I did not have the rash on my face but I bet it sucks. I am sorry that you have to go through that. You have such a great attitude you will get through this with grace. I never heard that it was from the Herceptin. I think that your onc nurse is mistaken. I believe it is from the taxotere. It effects the dermal, eyes and nails etc.... The Carboplatin effects the digestive system as it has metal in it. YUCK!!!!!!!
Cupcake: Thinkin about you.
Congrats to all coming to the end!
I am now 15 days passed #6 sooo much to look forward to. Wish I didn't have to do rads. But it is an important part of my treatment. UGGGGG! I opted to have a lumpectomy. I am surprised at how many women on this site opted to have mas. I was told that statistically they have the same out come. Only if I were BRACC + should I have mas. UMMMM makes me wonder.
0 -
BOLD - I think I MAY have turned the corner with my skin. It isn't BETTER yet, but it doesn't seem to be getting WORSE. Thanks for asking. I can get through anything as long as I know it isn't going to get any worse. When I don't know how bad things are going to get, I can get afraid and start to panic.
I am seeing onco doc tomorrow for blood work and post chemo check up. It was my first chemo so I will see how my body reacted. Except for the skin, I feel fantastic. I hope that is an indication that things inside me are in balance as well. 2nd chemo scheduled for Thurs 5/7. I am curious if I will feel similar to the first one - I didn't have much problem except for some heartburn (which I will know how to deal with next time) and some abdominal spasms which I now have meds for. No nausea or fatigue at all. Did most people have similar reactions to their first one as they continued or could it be completely & totally different each time?
I sure won't be as nervous next time now that I know what to expect! First is the worst for just about everything in that respect, for me at least!Hope everyone is having a good day!
Amy
0
