Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
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Hi - was diagnosed February 2, 09 - same deal scared to death will be starting TCH and then one year Herceptin - then...... I can finish my reconstructions. Have the "expanders" now - Ugh! I also want to know about what to expect. I am doing chemo every three weeks! At least we have this year all planned for us - mugga's for the heart testing, bloodwork etc. What fun - Hoepfully we all do well and make it back to the fun stuff - contct me please anyone diagnosed with Her 2 positve - 3+ - the docs say I am early stage two - My name is Caryn and I am going to fight this battle and hopefully win it. Anyone really scared - humor can be very beneficial! anyone with other info re treatment contact me please....
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Well, I'm here to join the party. I get my port in tomorrow & start TCH next Friday - I haven't been told by my Onc that I need to do anything from a diet perspective. i.e. add protein - but my GP said that you should increase protein wherever possible. If any of you have some thoughts that would be great - Thanks !
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Gramma - You are the best. Yes, we have been thru the fire and by the grace of God, we are coming out the other side! And yes, we do have a much different outlook regarding what is important. Maybe God was trying to tell us something. Thanks for your kind words.
Swampy - Yes, the head hurts when the hair starts falling out - just one more kick in the a$$.
JaimieH - You are doing great girl! Hang in there!!!!
Ellen - I am so glad that you are able to enjoy this phase of your daughter's life! Wedding showers and baby showers make the world go round! Thanks for your kind words too. There is light at the end of the tunnel.......
Paula - Isn't "done" a great feeling?!!!!!!
Bold - I am healthy and happy! Pics following this post!!!
Colette - I am sorry you have had to join us, but we are a great group. Sounds like you are doing everything right so far.
enjoylife - Bold had some liver enzyme issues too! The tx can do that. I am sure that as soon as Bold see's your post, she will guide you.
cakelady - Love my silicone boobs!!! Frankly, I seldom wear a bra, don't need too. Silicone with no natural fat!!! Can't beat it! Thanks for your kind words! I have reached an all time adulthodd high on the scales. That pic does not show the true story. And yes, the gator. He was not the only one that day. After we left that water stop, we encountered on on the trail - much closer!
Sorry for any typos, I was typing fast. Sorry if I missed anyone!!! Hair growth pics to follow!
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Here are the pics, but I messed up. I wanted some comparison pics, but I can't find the early ones in my photobucket account. But these were taken this morning, 11 weeks and 2 days post chemo.
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To all the newbies, I'm sorry you are here, but we are a great group of friends and an incredible support system and information team. If you will take the time to read through some of the older posts, all of your questions would be answered. You can use the seach tool for a specific word and then see what this forum had to say about it.
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Oh my, while I was playing with pics, more new members showed up.
Min - Sorry you are here - but yes, protein is the way to go. Hook up with Smile and Swampy!! They are in your neck of the woods!
Caryn - Honey don't be scared, it is gonna be just fine. You can do this. Take a deep breath and read up on the advice that this thread has to offer. Yes, it is tough, but we don't have any choice. Read about all of us that are finished and take comfort from that. And please feel free to ask any questions, we will try our very best to answer them.
Lisa
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Swampy: I have tried all the anti-naseau meds you have...none worked for me...so call the onc if they continue not to work!
Sorry for all the newbies....but you are in a great place..lots of help and love here.
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Lisa....you look Great! Hair is coming back in great!
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Lisa! What glorious hair you have!!! Oh my stars, I would love to have that much hair when school starts in August.
enjoylife I also have elevated liver enzymes. Not sure what it is all about. I seem to have a pattern of moderately elevated for two weeks and then normal for the blood tests 8 days out of chemo treatment. I have no idea what is going on. . .
Alaina I am to have an echocardiagram in early July, instead of MUGA scan. I am scheduled to finish Chemo June 17th.I am not sure what the onc has schedule after that.
I am still working full time; however, chemo #3 has given me steady, but manageable fatigue. I usually come home, shower, and easily fall sound asleep until about 9PM. I get up for a little snack and then back to bed a few hous later. Only 3 more weeks of school and 7 hours of sick time left; here's hoping I can keep my stamina up thru May 21.
Gramma - you are right, we are a bunch of wise birds--golden birds.
Cheers!
Cloud
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Welcome to all the new campers! I can't believe how many of you have showed up at Camp Chemo in the past few days. Sorry that you have to be here but as we like to say, you have come to the right place. I am so happy that you have found us and I know that you will get thru whatever is thrown at you with help from the collective wisdom of your sisters here. I couldn't have done it without the help and support I have received from these wonderful, inspiring women.
I think Duneoaks' advice about reading back pages was right on in that practically every situation that you might face has been discussed on this thread. If you are frightened and uncertain we are here to pick you up, we have all been in that same lonely place. Never be afraid to ask for help.
Cupcake, I hope all went smoothly yesterday and that you are on the road to full recovery.
Lisa, you look great and look at you hair! Fabulous darling.
Bold, you sound so good and are on the road to recovery! We both start rads in May so we will compare notes!
Rockstar I am so HAPPY you are thru chemo!!!!!!!!!A big shout out to you
Jamieh, you are FIERCE...take no prisoners on your quest for wellness
Denali where are you?
I am now 5 weeks out from tx 6 and I feel good!!!!! My hair is growing back in but is still at the white fuzzy stage and about 1/2 inch long. Can't wait to see what color it will be. If it comes in white I will be a blonde so fast.....it was salt and pepper but no more of that !!!!!!!!!!
Maja0 -
Bold, my hair is a little longer than Lisa's. I did not shave my head but had it cut in a short burr like boys do in the summer. I need to clean it up a little but just hate to take any off. I have been through with TCH since early Nov. I am still taking Herceptin and had 36 tx of rad. I do think my hair quit growing during the rads though. Maybe I looked at it too much
. My hair always grew so fast before and I was able to donate to Locks of Love before I found the cancer and my hair was getting pretty long again before I found the cancer. I did not have enough to donate this time but it started falling out about tx 2 or 3 so I went to a woman barber on a non busy day and had it burred. My head was getting sore and I decided to just do it. Like someone said I would decide that not chemo. My hair does not seem to be growing as fast now but I am not wearing anything over it and it is getting thicker. It is mostly dark brown but some gray like before and when it rained I had enough for it to stick out in places so I guess I am getting the same hair I had. Unruly when it rains! Everyone that is wondering about elevated enzymes can probably google it but I know that the liver is what cleans up your blood and so since you are running all this poison through your body, well not you but the onc, it may just take the liver a little while to counteract it. they never mentioned my liver. My biggest problem was keeping the blood counts high enough to take the next poison. I am still having problems with RBC but the Procrit had brought it up a little in 2 weeks yesterday. I was excited and the nurse thought I would be upset because it was low since she did not know what it was last time. Your bone marrow has to make you cells regenerate. That is why most get Neupogen or Neulasta for white blood cells. If you get low red blood cells you might have to have a transfusion if it is low enough. Platelets can also go low but mine were low after transfusions and they always came up on their own. I am not too sure if knowing a lot about things and what they do is a good idea because you can get really scared if you have a little info and really not the whole picture. Just write all the stuff down you are concerned with and ask the doc or the nurses. I did some research on my own but at times I was more confused than ever. I decided to trust in God and just let him guide the people taking care of me.I knew he would do what was best for me.
I am so sorry we have so many new people but like the ones of us that have finished you will come through this and be here to guide the new ones that come after you. I hope some day there will not be new ones because there is no more cancer but I know that is not going to happen in our lifetime. Just stay safe from the flu and other bacteria and wash you hands often and stay away from sick people as much as possible. When I use the elevator or any doors I use something besides my bare hand to touch it. My husband thinks I am crazy but I do not want to have come through this and get some kind of illness I could have avoided. Play it safe!
Lisa, did you know we have alligators in Oklahoma? In Eastern Oklahoma where my grandson is going to college to be a wildlife biologist. He helped a professor tag some once. they are raising some at his school that was separated from the Mom. They will probably be released sometime this summer.
gramma23 (Carolyn)
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Welcome newcomers- one and all. Really sucks that camp is expanding so fast but the good thing is that there is ALWAYS someone to guide you here. I'll echo what the Sr. girls said about reading through the thread first. I know, I know it's become quite long at this point. But many of the answers to your questions are located within. Of course, that doesn't mean you can't repeat a question! It's just the best way for you to go when trying to figure out this TCH cocktail effect.
I probably already mentioned that my last treatment is on Monday. I hope anyway, RBC was at an all time low 8.3 last week.I didn't get anything for it though which is OK since I am so close to finishing, I just don't want anything to mess up that last tx! I also mentioned that with the May 27th surgery coming up, my Onc. eliminated carbo from these last two treatments. As a weekly person, that's 2/3 of the last carbo dose. I'm OK with that because I am early stage. It's the Herceptin and hormonals that I think and PRAY keep any reoccurance at bay. I have to say that without carbo, I have faired MUCH better. Still need the Emend but fatigue is less and appetite is fine (unfortunately, I've gained 10 lbs!) No bad taste in my mouth and no aversion to any food as I had previously.
Lisa- You look awesome! I actually have even more hair but it is all friggin white so no pix for you guys! My daughter hates seeing me all white and she's as anxious as me to be able to dye it brown again! I figure I'll start with a semi permanent in about 2 weeks. Still can't imagine putting the permanent stuff on this sensative beat up scalp!
For those of you just beginning, it was my experience of complete relief once I shaved. My scalp hurt like hell and that went away IMMEDIATELY. Everyone is different for sure but I had alot of thick hair and it was just too much a mess. So between the scalp relief and a clean bathroom, it was worth it to me.
Smile- What have you decided about your 4 vs 6 treatment plan? I'm anxious to know how you're doing.
Cupcake- prayers abound for you here. Please check in as soon as your able. You will bring a smile to all of us!
To everyone else- I wish you only the best and a body that cooperates with your plans of the day.
xoEllen
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For dry, itchy ,twitchy eyes tryGenTeal gel. You can buy it OTC at any drugstore, Walmart etc. It really helped !
Maja0 -
Welcome to the Newbies! You'll find valuable info and inspiration on this board. I read at least twice a day, but haven't posted much lately.
After last week spent in bed due to dehydration, I'm feeling much better this week. But it's so frustrating when your stamina is the pits.
I bought pansies to plant around my new waterfall, cleaned the house a bit and had some Red Hatters over last night--ordered out for dinner. We had a great time, but I couldn't believe how TIRED I was when I went to bed. Won't I ever be able to have folks over without collapsing afterward?? Wahhhh!
Wigs can be so uncomfortable. So I've started wearing caps when I leave the house. Does anyone have the hang of scarves? I have a few and sooooo want to look chic. But I end up looking dorky instead. sigh.
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Hey everyone,
I thought I would share this with you. There is a movie on the Hallmark channel Saturday night at 8 central time called Living Out Loud starring Gail O'Grady about woman finding out she has breast cancer and her and her family dealing with it. Anyway, it looks like a good inspirational movie and I a going to definitely watch it. Here is the link to the promo
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Ellen - Ask you hair dresser to use Prisms by Matrix. It will not stain your scalp, is very gentle and won't irritate. It is a semi-permanent.
gramma, congratulations on your grandson's career chioce, That is danged impressive. And I had NO idea there were gators in OK!
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Quick question, ladies - today is day 15 after my first TCH treatment. So far no hair loss at all. Saw the doctor yesterday - he said "You will lose your hair in five days." Is this the experience most of you had - approx day 20 after the first chemo?
I know this sounds ridiculous, but I have a big client meeting on Monday and I would REALLY like to make it with my real hair and not have it be the first day or so after shaving it all off.Any ideas?
Second chemo scheduled for 5/7.
Thanks in advance for any advice about the hair.0 -
Mine started coming out at about 17 days and it could have lasted longer but I was tired of pulling it off of my 3 yr olds shirt so I shaved it off. BTW, you concerns are not ridiculous.
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AmyisStrong...Mine started coming out in good sized clums on day 17. If your hair is pretty thick you can probably make it until Monday. It may be "patchy" and thin in areas, but you probably won't be bald bald. I took the bull by the horn yesterday and decided to just shave it off. Like I said before, this was something that *I* had control over and not the chemo. I met with 2 clients yesterday with a scarf in place and one this morning with a baseball cap. Big hoopy dangle earrings added to the "sporty" look and my clients, understanding what I was going through, loved my new look and told me they admired my determination to carry on as normal. They just accepted my new "look" as a "badge of courage" as one client called it.
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Strongerwoman and newbies: Being scared is part of the journey. I wanted you to know that you have it in you to go through this with strength and grace. You have the same DX as I do I am HER2+++ and am an early stage IIa. I am now finished with Chemo and am starting Rads in May. I could not even imagine getting through chemo it was sooo daunting. I had the usual SE. Constipation and diarrhea. It felt like toxic foam in my body. I was tired and felt poopy. But it was doable!!!! And time goes on and the count down till the last TX. The heceptin that you are taking is a life saver. We HER2 gals are lucky. It use to be that HER2 was a bad DX now because of herceptin we can beat the cancer ass. It helped comfort me and still does knowing that. I hope that you have a great deal of support from family and friends. reach out and get the help that you need. Tell people what you need they are not mind readers. Some people do not know what to do to help.
You need to take care of yourself. It seems like we put others needs in front of our own most of our lifes. This healing and treatment time must put you first. Its like being in the airplane and putting on your own mask before you can put the mask on your child. Emotionally cry but remember to laugh and laugh more it is medicine for the body and soul. We are alive and will be for a long time. I am just cautioning you against depression it is counter productive to healing. If you need to get meds to help ask your Dr.
There are a lot of practical medical advice that you can get from this site. One of the most important support advice that I was given often was WATER WATER WATER!!!!!!! Do not let yourself get to constipated.
Somewhere there is list any of you senior campers remember where it is?
Liver enzymes do get elevated but my experience is that it comes back after TX. Weird stuff. And also you Glucose rises too. But not to the dangerous levels.
Be strong, see the beauty in life and remember to breath. Know you are loved!
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AmyisStrong...mine started coming out on day 16. I washed it and it took me 20 minutes to comb through all the matted clumps that came out. As the week progressed. more and more came out where it was everywhere on my bathroom counter and floor and bed/pillowcase and clothes. My scalp was very sore too. So, finally after a week of dealing with it, I bit the bullet and shaved it and bought a wig. It is a VERY devastating thing, but think of as the chemo is doing its job.0
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Gosh, it's so good to see ladies with similar results from their lumpechtomy/masechtomy. Tomorrow (5/1) will be my second treatment and I didn't have many problems after the first. Anit-nausea drugs worked well even though I didn't take one of them when I was supposed to. I had 2 bad days the first week (squiffy not nauseous), one bad day last week (spiked a temp w/ cold like symptoms for a few hours), and was extraodinarily tired yesterday.
Last week on my blood draw I had neutropenia - not fun at all. But all is well today. Hair started coming out last Friday but I still have plenty left. I had cut my hair at the beginning and now have a hair style like Lisa1964. For me it's just hair and it will grow back.
I'm on the TCH program receiving my chemo once every 3 weeks for 6 total treatments. The herceptin will continue for a full year.
I wish everyone here the best and pray every night that all breast cancer patients are given the strength to cope with their personal situation. Sometime I'll write about my miraculous discovery of breast cancer - it was truly weird with intervention from God.
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Shannon,
You and I are on the same TCH schedule. I go in for #2 tomorrow as well! I will also have 6 Txs with Hercepting continuing for a year.
I believe the discovery of my BC was miraculous as well. My story is here ---> http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/96/topic/732751?page=1#idx_6
We'll all get through this together! Alaina
EDITED TO ADD ~ Not sure why the link won't work, but it's posted in the IDC Forum under the title "My Story."
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Thank you all for your hair loss advice. I am going to wait and see what happens, but I feel more prepare now.
Shannon and Alaina - I am on the same schedule as you, just one week behind. Good luck tomorrow and this weekend. I will bring up the rear on our little parade next Thursday and hold our flag high!
I hope everyone is having a good day today.
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Okay the blood transfusion really helped my pulse rate. I no longer feel like I am running a 1/2 marathon to get to the bathroom (and I have ran a couple of them). My pulse rate is now in the 60-70's when it was in the 100-120 range. The only bad part is the chemo. hole has started
I have about 5 more days and then hopefully I will bounce out for a little bit and feel human again. My hair is growing but it's blond but after today I have decided that I am going to take weekly pictures of it. My DH keeps telling me it's not growing but my 3 yr. old thinks it is
I have to agree with the 3 yr. old. It's not real long but it's something. Lisa~ I am so happy to hear you like your girls. I go in for an exchange for silicone in June.
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Boy, there has been a lot of new ones coming in over the last couple of days. Good luck to all of you...you CAN do this.
I'm in for trt #4 tomorrow and I haven't lost all my hair yet. It did start coming out in clumps around day 18. I had it cut into a GI Jane. It's still the same length, but thinner.
Bold-I love your post. Truly, words of wisdom!
I''m excited to get to #5!!
-Maggie
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I have been enjoying all of your posts as usual. Had a hard day today though.
I went in for my Herceptin and my blood count is way down so they told me I have to go for a blood transfusion tomorrow. I burst out crying and couldn't stop. Nurses would hug me and I'd cry more. Usually I'm the happy one in the chemo room, laughing and carrying on. But I sure crashed today. I don't want anything to delay my scheduled chemos--I have 2 left. But my platelets are down to 39 and my dr won't allow chemo unless it's 100. And they won't even be giving me platelets tomorrow--just RBCs. She won't do platelets unless it gets down to 22. So my platelets have to climb to 100 on their own in one wk or I get rescheduled.
So I'm having a major pity party tonight---still. Jaimieh, I'm going to PM you. Looks like you just went through a transfusion. Anyone else here have to get blood?
Taking my Ambian now to sleep. Thank goodness for those little white pills!
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I got GREAT NEWS today! My GYN called to let me know that I do NOT have the BRCA gene mutation that substantially increased my risk for breast/ovarian cancers!
While I already have breast cancer, not having the mutation means I did not INHERIT this disease and there is no urgency to remove my ovaries!
I will still have to be monitored every 6 months (as opposed to once a year) to keep a close eye on my ovaries. Having 3 of 5 risk factors for OC still means I have to be vigilant about that silent killer!
I am so excited to get Chemo #2 done with it's ridiculous! Two of my BFF's Glenda & Cindy are my Chemo Crew tomorrow and they are bringing Scrabble & Snacks! Glenda also said she had something for me, and won't tell me what it is. *pffft* I hate/love surprises! LOL!!!
I have been thinking quite a bit this week about my mastectomy surgery coming up in September and options for reconstruction. Talk about a confusing range of options! I'm still angling for the re-build where they use your abdominal fat to give you a new set of "foobs!" A perfect set of B-Cups AND a flat tummy? SHUT UP!!!
I look forward to feeling the sweeping energy of your prayers and positive vibes on my behalf tomorrow! After tomorrow, we're 1/3rd of the way there!
Ok, here's your laugh for the evening! I've mentioned the fact that the hair on my head is nearly all gone. Well the hair "down there" is pulling a disappearing act also! LOL!!!
Enjoy this HILARIOUS Youtube clip "Mow the Lawn"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvFSgXpyhoM
Chemo Trimmed my Hedges!
Alaina
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Amylstrong- this is going to sound strange but I wanted to keep my hair for school pictures when I told the nurse she said to put ice (or a frozen bag of vegs.) on your head- the chemo doesn't like the cold so the hair doesn't fall out as fast. Have to say it seemed to work although you look like a fool!
I kept my hair an extra 3 weeks. Then I gave it up. The nurses also suggest putting ice packs on your hands during chemo so you so you don't lose the feeling in your fingertips also to chew ice so you don't get the mouth sores. Denali- sorry to hear about the transfusion I hope it goes ok!
When I go in for the weekly Herceptin, they draw blood to check the levels, does everyone have this done? I think part of the SE from the herceptin that I have is because of this.
Lisa- the hair looks great!
Has anyone heard from Cupcake or Mason??
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What a great tip about the ice on the head, Karen. Thanks! How long do you have to leave it there? All the time or just sometimes? I would give it a try this weekend just to get me through Monday's meeting. After that, I don't care. Well, I CARE, but I mean I will be more ready as there will be nothing pressing.
Denali - good luck with the transfusion. I don't know much about them - but I hope it goes well and your counts come up. Is there anything we can do to help that happen? Eat a steak maybe? Just kidding, but is there anything or just patience and hope? I wish you a peaceful day without tears.
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