Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
Comments
-
I know that the hand sanitizers are easy to use and I do use them some because I work at a bank but I think the washing of the hands with soap while singing "Happy Birthday" is the best. It gives you enough time to really get them clean. Besides in a way it is our birthdays everyday is a new day we are alive. I appreciate that more than ever. Also keeping hands away from face which is easier said than done. I have been lucky with not having any bad infections but I did get a virus and it was right after my chemo was finished but I was at the hospital every day with my husband. He had to have bypass but I always used something to open and close doors and push elevator buttons. I was very careful.
I know my onc was probably over cautious and he had me take antibiotics after every TCH tx. I was a little concerned about taking so much antibiotics but I did until the last time and since hubby was in hospital I just forgot to take them.
I would like to have a pet but hubby says NO! Maybe some day I will get one but we both said after the old dog we had for 18 years died no more pets. We always seemed to get to sit our kids and grandkids pets but not lately.
I am so happy for those of you finishing the tx and I know it seems it will never end for those that are not finished but it will be over before you know it. I wish few SE for all.
gramma23
0 -
I haven't posted for a long while and have been meaning to do so. However, I now just want to give a quick reply to jkcrml. Karen, I am heading into my 6th (and final!) TCH treatment on May 13th. I am being treated at one of the major breast cancer centers in the country. My onc does not routinely give things like Neulasta, so I have had no drugs like that. I know other women in my situation. I have gone through chemo this winter with only once getting a cold--and not a bad one at that. I have even travelled by airplane and have gone in crowds. And, my cat is always by my side. I do, however, never scoop the kitty litter and I don't touch garden soil without gloves, especially because I have suffered from cracks on the tips of my fingers and had 12 nodes removed. Sorry I can't speak to the allergic reaction.
Welcome to the newbies. Sorry you have to do this, but this site will help you get through this. It has been a life saver for me and you will never find a better, more generous, funny, caring, informed, and funny group of women.
Hoping to hear from Cupcake.
By the way, the ever useful "Tips for getting through chemo" was posting on June 6, 2008 by rock. It was revised on February 9th of this year, but I can't find that one again. The 2008 posting is listed as a forum on breastcancer.org. I can't now find the later revision, which I have printed out. Perhaps one of you who are more adept than me at searching can find it. Newbies, don't get worried! Most things she tells you how to help prevent won't happen to you. TCH is doable and the time passes much faster than you can believe.
Eager to hear from Cupcake!
0 -
Sailor, Rock's posting on tips for getting through chemo is pinned at the top of the Chemotherapy: Before, During and After forum. The post is dated June 6, 2008, but if you open it up it says that it was edited February 9th this year - so the one you found is the later one.
jkcmrl, my oncologist, like Sailor's, doesn't routinely prescribe Neulastin or Neupogen to TCH patients. However, unlike Sailor, I felt very bad and got a neutropenic fever when my neutrophils went extremely low about a week after the first chemo. After that, she prescribed Neupogen for me for each cycle. Neulasta is a stronger, long acting version of Neupogen - my onc said that 10 doses of Neupogen is about the same as one of Neulasta. Neupogen is probably the daily shot that your onc mentioned. You don't take it every day - I needed 3 doses per chemo cycle. If I got chemo on Monday, I would give myself the shots on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and then be done with it until the next chemo.
One of the chemo nurses taught me how to inject myself and it was surprisingly easy once I got use to the idea. I used my abdomen where it doesn't hurt much because there aren't a lot of nerves. I didn't know you could get it in prefilled syringes - I used the vials.
Even though I needed Neupogen, I think my onc's approach is a good one. I had some side effects from the Neupogen and if one doesn't need it, why add side effects.
0 -
Pets Pets and more Pets
I'm very happy for those of you who are cuddling and loving their pets day in and day out. For now I'm going to stick to what my onc said and pet the dogs only when I have gloves on (one of our dogs has a revolting habit that I won't go into). We have 2 cats and Tiger Lily was an aloof cat up until December -- had to put Boris to sleep. Since then Tiger Lily has been the most affectionate cat we've ever had. As long as I don't scoop litter the cats are fine because they never ever go outside. TL sleeps with me every night, and is by my side whenever I don't feel good. She even spits at the dogs until they leave rather than give up her place next to me.
I may miss the doggy kisses but they probably aren't the best thing for me now. 4 more tx and then I can give them so down and dirty lov'n.
0 -
Shannon, there have been hundreds of women coming and going from this site, and not one has ever caught "dog cooties" or whatever it is your onco is calling it. Three weeks ago today, I had treatment #3. We came home to our 9 year-old bulldog Stella and 3 year-old matlipoo, Dixie. Around 5PM I went upstairs for a nap and Stella came by the bed, licked my hand and waddled back down the stairs. Around 5:30 my son came running in the room to tell me that Stella had stopped snoring (which, believe me, the silence is deafening with a bulldog). I found her laying her in kennel looking as though she had just gone to sleep. I am so thankful that she went peacefully and pain free but the saddness I felt and still feel today is so sharp. I may sound like a country music song (my dog died the day I had chemo...) but I am learning that life is awfully precious to ignore the ones around us (man or beast!). I picture you using a glove to pet your dogs like the guy in "Pushing Daisies" (boy, that was a cute show!) and I feel sorry for them. Try to give them more than a gloved pat here and there.
Ok, I'm off my soap box!!
Maggie
0 -
Magnolia: I am so sorry for your loss. It is really hard to loose a good friend. I have a all black cat named CHAT NOIR. She sleeps as close as she can either on top of me or my DH. I kick her out of the bed sometimes because if I let her she will sleep on my face. I really want a dog and as soon as my energy levels can handle it I think I will start to look.
Congrats to all that have come to the end of Chemo. Thank God huh? The half way mark is cool too. I pray for NO bad SE and enough love and laughter to make up for all the bad stuff.
I went for Herceptin alone yesterday (first time). I did not feel that great last night. But am better today. I still have not gotten my taste back. and my nails are so traumatized I just pray they stay on. Toes too. Does anyone else get pain in there breast (I had a lumpectomy) from Herceptin? It is not imagined. I feel it very profoundly. I hope it is a sign that its doing its job. However I feel it a little in the good one too. HUMMMMMMM! I would love to hear from someone that has experienced this. Only 10 more to go. When you think about it, its a full year for us HER2 gals. A long arduous journey. My blood work kind of tanked after this last chemo. I am looking forward to getting stronger now. I meet with Rad onc. tomorrow. That is going to feel like a full time job. I have a 40 min drive to City of Hope without traffic. And on the days that I have to have Herceptin I then will have to drive to Beverly hills too. UGGGGGGG. Get thee behind me Satan!!!!!!
In solidarity
0 -
Pets are People Too!!!! Magnola Sorry for the loss of your precious Stella they bring such joy to our lives.Everyone So I am now on Week 2 after last treatment I am starting to feel like me again last week knocked me on my Butt Big time the upside is NO MORE CHEMO!!!! next week will even be better yet. I read posts all the time as everyone says there is alot going on here. To all newbies glad you found us, I have been texting my BFF an ongoing list of things I am looking forward to Here is a sample to share with all of you beauties it has gone on most of the day. Hair/ Food & Drink tasting normal/Having Energy/ Hair / Living to be an Old Lady/ Sleeping on my tummy/ Sittingin the sun drinking lots of really great Margheritas / no more eye twitching / Hair / And Really Steamy Hot Sex and the list goes on, Its been fun getting her responses as well0 -
OMG I so did not mean to post it that big I don't know what I hit but that is the 2 nd time I have done it So SorryBold Didnt you do it also? I remember you commenting about the bold thing I dont think you did it so big Gotta love us Baby!!!! 0
-
Rock: Your worth it baby!!!!! Did you mention hair? LOL! I would like to add nails to the list and getting things done not started. Forgetting you have breast cancer. Hair! A tan. Keeping up with life. Traveling without taking into consideration 3 week infusion. hair! Making money like I use to.Shopping for hours. No diarrhea! Playing the guitar without my finger hurting. Blond hair.
0 -
Hi Everyone,.......I just did TX# 3 yesterday, and it is kicking my butt this time. 1 and 2 were fine, but this time I was throwing up all night, and am feeling nauseous all day today. Well , I guess I could not stay lucky through all the treatments, but I didn't think it would hit me the night of the chemo. This sucks. And as for the pets, I have a black lab and he has to have lots of attention. I still pet him a lot. He sleeps in a crate at night, not with me. He misses his nightly walks when I am on a chemo week, poor baby, especially this week when I actually feel really bad.
Hope everyone is doing well. I don't post a lot but I try to keep up on reading about everyone. There are a lot of new ones here.
0 -
Magnolia, I'm so sorry to hear about your recent loss of Stella. I can't imagine doing chemo and suffering such a big loss.
Remember that Stella was very lucky to have such a loving family during her life and you should be very proud for showing her so much love.
0 -
Bold You got it Baby Right On I love it! My BFF made me cry with her responses of what she wants for me The beautiful thing about that was it included us doing it together, Friends are amazing you can find them in the greatest places, I can never ever gone through this Journey without all of you Beautiful ladies. Thank you my Friends for laughing with me, crying with me holding my hand, letting me vent ,and above all else being there for me!! My Dream if I could have it would be for us all to get together I would love to be able to hug each and everyone of you !!!!!!! I love you all and feel so blessed to be a part of this Friendship Cupcake My Beautiful Angel [[[[[[[ BIG HUGS & LOTS OF LOVE ]]]]]]] Hope you are well WE MISS YOU LOTS & LOTS 0
-
Hello ladies. I have not signed on for a while, but I thought I would touch base with you. I have been slowly but surely recovering from the TCH. My hair has begun to grow back. It covers the most on the sides and back. The top is still thin, but growing in. I am hoping that it will be enough coverage to go hatless by the summer. Not happy about the gray, but I'm told that once it comes in I should wait a bit before coloring it.
I had reconstructive surgery (implants) a few weeks ago and it went very smoothly and not much pain at all. I have to say that I was happy with this. My new implants look very nice (saline) and I am glad to be done. I am learning to manage the lymphedema. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. I wear the sleeves and when I have someplace important to go, I just leave them home!
I am still on Herceptin and will continue until October. Herceptin alone is very tolerable with only mild side effects.
I want you all to know that you are in my daily prayers and I send you all of my warm wishes for long and happy lives.
God Bless.
Anne
0 -
I had heard that the Whole Foods chain of stores has a vegetable-based hair dye that you are able to use after chemo without waiting. Has anyone else heard of this? Of course it's not for ME yet - my hair is on its way out and I'm having my 2nd TCH on Thursday this week, but I thought Anne might be interested.
And ONE DAY it will be my turn!
Congratulations, Anne for finishing the chemo part of the journey.
0 -
Magnola I am so very sorry about the loss of your Stella, I cannot imagine going thru this and loosing one of my babies. My dogs have been two of my rocks thru this. And they have become VERY protective. I have a 14 lb shi tzu and a 50 lb golden retreiver - not viscious breeds
. Before BC and chemo, they would bark if some one was in the driveway or (heaven forbid) coming thru the back door. Since chemo, they growl, bark really mean, and the hair stands up on their backs - they are protecting Mommy. While going thru tx, they stayed right next to me, constantly, they both were not happy unless they were touching me. The little guy was at my left shoulder and the big guy at my right hip. On the days that all I could do was lay in bed, my boys were right there. I cannot imagine having gone thru this without them. And my horse! For me, cancer was not going to take away all of my life.Not interacting with my horses was not an option. About 8 years ago I was diagnosed with severe asthma. The doc told me to get rid of my dogs, cat, bird and horses. I told him I would get rid of him instead. My pets are a giant part of my life. Also, they are a giant part of my husbands life. There has to be a balance. And to get technical - there is no such thing as human/K9 disease transmition.Cakelady - I had serious issues with my horse during my tx. I do not live on the property with my horses - I am about 20 minutes away. During some of my tx, I could not get to the barn. When this happened my "personal" horse, my "baby" would scratch and rub himself into bloody sores. Once I figured out the timeline and the rubbing, I made sure I got out there during tx time, even if it was just for a few minutes, to reasure him that his Mommy was still taking care of him. Once I did this, his anxiety issues stopped just as fast as they started.
Paula - Yes pets are people too and they need us as much as we need them!
Bold - Hair. I got a "clean-up" today. My co-workers cleaned up my neckline and over the ears. And made sure that all the random long hairs were gone. I am not ready to go topless yet, but getting close. I keep saying one more week..... I am going to St. Augustine Beach in 10 days with a big bunch of gal friends... I really want to be hatless by then and comfortable with it. Yesterday was 12 weeks post chemo.
Lisa
0 -
Anne: I am gearing up for #5 and have begun to think about my reconstruction. How long after #6 did you wait to have it? How long was the recoop time after surgery? My tissue expanders have been in place for about 4 1/2 months(guess it will be around 51/2 when they come out). I heard that this can be quiet painful when the ps takes them out, but your's didn't sound that bad. And lastly, did you have the nipple tatoo? Again, I heard that was pretty painful. I am very ready to get these rocks out of my chest!
Maggie
0 -
Maggie,so sorry to hear about your loss of Stella . Glad to hear you are soon to get rid of the turtle shells!
Bold. I, too, sometimes feel pain in my right boob (masectomy side) and even in my left. also under my arm where they removed lymph nodes. Usually after the herceptin treatment.I have always thought that it is the herceptin doing it's job but have never asked. I will ask next Monday when I go in for the 3rd 3 weeker. The herceptin treatment leaves me feeling tired and achy for a couple of days. Last time I had a reaction to it during the infusion and they had to give me loads of Benedryl and slow the drip down. It took 5 hours. I am waiting to hear what the onc plans to do about my reaction. Please no steroids.....
Paula, I love your list and it will all happen for you! I'd love to meet everyone here too. wouldn't it be fantastic?
Cakelady hang in there and get some better meds you should not be throwing up all night. Emend seems to be the wonder drug for most of us on this thread.
Gramma, I agree with you that washing your hands is far better than any hand sanitizer, but when ever I am out I use the sanitizer if I can't get to a sink. Love the birthday song idea, tried it and it is just the right amount of time to get them really clean. Of course my DH thinks I'm nuts...
Lisa, I told my daughter, the horse lover, your experience with your horse during chemo. She maintains that horses are as loyal as dogs and was so touched by your story.It is an incredible bond that we form with our pets. My lab guarded me during chemo and would growl if anyone came to the door when I was down chemo week. He sat next to me for hours on end and followed me from room to room. So gentle and sweet not the bumbling,big guy we are used to!
Well gotta go as rad tx #3 awaits. So far so good. Hope everyone is feeling better and the sun is shining.
maja0 -
Hi to all, long time reader, 1st time respone(r) tee-hee....Anyways, I will be getting my port in next tues. 05/12 and my 1st day of treatment (TCH) Thursday 05/14....I am TERRIFIED! I am scared of everything! The unkown! The loosing the hair! The sickness! My regimine will be TCH every 3rd week form anywhere for 4-6months with Herceptin every week for a year. Rad's after TC portion for 6 weeks. I have no idea what to expect the day of, the day after, etc. I have read and re-read all of the threads and have found tremenous support from all of you "veteran's" and am looking for some encouraging words! It all happened so fast! one night I did a self examie, found a lump, week later my reg. Dr.'s office, she sent me to have a mamm. that same day, and my 03/24 I was told I had breast cancer and it was removed on 04/06. Clean margins, neg. nodes...
0 -
ccBaby..... You and I are on the exact same schedule, I had my # 3 on Monday too. I am curious to know how you feel each week. Our diagnosis is similar, like everyone on here, but I had bilateral mastectomy, no TE yet since they wanted me to be done with treatment first, and immed. reconstruction would have delayed chemo, which I should have started earlier anyway. I never got a wig, don't think I would like it, I never shaved my head because I still have a very thin layer of hair but I keep it because it shows down around the bottom of hats etc and looks like I still have some hair. I hope you are doing well. I was horribly sick on Monday night , Tues morning, but I am much better today.
0 -
Lisa1970 , So sorry that you are hear. But you have come to the right place. Ask how many tx's you are getting, it is usually 4 or 6. 6 months sounds like a long time for no nodes and clean margins. Being afraid is fine and expected. Ask any questions and we will try our best to help you out.
To All: I think a TCH Reunion is a great idea! Someplace fun! Vegas, Key West, ect......
Lisa
0 -
Lisa1970, My heart goes out to you sweetie. Just reading your post brought a flood of memories of the not too distant past. You will be fine. 4 months sounds about right for treatment. Most of us did 6 tx's 3 weeks apart, it seems to be the standard regimen. I am having rads now and it isn't so bad.
Of course you are overwhelmed by all that has happened in such a short amount of time. We all were. Keep reading this thread for info, laughs and lots of love. Take one day at a time..
You will get through this.
Lisa 1964 and all TCH'ers,, Let's do It.Sounds like a blast!
maja0 -
AmyIsStrong - The hair dye is called Herbatint (sp?). My hair dresser is going to use that on me from now on. She said it is very good and she recommends it.
Magnolia - I waited 2 months after last TX to have the surgery. Compared to mastectomy, this surgery is a walk in the park. Please do not stress over this. I took one pain killer when I returned home to prevent the pain from starting in. The pain never came and I went the rest of the week with nothing! There will be some tightening in the chest, but this is to be expected with any chest surgery, so don't worry about it. I have some discomfort, but nothing that I could call pain. They will make you wear the drains for about a week, but those come out quick enough and there is no discomfort with them. They are just annoying, but that is it. No, I did not have the nipple tatoo. I may consider nipple surgery in a year or so, but for now I am done. I hope that this has made you feel a little less anxious about this surgery. I was more concerned about the anethesia than the actual surgery because my plastic surgeon told me that I would feel much less pain with this one.
Lisa1970 - This time will fly by before you know it. If you can just try and remember that this is going to be a short time in your long life where you will take a lot of medicine, but very soon it will be a distant memory. We are all here for you.
Anne
0 -
Maja I am a pretty good "trip organizer". Pick a place and I will handle the rest.
. BTW, I am going to be in your neck of the woods in Aug for a family reunion.0 -
Lisa 1964, My Oco said 4-6 tx of TCH 3 wks apart. Sheesh, re-reading again and forgot about how terrifed I am about loosing my nails too....WTH!!! I get so scared, frustrated and angry about this! Why Me!!! I know of a few women out there that for attention say they are sick and have cysts, etc.....WHY NOT THEM!!! WHY ME!!!
0 -
Cakelady...yes, we are on the exact same schedule now because I changed my days to Mondays instead of Fridays, so I was 3 days past due this time. My next one is on Tues, the 26th because of the holiday. I have felt pretty good with this one, so far anyway. Do they have you on Emend for nausea? It really works.
I wish now I would have kept my hair a little longer, but I did use a #4 guard on my clippers which leaves me with some. I wear my wig when I go to work and everywhere out in public.
Has your onc mentioned anything to you about radiation after chemo is done since you are one node positive too? Mine is recommending that I do it, but I will see a radiologist first for him to look over my pathology report and discuss side effects, etc. I really don't want to have to do radiation too on top of everything else I have done, but I guess if I have to, then so be it. It will delay finishing out my reconstruction also.
0 -
Hi all,
I don't have my date yet but I too will be starting every 3 weeks -- end of May beginning of June. I cut my hair short this week to slowly prepare myself and it was tough....I'm a hairstylist so you can probably imagine. I am so glad I found this sight. Can I be a TCH friend too?
0 -
Oh Lisa I am sorry that you have to join us ((Bighugs)). I hear you on the angry part....
BTW, I am getting ready to go in for treatment #6 and my nails are just fine and I was panicking (okay I was crying) about having nail issues. Trust me just take it one treatment at a time.
0 -
Hi, Ladies... fun to read the good news, and sad to read the bad news. I was out of my computer pocket since Moday so too many messages to catch up on.
Welcome all the newbies. Glad you found help here. Be scared, cry, laught and just take it one day at a time.
I went to Tampa (Moffitt) Monday afternoon to avoid having to leave at 5:00 Tuesday to make 8:00 Blood Work Monday. Blood sugar marker was off the chart (double the normal high) but everything else was either normal or close to normal ranges.
I forgot to take my 2 Decadron Monday morning, but did 2 Monday night and 2 morning. They gave me 2 more during tx and took the usual two Tuesday night. Two more this morning and two more tonight. I am decadroned OUT!
Was on the chemo pole from 11:15 AM till 3:15 PM. I was so stuck to that dam vinyl chair!!! LOL
I had a steak and chicken dinner Monday night, ate light Wednesay A.M, snacked through tx a big breakfast Wed AM and 2 deserts before returning for Neulasta. I said I was going to be very proactive in taking all the digestive drugs this time round, and after the 2.5 hour drive home I am tired but, so far, no digestive SE's!!!!!! I was so sick after tx #1.Drank lots and lots of watter since Sunday, and still swilling it down. The doc did changea couple of my digestive drugs for more "power" and suggested I toss in Pediolite as one of my fluids. It taste good and helps replace electrolites and other stuff that just water doesn't. Not quite as strong as sports drinks that can mess up digestive functioins.
Short note... off to bed.
hugs. gals and take care.
0 -
Bold,
My nails are pretty bad too, I stopped having mani/pedi done 3 weeks ago, didn't want my nails to fall off. If I push the cuticles around my nails back, I can actually see both sides of my fingernail lifted off the nail bed. I find it so far moisturizing the cuticles is the best way to go. I use the L'occitane shea butter hand cream all day.
I just finished my last TCH 2 days ago. I'm feeling OK, just some indigestion & bloated feelings. Hopefully I'll feel better by the weekend. I'll start my 1st Herceptin alone on 5/26 and finish sometimes before Christmas.
To all the ladies out there, be strong & good luck! There is light at the end of the tunnel.
Cil.
0 -
I decided to stop at 4 tch.....all my friends and family are having a fit. One of my friends called in a favor and made me appointment with another prominent Onc. in St. Petersburg, FL. She lost a a dear friend to Breast cancer a few years ago and was not going to rest until I talked with a second onc. My appointment was today and after giving him all my test results and exrays...if I was his patient he would recomend 4 treatments of tch and a year of herceptin. Which I plan on doing. He also recommended that I get tested for the genetic gene. Because my aunt had breast cancer and my dad had colon cancer I am at a high risk for ovarian cancer. He said that if the genetic test came back positive that he would HIGHLY recomend that I have my ovaries removed. So..that is next on my list to have done! I do not want to go through Chemo again!! I am VERY comfortable with 4 tch! The last treatment just about did me in. No anti-nausea medicine has worked for me....not even POT! Yes I even tried that! I was desperate to try just about anything! So...please do not judge my decision...it is what I feel is best for me.
0
