Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
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Denali, hope 5 goes without a hitch!! one more and you are done. Then it should be Margarita time!
Ellen- congrats on being done, I can't wait!!
Bluedasher- thank you for letting us know about Cupcake, I'm glad she is ok I miss her words of wisdom and humor.
Number 4 is coming up next Thursday- it can't be as bad as #3 I still have not gotten over the hives. Here's hoping it goes better.
Smile - I'm really happy for you, good luck with rad!
Karen
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konakat: What did they give you for diarrhea? My doc just upped me to a prescription drug called "Lonox" The standard OTC never touched it. Hope this stuff will be better. Also she switched me from Zantax 75mg to 150mg for the acid reflux.
I had some dizziness Tuesday after chemo, but I think that is because they had to double up on my Decadron because I missed a dose and the Decadron makes me very loopy.
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Since I am in Fla and smack in the middle of the two most popular cruise ports, I will get some info posted.
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Bluedasher: Thank you, thank you, thank you for the info on platelets. That sure gives me hope!
I went to the dr's today and my platelets had only increased 13 points-from 42 to 55. Not the 100 that I needed to get chemo #5. Dr said it may take two wks for my platelets to rise that much, so my schedule might be delayed for more than a week.
I think I had pretty much prepared myself, because I didn't have a meltdown like when they told me I had to have a blood transfusion. Of course, my friend Xanex helped, which I took this morning. I'm ok with it all.
Silver lining: I get another week or 2 of feeling good! And I get 2 Mother's Day celebrations. We celebrated last wkend since I thought I might be in chemo crash on May 10th. So since there's no crash this wk, my kids are coming over Sunday to help my do yard work. Hurrah!
Trip: another suggestion is renting a house on www.vrbo.com
You can get a 6 bdrm/4 bath house ON THE BEACH in the Carolinas for $2500 per wk. We could stay in a huge house on Puget Sound, WA, for about the same price. If 10 people went for the whole wk, it would only be $250 each. Less if they stayed less days. Of course, you also have to add in shared car rental to get around and airfare for each of us. Food would have to be bought but that should be about the same as home. Go to the website--it's sooooo much fun to look at as there's lots of photos for each rental. Where we would go, would probably depend on who is interested and airfares for where they live.
I've been on 5 Alaskan cruises and would gladly go on a 6th! However, they only go through Sept. Ellen, could we plan it for one of your 'good' wks in between chemos? I'd do Carribean and Mexico too. Any destination would be fun because it would be great to get together.
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If you gals plan something that is doable, I will try my best to be there. Getting away is hard with two young kids, but not impossible! I know that bluedasher mentioned the east coast and that's where I am! NYC is lovely any time of year. Is anybody up for a Broadway show? I'll be watching to see what you ladies decide on and hopefully we can all meet up.
Denali - I'm glad that you didn't get too upset about the delay in chemo. It's great that you are looking at the bright side. Mother's Day would be a down day for you if you had chemo today, so this way you will be feeling good on Sunday. Did they give you the Herceptin only, or did they postpone that too?
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I agree with Anne Denali, you stand to find this delay a blessing in disguise! Especially on Mothers Day! If you remember, I had one delayed because of platlets right before my daughter's shower. Having that extra week without chemo made ALL the difference! What would have had me in the spirit of a "good chemo day" instead was a spirit as close to normalcy as I had experienced in months! I have a good feeling that will be your experience. And of course, your good friend Xanax is a fine source of comfort! Speaking of the shower, I have a few pix posted at my caringbridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rekosloff. You can compare my wig with yours!
The Carolinas sound great to me! And of course, NYC since it would surely be the most economical for me! I'd do whatever you girls decide, if I can afford it. Actually, I can't afford any trip but for once, I'd feel comfortable using some of that credit as a gift to myself after all this! My issue isn't between chemo's...I just finished...remember? Of course not, chemo brain- I totally get it
. My issues are recon surg (May and probably Oct exchange) and July (my baby girl) / Sept wedding (my niece in Durango, you anywhere near there?)Going to go eat dinner now.....
xoEllen
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No, they gave me Herceptin, so that was good. The dr said she might either cut my dose of Carboplatin for my last 2 treatments or replace it with Cytoxin. I'd rather cut the dosage than try a new chemo. Here's hoping.
Renting a house would be a way to cut costs and time for those who can't get away for a week. I've planned 2 cruises and 2 house rentals for my Red Hatters. Both types of trips were a blast--cruises were a lot easier to organize of course. But staying on the beach, hearing the waves from the house was awesome! Especially since we live in the Denver area, but lots of us are from the coast and miss the ocean.
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Linda~ I am so happy to hear you are looking at this delay as a + even if xanax was involved. I plan on taking some Ativan before my next treatment just in case.
I seem the further out that I get from treatment the more I am falling apart. Over the past day I developed 5 mouth sores and Magic Mouthwash doesn't help me at all
Oh and my one hemroid (I can't even spell it) has reared it's ugly self. So I hurt from each end..lol....... I had to call the PA to ask what I could take for the bottom and she said anything just make sure it doesn't get infected....gee thanks for the help......I am ready to get the last Chemo done so I can get better and stop getting better than getting knocked down again. 0 -
House renting for a "get-away" is my specialty!
I have a house rented for next weekend for 14 of my closest freinds. Pick a town and I will find the house.0 -
RE: hair growth
I just pasted this from Cinrae cinrae123 cinrae123 wrote:
Hi ladies.
enjoy,,,,,,,,,,,,I finished chemo in Aug 2007,,,,,,,,,,,and did herceptin till May 2008,,,,,,,,,,and I wasnt able to go wigless untill July 2008. And even then it was short. So dont feel bad. I know exactly how frustrating this is. I know that herceptin slows the hair growth. Mine has come back but very thin on the top. I too used nioxin and I take Biotin every day. I asked my onc about and she said she just didnt know what to say except go to a dermatologist. So I went,,,,,and she said the stuff she prescribes for people she cant give to patients who have had cancer. Figures, huh? She suggested using the Rogaine for Men but be careful when applying as to not to your face as you will get hair where ever you touch if you have it on your hands. But also,,,,,,,,,,the hair will come back using the Rogaine but if you stop,,,,,,those hairs that came in will fall out. Whats the point huh? I was hoping for something permanent. She also suggested doing accupuncture. I have had 5 accu treatments so far and I swear I can feel lil hairs coming in. Will let you know more,,,,,,,the more treatments I have. I also am doing accu for hot flashes. They have decreased a lil but not gone all the way.
I am also having a very hard time losing weight. I missssssssss my estrogen. I believe that not taking estrogen is messing my body up. It sucksssssssssssss.
Sphynx,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,omggggggggggg I cant believe how much hair you had in that picture taken n 2005. WTF did u do? Thats awesome
I am jealous of your women whos hair has come back thicker.
Good luck all.
Patience is a virtue which I dont have sometimes. lol
Cindy
copied this from Cinraa on another thread:0 -
Can we talk dates and trip length a bit? Sept 18 through Oct 11 is the Jewish holidays so it wouldn't work for me then.
Length: I'm guessing that a week would be too long for some either due to cost or vacation time availability. If that is true, an Alaska cruise wouldn't work - they are all 7 days or more (except a specialty line with a departure/return from Alaska). Almost all the 3 (not many of them) or 4 day cruises are out of Miami for Carribean/Bahamas or San Diego for Mexico.
I enjoy visiting New York but I don't know that we could find an in-budget hotel there. Upside would be no car rental costs.
Denali, my onc reduced the Carboplatin for the last two Tx.
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Finally...talked to my Onc today! After telling him that I was not going to do any more chemo....his response was...well...you have had four that is sufficient enough...WTF...then why prescibe me 6..for the money maybe???? I then asked about the Genetic testing (that the other onc suggest I have, since my aunt had breast cancer and my dad had colon cancer) he said that I was at a high risk of Ovarian Cancer! And that if the Genetic test came back postive...that he would HIGHLY recommend having my ovaries removed! My Onc..replied...that's not a bad idea! I am really wondering about my onc now! I definately have no problem removing my ovaries...already had my uteris removed years ago! I do NOT want to go through chemo ever again!
I was unable to get my herceptin today because of them scheduling my ECHO scan about the same time as my appointment with them. But good news...my echo came back normal and I can go in tomorrow and continue with Herceptin.
Just let me know when and where for a get together.... I am in!!
During my 2nd TCH I became very flush and red in my face and chest...the Nurse stopped the flow waited about 20 minutes and restarted the drip, but slower....hope this helps! The benadryl seemed to help keep the reactions down.
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Swampy: I just take immodium and had my carboplatin adjusted. Xantac for the acid reflux.
I just had another of those dizzy spells -- got up too quick from the couch, got dizzy real quick and fell on the floor -- scraped my knees. I can't wait until this is over -- I'll mention this dizziness again tomorrow at chemo. The Decadron keeps me awake -- I don't sleep for 2 nights with it. All I can think is 2 more infusions, 2 more infusions. I hope the PET comes back clear...can't take much more of this crap!!
Love to escape to a resort, cruise, anywhere!!
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konakat, how is your red blood cell count or hemoglobin? Those being very low can lead to dizzyness. Also dehydration which can cause low blood pressure if it is bad enough. I hope your onc figures out the cause tomorrow.0
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Hi Bluedasher,
My counts have been fine, all my labs. And my blood pressure tends to be high. My echos are good too. Maybe it's just a bad reaction to the taxol? Maybe I'm just too darn worn out with all this. I'll ask my onc to take a closer look at my labs -- maybe I'm only borderline OK in my numbers.
I'll post what I find out in case someone else is experiencing this.
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Okay I have had back pain since my surgery (bi-laterial mastectomy 1-8-09) and I was sent about 1 month ago for a bone scan. I have had the feeling that my back is bruised in spots for the past couple of months has anyone experienced this ?? I was told that my bone scan looked "great" whatever that means (which did make me
) but I am wondering if I am bruising my back sitting on the couch, etc ?? Could it be possible because of my counts being low ?? I know for a fact that they were low enough for me to get a transfusion after my last treatment. It doesn't hurt when I am standing or moving just when I sit down or lay down on it and the spot is different daily. Sorry for the rambling but this round has been unpredictable and odd.....
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Lisa1970 -- The day I went for my 1st tx there was a wonderful woman having blood work done. She was on her 3rd primary cancer in 25 yrs. She talked to me and told me that it wouldn't be nearly as bad as I was imagining it and she was so right. Do I have SEs, of course, Am I tired alot, most days. What I have figured out the last 2 or 3 days is that I quit walking everyday because of the weather and that has caused my depression to kick into high gear. So I will be doing something active everyday from this point forward.
Good luck to you, you will be in my prayers as are all the women here. Nobody asked to join this group but we were volunteeered by another source.
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Jamieh- Low RBC can definitely cause easy bruising, Google RBC and you will get several sites to give you the details on what your counts mean. THANK GOD for a clear bone scan! YAY!
xoEllen
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Mouth sores: I've had 4 tx and I've never had a mouth sore. I was told to gargle with baking soda and water 5 to 10 times per day. Each morning I fill a glass with water and one teaspoon of baking soda. I rinse my mouth out after I eat or drink anything. It's worked so far. One time I felt like I was developing one of those little mouth bumps you get normally and I kept rinsing and it disappeared.
Smile: sounds like you're still reaping the benefits of going to that 2nd oncologist. Amazing!
QUESTION: Were you all told not to get pedicures or manicures during chemo unless you took in your own implements? I'd love to get a pedicure now that sandal season is here. What if I (nicely) asked them to sterilize everything twice for me???
Trip: if we vote on renting a house, could it be one ON a beach somewhere? Not 2 blks from the beach or walking distance to the beach....a house ON the beach so we could sit on a deck and watch the waves?? I'd love that! It's so relaxing. It would be like being at a week-long spa. Lisa, could you go on VRBO.com and find something like that in a suitable town with a big airport nearby. Do I ask for too much?? The one we rented was very reasonable and about 15 mins away from Charleston, SC.
Should we get a vote on it? Ask for folks who interested, times available, budget, destination preferences, etc. I could make a spreadsheet and share with everyone interested, writing PMs to get email addresses. Whatcha think?
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I love the beach idea, doesn't matter where. I suppose it does make a difference how many of us will be going. The only time I can't go is the end of August, early September as I am driving my daughter to college in CO.Of course we all have herceptin tx but my onc is pretty accomodating about working around my vacation schedules.LOL, Actually, anywere is all right with me but the beach is my preference. The weather at the beaches in the Carolinas is beautiful in the fall all the way until Thanksgiving.
Hope everyone is doing well and se's are few and manageable.
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WOW I cried from all the response to being able to get together its like everyone was thinking it I was just the one to say it out loud!! I love the house idea on the beach that is an awesome idea I have watched many TV shows and read many books with people getting together in houses it looks and sounds like a wonderful time since I am from small town USA anywhere would be ok with me I have never been to the beach. My traveling Has been mostly for RadioShack shows , I have been to Reno twice, Arizona once,Las Vegas once, Nashville once, and Texas once and going there again in August. I am pretty much game for anything, I promise if we make this happen I will find the money to get there!!! Denali I can meet you at DIA and we could fly together!! REKoz Is there no better feeling in the world than I'M DONE !!!!!???? Blue Thanks for the info on our Cupcake Prayers and Hugs And Love for her!! We can make this Reunion happen Together Ladies We Can Do Anything!! Look at what we have done so far Kicking Breast Cancers Butt! The rest is a piece of cake!! 0
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House on the Beach! I am on it! Actually, I know the PERFECT one in St. Augustine. But I can look further up the coast too.
Denali, regarding pedicures: As a former salon owner for 14 years and current cosmetology instructor, it is NOT the implements you need to worry about (yes that is important too) but the begiest thing is the towels and the pedicure baths. It is very difficult to properly sanitize the plumbing in the big, fancy spa pedi chairs. Fla now requires that a cleaning log be kept for spa chairs. And if the towels are not be washed at a high enough temp with the proper cleansing agent, they harbor all kinds of gross, nasty stuff. So just pick your salon very carefully.
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Here is the place that I wanted for my get a way next weekend, but it was booked.
On the Beach with a pool, sleeps 14.
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p191779
You can fly into Jacksonville, FL or Orlando or Sanford. Allegiance Air has cheap flights going into Sanford ($79 round trip) from many major cities. I have a Ford Excursion that seats 8 with room left over for luggage, so I could go to the airport(s) and pick up every one.
Maja, I know Allegiance flys Huntington to Sanford every Thurs and Tues for $79 round trip cause that is how my family goes back and forth.
Just a thought!
Lisa
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Lisa1964 That is a Beautiful house Air fare is pretty descently priced if you get the right time, right flight.I hope we really can get this put together,in a short time posting with all of you ,its seems like I have been long time friends with you all!! we share a bond it is actually pretty amazin if you think about it.The more of us that do it the cheaper it would be, Keep up the great work, Lets make this happen0
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Paula, YES we could fly together! I'm going to PM you so we can meet in Greeley(or Ft Collins?) when you do your rads. I can't remember when you'll be there. Chemo brain.
Lisa, that looks like a perfect place to stay! You can open the window/door and hear the ocean, right? LOVE the sound of waves. I found even more rentals on
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida/north-east/st-augustine
Lisa, you know the area best. So you'll be invaluable to select the perfect site. What fun this would be! We all need something to look forward to, don't we? I can't imagine a more peaceful vacation than by the ocean! It'll be so invigorating for us.
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Well folks, I have an awesome Praise Report today!!!
I had a follow-up consultantion with my most fantastic surgeon, and upon doing an ultrasound of my "pathologically swollen" lymph node (who got 2nd billing to tumors Abercrombie & Fitch) I am THRILLED to report that after just 2 chemo sessions, Leopold the Lymphnode has had an almost 50% REDUCTION IN OVERALL SIZE (from 3cm pre-chemo to 1.6cm today!)
Praise the Lord the prayers and good wishes of good people DO avail much! I cannot thank you enough for all the positive energy I've received in the last few weeks!
This week was rough for me, which is why I've been a bit quiet. The fatigue hit me harder than I wanted/expected, and the cabin fever was worse! Thank you to my best friend for realizing my agony and offering to drive to me to the train station 2 days this week so I could escape my apartment and actually WORK at WORK! This made SUCH a difference to me this week, and I cannot thank her enough for literally going those extra miles to keep me (and others) safe on the roads! Steroids don't exit your body gently, and now I'm fully aware of my "safe driving" window. No, nothing happened...I'm just sayin'...
My surgeon also said that swelling was down in my affected left breast, the skin appears smoother (less pocking) and the thickening in the nipple has reduced. All that to say, THE CHEMO IS WORKING! I am not putting my body through this course of treatment in vain! Given this clinical exam, an MRI is not necessary to check the sizes of Abercrombie & Fitch...they are getting smaller and should be GONE by the time surgery rolls around!!! I am so blessed and grateful to be such a beneficiary of God's Grace!
I will meet with my surgeon again in 6 weeks, and in the meantime, I have my first consultation set up with my plastic surgeon. He is one of the premiere plastic surgeons in the area of breast reconstruction and has developed and perfected the procedure I hope to utilize (new breasts using my own tissue AND a tummy tuck!) You can read more about this amazing man here ---> http://www.mdmercy.com/womens/breastCenter/bio_chang.html
Right now, my mastectomy (a bi-lateral, both breasts) is scheduled for the week of August 23rd. I will probably change my mind a few times about doing one or both breasts, but I am still leaning towards getting them both removed, although there is no evidence of cancer in my right breast or lymph nodes. Statistically speaking, my chances of recurrence (cancer coming back in the right breast or somewhere else in my body) are the same whether I get them both removed or not...so right now it's just a personal decision I'm going to have to research and ultimately pray more about. I am open to opinion though, so if you are a survivor, or a close loved one of a survivor, I would love to hear your/their thought-process in how they made whatever decision they went with.
Beloveds, I am also happy to report, NO BONE PAIN THIS TIME!!! 3 weeks ago today I was wondering if I would ever feel normal again, after enduring a full day of the most intense odd pain I'd ever felt in life. One of the nurses said the bone pain would get better with each successive shot, and by golly, she may have been right! I've had twinges, but nothing even CLOSE to what I experienced the first time around! I know better than to hold out TOO much hope in that regard, but I'm literally stepping out in faith that I might have dodged that bullet this time! :-) I'll let you know if I was too hasty...
So, given today's report, it's time to start planning a party!
The Ta-Ta to the TaTa's Party! Yes, folks, I'm having a big blow-out bash in August for everyone to say their goodbyes to the parts of my body that have been such a BIG part of my life for so long! Losing ones breasts can be an emotionally traumatic experience, kind of like hearing you have cancer...but I intend to face that part of the journey with the same good humor, joy, laughter, and praise that I've faced this diagnosis. But I'm going to need your help! I want this party to be a time of celebration, joy, happiness, education, and enlightenment...and it's open to EVERYONE! More details later, but trust me when I tell you, you won't want to miss this one!
TTFN ~ Ta-Ta(s) for Now!
Alaina
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cinrae123 Cindy You know you would have to join us, none of this would be possible but if not for you dear !!! You brought this Beautiful group of ladies together!!! Bold What are your thoughts on this party Baby ?? You up for it??? Magnola, Jaimieh,my2boys,Sailor,Gramma What are your thoughts??? Can you Would you Could you join the Party!!! Cupcake You Beautiful lady you must be there no way we could do it without you !!!! 0
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duneoaks Helen Hey Dear How are you?? Haven't heard from you in awhile Your last TX will be next week Right ??Like the 13 th or so ?? I have my rads CtT Scan and simulation on Tuesday. Good Luck on final TX, It kicked my butt the hardest but last week to this week I feel so much better and after next week No more!!! HUgs and Prayers to you!! P.S. What do you think of the Planned Reunion?? You up for it???? 0
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Alaina - Your post brought tears to my eyes. Congratulations, Dear! I bet you will sleep better tonight than you have in a long time and your upbeat news will help us all to feel better too. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Paula - If I can meet up with you ladies, I will be there. As I said before, getting away on my own is difficult because of my kids, but not impossible. I promise to try my best.
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Greetings fellow Survivors: I will have to stay in the shadows till dates are established and then do a feasibility take. I hope so. It will depend on work. If everyone response we might need more than one house. It all good!
Alaina: What a great attitude you go girl. My prayers are with you.
Not looking good with my fingernails everyday there worse and worse. I am going to use a little trick to see if I can keep them on till they reach the top of nail bed.. I am going to use a little permabond. I hope that that works.
I had a quick question. How long does it take to get your taste back. I am in week #4 out of chemo and still have altered taste (funky). I am also very swollen still ankles and legs mostly. Still twitching and tearing. I would so appreciate a time line consensus of these SE.
Thank you my friends. I hope all those in Chemo are taking it easy and putting themselves first for a change.
Peace.
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