Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
Comments
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cakelady...I'm so sorry that you have to go through all of this on top of everything else. Just hang in there.
Jaimieh...I am glad your onc said that HER2 is the best one to have. I haven't heard that before. Why is it the best?
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Christy~ He stated that Herceptin has changed the statistics
meaning less reocurrance risk, making it the "better" (if there is such a thing) BC to have. ?? for anyone about BRCA testing my oncologist is going to make me go to a genetic counselor to have testing for the BRCA gene and while that's fine I do not know my families history. In the mean time my sister was having some uterus problems and since I had BC her GYN. tested her for the BRCA gene and she was negative (whoooo, I haven't seen her this happy in a LONG time). In her letter that stated that she was negative it states that other family members would not need to be tested but I should be still tested, correct ???
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CC Baby...Thanks, I am hanging in there. How are you doing? They are delaying my chemo by one week, so now you and I will not be on the same day.
I will have to get some kind of new port, since they had to take my PICC line out. What do you have? or do they just put in a new IV each time? Cloud.. thanks for the nice words. I am trying to keep my spirits up, and I do enjoy joking around with the doctors, they are all so nice. But I have so much happening to me, and on top of it all, my car broke down today!!! Why does everything happen to me!!!!!
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Hi Ladies-
Welcome to all you newcomers! Although you did not sign up to be here, you will find your fellow campers are so helpful in getting you through your experience. Please excuse me for not addressing everyone by name but the roster is (unfortunately) too large for me to remember now!
I'm almost 2 weeks out of my last chemo. Feel much better then I did but still nowhere near the old me. Mentally and physically still pretty apathetic and just find myself slugging through the days. I am sure that my Dad's condition does not help, nor does my impending surgery on the 27th. Speaking of Dad, his Monday surgery went well but they found substantially more cancer then the tests showed. So rather then just the upper lobe, they took out his entire left lung. UGH. Final path not back yet but as of now he is 3a rather then the stage 1 we thought. Came thru the surgery like a trooper and even went home yesterday! Going to be a rough recovery (if in fact he can recover) and too difficult for my Mom to handle herself.
Rather then project the future, I am just looking at it as "one day at a time." Truth be told, my own experience with bc has really taught me that way of living. Tried hard previous to diagnosis, but these past 7 months has insured it become a part of my being now. I guess if there is to be a positive about bc, I feel that is one! Living without that "projected" anxiety is a wonderful and necessary outlook. To REALLY feel it is a blessing.
RE: diarrhea: I had it something awful early in tx. So interesting how some have that and many have the total opposite issue of constipation! Anyway, I too starting taking probiotics - there is one in particular, Substenex that is really good. I got it at the grocery store or Eckerts. It's in a box rather then pill jar.That, plus all the anti nausea drugs (zaps your digestive system of fluids and binds your ass up
) helped a lot.Time to begin my day. I have so much to do in this house after sitting on my butt for months! Still don't have the mental willpower to tackle most of it. One day at a time.....
God Bless all my sisters here. In treatment or OUTTA there!
xoEllen
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Ellen & Amy.... Thank you for the tips on the probiotics! I'm on my way to the health food store today to poke around. My first thought was to pick up some acidophilus, but beyond that I had no idea what may be effective. Bless you both.
x's & o's ...
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I wanted to also thank Ellen and Amy for their advice and ask a question.
Do the probiotics work for GERD (Gastro-esophogeal Reflux) as well?
I had a problem with GERD a couple of years ago and I was put on Prilosec and Reglan which had controlled the problem completely....until now. My Onc thought I might have a problem once I started Chemo and she was right. I'm on fire from my stomach up through my throat. It feels like there's a hot poker down there!!
I had my second TX on Wednesday and it started immediately. UGH. No matter what I eat, I'm just burning away.
The Onc suggested doubling the Prilosec and I'm in the process of getting that approved with the Gastro since he's the prescribing doctor...but its the weekend. The Onc is available but the my Gastro guy isn't.By the way: I'm on weekly Taxol and Herceptin (12 weeks) with Carbo given every third week. Had all 3 during my first tx and just the Taxol and Herceptin during my second tx.
Can Ellen, Amy or anyone who has gone thru a similar situation shed any further light? I'd really appreciate it!!
Finally, CONGRATULATIONS to those who are done! I'm so happy for you!! And to all those who are in the middle or just starting out, like me, I wish you all the very, very best. Thank God for this place. I don't know what I would do without the information I've received here!!
(((HUGS)))
Kathy
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Swampy - Acedophilus is a step in the right direction (as it is a single strain of probiotic) but the multiple strains are better. The one I got was in the refrigerated section (which is supposed to be better) and said "50 billion" as to how much probiotics is in it! I figure that's a lot!
Kathy - re the GERD - I don't know if the things I take would do the trick. I NEVER have had heartburn or reflux at all and mine was pretty bad after chemo, so I would figure if you suffered from it already, the chemo would only serve to make it even worse. I took Zantac the day before chemo and daily for the first week post tx, and it took care of it completely. But I would say that adding these natural elements could HELP and be part of dealing with the problem, even if not enough to eradicate it completely for you. Can't hurt! I also eat small meals and pretty bland stuff the first few days just so as not to tax my system too much.
Jamie - re the BRCA - I just got my results on Wednesday (negative!!) and spent a long time discussing it with the genetic counselor. She stressed that it was my CHILDREN who would not need to be tested since I could not have passed the gene on to them. That may be what the counselor meant when she referred to 'family members.' Your insurance should cover the testing. You can have them get preapproval to be sure before you start. It might be worth doing the consult (pre-test meeting) to get more info and see if you should proceed.
GOOD LUCK to all for a peaceful and happy weekend. While we don't know one another personally, I consider you all my sisters and want only the best for each one of us!
Amy
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Thanks so much Amy!
I'm going to give the Probiotics a try. As you said: "Can't hurt"! I'm already doing the small, bland means (yum!).
Shock of shocks.....the Gastro just called back and doubled my Omeprozole so maybe I'll get lucky and that will help.
Congratulations on your negative BRCA!
Have a really great weekend everyone!
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Jamieh...That is good to know, thanks! I have no prior family history of breast cancer, so I was tested for the BRCA 1 which was negative and the BRCA 2 was 'uncertain significance'. Because of my result for the BRCA 2, they will test other relatives diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer without charge in order to determine whether it is co-segregating with cancer to my family. Since your sister test was negative (thank goodness), you may not need to be tested.
Cakelady...I am doing much better this week than last week. I keep telling myself, "I am half-way through this chemo now, I can do it". I have a Power Port that was put in during my surgery. So, I have had it for exactly 3 months now. So far, I haven't had any problems with it. You can see and feel the entire port because I am thin where they put it in. It looks weird like an alien trying to bust through my skin! I try to keep it covered with my shirts. Just keep hanging in there.
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I'm not thrilled about going to the genetic counselor but I guess I will do it if I have to. It's going to be a great conversation I have no idea most of my families history. I have asked my Mom and I get "oh everyone in your grandfather's side died of cancer". Then I start asking about what kind of cancer for each individual and I find a bunch died of heart disease....grrrr.... I explained how import this is and she just started making crap up..grrr..... So I am going to go to the genetic appt. if I have to alone. There is no point in taking my mother and having her make crap up.
I started dreadadron so I consider myself officially started my last TX of TC. I find out tomorrow about my counts and I am hoping that my pulse rate has returned to normal but as of today it's still 100 bpm. I have increased my water intake and I feel like an old lady running as fast as I can to the bathroom so I don't pee my pants. I figured it is good for my kidneys also. I don't care how bad things taste I am going to increase my water this time and get this toxic wonderful cocktail out as soon as possible. The worst part is I have about 5 things to do this week that are really important to my babies. Things always seem to be scheduled for chemo. week
Kathy I was taking prilosec 2x a day and it made a world of difference.
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Hi Ladies!
Haven't posted for some time. My fourth TCH didn't go too well and felt really crappy. Also, ,my arm is now starting to hurt where the sentinel node op was done.
How is Cupcake doing? Am rather worried for her. She must be feeling not too well since it has been a long time since she posted.
I am continuing to pray for her.
Wish I could stop after the fourth chemo - hope to finish the last two ASAP.
Also, my herceptin shots thereafter will be once every three weeks. Has anybody done four weeks apart? I will miss one shot since I am going away for summer and will have it four weeks apart instead of three. Onco said it was ok.
As for RT, when do you gals start? Right after chemo or one month later?
Hold tight, everyone!
Hugs,
Ipohgirl
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Ipohgirl, I think we all wish we could stop after 4 tx but you must keep going if that is what your doc says. You can do it! the radiation starts at different times. I ended chemo the middle of Nov and didn't start radiation until the end of Jan. I was getting upset because they would not get it going but only because I wanted to get it over with. I am finished with both now and just doing Herceptin and hope to be finished with that soon. I have had a heart check up and most was good and so I can finish Herceptin. I don't think it hurts to skip a week or 2 of the Herceptin just as long as you get back to it. I am sure your doc would tell you the truth.
Cupcake is having a difficult time. she had been back to the hospital 3 times the last time I heard from her. she told me she would write more when she felt good enough so I am guessing it is still not going easy for her.
I hope have a good day
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Thank all of you that held me up in prayer these last few weeks. It was a ruff ride having the colostomy take down. (reconnect). Thank God I am coming out of it and everyday stronger. They discovered while in the hospital the vaginal burning could have been a bladder infection I have been caring all this time. Put me on antibiotic drip, but back again. One trip to the ER they lost the urine test so I ask my PC for another one and sure enough something was wrong. They sent it out for a culture and it is way over the mark so will hear from PC today I am sure. I have so much reading to do to catch up. You women are sooo strong and here you are all grown up and made your merit badges while I was away and new campers coming in. WOW how things move along while I was gone. So happy for all the graduating class and welcome to the new campers coming in. I won't post for awhile yet cause still not much strength, but I just wanted yo to know the operation, although ruff, was completely successful and things starting to move along as they would say. Thank you again sweet ones, I carry your love with me.....
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Welcome back, Cupcake!!! I know it's been a rough ride, but we've all been pulling and praying for you. Rest up and get your strength back and just know we love you.
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I did it I am done
Now on to just H. I am thrilled and proud of my self that I made it. Now I will get thru the H for the next year and possible a biosuplhate. 0 -
Cupcake: It is a hard road but one that will end in health. My prayers are with you everyday!! You can do it! I hope this healing time passes quickly and you are surrounded with love.
I hope that everyone in TX is doing OK. My goal was to stay out of the Hospital during treatment. I was successful. I had a real bad cough treatment 5 but live to tell the tale. You all seem to be doing well and we are here if you have any questions.
I am holding on to my fingernails with crazy glue. It is working so far. I am 5 weeks out from chemo and I still have no sign of any real growth of hair. I heard that week 7 is the norm. Any input would be appreciated. The sever swelling is starting to subside in my legs and feet. I still have a neropathy in my feet and hands. I wonder if it will be permanent. GULP. The feeling under my arm has not completely returned. I am just getting my taste buds back. My mouth has been very slow to come back to normal. New normal. I am starting to get energy back. Time to tackle all the work that has been waiting for me for the last 6 months or so.
My DH and I had a wonderful time in Pismo this weekend and got "romantic" for the first time since DX. It was hard at first excepting the new me. But having being loved the way that I was during all the really tough times helped. I have a long road ahead to get my body back in shape. I am very weak and get exhausted easily. I will work on it every day till the strength and weight are were they are suppose to be.
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Cupcake: It is a hard road but one that will end in health. My prayers are with you everyday!! You can do it! I hope this healing time passes quickly and you are surrounded with love.
I hope that everyone in TX is doing OK. My goal was to stay out of the Hospital during treatment. I was successful. I had a real bad cough treatment 5 but live to tell the tale. You all seem to be doing well and we are here if you have any questions.
I am holding on to my fingernails with crazy glue. It is working so far. I am 5 weeks out from chemo and I still have no sign of any real growth of hair. I heard that week 7 is the norm. Any input would be appreciated. The sever swelling is starting to subside in my legs and feet. I still have a neropathy in my feet and hands. I wonder if it will be permanent. GULP. The feeling under my arm has not completely returned. I am just getting my taste buds back. My mouth has been very slow to come back to normal. New normal. I am starting to get energy back. Time to tackle all the work that has been waiting for me for the last 6 months or so.
My DH and I had a wonderful time in Pismo this weekend and got "romantic" for the first time since DX. It was hard at first excepting the new me. But having being loved the way that I was during all the really tough times helped. I have a long road ahead to get my body back in shape. I am very weak and get exhausted easily. I will work on it every day till the strength and weight are were they are suppose to be.
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UGH!! TX of TCH this past Thursday 05/14, friday ok, little groggy, I think mainly from the anti-nausea meds, sat. did pretty good, sunday did ok, today, monday......blahhhhhh.......Just wanna go home and lay down & sleep...Had to call the Dr. last night because I am suseptable to kidney infections, and started to get one, took an anti-biotic last night and called my nurse this am and she's calling in a newer presc. for anti biotics. Any help on how to kick this icky, flu, achy feeling to be able to make it all week at work!?!?!?!!!! HELP!!
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Has anyone on TCH had experience with a drug called Questran? It is often given to patients after gall bladder removal and is said to be very effective for irritable bowel syndrome. It comes in powder form and mixed with water.
I ask because I saw my family physician today and we discussed my post TCH txt diarrhea problems and he recommend it as a possible stop gap. He has free samples he will give me if my onco approves
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Cupcake So happy to hear from you!!! Gramma has been keeping us updated, but is was so nice to see you post yourself. Happy thoughts as you continue on your road to recovery!!!
Bold I started to see hair regrowth at about 6 weeks, but it has been slow. I am 14 weeks out today and still not ready to face the world hatless. I always had very thick, wavy, dark hair that was my pride, so this is tough. I have a decent covering of about 1/4 inch hair, but my scalp can still be seen. I am glad you are getting your tase buds back, that helps a lot. Do not get too frustrated if you cannot get your body back into shape as fast as you would like. I was really beating myself up about the weight gain and the muscle loss, but I had to realize how my body has been assaulted. It will take time to get over all the se's and get the overall body healthy again. And in the meantime, we need to learn to live again - that is the most important.
Swampy. my mom was on the questran drug. It was prescirbed for cholestral but actually controlled her chronic diarrhea very well.
Jamieh - you are done!!!!! Yes!!! What a feeling!!!!!!!
Speaking of living. I just spent 3 days away with 10 incredible girl friends!!! We had a great time, laying on the beach, laying around the house, taking walks, visiting downtown St. Augustine. We ate wayyy too much and the margarita's flowed!!!!!! Yes!!! I survived bi-lateral mastecomy and 6 rounds of TCH!!!!!!!! Here's to life after BC!!!!!
Lisa
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I have not posted, but have been following you all and have been praying for all daily. Getting through the chemo as we all have been. Now, a calc on the other breast-got the usual, it is not a big deal, but I have gotten the same letter twice before with the worst results. I am sure that I am looking at the third time. I hope that cupcake is well; I know that we will win this battle!! Take care!
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Sheila0319 - Thanks for taking a minute to chime in. Please keep us posted on your progress and new reports. We really do care.
Lisa1964
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Cupcake-So happy to know you are getting better. I think everyone here was praying for you. You have always been so inspirational with your kind words and fighting spirit. Take each day slowly. You have been thru alot. Bless you.
Karen
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LOVE the photo and LOVE the shirt, Jaimieh! You did it! You're done!
Did you envision us dancing around your IV pole???
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So happy for you Jaimieh! Very pretty in pink and so true!! 0
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It's so nice to see photos of people, to put faces to all the names of all of us. Really nice picture Jaimieh, you look really good. cute in all the pink. I guess we're all too familiar with that IV pole, huh. Congrats on finishing!!
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Thank you everyone
I gotta say I was thrilled when I got the go ahead with my counts BUT my red blood cells still came in at a sad 28 so I am on a list of potential infusions after my next H June 8. I would rather be the best that I can going into surgery on the June 27 so whatever they need to do I will do it. BTW, I think they gave me extra benedryl today because I couldn't stay awake on the way home and I normally do not have a problem. I stopped with my DH at a produce stand and I don't remember any of it...hehehe...... Does anyone have any tricks for getting your red blood cell count up ??
I still got 2 days until I crash and I have plans on living it up in the next 2 days.
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Congrats Jaimieh!!!!!!!!! Your just to cute.
We Ca gals glad to see that the pressure is released from the earthquake fault. Hope it thwarts a big one. Scary though huh?
I am 5 weeks to the day out of chemo and I can still feel and taste it. I am getting more and more energy everyday. It is so nice to feel better. I still get winded even changing the lines. I will have to take it slow but I want to loose this weight and get my strength back ASAP. I figure it will take till Christmas and that is about the time that I will be done with Herceptin. What a great New Years it will be.
Lisa: Man girl why is your hair taking its dear sweet time. Come on already. Have you tried any supplements. There is one called ovation that is made for post chemo. Its expensive but not prohibitively. I know that herceptin and hormone therapy can slow hair growth. I guess it would be easier to forget about the cancer if we had some hair. Being hairless makes us feel so vulnerable. I live in fear of my wig coming off or someone recognizing that it is a wig. And when I do forget I'm wearing it for a minute I start to perspire on my head and just want to rip it off. I think the hot flashes make it worse. I think when my hair is about an inch I will get extensions (like Britney did) I have enough of my hair that I cut off to make them. I really miss my bangs. Oh hell I just have to be patient. Sometimes it feels so foolish to worry about hair. We are only human.
Cupcake your doing it with grace.
Hope everyone get a good night sleep and feels even better tomorrow.
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Jamieh, great picture!!!
Bold, I have no idea why my hair is so slow. It used to grow so fast. And yes, it is hard to forget about chemo when I am still bald, and I still have the port and I still go for the herceptin. I think Christmas is a good target date for you to be feeling normal. I love the idea of extensions. I was just takling to some friends (both hairdressers) about that this weekend.
Does anyone know of anyone who has done the "Fat Flush" diet? I was out of town this weekend with a girl that has just lost 25 pounds doing that. She said it is very safe and healthy and she now looks great.
Have a great all.
Lisa
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