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Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin

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Comments

  • ccbaby
    ccbaby Member Posts: 503
    edited May 2009

    Yes, I remember her saying that in the movie. Plus sugar is not good for candida related infections that a person can get when their immunity is low, like thrush, yeast infections and so on.

  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited May 2009

    Wow! Welcome to all the new campers!  Sorry you are here and I am so sorry I am not answering individually, but there was too much today to keep up with.  Like Gramma, I am hanging around to give help.  Hang tough ladies!

  • Lorena
    Lorena Member Posts: 26
    edited May 2009

    Thank you ccbaby... I see my 'onc' tomorrow since my surgery and since my final chemo treatment. I plan to ask her about the sugar... I have a lot questions for her.  I will share with all of you that I finally feel like I'm coming out of the "chemo fog".  I feel more like me as the days go by.. further away from that last final "TC".  I'm wondering how taking Herceptin alone will be.  I know I had such treatment a week before my surgery but I also took it with a bag of antibiotic due to signs of a possible bacterial infection with my port.  Well I wound up with "red mans syndrome", reaction to the antibiotic so I really do not know what to expect taking Herceptin alone.  I'm hoping nothing and hoping it doesn't pull me back somewhat into that nasty "fog".  I'm ready and so eager to move forward with all I enjoyed doing before this.  I can't understand how anyone enjoys being under anything.  I like feeling alert, awake and being under any drug that truly overpowers you is like putting you in a fog and I don't understand how anyone likes that feeling.  So I'm happy to be feeling me coming out!  I feel for all of you ladies out there going through the hell of TC.. I truly hated it... truly!  Hang in there for it will pass and stay strong.

  • lexislove
    lexislove Member Posts: 277
    edited May 2009
    Bump for pinkmama.....Smile
  • tennisgirl
    tennisgirl Member Posts: 12
    edited May 2009

    Thanks to all for the welcome and encouragement!  I very much appreciate what I am learning from you all! Smile

    BOLD - You've asked questions that I should know all of the answers to, but I'm ashamed to say that some I don't!  The size of my tumor was 2.1 cm.  I don't know about my ER and PR status, but I will find this out ASAP! They told me that the cancer was very aggresive, but my nodes tested fine... no involvement.  I feel very blessed (and lucky) that it was found when it was:)

    My last chemo is tomorrow!! Or... I guess it's today! LOL Can't sleep because of the steriod. I'm a little nervous for the first time since the first time, because they are going to do this one through a vein.  I had to have my P.A.S. Port removed last week, because the site became infected:(  Wish me luck!!  And God bless you all! :)

  • lmt041409
    lmt041409 Member Posts: 9
    edited May 2009

    Thanks to you all for your wonderful words of wisdom!

    I am getting Neulasta the day after chemo! Claritin huh?

    Yes, I think the main reason I've kept the acrylic nails this last few years is because I can't stand what they are like when they are taken off. Makes me shiver to think about it but I don't want to take the chance of getting fungus or an infection so I guess I better do it. I just need to figure out what to put over them so I am not constantly shivering. Someone mentioned a liquid fiberglass clear nail polish. I have a nail drill and may just get some acetone and soak them off myself.

    My hair is short and spikey but a pretty light gray in front and darker salt and pepper in back. The wig I'm getting is salt & pepper all over. I may try some hats but whenever I've tried one on in the past, I just really looked silly and had a roly poly face! I think I could probably do scarves more easily. I like to dress pretty crazy and love bright colors so scarves might just do it. Just like you said, Lorena, hair does help define who we are! I will never think of the word "alien" again without smiling. I'm going to have my hair shaved off in about four weeks, so it will be two weeks after first round of TCH. Feel like it will be less traumatic. How is it to look at your loved ones the first time you are bald?

  • cakelady
    cakelady Member Posts: 176
    edited May 2009

    Has anyone here had their period stop as a result of chemo?  I am only 45 and was regular as clockwork until now.  I didn't have one in April and not in May  either, so far.  And no I'm not pregnant.Surprised........also I am finding it difficult to drink enough.  I don't feel thirsty and it's hard to drink a lot.  I know I need to.  I never have been one to drink a lot of water, but its not just water, I don't drink enough of anything. I think iced tea is what tastes most normal to me, well, that and milk.  I need to really just force myself and make a conscious effort to drink more.

    This group is really great and I find myself looking forward to getting on here every day to see all the new posts.  Everyone is so nice.

  • tennisgirl
    tennisgirl Member Posts: 12
    edited May 2009

    Imt041409 - I've been getting the TCH tx on Thursdays, Neulasta on Friday.  On those days, I actually feel pretty good.  On Saturdays I'm ok, but I start to feel the nausea, sluggish and really tired.  On Sunday and Monday (and lately even Tuesday), I feel like crap!! Some of the ladies have posted that Claritan has help relieve some of the symptoms of the Neulasta, so I'm going to try it this weekend.  The only pain meds that generally work for me are the ones that knock me out, and I don't like that!!  Regarding the hair... this was traumatic for me.  Mine started coming out after my 2nd chemo, so I cut it short first and it looked so awful that I had my husband shave it all off.  I cried like a baby!!  He was sweet though, he told me that I was pretty with and without hair:) I wear wigs now, which initially was hard because I've always despised them!! But I'm used to it now and I actually get a lot of compliments. It's funny that many people that I've known for a long time but don't know what I'm going through have told me that I look radiant and younger?! Go figure. If they only knew, lol! I go wigless at home in front of my immediate family, but haven't had the courage to do it in front of anyone else.  My hair is growing back already and very gray.  I think that is what is bothering me the most.  If my head was still clean shaven, I probably wouldn't be as shy about it. 

    cakelady - My TCH started in January (I think), and I haven't had a period for 3 months now.  I was regular too.  I am 48.  Are you dealing with hot flashes?  I am and they are driving me crazy! I love water, but since I've started the treament I'm finding that I don't drink as much as I did before.  I try to though because I still play tennis as much as I can on weeks 2 and 3, and really need it to stay hydrated.  But during the week of tx, it tastes awful. I have recently discovered that gatorade or G2 still tastes ok to me during this time.  Everything else is just gross.  I only like milk in my cereal, and since you've mentioned that that it tastes ok to you I am realizing that when I eat cereal on week 1, it tastes normal.  Maybe I'll try to drink it!!  Good luck to you, and God bless:)

  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited May 2009

    Lorena - Herceptin alone is a breeze!  I will get my 5th "H" only next week.  I find that I have severe large muscle fatigue for the first 48 hours and then I am back to normal.  Good luck.  Lisa

  • Denali
    Denali Member Posts: 113
    edited May 2009

    I'm happy to report that the saying sugar feeds cancer is a myth.  I've read that all cells feed on cancer.

    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer-causes/CA00085/NSECTIONGROUP=2

    http://www.uwhealth.org/news/cancermythbusting/13581

    http://www.wingscancerfoundation.org/index.cfm?section=3&page=115

    Welcome to the Newbies!  I get a Neulasta shot the day after each chemo (5 so far) and I take 1 Claritan + 1 Alleve the day before, the day of and the day after the shot.  My blood counts still plunged after Chemo #4 so that my 5th treatment had to be delayed a week.

    Has anyone had to reschedule a chemo due to their social lives??  The 1 wk delay has really messed up my schedule.  The wkend I'm due to crash after my last chemo, I have a wedding to attend on Sat and a Cancer Walk to do on Sundy.  I'm freaking out just thinking about it.  Have you ever asked to have your chemo day changed?

  • Magnola
    Magnola Member Posts: 75
    edited May 2009

    Denali: I have had to change my chemo date before (for my daughter's field trip)-but I moved it up two days to be ready for the following week.  I wonder if that's way my platelets are so low this time around...I try again for 5 tomorrow, but I'm guessing it will be too soon and will have to go on Tuesday.

    Cakelady: I am 41 and haven't had my period since TCH.  After treatment, I'm going on "the cancer pill" for five years, but we have to wait to figure out if I'm post or prementalpausal (sorry for murdering the spelling).  I'm pretty sure it will come back once I'm done, but who knows.

  • ccbaby
    ccbaby Member Posts: 503
    edited May 2009
    Cakelady... I am 41 and I had a period after my first treatment and haven't had one since. When I see the onco Tuesday right before my 4th treatment, I am going to ask him about it.  What did they decide for you about a new port?
  • cakelady
    cakelady Member Posts: 176
    edited May 2009

    Thanks everyone, I guess you are all just like me,   Christy  I had period after first treatment as usual and then not one since.  I told the doctor and he seems to say that is to be expected.  I don't know about the port yet , I dont see onco again until the 29th.  He is trying to get my blood clot thing under control first. I think my next one may be thru a vein, because it is supposed to be delayed only one week which would be June 1st.   We'll see.

  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited May 2009

    Yes, "chemopause" is true.  I was 44 at diagnoses and already starting menapause, but with chemo and now tamoxifen, that is all a distant memory.  My onc told on the very first visit, that "chemopause" was the norm.

    I hope all the newbies and the expereinced campers are doing well.

    My hair growth is finally approaching an acceptable level.  I should be "hat free" in a matter of days.  I guess I need to get over it, not only are my friends, co-workers and students telling me to ditch the hat, my very supportive husband is now saying "take off the damned hat".

    Happy thoughts for all of our TCH camping sisters.

    Lisa

  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 306
    edited May 2009

    Lisa: You can do it!!! I can not wait till people are telling me that. I went for my radiation simulation today and they ask me to take off my wig. I felt so weird and vulnerable. I never go anywhere without one on. I have many and they are all wonderful itchy, hot and not my hair! Monday will be 6 weeks post. So maybe something will happen.

    Still have neropathy in hands and feet and swelling like  a blow fish. Taste buds better everyday and I have actually started getting thing done. Not a lot mind you but more. I think that I have gotten a little lazy. I just looked at my DH with sad big brown eyes and he overlooks no diner or clean underwear. Now he can not close his drawers they are full. And I best get off this additive board and start diner.

    This too shall pass

  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited May 2009

    Bold - I will be 15 weeks post on Monday.  I am telling myself that I WILL go hat free that day.  But it is so hard, I have always had longish, flowing hair.  It seems so wrong to complain about hair when we all need to be greatful to be alive. 

    As for the lazy part: OH MY GOSH! Rita, I used to be the Eveready Bunny, I am now the "later bunny".  I find myself just sitting on the couch, enjoying a lazy afteroon, with not care in the  world with no worry of the WORK that needs to be done........I am really working hard to break the lazy habits!

  • Lorena
    Lorena Member Posts: 26
    edited May 2009

    Imt041409... my husband shaved my hair and was very supportive as he did it.  We decided to have fun with it and I carried a 'mohawk' for a couple of minutes before shaving it all off.  He continued telling me how beautiful I looked then and still today.  Like Tennis Girl, my hair is coming back and also with more gray than I thought I had... and I too find it interesting that I hear from many the same about "glowing... looking radiant".  I figure maybe because now they have a good look at my face where as before, my hair got the attention.  What I also find interesting is that the only thing I apply is lipgloss(stick).. my eyebrows and eyelashes did thin out so and with everything, I stopped applying anything else that I normally did before and again... the compliments on how glowing I look, surprised  me. 

    Cakelady... the same here... during my 6 cycles, I had one during my 1st and 2nd... and it stopped.  I asked my 'onc' and she shared that TCH would be pushing into menopause and my period may possibly return, possibly.  I'm 6 weeks out since my last cylce and nothing yet.  I'm 41 and was very regular so I'm wondering if it will come back.  I'm still experiencing hot flashes.. which in the beginning did bother me but now they don't last as long.  I got all excited when I read that "cereal and milk" made topic of conversation because before chemo, I hardly ate cereal, very lactose intolerance.  But I found once I started experiencing "mouth yuck", cereal tasted just fine.  Milk was just fine.  Cereal became my morning breakfast with fruit and/or salads for lunch and dinner.  And sometimes I found myself eating cereal for dinner.

    Lisa 1964... thank you.  I asked my 'onc' today about any side effects and she too shared, majority report experiencing no effects.  I'm very happy to hear it... for like I share with most, the cloud I lived in is almost gone. 

    Denali... thank you for sharing the sites.  I will look into them. I asked my 'onc' about sugar and she shared there was no definite proof to suggest so and shared the theory on fatty tissue and obesity.

    Did want to share that my path since surgery on May 6th did in summary say I now only show to have DCIS.  I asked her when will I hear I am "cancer free or remission".  She said, "You are".  She shared DCIS is a stage 0..   I DON'T GET IT!  I wanted to hear there was nothing there.  Having DCIS is still something to me... anyone out there that can shed light?? 

  • jkcrml
    jkcrml Member Posts: 53
    edited May 2009

    After # 3, I started experiencing shortness of breath, it was hard to walk up the stairs; I just had #4 and it has gotten worse. Went to the onc and he ordered a ct scan for tomorrow. Has anyone had this problem????

    Denali- I am pushing back #5 a week because of a family reunion- The onc said it should be just fine

    thanks

    Karen

  • Lorena
    Lorena Member Posts: 26
    edited May 2009

    I did experience shortness in breath....  I figure if it's feeling bad enough to scare you... you did right by reporting it and having it checked out.  I recall the shortness in breath was also the worst after my 3rd but I attributed it to the Nuelasta shot.  It felt like someone was sitting on my chest causing the pressure and shortness in breath.  Because I didn't take a shot on my 4th, I didn't experience the shortness in breath anything near to after my 3rd.  As for walking up the stairs... I found it did get harder as the cycles came, overlapped.  Heck... I find my leg strength is still horrible 6 weeks out from my last.  I find it interesting for before my cancer, I was in my 4th year of 'weight training' with legs being my stronger part of my workout.  I haven't taken my weight training class since the end of my 2nd cycle... long time and now I find it interesting that my legs/quads are so weak.  I plan to start working on them this week slowly.  I miss my routine work outs but for now I can only focus on my lower body due to surgery. 

  • cakelady
    cakelady Member Posts: 176
    edited May 2009

    Lorena.  I think it is interesting that you can drink milk now after being  lactose intolerant.  I  always drink milk, and it tastes good. My taste buds seem to get better on my 3rd week each time.  I hate it when you make food you know you like and it smells good and you go to eat it and it doesn't taste like anything.  It is not very satisfying to eat.  Milk and ice tea seem to be normal tasting, but fruit and juices don't taste good on chemo week.

    Lorena, I had DCIS too and it may be stage 0 but they say it is pre-cancerous, that is the main reason I had a bilateral mastectomy.  I had IDC and DCIS, and they could not get all clear margins because of the DCIS.  I would ask your onc more questions.

    As for the hair,  I still have some. I never shaved it off.  But it looks like an old man with a bad comb over.  It is very thin and has some gray and brown. The reason I kept it is because if I wear a hat some of my hair still shows at the back of my neck and it looks like I have some hair. I never got a wig, it just seems too uncomfortable and not me.  I mostly wear these cotton scarves that my mom made for me.  They are just a 26 inch square that I fold into a triangle and wear over my head tied in the back.  They are very comfortable.The hats I have are like a beret type with a brim, I got from the cancer society catalog called TLC.

  • Alaina
    Alaina Member Posts: 153
    edited May 2009

    Can you believe it? I'm nearing the halfway mark! Chemo #3 of 6 is tomorrow/today. Time is really flying and it hasn't been that much fun! So much for THAT cliche'!

    My appetite has not been even a fraction of what it was after Chemo #1...but having started the Decadron (a.k.a. Dread-A-Dron) today, I've been munching like a Baby Cub. Oatmeal (with lots of crunchy stuff in it) for breakfast, lots of yummy food from our caterer for our Asian American Program at work today, and pizza and macaroni & cheese for dinner.

    Ok, who here is aware of just how WONDERFUL Stouffer's Macaroni & Cheese is? I swear God freezes that stuff in Heaven and sends it down to us! Especially at 2 in the morning in the middle of a Menopausal FoodRoid Rage! I douse it with Frank's Red Hot Sauce and all is well with my world...

    I started knitting again. A common side-effect of the blend of chemo I'm on (TCH) is Peripheral Neuropathy (tingling/numbness in my fingers and toes). I have yet to experience that, so in a fit of restlessness, I picked up one of my MD Sheep & Wool Kits, the Convertible Reversable Double-Warm Hat and started knitting it. I'm almost done!

    I also made 2 pairs of Swarovski crystal/pearl earrings for my Mom and friend Sandy to wear at the Inspirational Choir Concert at my church last weekend (I loved how I could see them sparkle from the audience)! The concert was WONDERFUL! So incredibly inspiring and uplifting! Truly fantastic for my soul and the souls of everyone there!

    My favorite selection was from the Celebrating the Good News section ~ "Even Me"

    Lord I hear of showers of blessing
    Thou art scattering full and free
    Showers the thirsty souls refreshing
    Let some drops now fall on me!

    Even me Lord
    Even me

    Let...some...drops...now fall on me!

    You can hear the Howard Gospel Choir sing this on YouTube ---> Even Me

    My prayer request for tomorrow is that God's "showers of blessing" be in the form of IV bags of Taxotere, Herceptin, and Carboplatin, my scrubbing bubbles, and that those blessings literally and figuratively "drop onto" and into me...Even me.

    Thirsty for a blessing...

    Alaina

  • REKoz
    REKoz Member Posts: 164
    edited May 2009

    Hi Everyone-

    Alaina- Stouffers Mac and Hot sauce! WOW! I think my stomach would have burned me alive from the inside if I had hot sauce during chemo! All the power to you girlfriend! One thing that I have changed since diagnosis is that I will never again microwave anything in plastic. I'm big on nuking whatever and never thought a thing of it until b/c. So, if you're not doing so already- take that mac out of it's plastic tray and put it in a glass dish! There's way too much evidence out there of plastic chemicals getting into nuked food. If it comes in cardboard, rip the plastic off the top and use a paper towel. Just my opinion of course. But with the zillion changes I need to make now, that is one of the easiest for me.

    And once again on the subject of hair (the obsession of us all who are finished with chemo!). I went to a wholistic practitioner for hair and scalp on Wed.and got the white hair that I have dyed to brown. Another change- no more heavy chemicals on my head. I was naturally very dark brown and as with all my siblings, genetically programmed to go gray in my early 30's. And being as vain as I am, I would recolor the minute those gray roots appeared. Before diagnosis, that was about every 3-4 weeks. Years and years of chemicals through my pores! Anyway, I am thrilled with the look! It's all about perspective. I wouldn't be caught dead without my wig not so much because of lack of hair as much as it's silver color! Still not ready to work like this but I don't think it will take long to work my way into the grocery store. It's thin with may spots (the dark hair) just stubble but it surely doesn't look bald! And my scalp felt great with all the oils and massaging she did! If I get brave enough, I'll take a picture for you. For today I am happy with it...progress not perfection as they say!

    Gotta get going to get ready for my big day. First day of Herceptin only infusion, immediately followed by my youngest daughters graduation. She followed her sister's footsteps and is receiving her Masters in Social Work today. I am quite proud..there was awhile there during college when her future looked less than promising! Like chemo...there is light at the end of the tunnel.

    A beautiful morning here and a long weekend!  Hope everyone has a great one!

    xoEllen

  • Denali
    Denali Member Posts: 113
    edited May 2009

    Ellen, what a big, beautiful day you have ahead of you.  You must be bursting with pride of your successful daughters! 

    Congrats on doing such a great job as their mom!

  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited May 2009

    Ellen, congrats on getting another child thru college!! Phew!

    Diet Question:  I am getting serious about getting the weight off and instead of a fad (gramma said no) I am going back to what always works for me; high protein, low carbs and several small meals.  I have 3 different brands of whey protein powder and all 3 contain a small amount of soy to aid in mixability.  I know for ER+ BC gals, soy is a big no-no.  Do you think this small amount is harmful.  If so, I can use egg protein, which contains no soy, but the whey protein is better for building muscle.

    Next question is flax.  The omegas in flax are great for all of the body systems (even hair), but there seems to be some controversy over flax and BC patients.  I researched it a few months ago and got many conflicting opinions.

    I have an appt today with my plastic surgeon for a foob followup.  I am trying real hard to physc myself into going hatless. Fingers crossed!

    Have a great day, Lisa

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 925
    edited May 2009

    Karen~ I was out of breath during #4 and had to get a CT scan to make sure I didn't have a blood clot.  I was anemic and need a blood transfusion which made me feel much better.

    I am 4 days out of #6 and feeling okay not as bad as in the past but I think it's just mentally I know that in 17 days I will not be going back to get another TC Tx.  My toes are numb, hands are shakey and I have yuck mouth but I am looking forward to tomorrow and feeling better. 

    We had family over yesterday and they are shocked by the amount of white hair I have on my head.  It isn't think but I have about 1/4" of it all over my head.  I wish I could get a picture of it but it's hard because it is white. 

    Lisa~ Good luck ditching the hat.  Just know we are all here cheering for you :)

  • ccbaby
    ccbaby Member Posts: 503
    edited May 2009
    Alaina...It is a good feeling to be half-way through the chemo...I go in for my #4 treatment on Tuesday.
  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 306
    edited May 2009

    ccbaby: Half way that is so cool! I remember welcoming you to camp chemo. It will be over soon Your doing well.

    Lisa: I was put on Flax during chemo by a nutritionist..I have heard that the soy concern is for mass doses.

    Are you taking any vitamins for your hair and nails? Herceptin can keep our hair thin. GRRR! It is harsh that it does'nt come back strong but rather think and gray. On the DEC. chemo thread (i am a member there too) Because they do not have taxotere there hair is coming back all full. I am jealous!

    Rezok: You must be so proud.

  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited May 2009

    Bold, thanks for the info on the flax.  No I am not taking any vitamins, I can't.  My blood work is still messed up.  For some reason, I am retaining too much B-12 in my body and I don't have enough folic acid.  So, I can't take any biotin, I only take extra folic acid.  The color of my hair is fine - coal black.  But it is thin and only about 1/8 inch long.  I did venture out to the PS today hatless and I was uncomfortable.  I asked the PS if there was anything I could to speed up hair growth and he said no.

    Lisa

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    edited May 2009

    Girls, I just discovered something I can eat and REALLY enjoy. Fresh corn on the cob with butter and a little salt and pepper! It tasted wonderful!

  • Lorena
    Lorena Member Posts: 26
    edited May 2009

    Hi Cakelady... yes... I enjoyed cereal as a child and found that I could not tolerate it, the milk in my 30's... up until chemo.  I found it interesting.  As you, I found my 3rd week to be better but then came the hit :) 

     As for DCIS... I did have my right mastectomy on May 6th and reviewing my path report with my 'onc' yesterday, she explained DCIS was present.  I figured the mastectomy did not work but then she said I was "cancer free/remission".  Explained I would be going through "radiation" to address the DCIS.  Does that sound right??  And when does one get told about "clear margins"?

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