Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
Comments
-
I am a month out from my last TCH, and I've noticed that my vision has gotten worse. It is more blurry and harder to focus. Not sure that it is related to the TCH.... but wondering if anyone else had the same experience??
0 -
tennisgirl - Yep, crappy vision is an s/e. Dont go out and get new glasses just yet. It often goes back to normal within a year after treatment.
0 -
I am doing good Cakelady, just really dizzy this time around. Makes me wonder if it is the Herceptin? I worked today, dizzy and all. We both only have one more chemo left!! I am glad you had someone that know what they were doing this time to get a vein. I hope your SE's are minimal this time.0
-
Dear Cupcake,
Thanks for the reassurance about RT. I have two aloe plants, and will follow Bluedashers' and your tips about moisturising the area well before treatments.
I just noticed you have the same markers as me. Are you on femara or something else?
Again, anyone out there on letrozle or anastrozle? I understand the er + is not a good prognosis with herceptin, though rare.
Feeling back to normal today - the half dose of taxotere did make a difference!
Hugs,
Ipohgirl
0 -
Lisa: I am not having nose issues...just bathroom problems! I have to take Immodium after my Herceptin, otherwise I am running to the bathroom all day. How are you doing otherwise? Have you decided a date in October? I am hoping to get to meet you and spend some time away from exbf. Please let me know when a date is set : )!
cupcake: did you have skin problems from the radiatoin? Mine just started this week and I am only on number 10 of 28!
0 -
Dear Bold,
About the er markers, like you, I have three weeks to decide. I find that harder to handle than the TCH since it's 5 years of impending baldness, bone pain and weight gain......
I think we should do regular blood tests to determine/monitor our ER levels - one onco said I needn't be on letrozle since I'm only 20 percent positive.
Yet, I'd vouch to say that like you, I would try to do everything I could to keep the beast at bay, including taking horrid hormone supressors like femara. From the research I've read, our key battle is not now but the next three years whereby recurrence is at its highest risk. Taking the hormone suppressors will help greatly - but not always - in this battle. But figures show that those who did not follow up with the hormone inhibitors had a high recurrence rate despite chemo and herceptin and surgery.
Still, we have each other and other campers to hug when all the terrible SEs kick in................
Ipohgirl
0 -
Ipogirl, I went through a big bottle of aloe vera gel. I don't think two aloe vera plants would keep up. And the gel is thicker than the aloe vera juice. Someone on the rads forum was told not to use the plants because they might have bacteria that would get in the wound. I'm not sure I believe that. Anyway, I bought the 99% pure aloe vera gel.
Boy, I guess I lucked out on Herceptin side effects. I don't notice much of anything.
I still haven't gotten an answer from either of my doctors about the Clodronate and my creatinine level and my primary care doctor has gone on vacation without giving me a referal to a nephrologist. I'm getting pretty frustrated. I did talk to the nurse for the study onc for my location and she reviewed my case with the study onc and says they think it is fine to stay on the study but I still would like to talk to a nephrologist.
0 -
I've been reading through pages of posts.. I haven't been on for about 10 days or so. I had a port put in (more painful than I had expected, but much better now). I went for my second TX two weeks ago and had a terrible reaction to the Taxotere. So much pain I was crying. They gave me morphine/oxygen/more steroid.. and tried again. And the same reaction. My onc said I cannot tolerate Taxotere so she is switching my cocktail to Abraxane. I spent two days researching this. Was supposed to start the new cocktail last Thursday, but my ALT reading was 109, so they nixed (again) chemo. Just Herceptin the last four weeks. I am getting really depressed/frustrated, because I feel I will never be done !
On the new chemo, my schedule changes to three weeks of chemo and one week off. So each round is 4 weeks (versus 3) and they aren't going to count my one round of Taxotere, so I am going back to square one. Aaaaarrrrgh !
Buzzed my head a week ago - another sad sad day. Couldn't even look at myself in the mirror. What a difference a week makes ! Now I just rock the bald (or should I say the buzz) when I am at home. It just feels better ! : )
Welcome to the newbies, you'll like it here.
BOLD - love the picture! Why were you told no swimming? I have a pool and am looking forward to the end of June gloom to get in the pool - what's up with that ?
CLOUD - CONGRATS on finishing.. !
JAMIEH - CONGRATS on the surgery. One more check-off. Very cool.
SWAMPY - In the hospital. Girl.. you have been through it. Hope all is well.
And Cakelady and CCbaby - one more to go. What a feeling that must be.
I was scheduled to be DONE on September 3rd... now it looks like the end of November. I just can't tell you girls how this has affected me. I've just cried so many tears over all of this. I so want to be done and it's like I can't even get started. Damn Taxotere. I did learn that Taxol and Taxotere are solvent based, which is why some women have moderate to severe (like myself) reactions. Abraxane is the newest sister drug of these two and is protein based. My onc nurse said none of her patients have had a reaction.
Hey Lisa1964 - sounds like you are doing a lot bettter. And as far as the chemo brain fade last week... no worries. I think we have all done something like that.. with or without chemo! : )
0 -
Journey-girl...I had a bad reaction too to the Taxotere my first 2 treatments where my face turned red, chest tightened up and couldn't breathe. They too gave me more steroids and benadryl and saline. During my next 3 treatments, they doubled my benedryl, still give me more steroids and a pepcid drip in my pre-meds and they slow down the taxotere drip as well. I have done just fine with that. it is scary having those reactions.
I will probably have to do rads 4 weeks after my chemo is done and I was reading on past boards about some cream called My Girl's Radiation cream that some of the women here bragged about. I think I will order it before my rads start. Has anyone here tried it?
0 -
Journey girl: So sorry to hear your having such a ruff time. Hope the new stuff works better for you. Cool on the comment on the rockin the hair...
Ipohgirl: I agree with Blue. Although the plant is cool you can get the 99% Aloe Vera at a health food store and it is so easy to use. Put it on AFTER the treatment though not before. I'm on Arimidex (post menopause) and don't have any problems with it. I thought at first the bone pain but that was rad time and afterwords began again and no problem. Could have been the cold weather too aggravating my arthritis, but now ok. I'm going to take anything that is recommended no matter what if it shows to improve my chances with keeping cancer away. I'd rather be a little on the chunky side and alive. I just started back on my diabetes diet so working on the weight loss as we speak. Bad habits of eating anything while going through treatment is hard to break.
0 -
Hi Everyone
I'm not on this thread as much as I used to be...at least not posting. Yesterday was 5 weeks post chemo (or PFC- post f**kin chemo as another thread has so wittily described). So, I am back to work full time and busy with my daughter's wedding which is in one month and 2 days! Like Lisa and the others, I am dealing with the Herceptin nose problems CONSTANTLY (I use aquafor as well) and I do feel kinda flu like a day or two after. My biggest issues are emotional right now. After the high of finishing chemo, I've felt kinda lost. I still have surgery to replace an expander after the wedding but it's more than that. I KNOW that I am not that person I was before diagnosis...I really miss that carefree, happy gal! Have been reading that this all is normal but the one difference is I don't think my low is as cancer related. In other words, I don't feel lost without a kizillion MD appts, nor am I overly worried about reoccurance. I just feel like I've lost something else besides my boobs. I work in the Social Work dept at a University and my co-workers are telling me I'm going through post traumatic stress. I don't poo poo that idea at all...As we all know, we really never have time to process the shock of the diagnosis because before we know it, we are having surgery and then chemo. OH, WHO KNOWS??? I'm just sad that I feel sad! And that IS with Effexor which is a Godsend for hot flashes and has probably prevented me from jumping off a bridge more than once!!
I do have hair though! I'll have my DSO take a picture of my head soon. I went to a natural haircolorist and must say that once the white was covered up, I looked positively unbald! I think one of the reasons for that is because I had Abraxane rather than taxotere. Which is really what prompted this long winded post to begin with!!
JOURNEY GIRL: I was on the EXACT same protocol you will be on. Abraxane/Carbo/Herceptin every week x 3 with a week off in between for a total of 12 weeks. I was unable at the time to find ANY earlier stagers on this schedule so it's nice to meet someone else doing that. I would be happy to help you with any questions so just pm me if you have any. The advantage of Abraxane is NO steroids which oftentimes is what gives alot of gals trouble. I had to postphone one chemo toward the end due to low platlets. The se's are different in course then the 3 week ladies so don't hesitate to ask OK?
I better get back to work. Sorry about the WHINE but if not here.... Best to everyone!
Ellen
0 -
Ellen - thanks ! Sent you a P.M.
I can't wait to be PFC !!!!
0 -
Oh and I have to say, the no more steroids part was my favorite ! Man the steroids played absolute havoc on my body (plus I was getting an additional big fat steroid shot on the day of taxotere). If it wasn't moving, I was eating it !!
0 -
ccBaby... yes we have one more you go!! yeah. but then I will continue on Herceptin until next March. My doctor said yesterday that I will have to get the port after tx# 6, he will take me off the blood thinner long enough to do the port surgery and then I will be back on it so I hopefully won't get any more clots. Also after all this is done I will have to take Tamoxifen for 5 years since I am 100% ER +. That will suck too because like Lisa said about the hot flashes and weight gain. I am already overweight and I don't need any more!!! I already have minor hot flashes, all night its hot , then cold, then hot then cold, every 10 minutes the bed sheet goes on and off of me. And one of the warnings on my blood thinner meds says don't get overheated! ya right. You are ER -, so you won't need the Tamoxifen, but why do you need the radiation if you had a mastectomy? was it too close to the chest wall? My biggest appearance problem right now besides no hair is my big stomach, I hate it. When I don't have my fake boobs on, it looks like I'm pregnant. I'm feeling okay so far after yesterday. Taking my Zofran every 6 hours.
Journey Girl .. you brought a tear to my eye, there is nothing you can do but be patient and accept these delays, it is so frustrating. The bad reactions to the drugs are scary, I haven't had any myself but have seen some in the chemo room and I got teary for them. Hopefully things will go your way from now on.
0 -
calelady...My Herceptin will continue on until March too, so after this, we can be Herceptin buddies, lol. No, I won't be able to take the Tamoxifen, which is what I hear is unfavorable, because I can't take anything for the ER-. The onc says he actually doesn't want to radiate the breast area because I had clear margins there , He is concerned about the one positive lymph node. He mainly wants me to get radiation in the arm pit area and upper chest where there are other lymph nodes. The size of the tumor in the lymph node was 1.4 cm. I haven't talked to the rad onc yet, but I will right after chemo is over to see what he says for sure. I kn ow a lot of women don't get radiation with one positive lymph node, but I want to make sure I don't have any stray cancer cells running around.0
-
Ladies Thank you so much for all the replys to my question without a doubt I will double check then triple check with insurance before I do the test when I called to ask about it they said they would draw the blood send it in the testing place would check with my insurance for me, all the posts Cloud talking about the $300 discard fee, Thank you for the Heads up I don't want to have that surprise. Bold Hey Baby I would do whatever I could to make sure BC is no longer a part of my life, You know the saying Damned If You Do Damned If You Don't. Just look within yourself you will know the right thing for yourself. Welcome Newcomers You have found an amazing resource to help you through your journey. I have a decreased liver function but was told it should remedy itself post chemo? Lisa1964 Are you doing Herceptin every 3 weeks ? 0
-
Again I seek advice and wisdom! I have been having almost constant chills on my left side down my arm and in my breast is it from the radiation ? Is it normal? Also my left nipple is sore kinda feels like Bold said but to me not in a feel good sorta way If you know what I mean? Also I have had real sharp shooting pains in my inside upper arm where I had nodes removed , Does that mean my nerves are coming back? Today I am 1 week out from last rads the underside of my boob and the crease especially is on fire!! red and peeling, How soon does the healing start? Cupcake Just wanted you to know how great it is to have you back with us. I love u Sweet Angel Your words are such a Blessing to us all.Thank you 0
-
Hey Rocky! The chills I think are normal, as I get the shivers often. I have read that the shooting pains are from nerve damage from radiation. Can you believe it? It may take years to resolve. It can not be treated because they come and go so quickly. I hope that you heal quickly from your burns. I am heading to that myself but m just a little over half way done with rads. My nip is not in a good way either. Just hurts. But I know that it will pass eventually. In regards to the hormone therapy I am looking inside and I do not know what to do. I am going to go to some specialist for some insight. Like I said there are no studies for 2% ER+ sooooooooooo?
I hope everyone is finding happiness everyday!
0 -
Journey-Girl, so sorry to hear about the extension of your treatments. When you've had an ending date in mind, it's really tough to have to make it later than you thought. Maybe your new treatments will be easier on you, though!
I have a question: My onc has me doing 5 neupogen shots days 2-6. Did I read in previous posts something about taking Claritin for bone pain with neupogen or newlasta? If I am remembering that corrrectly, why would an antihistamine help? Maybe I'm confused. Wouldn't be the first time.
One more: day 6 after tx 1. I can't sleep!!!! I'm going in tomorrow for Herceptin only and I want them to give me something. What's best?
Thanks for your help.
Becky
0 -
Bold Sorry you have to do 32 ,As bad as I hurt , I am glad I am done. Did they ever give you the option of the shorter, higher dose? I don't think the pain in my upper arm is from the rads it was above my head out of the radiation field, I hope it means my feeling is coming back in my arm it is not so tinglingly on the inside just the outside. I keep forgetting to tell you ,your avatar pics is Amazing I love it Xena Warrior Princess got nothing on you,You could totally kick her ass!!! LOL Kaidog What does your shirt say in your avatar pic? 0
-
I do Herceptin all the way through March, too. Can I be on your team?
I do have a question about the hot flashes though. If I am having them NOW from being in chemo-pause, why would they get worse on Tamox? Do they DEFINITELY get worse? Couldn't they stay the same or get better? Maybe?
Really not looking forward to FIVE years of brutal sleep interrupting hot flashes. Very concerning.
of course I still have 2 more TCH before then, and then rads to get through. But still.....0 -
Amy...You sure can!!
Eng Tchr...Yes, Claritin helps with bone pain. I don't know how it works, it just does. It is something the doc doesn't even know about.
0 -
Amy ~ I'm right with you in being concerned about Tamoxifen! I've been told that Effexor works really well to counter-act the hotflash SE of Tamoxifen, but there is just something "wrong" about having to take ONE pill to deal with the effects of another pill. Yanno?
CCBaby ~ Sign me up for the Herceptin Only group too! I'll have it through April of next year.
0 -
Thanks, Christy. I'm going to give it a try.
Becky
0 -
Eng Tchr: My dr recommended a Claritan and an Alleve the day before, day of and day after Neulasta injection. I've heard the drs don't know why the Claritan helps. Anything that works!
I'm on the Herceptin team--I'll be getting it until next February. I'm not getting radiation (had a mastectomy) so I can't move on to the rad boards. So I'm thrilled you all will still be here!
I had my 6-mo followup with my surgeon and I asked if he recommended a 2nd mastectomy for preventative purposes. He said only if your breast is dense and I said it is. He went to his office to look at my mammogram and returned saying, no it's not dense. I swear I remember drs telling me my breasts were dense. I suppose now it's just saggy??? *smile* Nothing left but wrinkles, I guess.
My first mammogram since diagnosis is CLEAR! HURRAH! But while I was waiting for the results, I got a call from my dr office saying my chest x-ray came back showing I had pneumonia. So I spent the week after my last chemo in the hospital. I'm out and recovering now. It's soooo hard to imagine feeling well again.
0 -
Rock and others - I get Herceptin every three weeks until about the first week of October. I beleive I am starting to get "cumulative" effects from this infusion. But I AM NOT complaining!!
Alaina - I have to tell you that tamoxifen is not fun. I will take it religiously as I am 98% ER+, but I don't have to like it. Bascially, all of your estrogen production is shut down immediately and prematurley - the results are obvious.
I have developed a new SE during that past 18 hours Oh Joy! The Effexor had done a wonderful job with the hot flashes and night sweats then all of the sudden, yesterday afternoon about 2, the hot flashes were back with a vengence! Then during the night, I got night sweats and chills simultaneously ALL night. Needless to say I got no sleep. The pattern continued today with hot flashes and then stupidly cold. No. I am not coming down with a virus. Ugg. FIVE YEARS OF THIS! Lord, please guide me to NOT deal with this by strangling my sweet, sweet husband!
Lisa (the nasty lady in the house)
0 -
Okay Bold I have a suggestion could you try the Tamox. and then if the side effects where too horrible stop it ?? Just a thought.
I have to go pick up my pills for the trial that I will be on tomorrow and give blood...AGAIN. Grrr.... I'm not sure why but I gotta give it again
0 -
Sweet Jaimieh I am to old for tamoxafen I would be on one of the AL's. I am not worried about painful joints or weight gain or hot flashes(well kinda). I am more concerned with osteoporosis, heart disease for 2% possible help. Its a tough one. I need to talk to some pro's to get the real scoop. Knowing I would not want to change my entire lifestyle i.e. I love gourmet cooking and vintage wine or just any wine from our cellar.Not to mention apple, chocolate or jalapeno martini, once in a while without thinking I am killing myself. I just want to live to the fullest. I know I have to make changes and I will, just screaming and kicking.
Lisa enough already!!!!! Damn! I went through this once already years ago and now I have it all back. Its hard but will not last forever. But we will. Remember that beer makes them worse. Where is the justice. You know its funny after reading my post it like I drink all the time. Thats not true only on weekends or if I am entertaining. And I have not been doing to much of that since this adventure has begun. Wishing great things for you!!
Danali: I am so sorry! i will keep you in my thoughts. Take care of yourself you have only to get better from now on!!!!!!
Rock on: I was not given a choice. I am doing33. I'll be OK. I am lucky to have such great treatment. I have no blisters or peeling. (Yet) and hope I will not. Thanks for caring.
Peace, light, love and healing to all (spoken like the native Californian I am). Hey speaking of California. Medical marijuana is legal here.HMMMMMMM Guess I really don't need it for my appetite they would take one look at me and know that! But still HMMMM. NAAAAA.
0 -
ccbaby...my margins were clear and no nodes and was told to do Radiation. my skin is getting red and itchy...hating life and getting very depressed. The Dr. has prescribed an anti depressant for me, I am looking forward to the hot flashes subsiding a little ( I am hoping at least) I do not know why I should be sooo down..I am cancer free and have a wonderful family, just cant seem to smile lately : (
But tomorrow is another day!
0 -
Well, there is always good news and bad news with this!! I was ready for just the good but the bad came with it! Because of the breathing problems for the last 10 days and now the balance issues (I look like a drunk person and fall over standing still, I should film it and make a bundle on funniest home videos
) the Dr. has decided the cure is killing me faster then the cancer would so will not be having TX 6. While I am glad to be done with this part, it also makes me nervous to miss one. I hate to think 6 is the magic number to keep cancer away. Plus he told me in the future I need to consider having a mastectomy on the right side.So it looks like I will start rads next week. I will doing them the next 7 weeks, five days a week plus weekly Herceptin. When you all started how did the mapping go?? Does it take a long time? And do you burn after the 1st one? And the most important question can we drink wine while on herceptin and rads??????I am so ready for a glass or two! I'd ask the Dr. but his religion believes you should never drink!
thanks
Karen
0
