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Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin

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Comments

  • ccbaby
    ccbaby Member Posts: 503
    edited December 2009

    Cakelady and everyone.....Everybody's new avatar pics are great! I remember asking my onc a long time ago when chemo first started about getting my implants after chemo ended and still on Herceptin and he said it was fine. I can't get the implant now because of radiation causing my expander to fail....I am scheduled to get my S-GAP Flap surgery on December 15th in New Orleans. I am nervous but very anxious to be rid of this uncomfortable expander!

  • ipohgirl
    ipohgirl Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2009

    Der Ladies,

    Your hair all looks great! Mine still looks like the gerber baby, plan to colour it early next year. Any recommendation for a natural dye? Still deciding whether to cut it or not. Getting curly at the sides........

    Lisa, Yippee! you got the real stuff. Truly happy for you. Try to the immodium for control and drink lots of water. And, focus on the fact that you could lose weight on this one!

    Hugs,

    Ipohgirl

  • cakelady
    cakelady Member Posts: 176
    edited December 2009

    Wow Christy,  I didn't know your surgery would be so soon.  I hope all goes well and keep us posted. I have my Herceptin tomorrow.  My last MUGA came out okay at 67, and I had an ultrasound today on my arm and neck to check to see if my blood clot has cleared up.  I have been on the Coumadin since May, and I will be ending it soon, depending on the results of the ultrasound.  I need to be ready (off the blood thinner)  for my expander surgery on Jan. 15th.

    Everybody's hair is great!!   yeah... I have colored mine a couple times with the Clairol root touch up kit, works great and is fast.

  • RockstarmomPaula
    RockstarmomPaula Member Posts: 124
    edited December 2009
    CoolHello Beautiful Ladies Havent posted in awhile I work retail so getting in to busy time, It has been 1 year today that I was diagnosed what a difference a year makes, hair growing slow but sure . last herceptin 15th deported the 18th!! So celebrate with me ladies !! Praise God for watching over me and getting me through this last year with Grace & Dignity!! Love to you all!!!!
  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 925
    edited December 2009

    Paula glad to hear you seem to be doing well.  I wish you and all of us many, many more years :)

  • CaliforniaCloud
    CaliforniaCloud Member Posts: 105
    edited December 2009

    Congratulations, Paula!  Here's to holiday season filled with joy, love, and health.

    Jaimieh, your curly hair is adorable!  I thought of you and your St. Patrick (or was it 4th of July or New Year's?) hair clips when I came across my gift card for Clarie's.  It'll be a while before I will be visiting Clarie's or maybe I'll just keep the card as a souvenir.  Is any one else keeping souvenirs?

    After my Herceptin today, I went up to see my breast surgeon.  He said that calcifications in the human body are basically benign, except in the breast.  Most breast calcifications are also benign, but there is a statistical correlation with calcifications and breast tissue changes that indicate early stages of cancer.  The calcifications are microscopic so after the radiologist extracts the specimen, he checks to be sure the calcifications have been captured within the extracted breast tissue.  The lab biopsies the breast tissue--not the calcifications--and compares it to "normal" breast tissue.

    The calcifications in question are not near my lumpectomy site.  Nor are they near the field of radiation that I received.  So, I am having a biopsy on Thursday. I should have word from the doc on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.

    The good news is that because of technology, that I am freely allowed to receive, I will have this issue handled at a very early stage of development.  I pray every night that this level of excellent health care will continue to be available to me, my family, my friends, and my nation.

    Cheers!

    Cloud

  • nlortiz
    nlortiz Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2009

    Hi cakelady and everyone.  Your posts really make me feel good.  Please take that as I mean it, I know its not funny to be here, but since we are , we might as well make the best of it and make each other feel as good as possible, right?  And you guys seem like a wonderful bunch of ladies.  Anyway, as I said before, I finished chemo in Feb and my hair started coming back in 2 weeks.  It's not long now, by any means, but it is lots more than none.  It is a little darker, it was almost all white, and it is curly in the back, mind you, but not on top.  Never had a curl in my life. I know about the curly thing (my chemo brain is rearing its ugly head and I can't think of the word), but anyway, have a place that stands straight up, no matter what I do. Do any of you suffer with the wonderful chemo brain?  It's just come up, about a month or two, but I think it's getting worse.  I wonder if there is a cut-off when it stops progressing and maybe starts backing up?  Hope, Hope.  Also, as I said before too, I have my implants in about a week, on Dec. 16.  My PC would not do it till I was finished with Herceptin,( I finished the 14 of Nov.), cause he said it was possible it would interfere with healing. He's seems to be pretty good, so we'll see.  Well, good night and God Bless.  Norma

    wou 

  • LMF914
    LMF914 Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2009

    Hello everyone. I have been reading this thread for a while now. I am killing some time as I wait to go to the hospital to have my port replaced (it has a leak in the tubing).  While a port would be my first suggestion for anyone going through this, I never realized they have so many complications.

    I have been on TCH since Sept. 9 and have just recently started feeling bad, I had my 4th TCH treatment last week and up until then had been working 30 - 40 of my normal 50 hours. I have 3 treatments left and then herceptin until Sept.  I cannot wait to feel normal again.  I am starting to look at my surgery options on here as well which is overwhelming in itself.  You have all been so helpful in allowing me to realize the symptoms I have are "normal" to experience.  I think I have had every symptom under the sun.  I sometimes feel like a walking pharmacy.  

    I found out after my 2nd TCH treatment that my insurance doesn't cover any injections...which means my neulasta that I had gotten twice at that pooint was not covered.  Last week I needed aranesp for the first time and once again, not covered.  I am so thankful that I have a cancer insurance policy that covers these types of surprises.

    I have chemo brain so bad and canot think clearly half of the time.   At least when I do something stupid I have an excuse, now others at work say they have sympathy chemo brain.    When do the hot flashes subside??? I think my husband is tired of sleeping with the windows open and fan on high when it is 40 outside?

    Well I just wanted to finally drop in and say hi to all of you.  I hope you all have a great day!  The weather here in Florida is amazing right now compared with the rest of the country so I do feel blessed to live here today!

     

  • cakelady
    cakelady Member Posts: 176
    edited December 2009

    Today is my one year anniversary of my diagnosis .  It has been a long tough year for me, and my family, but it did seem to go by rather fast.  Last Christmas I was in NO mood to celebrate, so this year will be so much better!!..  And I thank all of you ladies for all the help and friendship you have given me and others here. 

    LMF914.... I have little hot flashes too, I hate that.  Mine are from chemopause. No period since the end of March , after my first chemo.  I finished chemo in July. On Herceptin until March or so.  Scheduled to start reconstruction in January. Hope you have a great day too.  It's nice here in California, but another storm is coming I hear.

  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 187
    edited December 2009

    We have lost another daughter mother wife and school teacher Ms Storms was all of these she fought the fight right up until the very end she never even had time to get her hair back I pray everynight for all of us she also was a great teacher her husband also had children later in life and now leaving young children a boy and girl they tried every chemo she couldnt respond so we should thank god every day we have to wake up feel our energy again for me its with less hair but its ok I will wait as long as I have it all a smile a christmas with my growing kids another winter andf spring hopefully to watch the flowers bloom I feel better that she isnt in pain anylonger and I know after all her suffering she has to be no where but heaven. Just wanted to share that is what we do share our happy moments and sad ones too.

    Merry Christmas and healthy New Year

    Maura

  • RockstarmomPaula
    RockstarmomPaula Member Posts: 124
    edited December 2009
    Cool cakelady I will celebrate tonight for you also because  I didnt get to celebrate for me last night because of bad weather I hear about you about Christmas this year last year I was not in the mood to celebrate I work at a RadioShack we also sell mens clothing so I was not in the mood for customers either This year my Cheer is back!! So congratulations to you !! Celebrate your day!! This group has been a blessing to us all, We dont have to face it alone, It has been my Saving Grace!! Love & Hugs To All!!!!
  • RockstarmomPaula
    RockstarmomPaula Member Posts: 124
    edited December 2009
    Cool enjoylife I am so sorry My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones, We need to be Thankful for each day the Good Lord gives us, Time on earth can be to short.
  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 925
    edited December 2009

    Cloud~ Thank you :)  My hair just does what it want\s and I get to parade around with it..lol...  glad to have hair.

    Wendy I hear you on really celebrating this year.  I was diagnosed on Christmas eve and I hosted Christmas.  I was sure not in the mood to deal with all of my family. 

  • ccbaby
    ccbaby Member Posts: 503
    edited December 2009

    Wendy...I was diagnosed late in January, but I know what you mean about celebrating holidays. It just wasn't the same for any holiday this past year including this year Christmas for me. I guess that is because I am having my reconstruction surgery next week and will be laid up for Christmas and New Years.  I will be so glad when March gets here because then I will be done with Herceptin and my 2nd stage surgery will happen that month. Then I will be all done with everything!!

  • gramma23
    gramma23 Member Posts: 482
    edited December 2009

    Congrats on the chemoversaries. I found mine right after Christmas 2008.I did not go in to have it checked until May 2008. I know now I was so stupid and now so lucky to be alive. I did not want to mess up my son's grad from college and my grandson's from high school. Please tell everyone you know about early detection. It does save lives. Now I have to have my port indefinitely and a higher chance of return because of the size of the lump and the node involvement. Breast self exam saves lives and I am sure Mamos do too but it never detected mine until I was finding it myself. I never thought I would have cancer because no one in my family had had it.My brother got it and then in a few months I got it. I am sure family is a big factor in tests but it really does not matter.

    I am so sorry for the loses to this hateful disease. I know so many that have lost their battle with it and I sometimes feel bad that I lived instead of someone else. I am not sure why I feel this way but I am glad to be alive. I was going through Christmas pictures yesterday to make a photo frame show for my Christmas get together from when we first started our lives together. I always had lots of hair and curls and last year I had a fat face and scarf but was skinny. I guess the steroids made my face rounder. Anyway I hope everyone has a good Christmas this year and those still struggling I hope you can look forward to next year.

    Carolyn

  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited December 2009

    Paula - Ain't it a great feeling. One of the happiest days of my life was when I got deported! Be cheery and celebrate!!!

    Cloud, I hope the biopsy is clear,  From what you wrote, sounds good so far.

    Jaimieh - You look great!!!!!

    Wendy - That one year mark is a great feeling - it is just one more milestone.  For me it was the end of TC, then the one yr. from DG, then the end of H and then getting the port out.  All in all, about 18 months.  But you are right, amazingly the time does fly.  Guess we are too busy or too sick to notice!

    LMF914 - Welcome to our little group. Sorry you are here, but welcome all the same.

    enjoylife, I am so sorry about your loss.  My prayers are with our sister and her family.

    Gramma! - Merry Christmas!  Glad you feel well enough to participate in some holiday activities.  I remember that "round face" stage also.  Yuck!

    I hope everyone is healthy and getting ready for the Christmas/Hannukah Holiday.  God Bless you all.

    Lisa

  • Jaimieh
    Jaimieh Member Posts: 925
    edited December 2009

    Thanks Lisa are you still on the trial meds ?? 

  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited December 2009

    Jaimieh -  I am sad to say I am a "Drug Study Drop-out"  I just can't do it.  I was not this sick during TCH. I started out with extreme, explosive, no-warning diarrhea that would last for hours and hours (yes I took Immodium, ate it like candy).  Then I would get constipated from all the immodium and the trial drug would take over again and I would vomit for a while and then the diarrhea would start up again.  All of this caused other problems; UTI, yeast infection, heartburn.  The more trial drug I took, the worse all of the above got.  I took my last dose this past Monday and did not leave my house until Thursday. I took so many other meds to conteract the SE's of the trial drug that I literally felt toxic.  All of my joints ached to the point that getting in and out of the bathtub was a chore. I have slept on the bathroom floor entirely too much.  Also, with my compromised digestive system I am terrified that I am doing more damage.  I am already missing almost half of my large intestine and what I have is riddled with adhesions; I found out in Sept. that I also have small bowel adhesions.  This is just not the drug for me.

    So that is my story.  The Drug Study Drop-out.

    Lisa

  • gramma23
    gramma23 Member Posts: 482
    edited December 2009

    Lisa, I do not blame you at all for dropping the study. Some others may do better on it since you already have bowel problems. I hope it turns out good for someone. I asked my doctor about it and he said no studies but me at this point because of my problems. I did go against his will and started taking a multi vit. I hope I am doing right but I just can't see why it would be any different than the Procrit. I am just trying to get my blood hg. up.

    Carolyn

  • worry0ct9
    worry0ct9 Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2009

    I am glad to find this side. Thank you for all your support on this. My scheduled second time of chemotherapy must be stop due to the labwork results. The Liver Function Test was not good especially ALT and Akaline Phosphatase. The number went up so high.

    I forgot to mention that I took cholesterol pill (simvastatin 20mg) during the chemo. I remember the pharmacist warned me about the liver problem of taking this drug but the nurse told me that it's ok to take it during the chemo. I suspect this pill is giving liver problem? 

    The plan of treatment is havingTax+Car+Her every 3 weeks with weekly Herceptin. Has anyone had experienced like mine?

    Your comments are greatly appreciated.Cry

  • Gin52
    Gin52 Member Posts: 272
    edited December 2009

    well, had my first TCH on Thursday.  Didn't actually decide with dr to add "H" till I got there thursday.  anyone else wear the "cold mitts" for the "T"?  That was a little weird.  Glad I didn't have to keep them on for all of it!  With dr visit, blood work, "training" and chemo, I was at drs office for 6 hours.  Hopefully, will go faster for the next time!  I have blood work to see how counts do nxt Thursday, and they have to schedule MUGA scan since I am doing the herceptin. Take care all......

  • CaliforniaCloud
    CaliforniaCloud Member Posts: 105
    edited December 2009

    Good luck, Ginnie.  I never wore a cold hat or cold mitts while doing chemo, but I would have if it had been offered.  And, yes, you are right, the first session is remarkably long.  However, if you continue to have blood work and a Dr. visit on the day of your infusion, your chemo days will always be a little longer.  My chemo days were like that, but I preferred knowing my exact blood counts before the infusion.

    Remember to keep drinking water, take all your meds, keep your bowels moving, and pay attention to your oral hygiene.  We are here for you if you have any questions.

    Cheers!

    Cloud

  • CaliforniaCloud
    CaliforniaCloud Member Posts: 105
    edited December 2009

    Lisa, thanks for the update on the drug trial.  I was worried about you.  I am so sorry that gastrointestinal stuff was so hard on you.  I am really interested in the trial, but perhaps I will have to look into after the school term ends.  I am glad that you left the study and hope your recover from all the side effects quickly.

    I had my biopsy on late Thursday afternoon; I am not sure when I will get the results.  In the meantime, I am trying to hang loose until the doctor calls.  Tonight I was goofing around on the Internet and found this site on how to naturally whiten teeth:  www.http://living.healthy.com/2008/02/21/how-to-whiten-your-teeth-naturally/  I do not recommend this site for its advice, but rather for its entertainment value.  It isn't meant to be funny, but an error in the original article resulted in a lengthy, and at times down right silly, discussion about which household ingredients will whiten teeth.  I'm not sure if you will find this funny, but I giggled and laughed for nearly 20 minutes.

    Cheers!

    Cloud

  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited December 2009

    WorryOct9 - I am glad you found this site.  Sorry you have to be here, but happy to have you. I am so sorry your second treatment is being delayed.  Did you discuss the cholesteral med with the Dr?  Make sure the Dr. ALWAYS knows about meds that he was not the one to prescrible.  Those decisions should not be left to the nurse, that is not her place.  Ask the doc if you can take one of the herbs designed to clean the liver, maybe that can get you back into treatment faster.  Hang in there and keep us posted.

    Gin52 - You got thru 1 - only 5 more to go!  Cloud is right. Water Water and then when you think you may drown, drink more water.  DO NOT allow yourself to get constipated and if you get diarrhea, take the immodium immediately, do not wait.  The immodium box say only take 6 in 24 hours, but the nurse told me 8 in 24 hours is fine. Keep us posted.

    Cloud - I am so sorry that you have to wait all weekend for the results.  That stinks.Hang in there, I am sure everything will be fine. I am praying for you.

    I am traveling to the west coast today (of Florida) to look at a horse for my husband. I hope he likes THIS one.  Hubby is being very, very picky.

    Have a great day everyone.

    Lisa

  • worry0ct9
    worry0ct9 Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2009

    Thanks Lisa for answering my question. I had a hunch that the cholesterol pill might give me the problem therefore I didn't take the cholesterol pill prior to the first and during TCH chemo. That's why the blood test looked fine before my second Herceptin. The Dr. and the nurse they were aware the cholesterol pill and other supplement like Ensure, vitamin D that I told them. They told me it's ok to take them during the chemo. I started continuing to take cholesterol pill daily after the 2nd Herceptin and the 3rd Herceptin. During and after the Herceptin periods, my diet was based on protein, vegetables and carbohydrate, storebought food like frozen food and take out. I didn't have any side effects. I looked good.

    Now the Dr. told me not to take any pills even the supplement or any kind of herbs. He said the Taxotere was given me the problem not the cholesterol drug. I have to wait and see for my Liver Function Test to be improved and I can start to have chemo again. But Taxotere will not be in my regiment anymore. There will be a different drug replacement with Taxotere. I'm still worry about my liver. I am trying not to have any fat in my diet and consume less meat. This is hard especially this season has so many delicious cookies and cakes around. I love sweet. Now, my hair is fallen off a lot,  Frown and my scald is so tender! It seems the side effects have begun...

    Oh well, I will keep you posted. Good luck everyone. 

  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 187
    edited December 2009

    Well I wish none of us had to be here and that there was no need for a breast cancer site but I would like to also believe in Santa Claus and the magic of Christmas. I think its so hard to wait for test results so I am so sorry for you Cloud and keep you in my prayers for sure with everyone else. I know one thing this disease that a devil has invented and wont let us find a cure has brought me I appreciate all of my life every moment of it even when I am having a bad day which isnt often I always try and find the good of the day. I have told you guys before I have not been as lucky with Taxotere my hair is horrible I always primped in front of the mirror so this must be a punishment and a way to teach me patience you would of thought my 32 year old marriage would of brought me that ha..but I wont give up I am going to St Louis in Jan. to see a lady dermatologist I have to wait for the beginning of the year another thing cancer does is reach into our pockets deeply and I am one who is completely against the new health coverage I communicate with people from Canada Paris and UK please don't go for it we will be sitting on a curb for months waiting for treatments but that is another story. If any of you ladies have any ideas about something to help us get our hair back after Taxotere please share look at your nails that is suppose to be important I have moons only on my thumbs so i am going to try Flaxseed and B12 I already us Biotin and Vit D and Rogaine any help is helpful we are putting a spread sheet together on our site to help people like us....

    Merry Christmas to all of you and many more to each and everyone of us ...

    Maura I would love to be in Florida Its cold and rainy in MO ....

  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited December 2009

    It is Christmas in my barn!!  We were successful in finding my husbands present today.  A registered Missouri Fox Trotter named Jackson.  With a barn full of horse, we have never had the horse the was picked out especially for my husband.  It has always been the perfect horse for me and the rest are rescues or nice horses we have taken on because friends or family could not longer afford them.

    But now we have Jackson.  His trot is like riding on air.  The perfect "husband horse" and (sshh, don't tell) the perfect backup trail horse for me!

    " mce_src="

  • vangoghpro
    vangoghpro Member Posts: 22
    edited December 2009

    Lisa,

    Love the new horse. What a beautiful face. How many hands is he? Does your husband help with all the mucking, etc?  By the way, sorry you had to drop out of the study but it is very understandable.

    Sorry to see so much suffering from the TCH regimen for so many of the women who post here. The hair loss is very traumatic, I know. Many people have told me I should leave my hair short as it suits me but they do not understand how much I loved long hair. I feel so exposed with a bare forehead. I do hope those of you with very slow growth are able to find a remedy. A lady I work with is two years out from treatment and her style looks exactly as it did before. 

    I have started riding again. Thank goodness. However, I found that my riding helmet was way too big and I wear a wig under it so it does not slip around. I have another surgery scheduled for January 4 for gall bladder disease - brought on by the TCH. I will be so glad to get passed that. As many of you stated, it takes the edge off the holidays to have to worry about surgery. Oh well, I hope to actually feel well and be able to eat varied foods once again.

    For those of you currently undergoing TCH, I send you my warmest regards and remind you that you will get through this. 

    Happy Holidays to all. 

    Linda 

  • Lisa1964
    Lisa1964 Member Posts: 760
    edited December 2009

    Linda/vango  Jackson is  15.1 with a classic MFT short back.  He is fuzzy now but is said to shed out to a strawberry/red roan.  My helmet has just now started to fit again - I so understand what you are going thru!  I was on a trip about 4 weeks ago with long 6 hour plus rides and my helmet drove me nuts.  My hair was just long enough and curly enough to "poke" into my helmet and itch like crazy!  Every time we stopped for a break or a photo op, I was yanking off my helmet to scratch my head!  Just this week, I can wear my good Tipparary and my hair does not tickle! I am so glad you are back in the saddle.  There is no better healing!!!  May God bless you and your mount.  Merry Christmas.

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    edited December 2009

    Beautiful horse, Lisa. I know he will bring you and hubby much joy.

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