Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
Comments
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Enjoylife: I am pretty tough, but have always been very emotional.I wouldn't be surprised if it was the herceptin causing the crying. It also doesn't hurt for my husband to see me upset as I seem to be the strong one in all of this. He used to cry when he had chemo and his chemo was a walk in the park compared to TCH. My diagnosis has really upset him because of his previous cancer treatments (he's all clear) and I've been waiting for him to step up and be strong for me.0
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Suepen - That is a perfectly normal reaction. You hav been thru a lot and you have finished a very vital stage. Cry all you want. You earned the right.
Lisa
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I meant to ask all of you this a couple of weeks ago and forgot....my 'new' onc said that I shouldn't eat or take antioxidants while on Herceptin. That means a whole year without antioxidants! What does your onc say about this?
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Christy, I was told not to take anti-ox during the TCH, but with the Herceptin only, no one said anything. I don't remember the technical term for Herceptin, but it is not chemo.
Lisa
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Suepen, You need to wind down however you do it. I think we all get a sort of Post traumatic Stress syndrome. You may need to counseling or just time. I know most knuckle down during chemo to just get through it. I guess in a way this is what I did and once I went back to work I had a girl that was so on my nerves I quit but the bosses talked me into stayed with different hours and I did although I am not sure this has been a good thing but only time will tell. I may have to quit again because I think they are hoping I will work with her again and although I am easy to forgive this one has crossed too many lines. That was my meltdown. I probably needed to go for medical counseling but I am not going to work and be so stressed to make myself sick again. I still get a little stressed more than before or at least I let it show more.
I was told not to take anti-oxidants still. No vit or supplements at all but I did finally start taking plain multi vit with iron and I guess Wed we will see if they helped me with my blood but they are really hard on my stomach. I was visiting with a customer yesterday and she was telling me her cancer story (which I hate) but her brother had a mouth sore ( I have one) he kept bugging the docs and then they found it was also in his stomach. Okay now I am getting stressed and the lady working next to me heard what she was saying and knows about my problems. I know she was screaming in her head for the woman to hush but I made it pass that one. why do people have to tell you abut the deaths and not the life's saved? I think this season is getting to me but that is part of my job too I guess. I wish people would think before they tell bank tellers, hair dressers, and other people because they don't know what is going on in their life. I think I have been just as guilty B/C but no more. I learned a lesson among many others during this. hang in here and we will try to help you but the best help for your stress problem maybe counselor.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. I wrote a long note yesterday and lost it so I am saying it now so if this happenings me again. I probably will be back here before though.
Carolyn
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Herceptin is referred to as a "monoclonal antibody."
I call it "chemo-lite." LOL!!!
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Since I ended chemo and rads, I've been given the OK to take multi-vitamins and Biotin (for hair/nails). I will be on Herceptin through 4/2/2010. All the docs/nurses want is to KNOW every single thing I'm taking still, but even with that, they haven't told me to stop taking anything.
Because I'm also on Zometa, I HAVE to take calcium and Vitamin D supplements daily, it's part of the protocol.
So right now my regimen is Viactiv 2x daily, a chewable Centrum multi-vitamin, 1 biotin tablet (1000mg), and Singulaire for allergies/asthma as needed. Oh yeah, and Tamoxifen daily (20mg).
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Hi Lisa,
I love your new horse. My head is itching too. I will start the chemo soon. I wonder which option I should take, the new drug or continue the TCH with a lower dose. I will do some research.
vangoghpro: Good luck on your surgery.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
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Hi Girls,
Thankyou all for your support.
I'm not crying anymore - only lasted a couple of days - I am really tough. However, my ankles swelled up a bit yesterday - 2 weeks after treatment. Anyone else have this happen? Could be I was sitting around doing cross stitch in front of the TV too much and need to move around more.
Sue
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suepen see it does feel good to get it out and you might get like that again but that doesnt mean your not strong why do you think most people are women who get this horrible thing we are strong with or without someone by our sides .....I also had swallen ankles I went on duretics for it as it was from the chemo but also because they took out 29 nodes I wanted to clean out and I guess the doctor cleaned out but now I do suffer from Lymphedima and have to watch my salt but that is not your problem I thank god did not have 29 infected nodes but I still have the problem and will with swelling but I can live with it elevate your feet that might help too.
Maura...
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Thanks Maura,
I've been drinking and peeing a lot so I was wondering about the swelling. I'll see how it goes and go to the doc if it persists. I haven't been able to walk well as my knees have been sore (no cartilage) so sitting around might be why it's happened.
My hair hasn't started falling out this time, so now I have a grey fuzz that looks like it's growing. Just shows how tough I am.
Sue
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Well, isn't that wonderful! (kidding)... Ironic that I was actually advised by an oncologist to to take Co-Enzyme Q10, B6, Selenium, an easily digestible form for Vitamin C, Beta Carotene plus Vitamin E. However, I was told NOT to take these the day before, the day ofr or the day after receiving chemo. I actually did not take them for about 5 days following each treatment as I was too nauseous. I would say I took them for maybe 2/3's of my treatment, maximum. I did not take them at all between chemo 5 and 6. My doctor's office gave several women injections of B12, which I know is not an antioxidant. However, I am advised that I must cease taking any antioxidants during radiation as it will affect the "free radicals" So, do the anti-oxidants reduce the efficacy of the chemo? I am going to ask my Onc what gives...
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I wanted to ask you ladies....it seems everyone gets Herceptin only 1x every three weeks after finishing the 6 rounds of TCH. I was getting 650 mg of the Herceptin in my IV once every three weeks and my Onc is going to have me get Herceptin once a week for the remaining 30+ weeks of the year (I was told I will get either 325 or 350 mg of Herceptin a week, vs. the 650 every three weeks). Anyone else get the Herceptin weekly for year, rather than every three weeks?
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Alaina- Chemo-Lite - I love it! I called it "soft chemo" just so my non-cancer friends would not get confused. When I finished the hard TCH last Feb, my friends did not understand why I was till getting infused every 3 weeks. So I told them it "soft chemo" to make sure I was around to annoy them for another 50 years!
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I am so sorry to whine at this time of the year but..
I am experiencing very painful "cording" in my left arm and left side. My tumor was the left side I had 17 nodes removed from there. The cording started about 4 weeks ago and then went away when I wore my LE sleeve for 2 days. It is back again and worse. The LE sleeve is having no effect - and it hurts darn it! This is painful. When ever I reach up high, it pulls from my arm pit, into my wrist and now I have a cord going down my torso too. I know I need to call the PT people, but frankly, I was not that impressed when I saw them for the LE swelling. I am noit really sure where to go from here. I went to the LE section and they here helpful, but even they say, no one knows why it happens or how to stop it.
Lisa
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Lisa - Geeze what a bummer. I remember the cording going down my torso, but that was during my recovery from the lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. I am so sorry that you are in discomfort.
There are just too many extra symptoms and unanswered questions! I wish this site had volunteer nurse practitioners 24/7 so we would not have search the web (and scare ourselves silly) or wait for days to get answers from our medical team.
Well, since the LE forum says no knows why or how to stop it, let me offer this: Go out to the stables and place your arm and torso up against your most loving horse. Ask the horse if he or she would please help you heal. Maybe the magical love of a horse can heal bodies as well as they can heal hearts.
I am sending you healing prayers.
Cloud
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Cloud that is a great idea, thanks!
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Cloud that is a great idea, thanks!
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Sanaisa,
I got herceptin weekly during TCH and now that I'm done my onc told me I could do either. She told me the choice was mine. I chose every 3 weeks because I'm sick of sitting in the chemo chair every week. I want a little break in between. I don't know how many mg's I get. I never looked. I've heard the nurses say "herceptin 90 mg." but that wouldn't be anywhere near what you are getting, so maybe that is not the dosage.
Cloud,
I've thought about your idea about having RN's on this site many, many times and wished it would be that way. Wouldn't that be nice??? I've also wished my onc would just happen to stumble upon this site and read about all the icky things we have to endure. Maybe it would open their eyes up to it a bit more!
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Cloud - your message to Lisa made me cry! We have all been through so much this year. I am so thankful for every one of you helping me through it. I don't post all that often but I read every single day. And I talk about you all the time - I refer to you as "My breast cancer ladies" as in "My breast cancer ladies say...." when I am talking about what I have learned on here - which is SO VERY MUCH!
Guess I am feeling a little emotional today. All gifts are bought and most are wrapped. Will start my baking tonight, listen to Christmas music, just enjoy being home, warm, safe, and healthy. What a saga this has been. Thanks to all of you - I made it this far!
Wishing you all the best - and FEEL BETTER LISA!0 -
Amyisstrong while I have my puppy next to me nudges for attention all my gifts are wrapped and I will bake more tomorrow, but amen to what you said and your hair looks great mine is starting to pick up after over a year and half out of chemo but its got a long road ahead. Lisa I too have problems with my arm at times the salt will defintely make it worst even if you dont salt anything it seems to have salt in it most things. Also I have a machine my Ins. paid for I put my arm in and it brings it down every day and tonight its quit swallen when the weather is humid summer it worst also. If my arm is already swallon the sleeve doesnt help me at all I try and do my weights but have been ignoring them since my son is home from college on break. Hot water is the worst for it and I too live in a town where the PT doesnt know enough it seem plus it gets pretty expensive even with ins. I hope this helps you there is self massage too.
Every one here have a merry healthy christmas and new year
Maura
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Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!
I love each and very one of you. This board helped me thru and continues to give me advice, love, hope, guidance and FREINDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you guys!!!!!
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Thanks Lisa and I also love all of you. I would never had made it without this site. I know some have moved on but I still feel I need to encourage those who are coming after me to pay back for those who were here to help. Merry Christmas to all and be kind to yourself because it does not matter how perfect things are or not you will remember this Christmas for the rest of your life. the pre cancer Christmas and the survivor Christmas after this one.
Carolyn
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Merry Christmas to you all! Hope you all enjoy a wonderful time with family and friends.
Looking forward to 2010.
Happy New Year!!
Cheers!!!
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Ho! Ho! Ho! A Merry Christmas to all! Thank you all for being here and helping everyone get through. May the New Year bless you and keep you happy, healthy and blessed!
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Well it has been more of an emotional day for me than I ever expected. I had some time alone in the house doing my baking. Had the Christmas music on. All of a sudden it just hit me - I made it, I didn't die, I'm HERE - and then I cried and cried my eyes out. I mean really loud sobbing. I had read somewhere that most people make themselves stop crying too quickly, before they are finished. So I just leaned against the wall and bawled my eyes out until it was all out of me. Whew. I guess you process this stuff in steps and you never know quite when the next one will be.
One daughter has been here to help me bake, the other will be here momentarily. They will both sleep over. There are A MILLION gifts under the tree - I got a bit carried away, but they say I say that every year. Seems like moreso this year.
Anyway, I am so happy we have all made it through. Thank you for being my sisters and supporting me. I always know you ladies will truily understand.
Merry Christmas. God bless all of us with a happy healthy 2010.
Love
Amy
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Amy, I did the same thing. For some reason all of the stress and the worry and the relief just hit me at once and I bawled like a baby once it was all over.
Merry Christmas.
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You guys are awesome...it's nice to come in here and see/hear all the expressions of happiness, sadness, frustration, joy and sometimes pain. Best wishes for the warmest and happiest holidays this week and next. xoxo
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I hope everyone had a blessed day!
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I am not sure why but I can't cry. It is not because I don't have feelings but I just can't cry. I am so happy I am through with treatments though. I went to have my blood test on Wed. and it was at 10.3 and last time 3 weeks ago it was 10 so I have made some progress. I have taken vit. though so we will see if it keeps coming up. I will see my doc next time. I want to get better so bad. I am sick and tired of being sick & tired. I am tired of working feeling like this too. I will be back at it on Monday though. got to keep on keeping on.
I hope everyone felt okay for Christmas.We had to go after my daughter in law Thursday because she had a roll over wreck but she is doing okay just sore. I am not sure about her car but they headed back a little while ago. I hope they make it okay. My son works here in the city area but he is going to take off until they see what needs to be done about the car thing. We are supposed to have more bad weather Tuesday & Wednesday. I am so thankful she was not hurt too bad. We had a good day anyway and was so thankful for so many things. Not a white Christmas though. I made a new rule. No Christmas if we have bad weather. It was so stressful. I was so scared. More than about my cancer.
Carolyn
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