Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
Comments
-
oops, I added a year to the thread--it didn't start in 2006--it was 2007.
Becky
0 -
Eng Tchr or Becky create a new thread call it 2006 2007 taxotore girls or something like that maybe she will skip on it hopefully she is fine and never comes on here any longer. I too meet a lady on my airplane trip to my sisters in boston when I got dia. and she gave me her phone number and all she had 3 little kids and it was in her bones and possibly in her brain heard from her once and no more makes me wonder if she made it and then again sometimes I dont want to know sometimes I know I am going to be fine and other times I feel like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop slowly and I dont want to go there. I dont have allot of support ecept for family away and a friend here and no one knows what its like to hear the C word at all ... accept the ladies here on this site
Maura
0 -
Embracing a New Dream!
Well beloveds. The verdict is in. I am in ovarian hypofunction (premature ovarian failure). My gynecologist could barely even FEEL my ovaries when palpating for them by hand. This is good news and it's bad news. Ultimately, it's good news.
The downside is that I will never be able to have children biologically. Not even through a surrogate at this point. My eggs are fried, over-not-so-easy. LOL!!!
The upside is that this is the state my body needs to remain in so as to limit the amount of estrogen flowing around. I need SOME estrogen to protect my heart and bones, but beyond that, it's poison. Managing limited amounts of estrogen in my body will give me the BEST chance of not having a recurrence of breast cancer in the future.
I always knew this would be the likely outcome of the life-saving treatments I underwent this year. But hearing that it's actually a done-deal, no turning back...well, that's a bit sobering. I could spend lots of time, energy, and money trying to revive my fertility, and it's quite possible through the many miracles of science, I could personally enjoy the miracle of birthing my own child. It's been done for women with far more severe cases of breast cancer. Some of them had recurrences, some of them did not. I still can't wrap my brain around the ethical dilemma of bringing a new life into the world by taking your OWN life into your hands, but I suppose each woman has to work that out for herself.
So, as I grappled with this news this week, I kept going back to my testimony at my T6 Party. I talked about "Necessary Losses" and embracing the NEW DREAM God gives you when one dream is destroyed.
I don't know the new dream God has in store for me. But I know I've had to give a few up just in order to survive. And I'm ok with that. I'll choose LIFE each and every time, if given a choice.
So later on tonight, as the clock strikes 12, join me in choosing LIFE and embracing NEW DREAMS for 2010! I'm excited for the future! God bounced me around a bit this year, but HE NEVER EVER LET ME GO!!! And for that, while tired and with much on my plate, I will make my way to a house of worship, and praise His Name and THANK HIM for allowing me to see another year!
My anthem for 2010 is Sade's new single, "Soldier of Love" She sings it better than I can say it:
I've been torn up inside...I've been left behind...So I ride...I have the will to survive...In the wild wild west...Trying my hardest...Doing my best...To stay alive...I'm a soldier of love...
You can hear this on YouTube --->
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvDaJaU5My4Goodbye 2009!!! Hello 2010!!!
I'm Living Proof, Alaina
0 -
I get my last chemo next week. After that, I'll have a lumpectomy and removal of some lymph nodes. Is there anything specific I should ask the surgeon before the surgery? What can I expect? I've never had surgery before (except the port insertion, which was really minor), so how painful will it be?
0 -
I also want to wish everyone on here a healthy and happy new year! 2009 is over and with it, a lot of our worries and hardships. Let's move on to better year. . .
0 -
Hi ladies. Yeah,,,,,,,,,,,,,I've been absent for quite some time. It got to where there were so many ladies on here,,,,,,,,,,this old broad just couldnt keep up anymore. lol Thank you for the pm Becky,,,,,,,otherwise I probably wouldnt have checked back in here. I dont know lots of the new ladies,,,,,,,but the ones that were here that started after I had finished or while going thru treatment,,,,,,,,,,you gals are doing great and look absolutely beautiful. To all the new ladies that I dont know,,,,,,,,,,,,,,you will pull thru this tunnel just fine. I think the most important thing I learned along the way was,,,,,,,,,,,,,tell your Dr. everything,,,,,,,,most likely there will be something to help you with side effects. Be kind to yourself, take help when offered and rest when you need it. Hang in there ladies,,,,,,,,,,,,trust me,,,,,,,,it will be a distant memory.
I have been doing well. The only thing that is a lingering effect from chemo and all is the heartburn. I had been having lots of bloating, upper tummy pains and indigestion. I had all the ultra sounds done and only thing it showed was a hiatal hernia. It had been bothering me for over a year,,,,,,,,my gastro dr put me an probiotic,,,,,,but still had the bloating and pains. About a month ago I went to the reg GP as I was having what I describe as a hair ball, lol, in my throat. Come to find out,,,,,,,,its from the hiatal hernia which causes a back up of stomach juices in the esophagus. He put me on Reglan and omg,,,,,,,,,what a wonder pill. No more bloating, tummy aches or hair ball. Problem is one can only take it for 12 weeks. My GP thinks I would benefit from the hiatal hernia surgery. Gotta call the gastro dude after the new year. Otherwise I am feeling great.
Now the hair issue...........omg lets not even go there. I got my hair back, but very very thin, Way thinner than it used to be. I have tried everything,,,,,,,,,biotin, nioxin, accupuncture and even rogaine. Yes, I actually resorted to rogaine. lol Have had tests done and thyroid is fine. When I went to my GP,,,,,,,,I said "omg you have been a miracle worker for the hair ball, lol,,,,,,,you got anything up your sleeve for hair growth?" lol He gave me a prescription for spironolactone. I dont have hair on my face,,,,,,,but for some reason it is supposed to make the facial hair on women go away and promote hair on the head. I just started it,,,,,,,so hope I get some success. I wouldnt mind waking up lookin like a Chia pet actually. You know,,,,,,,,,,before I started chemo,,,,losing my hair was such a huuuuuuuuuuge issue for me, I am wondering if its a pay back from God. Everyone says it looks fine,,,,,,,,but when I am out in the sun or under a light,,,,,,,,,,,you can see my scalp. Just bugs me. Not that I am vain,,,,,,,,,but its my hair. Sure,,,,,,,,,I have my life back,,,,,,,,but I want more hair. lol My onc says she has seen this happen to just a few people in all her times. Why me?? lol I see so many ladies that lost their hair,,,,,,and it came back thicker or the same,,,,,,,,,it sucks. I mean good for them,,,,,,,,bad for me. lol
Those two are my only complaints. Guess with something good like kicking cancers butt,,,,,,,,,may have a couple of not so good things to live with huh? Small price to pay for life, I guess.
Other than that. Just been busy with some remodeling, the holidays, and babysitting my grandson. What a special joy he is. He is my buddy. He is turning 3 on Monday. He was born one day before my diagnosis. My daughter is going to have another baby boy in May. We need a lil girl in the family now. Guess I will have to work on my son for that,,,,,,,,as my daughter isnt going to have anymore. My son has a girlfriend,,,,,,,,but doubt if he is ready for marriage. lol He works part time and goes to school. He's just trying to get his own life figured out,,,,,,,,,,,no marriage commitment for him. lol
Well,,,,,,,,,,guess I talked your ear off. Thank you all so much for your concern. I am so glad that everyone is doing well. What a great feeling for those of you done,,,,,,,,and for those of you going thru or just starting you will be fine. You have lots of great supporters here. I found this site so helpful during my journey and have made several nice friends from it. Some I still keep in contact with.
Wishing you alllllllllllllllllll,,,,,,,,,,,,a happy and healthy New Year. I will try to make an honest effort and come back from time to time.
Your friend,
Cindy
0 -
Cindy...Thanks so much for the update! Sounds like you are doing very good and that is very encouraging for all of us! I cannot wait for this to be a distant memory as you said!
0 -
Alaina - you are one amazing woman! You have such a wonderful outlook despite some setbacks - you're such an inspiration!
regalbee - I just had my surgery three weeks ago. I was really worked up and anxious about my lumpectomy and I had no reason to be. It was way easier than I expected. My surgeon explained the whole procedure from the time I would arrive until the time I would leave. I made sure to find out how many lymph nodes she expected to take, how large of an area around the tumor she would be taking, how long results from the lab would take, how long I would have to take it easy, asked if she thought she could get clear margins and if not what would she recommend, asked what she thought I might look like afterward as far as scarring/shape of breast.
The hardest part was having the dye injected that lights up the lymph nodes and having the wires put in, but it was fine - nothing like some of the stories I've heard. They can give you something for anxiety if you're really nervous. I was mainly sleepy for the first 24 hours - it felt so nice though to be able to drift off so easily (I have little ones so I don't get to drift off very often!). I had zero pain afterward, some nausea (nothing like chemo nausea!) from anesthesia, and was on light activity for a week, but I felt pretty normal after about 4-5 days. I had to go back in for a re-resection and I had some pain after that but nothing terrible.
That was my experience, hope it helps some. I had never had any surgery either so I was pretty nervous but - and this sounds really weird - I actually enjoyed it! I wouldn't volunteer for it again or anything, but as surgeries go, it was a good experience.
Good luck and congrats on your last chemo!
0 -
I thought I should update my picture. My hair has been growing since chemo ended in May. It is a different color and quite curly--but I love having hair. Happy New Year to all.
0 -
Helen Your picture looks awesome
Did you PS issues resolve themself ??Alaina~ I am sorry to hear about your setback but your positive attitude is one that admire grately.
Cindy~ Thank you for checking in. Snuggle those grandbabies tight.
2010 I am getting healthy. I have a couple surgeries scheduled but I am going to get everything together and I am going to be healthy and happy.
0 -
Hi all
I'll be starting TCH on Jan 7th. (TCH every 3 weeks with H in the off weeks x 6 cycles, Then H for rest of year) I have posted in other threads (Jan 2010 chemo, NY,NY, exchange city) but this is my first post here. I'm scheduled for chemo on Thurs with Neulasta shot Friday. From what I've been reading, I'm guessing crash on the weekend
My main questions right now are for those of you who work, were you able to work on a regular basis? On days when you get only H, can you work before or after?
On chemo day, do you wear anything specific? Should I eat beforehand or do they have to do any fasting bloodwork before you start? What should I bring with me?
Thanks and Happy New Year!
Cheryl
p.s. I forgot who mentioned it but someone said they found a crochet pattern on the net for a hat she made - does anyone know that link?
0 -
Hi Cheryl...welcome to this thread..you have come to the right place. First off, everyone's side effects are different, but I can tell you my experience with it. Unless for some reason your onc wants you to, you do not need to fast before bloodwork for your treatment. I always ate before because of the steroids (Decadron) and anti-nausea (Emend) meds I was on. I ate while I was getting my treatment too. They provide snacks and/or you can bring your lunch or if someone goes with you, they can get you something to eat from a fast food restaurant or the cafeteria. Remember to drink A LOT of water before, during and especially the days after treatment. When you think you have enough, drink more!! It helps to keep your vitals up and with the side effects. Dress comfortably, like yoga or sweat pants, because you will be sitting in the recliner for a few hours getting all 3 drugs. I was there all day by the time I waited the hour after bloodwork, then talk to the onc, and then accessing my port and pre-meds and all 3 infusions that took an additional 4 1/2 hours. It may not take that long in your case. I would start feeling crummy the 3rd day after each treatment and wouldn't start feeling better for another week. I am a hairstylist and would take off of work the first week after each treatment, and then work half days the following 2 weeks until next treatment. I was never nauseated because of the Emend I was on. Ask for that if you don't already have a prescription for it, it helps a lot with nausea. Another thing, I had to have the Neulasta shot too because of my WBC count being very low. It causes bone pain because the shot promotes your bone marrow to make more white blood cells. Claritin can help with the bone pain. I am not sure how it works, but it does. I would take it for about 4 days after the shot. I am on H only now and have no side effects with it at all, so I am able to work just as normal. As far as bringing things with you, bring a book or magazine, your laptop, whatever you want. They should have tv's there to watch too. Most of the time I slept because of the extra benadryl in my pre-meds (I was allergic to the taxotere, so they had to double dose me with benadryl) Ok, I hope I have answered all of your questions, if you can think of anymore feel free to ask. I am not sure about the crotcheted hat link, maybe someone else knows the answer to that. Good Luck....and by the way, you will be starting your treatment on my birthday!
0 -
So glad you checked in, Cindy! Glad to hear that there's life after TCH!
Becky
0 -
Hi and Happy New Year to all you wonderful TCH women -
I'm two weeks away from the two-year "anniversary" of my diagnosis, and I wanted to stop by and say hi to all of you. This thread was my bc.org "hangout" and sanity-saver when I was doing TCH April-July of 2008, then Herceptin until April of 2009. Most of my sisters from that time have left here to live their healthy lives, and I want to let you all know that you will too!
I'm doing great - had a clean PET scan this summer and am now on the three-month plan with my onc. I am considering joining the Nerantinib trial - have done some of the preliminary screening stuff and need to go down and finish up next week (blood work and chest x-ray.) But I feel wonderful. I've kept my hair short (the picture is from April - when I finished Herceptin) and have no physical side effects.
I read Christy's post above, and she and I have a lot in common - pretty much the same reaction to chemo and H. I worked too (high school teacher) although it was nice to finish up during summer vacation. I used to go down and get my H infusions after school and be home by 6 - and I had no side effects except the constantly dripping nose! I don't miss that at all.
Good luck to all of you - this is such a wonderful resource and I know that the women here today are as supportive and funny and great as they were when I hung out here. You can do this!
Happy New Year and love to you all,
Sue
0 -
Jaimieh, my mastectomy breast is firmer than I would like and the PS would like, but we will not do any corrective surgery. I am scheduled for port removal and nipple construction on Jan 25th--5 days after my last Herceptin. I hope that all of your issues have been resolved.
0 -
Happy New Year Everyone! It was sop nice to hear from some of the oldtimers. And as always, a big thank you to Cindy for starting this sanity saving thread.
Got a new avatar with a little more hair!! Whoo Yoo!
0 -
Hi all you TCH people. and happy new year. I'm apparently headed for that same regimen in a few weeks and am working hard on researching my diagnosis, options and prognosis. We've never had any internal cancer in my vast family, and I never for a minute worried about breast cancer, so I'm still kind of in shock, even after two biopsies, many tests and a fairly major lumpectomy and reconstruction.
Anyway, could you experienced gals let me know a few basics?
-- Any questions/concerns I should be prepared to discuss with my oncologist?
-- Is the standard one day of infusions/treatment with C&T every three weeks? And Herceptin once a week?
-- It's very important to me to be able to go on a 9-day East Coast college tour with my daughter in April. I want to count back and figure out how to do it so I will have at least reasonable energy and ability to travel. (I am normally very energetic and active and athletic.) Any advice for when in a cycle? The very end of the three weeks?
Thanks to all. This forum is amazing. I've been joking that I'm working on getting my AA degree in Her2-positive BC in just one week, and this forum has been an incredible resource.
0 -
And one more question: Is weight loss typical? (That would be just fine with me.... I've already lost a few with the stress of the last two months.)
0 -
Hi Ladies going for a hair shapping again I do it every 5 weeks and he barley takes any off but after this one I will be posting a new pic of me and not my dog after almost a year and half I think I am going to get some hair back its thin and ver straight but i WILL work with it as cancer has made me work with so many things we can do it in 2010
Healthy New year
Maura and dog name is bella bean
0 -
Hi, Writer! Sorry you found yourself here, but glad to be of help.
I've found that most of the gals here to TCH all in one session. It is more convenient not having to go back at a different time for the H. If you can arrange for all three chems in one session, plan your trip for the third week of the cycle. I started TCH in mid April and had a trip to California planned for mid-June so my onco counted back from the week of the trip in order to co-ordinate the schedule. My side effects lasted about 10-12 days from the day of treatment so overall I was feeling pretty good for the trip, BUT I did include plans for a wheelchair anywhere extensive walking might be called for especially the airport (clearing security was a breeze and I found out that airlines will delay bording when they know they have a passenger using wheelchair services between flights). When I got home and had a TCH treatment 2 days after my return and I was so exhausted that I slept for 36 hours and failed to keep myself hydrated and ended up in the hospital for a night to get re-hydrated. DRINK WATER!
Most oncologists use a nurse/PA to help answer questions and get you quick prescriptions for meds for SE's. Get to be her friend. I was dx'd last March and through chemo, surgery and radiation I've only seen my oncologist 3 times, but her PA was always available through email or cell phone. Stock up on SE meds for diarreah, constipation, acid reflux, nausea, etc. and start taking them the day before infusion (diarreah as needed though) and continue for at least a week, longer if necessary. Just try to stay ahead of them. And DRINK WATER!
Some women gain weight. I lost about 40 pounds (okay so probably 10 of that was post bilateral mastectomy). You're probably going to find that all foods taste terrible while doing the T&C (H doesn't seem to have this problem). What might sound good right now will make you gag by the time you get it on a plate and to your mouth. I tried drinking fruit juices, but they tasted too sweet and even now I don't think I'll ever be able to drink them without a chemical after taste. And even though it may taste like mud, DRINK WATER. (Try adding a little lemon juice to cut the metallic/muddy taste). For some reason I had no problem with vinegary foods (german potato salad, italian dressing, potato chips with vinegar etc.) I was pouring italian dressing on meatloaf and mashed potatoes to make the palatable.
I hope your journey through all this will be an easy one. Enjoy your "third weeks" and remember to rejoice when you climb out of the "chemo hole" for the last time!
Here's a new avatar with a little hair... LOL
0 -
writer: I have herceptin every 3 weeks with the carboplatin and taxotere. The herceptin will continue to be every 3 weeks for a year. I guess it depends on your oncologist.
As for going away - I have just had a 4 week break owing to a prior booking for a holiday unit after Xmas. My onc said I could just go away - no problem. If you were node negative as your profile suggests, then there is no urgency for treatments as far as I can see. We offered to return for the treatment but he said not to bother. Don't expect to feel energetic.
I only start feeling well 10 days after each treatment, so plan your trip to be just before your next treatment.
I lost a lot of weight from the shock of everything too but others I've spoken to say that weight gain is common due to the steroids you are given. I'm eating anything I fancy as food tastes like crap after treatments. Chocolate milk is really yummy. I have put on some weight since the start of chemo and I've only had 2.
0 -
Thanks, Swampy and Suepen. Very helpful input. I'm okay with being tired on the trip-- my daughter is going to do some of the college visiting on her own anyway (like sitting in on classes and interviewing with admissions people), so I can easily build in daily nap time! It would just break my heart to have to cancel. We've been planning this trip for a year-- she's my baby and has been dreaming of going back east to college since she was in grade school.
And I will be drowning myself in WATER every day! Promise!
0 -
writer: I had to respond to you to let you know that I gained 22lbs on this treatment as was very upset that I never knew this could be a side effect. I thought I would be losing weight on chemo (needed to lose some) and when I gained it, it was hard to accept this when I was never told of possible weight gain. I was hungry all the time except for the week following treatment. I have been told since then that weight gain is typical on the TCH and of the steroids don't help. I ended chemo in mid October and have since lost 7lbs. but still a lot more to get off. I also had Herceptin at 3 week intervals with chemo and now am just on Herceptin treatment still given every 3 weeks. Try to schedule your college visit for your third week after treatment since that is when you should feel your best. Can understand totally you not wanting to have to cancel you going on this trip. They grow up so quick and I always found the college visits lots of fun and a special time with your child. You will get through this and soon be looking back on this time.0
-
Writer..Welcome! You can read my post I wrote to Cheryl if you would like about what to expect. I maintained my weight exactly the same all throughout chemo. I think it is different for everyone. Also, the chemo is accumulative, so as time goes by, the more tired it will make you. Being tired was my #1 side effect. I received my TCH every 3 weeks and continue on with the H only every 3 weeks as well. I had a list of questions for my onc every time I went in. Don't be afraid to ask him/her anything, that is what he is getting paid for. Good luck!
0 -
Wow, that's a lot of weight to gain-- I've lost 20 pounds in the last year and a half (I hit my life peak at my 50th birthday and have worked since then to get back to my "normal" overweight). It would be so sad to regain it all! I guess I'll spend the next three weeks before chemo starts staying really active (I'm now recovered from surgery and can move) and eating less, so I can go into in in good shape.
Thanks for all the tips.
0 -
Ladies i also gained weight and I have always been one that my friends hatted in my 50 and had 3 kids and had a waist still and no belly and i could eat everything but chemo changed my hole world with weight gain and its funny but I never eat allot at all I wasn't hungry allot of the time but its been a struggle with fluid retention and I am still dealing with it going to start back with my weights this week and a new dvd to walk to while its 2degrees out here ha its part of breast cancer treatment most chemo you loose but with our cancer you gain which it figures we get the short end of a stick most of the time ha..
Maura
0 -
Writer, TC every three weeks is usual. Herceptin is either every three weeks along with the TC or once a week - the former is more common but once a week isn't unusual.
I went on 3 business trips during chemo. All fell during the third week of the cycle when symptoms are lowest. I had a bit of a rough time during chemo due to needing Neupogen but having side effects from it. On the first few cycles, I could have gone away for 9 days but on cycle 5 I don't think I could have done a 9 day trip. During the 6th cycle, I was really wiped out and couldn't have traveled in the third week. I don't think you have said when you are starting.
I normally travel once a month on business and it just happened that three of the four meetings that fell during my chemo were spaced at multiples of 3 weeks so my onc agreed to start my chemo so that the meetings fell in the third week of cycles. Of course that doesn't always work - once my blood test numbers didn't look good so she wanted to delay a chemo but we retested and they had come up enough that I was able to get chemo on schedule.
I didn't use a wheel chair in the airports. I wasn't having any trouble with reasonable walking except the thin air when changing planes in Denver was much more noticeable then usual. On a trip five weeks after my last chemo, I was still having a lot of muscle weakness in my legs and had to board a small plane that didn't use a jetway. For that I asked for help to carry my carry-on suitcase down the stairs from the terminal. Don't hesitate to ask for help at the airport if you need it. By the end of the week I had recovered a lot but still asked for help so I didn't have to carry my bag up the stairs to the terminal.
Visiting the colleges can be quite helpful. I went on an East Coast college tour with one of my sons. Some colleges have a program where the prospective student can stay overnight in a dorm room with students - that helps even more. I'm not sure if that is something they only do for accepted students. I know how difficult it is to figure out a time when you can fit the trip in without missing too much high school. It is very important to visit when school is in session. I think we did our trip during the high school spring break which worked out because his High School spring break was at a different time than the colleges' spring breaks.
We visited one college per day which is quite a schedule.
0 -
Thanks, all. Our college trip would theoretically fall in the third week of the third cycle, so it should be doable. My daughter is a junior, and she can't miss any school, so we have to go during her spring break, which is the first week of April; all the colleges are in session then and have tours. She will be visiting classes and interviewing but not doing overnights-- that is only for seniors. But she'll have time on her own on a few campuses, and I can rest. She is a dream of a teenager, very sweet and helpful, and she'll make sure I don't overdo it (I am not normally good at resting!).
0 -
I forgot to say - I lost weight (about 10 pounds) during chemo.
0 -
One more question: Did you gals have to have ports for your chemo/Herceptin? Or just regular IVs? What should I expect?
0
