Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
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My treatments are TCH every three weeks, 6 total, with neulasta shot the day after chemo. The Herceptin continues out to a year.
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HI Mommichelle, I just got my chemo plan confirmed today and I'll be starting this treatment in a few weeks...I will be doing TCH, then H, then H again, then TCH again, and so on and then I will also continue the H once the TC stops...right now I'm sort of on info overload mode tonight, so much to learn!
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I am curious about the different schedules for this combination. I will be getting TC every 3 weeks for 6 times with H every week for six weeks then the H becomes part of the chemo every 3 weeks and will continue to be every 3 weeks for the rest of the year. Neulesta shots 2 days after chemo.
Does anyone give themselves the neulesta shot? the nurse at the onc's office was going to find out if my insurance will allow me to do it myself, saving me the 30 -45 minute drive to the onc's office.
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Basia,I could not do my own Neulasta because it is so expensive plus they may want to see how you did after the chemo. I did the TC every 3 week and the H every week until I finished the TC and then I went on H every 3rd week. I got to having side effects of H the last few and so they dripped it slower. You can give yourself Neupogen but it may not be enough for you. I did that the first time but had to go to the Neulasta.
Flynonanglwngs,sounds like what I did for tx. It is hard to digest as far as the info. You will get it down though and if your nurses were as good as mine they will help you.
I keep everyone in my mind here and wonder how you are doing. I wish you the very best.
Carolyn
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Question about drip speed - on my second TCH they dripped the C and H pretty fast. I got a sore throat practically right away that I didn't get with the first infusion when they dripped all three slow.
What is the deal with drip speed and how does it affect the side effects?? If it takes longer but with fewer side effects that sounds good to me!!
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Hi, Basia, I'm glad you found this thread. I was supposed to do H weekly for the first three weeks, but they ended up doing a loading dose, so I only had it with chemo. I don't know why they do it different ways. Maybe to lessen heart effects. I am taking a break from H because my heart is showing effects. As for the neulasta shot, I took mine at my local hospital, thus saving me the one-hour trip. If I did it myself, it would have fallen under the prescription part of my insurance, which doesn't cover brand names. Maybe you could get the shot someplace closer to you.
Omaz, I don't understand it either, but I have heard the slower drip is somehow easier on us.
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My first TCH was 9/3/10. They told me the H would be over 90 minutes, inclusive of Benadryl in order to be "supercareful" of no adverse allergic or other reaction. My 2nd TX was 9/24, and the nurse said the ONCs were very hesitant at the beginning of H's use to speed up the drip to 30 minutes, but eventually that became their standard of care if there were no indications of reactions from the first "loading up". So I got the H in 30 minutes. Didn't seem to impact me at the time, but my SEs are more significant than the 1st TX.
The taxotere leaked all over my jacket sleeve from the IV on 9/24. Didn't notice it because it was a red sweat suit type jacket and couldn't see the darkening. Then my arm got cold and I covered it with the blanket, then I quickly noticed the blanket was getting dripped on. I'm calling it my Toxic Spill episode. Apparently no harm done, they didn't think more than 10cc's had leaked out. Washed my jacket twice in the washer by itself. Hmmm. Perhaps shouldn't have let that down the sink now that I'm typing this. Sigh.
SE's are worse this trip. Any suggestions about the awful taste in my mouth? 1st TX only lasted a couple days, I'm on day 6 now and I can't make it go away. Anyone got effective gum or lozenges? I'll check the chemo list posts.
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My second TCH I got what I called cardboard tongue which didn't go away (mostly) until day 10.
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I gave myself the Neulesta shot.
Had no problems giving it to myself. I did it in the stomach, about 3 inches to the right of the belly button. It saved me a trip to the dr for a 15 second shot. My insurance had no problem with me administering the shot.
The dry mouth or cotton mouth will eventually go away, mine did last longer with each cycle. I kept using the biotene products, and drinking water or non sugar liquids.
I had 1 1/2 hours for first Herceptin, then 1 hour for each one after. Currently on Herceptin only and each one is 1 hour. Taxtotere was always 1 hour, and Carboplatin was 1/2 hour.
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Thank you for all you info on herceptin. I guess maybe that is the difference...I had a loading dose the first time which took an hour and a half, the second treatment was an hour and yesterday's treatment was half and hour where it will remain.
About the bad taste...1st treatment lasted about 5 days, second lasted about 8. I was so depressed. I enjoy food and I would get so hungry to the point I would feel like I was goint to throw up but the thought if eating anything with that taste in my mouth made me want to throw up too. I usually loose about 5-6 pounds week after treatment. I have tried gum, mints, lemon drops...nothing has worked. Someone recommended a spoon full of Cool Whip (no metal spoons). I have a container ready to try this time around. Even if it can get rid of the taste for an hour or so, so I can enjoy my supper...I'm willing to try it.
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Did you try sucking on ice through the infusions?
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I had that nasty taste for the entire time I took TC but only had a bad taste with H for a couple of days but different taste. I can't tell you from my own experience but some say the greasy foods help them be able to eat the best. Like a McDonalds breakfast or something like that. I tried to not eat that because I had indigestion so bad as it was. I don't have a gallbladder so I guess that is why my stomach bothers me when I eat greasy foods. I drank Boost or Ensure until I could not get it down and stay down any more. When I would get to where I could eat something we would eat Mexican though. I could eat 1/4 of my food and would bring the rest home and eat it over the next 2 days and it was time for chemo again. I never had the metal taste because I was ER-/PR- and the dark red med seems to be the one that causes that. The ladies I was with called it the red devil. I do not know what it was but my friend took it and she was not sick but she took Emend and she gained weight. I have kept my weight off except for 5 pounds. I am battling it now and still trying to eat healthy. hard to do. I am wishing everyone an easy time.
Carolyn
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Mommimichelle,
I am due for my last chemo today but my white count and platelet count are too low, so I am waiting a week. Bummer to have to put off the last one, but nice to be able to feel good for another week.
Anyway, as to the bad taste...I had that also, where everything I put in my mouth tasted like it had been poisoned. I survived on Chick-fil-A's chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwiches and grits. For beverages, everything tasted terrible, even water. Alot of people recommend Gatorade or Powerade, but I found them too sweet....then in desperation I diluted it to about 1/3 Gatorade and the rest water with alot of ice to make it really cold..and that's what worked for me. Hope that helps.
On my blood test this week I noticed it said 1+ Poikilocytosis and 1+ Anisocytosis. The Onc didn't mention it bcs he said he'd see me next week when he believes my counts will be up..super-fast visit. So I'm looking online for these and scaring myself silly bcs i'm finding things about leukemia and advanced cancer. Anyone have these or any info?
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Oh, and my Herceptin has been weekly for 18 weeks while on Taxotere and Carboplatin then will go to every 3 weeks until 1 year has been completed. I read recently something about studies where much less Herceptin is actually needed. Plan to ask my oncologist about it, but for now I'd rather have all that I need to make sure this doesn't come back...I don't want to have to do this again!
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Omaz - 1st time no ice chips and the taste didn't last as long, 2nd time ice chips and taste lasted longer. I didn't know which way to go this time! Ended up doing the ice chips to keep sores away.
CrazyBC - Thanks for your info on Gatorade, I'll give it a try. You are right though, even water tastes horrible. The tatse is so gross too. Almost like some sick sweetness. I can't even discribe it. I am having issues already and I look forward to the taste being gone. Never heard of the results you are talking about. Try not to worry (I know easier said then done). Try to stay off the computer too. We do ourselves more harm than good!
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Hi all,
The original TCH protocol administered Herceptin weekly, the newer protocol is to administer Herceptin in a larger dose every three weeks with TC. Some onc's still prefer to use the original treatment protocol. These are both approved uses and supply the same amount of the drug, it's just more convenient for the patient to only have to come in every three weeks. Onc's make more money by having the patient come in weekly. (Not that that's necessarily why they stick with that protocol.) You can find this information on the Herceptin website. The half-life for Herceptin is approximately 21 days or longer, so if you're on the 3 week schedule the drug is in your system the entire time.
RE: everything tasting awful, try sucking on zinc lozenges. They're available over the counter at drugstores. Of course get your onc's approval first.
Hope everyone is doing well! I finished TCH on June 21st and I finished rads on September 21 (Hey, I just realized it was exactly 3 months apart!) I'm feeling good, just a little tired. I have enough hair to go without any hats, etc. I have a very short pixie style!!
Hang in there!!! Love to all my sisters!!
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Hi all,
The original TCH protocol administered Herceptin weekly, the newer protocol is to administer Herceptin in a larger dose every three weeks with TC. Some onc's still prefer to use the original treatment protocol. These are both approved uses and supply the same amount of the drug, it's just more convenient for the patient to only have to come in every three weeks. Onc's make more money by having the patient come in weekly. (Not that that's necessarily why they stick with that protocol.) You can find this information on the Herceptin website. The half-life for Herceptin is approximately 21 days or longer, so if you're on the 3 week schedule the drug is in your system the entire time.
RE: everything tasting awful, try sucking on zinc lozenges. They're available over the counter at drugstores. Of course get your onc's approval first.
Hope everyone is doing well! I finished TCH on June 21st and I finished rads on September 21 (Hey, I just realized it was exactly 3 months apart!) I'm feeling good, just a little tired. I have enough hair to go without any hats, etc. I have a very short pixie style!!
Hang in there!!! Love to all my sisters!!
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Lady_Madonna - Congrats on finishing radiation now too! Thats wonderful! And, hair without a hat, thats wonderful too!!0
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Question for you who have started chemo already...I start tomorrow. TCH...my onc said it'd be about 5 hours. For those of you who took snacks / packed a lunch, or whatever, what kind of stuff did you take?
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bbryant - I brought some fruit and yogurt or cottage cheese. Some crackers, string cheese and apple. I sucked on ice cubes and cooled by fingers and toes (taxotere can affect the nails) during the taxotere. I have a couple references about that if you are interested you can PM me. Do you have someone with you? My husband helps me out a lot with the ice. For some reason I ended up playing spider solitaire on my netbook and listening to music much of the time. Best wishes to you! I go for my third TCH on Tuesday.0
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Bbbryant:
First time I just ate crackers and granola bars. 2nd time my friend brought me subway plus I ate some snacks. I found I felt much better when I ate more. Definitely hydrate throughout. I drank a bottle of water every hour.
You feel pretty normal during chemo. I had visions of feeling the nasty drugs going in my system, but you can't really tell. It's the 3rd day after that you feel bad...
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Bbbryant:
First time I just ate crackers and granola bars. 2nd time my friend brought me subway plus I ate some snacks. I found I felt much better when I ate more. Definitely hydrate throughout. I drank a bottle of water every hour.
You feel pretty normal during chemo. I had visions of feeling the nasty drugs going in my system, but you can't really tell. It's the 3rd day after that you feel bad...
Good luck to you.0 -
I always loved having slurpees or some kind of icy flavored drinks.
Good luck tomorrow!
Becky
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I brought a small snack and a BIG water bottle. That way I only had to get up to refill it once or twice and had plenty to drink during the infusion. (Drinking water is VERY important.) I brought an IPOD so that I could listen to relaxing music if I wanted to, and a book. Also my blackberry to keep up with work emails. BUT I always fell asleep from the benadryl and ended up snoozing the entire time away - just waking up to drink, pee, or eat my snack and then going back to sleep again. After the first tx, I didn't have anyone stay with me, because I felt it was unfair for them to sit next to someone who was ASLEEP. My mom stayed the whole first time. But after that my husband stayed during the pre-drugs, and until then started the first chemo bag (taxotere) and once it was all going fine, he left, I slept, adn then I texted him when it was almost time for him to come and get me.
The BEST feeling was, once TCH was done, and it was H-only, I declined the benadryl and could drive myself to and from. Independence felt wonderful!
Good luck tomorrow. The first time is a little scary but after that, it is old hat, and then before you know it, you are done. I KNOW it doesn't seem that way now, but once you get into the routine, it really does go fast.
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I took Benadryal also but it puts my mouth in gear and I talked nonstop. My husband would have to tell me to be quite. We would take my laptop and watch movies and my chemo lab has crackers and snacks for the patients and drinks and that wonderful crushed ice. The first ones are longer because they drip it slower to watch how you are doing with it. It does take most of the day no matter what though. I had to have my blood test and then go in to get hooked up and sometimes it took me a while just to get hooked up. It is a busy place and sometimes the guy who mixed the meds would be late. I do not know why they tolerated that. We would have a lot of people in there waiting for the meds. Plan for a full day and hopefully it will not take so long. The first time is scary but soon you will be an old pro. I still have to go once a month for blood test and shot and when I see someone new that seems lost I will help them out with the information the people working there should be doing. I was new once and it seemed like a big scary place but now it is just another doc office. I wish everyone the best.
Carolyn
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Hi All,
How many herceptin treatments did you have? I thought 18 was the protocol, but my onc said that I only had to have 17, not 18. So, just curious what everyone else has had.
Thanks,
V
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I am scheduled for 17.
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I'm scheduled for the full 18 - 10 down, 8 to go!
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I had 17.
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I had 18.
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