Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
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Hi all
I am day 7 from my last TCH and will be moving on to Herceptin only in 2 weeks. I have an appointment with my onc tomorrow and I know she wants to talk about tamox. I have been feeling especially depressed this week because of the menopausal like symptoms and I feel that tamox will just extend this feeling out for the next 5 years/forever. I am afraid of taking tamox but afraid not to. Not even sure what to ask my onc tomorrow. It seems like everyone under 40 goes from TCH to H to Tamox. I feel sad that my body seems to be aging. Sad for the boyfriend, too. This week seems so hard for me. Shouldn't I just be happy that chemo is over? Also, I thought tamox would be after the herceptin
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michon
That is what I am wondering too. Some of the SE I am haiving how many are from the Herceptin. I guess I wont know till I'm done with the chemo.
My oncologist said Herceptin is a breeze. I have heard that from some people but other's have said otherwise.
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GK1 It's hard to be excited when you finish chemo because… the side effects are not over. I'm 1.5 weeks out and it's 11:40pm. I'm online because some of my aches and pains are keeping me up. I am still assuming my aches and pains are from chem and Herceptin will be easier. I am also going to assume I'll be one of the ones on Als that get few SE. I just refused to think the suck will continue.
So hopefully I can feel sleepy by 12,fall asleep get some of those lovely night sweats I get between 1-5am
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(((Hugs))) to all - We'll get through all this, just have to hang in there and keep going!
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((((Omaz))))) hugs back at ya and to everyone else too!
Lago...I slept quite good last night except for the 3 times I woke up sweating and had to throw the duvet off of me. I hope you finally got to sleep
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Finally feel asleep around 1, woke up at 7 but I did crash earlier on the couch for at least an hour. Totalsleep = 7 hours is not bad. Yes I did wake up to my morning slight sweat. I don't get drenched or anything but I do get that warm wave traveling from my head down for 30-60 seconds. So bizarre. Better than all sweaty or mood swings I guess. I'm lucky they only seem to happen when I sleep. Never when I'm awake.
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lago keep thinking ....no TCH awaits you. As you conquer each SE, that bad boy is gone. Truly I do not think my appetite will ever be the same. That could be a blessing in disguise since I have been able to stay away from snacks, sweets, etc. My food of choice during chemo was chic fil a ice cream. Never again. I did not have any unpleasantess from my first solo herceptin this week. Just the smell and taste for a bit. Did I read you right? The oncologist said I will not do tamoxifen but one of the aromatase inhibitors (you too?) He's not starting those until I am done with radiation to give me a chance to recover. I have a feeling when I see him in April we'll talk about this. I broke down and took a left over lorazepan last night and entered the world of undisturbed slumber. It's quite a nice feeling.0
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Yes I will be starting the generic Arimidex 1 week after my 1st herceptin infusion (1+week). I am not expecting any SE from the herceptin except for the nose bleeds that start 1 week after infusion. So far I have been able to control them this time. Only had 2-3 of them.
I do feel much better this morning although eyes are twitching like crazy. Hope the good feeling lasts for this evening. I'm going to see Pilobolus at the Harris Theater tomorrow night.
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Thanks for the replies on the restlessness - she did talk to the onc PA who suggested she stop the compazine - this was 7 days after chemo and 6 days after last steriod. Does the steroid effect last that long?
Also - how does one know if it is the anti anxiety meds? I know that amphetamines have the opposite effect on ADHD than others but didn't know about other durgs doing this.
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Lago - I like the way you described the warm wave traveling down from your head or 30-60 seconds. It sure does feel like that. It's been bearable because it's the winter. It will be interesting in the summer.
Hugs to everyone with the restless legs. I have them, too. It makes me crazy. Hope it fades away with the rest of the last treatment SEs.
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GK1 I'm getting a personal battery operated fan for the summer. Some even come with little water bottles to cool you off.
http://www.blueconch.com/product.php?productid=18184&cat=322&page=2
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Nice, thanks Lago!0
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Need your opinion everyone. I'm taking a poll: I finally saw the oncologist today and will be having TCH x6 and herceptin x 1 year as soon as I have the MUGA scan. The question is this...she's leaving it up to me as to whether to have a port placed. I have always leaned toward having a port but my DH said, "are you sure you need it if she left the option open to not have it?" (of course, he's not the one who will be putting his veins through this...) Help! I value the opinions here and you've all been through it already so what do you think? Port or no port?
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I had the port and it made things so much easier. Remember you are getting 17 treatments - 6 TCH and then 11 more Herceptin only. The TCH can take 5 hours or so. I was VERY terrified of the port in the beginning (even more than of the cancer!) and I never "liked" having it. But it made a big difference in the ease of treatments. I just put some numbing cream on it an hour before, and they just stuck the thing into it and started treatment. I have small veins, and didn't even like getting the blood work each time (which they don't use the port for). So using my veins would not work for me. Also, they told me that since I had the lymph nodes removed on the bc side, I could not use that arm. So I wuold be down to one arm to be used every time. Is that the same case with you? Something to consider as well.
That being said, I was in a group with a woman who had the exact same treatment as us. And she had no port. She had two prominent veins on the back of one hand, and she said they just alternated between those two veins every other treatment and it was no problem. So maybe the quality/prominence of your veins is something to consider too. Maybe even ask the chemo nurses? You should be getting a tour of the chemo room before starting anyway.
I have been in the treatment room before when they were trying to get someone's vein and it seemed very traumatic to me. I was VERY GLAD I had my port at that time. So I am more biased in favor of getting one. But others will chime in and you will get more opinions.
Whatever you decide, good luck and stick close to us - we will help get you through this. And you WILL make it!
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dragonfly I'm on the fence. My oncologist does not have them placed for patients with my treatment (same as yours) routinely. The BS was surprised and kept offering me one. I hate to get stuck, but my veins are/used to be pretty good. The first three chemos were pretty uneventful. It began to get a little more interesting after that. I had a certain nurse I would ask for that took her time and was very patient. I made sure to drink lots of water two days before and the day of. They also warmed my hand with a heat pack. They did all of this in my arm that would be receiving surgery later, starting at the hand and working up. The last three times I had a circular area appear about a week after chemo that turned into what looked like a burn. The dr in the infusion room looked at it and said it could have been from the Carbo. It wasn't leakage as it was perfectly round. It went away without complications and is fading. Now that surgery is done, had my first solo herceptin in my right arm. So I did make it through chemo without a port. I know that ladies with ports will want to weigh in on this. libray lil0
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I love my port. Granted I had nodes taken on both sides so I wouldn't want to be infused in my arms. Not sure if they can do it in the legs but I did have my IV in my foot for port surgery. The surgery for me was easy. You get a local. Woke up as they were wheeling me back to recovery. Got up right away and changed into my clothes by myself. Had my 1st chemo/herceptin the next day. This all happened 5 weeks after BMX.
Anyway with that many infusions you should really consider the port. You don't want to ruin you veins and chemo can do that. You are talking about 17 infusions total!
BTW I have the same 6 THC (done) followed by 11 herceptins every 3 weeks.
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Am I understanding the process correctly? The oncologist said I would get TCH x 6 including the herceptin but would also get herceptin infusions on the off weeks. She said I would be coming in every week for an infusion every week for the 18 weeks (TCH 1 week, herceptin 2 weeks) etc. for the 18 weeks and then herceptin every 3 weeks for the rest of the year. That adds up to a LOT of infusions over the year which is why I'm concerned about accessing my veins without a port. I do have very good veins but I'm worried I won't after this!
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I vote port Dragon.
You're adding up all your scheduled stuff....but it's the unscheduled that's the kicker. If something happens and you get sick even once while on chemo, and end up in the hospital....the port makes it much easier to administer meds, anti-biotics, the constant blood draws, etc....
I can't imagine going through the endless needles without a port.
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Dragonfly I love my port. My sister had chemo 12 years ago 4 treatments no port and her veins are still like dried up brown messes. And since they can only use that side for veins she had a close call when the birth of her daughter turned into am emergency c section. They had to use veins on her foot.
I don't think the scar will be much and the port has been a non event for me. I do know tifj had hers get infected so in that case a nightmare
but overall I think people will say they are glad to have it. Especially since we go on with the herceptin. 0 -
HI Dragonfly - just 19 days into TCH with H for the full year. Three weeks apart. I have been told that I have really nice juicy veins. I asked my plastic surgeon for his opinion, b/c I really like and trust him and he said empathically "you are getting a port" and he never had spoken so directly about anything. Anyway, I got it. I like it. I had problems with my first chemo and ended up back in for a two hour infusion of new anti-nausea and fluids. Thankfully, all the blood work (which is on a different day!) is accessed through the port. I did have a MUGA scan and they do not use the port for this and the nurse accessed my nice and juicy vein (her words) and it was incredibly painful for that day and about three days following. I simply dread the needle pokes that have happened for my MUGA and CT - they have hurt!!!
Your choice...I do not like the bump on my chest, but the chemo days, blood draws, and fluids (now I am scheduled for post chemo fluids) are a piece of cake and no pain afterwards!
Good luck!
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You are all the best!!! I was already leaning towards getting a port and I will definitely get one now. My BS gave me a referral to a vascular surgeon to place it and he actually fit me in for the consultation later today so that we can move the process along since my MO wants me to begin chemo within 6 weeks of surgery (I have 3 weeks left to meet that timeline). I have my MUGA scheduled for Mon. Thanks again everyone. I don't know what I would do without this forum. It's what has gotten me through so much already and will get me through a lot more in the future! 0
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dragonfly as to your question about herceptin, I only get it every 3 weeks with chemo and will stay on the every 3 weeks after chemo. I think some do have it weekly, I assume in a smaller dose than if you were getting it every 3 so maybe that is the idea, if they think it would cause issues in a larger dose? I would try and talk them into a larger dose spread out I can't imagine something weekly for a year! My infusion of herceptin is only 1/2 hour, so not sure time for a weekly dose, but just driving and going to the appointment would be a pain!
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Dragonfly...
I know you already made your decision but I wanted to chime in too. My port creeps me out, I cant stand accidentally touching it and I can't wait for it to be gone.
With all that negative stuff I have said I will tell you. I would not want to do this without my port! I had my first TCH treatment without it and it was very uncomfortable for me. My veins didn't like it at all and it hurt!
For the second one I had my port in place and because of the numbing cream I put on it beforehand I didn't feel so much as a little bee sting when they put the needle in. I have a love/hate relationship with my port. I am in a TCH treatment as I am typing this and right now I love my port
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dragonfly (and everyone else): my wife had a port placed in her chest and she is very happy with the decision. She barely notices it is there, and her infusions are much easier than if the nurse had to find a vein each time. Her ONC didn't really give her a choice given the year of treatments. The port surgery took about 45 minutes with very little discomfort afterwards.0
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Dragonfly, get the port! I did and i'm so happy id did. Good luck.
Lizzie
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South Florida's temps went down to 40 last night, which sends most people into a mild panic here (cranking up the heat, digging out parkas, piling on blankets.....) . Me? I slept on top of the covers butt naked because my body likes to rise to sauna-like temps between the hours of 1 and 4 am.
Has anyone tried the chillow?
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I bought the chillow (deluxe model) back when I was having a lot of hot flashes (at the beginning of Tamoxifen). They've subsided almost totally by now.
It isn't comfortable - is vinyl and has a funny texture and smell. I put it in a soft pillowcase which helped to a degree. It wasn't a miracle solution the way they say on the website, but I did get some relief with it. Found myself sleeping through the night more. I ended up putting it under my pillow and only taking it out and using it when I I woke up with a hot flash. It just wasn't comfortable for all-night sleeping to me.
Eventually I put it away. My hot flashes mostly went away.
If they are bothering you a lot, it is worth trying. Just don't expect an amazing miracle. OH - also, I bought some moisture wicking nightgowns. They helped too. Just google menopause and nightgowns and you will find a variety to choose from.
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Hi Everyone,
Im Tiffany and new to this site. Im really looking to connect with other women who are going through what I am going through...looks like I picked the right group! yay! To tell you a little about myself, I had a bilateral mastectomy w/reconstruction on 12/16/10 ...in the midst of my reconstruction I was told I needed chemo. Felt like I got kicked in the gut and have not been able to "see above ground" since I have been told. I had my first round on Jan 18th and have had no side effects thus far...Im 10 days out. Im extremely anxious. Crying on a daily basis. Unable to sleep, even with Ativan. I dont know how to find my inner strength. I dont know where it is. I feel like Im trapped in someone else's body. Can someone please tell me Im not going crazy? Sometimes I feel so alone because no one around me knows that Im going through. scared
~ Tiff
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bpostive, I can't post too much because I'm on my way out but hang in there. If you made it through the first 10 days then you made it through the tough part of TX1. I just finished 6tx and doing OK. You will be OK… but get ready for the hair thing. It sucks.
Also check out the Illinois forum. http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/6/topic/504025
I have met several and they are an awesome bunch. I'm going out tonight be we will chat later. BTW are you being treated in Chicago? Yes I am in Chicago.0 -
Dear Tiff - I am so sorry you are going through this. A couple of things to consider - First, is there any psychological support at the cancer center you go to? I saw the cancer psychologist during chemo and it was EXTREMELY helpful. Not just to have someone to talk to but because I got specific coping tools to help me get through the hard parts. Please ask about this - it may make a real difference for you.
Second- do you have an IPOD? If not, consider getting one. You can buy a relaxation/visualization CD and load it onto your IPOD. I used mine 2x/day (morning and night) all through surgery/chemo/rads and it REALLY helped. Even after that, when I had trouble sleeping (chemo definitely disturbs your sleep patterns), I would put it on and use it to help me fall asleep again. Since then, I've bought an IPAD - and I wish I had it back during those sleep-challenged days - i wuold have used it to play games in the middle of the night to help me relax and go back to sleep.
Also, I downloaded podcasts onto the IPOD - just cooking shows or other talking shows of interest. They would often help me fall back to sleep. Music doesn't work as well, because your mind can wander and you don't want to lie in bed thinking about upsetting things. The podcasts helped distract me and I would often fall asleep in the middle of one.
You are definitely NOT going crazy. You have been through a major trauma in a very short period of time and you are reacting to it. What would be crazy is to have NO reaction, don't you think? You have to find ways to cope and manage this.
Consider the suggestions I made above, and feel free to PM me if you want to discuss this further. Like you, I had a very terrible time in the beginning - couldn't eat/sleep/function, was a total MESS. So my heart always goes out to the women who are affected that way, because I totally get how awful it is. So whatever I can do to help, let me know.
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