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Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin

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Comments

  • dragonfly1
    dragonfly1 Posts: 516
    edited March 2011

    Omaz Ok, I'll call to see what they say. Yes, I can still drink fluids and I can get the Ensure and other mushy foods in but I worry about how much I'm losing because of the diarrhea. During TCH#1 it lasted 4 days and then it just went away and I was fine. The cramping is painful. I was so hoping I wouldn't get it every time.

  • dragonfly1
    dragonfly1 Posts: 516
    edited March 2011
    Tonlee Yes I'm on Neulasta and just got the shot on Thursday of last week but my counts yesterday were not as good as they were at this point in the first cycle. White counts didn't spike as high as the first time and red counts are dropping. They didn't seem concerned yet, however.
  • omaz
    omaz Posts: 4,218
    edited March 2011
    dragonfly - The abdominal stuff is painful, I remember.  (((hugs)))
  • dragonfly1
    dragonfly1 Posts: 516
    edited March 2011
    Omaz Thanks...it's awful and I'm afraid I might have it every time. I also just called the MO's office and they asked me to stop by in the morning to leave a urine sample-they are guessing it's a UTI. It's just one thing after another... 
  • specialk
    specialk Posts: 9,266
    edited March 2011

    dragonfly - OMG me too!  I noticed pink on the toilet paper and wondered where it was specifically coming from (overshare!).  Yesterday I had that familiar UTI feeling, today not as much.  Weird!  I am still in the diahrrea phase but it is not as bad as last time and I am not having any cramping - just that sick feeling in the lower abdomen that makes you worried about leaving the house.

  • TonLee
    TonLee Posts: 1,589
    edited March 2011

    Dragon and Special,

    I had a UTI with my first treatment.  Sucked.  Wasn't on Neulasta so I was in the hospital for FIVE days....omg, thought I would die of boredom.

    I was lectured on the "proper" way to wipe by every medical professional that came to see me.  Finally I said, "LOOK!  It's the first one I've ever had.  I've managed to wipe myself for 40 years with no issues."

    Shesh.  Like I was potty trained yesterday.

  • pejkug3
    pejkug3 Posts: 277
    edited March 2011

    Dragonfly and SpecialK - I had horrible cramping and diarrhea on TCH #1.  My onc said to expect it everytime since that was my primary SE.  I had some pink on the TO at one point, I passed it off as some spotting (I'm pre-menopausal) but you guys have me wondering if I had a UTI!  I had some UTI symptoms, but I drank a ton of water and cranberry juice and never thought another thing of it.

    TCH #2 at 8:30am tomorrow for me.  I have my big girl panties on...

  • nmoss1000
    nmoss1000 Posts: 324
    edited March 2011

    This all sounds terrifying, I start my first round of TCH next Tuesday and I just want to run away. Anyone know when I should start the Clariten for Neulasta next Thursday. A week before? Few days? The only pre meds my onc is prescribing is Dexamethsone day before - during and after. Any advice on what else I should be taking. He is very by the book and does not want to do a Benedryl drip. I am getting Emmend the day of my appt. I am afraid of the Steroid, I don't drink coffee and I am stimulant sensitive. 

  • specialk
    specialk Posts: 9,266
    edited March 2011

    Don't be scared - easier said than done, I know.  You can do this.  It is not a picnic and you will hate it while you're doing it but YOU CAN DO THIS!  Regard it as a necessary evil.  Take the Claritin an hour before the injection and then for a few days afterward (at 24 hour intervals).  I did it for the first tx and had some very mild hip joint pain, Tylenol would handle it.  This time (second tx) I had no problems at all.  What is your onc's reasoning about the Benadryl?  Does he want to see if you have an allergic reaction?  I only get the steroid in the drip, not before or after.  The only other prescription I get is anti-nausea as needed.

  • omaz
    omaz Posts: 4,218
    edited March 2011

    nmoss - I would suggest starting the claritin the day of the shot and continuing for 8-10 days.  I used the gel 24 hr.  You can do it.  I had ativan (relaxant) in my drip, it really helped with the anxiousness on the infusions.  You can ask for it.  Doesn't make you sleepy, just able to cope a bit better.  Suggestion on the dex - take with food. It upset my stomach if I didn't have a lot of food in there first. Best wishes to you.  Are you planning to ice your fingers and toes?

    LOL TonLee about the wiping!! he he he

    Good luck tomorrow Pejkug!

  • nmoss1000
    nmoss1000 Posts: 324
    edited March 2011

    His answer is it's not part of the protocol and he really does not like to deviate. I am thinking of taking it on my own beforehand. Though out my life most of my allergic reactions to anything always end via skin or nausea. I think the most fearful part is being unable to plan anything around being "chemo sick" and the unknowing of what to expect each cycle. And it seems most of us have mild to severe long term side effects long after treatment is over. That is scary. Seems like chemo is the gift that keeps on giving. 

    I have been taking Calcium,L glutamine- Lcarnatine, Vitamin E, Folic Acid, COQ10,Probiotics,Flax Seed along with Acupuncture weekly and eat 30 grams of fiber a day, plus 20-30 min of treadmill at 10 incline plus 1.5 liters of water a day for the past month in preparation. I have been eating organic a for 2 years, no processed foods. What else can I do to ward of the uglies? 

  • nmoss1000
    nmoss1000 Posts: 324
    edited March 2011

    Hi Omaz

    I am doing the icing but I am doing the cold caps also.. Thank goodness I have this forum to share my feelings with otherwise I am certain a nervous breakdown would be in my near future. Thank You. 

  • lago
    lago Posts: 11,653
    edited March 2011
    nmoss my onc had me taking Zyrtec the entire time on chemo. (Zyrtec is similar to Claritin) Also the manufacturers of neulasta recommend Claritin according the nurse at BC&BS of MA that was checking up on me. What's this BS of it not being protocol?
  • nmoss1000
    nmoss1000 Posts: 324
    edited March 2011

    Hi Lago - Funny you should mention, his "head "nurse also told me there was a 5% chance I would get mouth sores.. I have questioned him allot and have even gotten 2nd and 3rd opinions. I even have a relative who is an onc in another state. They all say he is doing everything by the book and he himself self admits his ego is not big enough to deviate for the "protocol". He is one of the best onc's in my state and was highly regarded by my BS & PS. Maybe he is taking await and see approach and I am taking the let's not get there approach? 

  • TonLee
    TonLee Posts: 1,589
    edited March 2011

    Nmoss,

    I don't take Benadryl with my TCH either.  I did with the first one, but after I asked them to omit it.  I think it was worse than the chemo.

    As far as all your supplements.  Make sure you ask your Onc.  My Onc said the jury is still out on whether or not antioxidants help chemo, or make it less effective.  I was drinking green tea and stopped because of his recommendation.  He wasn't too keen on the multi-vitamin either....but said it should be ok.  I'd hate to think I was getting the side effects from chemo but not the benefit!

    TCH is different for everyone.  I didn't have "sick" days or down time until #5 and all it entailed was for two days, I took a 30 minute nap each day.  That's it.  I credit my lack of downtime to working out.  I workout everyday except the two days after I take the neulasta shot ...on those days I just walk...or sometimes don't do any exercise if my bones hurt.

    I think it's way worse to read about (since we all respond differently) than it is to go through.  But that's just my opinion.

  • lago
    lago Posts: 11,653
    edited March 2011

    I sucked on ice during infusion when I got mouth sores per my onc's advice. Chemo nurse said it doesn't always work. It did for me.

    I'm sure your Onc, BS & PS are all great… But I would still ask if there is any harm. I'm sure there is a study somewhere that shows this will help with the pain. 

  • nmoss1000
    nmoss1000 Posts: 324
    edited March 2011

    Hi Ton Lee

    I ran it by him, I used to drink a 1/2 liter of green tea daily for the last 5 years but cut that out over the summer Coincidentally. I ran all of these supplements by him and he said non had interference with chemo. My only SE with Bendryl is sleepiness, I am more of a yoga person than a cardio person but I will admit it's forced. But I am doing it daily as long as I am physically able to to because I hear that seems to be the best remedy thus far, my hat of to you for being that fit and active.

  • TonLee
    TonLee Posts: 1,589
    edited March 2011

    I wasn't a cardio person (as much) before BC.  I did it, but concentrated more on weight training.  But since MX last Sept haven't been able to lift (heavy) I have some free weights at home...I'm too freaked out about the germs in the gym....having spent 5 days of my first TCH in the hospital...I didn't want a repeat....

    Yoga is great because it is weight bearing, but also for any swelling.  There is a chance you will retain fluid on TCH.  (I have some and Lago did too.)  Mine centers in my thighs, but stretching and exercise keeps them from getting too tight and sore...

    Good luck!

  • nmoss1000
    nmoss1000 Posts: 324
    edited March 2011

    Not a "yogini" but 1 x 2 per week. Thank you for the tip about the swelling.  SInce my BMX last month I just started back last week and it is rough. My expanders are in the way! other than that no pain. I had a SN biopsy and no swelling in my arm cancerous side but swelling on non cancerous side? Thank You ladies!

  • omaz
    omaz Posts: 4,218
    edited March 2011
    nmoss - My understanding is that the claritin is for the bone pain that may occur with neulasta shot not for an allergic reaction to the neulasta.
  • lago
    lago Posts: 11,653
    edited March 2011

    TonLee I always did strength training at home with free weights, a mat and an exercise ball. The germ thing grossed me out in the gym. I'd be spending more time wiping off shit than exercising. I only use the cardio machines at the gym. Not as time consuming to wipe off a machine that you used for 30-40 minutes.

    nmoss Claritin is an allergy medication.

  • gasurvivor2011
    gasurvivor2011 Posts: 150
    edited March 2011

    Hi this round 2 tch has been rougher too. I am starting to feel better am in chair now getting herceptin. Have thrush again and no appetite. Ensure for lunch. Hope all feel better. My hemoglobin keeps creeping down. This time my WBC didn't go up as high with neulasta but it's fine. Guess I really need it.



    Looking forward to climbing out of the dark before round 3 and thinking it is getting better. The fatigue though is lingering....

  • TonLee
    TonLee Posts: 1,589
    edited March 2011

    Lago,

    The free weights are holding me over...but they aren't sufficient for me to rebuild the muscle I've lost since surgery...they're not heavy enough...

    I'm telling you though, my cross trainer is AWESOME for keeping my remaining muscle tone and firm...I set the resistance on high and concentrate on different muscle groups in 3-5 minute intervals...for 60 - 90 minutes.  WHOA.  Great results.

    I always kinda envied the way guys can sweat like crazy while doing cardio, it just pools on the floor.  Now I know part of the secret is NO HAIR!!  Omg, I drip sweat on the floor now!  No puddles yet though....lol.  (But makes me feel like I'm really doing something!!   lol)

  • specialk
    specialk Posts: 9,266
    edited March 2011

    Hey LisaGH,

    Glad to hear from you.  I have not had my CBC yet -  I will go on Fri but am curious about them.  My RBC was barely haging on to the low threshold and my hemoglobin was too low as well on the one before tx.  I am more tired too, and I am also sleeping more.  I was having some yogurt and cut up apple and realized I was tired from chewing the apple.  Ridiculous!  Just trying to keep up with things around the house is wearing me out, but I didn't have the headache as long this time.

  • omaz
    omaz Posts: 4,218
    edited March 2011
    Lago, nmoss - Yes, claritin and xyrtec are indeed both allergy medicines I didn't mean to imply that they aren't   (:  but I don't think their benefit for neulasta has to do with allergy.  I actually don't think they know why claritin helps with the bone pain with neulasta, does anyone know why it is supposed to help?
  • omaz
    omaz Posts: 4,218
    edited March 2011
    hand weights - LE therapist told me absolutely no weights until my cords are healed.  I am bummed.
  • nmoss1000
    nmoss1000 Posts: 324
    edited March 2011

    Omaz , Thank you for asking that question I always wanted to know why it helped. I also am curious as to why it helps. Very Strange and who discovered it? 

    I also am wondering why my onc is giving me Neulasta before checking my CBC, who knows I may not need it? At least for 1st round or am I being naive? 

  • lago
    lago Posts: 11,653
    edited March 2011
    nmoss my onc gave nuelasta as standard at every treatment. Taxotere is know to lower white counts. Granted not all places give it as standard but I'm glad mine did. I had no restrictions on what I could eat etc. yes I ate sushi!  They even said I could go to the gym which I did up until the 4tx. Never had a cold or infection. I also got a flu shot.
  • omaz
    omaz Posts: 4,218
    edited March 2011
    nmoss -  Same as lago, they give it routinely.  The onc nurse said getting febrile neutropenia from low White blood cell counts is not good so they give the shot rountinely to help keep your blood counts up.  I also ate what I could handle and didn't worry about it. 
  • TonLee
    TonLee Posts: 1,589
    edited March 2011

    I didn't get Neulasta as standard care.  My Onc wanted to wait and see.

    Well, I spent 5 days in the hospital after the 1st treatment (which I've written three times today so sorry if I just repeated it again...).

    My vote is take the Neulasta.  Infection can make you very ill, even kill you....what's a little pain compared to that?

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