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Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin

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Comments

  • motherofpatient
    motherofpatient Member Posts: 124
    edited April 2011

    Has anyone had a rapid heart rate? My dughter, 43, otherwise good health and exercised regularly before all this, has had pulse of 126 and 136. Each ocassion was 2 weeks after chemo. Highest one was after she stopped all sinus meds that were suspected of causing it, but now it is even higher. She has completed 4 rounds of TCH and recent echo was "good.". All info is appreciated. Thanks

  • sewingnut
    sewingnut Member Posts: 475
    edited April 2011

    motherofthepatient,  I also had rapid heartbeat. Mine was taken care of by an adjustment of my thyroid medication.  Has she had her thyroid levels drawn lately?

  • NathanL
    NathanL Member Posts: 7
    edited April 2011

    dragonfly1  Thanks for your coments.  I truly appreciate this board and persons like yourself who go out of their way to provide a little guidance to others on the path.  Not much more to report now that we are in post TCH #1 day 5.  She remains moderately tired and she did "contract" the annoying metallic taste syndrome.  The only thing that tasted half way decent to her last night was potato chips, a highly nutrious snack!?   She is on Neulasta which I administered the day following infusion, but has not suffered the bone aches that often accompany the drug.  In short, I think Round 1 goes to us in this fight.  She's is off to the beach tonite with a family friend and I get a few days of respite care.

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited April 2011
    Nathan - for some reason McD's fish sandwiches were really tasty for me during the first and second rounds.  Maybe she would like that.  Be sure to get in enough protein, it's important during chemo for the blood cells.
  • Sudzinvermont
    Sudzinvermont Member Posts: 10
    edited April 2011

    Toss me into this group. They are recomending rads' after my chemo. I had the MX, 3 seperate cancers in that breast, one is HER2, one node out of 14 involved with Macro mets.

    They say that i'm in the grey area, but 2 Dr's so far seem to see a huge benefit in my haveing the radiation. I'm 48 with 2 young daughters, so I feel like I have to use every tool in the box.

    I've got an appointment with one more Rad Oncologist Friday, but I know he will recomend the same thing.

  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 1,589
    edited April 2011

    Jack,

    I was concerned about the rads recommend because I forgot we were discussing a lumpectomy.

    When I met with my second opinion Onc, he said two years ago they wouldn't typically radiate 3 or less positive lymphs with MX (clean margins).  However, research is starting to come out that shows there is a benefit to radiating MX women with positive lymphs.

    When I was deciding between MX and lump-rads...all the research I found stated a lumpectomy with rads is about the same in recurrence and survival as a MX.  Without rads, it drops significantly.

    I wanted to avoid rads so I chose a MX.

    Well, because I am node positive, didn't get clear margins, and refused axilla dissection...I am getting rads anyway. 

    Lago made a good point on another thread.  She said just because a certain treatment has certain side effects, that doesn't mean I'll get them all.

    When I read these boards sometimes I forget that, and the cure seems worse than the disease.  I make myself talk with women in real life who have gone through it all, see where they are, and that usually gives me a reality check.

  • lilylady
    lilylady Member Posts: 478
    edited April 2011

    kriskat-what is your hair situation? I have had 1 TCH and 2 H and haven't lost a strand yet. Get my next TCH next Weds.

    I did ask the onc for sleeping aid today. they DO NOT want to pass out prescriptions. They asked me did I try warm shower, no excitement before bed time, what was i eating ect. finally got 1 out of them. Never saw it listed on here. Pharmacist said it is very old school drug. Sounds like I wasted my breath. I aksed for Ambien or Ativan-got some antique crap.

  • kriskat
    kriskat Member Posts: 116
    edited April 2011

    Lily-had quite a bit of shedding on day 21 (I should've received tch #2 that day but took a little mini vacation and got tch #2 today-which is day 23 after #1).  Other than that no major clumps but the shedding worried me.  I have really thick/fine hair and have always shed alot of hair daily but this seemed like more.  Almost afraid to brush hair. 

  • gasurvivor2011
    gasurvivor2011 Member Posts: 150
    edited April 2011

    TCH pals & those who have finished.

    Low hemoglobin still- mine is creeping down into the need a transfusion range. Anyone else had a transfusion? Thoughts on that?

    Also, neulasta didn't build up my counts this time. Low WBC and related counts too. They said it might increase in a few days. Do not have infection, but was put on levaquin in case since they are low.

    Depressing day. Herceptin infusion went ok.

     Just wondering if any others had thoughts, words of wisdom. Kind of down in the dumps about it.

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited April 2011
    ((((HUGS))))) Lisa.  I am sorry you are having a rough patch.
  • nurseronda10
    nurseronda10 Member Posts: 109
    edited April 2011

    LisaGH my hemoglobin got down to 7.2 after TCH #5 and ONC wanted me to have a transfusion, but I didn't really feel that bad or get short of breath so I declined.  I did get low dose Procrit injections weekly for approx. 8 weeks.  I had to go back to work (12 hr shifts)  22 days after my last chemo with a hemoglobin of 7.7.  Tolerated the shift pretty good considering.  Had labs done two weeks ago and hemoglobin was up to 9.9.  Can definitely relate to feeling down especially when ONC mentioned blood transfusion not just once but on 3 occasions.  She said, "I think you will change your mind after you work a 12 hr shift" but I did just fine.  I think my hemoglobin had been on the low end for so long that my body adjusted to it.  I never had to take Neulasta but did get neutropenic and was put on Levaquin three different times as precautionery.  As far as deciding whether or not to get a blood transfusion, you just have to listen to your body.  Without the Procrit, I'm sure my hemoglobin would have dropped even lower after TCH #6 and I would have had to get blood.  Hang in there.  Better days are ahead.

  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,263
    edited April 2011

    LisaGH - Will your onc do Procrit?  I know some will not.  Some of those who have posted before have had to be transfused and really felt better afterward.  I know there is the ick factor and nobody likes to be transfused, but they said they were much less fatigued and light-headed.  I work in the blood bank and I don't really want to do it either.  I am hoping mine hold steady.  How has your protein intake been?  I upped my intake of red meat and my hemoglobin did increase, although my white count and platelets are in the basement.

  • gasurvivor2011
    gasurvivor2011 Member Posts: 150
    edited April 2011

    Thanks Omaz- :)

    Nurseronda10 my onc won't do procrit- we did discuss. so the transfusion is the treatment option if it's treated.

    Specialk- I do try to keep up the diet, but I can try more. I never eat much red meat- but if it would help, I will. Yes you are right- I am a nurse- so the ick factor is there. However, it's really out of my control I think.

    I do feel so easily tired these days. Not sure why the neulasta isn't working as it did before, that's distressing too.

     I am afraid I am going to be at the mandated point by next Wed counts for blood. Trying to accept if that happens. I worry about being anemic for long. I don't see how to go into another round of chemo feeling so tired.

    I was hoping to make it further before it got this low, but not much I can do.

  • motherofpatient
    motherofpatient Member Posts: 124
    edited April 2011

    Doc will check her thyroid - I mentioned it to the chemo nurse when she was asking Steph about the fast heart rate. I do see by my records that it is fastest two weeks after chemo. Anyone else have this - up to 136 beats per min.?

  • nmoss1000
    nmoss1000 Member Posts: 324
    edited April 2011

    Hi MOP sorry to hear about your daughter, if you look on the cold cap boards Arlene A was positing yesterday about rapid heartbeat problems after TX. I hope the SE subside soon and best to you and your daughter.

  • dragonfly1
    dragonfly1 Member Posts: 516
    edited April 2011
    LisaGH Sending a hug and lots of positive vibes your way! I'm hoping those counts straighten themselves out and you can stay on track without a transfusion...As far as your mood, I understand and hope you physically and emotionally rally soon:) It's so tough going through these cycles and they take a lot out of you. During TCH#2 I reached a terrible low point and wondered how I was going to keep doing this but I'm back in the fight for TCH#3. We are here cheering you on. I know how much you like the Ellen show so turn Ellen on and dance around your living room:) (well, maybe save your energy and just watch Ellen dance....)
  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 1,589
    edited April 2011

    MOP,

    Every second week for the first 5 TX when I went in for Herceptin, my blood pressure was high...sometimes 150/100 up to 180/120.  My pulse was high (for me) too, but it usually is about 60 bpm, so high is in the 90s.  It would hit about 98 or 99.  The final treatment this didn't occur.  I am hypothyroid, but my levels have maintained during treatment (we've monitored them). 

    Lisa,

    Just because your WBC is low now doesn't mean it will continue to be low.  Twice during treatment my WBC was 2 and I took Neulasta!  But in each instance, the next treatment they came up into the lower normal range.

    I hope you start feeling better soon.  And I agree with the red meat suggestion.  I ate steak cooked med rare a few times, and it really made me feel better...stronger.  (And a good source of protein!)  But I couldn't stomach it too often.  Beef takes FOREVER to digest in my case.

  • gasurvivor2011
    gasurvivor2011 Member Posts: 150
    edited April 2011

    Thanks for the support all. We do all get to the dark places in this BC world. Today has been better. Not great- but better. I was glad to see dragonfly say she woke up today feeling good- she's a day ahead of me as one of my chemo triplets. Laughing  My sore mouth/tongue has been tough. And I feel like my whole GI tract is just raw/sore. Heartburn is not as bad, but feel raw inside.

    I did see the ocean today- that's always good. Man the taxotere neuropathy is hanging on this time longer. I don't mind it as much- just slows me down. It's numb but not painful. I was able to walk one whole flight of stairs today (yesterday I couldn't do more than a few) without having to stop!

    I am hoping the counts both white and red go up or at least stabilize. I had a hamburger for lunch today and oysters for dinner. I never eat red meat. I'll try anything because even if it helps a few hundreds of a point on my counts- it truly makes a difference. I also ate iron fortified cereal for breakfast w/ orange juice too. Keep your fingers crossed. I think I also am coming to terms w/ if a transfusion is needed, that'll be ok. I probably will feel better than now for sure.

    My heartrate was 110 yesterday b/f herceptin. Feels better today, but definitely the pulse is higher than prechemo. My BP has been ok. 

    The weight gain is depressing me. I feel so heavy in the stomach/middle body area. Please others tell me I won't be this chunky forever.  It's not that many pounds (yet) but it just feels like my abdomen is bloated and just bigger. Yuck. I guess right now chemo and maintaining decent nutrition is the main goal. 

    Hope you all have a good day. Tomorrow is Day 10 so hopefully it'll be a little better. (Though for me the yucky blunted weird taste pretty much never goes away anymore for me- do any of yall have that happen?)

    Lisa

  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,263
    edited April 2011

    LisaGH - Hey my triplet!  I never lose the negated taste thing.  I keep eating stuff to see if I can taste it - I need to stop that!  Yay on the burger!  Keep eating that red meat!  Have you done much transfusing as a nurse?  In the hospital I work in it is the same floors that transfuse the most, plus ER, OR's, and infusion center - I am sure there are parts of the hospital that never transfuse.  If you have any specific questions please do not hesitate to ask.  I think it is much like the anticipation of the first chemo - you are creeped out and scared but it is anti-climactic when it finally comes.  I too am bloated - had gained a few pounds, but the Big D did away with them.  I still feel strangely puffy everywhere, like I am shaped differently (actually I am quite oddly shaped right now, ha!  Tummy is bigger than half of my chest.  It is not cute!)  I have a friend that gained about 30 lbs on chemo, she is petite, and she said as soon as chemo was over she lost it quickly.  I think some of it is edema - my arm acts up every now and then - this is the node dissection side.  It isn't LE, just tightness if I do too much with it.  I had no problems with it prior to chemo.  I am aware of my heartbeat because of the lack of a TE on the left.  If I lay my hand there it feels like my heart is right under my skin - weird sensation, especially when my heart beats faster.  I am glad you saw the ocean - very uplifting, I miss it!  Are you resting and relaxing?

  • NathanL
    NathanL Member Posts: 7
    edited April 2011

    Hello All!  I remarked the other day that round one of TCH went to my wife...I may have spoken a little too early.  After reviewing the judge's scorecards round one appears to be a draw at best.  She's now in day 7 and probably feels crummier now than she did a couple of days ago.  As I read more on this board, this should be no great surprise, but as neophytes on this regimen we're learning as we go.  Incidentally she's at the beach as we speak with her girlfriend providing moral and caregiver support. 

    On a semi-related topic, a friend of mine who had chemo for lung cancer and his daughter who had mx times 2 and chemo for BC told me that the "chemo fog" stays with you to a limited degree for a long time (perhaps forever) even after the end of treatment.  In other words, you're never quite as sharp a tack as you were before.  My friend and his daughter both attest to this, though their treatment was ended years ago, his at about age 60 and the daughter in her mid-30's.  Any of you have thoughts on this.

  • gasurvivor2011
    gasurvivor2011 Member Posts: 150
    edited April 2011

    Nathan- Hope your wife feels better soon. First cycle was tough b/c you don't really know what/when the symptoms are. The next cycles I at least had an idea of what might happen- and many meds from my onc and discussion w/ onc nurses on how to treat them b/f cycle 2 came around. The increasing weakness w/ subsequent treatments is a big challenge for me. It seems to take longer each time to feel better even slightly- and then you don't seem to get back to the baseline due to the cumulative effects that the onc md talks w/ me about...  I don't know about chemo fog- still in the middle of chemo.

     Special K- Hey there! Yes, I will have my transfusion in the infusion center of the hospital. Great nurses, it's just the idea. As the days are going by, I am getting used to it. Plus I know that if the counts stay low I could have other organ damage w/o a transfusion, so if it happens the md orders it, I'll accept it.

    I am enjoying being near the ocean. I have only been once- to sit in a chair after being driven down to the ocean. I am resting & relaxing, it's just sad not to be able to walk, ride bikes, all the things I love at the beach that I took for granted b/f BC. Now just walking up the stairs in my house here are tiring. I didn't think of what it would be like w/o TE. Mine now are like bricks- my family doesn't like to hug me because they are like bricks. They don't bother me, but I had another fill this week too- so they are tight.

    I feel like such a whiner. I do feel a little better tonight-and hoping I am finally one the upward trend (but today is day 10- but guess that's the new norm...)  Mytaste too is just ick. And the whole GI tract is still sore. I don't have the D problem at all this time- just the C and it's been a daily battle too. I am getting sick to death of Mg Citrate which is the only item that works at this point. Ok. Sorry TMI again. 

    Lisa

  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,263
    edited April 2011

    NathanL - Chemo brain or chemo fog is not a given.  I wouldn't assume it will happen.  I am half-way through chemo and have not really encountered problems with it.  I am tired and don't feel as though I could keep up at work (demanding physical and exacting mental health-related job) right now.  Keep in mind that I have had 5 surgeries and 3 tx of chemo since Nov.  That being said, I maintain my house, pay the bills, I did the taxes, etc. without issue. I will say that as far as SE from chemo my experience has been on the first tx SE started at day 2-3, stayed until day 7-8, danger zone for white counts is day 9-10.  On subsequent tx SE's started next day and lasted a day or two longer, but because of the learning curve I managed them better.  Now on tx #3, white counts have not rebounded, even after Neulasta, and other counts are suffering as well (RBC and platelets), but I managed SE better than #1 or #2.

    LisaGH - Hi!  Don't get too caught up in what you can't do right now.  You will have lots of happy times at the beach in the future doing all the things you usually do, right?  If they do transfuse you text or PM me before if you can. My poor TE is still the same as the day of BMX, I can squish it because it has never had another fill.  I am always trying to put something in the way when being hugged, like the mail, or a dishtowel, because it is so imbalanced.  It is ok if I am wearing a prosthetic but at home I don't usually.  Can you say AWKWARD?

  • dragonfly1
    dragonfly1 Member Posts: 516
    edited April 2011
    NathanL I agree with SpecialK re: chemo brain/chemo fog...I haven't experienced it either up to this point. I have been able to do everything that I did before chemo but it's certainly more difficult cognitively when you are exhausted. I've been working full-time as a social worker and I don't think I've lost my sharpness but the extreme fatigue takes a toll and makes it difficult to concentrate and makes me less mentally flexible than I would be normally...when the fatigue lifts I bounce back to normal.   
  • Ang7
    Ang7 Member Posts: 568
    edited April 2011

    NathanL~

    Ummm, chemobrain is a real thing for me right now.  I am a year out from my last chemo and I have to stop mid-sentence to collect my thoughts.  Our house is rocking with kids, dogs, cats etc. but I have never had this happen in my past.  The kids are constantly supplying me with the name that I cannot remember.  Could be age, but I am only 45.  Hope this will get better...

  • pejkug3
    pejkug3 Member Posts: 277
    edited April 2011

    I feel a little bit *fuzzy* in the brain.  But I think it will resolve.  Everytime I go to appts, I am reminded that "you're young!"  This won't always be the case with you.  Um, ok.  ;)  But it's fun to be called YOUNG so often! (35)

    When you guys say that your WBC is low, what does that mean?  What represents low?

  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,263
    edited April 2011

    pejkug - Do you get a paper copy of your CBC?  You should see whatever numerical value you tested at and then (usually to the right) you will see the normal range. A low WBC would be anything below the low end of the normal range.  For example the normal range for the equipment used by my onc for WBC is 4.2 - 10.0, so a WBC of 3.8 is low.  If it is below 4.2 you are in danger of an opportunistic infection.  If it goes all the way down your onc may use prophylactic antibiotics to keep you from getting sick.

  • pejkug3
    pejkug3 Member Posts: 277
    edited April 2011

    There is some weird graph on my print out.  But it shows the normal range as 1.5 - 14.0.  I tested today at 9.68 so I'm way ok.

    So I take it if I test below 1.5, my chemo would be delayed?

    My liver enzymes are elevated (slightly) and my sodium/potassium/something else were low.  The chemo nurse said that's because I have the Big D so much.

  • sewingnut
    sewingnut Member Posts: 475
    edited April 2011

    I do insurance billing at work and I haven't noticed chemo brain in that aspect. However, I  can look at a long time patient and can't remember their name. That disturbs me!! Hopefully that will go away. I'm halfway done and have noticed mild swelling in my hands and feet now. When do you ask for a mild diuretic? I have gained 3 lbs this week.

  • Sudzinvermont
    Sudzinvermont Member Posts: 10
    edited April 2011

    I'm 10 days out from TCH #1 and it has not been so bad. BUT.....still i'm dealing with the big D as you ladies call it.

    The last 2 days I almost felt like myself, but today I'm so tired and foggy.

  • Sudzinvermont
    Sudzinvermont Member Posts: 10
    edited April 2011

    I'm 10 days out from TCH #1 and it has not been so bad. BUT.....still i'm dealing with the big D as you ladies call it.

    The last 2 days I almost felt like myself, but today I'm so tired and foggy.

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