Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
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Sudzinvermont You should be in the "good" days now...I usually wake up on day 11 and feel almost normal again. The gastro issues resolve, the fatigue lifts more, and the taste seems to improve day by day going into the second half of the cycle...hope you keep feeling better!0
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It could be I'm just tired Dragonfly1, it's Friday of a long week.
I'm sure I'll shake it off by the end of the day.
I'm sneezing like crazy and the inside of my nose is so raw. Anyone else with that issue?
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Today is Day 10 after TCH# 3. The gnawing pain in my stomach is better (not much appetite but I can make myself eat). My legs and hands are still numb- but they seem a bit better this morning.
I am thinking I am rising again from the pits of the side effects. Hopeful today. It does seem w/ each treatment it takes just a bit longer, and I haven't seemed to be as strong as I was at that point compared to last cycle. (That cumulative stuff again!).
However, I get so happy when I get to this point. It's like I almost give up- the dark tough feelings kick in. Then some relief.
Hoping for good days for the next week and a half now!!! Special K you are so knowledgeable and helpful on here- it's great.
I am excited to be halfway done- YEAH! 3 down- 3 to go.
I don't know about chemo brain- I don't feel as sharp sometimes- not sure if it's due to the aches/pains/side effects or chemo brain. I'll worry about that tomorrow as Scarlett once said..
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I have had trouble remembering names for several years now. Can't blame it on chemo brain. This was the 1st "thing to go" in middle age
Seriously I do believe many do experience true chemo brain but some of us it's just part of getting a little older. No chemo brain for me. 0 -
Hair gone today at Day 20. It was hurting some the last few days and shedding a little but today clumps were floating by on the breeze while I was working in the yard. Took the scissors to it. Can't quite shave it yet because I still have a scabby scalp from a reaction to the first TCH. Get my second 1 on Weds. The 2 H treatments I had in between caused no problem other than some mild D for a day or so.
I ordered a wig Saturday-have a week to wit for that. Have a couple of scarves and stuff I ordered hopefully arriving in the next day or so. I guess I thought maybe I would be the 1 who didn't lose their hair so I waited a little too long...
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I am 3 days out from my first TCH and 2 from the Neulasta. The bone pain is really getting to me today, and Tylenol isn't touching it.It's 4:30 in the morning, and it has kept me awake most of the night. My other big SE id the big D. That has been constant since Friday. I was supposed to work today, but I can't stay far from the bathroom, so I called off. I have some other se's, like the neuropathy, headache, taste changes, and heartburn, but they are minimal for me compared to the first 2.
What has anyone else done to manage the big D and the bone pain? Does exercising help the pain or make it worse?
Sorry to whine~
Michelle
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Techler2, I take Clariton the day before Nuelasta and for several days afterward. It has helped alot. The only pain I get from the shot is some mild neck pain. The onc told me to take ibuprofen for that. I also take immodium if the big D gets too bad. I figure if all the bad stuff is running out of me all the better. Good luck.....
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teckler - you may be having bone pain from the Taxotere too. It is hard to tell what is causing what between the Neulasta and Taxotere. I had to finally take a Vicodin at one point after my first TCH. The other thing to consider is if this is your first Neulasta your bones are feeling that maximum expansion and stimulation to help you produce white cells. On later injections you may not have as much bone pain because your body may be more adjusted to that process. I would definitely try the Claritin, it really worked for me. As far as the Big D goes - I just try to ride it out and stay hydrated. Mine isn't too bad but after 3 TCH I have learned that for me it will be off and on for at least 10 days per cycle. I have not taken any Immodium because I don't want to cross over into the opposite problem. Due to reflux surgery 15 years ago I have a very delicate digestive system so I am trying to just let it do its thing! That being said - I am off work right now, so I don't have to factor that in like you do.
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Teckler,
I took Aleve and Claritin, made a HUGE difference. I think it is the Neulasta because I didn't take Neulasta with my 1st TCH and my bones didn't hurt at all.
Exercising helped manage the pain for me. Not the day after Neulasta, that day I'd just walk....but within 48 hours of taking it, exercise helped shake off the SEs for me.
Hope you're feeling better...
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Thanks for all the advice.I didn't know about the Claritin, will take that next time.
I wound up back at the Cancer center today for some IV fluids. Some of the muscle cramping went away after the IV, but the big D hasn't. At least I am losing weight..haha
THe doc said my potassium is low, so I have to take a supplement and maintain a BRAT diet until this clears up. Just like you SpecialK, I am concerned about crossing over to the other problem.
I tried going out on my own today, and just felt wiped out. Oh well, tomorrow is another day, and tonight is for my jammies
Thanks again~
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Teckler2 - I had the big D after chemo 1. Be careful not to let it go too long. You can dehydrate really quickly. Yes, it looks like weight loss, but it's largely water. I lost about 8 lbs and had most of it back pretty quickly.
I ended up on saline IVs for 5 days to get sorted out. I started off with Immodium and dialed back my food intake to a BRAT diet but that did nothing. I then called and got a presccription for Lomotil and really focused on BRAT, but there was still no change. Finally I went to a clear fluids diet--apple juice, chicken or beef broth, gatorade, jello. Only a day or two of that gave the bowel a chance to rest sufficiently and I was able to work my way back to normal fairly quickly.
I was also concerned that I would flip the other way, since that is a more likely scenario for me anyway. But it never happened.
Chemo #2 is tomorrow and I intend to go to clear fluids at the first sign. I had a small bowel resection a few years ago and it may be that whatever the chemo does to the bowel sends mine into a major panic. Clear fluids let it rest until it recovers from the assault.0 -
I have 2nd TCH tomorrow. Worst thing for me was the heartburn so I am going to start the Prilosec today. I use Walmart brand Equate anti-D and it seems to work. Way milder than Immodium but never throws me into the other mode. Doesn't completely stop the D but makes it controllable.
I have had IBS for a long time so D is a way of life for me. I know what foods triggers it and plan to stay away from those this week. Drinking tons of water today to pump up for tomorrow also. Going to do the ice bags for the nails-really hoping to hang onto them.
I got a box of head covers today from a company called Sparkling Earth. All American made-very cute fabrics, nicely made. 100% cotton with a little terry sweatband at the front. My favorite style is called a Grand Skullcap. Highly recomend them.
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Lilylady, How big do the head covers com?. I have a large head and have trouble finding to fit the noggin. I've made cute ones but for the price of the sparkling earth ones it makes sense to buy a few from them.
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Pasmith- I have done the BRAT, and the Lomotil, still no luck. I am just on the clear stuff now, but I can't leave the house. I think I might have to call in again tomorrow to the center and see what else I can do.
I'm sure I will put most of the weight back on when this stops, but for now I am down 19 pounds.
I hope #2 goes well for you tomorrow!
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Well I know I was on the same schedule as a lot of you. Third treatment was on March 31 and next one will be on April 21. Always on Thursdays. I've kind of lost my sea legs and my optimism. This time hasn't been so good.
Not sure that I can really blame much on the chemo, unless I am so sick with whatever this is because my white count dropped and I caught some crud. At the last treatment, onc said that my white count was perfect. That he could guarantee it was dropping in mid cycle, but that my blood was able to rebound which was really good. Last Thursday, I started getting sick, like that thick feeling in my throat before I get a cough or sinus infection. On Friday I called his office and was told that if I had a fever or got a fever over the weekend to call the emergency number, otherwise take Zyrtec or something like that. Friday evening I was so sick that I went to CVS to get Zyrtec and when they told me I couldn't get it without my drivers license, I started crying. Nothing like public self pity. I coughed my way through the weekend, day and night, non stop. Nothing helped. Husband did go back to get the Zyrtec for me. Called the office back on Monday and they called in Zithromax. By yesterday I could tell it was going to be the answer because I was about 40% better. Still coughing attacks though enough that I only sleep about half the night.
I, like many of you, choose not to take anything for diarrhea (should say the big D because I can't spell it anyway), because I prefer it to constipation. Haven't had hardly any nausea, some headaches, although mainly from coughing. Does anyone just feel shakey? I am noticing that more and more. It's like my hands are trembling but when I look at them they look steady. Feels like I am shaking on the inside. Keep wondering if I have MS or something unexpected, but can't remember if I ever had this before chemo or not.
Anyone have nosebleeds? I've had a few... not bad, Short duration, often drainage tinged with blood. Might be due in part to the sinus infection or whatever this is.
Very little hair left now. Some, but not exactly a do that I would wear out in public. When people ask how I feel, I usually respond that it depends on when you ask. Better than saying "Pretty much like crap." Even Larry the Cable Guy trying to get up on that horse couldn't make me laugh last night.
I don't post much, but I love this board and I love you guys.
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pollyagain - Just reading your post reminded me how tough it is. Hang in there. (((hugs))))0
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Pollyagain I would get nosebleeds 1 week after infusion. I'm doing heceptin only and I still get a nose bleed (just one not several) a week after infusion. Be sure to tell you onc about this especially if it's bad. I had mine in the winter so it was also very dry. I found a little Vaseline to coat the inner part of the nose helped.0
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Hi! My hemoglobin is stable now up from last week (yeah another week and no blood transfusion!). My platelets are now down- very low. That's the first time that has happened since starting chemo. Any words of wisdom?
I am having some bleeding in my nose now (when I blow it or it runs). I did tell them. They said I might get bleeding gums too from the low platelets. They seem to think they will come back up since my other counts were ok.
I am eating more red meat, iron fortified cereal and orange juice (found that tip on another thread). Now hoping the platelets come up- if they are this low next week I won't get chemo. I don't want to miss a treatment even as bad as they make me feel!!!
Any advice is appreciated.
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Pollyagain, I also get shakey about 4-5 days after TCH. I asked the onc about it and she told me it was steroid crash. It only lasts a day for me.
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Hmm. Thanks Sewingnut, but this is more than a day. It may not last a whole day. It's kind of off and on. That's the hard thing about all this. What is real? What am I imagining? I told my husband that I wish I had some kind of external meter that would tell me, Am I really fatigued? Is it the chemo? Is it self fulfilling prophecy, like I just think I am supposed to be, so I am? Am I just lazy and finally have a good excuse?
Today I was at Krogers and started feeling really sick. I hurried to get out of there and was almost afraid to drive home. I was shaking and seemed like I couldn't see well. Got home and ran in the house. Took my blood sugar and it was 69. I should have recognized the symptoms, but I had eaten a pretty big lunch at a chamber meeting and just didn't think that was it. In fact I was afraid to open a soda or something, because I was thinking it might be really high. I should know my body better than that, but I'm feeling so rotten with this infection and then there's "Is it the chemo?" Had a terrible headache. Yanked off my wig halo and hat and felt better. I have this picture in my head of a cartoon. I'm sitting in the doctor's office and the doctor is saying, "We found the cause of the headaches." I say, "Doctor, is it my brain?" He says, "No, it's your wig."
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LisaGH - I just googled around and found kiwi fruit and coconut water to raise platelet count. Not sure if it is legit but I don't think it can hurt. I know your mouth and throat are sensitive but I don't think either of those is too acidic.
Pollyagain - I am on the exact tx schedule with you. #4 for me is on 4/21 as well. You may be shaky from fatigue and borderline low red count. It can make you lightheaded. The blood from your nose is most likely low platelets. Platelets are the clotting factor in your blood, if they are low you don't clot as well. I have the same thing - when I blow my nose I definitely get blood and I think it is pretty common. I had an echo today and it took a long time, about 45 minutes longer than normal. I left there and had a couple of errands to do. I was in the store and had that feeling that I needed to get out of there and sit down, just felt kind of crappy and weak. I bought a coke (I know, bad girl) and sat in the car with the airconditioning on and then I was ok. Now I just need a nap!
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Teckler2 - definitely call asap. I left it go too long before I called because I kept thinking I should give the BRAT a chance, give the lomotil a chance. It took that much longer to rehydrate. I was getting lightheaded and weak. The hydration was necessary although it was time-consuming.
I just had chemo #2 yesterday and the onc decided to dial the Taxotere back to 80% because of the big D. I will be much more aggressive with it, should it appear again and will cut to clear fluids right away to give the bowel a rest. I was also told that Metamucil is good regardless of which direction you go, and can at least reduce the intensity of big D. The one nurse told me it's like "taking your colon to the gym."0 -
Pasmith- I've been back to the center twice now since my last post, and am scheduled for anoither IV fluids tomorrow too. They gave me a potassium pill to take, and piggybacked some potassium in my IV. I am hoping that this helps.
The nurses told me that the big D isn't a normal reaction to the TCH. They also said that they might change the taxotere by 10 or 20% to see if that helps. This is a dumb question,but does that affect the strength of the chemo?
After going through this this time, I will cut the diet to clear right away for #2 also, and I'll try that Metamucil.
PAsmith- how are you feeling today after #2?
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teckler The amount of chemo is calculated based on your weight & height (body surface area). This formula doesn't always work. When a patient is getting severe SE many times it means they are getting too much of the drug. This is why your onc is adjusting. It doesn't mean you won't be getting enough. It means you were probably getting to much before. It's a delicate balance between killing the cancer and not damaging or killing off cells you need.
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thanks lago..that makes me feel better
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Teckler2, For what an unofficial second opinion is worth, I just went and pulled out the info sheets that I was given onj the first visit with my Onc. Everyone probably gets the same thing. There are about 4 or 5 pages on each of the three drugs. Big D is listed in the top five most common side effects on each one of them. I kind of thought it was a fact of life for the majority of us on this board. Don't know what the info is worth, but the price is right ;-)
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SpecialK, I am much more hot natured than my husband. He could go without air conditioning all summer I think. He always says we don't need it yet, or we don't need it down that low. We've already had it on three or four times this year and it's not even May. When I start to whine, he just says, "Do what ever makes you feel good." I deserve air conditioning. You deserved a Coke. No bad girl about it.
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Teckler2 - Oh good. I'm glad that you aren't fighting it on your own. The onc also told me that big D *to that degree* is not that common with TCH. I also saw it on my sheets as a possible side effect for all three and the Pharmacist discussed it with me at chemo #1, but maybe it isn't common to end up needing hydration to deal with it. Perhaps the anti-diarrheal drugs can handle it most of the time.
The onc also told me that I might just be getting too much Taxotere for my system. Everyone is special. Apparently the standard for severe big D is to cut back to 80% which is what I got this time.
I only had #2 yesterday and feel great. But I didn't get hit with the big D until about day 5. I noticed changes which maybe should have been a clue, but I had no idea what it really meant until it hit. I'll be watching for those clues this time.0 -
They also reduce dose for Taxotere (and sometimes stop) for severe neuropathy
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Hi there -
I had 6 rounds of TCH with a treatment every three weeks. Treatments 7-18 are Herceptin only (will have round 8 next week). I lost all my hair just before my second treatment and am told it will start growing back now that I am off the Taxotere and Carboplatin (drugs ended almost six weeks ago and still waiting for new hair to sprout!). I experienced just a bit of nausea and diarrhea, but no vomiting. The taste changes and loss of appetite were big for me, as was the fatigue. Since the Herceptin doesn't attack the healthy cells, I am expecting to start feeling better and getting my energy back soon. This treatment has not been fun, but it's definitely manageable. I did my best to keep moving - even if that meant just shuffling my feet at my exercise class or going for short walks. I think this bit of physical activity was helpful. I was also able to work reduced hours at my job which was also helpful if only to keep a bit of routine/normalcy in my life and suspend the focus on the cancer treatment a little bit. I wish you the best.
Tish
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