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Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin

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Comments

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited June 2011

    I had chemo delayed a week because of neuropathy and needing to see the neurologist - my onc did not seem overly concerned.  TCH is tough stuff.

  • CaliforniaCloud
    CaliforniaCloud Member Posts: 105
    edited June 2011

    Amylynn - Please don't worry, delays due to low blood counts happens often.  I was postponed due to low wbc during chemo, and during Herceptin, the insurance denied treatment until I had an echocardiagram.  Just relax and know that you are going down a well worn path. Other ladies will respond and tell you the same.  You are in good hands.

    Cloud

  • paulamati
    paulamati Member Posts: 12
    edited June 2011

    I will start my chemo next Tuesday with TCHx 6 evry 3 weeks ..hope evrything goes ok!!.God bless all of us..

  • dragonfly1
    dragonfly1 Member Posts: 516
    edited July 2011
    Paulamati You'll do fine. SEs vary with TCH so you'll have to wait and see during your first cycle to find out which ones are predominant for you but they are all very treatable and they tend to be predictable from cycle to cycle. Be sure to drink LOTS of fluids from the very beginning. Taxotere can be very hard on your nails and you should consider icing them during the Tax infusion. I just took ziploc bags of frozen peas to put over my nails. I still ended up with slight nail "lifting" but I think it would have been much worse without the ice. I never had terrible nausea because the meds worked beautifully. I found that it was pretty rough on the GI tract but I eventually figured out how to manage it. In spite of all the SEs I worked full-time throughout chemo and I'm still working through Rads. You'll do great! Ask us any questions that you have and best wishes as you begin TCH!
  • serenitywisdom
    serenitywisdom Member Posts: 109
    edited July 2011

    Dear Dragonfly,

    Your story was very inspiring, great that you were able to work thru all of this.  I have one more infusion of TCH to go and last time I had  neuropathy after TCH #5 which I had not had before. Beside icing feet is there any other thing one can do to prevent it? 

    I also got a rash this last time after chemo.  My legs were recovering from a sunburn but after the chemo, a few days later, I got a bad itchy rash in the area of the sunburn.  I believe the chemo exacerbated the redness and rash.  Has anyone had problems with skin rashes and what lotions are you using.  I was prescribed Lidex, a cortisone type cream but really need a good moisturizer as well as the rash seems slow to clear up.  Thanks for info

  • dragonfly1
    dragonfly1 Member Posts: 516
    edited July 2011
    Serenitywisdom  As far as the neuropathy, I have been taking Acetyl L Carnitine 500 mg daily (from the Vitamin Shop) since before TCH to prevent neuropathy and it seems to have helped. If you decide to take it be sure to ask your MO. My MO and even my neurologist told me it was fine. The icing won't help with neuropathy-it only helps prevent the nails from lifting. I can't help with the rash but my skin has certainly been a mess throughout chemo i.e. extremely dry skin and acne at times! Be very careful in the sun because we are all very sensitive during chemo. 
  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited July 2011
    serenity - I am still taking L-glutamine about 20g per day for neuropathy per instructions from the nutritional oncologist.  The icing is for the nails not really the neuropathy as dragonfly said.  Sometimes B6 also helps.  Good luck.
  • PearlGirl
    PearlGirl Member Posts: 120
    edited July 2011

    Hi all!  Just saw this on The Today Show on NBC and thought I'd share with all those suffering the hotflashes of chemopause...

    Here is the link to something called Hot Girl Pearls.  They go in the freezer or fridge and you wear them when your surging...

    http://www.hotgirlspearls.com/

    Hope you can find them.  I had trouble with the link at first but they showed up on Facebook and I backtracked.

    Hope everyone has a great weekend.  Bon

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited July 2011

    Just checking in to say hello. I'm doing great. I still look like I got beat into a gang from all the black, blue and yellow bruising but the swelling is really going down. My PS did fat grafting. He was having trouble finding enough fat. Tongue out I'm a little confused about that. I'm not that solid! Guess I should complain although I was told he will do more when I get my nipple reconstruction because he couldn't harvest enough. Guess he didn't want to make my entire body black and blue searching for additional donor sites. Maybe next time he's go for the thighs & butt.

    I've been out and about. Driving walking etc. Might not be able to get out today though since they say the heat index will be around 100-1008°F (and I don't live in AZ) but only 98°F. Not good for the LE so it might be best to hide at home in the AC.

  • dragonfly1
    dragonfly1 Member Posts: 516
    edited July 2011
    Lago It's so good to see you on the boards so soon after your surgery. Sorry they beat you up so badly but I'm glad you are out and about. You are so amazing how quickly you rebound from surgery! Careful in that heat...stay cool. We're in for a heat wave this weekend.
  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 426
    edited July 2011

    Lago - happy you are doing well. 

    Re the Pearls - if ANYBODY tries them, PLEASE post your experience here. VERY curious if they work or not.

  • PearlGirl
    PearlGirl Member Posts: 120
    edited July 2011
    Amy, I know someone who is ordering them soon. I'll let you know how the chilled pearls work for her. But Hoda and Kathie Lee agreed that they were really great!  Of course, that was probably after a few sips of something, but it's such a great idea. To combat the flashes when I went through this I used to roll a cold can of Pepsi or Coke over my neck and inner arms and wrists, plus suck on crushed ice. Getting ready in the mornings was the worst time for me.
  • EvelynMarie
    EvelynMarie Member Posts: 19
    edited July 2011

    I found this forum before my first TCH infusion in April and wanted to thank everyone for sharing their experiences. It helped me prepare for that first infusion. I was so dreading it that I lost 6 lb before my chemotherapy had even started!

    From that first TCH I found that my side effects were fatigue, constipation, that awful change in taste, and of course, I lost 3/4 of my hair starting on day 21. I did not shave my head, I just cut what remained of my hair and left about an inch all around ... I was fortunate that my hair loss seems to be evenly distributed on my head ... just strange but I'm ok with that ... it will grow back.

    Since I knew that constipation was my foe, I begin preparing a week before my TCH ... lots of vegetables, high fiber foods, fruits, dried prunes, vegetable soups, fluids, etc., and I have not had a problem with constipation since. Yes, my bowel movements slow down the week after TCH but I am still having at least two a day and they don't kill me. I do drink a lot of fluids. Water tastes like sludge so I keep a large jug of water in the fridge flavored with slices of lemon, oranges or cucumber, and recently I've added lime to the list. This works for me since I can't stand those packets of flavorings.

    I always lose weight the week of the TCH because nothing really tastes good. I can somewhat taste vinegary and salty food and I look for those foods during this week. I don't normally use salt in my cooking but this week I usually add a little to my food and it helps with the taste. Anything sweet tastes bitter to me ... might be a blessing in disguise since I can't be devouring desserts!

    I've been working fulltime through out the chemotherapy and that has not been a hardship. When I come home from work, I usually take a quick nap ... sometimes it's for 30 minutes, sometimes an hour. And then I do my chores and dinner. I have my infusions on Thursday, I go in to work on Friday, and if it's the week for TCH, I spend most of Saturday and Sunday, napping or reading. Thank goodness for a handy husband who does laundry, grocery shopping, and other chores I can't get to! And because I enjoy cooking and it relaxes me, I've managed to cook every week.

    I've also managed to keep up with my exercise. I've cut back on the elliptical from 45 minutes to 20 - 25 minutes but I've managed to stay on the same resistance so I've been pleased. I also do yoga and weights when the elliptical doesn't appeal to me.

    While I hate having to go through this (seriously who would choose this?) I have managed to make it work for me. When I was first diagnosed I told myself that I would fit cancer into my life and not fit my life into cancer. I was determined not to let this crappy disease disrupt my life any more than it already had.

    It hasn't been easy ... it's constant adjusting ... but it is adjusting to stay on top of this disease so I do it.

    Thank you all for your postings ... you have helped tremendously! Good luck to everyone ... fight the good fight with all your might! 

  • gasurvivor2011
    gasurvivor2011 Member Posts: 150
    edited July 2011

    Evelynmarie- thx for sharing. You are one tough cookie!

    I am glad to be done w/ TCH. Just on Herceptin now. I did work- but also had some tough days. The pain and fatigue were tough. I am now 4 1/2 weeks out and each day is getting better. I still have minor burning in the legs at the beginning of the day- nothing like it was during and right after the chemo. Glad to be getting stronger.

    I wish I had tried to walk some during chemo- I have start exercising again now, and it's slow! I was able to ride my bike (am at the beach for the weekend) and can walk longer now without getting as tired.

    It did get harder at the end of the treatments. The weakness part- the side effects were similar and got easier to manage. The fatigue was definitely cumulative for me.

    It is gettting better- each day. Happy to be done w/ TC 6 cycles. On the mend. Have stubble on my head- family said it's growing!!! 

    Happy Thoughts to all.

    Lisa

  • EvelynMarie
    EvelynMarie Member Posts: 19
    edited July 2011

    LisaGH ... so very pleased for you about the TCH being over. I can't wait. This Thursday will be my 5th TCH ... then one more to go! I've noticed that as I reach the end of the TCH infusions, the fatigue is a little unpredictable.

    Since my 6th (and last!) TCH infusion is on July 28, I am assuming that my hair will start growing back in August. Did your hair change color? My oncologist warned me that the new hair might not be the same as the old. I don't really care ... it will be hair!

    I'm going to continue on the Herceptin every three weeks until April, 2012 ... which sounds similar to what you are doing. In September I will start my daily radiation which will last till November. Once the Herceptin is done in April, I go on Arimidex for five years. I'm not going to think of that part until I have to do it. I've glanced briefly at the side effects and I've browsed through the discussion board for it, and I am going to leave it alone for now. I'll concern myself with one treatment cycle at a time.

    I hope you continue to gain strength ... one step at a time is what I keep reminding myself. In August I will be where you are ... it is something to look forward to ... when I first started it seemed so far away and now I can see it!

    Let us know how you are doing. It is like a beacon of light for those of us not there yet!

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited July 2011
    EvelynMarie - Welcome!  You are so right to take things one step at a time - otherwise it is just too much!  Glad to hear things are going along well for you.
  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited July 2011
    EvelynMarie  my hair changed color and got darker. Not only did I get more gray on the sides it turned black. I had dark brown. Even my eyebrows turned black… and they are still black. Hair was 1st dyed the day after I first went topless. Took a couple of tries to get the right color. Too red in the beginning although everyone liked it.
  • Wendyspet
    Wendyspet Member Posts: 103
    edited July 2011

    I had my second TCH on Thursday, with Neulasta on Friday. I am really surprised that this time the side effects aren't nearly the same (so far).  With the exception of the taste problems, I just feel like I can't sleep.  Weird.

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited July 2011
    Wendy - With my second one I wondered if they left something out since I didn't feel nearly as bad as the first one.
  • pasmithx2
    pasmithx2 Member Posts: 224
    edited July 2011

    Wendyspet--my first was the worst too. The taste thing never gets better but everything else seems to be improving. Not everyone has that same experience though. My fingers are crossed that the last one on Wed follows the pattern, but I can deal with it if it's not.

  • LaurieC1961
    LaurieC1961 Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2011

    I am going for TCH #5 this Tuesday.    Mentioned to my doctor that the watery eyes and runny nose that started after #4 have continued and even worsened to the point I frequently have tears running down my face.  His response is to cut back the amount of Dexamethason I will receive Tues. with the chemo (has been 20 mg. through IV plus 8 mg. I take at home beforehand - not sure what he's planning on cutting it back to).  I questioned him, saying I had read on this site and others that Taxotere was most likely responsible, not the steroids, but he said something about they make you retain water, etc. and that could be contributing to it.  He also said I had been getting a higher dose of the steroids anyways (8 mg. day before, 28 mg. day of, 8 mg. day after) so he would just take me down to a lower dose still considered normal.  I'm concerned that cutting back on the steroids might make me more susceptible to other side effects - i.e. nauseousness, etc. - that I've been fortunate enough to avoid up until now, and I'm not convinced they have anything to do with the watery eyes/runny nose.  Has anyone else's doctor told them this?   Is my Dexamethason dosage higher than what's typically prescribed? 

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited July 2011

    Laurie - I took 20mg the night before chemo, 20mg the morning of chemo and then got 10mg in the drip.  My understanding is that the steroids are to protect you from the fluid retention that can occur with taxotere.  On the 'Triple Positive Group' thread we talked a lot about the watery eyes, I think some of the last posts about it were very interesting.  There was discussion of tiny stents.  I had the watery eyes and they gradually went away after the last treatment.  I also had the eye twitches.  I don't think your steroid dosage is high compared to mine.  My docs are very by the book on the conservative side.

    I notice you are another Arizonan!

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited July 2011
    The steriods actually helped me not retain water. Go figure. The taxotears for me where from the taxotere. My opthamologist said it was from the taxotere drying my eyes out. She remcommended lubricateding eye drops (not the kind that gets the red out though). Ask your onc if it would be OK to try this.
  • gasurvivor2011
    gasurvivor2011 Member Posts: 150
    edited July 2011

    Hi- my kids are saying I am getting more hair on my head- it's short/stubbly looking. Looks dark so far w/ some gray- (that sounds like the way it was b/f chemo). Too short to tell- I'll let ya know.

    I had taxotears after the last few chemos and a few weeks after last TCH #6. It stopped- but can't exactly remember when. It was annoying- but now I am  4 1/2 wks after last TC and it's gone. Relief!

    Not sure if it was med or steroids that made me retain fluid. I have lost a pound or too- but don't feel nearly as bloated as I did right after chemo. It is getting better day by day. I didn't like steroids, but then again I did feel they helped alot really thinking back now.

    One step at a time, one treatment at a time, one hour at a time on some rough days (not as many as I thought there would be thru chemo though really). It does get better.

    I have my tissue expanders out this week on Wednesday. I cannot wait. They are uncomfortable. I am grateful that the only major discomfort I have now is the TE!! That's progress.Happy for you Lago this is behind you now too- any words of wisdom there are welcomed! I am nervous but also excited.

    My taste now is fine & has been for a few weeks now. That was tough for me. 

    It seemed like chemo would last forever. Now a month out, it seems like a blur that it went so fast... 

    Happy 4th of July to all. 

    Lisa

  • jackifp
    jackifp Member Posts: 63
    edited July 2011

    "Fit cancer into my life" - I really like your phrasing, as that's precisely what I've attempted to do. A friend told me I acted as if it's all just a great inconvenience...well, yes, as a matter of fact!

  • pasmithx2
    pasmithx2 Member Posts: 224
    edited July 2011

    jackifp--What else is it if not a great inconvenience?! A major PITA, maybe. I have things to do, places to go, people to see and cancer will just have to do its best to keep up.

  • dragonfly1
    dragonfly1 Member Posts: 516
    edited July 2011

    LaurieC  Sorry I've been off the threads a few days with the holiday and all...I was one of the people with severe "Taxotears" By the 6th TCH I had tears running down my face almost 24/7 and I became concerned. I went to the eye doctor about it. He told me it is usually transient, is definitely from the Taxotere but if it doesn't gradually get better they will need to put stents in your tear ducts to prevent permanent scarring and damage. The tears are actually caused by extreme dryness but he told me that eye drops won't actually help with taxotears and warm compresses will provide some relief. Mine gradually cleared up and I now have only occasional episodes so the eye doctor says it's fine.

    LisaGH Hey there my triplet! So glad you are feeling better and I'll be thinking of you with your surgery this week!!! 

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited July 2011

    LisaGH The exchange is so much easier than BMX. If you're not having any fat grafting done it will be a breeze. Most of my discomfort was from that. First 2-4 days will be the most uncomfortable but it really gets so much easier after that… and like I said for me it was really the fat grafting work/harvest that made me sore. 1 week later you will be holding yourself back because of your restrictions.

    I did lower things before surgery. Still not like getting the bmx.

  • LaurieC1961
    LaurieC1961 Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2011
    Omaz- yes, we are in Scottsdale.  Where are you?  Thanks very much for your reply, as well as the info about your steroid dosage.   I'm definitely going to question the doctor's response to the watery eyes - I'm not convinced there's any correlation to the dexamethasone.  Because I'm going to the Mayo Clinic, which is a teaching facility, I  see a "fellow" doctor who is a regular surgeon looking to expand his experience in the breast cancer field as opposed to seeing the oncologist.   They've assured us the oncologist reviews each case and is updated after every appointment, and the surgeon I see has been doing this for four years so he has quite a bit of experience himself, but I can't help but feel less than comfortable with the situation - especially now that his advice doesn't seem to agree with what I've read on-line.  My chemo tomorrow is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. so hopefully I can get a message to the oncologist beforehand to see if he concurs with the reduced dexamethasone plan and why.  Considering the cocktail of drugs they've given me for the first four treatments has worked pretty well at keeping side effects at bay, I'm a little worried about them changing it up now.  Thanks too Lago, LisaGH, and dragonfly1for sharing your thoughts and experiences - I think checking it out with an ophthalmologist is a much better plan, especially since it sounds like it can become a permanent problem if scarring is involved.
  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited July 2011
    Laurie - I am sending you a PM.

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