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Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin

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Comments

  • cupcake7
    cupcake7 Member Posts: 321
    edited July 2008

    Thats sweet Carolyn.  That is why the Lord said we need to be like children, He loves them so.  You were sent to her and her family and I know it is hard, but there is a plan in all this.  You hold that baby, maybe not in your arms, but certainly in your heart.  I am going in tomorrow for my first treatment and you on Wednesday so I will come on and tell you just what they did.  Yes you will be back after the first one for sure, and stay with us the whole treatment course.

  • suemed8749
    suemed8749 Member Posts: 210
    edited July 2008

    When I think my bachache's a met, When my clothes don't seem to fit, When I can't drag myself out of bed, I need shelbaroni's wit.

    When I look into the mirror, Through eyes that are twitchy and murky, And I only see bald scalp and scars, I need shel to be quirky. 

    When it's 3 a.m. and I'm scared, And I'm tired but just can't sleep,
    And I boot up bc.org, I want to laugh not weep.

    Shel: don't leave!

    Sue

  • shelbaroni
    shelbaroni Member Posts: 350
    edited July 2008
    It looks like most of the precincts are in--I'll stay on right here as Court Jester Emeritus. Unless there are any pregnant hanging chads...but I guess that only happens in Florida, right? And if it's a guy named Chad who's pregnant AND, well, HANGING, he should be on Oprah, for goodness sake! And THAT'S what you would call a serial nonsequitur.

    Hey Aly, how are you doing, girl?

    Cupcake--it's gonna be OK tomorrow. Is someone coming with you to the treatment? If so...or even if you're by yourself, plan a little treat for afterwards. I'm making it a practice to always plan something pleasant for right after a treatment. That way, I just don't face the entire day with dread. It's kind of like promising your kid a candy bar after a haircut!
  • cupcake7
    cupcake7 Member Posts: 321
    edited July 2008

    That's cool Shell for the treat afterwords.  Most likely won't get sick right away hunh?  Later or the next day?  Heard of anyone taking a nose dive the first day?  My sister in law is going with me and my husband will pick me up after his work.  If anyone would take a nose dive it probably would be me.  I read in here to start pushing water?  I have the bottles on the counter counted out to 8 of them so that is my goal.  If I have the next day then I am hoping to start right after treatment.  I am not getting the stuff out to soon though am I?  Does it have to stay in the body to work or within hours has it done its job for that treatment.  Oh here goes the questions...Where DO they come from?  I thought I had them all out....You definitely are our Court Jester and this proves it...funnnne girl.  Made me laugh when a day laughter comes hard. 

  • cinrae123
    cinrae123 Member Posts: 211
    edited July 2008

    Hi ladies............

    Good luck to those of you starting.  You will do just fine,,,,,,,,,,you are a strong group of ladies thats for sure.

    Shel,,,,,,,,,,DO NOT LEAVE.  Everyone needs a laugh now and then.  You are quite the good writer I must say.  Love the Camp Chemo.

    Aly,,,,,,,,,,,o goodness girl.  I am so sorry you are having such a rough time.  Bummer about the clot thing.  Sheesh.  But glad you got that squared away.

    I would treat myself to a lil shopping after chemo.  I was so hyped up on the steroids that that energy had to go somewhere.  lol

    Hi Nan.  How are things going for you?  You are still doing herceptin right?

    Well,,,,,,,,,,,,,,off to my daughters to see my grandson.

    Have a good week all,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,take care,,,,,,,,,rest,,,,,,,,,and do drink lots of water.  Keep hydrated.

    My thoughts are with you all,,,,,,,,be strong gals.  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

    Cindy

    ps..........I might not post as often as its summer time,,,,,,time to hit the beach.  You ladies are doing a great job connecting with each other,,,,,,,,,you dont need meeeeeeeee.  lol  I will check in on you all from time to time though.  Just hang in there ladies,,,,,,,,,,keep those side effects at bay,,,,,,,,rest,,,,,,,,,,get help when you need it ok?

  • shelbaroni
    shelbaroni Member Posts: 350
    edited July 2008
    Cupcake, you ARE full of questions. Definitely push the water. But I have no idea when it's going to "hit"...varies from person to person. I think you should write down all your questions and ask your nurse tomorrow. You'll be in there probably at least 4 hours, and they'll have plenty of time to answer your concerns then. Bring a good book or crossword puzzles or something. It's a long one the first time, especially. They'll probably give you handouts, too, for all the stuff that you'll forget. Don't be afraid to ask and ask. Remember, the only stupid question is the one that you already know the answer to (like I tell my kids and students all the time!) And we'll be waiting for the whole unexpurgated story when you get home!

    Q: Why did Beethoven give away all of his chickens?
    A: Because all they could say is Bach! Bach! Bach!

    (saw that in the doctor's office today when I took my daughter)
    Have a good evening, everyone!
  • cupcake7
    cupcake7 Member Posts: 321
    edited July 2008

    Yeah I know its the control thing coming up again.  My personality has a hard time in letting go of control and with all this I am TOTALLY not in control.  The supervisor part of me creeping in.  Ok ok I will calm down.  I did take the Decadron (steroids) today 2X and each time brought on a headache of about a 3, one this evening about a 4 but settled down with a aspirin.  I don't have any jittery feelings though, just a headache.  When I go in for treatment they will give me more, and then I take it 2X a day for 2 days after treatment too.  Tell me again what this is for?  Allergic reaction to the chemo to help with the side effects, is that right? 

    Cindy you were the one who started this sight and thank you for it.  Wait for us on the end of the tunnel ,and we will meet you soon and reach back to the new ones just going in to help them.  Have fun at those beaches I will be thinking of you there.

  • LisaAnn
    LisaAnn Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2008

    Well I do not post much but read these boards every day! You guys are spectacular! I finished my last chemo yesterday! I was so anxious. Every time the machine beeped to change the fluids  I got my nurse and said "Let's go'". She got a kick out of it. It was the fastest seesion I had!

    Now on to the next steps....Herceptin until March, Muga scans, decision of whether to have ovaries removed, suppressed. Doctor wants to do a clinical trial with Armidex or Tamoxifan. OHHH will it ever end????? I am SO excited to see how my hair will come back too! Haven't known the natural hair color in 15 years.

    I never thought I would make it. There certainly is light at the end of the tunnel.......

  • Gina_M
    Gina_M Member Posts: 108
    edited July 2008

    Cupcake -

    As my Oncologist explained to me, the steriods are to reduce risk of allergic reaction and also to limit water retention.  I took my first X2 yesterday, will take another this morning about an hour or two before my first treatment, another this evening before dinner and two tomorrow. Also asked her about how long the chemo takes to clear the body.  She said the "half-life" is around 11 hours.  That means that 50% of it is out of the body in 11 hours, then 50% of what remains is out the next 11 hours (that's 75% gone in 22 hours!), then 50% of remaining in the next 11 hours, etc.  So should clear the body pretty much completely in 3-5 days, with the required drinking of water, that is.  I also got Zofran (anti-nausea) but was told to start taking it right after the chemo.  I'm on Mountain time, with the first tx starting at 11 AM today. 

    Gina_M

  • kimbly
    kimbly Member Posts: 46
    edited July 2008

    LisaAnn congrats on finishing your chemo!!! I am faced with Herceptin only now as well and will have my 4th Herceptin only infusion this week.  I am on tamoxifen for 5 years unless I decide to have my ovaries removed. I have not decided on this yet.  I don't need them but just have not decided.  I have virtually no side effects from the tamox aside from the occassional hot flash which might just have  been happening anyway regardless.

    Interesting how the chemo leaves the body.. the timeline I mean. 

    I hated those steroids, made me so restless but they do work and I know I had to take them and survived it all. You ladies are all doing great!  

    Nan how's the herceptin going for you? I have a muga scan scheduled for next week.  I have nothing negative from it so far so.. keeping my fingers crossed. My Onc says to me each appt Herceptin is THE Most important thing for you right now.  

    Cindy have fun at the beaches!!! enjoy.. 

  • cupcake7
    cupcake7 Member Posts: 321
    edited July 2008

    Thank you Gina that was so helpful.  I guess they are going to drip me the Steroids today and I take them tomorrow too.  My Blood Glucose this morning was 150 still way to high.  But have to outweigh the benefit I guess.  Sure have put the concern on my treatment check in list when I go in this afternoon at 2:45.  We start together and Carolyn tomorrow so if you feel like it please post in here for her today.  I am if well enough I am so she will know how I did.  Good luck girl.  Sounds like you have all the info you need for a success.  I am praying for you right now as it is 8:30 Pacific time.

    Congrats lisa and Kimbly.  I had my ovaries out when they did a particle hysterectomy in 1996 and never had any problems.  They ask me if I wanted to, and I said why would I want to leave them in to be likely spots for ovarian cancer, not like I'm planning on having any kids at my age or anything.   I had read that even though they don't work anymore they still produce some kind of hormone, but like I said I had no problem outside of not having to deal with a period anymore.  A great milestone of a woman's life, I think.

  • punita
    punita Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2008

    hi all there, actually mother has bone cancer she just had 6 cycles of chemotheraphy. her herception cycle will be going to start in month of august. anybody there who had cycle of herception please let me know your experiences and  how many cycles  you had ?

  • TF80209
    TF80209 Member Posts: 83
    edited July 2008

    Gina: It'snow 11:10 MT (i'm in MT as well) and I'm thinking of you as you are starting your first treatment. I hope everything goes well.

    Brenda: Good luck as well. I wonder if your center has any booklets? I had the Taxotere booklet, some notes I took from Chemo Teach and then a Chemotherapy Guide that the nurses put together. Whenever a side effect popped up I used those to figure out what to do.

    LisaAnne: Congrats on finishing chemo. That is a huge milestone. You have a lot more decisions to make now that you've finished. I assume they are looking at your ovaries because of your age? I'm in chemopause (and hope I stay that way) so my onc and I haven't discussed getting rid of them. I vaguely recall discussing this with my Gyn at my "i've finished chemo" appt. but can't remember what he said. He isn't interested in removing them but I can't remember why. My onc did have me tested to see how I metabolize Tamoxifen and I was pleased to find I am an "extensive metabolizer" even with the Lexapro I take for hot flashes. Like Kimbly, I am tolerating the Tamoxifen very well (with the assistance of Lexapro and Gabapentin).

    Terri.

  • TF80209
    TF80209 Member Posts: 83
    edited July 2008

    Punita: I have had eight cycles of Herceptin only (had it for six cycles of chemotherapy as well) For my first two chemo cycles, I did have shaking chills for a couple of days after (mostly at night or when lying down) that I attributed to Herceptin. But that went away and I now have zero side effects from it. It's a half hour drip so a very quick appointment. Good luck to your mother.

    Terri.

  • Gina_M
    Gina_M Member Posts: 108
    edited July 2008

    Thank you Terri and Cupcake (and all the rest of you) for sending good wishes and prayers my way.  My first treatment went fine.  No problems with either of the drugs (TC - they'll add Herceptin next time around).  People were wonderful and very supportive at the Cancer Centre here.  My DH stayed throughout the treament and then we went out for lunch, followed by a "first chemo over " present of a "fun wig" - short and dark auburn.  I have not yet had any side effects (still have an appetite and can taste food) and it's been about 6 hours since treatment.

    I'll still be taking Decadron for another day and Zofran for 2 more days.  I'll keep you posted.  I hope you are all doing well!

    Gina

  • AlyMarie
    AlyMarie Member Posts: 192
    edited July 2008

    Hi all.  Have been trying to read back through the posts of the last 3 days.  Sorry if I missed a bunch.  I was hospitalized on Sunday morning after spending all day Saturday in the ER over this blood clot.  My throat was swolen worse on Sunday so my doctor admitted me and hooked me up to some I/V Heparin to thin the blood so my body could absorb the clot. Not one to let me have an easy ride, she also gave my TCH tx #2 on Sunday night.  I'm finally home today and the swelling in my neck has subsided substantially but is not gone completely. I have to give myself at home shots of Lovenox until the pill form kicks in and I will remain on that as long as I have the port (a year) to prevent this from happening again.  I'm also getting Neupogen this time around instead of Neulasta so that means 3 self inflicted (and yes, I mean INFLICTED!) shots a day for me for probably the next 5 days or so (2 Lovenox and one Neupogen daily).  My belly is already bruised.

    So I feel crappy but am still trying to eat.  I got lots of fluds in the hospital so I'm orcestrating a plan of attack for next time which will mean an extra liter of fluid at the time of my treatment, and another liter the day after.  Hopefully that will flush the poison out fast enough that I can better control some of the other side effects.  I don't know, at this point I'm willing to try everything.

    Cupcake, please don't be scared that this will happen to you. I'm told it only happens in about 1% of cases and I think this is my second time around being in the 1% categeroy on something - oh yeah, how I reacted to the Neulasta.  It's normal for it to be sore and feel wierd around your chest and under your collarbone but do watch for any swelling of your neck or the area.  If there is anything wrong it will be definitely be swolen and holy cow so tender to the touch.  I don't think you'll have any problems though.

    That's it for me, gotta go find something to put in my belly that will stay there.  Hugs to you all.

    Aly.

  • cupcake7
    cupcake7 Member Posts: 321
    edited July 2008

    Hi Gina:  I just got back from my treatment and did just fine.  Most the worry was in my head I think.  So hopefully Carolyn still comes on and reads this for her first day tomorrow.  The push on the new port was a little sensitive, but I think when it heals all the way it is not going to be a problem.  Never felt the needle at all.  They used the spray cold stuff.  I ask why they don't use the cream and they said that is what they used to use and it left everything all greasy and the such so this is much cleaner. 

    I'm pumping water big time now.  I had all three (Taxotere, Carboplatin, and Herceptin) today.  Slowly at first then cranked it up and I did fine.  Even the flush wasn't bad, just smelled it some  was all.  They gave me Zofran in the cocktail and the Decadron too.  So I had the whole deal.  I think I will be able to drive home just fine.  Now its time to hunker down and see what other surprises come my way.  Keep in touch....

  • cupcake7
    cupcake7 Member Posts: 321
    edited July 2008

    Good morning camp mates.  Just to report I slept well last night.  Took a Zofran at 10:00 pm and woke up at 4:15 and had one on the nightstand and took another one before getting up.  No nausea so far.  Started on the water, and after my post go fix some scram eggs I think.  A very small amount as with dinner last night keeping it very light.  Then I will take the Decadraon.  I'm tired, but that has not changed from the last couple of months since dx.  So far feeling ok. 

    Aly I am so sorry your going through this and yes for sure I was asking lots of questions yesterday about the port.  Your right you grabbed the gold ring on that one.  Rare to happen.  I sure hope you get feeling better real soon.

    Gina all sounds good and hope todays post will be good too.  Wig sounds cute.  I stayed with the Grey hair wig.  I know, if after treatment, it comes back dark people will swear I dyed it cause my hair has been white for so long.  I like Grey hair so I hope it comes back that way.  Drinking lots of water today?  Flush that nasty stuff out.  Waiting to hear how you are...prayers with all my friends in here for a wonderful day of recovery.

  • fltbanjo39
    fltbanjo39 Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2008

    I am new to the site.  Had estrogen positive left breast 15 wonderful years ago and now have been diagnosed with eneg,pneg, her2positive in right breast at least I'm even now and can go braless.  I get my port in this Friday start tch the 29th of July.  Anyone in and around Flint, Saginaw, Det MI know of a wig boutique with reasonable priced wigs?  I have a grandaughter getting married in October.  I am really having fun with that one.  I tell her I can be anything I want to be from red to white hair and size B to DD what ever I feel like.  I think I have her worried. lol.

  • shelbaroni
    shelbaroni Member Posts: 350
    edited July 2008
    Cupcake, I think we'll have to check with Cindy to make sure, but I think you may have earned the Camper of the Day Bead yesterday (to put on your pink lanyard, of course. You DO know how to make a lanyard, don't you?) Anyway, you're troopin', girl. It might come around and try to bite you in the behind in the next couple days. Remember, some of us don't get sick right away, but wait until about day 4-5. If it does happen, get lots of rest, know that it's very temporary, and call your doctor RIGHT AWAY if anything funky happens that you don't have a good remedy for.

    I found out yesterday that there's another really huge advantage to being bald. When you go on Journey to Atlantis at Sea World, you don't have to run around with gross, wet hair all day. In my board shorts and rash guard and little do-rag, I was as hydrodynamic as a baby seal!

    Welcome, fltbango. Am I safe in assuming that you're a musician? You might be a good one to accompany us on the Camp Chemo song for talent night around the campfire. Don't know anything about wig places, but I know an excellent online place for headcovers. In fact, it's headcovers.com. They also have a pretty big selection of wigs. But I don't know anything about wigs. In fact, last time I saw one, I called animal control (just kidding). But really, check 'em out.

    How's it going, Aly? I trust that all the horrible stuff has passed. I'm glad you finally got your second treatment. All that port stuff set you back a spell. 

    Well, it's off to yoga. Might make me mellow enough to take my little guy to my least favorite place on earth...Toys R Us. Ciou.
  • cupcake7
    cupcake7 Member Posts: 321
    edited July 2008

    Thanks shell I just might be one of those late bloomers.   Is the late onsets as bad as right away?  I'm still pumping water to get the main stuff out will that help?  Beings I got up so early I went back to bed so going to use this day to do nothing but rest.  The eggs kina gurgled a little bit and I think the wozzy feeling was the  Decadron hitting in .  I was one hour early for the Zofran, but took it anyway to make sure ,and went to sleep for 45 minutes until one of my well wishers called on the phone.  I feel ok now.  I feel rested, but still want my mind to relate to my body and don't eagerly want to jump out and run around the block.

    Hi fitbango and welcome.  You are one that imprints more in my mind to take both the puppies off if I have a chance when they take one.  This is the second time around with the right boobie, first being abnormal cells taken out and here 5 years later and mamograms not picking it up I am in stage III advanced.  Hey at my age they are bothersome anyway...just rattles for my husband to play with, but he will still have the play pen so he should be ok. 

    ps whats a lanyard?

  • punita
    punita Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2008

    TF80209

    hi, my mother had her 6th and last chemo of TCH on 04th july.  her taste  starts changing  same day itself such  that she couldn't able to eat anything . then after a few days costipation, mouth sores and fever that could last for 10-15 days .

    i don't know what will happen when she will take herception.

    punita

  • Donalee
    Donalee Member Posts: 106
    edited July 2008

    HI All!!

    I did it! Actually went "commando" out to dinner with my DH last night!! I wore huge earings and didn't have a scarf to match so he suggested just go bald!!! I got a lot of stares but thought they were looking at my beautiful earings my son got me for my birthday.hahahah. It felt great!

    hugs to all!

    Donalee

  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 131
    edited July 2008

    Cupcake,

     It sounds like you are doing well- hopefully you will be one with minimal ses and those will be manageble. Keep drinking water and keep your kidneys flushed! I dont have terrible ses but I still take it east from Thursday(chemo day) through Sunday of the weekend. I do some walking (Im a treadmiller) but in shorter intervals- 10 minutes at a time- and basically stay around the house all weekend. By Monday I go back to work but dont usually last all day there on Monday. Not everyone has such a tough time so maybe you will be lucky and stay on track.

    Punita,

    I dont have any side effects on my Herceptin only weeks from the Herceptin- I am drowsy the day of treatment and the day after from the benadryl they give me at the treatment but that is all.

    Go Donalee on the commando- Ive done it a few times and also still wear hats and scarves- just go with whatever feels the best for ME each time except church- I am the pianist and I just dont think everyone there is ready for commando on a televised service!

    Kristy

  • shelbaroni
    shelbaroni Member Posts: 350
    edited July 2008

    Donalee; Congrats on the commando. I just do it around the house, cuz I actually need a bit of a shave--it's gotten rather patchy. But when I go to ComicCon as Aang the Last Airbender, I will be commando with a large blue arrow painted on my head and down my forehead. I'll post the photo as my avatar when the time comes.

  • cupcake7
    cupcake7 Member Posts: 321
    edited July 2008

    Hey Shell what is the pink lanyard?  Don't know what it is.  What is ses you abbreviate too?  You know your second verse of our camp song I know where my not potty comes from it is the Zofran.  Wow am I backed up like a freeway in LA at rush hour.  Senna and Colace isn't doing much so I think I am going to make me up some good ol fashioned Power Pudding.  4oz of Prune Juice, 4oz of pureed prunes, 4 oz of applesauce, and 2 tbs bran powder.  That should do it.  That's what we gave to the pregnant mommies.  Looks like the Zofran is really good, but this side effect has got to be taken care of too.  Hopefully by tomorrow everything will all work out...lol  Outside of that doing good.  Wonder why Gina hasn't come back in?  Carolyn had her first treatment today so prayers out to her too. 

  • punita
    punita Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2008

    KristyAnn

    maam, with regard to side effect of herception, whether drowziness stays for a long period of time  just as chemotheraphy stays  for or just for a singler day

  • fltbanjo39
    fltbanjo39 Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2008

    Thanks for the welcome Cupcake7 and Shelbaroni.  Is it true that most people on this chemo don't loose hair until after the second treatment?  I love the chemo song.  Yes I use to play with a large banjo club but missed being with my family on weekends.  Have arranged to have my head shaved about the second treatment.  My grandaughter wants me to have my beautician do all kinds weird things to it (like a mohawk first) and take pics.  I'm not a drinker but think I will need some Mikes hard lemonade for that one lol.

  • Gina_M
    Gina_M Member Posts: 108
    edited July 2008

    Hi Cupcake and others,

    I sometimes get confused about which topic I'm in as I have also been posting to Anyone Starting TCH in July and Staring DDAC July 2008 (which seems to have expanded to encompass TC also).  So I've given my last few updates for June 8 & 9 there.  That said, I feel so connected with so many of you and appreciate your concern and thoughts and you all have mine.  So far so good!  I had no trouble with the chemo infusion itself - the Cancer Centre is beautiful and first class, as are all the staff.  I took Decadron twice daily till last night (Day 2) and will still be on Zofran until Friday night.  So far no significant side effects...retained water (about 5 pounds worth) the first day, but lost most of it yesterday (12 glasses of water later!!).  Managed to get in my regular workout yesterday morning (3 mile run, some light weights and sit-ups) and took another 3 mile walk with my dh last night (we're trying to make that a regular thing as long as I can do it...I think that once a bit of fatique sets in, the running will likely stop and the walking may need to be scaled back).

    I will certainly be trying your Power Pudding recipe today Cupcake - I"ve taken Senekot the last two nights - but still no success in that area!

     How's everyone else doing today?

    Gina M.

  • shelbaroni
    shelbaroni Member Posts: 350
    edited July 2008
    Cupcake; The lanyard was a reference to those thing that you weave at camp using that plastic string stuff. Technically, a lanyard is a cord worn around the neck, like one would suspend a whistle from. And pink is the 'breast cancer' color. About the Zofran and constipation, yes that is a side effect, but that is not the only thing that causes it, since my last treatment, I didn't use the Zofran at all and I still had extreme constipation for 5 days. Then all hell broke loose. So I'm going to ask them what I can do differently this time. It could be the decadron. I got all panicky when it happened the first treatment. I thought I would explode and die. But then by the second treatment, when I was dumping everything but drain cleaner down my throat every night and nothing was working, I just figured it would happen about day 6. And it did!

    And fltbango--I started losing my hair in clumps about day 13 after the first treatment, which is a few days early. But it will happen before your second treatment. So the short haircut is a good proactive measure, since when it does come out, then long strands aren't coming out all over, just short stuff. I got the haircut a few days before my first treatment so I could get used to it. I'd always had long hair, and I discovered I liked the really short cut. I actually like being bald, too. I guess I'm adaptable that way...

    Well it's off to the races, all. Make the best day possible, campers! 

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