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Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin

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Comments

  • sewingnut
    sewingnut Member Posts: 475
    edited August 2011

    Cristean,

    On my queasy days I also took Xanax.  The Zophran didn't help me as much as the Phenergan did.  I only threw up once and I attribute that to the fact my son moved home from college and brought with him "bugs" from school.  One immodium after the big D started seems enough to slow it down for me, but everyone is different. Hope you feel better.  At least you're at the 1/2 mark. That is reason to celebrate.

  • nmoss1000
    nmoss1000 Member Posts: 324
    edited August 2011

    Hi Christean I had a really bad but with nausea after TX 3 and the only thing that worked was Xanax. I really hope you feel better, I do remember the feeling like it was yesterday,

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

    Christean the one advise my SIL gave me (She's an MD that works for a drug company) was if the nausea drugs aren't working be sure to make  your onc give you something else. They have many drugs for this but some are more expensive so the docs don't always prescribe. (Of course my luck I never got nausea. I got the more rare SE that they don't have drugs for Tongue out)

    My doctors also gave me stuff for anxiety and sleep… which I never used but seems most women need it or they wouldn't prescribe it. Ask your onc for something.

  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 426
    edited August 2011

    Christean - how endearing the way your daughter is taking care of you.  Mine were 24 and 27 when i went through it (2 years ago) and, while it was really difficult for me to let the roles be reveresed and let them take care of ME, it was GOOD for that to happen.  Now they are much more protective and supportive of me and not as self-centered as daughters can often be.  (Although I did know when they were more secure that the cancer was behind me when they would get snippy at me again, lol)

    Re the sleeplessness - I have always been a very good sleeper and never had problems falling/staying asleep before. So this was all totally new to me. Here is what I found that helped. First of all - don't stress about it or struggle with it - that only makes it worse. Just accept that you may have a few hours of sleeplessness the first few nights after tx. Hopefully your schedule will allow you to make it up the next day if needed, by sleeping later or taking a nap.

    Second, get a book that is LIGHT EASY reading and put it by your bed. You can try reading for a while and then, AS SOON AS you feel a little drowsy, put it away, snap off the light and fall asleep. That works sometimes.

    But my secret weapon was my IPOD.  I downloaded a bunch of podcasts (NOT music, which will allow your mind to wander and stay awake) - on topics like cooking, travel, stories - nothing intense or upsetting. I would put it on and lie in the dark listening. Your mind stays focused on their words (not your own worries) and allows you to relax. Very often I would fall asleep with the IPOD on, and then wake up enough just to put it away and continue sleeping.

    So those are my suggestions.  Experiment and see what works. I didn't use the sleep aid drugs because I didn't want to add yet another drug to my system.  However, now that I am done treatment, I do take 6mg melatonin before bed. My naturopathic DO wants me to take it for bc prevention, not as a sleep aid but it does help relax me to fall asleep, as an added benefit.

    Good luck to you as you go through this - and a hug to your caregiving daughter!

    Amy

  • lilylady
    lilylady Member Posts: 478
    edited August 2011

    Amelie-I had problems sleeping in the beginning and finally asked for something from my onc. I started taking ambien and it worked wonders for me. I never felt hung over. I actually started taking only a 1/2 pill it worked so well. I haven't needed it for a while but it was a lifesaver back then. I started out hating to take any meds at all but quickly figured out if there is a pill for it why not try it. Unlike some of the other pills like the Ativan it is just for sleeping. No sleep was making me nuts-so irritable and hateful plus combined with the steroid crash...

       Christean-I sailed thru the first 4 tx then #5 and 6 kicked my butt with the nausea. Even the Emend didn;t work. They had me come in for fluids every few days and that helped.. The Zophran would keep me from vomiting but my stomach still felt so bad i decided i would rather puke. I finally found out I could keep some bread type stuff down. Crescent rolls or cheap canned biscuits especially. The onc was getting frustrated I think and he finally told me it would just have to run its course. Because I had absolutley no problems thru the first four I was so shocked but he said the accumulation is probably what happened. I hope it passes for you soon and this might be the ony one that makes you feel so bad.

  • Izzy325
    Izzy325 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    Amelie-congrats on #1 done!



    Christean, If you think you are already dehydrated(which is likely), a trip to the clinic to get fluids will surely help. Once you are dry, the stomach has a harder time bouncing back and the vomiting or dry heaves are more likely to continue similarly with GI bugs.

    Take care, hugs to you....

  • Christean
    Christean Member Posts: 84
    edited August 2011

    Thanks so much for everyone's help and advice.  Today is much better and I think I'm gonna make it.  I haven't puked since yesterday, and that has helped a bunch.  I slept ok last night (once I fell asleep, which took forever) and that helped as well.  I have been able to drink fluids this morning so I don't think I am as dehydrated as I was yesterday.  I think the worst is over for this round.   I am still exhausted, but I think I am going to try to go in to work for a little while. 

    I am not sure why my meds didn't work.  I did take them (Ativan, Xanax, Zofran, Compazine, phenergan)but I was still sick.  I know I get Emend in my IV prior to chemo, but I don't have oral Emend at home.  I will ask for it next time.

    I am so grateful for all of you.  I couldn't do this without you.

  • DonnaD001
    DonnaD001 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    Steroids?  You mean, we have to take steroids during all the treatments?  (I did not know this.)

     How long before your first treatment did they insert your port?

    How long were you there for your first treatment? 

  • DonnaD001
    DonnaD001 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    Folks - I'm having an issue trying to see my surgeon.  I am only available for early morning appointments as I start work at 12:30 pm daily.  (The Cleveland Clinic is a good one hour drive from work and home.)

    I'm having a nightmare of a situation....I'm even trying to get in to see another surgeon, and this is proving to be difficult, as well.

    I've called the ombudsman's office, the ceo's office, many other offices - nothing is working.

    I'm going to try again tomorrow, but this is ridiculious to have to deal with this on top of breast cancer, plus my husband is having major surgery next week.

    I may even need to switch hospitals....don't know what to do.  I spent yesterday morning, and half of this morning on the phone trying to get in to see a new surgeon - no luck - I could see someone in September!

    This is way to crazy! 

  • DonnaD001
    DonnaD001 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    PS  I have not had my post-op appointment, due to my surgeon having to do emergency surgery on July 26th.  They re-secheduled me for Friday July 31st, but I was not able to make that appointment because they scheduled it when I'm working.  I am scheduled for August 9th, but the appointment is too late in the morning for me to be able to make it.  I've told at least five people I could not make that appointment.  They keep telling me I have an appointment on August 9th! 

     I am at a loss as to what to do - I'll try again tomorrow, though.

  • DonnaD001
    DonnaD001 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    PS  They re-scheduled me for Friday, July 29th...

  • DonnaD001
    DonnaD001 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    PSS  I still have my drainage tube in from my June 15th surgery.  It's leaking all over the place.  I did call one of the nurses at the Cleveland Clinic and left her a voice mail message asking if I could see her this coming Thursday, August 4th to check my drainage tube - maybe it will be removed - I'm still releasing a lot of fluid, though.  I'm sure it's over 33 cc a day.

  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,262
    edited August 2011

    DonnaD001 - Sorry about your frustration with med offices and unavailable surgeons, welcome to BC!  I know you are waiting for your path report as well, waiting is the pits.  Steroids are routinely given as a standard pre-med with your chemo, sometimes for a day before, day of, 2 days after - or sometimes just with the chemo.  You receive steroids to help with the side effects of the chemo, such as swelling and nausea.

  • YaYa5
    YaYa5 Member Posts: 532
    edited August 2011

    donna, i had my first tx last thursday, so i can answer a few of your questions.  yes, some of us have to take steroids.  if i remember correctly, it's to help prevent an allergic reaction to the taxotere.  i didn't have a problem with the steroids and no real se's until yesterday when i spent the whole day queasy and so, so tired.  i got my port exactly one week before my first tx and as much as i didn't believe the women here, the needle in my port did NOT hurt.  I was at the clinic for at least 6 hours, but here's why:  first i had to get my port accessed and then blood drawn for the lab. then i had a meeting with my onc's PA and then down to the infusion room.  i had a bag of anti-nausea medication, then a bag of steroids, and then the herceptin was next.  they give it very slowly at first, so it took at least 1-1/2 hour just for the herceptin.  i had two more bags (chemos) and each one took an hour.  it took a long time, but i think next time will be much shorter.  (oh, and the steroids were given to me one day before tx [4 small tablets] and again the day after treatment.]  good luck.  i'm sure you'll do just fine.  we all do one way or another.  

     christean, take care of yourself.  i hope you're much better tomorrow.   

  • DonnaD001
    DonnaD001 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    Thanks ladies for your input!

    Have a good evening.

    TTFN,

    Donna

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

    Donna I got my port installed the day before chemo. We tried to do chemo the same day but there wasn't a room available. BTW I had my surgeon's nurse remove my drains. I didn't want to wait another day if they were ready to come out.

    Steroids also helped keep my fluid retention down.

    Remember that good surgeons/doctors are the ones with the lines out the door. No one waits in line for a bad doctor. It is hard to find an open appointment with those that have a reputation.You might need to check a younger doctor.They can be just as good even know some new procedures but haven't fully developed the reputation of someone who has been working 10 years longer.

  • NormaJean65
    NormaJean65 Member Posts: 173
    edited August 2011

    Lago,

    You mean they didn't put your port in during your surgery?  Speaking of ports, mine has failed last week leaving me with a occlusion of my left jugular.  Tomorrow the port comes out, last Herceptin on Thrus. will be the "old fashion way".  This just seems to go on & on since Warfarin will be my new friend for the next 6 mons. along with the Venous Doppler.  Grrrrrr !!

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

    I asked but my BMX with TE surgery was planned to be 6-8 hours. They didn't want to do more stuff. I'm glad they didn't. They surgeon that installed my port is a vascular surgeon. Pretty much the main thing he does is install ports. I have heard of others having issues with their ports and have to get them removed. If you need a port again they can't put it in the same place. That would mean another scar. Also my on wants me to keep mine for another 2 years.

    Remember I had nodes on both sides so no sticks in the arms. I don't have an issue with sticks in my foot but there is an increased risk of infection. That's why they don't like to do them there. At least now for the next 2 years I can get blood draws through my port.

  • DonnaD001
    DonnaD001 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    Thanks, lago.

    I was able to get another apointment with a different surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic today.  I will be seeing her on August 18th.

    I also telephoned my gyneo. to see who she recommends I see for a surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic.

    The surgeon I was seeing is only there one day a week!  That's the problem! LOL

    I asked for somebody who is there at least two days weekly.

    I also telephoned my onc. to get started with the chemo today.  They don't have the release from Dr. Stewart yet.  I hope my onc. can somehow intervene and help me get things lined up soon.

    I am seeing a breast center nurse tomorrow to have my drainage tube checked...

    So, I've taken the bull by the horns and am advocating for myself, since I cannot seem to get anybody at the Cleveland Clinic to help me.

    I may end up switching hospitals, if there are any more complications.

    I believe the problems are with the support staff.  They don't seem knowledgeable as to how to get things done.

    I had to make a choice between myself and my husband's surgery next week.  His surgery is very important.  At least I'm mending.

    I'm concerned about future surgeries.  Most people I know who have had some type of cancer usually have it turn up somewhere else in their body.

    At the Cleveland Clinic, you either get the top of the line or the bottom of the barrel with health care...there is no middle ground! 

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited August 2011
    Donna where I'm being treated the doctors and nurses are excellent… support staff, not so much. Actually they suck. I double check everything now. This is not an unusual problem. Support staff will not be taking care of you so don't be overly concerned. Just double check EVERYTHING.
  • DonnaD001
    DonnaD001 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    Yes, lago....from this point forward, I will be advocating for myself in every aspect of my recovery.  I will do all my own follow-ups to make certain my appointment is still scheduled.

    Someone should have mentioned my surgeon saw patients only one day a week.

    The surgeon I have scheduled with - I telephoned her secretary to see how many days per week she sees patients.  I was told three days per week.

    It's ashame we must check into every little detail....I guess it's now a requirement.

    TTFN,

    Donna

  • DonnaD001
    DonnaD001 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    PS lago.  I'm originally from the Chicago area - Park Forest, to be exact.

  • NormaJean65
    NormaJean65 Member Posts: 173
    edited August 2011

    Lago, if it is any comfort to you many people have their ports for years w/o a problem as long as the ports are "flushed" on a regular basis.  DD see people all the time that have had ports for extended periods of time when they come through the ER.  I just happen to be the "odd ball" with no luck.  Just the same I will be glad to get it out. 

    Maybe the one area I was lucky was I didn't have to have any incisions to remove lymph node.  My BS was able to "capture" a few axillary nodes in addition to the sentinel nodes easily available with the MX.

    Of course, this newest revelation has put any and all surgeries on the back burner for about 6 mons.  Wonderful !!

    Hope you and the "boobie prizes" are doing great !!

  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 426
    edited August 2011

    Donna - good for you to take charge of your care like that. You are a fast learner.

    The only suggestion I would have is to check & see if your docs see patients only at THAT location or others as well.  It may be that the surgeon only sees patients THERE one day/week but other days at another office that may be convenient. 

    The nurse practitioner at my onc (who I now see for alternating visits) has a few days/week at another location which is equally convenient to me. So I have more choices in scheduling than I originally thought.  Could possibly be true for you as well.

    Good luck. The logistical piece can be the most frustrating.  It is SO NICE when you are done the active part of treatment and the appointments drop off to 'occasional' ones.

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

    I agree with Amy. Also my BS sees patients on 2 days (other days I think he's in surgery) but there is always the option to see his partner. For follow ups this is not a bad option.

    donna I'm originally from the Boston area. I get so lost in the burbs out here. Tongue out

    NormaJean the boobie prizes are doing well. No real changes just high maintenance. (Massaging, compression band, Mederna 3-4X a day). Thanks for asking. I don't have a real problem with my port just a pain on interviews. I need to make sure it's hidden. It was 102  yesterday and I had an interview. Not jacket or high neck weather.

  • Luebbsgurl
    Luebbsgurl Member Posts: 15
    edited August 2011

    Hope everyone is having as much of a SE free day as possible. Day 14 from first tx and I feel half way normal with the exception that now my hair has decided it wants to come out in clumps. I'm so glad I made the decision to cut my long hair short before starting my treatment.

    Donna - my port was installed a week before my first treatment. I take 1 steroid pill the morning before and the day after my chemo. I am also to take a colace the night before chemo. The day of chemo I had blood drawn, went to see the onc, and then back down to the infusion center and had an IV bag of Benadryl and pepcid, a shot for anti-ausea, and an IV bag of steroids. Then it was onto the TCH. I was there for 6-7 hours doing it this way. They tell me that they might be able to get it a little shorter because they did the Herceptin at a very slow pace that time (1-1/2 hrs) and can get it down to 30 minutes eventually.

    Tina

  • YaYa5
    YaYa5 Member Posts: 532
    edited August 2011

    could you guys tell me why i'm still feeling soooooo tired and weak?  i had my first tx (TCH) last thursday, was nauseated on monday, but just for that one day.  i can't seem to feel better in terms of being tired.  i've tried to get up and get around, but i'm forced back to bed feeling bad again.  is it just the meds?  or am i being a sissy?

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

    YaYa some people do react that way. They get that "flu like fatigue". No you aren't being a sissy.

    But do check in with your onc. This could also be a sign that your white counts are too low. If they get really low you will need a transfusion. I don't remember… do you get nuelasta shot?

  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,262
    edited August 2011

    Lago and Yaya - White counts are not helped by transfusion - that is why they give Neulasta.  A transfusion only contains red cells which, conversely, are not helped by Neulasta.  It would be pretty surprising if red counts and hemoglobin fell that fast from the 1st tx.

    I am wondering if it is the steroid "crash" causing that much fatigue.

  • YaYa5
    YaYa5 Member Posts: 532
    edited August 2011

    lago, yes, i got the shot last Friday.  i'm holding for my onc right now..

    ok ... he reaffirmed that the extreme tiredness was typical for the first week and that it was a tiredness that sleep wouldn't help.  said i needed to push myself a little each day to get out of bed and move around ... something all of you have stressed.  also, he said to push more fluids and salt.  my blood pressure could be low and that's why i'm feeling light-headed when i first stand up.  i don't want to complain.  i don't want to be calling my doctor about this stuff.  :(