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Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin

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Comments

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

    Oops you right SpecialK but I still think it's good she called just incase her reds are too low.

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited August 2011
    yaya - How are you doing with food and drink?
  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,262
    edited August 2011

    lago - I agree, shouldn't be that fatigued this early in the game.  Did I read on trip pos thread that you only have 2 more H only?  How exciting!

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

    Yup next one is on the 16th then off to visit parents and eat Wellfleet steamers!  yum

  • YaYa5
    YaYa5 Member Posts: 532
    edited August 2011

    thank you, specialK and lago!  i reported what my onc said on the previous page.  he wasn't concerned and said that i needed to push more liquids, etc.  

    omaz, except for monday, i've been doing really well with eating and drinking.  water still makes me feel a little queasy, so, for now, i'm drinking diet coke even though i know it's not the best.  i've been eating lots of fresh fruits, protein, yogurt, etc.  i really think i'm doing ok with that.  

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited August 2011
    Just checking Yaya!  I think I drank almost a gallon of water a day.  I asked how much was too much and was told not more than a gallon.  I think that is alright as long as you are eating too.  Otherwise I have read that it can affect your electrolytes.  Chemo was tough for me.  I felt awful many times, especially at night. Sometimes when I would walk around the little path in my yard I would be shuffling because that was all I could do that day.  Hang in there.
  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited August 2011

    You don't have to  just drink water. Things like soup count as fluid too. The good thing about soup is it has nutrition and won't mess up your  electrolytes. And if water tastes lousy then soup might be better.

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

    Water was about the only thing I liked to drink for some reason. 

  • Amelie_Rose
    Amelie_Rose Member Posts: 84
    edited August 2011

    YaYa5, I had my first TCH Monday, and feeling fine on day 3 so far (except for water and juice tasting weird).  Here is a tip I read on a chemo survival book I bought before treatment.  It's important to keep up with your magnesium and sodium intake.  Soup and banana are good foods for this time, so is watermelon (add a bit of salt on top).  Also, add some protein to your diet if you can tolerate it, like eggs or fish.  I want to be good to my body and not overload it with more pills, so I am turning to good nutrition for help with SE's.  Here is hoping you feel better tomorrow.  Hang in there.

    Amelie 

  • dragonfly1
    dragonfly1 Member Posts: 516
    edited August 2011
    YaYa What day are you on? I always had extreme fatigue from approximately day 4-6 from what Special K is calling the "steroid crash" and then it would lift and I'd feel my normal energy again until the next time. I referred to those days as sleepwalking through quicksand.
  • DonnaD001
    DonnaD001 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    Yaya - thanks for being honest.  This is a tough thing to go through. 

    Thanks, everyone for all your comments.  This is sooooooo helpful!  You all rock!

  • YaYa5
    YaYa5 Member Posts: 532
    edited August 2011

    thank you, omaz, lago, amelie, and dragon!

    dragon, my first tx was last thurday, so this is day 6?  i can't believe it's been a week tomorrow!  i count day 1 as the day AFTER the tx.  don't know if that's right or no, though.

    amelie, bananas have been something that taste really good to me and soup, too.  a good friend is making me some potato soup and i can hardly wait.  for some reason, i've been craving potatoes; craving even french fries!  at this point, i don't care what i eat or drink as long as i'm eating and drinking!  good luck to you, too, amelie!

  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 426
    edited August 2011

    Yaya5 - Funny you said that about potatoes. I almost never eat them normally, but during chemo I craved them too. Just boiled and mashed up a bit with some salt, pepper and butter. They were bland enough to seem good to me even when the thought of food turned my stomach.  Now that I'm done, I am back to almost never eating them.  Weird.

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited August 2011
    I would check with your onc about the salt. I retained fluid on Taxotere. 8 of the 16lbs I put on was fluid (could of even been more). I'm over 6 months PFC and I'm finally able to ween off the diuretic. Trust me I have tried several times.  It was a very small amount but it kept the 5-4lbs of fluid off.
  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited August 2011

    Chemo 1 I had an affair with MacD's fish sandwiches.  Never usually eat them but oooh during chemo 1 they were the best!

  • Christean
    Christean Member Posts: 84
    edited August 2011

    Hello Everyone,  I'm just letting everyone know that I am still alive!  This last round was really tough and I still haven't recovered completely.  I haven't had any nausea or vomiting for 2 days and I am so grateful.  That was miserable.  I am just completely wiped out.  I am sure it has something to do with my low HGB.  I stayed home from work again today.  I have only been in for about 2 hours so far this week.  But, o well.  I am just gonna take it easy and not push things too hard until I get my energy back.  I know they have a tough time when I'm not there, but I have the sick time- and so I am going to take the time I need to feel better.

    YaYa- I am right there with you.  We have our chemo tx's on the same day, so I totally know about the tiredness that you are talking about.  Hope it gets better.

    Donna- I have been reading about the issues you are having with your doc and I am appalled.  I am a RN for a PS and this is just not right.  I think you should do a couple of things.  1st- call and ask to speak directly to nurse.  The receptionist is not going to help you out with an appt., but maybe the nurse will.  The other thing you can do is call the ER and ask who is on call for your physician.  You can also ask to have your physician paged to call you back.  This way you will atleast get to talk to him over the phone.   Maybe he doesn't realize your having such a tough time getting an appt.  He should be made aware of it.  But, I am concerned about your drains.  Your surgery was June 15???  That is nearly 6 weeks with a drain and no post op care?  Something is wrong here.  That is along time for a drain to stay in....and, it doesn't sound like the drain is functioning real well.  If it is leaking like you say, it is probably is occluded and not doing it's job.  What kind of surgery did you have?  LD flaps usually have drains in for quite a while.  Is this what you had done?  I am anxious for you to see the nurse.  If you have any questions I can help with I will do my best.  I hope everything goes well with your husband.

    Hugs to all.

  • Izzy325
    Izzy325 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    Donna, I agree with Christean. It's outrageous. There is also a clock ticking for chemotherapy. The effectiveness goes down the further out you are from your surgery date. My surgeon and medical onc where very conscious about getting me in quick for my first tx. I don't recall exactly the number of weeks out that the effectiveness drops off - but that is an important question for them too.



    I had tx #2 today. My first go around wasn't perfect but tolerable so hoping to keep that my goal. Fatigue was a big problem. Trying to work as much as possible because it is all without pay at this point.

    Wishing everyone the best possible during their journey. Congrats to those wrapping some of the big stuff.

  • anafoefana
    anafoefana Member Posts: 109
    edited August 2011

    This second round of chemo has kicked my butt.  I was okay for the first few days while I was still on Dexa through Sunday.  I had my treatment last Thursday.  Monday was tolerable, but Tuesday I thought I would never make it through the day.  I had every possible side effect and then some. I felt like my entire body was on fire,  my stomach was twisting and turning in the most painful way.  My ankles were throbbing, (probably from Nuelasts?) and my BP was so low I couldn't move without everything going into a spin.

    Eating and sleeping are an issue, everything tastes terrible, some things are tolerable, but in general, it is just a pain to eat.  I am able to drink only water, everything else tastes terrible.  I guess I should be grateful I can drink water.  

    My red blood count was low going into second treatment, but my Onc, said it was nothing to worry about.  My liver function is also low, don't know if that had anything to do with my reaction this time around.  One week later, I feel like I have been in a tunnel and I am finally seeing the light.  I am praying it won't be like this from here on out.  I know many of you have said they are not all the same. 

    Last time I broke out big time on day 10, that would be tomorrow. Hopefully that won't happen again, but zits I can handle!!

    Yaya,  you are on the same day I am on.  My first time around the first week was up and down, being tired one minute and then having energy the next.   By the end of the second week I was feeling almost normal and as some said, by the third week, my taste buds were getting better and I actually really enjoyed Mexican food on the day of my treatment. 

  • HerSister
    HerSister Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2011

    Okay, so sorry for sounding so dense, but...

    Is anyone with IBC on Taxotere/Carboplatin (& Herceptin)??!!  I've scanned several pages in this thread and everyone (w/ a diagnosis in their signature) has IDC.  Now, I know IBC is much more rare, but I haven't noticed anyone w/ IBC on this treatment (and, again, I scanned through SEVERAL pages).  Is this an IDC only section?  

    My family is under the impression that Taxotere/Carboplatin is the 'gold standard' for IBC, but, now I'm actually starting to be paranoid that my sister (I am here for her) is being treated for iDc not iBc (which, she has)!  Also, in the IBC section, I've barely noted anyone on Taxotere/Carboplatin either!

    Again, I am sorry if this is a stupid question/paranoia!!  As we all know, sometimes, worry gets to us.  :(

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

    I don't know much about IBC but I do know that TC is pretty strong stuff. If you are getting Herceptin too then your onc probably is concerned about giving you A because both H & A together can cause heart issues. Why not ask your onc?

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited August 2011
    hersister - Ask your sister if you can go with her to an appt and ask the onc that question.  He/she should be able to explain and hopefully put you mind at ease.
  • Wendyspet
    Wendyspet Member Posts: 103
    edited August 2011

    I was having dizzy spells, getting lightheaded, and having headaches--and this was during my "good" week.  I was also drinking at least 90 oz of water a day.  My MO's office gave me a bag of fluids after one of my herceptins, and said I needed to have something else to drink.  I have added Vitamin Water, Gatorade, and Apple Juice--all diluted with some water for taste, and am drinking between 90 and 120 oz per day.  Feeling really good, and having TCH #4 next week.  I really had no idea that fluids would make that much of a difference.

    Also crave noodles--where can I get a nice homemade style mac-n-cheese?

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited August 2011
    Wendy - Drinking fluids really makes a difference IMO.  I still drink a lot, it just became a habit and with all the hot flashes I figure I need the extra fluid!
  • deep2deep
    deep2deep Member Posts: 11
    edited August 2011

    I just want to share this with other folks.  I posted it on a couple of other forums, but thought I would put it here too.

    This is the advice I received from the dietician and the naturopath who work with our oncology office (a rare set up).  ALWAYS tell your medical oncologist what supplements you are taking - even if you are worried they will not agree. 

     Supplements - 1500mg calcium per day, Vitamin D3 2000 IU daily (keep your bones strong). L- Glutamine (a tasteless white powder available at most health food/supplement stores) 10grams daily mixed in juice, water, or milk to keep away the neuropathy.  Magnesium 250mg daily to help the bones also. 

    Good multivitamin daily.  A good omega 3 supplement twice daily

    B complex daily (in addition to the multivitamin to help your nerves)

    Food - limit carbohydrates, eat lots of "good fats" - 3 tablespoons of Extra Virgin olive oil a day, nuts, avocado, etc. 

    Get approximately 80 grams of protein per day.  (I eat Omega 3 eggs, mozarella and feta cheeses, a vegetable based protein drink, and lots of walnuts, almonds, and pecans)

    See the book "The Pink Ribbon Diet" or information on the Mediterranean diet for more info.  

    I recommend the website lotsahelpinghands.com to set up a calendar if people want to do things for you, or bring you food.  

    I also take two generic zyrtec (you could use claritin - neither one makes you sleepy) the morning of my chemo to keep down the histamine reaction (rashy, itchy) to chemo. 

    I asked to start a beta blocker (metoprolol) in hopes that it would reduce my risk of heart problems from the herceptin.  My oncologist agreed.  I take 50mg long acting. There is a trial on this right now.  

     Get some "Nuun" or similar low sugar rehydration tablets and drink one of these a day - get a total of 2 Liters of water minimum per day.

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  • DonnaD001
    DonnaD001 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    Hello Christean -  I just got back into the site this morning.

     I saw a nurse this past Thursday.  She advised everything looks good.  I'm still collecting over 30 ccs daily of drainage fluid.  The fluid has now stopped coming out of the hole, and it's going back into the bulb.  So, perhaps I had an occulsion, as you suggested.

    I telephoned my gyno, and talked with one of her nurses.  Her nurse consulted the gyno.  I now have another surgeon I will be seeing this month, and I feel confident this will go very well.

    I am very dissappointed with the staff, but I need to advocate for myself.  Many people just collect a paycheck - they don't go the extra mile.

    I see my chemo onc. on Thursday, August 11th.  She will check out my incisions.  (They are healing very nicely.)  I will also mention to her about the drainage tube.

    Thanks for your concern.

    Now, are you feeling better today?  I hope you have nice weather where you live...maybe you can get out a bit today...

     Very interesting to read people are craving potatos, and McD's fish sandwiches!  It's almost like pregnancy cravings! LOL LOL  Love it!

     Have a great day everyone!

    God Bless You!

  • DonnaD001
    DonnaD001 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    PS  I re-read your posting.  I had another surgery to remove more tissue on July 20th.  I did see my original surgeon five days after my first surgery, which is when she advised I need more tissue removed.

    I'm glad to head my gut feelings are shared with the way the doctor's office is handling this.

    I'm on the right track now.

    So, my last surgery was July 20th.  I see the onc this Thursday, August 11th.  When should I start my first treatment - the following week?  

  • DonnaD001
    DonnaD001 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    Hello Izzy -

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I just had a feeling things were not going right for the very beginning.  It took me six weeks to have my first surgery.

    I was advised that chemo should start four weeks after surgery.  So, it looks like I'm at least a week behind already, since my last surgery was July 20th.

    You may have read my remarks - I see my onc this Thursday, August 11th.  I'm going to push to have my first treatment the following week, on Friday, August 19th.

    If this site was not here, and all of you did not share your remarks, I would be lost!

    Thanks everyone!

  • DonnaD001
    DonnaD001 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    HerSister -

    Good morning!  There are no stupid questions!  This is serious stuff.

    IDC and IBC are completely different!

    Are you able to check with a medical professional in your area on this? 

  • DonnaD001
    DonnaD001 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    deep2deep -  Thanks for the fabulous nutrition, and vitamin information!  I'll start drinking more fluids now!  Anything to make it through this in the best possible way!

  • Christean
    Christean Member Posts: 84
    edited August 2011

    Hi Donna- I'm so glad you saw the nurse.  And I'm glad your drains and sutures are from July 20th and not June!!  I feel better about that.  When do you see the surgeon again?  I am hopeful that things go better from this point on out.  How is your husband?  Keep us posted with your start date for chemo.

    I am feeling much, much better.  I am sleeping better, and I have more energy.  I have been able to go to work the last couple days. My Hgb is now over 9, so it is still low but coming up.  So I am gonna make it.  

    Hope every one is feeling good.  Happy thoughts to all.

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