Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
Comments
-
Wow everyone is going through so much with the Big D, vomiting, nails and music in the hospital. The only SE I have had so far is tired and my stomach hurts though I give myself a ginger capsule that really helps.
I wanted to know if anyone has had issues with being on Carboplatin with your kidney function? I went in for my tx and they had to decrease my chemo by 20% because of this. They said my kidney function is to be 300 and is 244. They said even drinking excessive water can cause this. I drink 110 oz a day cause I am 188 lbs. Also it can be potassim, and vit D if you take to much. Which I take both. I have read things about this and it does not sound good. I pray that it increases back to normal. I see my onc on the 21st and I am sure she wil tell me where I need to go from here. I have chemo next Wednesday and have my tumor markers checked since they have been increasing. I know that it can be something else but that has never been the case for me. I am hoping for a PET scan the end of this month or the beginning of Oct to find out if the chemo is working. Crazy I want a scan. I get such anxiety. I just want to know.
0 -
talk to my onc's nurse today. she said (i can't believe this) that there was no way my blood counts would be low because i had the neulasta shot. i just don't think that's true because of what i've read here. my onc is out of town and my next treatment is monday, so we'll see what my counts are then and i'll ask more questions about all this.
also got keflex for my thumbnail. it's still oozing and still tender. i don't want another antibiotic! i had the big D for two weeks because of my port incision infection and the massive amounts of antibiotics i took. i'm getting tired!
0 -
yaya - the only blood count Neulasta has any effect on is WBC. Also, Neulasta does not work for everyone - some patients receive it and their WBC may not go up. That happened to a lady at my onc office while I was receiving chemo. Are you eating yogurt or anything with probiotics while on antibiotics? You might want to to see if will help you with the Big D. Make sure you are taking in enough fluids if you do have it - or take some Immodium (if your onc says you can) if the Big D becomes uncontrollable.
0 -
Omaz - thanks. I know there is study about acupuncture for AI arthralgias being done in PA, unfortunately you have to live closer than Oregon to participate. There are a couple of acupuncturists in the area, not sure how much experience they have treatment post BC treatment patients. Also, my insurance quit covering it.
I may have to bite the bullet and pay out of pocket, it might be worth it. If you could PM me your acupuncturists name, maybe I could have one of the local ones call and find out what she is doing that's been helpful. 0 -
I had some intenstinal issues during chemo, but I ate tons of yogurt. My onc nurse felt that was one of the reasons I had such few issues that way, also only had 1 mouth sore. Yogurt was one of the few things that tasted ok to me. I also took prilosec, and that helped too.
0 -
Has anyone had hives from treatment? I have received 3 treatments and each time I have had hives. Tx #1 hives developed week 3, Tx #2 week #2 and Tx #3 week 1. After tx 3 the hives were intense all over my body - big welts. Tx #4 postponed until allergist appointment to determine which med I am allergic to.
Polly
0 -
YaYa your finger might not be infected but if it is you really need the antibiotic. The first time I saw the dermatologist (my regular guy was on vacation) he gave me a double dose of antibiotic. Thing is my fingers weren't infected but standard care is to give the antibiotic. Infection is much more dangerous when you are on chemo since your immune system is compromised.
Linda I had one mouth sore. My onc had me suck on ice chips during taxotere infusion and I never had another one. Doesn't work for everyone but it worked great for me. I too ate yogurt and took acidophilus pills. Prilosuc didn't do crap for me. I was on Nexium & Carafate for heartburn issues.
0 -
lago,
thank you for the links, I will look them up. I still have a while before taking anything. I need to finish up herceptin now through June 2012, but it is always good to research everything.
and thank you Omaz to reassuring my about the nuelasta shot. I have already had 4 and will have a 5th one. It has really helped keep my white counts up, and after they dropped to almost nothing and I was hospitalized for two days after my first chemo, I am glad for the shot.
0 -
I've been making Greek Yogurt which is very easy to make. Can even be done in the crock pot. contact me if you'd like the recipe.
0 -
zumbagirl - My onc started me on the AI about a month after I finished chemo, and around the time I started my radiation.
0 -
21strawberry-with tx #3 my left wrist has broke out. Called onc office yesterday and they said it was a reacton to the taxotere as long as it itched and didn't hurt. She mentioned shingles too but with that she said it spreads and hurts. They told me to rub the benedryl creme and to use a light layer of hydrcortisne 2x a day with it and to take bendryl too. Hope they get it all figured out for you.
Tina0 -
Zumbagal my onc wanted me to start the Anastrozole about a month after my last chemo but my NP had me wait till March 1st so it would be easier to remember when to stop. That was 6 weeks. She said that 6 weeks after chemo is when all the radiation gals start their hormone therapy. My onc tries not to double up on treatment so she knows what SE is from what.0
-
Luebbsgurl - Thanks, I go to allergist on Monday. Hoping it is the taxotere and not the herceptin because I have to continue that for a year. My last chemo was suppose to be last week so hoping I can get it done next week 0
-
Hi,
I finished my Taxotere and Carboplatin about 8 weeks ago. One of the ongiong side effects is neuropathy in my feet (even though I used cold packs on my feet during infusions). Has anyone had neuropathy (numbness continue) after receiving T and C? . I am getting herceptin for another 6 months My eyes still tear often. I heard taxotere could cause tearing but what about herceptin? Are any of you experiencing side effects from that and what to do about tearing. It sometimes makes my eyes blurry and is annoying. Thanks for info
0 -
My left heel is still numb (neuropathy). I'm 7+ months out PFC. I think it might have just started to get a little better. I'm almost 1 week out from my last Herceptin (PFH). Eye tearing is gone but I will admit my eyes tear easier than they used to. If yours continue are that bad you should see an ophthalmologist. I don't remember when my stopped. My ophthalmologist recommended eye drops (not the kind to get the red out) since the tearing is caused by dry eye. If it's really bad I have heard some people have had to have stints put in their tear duct.0
-
serenitywisdom - don't know if icing would have any effect on neuropathy - I think it is more for the fingernails and toenails. I too have some neuropathy in my feet, but that is the only place. Now my left foot has improved so they feel uneven when I walk because the right is more numb than the left. It is getting slowly better, so don't give up. Are you taking any supplements, like L-Glutamine or B6? My tearing went away at about the 6-8 week mark but I have noticed that it seems to have returned and I am on Herceptin #11 next week. It is not as bad as it was on Taxotere. I also get a stuffy/runny nose for a few days and am having a problem with mouth sores again - I only get one, but I seem to get one each time
zumbagirl - my MO also wanted a separation between ending chemo (then I had another surgery) and starting Femara so that SE could be clearly assigned to the right cause. It was probably about 6 weeks for me as well.
0 -
SpecialK that's interesting about the mouth sores. I have 1 that's taking it's time going away… last Herceptin was Tuesday. Hmmm I wonder if all that Herceptin is finally catching up with me. I still hope some of my leg stiffness if from Herceptin and not all from Anastrozole. It would be nice to be a little less stiff.0
-
lago - I didn't have problems at first with mouth sores when getting H only. It has been the last two. I really didn't have that much of a problem with stiffness and aching on TCH but my first H only I had pretty severe hip/back/thigh pain. We had gone out of town for MIL's b-day - so staying in a hotel and sleeping on a less cushy bed. When I mentioned this to the MO he attributed it more to chemo - I am not convinced. Next H only I had it again but not as bad. Then began Femara and it has left the hip/thigh area and moved to knees and below. Once I move around in the morning it resolves, but I am also having a little hip trouble after sitting in the car (low slung two-seater) for too long. I have started putting on the seat heater and blasting the AC because it is 95 degrees with 95% humidity here!
0 -
serenitywisdom - My neuropathy actually got worse for a while post final treatment but now is slowly slowly getting better.0
-
I just noticed after chemo 5 that I have clusters of what looks like planters warts on the balls of both feet. Has this happened to any one else. very strange I felt them walking around yesterday, then looked at my feet last night, they weren't there a month ago
0 -
serenitywisdom - My neuropathy wasn't too bad during chemo, but it continued to get worse for about 4 months after, now I'm a year out from chemo and it's still a problem, not getting worse, but not getting better either. My FNP prescribed amitryptiline at night, it helps with the pain somewhat. The tearing from the taxotere was a major problem for me, my eyes teared continuously during chemo, they burned and ached. They tried eye drops and actually dialated my tear ducts, but it didn't help, it got to the point that I couldn't read, drive, look at a computer screen or watch TV for more than about 15 minutes without a ton of pain and blurred vision. I ended up going to specialty opthamologist - I was told that your body excretes the taxotere in many ways, one of these ways is through your tear ducts, my body reacted to this by my tear ducts becoming raw and swollen shut, the big concern was that while I was healing after chemo my tear ducts would grow closed (this happens in less than 5% of 5% of the people that have tearing) anyway the solutions was to place stents in my tear ducts, they remained in place for 4 months after chemo to allow time for the swelling to go down and the tear ducts to heal open, it worked kind of like a place holder. Then the hope was that when they removed them my tear ducts would work correctly. IT WORKED. I just wish that I had gone to the specialist sooner, it took about a week after the stents were place for the pain and tearing to stop, but after that it was great, I could see again, and when they removed the stents my tear ducts had healed correctly. So I would suggest that if the tearing is a problem, see an opthamologist, the first one I saw had never heard if it before, but I was kind of pushy about it, and she found info, it might be a good idea to have some info with you when you go in, but once she knew what the issue was she tried to treat it with eye drops and mannually dialating my tear ducts (which is the first line tactic), but it didn't work so she referred my to a specialist that could place the stents. I wish that it happened sooner, it would have saved me a couple of months of pain.
SpecialK - I too had a stuffy runny nose, it lasted the whole time I was getting the Herceptin, my last Herceptin was in May and it's just now getting better. I didn't ever have mouth sores with Herceptin only, just on #4 Chemo.
zumbagirl - it was great talking to you yesterday. I've never heard of the warts, but it would make sense, as warts are caused by a virus and your immune system is compromised so... My daughter had a lot of trouble with warts (no chemo involved) they finally had to inject live candida virus under the skin around the edge of the warts, her body then recognized them as foriegn and triggered an immune response that got rid of the warts. So if they persist after chemo....
0 -
Hi all,
I am having TCH #3 tomorrow. Not looking forward to it as I was just starting to feel like myself again this past week only: No taste issues (coffee actually tasted like coffe and water like water), no GI issues, no sleep issues. Oh well, I take solace in thinking that I'll be half-way done after tomorrow.
I have a question: has anyone experienced swelling in their fingers that comes on when exercising and then goes away after a few hours? Not sure what to think of this so any input will be appreciated.
YaYa, I hope tomorrow goes well for you, and that the rest of the week goes by with very few SE's.
Amelie
0 -
ameie, i'll be thinking about you tomorrow as well. we're tx and dx twins! what is your time zone? i'm central and my appt. is at 8:00 in the morning. i hope this tx gives you tiny little s/e's, if any.
this time tomorrow we'll be HALF-WAY done!!!
0 -
Amelie_Rose - are the fingers swelling on your cancer side? If so it could be lymphedema. You might want to see a certified lymphedema therapist to make sure that it is/isn't. Plus they can tell you what to watch form. My cancer side hand swells when I exercise or do too much with it. And congrats on being half way!!!!
0 -
Yaya and Amelie- half way feels good. I had tx #3 on the 1st. Hope you both have very few se's.
Tina0 -
Hi all! Have not been on this forum for a while...Hope you are all good!! Seems like everyone is chugging along the chemo route and making the best of it
Having my 5th tomorrow - yay!! Almost, almost done!!! First 3 was not sooo bad, no nausea, some hives but they went away, hairloss - sure!, tummy OK, taste loss first 10-12 days then better, fluid retention - HATE this, and HATE complaining about gaining weight but I'm sorry, it SUCKS!! #4 the fatigue/apathy/depression day 4,5,6 was definitely heavier, not fun! Basically, I feel like I'm on drugs and they're not the fun kind - as far as I can remember how that felt back in the day... Also more nauseus, but taking some Compazine should help if it comes back during #5. I'm also getting itchy and "hivy" during week 2, gets better week 3. Clarityn helps!
Since I got mouth sores, and very sensitive gums, etc during my first round, my Onc put me on herpes meds - 1 per day throughout the whole chemo period, up to 2 per day for 5 days if/when I get mouth sores. During cycle #4 I had NO mouth sores, no tenderness
I'm also on 20 mg Pepcid/day throughout the whole chemo period, and I've had no tummy-problems so far.
Also, I've been able to keep up my horse back riding, almost every day. If you have something that's active and that you love to do, don't stop doing it just because. Be sensible, careful, ask your doctor before you proceed, but if you're greenlighted and you feel good, and strong enough - DO IT!! This has kept me active, out of the house, and in a good mood - most of the time. When I'm with the horses, I don't think about the cancer, and that is such a great thing.
Questions: Does the weight go back down after chemo is finished? I've read somewhere that the Herceptin can cause weight gain - anyone heard of this? About how long until hair is growing more normally (right now some is falling off, and some is growing like soft peach fuzz, in cycles)? I know this is all individual, but happy for all your wonderful insights.
Thinking of all of you and sending strength and energy during these trying times. Cancer is a b-tch for sure, but there's no way but forward, so here goes... October 3rd is my last one!
xoxo
L.
0 -
Lili2 Weight gain was incredibly frustrating to me during TCH. I ended up gaining a total of 12 pounds by the end and couldn't believe it because I knew I wasn't eating any more than usual and was continuing to eat healthy. People here reassured me that it was from the Tax/steroids and would drop off after TCH and they were absolutely right. I noticed toward the end of TCH that my abdomen was bloated a lot of the time and my ankles would swell late each day so I knew it was a fluid problem but it still amazed me that it was 12 pounds! It took a total of 8 weeks PFC but the fluid weight gradually dropped off and I ended up back at my pre-chemo weight. I have to say that I'm not gaining weight on Herceptin even though I'm not exercising enough yet-I'm just maintaining a good diet and my weight has remained stable. I'm at Herceptin #11 this week and my opinion is that it's not causing weight gain for me. I think the chemo-induced menopause is creating more of a challenge regarding weight gain...0
-
Lili2 I too put on about 12+ pounds on TCH. 1/2 of it was fluid. It took a while but I think the fluid issues are done. I might be dealing with just 2lbs of fluid issues now. The rest of the weight came off once I got back to my old activity level. I'm also on Anastrozole (since March 1st) and so far I'm not finding it is making me gain weight either.
BTW my water retention was in the same places as dragon fly. Tummy, calves & ankles. Now just a little bit in the legs but Tummy is fine. I don't seem to be having any major issue with chemo-pause other than some dryness and a little reduced libido.
0 -
My hair stopped falling out about a month after my last chemo. I stopped wearing hats, except when I was cold about 4 months PFC, when I look back I realize it wasn't really very long, but I thought it was, and that's what counted. Now I'm a year PFC and my hair is about 2 1/2 inches long, it's really curly though so it looks shorter (my hair has always been naturally curly). I think that everyone's hair grows at a different rate, mine never did grow fast. I have a friend whose ended chemo after me and her hair is alot longer than mine. I also shaved all the peach fuzz off on the day after my last chemo so that my hair would grow out evenly.
I actually lost weight on chemo and lost more weight after I was done. Part of the reason that the weight fell so fast after chemo was that I had become hyperthyroid. So if you lose weight too fast and easy, have your thyroid checked. Then about 3 months ago I became hypo thyroid.
0 -
Thanks Linda , that makes sense having the lower immune system, that the plantar wart virus would find my feet and make a home there. I have the little patches and pads on my feet now, to evict the unwanted squatters
Amelie_Rose, Every time I go on a walk out doors, my finger tips swell, even before chemo. Also congradulations on being at the half way mark. ( I have number 6 next Wed. my last one, I can't wait for it to be over )
Lili2, I can so relate to the hair falling out , peach fuzz cycle, that is what mine does each time.
Dragonfly1, I've had about a 5 lb weight gain, that I can't get rid of. It is so frustrating. I eat the same, and even exercise more, and there it is. I have also been thrown into menopause, since chemo started.
Lago, I hear you on the dryness, and low libido
0
