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Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin

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Comments

  • Awnooo
    Awnooo Member Posts: 56
    edited November 2011

    testing my new signature :)

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

    Awnooo - that made me laugh, good thing I didn't have coffee in my mouth!  One of my husband's military buddies called me that years ago (he gave me a call sign for pilots like Maverick from Top Gun) and it stuck!  He called Special K because my name is Kathie.

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited November 2011
    Hi Kathie!  I always wondered where the SpecialK came from!
  • YaYa5
    YaYa5 Member Posts: 532
    edited November 2011

    grandmaV, i'm thinking about you today.  hope you're feeling ok and taking good care of yourself.  

    specialK, i'm glad to know the meaning of your name now.  i like it! 

  • Terry71
    Terry71 Member Posts: 108
    edited November 2011

    GrandmaV- Yes 101.5 for more than an hour GO TO EMERG.... Like eveyone is saying you can end up with sepsis and very very sick...... I was in the hospital too for 8 days and it sucked BUT it was the best place for me to be with NO immune system... ALSO ladies Ensure meal replacement for IMMUNITY works great, and the Ectra protien one just dont get Chocolate YUCK!!!!!!!! I was admitted with my WBC down to 1.4 Finally came back to 4.7 and was discharged, but 8 days of bloodwork, very strong antibiotics, NO Infection though so couldnt figure out what was happening.... But I came through it an all went well......

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

    Hi yaya and omaz - glad you like the special k name!  I actually have it engraved on a sterling bracelet with a little heart tag - it says specialk on one side and MVP on the other with the dates "00 - "01 because during that year my husband was on a military assignment, my Dad was being treated for stage IV lung CA and I had two middle-school aged kids - it was a rough year!

  • GrandmaV
    GrandmaV Member Posts: 1,045
    edited November 2011

    YaYa, Thank you.  I still feel good.  I went for my 2nd shot this a.m, taking my antibiotic, and the only place I have any bone pain is my neck, so far.  I didn't know if  claritin works for the leukine shot or not, but took one when I got home anyway yesterday and will take it again when it's time, and I'm taking Tylenol.  My temp. is still normal, but  I'll keep a close eye on it.  A little down in the dumps, but only because, I'm stuck at home and it's a beautiful day and I have the energy, would love to be out and around.  I'll just do what I've been doing and sit out on the porch with my dog.  Thanks everyone for caring, it really helps.

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited November 2011
    GrandmaV - Leukine seems to be similar to neupogen.  Neulasta is time-release neupogen.  It sounds like leukine stimulates the production of neutrophils just like neupogen does and additionally stimulates the production of macrophages, another white blood cell.  Since the leukine seems similar to neulasta I would think the claritin might help with it too.  
  • YaYa5
    YaYa5 Member Posts: 532
    edited November 2011
    grandmaV, my granddaughter had strep throat, too, so i haven't seen her in days.  it breaks my heart, but i know we have to be very careful.  i'm so glad that you feel good even though i know that makes it harder to stay put.  monday will be here soon and then hopefully, you'll be able to get on with life.  
  • GrandmaV
    GrandmaV Member Posts: 1,045
    edited November 2011

    Thanks Omaz, for that info. on leukine.  I've been reading up on it, too.  It does seem very similar.

    YaYa,  I knew another grandma would understand about the kids.  They're really very special, aren't they.

  • racerdeb
    racerdeb Member Posts: 114
    edited November 2011

    It's great to see everyone seems to be doing okay so far this weekend?? 

    I had my roughest day yesterday, but today I'm actually up and around, feeling pretty chipper!  I pray the worst is over for my first treatment.

    I still get funny feelings throughout my bones, but at least it's not pain due to the Claritin (following my Neulesta shot). 

    I'm going to dare to try chicken and dumplings today.  I think I'm finally ready to eat something real.

    Has anyone gotten the new Kindle Fire yet? If not, it has been my salvation so far. I love it!!

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited November 2011
    racerdeb - My daughter would like to know if you can read a book in sunlight with the Kindle Fire like you can with the regular kindles ?
  • racerdeb
    racerdeb Member Posts: 114
    edited November 2011

    Omaz,

    Since I just got it earlier this week, I haven't tried it outside.  I'll try it later today (if the sun comes out here in Texas) and let you know.

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited November 2011
    Thanks!  My daughter also wants to know if you can put iTunes apps on it.  She is thinking of getting herself one for Christmas.
  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 466
    edited November 2011

    So glad to hear that eveyone seems to be doing well today! I think I am feeling better as well...of course not as I usually do, but defiitely better so am grateful.  I have mysefl worried since I don't get the "after" shot of any kind.  I guess I will ask the onc about it at my next appointment.  So, since I don't get the shot, would the rise in temperature be the only indication that I might need to get to the ER in a hurry?  That is all I was told about.  Thanks to all about the "thrush" info yesterday.  I am using the stuff you guys mentioned and may call about that on Monday.  It's more of a nuisance than anything else and I have had it before from using inhalers.  My poor husband has a cold (poor me, too) so he didn't even want to chance sleeping in the other bedroom upstairs and slept on the couch.  He had to work today, so we'll see if he comes home with his back in the shape of a figure 8!  Praying you all have a great weekend and that food finally tastes good to the first weekers!  Linda

  • Terry71
    Terry71 Member Posts: 108
    edited November 2011

    Linny- any fever what so ever at 38.5 or 101.5  for an hour go to emerg, tell them you are a chemo patient, they are NOT to have you sit in the waiting room with SICK people they are to take you in ASAP..... Do not mess with Nuetropenia........  

  • racerdeb
    racerdeb Member Posts: 114
    edited November 2011

    Omaz,

    Here's a link with all of the Kindle Fire features:

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051VVOB2/ref=famstripe_kf

    You can download songs, but I'm not sure about the iTunes.

  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 466
    edited November 2011

    Terry ~ Thanks, I have been warned about the fever thing.  In fact, they told me not to go to the nearest ER as they aren't as familiar with the issue and to go 15 or 20 minutes further to the hospital where I had my surgery as they KNOW not to make me wait.  So, after listening to all you wise people and the chemo nurse and doctor, that's what I would do.  I guess, then, that the fever would be the sign of Nuetropenia?  I am taking antibiotics so am hoping that is what will get me through?  Wow, this is all so unknown and kind of scary.  Not to be gross, but I am noticing blood in my nose as well, I think I read that this could happen.  So along with the mouth thing and now the nose, I am quite the lovely being!  I am keeping track of the temp regularly during the day so thanks for the advice.  Think I will stay home today and avoid any germs out there!!!  Hugs...Linda

  • Terry71
    Terry71 Member Posts: 108
    edited November 2011

    Yup that happens to Linny, mine does the same thing, I have no nose hairs and it gets very dry. I use vaseline on a qtip and put some in my nose, it works..... Got that tip from my friend Allie who has the same issue..... Im quite the lovley being too LOL Take your temp once an hour and just watch it..... YES avoid germs at all costs....... Hugs Terry

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited November 2011
    Thanks Deb.  I watched the video and it looks like when you load a book it is like the old kindle.  Also they didn't say anything about iTunes so she will have to look it up.  Now I want one!
  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 466
    edited November 2011

    Terry ~ Thanks, I will be diligent today.  Hoping I can get out tomorrow.  If I don't show up to see my 87 yr old MIL she will be really suspicious...and I think she may be already.  I know we have to take care of ourselves, but part of this whole treatment sort of feels like prison...ha! ha!  I know there is life out there, I can see people and trees swaying in the breeze.  Well, as I keep telling myself this is a finite period in my life and it too WILL PASS!

    Omaz & all Kindle hopefuls ~ We just bought my nephew one for his birthday and is thrilled with the thing.  My brother made sure he got the latest and greatest and since he is the techie guru, I am also jealous that I don't have one, too. Wah!  Actually, as I said in another post, almost everyone at chemo on Monday had one form or another of the thing...they seem wonderful.  Maybe I will have to ask Santa!  LOL

  • maryvee
    maryvee Member Posts: 1
    edited November 2011

    Ya Ya.  I also had my last chemo on Nov. 14th.  I am still feeling a little blah.  I am just glad it is over!!!!  Congratulations to you, also!!!!!!

  • YaYa5
    YaYa5 Member Posts: 532
    edited November 2011
    maryvee, congrats on finishing chemo, too!  it's a great feeling, isn't it?  honestly, i'm not feeling that great either today and haven't been since wed.  i think the cumulative effect has really hit with this round, but the good news is, it's over!  i hope you start to feel better soon.  
  • dragonfly1
    dragonfly1 Member Posts: 516
    edited November 2011
    maryvee and yaya You'll be surprised how much better you'll start feeling in a few weeks. I remember when I reached the final week of my last cycle and realized that I didn't have to go back again-what a feeling! Your taste will come back and not go away anymore, your hair will start growing, your fatigue will improve, if you have fluid swelling it will drop off 4-6 weeks after chemo...all good stuff coming your way:)
  • Awnooo
    Awnooo Member Posts: 56
    edited November 2011

    had my neulasta shot this morning and hoping/praying for the best on the days to come :)

    GrandmaV hope you have a GREAT weekend, your dog is too cute

    and same for all of you ladies

    SpecialK love the story! that indeed was a lot to endure!

    Blessings for all!

  • YaYa5
    YaYa5 Member Posts: 532
    edited November 2011
    dragonfly, thank you!  your words just gave me a boost!!
  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,262
    edited November 2011

    I have a NOOK color reader and you can read it in the sun.  My DH also has an ipad and LOVES it!  I got it for him last Christmas.  He wanted to return it but I wouldn't let him and now he is crazy about it.  It came in handy for him when he came to chemo with me and I bring the NOOK to Herceptin.  I always seem to be too busy gabbing with the people around me though to read!  It is nice - and you ladies who just finished chemo will learn this - to have the short visit with Herceptin.  You know you won't be sick after so you don't dread going in to get it.  I have been coming on Thursdays for so long now that I know all the other Thursday peeps, so it is kind of social!

    Awnooo - all that stuff I endured during the years my husband was in the military prepared me for this experience!  If I survived that I can survive this too!

    linnyhopp - make sure you are watching that fever!

    maryvee - yay!  Now you and yaya can start the hair watch!

  • YaYa5
    YaYa5 Member Posts: 532
    edited November 2011
    specialK ... i'm having a hard time today.  my thighs and calves are like mush and i can't stand up very long without feeling like i'm going to pass out.  heart rate is up, too, when i stand.  is this normal since i had tx on monday and it's all so cumulative?  could it be my counts?  i'm a little concerned.
  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,262
    edited November 2011

    yaya - the calf muscle thing and rapid heartbeat could be low hemoglobin - that happened to me too, starting at #5. Do you have blood tests next week?  If you are still having trouble I would call your MO on Monday and let them know.

  • omaz
    omaz Member Posts: 4,218
    edited November 2011
    yaya - Are you getting enough fluids?  Temp OK?  Have you been able to eat?

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