Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
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Wow, a lot of posts to catch up on!
For you girls talking about having the other breast removed too....that is what I did...my surgery was on May 23. There were no signs of cancer, but somehow I knew I would have this truck hit me again in a few years. I wanted to take care of it now while I am "young" and healthy. Sure enough, the final path reports showed LCIS, and the doctors said "you sure did the right thing." I also didn't like the idea of having "adjustments" made to the other breast later to get them matched up. I asked around a lot before I decided. Everyone that I came across who had one breast removed, wished they had done the other. Everyone that I came across who had both removed, were glad they did. And some of these ladies had their mast's 10 and 20 years ago. My reconstruction is also going great...very balanced and even.
bonbon, thanks for the update on the hair. I decided early on that when my hair started falling out, I would shave it. I got it cut real short when I started my chemo. When the short hair started falling out, I buzzed it. And then the next day, I buzzed it even shorter, almost a shave. I have been basically bald with stubble. Tomorrow is Day 14 of my Cycle 2, and I'm wondering if the rest of the stubble will come out...I home it does....I would rather have it smooth all over than in just spots. So maybe tomorrow there will be some action, ha, ha.
I have two wigs, but I am wearing my scarves and hats more and more and becoming more comfortable in them. I even went boating over the weekend, and my hat didn't blow off! I kinda wear the wig to "dress up" and the scarves and hats, I feel like I'm not hiding. It is what it is.
Thanks everybody, and for those of you having a rough time....physically or emotionally....hang in there!!!!
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Or Shelby, you could be like sweet little Anne Uumellmahaye. She worked it out!
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My best friend will be starting the TCH treatment soon, so I have read every single post in this forum. I can't thank you enough for everything all of you have shared. It's given me a lot of very valuable information of what to expect and what to do to help her through this. I keep all of you in my prayers. You are all wonderful, beautiful and amazing. Thanks so much for being you.
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Bethany;Who's Anne Uumellmahaye?0
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Doea anyone else have red bumps on their head? I lost my hair 2 weeks ago. A few days ago, these red bumps popped up. They look like ant bites, but they're not. They itch a little.
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Shelby,
She's the sweet little brain in a jar (voice by Sissy Spacek) that Dr. Michael Hfuhruhurr (Martin), a widowed brain surgeon renowned for inventing a method of 'cranial screw-top' brain surgery falls in love with in Steve Martin/Carl Reiner movie "The Man with Two Brains." If you haven't seen it and you like really silly movies --- this is one of the best Steve Martin movies made. (1983). ~B
Did you see all the recent posts on the list of topics..........There are some very nasty folks making trouble with lot of these threads. I hope that BreastCancer.org can do something to stop it. Creepy. Now I see why we had someone "bump" us up to break it up. Sad.
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Lynnmom, Yeah, I had a rash of red bumps pop up right after I lost my hair and shaved my head. My Onc looked at them and said it was just irritation. They were kind of like zits. Mine were itchy too. Sounds like you have a similar thing. Mine went away in a couple of weeks. Have your doc take a peek if you're worried.
Bethany, I don't follow any other threads - what nasty folks are making trouble and what kind of trouble? Give me some good gossip!
)Aly.
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Bethany;Thanks for the movie tip. I'm not sure I'm capable of laughing any more. I make the average wrist-cutting goth look like Robin Williams these days. But I'll put it on the Netflix queue.I'm also curious as to what you've seen on the site of a heinous nature.0
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Aly,
No fun gossip - you know.....like the kind in line at the grocery store with people you don't know -- whose career it is to generate that sort of attn.....no, this was some obscene and cruel hackers -- kids I guess -- posting in many of the forums -- I guess last night too - but I didn't actually see this sick business until this morning. I'm glad they didn't hit our thread. BTW, I sent you a message a few days ago so might check the message box -- I wanted to see how that worked. Nothing "private" -- just good thoughts.Shelby, In the MW2Bs movie, there IS a really nasty and mean-spirited wife and attempted murders -- including an elevator killer. Will that work? I guess/hope that you didn't feel the shaking too much in Imperial Beach? ~B
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I didn't even know about the private message box. DUH!! I checked it and responded, let me know if you got it.
)Sorry to hear about the hackers. Some people are so stupid an insensitive. It always amazes me what the ignorant find funny. Best to just ignore it I guess. My mom always says "put it down from where it comes" or "you can't expect anything from a pig but a grunt".
)Aly.
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Bethany;I didn't feel any shaking in IB, but my husband was just getting on the freeway in Irvine after a meeting when it happened. He felt it big time.0
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Mccraft,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,good and positive vibes going out to your friend. I am glad that you found this forum informative. Maybe you can tell your friend about this forum and she can join in too. I found it so helpful when I was going thru chemo. Its nice to share with others that are going thru the same thing.
I am only involved in one other forum on here,,,,,,,,a group of us that started in May 2007. Not many people post any more there,,,,,,,,as they are all done with treatment and have gotten busy with life after BC,,,,,,,,which is a good thing for sure. So I really dont read any other threads,,,,,,but am sorry to hear that there are people making trouble. Call me stupid but what did that mean when someone just wrote Bump on a reply here? I didnt get that.
I am in Southern California ,,,,,,,,and o boyyyyyyyyyyyy,,,,,,,,,,we sure felt that earthquake. Kinda scarry.
Have a good week all................
Cindy
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Good to hear all the discussion about the things that are going on with everyone. I had my chemo and Herceptin yesterday and it did not take as long as I was afraid it would but we got there a little early for the doc appointment and got my blood test first and went right in. He was quick this time and I usually wait in the nice gown for a while. He must have had someone late or cancel. Anyway I was grateful for that. I got hooked up right away with my ice water treatments and even though I had a sweater my dh had to get me a blanket. It was cooler outside yesterday so I am wondering if it just caused it to be cooler inside. Everyone was complaining about it. I started the ice and water before the treatment since the book said this will help keep down mouth sores which was the most miserable thing I have ever had,I had one or 2 in my younger years but a mouth full is NOT fun. I did the juice over ice and ice and they say even ice for about 15 minutes after the treatments are finished, I am not taking any chances but I have meds just in case. I am not a good sitter and so I was so stiff after I got out of my chair and I even went to bathroom a couple of times. They were pouring the fluids into me fast, and I was too. I was so glad to get in the heat in the car but my dh was not. I had made a roast in the crock pot before we left and it was good my family said but I could not tell.I always sleep after the treatments! Do any of you sleep like that? We were going to church last night my my legs were so wobbly I just couldn't and I went to bed and slept most of the night except for pee times.
My ono said I could not go back to work until after the chemo was over and maybe when I was just doing the Herceptin. I do herceptin for a year but every 3 weeks and I guess then radiation unless I do Herceptin with radiation. I forgot to ask. My mind is not all here lately. My eye is a bit blurry too but that is normal they say. I can't see out of the other one since I was born with a lazy eye. I guess I have to call my boss today to let him know about not working for a while so maybe they can get someone. I will be out of FMLA before I can go back to work and I may not have a job by then, I got my last check yesterday but I pulled some money out of an IRA for bills. Taxes are going to be a deal this year but I am trying to keep up with all the medical and stuff now.
I started to loss my hair a week after my first treatment but it was light so was not sure if it was normal for me and I just noticed it more but this Sunday I lost a lot and so I am sure it is beginning, The top is thinning more than the back but I did not cut it since I hated to spend the money and a week later it would be gone. I just hope I don't stop up the drains!
I guess I will try to eat some breakfast and enjoy it. Yeah!
Carolyn
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Good morning everyone! I am going to get tx # 3 this afternoon.I'll be half way done!!!!! Well except for feeling crappy for 7-9 days! Then I'll be half way!!!
P.S. Substitute crappy for any horribly bad word you would like.
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Cindy,
Thanks for responding. I actually will be sending the link to this group just as she begins treatment. She is very apprehensive about the treatment and her mind keeps going to the worst case scenarios and I didn't want her to start seeing the worst SE's and decide that's what she will have, even though a lot of the gals on here haven't had a terrible time with it. I know that once she starts and joins the group here, she will just love it. I have really appreciated being able to read your posts before during and after TCH. And so glad that you keep checking in to provide support and encouragement and the light at the end of the tunnel.
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Mcraft, I probably had some of the worst side effects happen to me my first treatment. I think most of the wonderful women on this thread felt sorry for me (and were so kind and supportive!!). BUT!! This is my 4th day into treatment #3 and it is MUCH better than the first one or even the second one. Tell your friend to keep up with the fluids and the nausea meds and hopefully she will be OK. This time around I asked for an extra liter of fluid after my meds went in to help flush it through. That was Monday. Then yesterday I went in for another liter, which I will do again tomorrow. I'm convinced that the fluids are helping (I think I got dehydrated the first couple of times) so maybe they will help your friend too. I wish her the best of luck!!
Aly.
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Congratulations to DebSue and Alyson for making it halfway!!!!!!! Yay!!!!
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any points what would work on heartburn its is awfull, it is my first dose of tch ,thanks
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Dear Kasiamile,
What I've done is start taking a double dose of Prilosec OTC (which equals a prescription of Nexium) several days before the dexamethasone and then for at least a week after TCH treatment. It has helped immensely. It will not fix your current symptoms immediately, so until it kicks in this time, you'll need to add some Maalox or Pepcid AC with it. Sorry you feel bad -- that's a miserable feeling. Also don't lie down right after you eat -- but you probably know that. Best wishes, Bethany
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Hey girls.............
Mcraft,,,,,,,,you are welcome. Keep in mind that we are all different and we all react differently to the chemo. I would say probably the most important thing is when a side effect pops up,,,,,,make sure she tells the dr because there will be something she can take to offset that. Andddddd drink lots of water. I wish her minimal side effects and positve thoughts.
Kasia,,,,,,,,,,,,,I too developed very bad indigestion during chemo and I still have it. I take protonix (a presc from the doctor) and it helps soooooooooo much.
You know,,,,,,,,,,,,sometimes I wonder why I keep coming back here. I am done with chemo, radiation and herceptin..........but for me,,,,,,,,,,,,,if I can help just one person during this time,,,,,,,it has been my pleasure. God knows I needed lots of encouragement during my journey and this forum was a blessing.
Keep looking for that light at the end of the tunnel ladies,,,,,,,,,,,,,you are almost there. Good work gals. I am proud of each and everyone of you.
Cindy
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Question: Has anyone but me actually gained a few pounds on this treatment that you suspect are water weight? I'm even on Lasix, and it seems that by the end of the day, my legs weigh 500 pounds apiece. Granted, I am fairly neurotic about my weight and fitness level, so I may just notice this stuff more than the average person. It's annoying. Bald is one thing. But bald and puffy is worse.
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I'm puffy and bald. My tummy is like someone aired it up with a bicycle tire pump. My fingers are swollen and the tips are sore.... I think my face looks puffy... I see 5 lbs come and go in a day...but mostly they keep coming back with an extra one tacked on each time. This really is not fun --- feeling dumpy on top of being uncomfortable is getting old....and, I only have three THREE? three!!!!! frickin' months to go. arghhhhhhhhhhh.. B Thank you for listening. sigh.
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Shel and Beth,,,,,,,,
When I was on chemo,,,,,,,,,,,the first week I would gain a couple of pounds because of the steroids (they tend to plump ya up) lol,,,,,,,,,then the second week I would lose like 8 pounds because nothing tasted good, then the third week I would retain water (but took meds for that, and it worked, kept the leg swelling down). From the beginning of chemo to the end I had lost a whole whopping 3 pounds. lol
You gals look amazing anyway. Weight gain or not,,,,,,,,,you are beautiful. I so admire you guys for going topless. I had an extremely hard time with the hair loss. You know,,,,,,,,,I have been finished with all my treatments now for 3 months and in the last couple of days I have finally gone out in public without a wig on. I just was never comfortable about being bald. Someone had said that the herceptin slows the hair growth down. I'm beginning to think thats true because I finished chemo 11 months ago and my herceptin 3 months ago and my hair is like 3 inches long. Its just so darn short and kinda thin on top (although I do feel and see some new little hairs coming out) My family says it looks fine and to not worry about it,,,,,,,,,but its just one of those things I have to get over. I got it trimmed a couple of weeks ago and the gal at the salon kinda showed me what kind of products to use,,,,,,,but I just havent mastered it yet. lol O well, huh?
Take care ladies
Cindy
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I also had heartburn real bad and no nausea to speak of except the first time. My doc gave me Protonix which is great med. You take it 1 time a day and then if I get it again he gave me Pepcid prescription which is double strength from the kind you buy over the counter and cheaper too since it is generic. My insurance will pay for my meds from pharmacy.
I have lost 5 pounds but steroids always make me lose weight. I have been on them for years for arthritis and fibromyalgia but of course not this strong of ones. I also got mouth sore so that cut into my eating too and I mostly drank liquids and some boost. I also wear support stockings because my legs have swollen for years too. I guess they damaged some lymph nodes when I had a hysterectomy at age 29 and then 5 years later I had a softball size Dermoid cyst come up on my only ovary which they though might be cancer then so they did exploratory surgery again like the first one. I swear I though all I had left was vital organs and then a few years ago I had gallbladder surgery and then knee surgery. It is not fun getting old! I got anemic since I am not a big meat eater and I used to love it. I have cooked some steaks on the grill but just not as great as used to be. The family likes them. I can't even tell if they taste right or even smell right. Everything stinks to me!
My hair is starting to come out a lot. it mostly comes out when I wash it and then I can't get it off my hands. I finally got one of those plastic scrubby pads and it will pull it off. It is not long but I did not cut it like I intended to. They told me not to shave my head just to cut a little shorter. I was too sick for a while to go get it cut and then I just didn't want to spend the money since it will come out real soon now. I got #2 down and am looking toward #3 so I will be half way. He thinks the reason I have have had some problems with my mouth and losing weight is the fibromyalgia and also anemic and low white cells so I guess I will get that shot if the WBC don't come up. I am trying to get the nourishment now that my mouth is better and my bottom had the same problem and was bleeding. I had diarrhea first and the shot for anemia made me constipated I guess so I had to take Senecot last night and it worked, Just goes to show you never can tell what will happened next! he did cut my dose of chemo a little because he said he starts high and sees how that works and then I lost the weight so he had to adjust it. I will probably gain now!
have a good day!
Carolyn
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Thanks for your responses, ladies. I guess I'm not the only one getting edematous on this stuff. Cindy, the hair thing scares me. You've been off like a year and you have 3 inches. Yikes. Like this pirate scarf thing is a fun novelty, but not fun enough to do for the rest of my life. Hopefully, my kidneys will re-learn how to pump fluids out of my extremities faster than that.
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A women that works in the office next to where I work lost her hair and it came back in really fast. I guess it is just the difference in people. My hair and nails have always grown so fast and others say theirs would not grow and this is not with any chemo. I forgot who was saying they had 3 tx and the hair was not gone so I guess to each their own. I am not looking forward to losing it all but I guess if it goes and comes in slow then it will. Shel,yours will be back before you know it.
What was this about a hacker? I guess I did not know about that. I was not on the computer much the last 2 days so I guess I was out of the loop.
Carolyn
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Shelby,
Knowing that you have an inquiring mind and a lot of good snap -- no doubt you've seen this on the Taxotere website but just in case or as a reminder hoping it helps:"Fluid Retention
Fluid retention means your body is holding extra water. If this fluid retention is in the chest or around the heart, it can be life threatening. If you notice swelling in the feet and legs or slight weight gain, these may be the first warning signs of fluid retention.
Fluid retention usually does not start immediately. If it occurs, it may start around your fifth treatment. Generally fluid retention will go away within weeks or months after your treatments are completed.
Your doctor will prescribe a medication called dexamethasone to help protect you from significant fluid retention. It is important that you take this medication as prescribed. If you do not take it as prescribed, it is important to tell your doctor or nurse before receiving your next Taxotere® treatment."
I have been wondering what TX # you are on ~B
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Bethany;I'm getting tx 4 next Thursday, which is my last one. Dexamethasone is the steroid I take for three days surrounding tx. It actually MAKES me retain water. My nurse said that's common. I guess I'm just stuck with it. Arghhh.0
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Yep Shel,,,,,,,,,a whole 3 inches. But like I had mentioned,,,,,,some people say that herceptin makes the hair growth slow. In January I had some very little nubbins,,,,,,,probably 1/4 inch long,,,,,and now here it is the beginning of Aug. and I have 3 inches. Didnt think it would take this long to get some hair that was even slightly worth styling, but then again I have been very impatient about the hair growth thing. For the last few days I havent been wearing my wig as its been kinda warm here. Never had hair quite this short before,,,,,it sucks. But also remember,,,,,we are all very different.
Have a great weekend ladies.
Cindy
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Wow. Shelby, done next time. I'm so glad for you.
Right now 3" sounds like some pretty long hair!!
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