Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
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Relda I tried Acetyl L Carnitine as well based on Lago's recommendation. I really think it worked and my neurologist agreed that there is some evidence that it may protect the nerves from chemo. I ended up getting mild neuropathy in my hands after chemo but it is gradually resolving and I wonder if the Acetyl L Carnitine is what protected me from getting it a lot worse/permanently-definitely worth a try...0
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I did the Acetyl L-Carnitine, L-Glutamine, B-6 combination to try to ward off neuropathy. I had numbness after #5, worse after #6, but it completely resolved after treatment - probably by 3-4 months. I have no residual problems with it now. I have continued on the Acetyl L-Carnitine for its brain benefits.
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I found #5 the hardest in terms of SEs. I was very scared going into #6, but for me, knowing it was over really helped me a lot. Prior to that, I felt like I would get better just to have them do it to me all over again. Knowing it was the last one, and I was REALLY getting better and didnt' have to do it all over again made it all seem doable. I kept focusing on how, as the SE's faded, it was the LAST TIME i would go through them. And then it was done.
Hope it is that way for you, too.
Amy
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Amy ~ I love your advice. I actually have come to the conclusion that I can't wait to have the 6th treatment and be done with these bad boy SE's. Not that I want to subject myself to what happens after treatment, I just want it over with. And actually, it will be a big relief to know that I will have more of my life back even if I still have rads and Herceptin to go through. I have to say it seems a whole lot easier to think of only having one more left. My heart goes out to those who are just at the beginning of treatment, but I know if they draw on all the support here, they will make it. We women are much stronger than we think we are! Thanks for the encouragement. Linda
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Linda, I'm very proud of you. It's been really tough, but you pushed through it and are about to finish. You're awesome!
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Grandma ~ Thanks from my heart. Your encouragement means a lot because I know you have been through so much. This is quite a journey and we all seem to have a different path, but knowing there are so many supporters cheering us on it makes me feel like there is definitely light at the end of this dark tunnel. I am guessing you are posting on a rads thread and will join you when that part starts. I will find out when I see the MO at my next appointment with my Onc. He mentioned starting rads 4 weeks after my last chemo, or at least I think that's what I heard. Is that a usual timeline after chemo? Have a great evening...what's left of it anyway. Hugs to all.
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Linda, My RO said they like to start rads 3 or 4 weeks after chemo. and I didn't get started until almost 8 weeks, but he said I could still benefit from it. Getting that second opinion is what delayed mine, but I was definitely unhappy with the first one. I'm with the February rads group. Let me know when you start. Hugs to you.
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linnyhopp, I couldn't believe how quickly I started feeling like my old self after that last chemo. You wonder if you ever will, don't you? I will go for my final radiation today, and for me, radiation was a breeze! The worst part was the drive every day, but once I got a book on tape to listen to, the drive was good.
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I've been taking Emend throughout my TCH treatments, and I've had minimal (if any) problems with nausea. What a great drug!
Diarrhea is my big problem. The Immodium helps, but I never can seem to get the timing exactly right to prevent the diarrhea. It just eventually stops it, and I think it will be my daily drug until I finish up my TCH treatments.
As stated by linnyhop (and several others), our bodies have progressively weakened from "being put through the wringer." Fortunately, my husband now understands my weakened state and doesn't try to push me when I'm physically unable. I told him I need to listen to my body and get the rest I need to move forward with these last few weeks. It is so helpful to see that several of us are in similar situations and can talk about them freely on this message board. I think it really helps reinforce my sanity throughout this experience.
I wish all of you a wonderful weekend!
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Kellogs,
Don't be discouraged. I put my experience out there because at the time I read a lot of women saying the 6th one was easiest. Well it was the most difficult for me hands down. But I still worked out everyday...didn't have any down time. So it wasn't so horrible I couldn't function.....heh.
Besides, you my sister are a Buckeye. No way chemo is gonna keep ya down
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Thanks Tonya. I try not to let it keep me down and I do a pretty good job most of the time. As I get closer to the end of my TCH it is getting harder. The fatigue is lingering and my legs hurt. I feel good for almost 2 weeks except for that and it makes it harder to go in and subject myself to the tx again. But in my case, I know it is working and that is what matters....just 2 to go! Thanks again for the encouragement, it always helps!
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Tonlee I agree that 6th was the worst. Part of it was everyone cheers that "yay you're done" but then the SE follow the infusion… and of course the effects are a little more intense. For me, the nail lifting, oozing, pain etc was at its worse after my 6th tx. My stiffness in my legs were also at it's worst but 5 weeks PFC the stiffness started to lift and it made a huge difference in the way I felt. I never had the fatigue or nausea so I was lucky in that sense.
But you do get back to normal! I never thought I would but you do.
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Special K,
Praying for you......
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I agree that #6 was the worst - I was so looking forward to feeling well just in time for Christmas, and it just didn't happen. However, my situation is much different, because what was making me feel worse was the colon cancer I didn't know I had. Some of the SEs I experienced may well have actually been symptoms of the colon cancer, or at least exacerbated by it. Now that I'm through with both surgeries, I FINALLY feel like I expected to back in December. Hang in there, ladies!
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To all of you who have shared your experiences today...a HUGE thank you! I guess at the end we really start feeling we might finally be finished with the big bad chemo, but our bodies still have so much to keep up with and the fatigue truly does take a big toll. I do have to say that my Onc warned me about that part, but hearing and going through it is totally different. Laura ~ I am hoping the radiation is an easier experience. Many of you have shared that it is. i am lucky in that I will be able to drive less than 10 minutes from work (and hopefully, I will be able to work more consistently by then) which will be a blessing. Like Racerdeb, I continue to have gastric issues and that along with the increasing fatigue keeps me from working more. I do have to say that when I talk to my DH about not understanding how a body can be tired from doing NOTHING he always says, "It's the drugs, Babe!" I have to say that alone makes me feel somewhat more human. I guess from hearing all of the sharing from everyone, I will just know the 6th treatment could be better or worse, but I will make it through and move on. I know if I need more courage, I will be able to draw from all of you and as Racerdeb said be thankful we can freely draw from each other to get through this unwanted journey! OK...I am now officially off the soapbox! Have a great weekend everyone!
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Hi all - hanging in - thanks for the prayers sewingnut! Having a bit of a rash where the binder was, was allowed to shower with water on my back only, put on cortisone cream and my own sports bra. Things look good - no bagel/hamburger bun look - just soft and squishy. My neck, back and shoulders feel so much better without the TE I am amazed at the instant relief. Having to take Cipro for an antibiotic - I am afraid of an allergic reaction to it, but I checked with the pharmacist and she said go ahead with it (I am allergic to Levaquin) so we shall see. Took two Benadryl and a nap, didn't take any pain meds. A little more sore today but not enough to really need to take anything for it. PS did some scar tissue removal so I do have a drain on the left side but it is not producing so it will come out in a few days. All in all - doing OK.0
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Special K ~ So glad to hear you are doing well and are managing without pain meds. That is wonderful. You are such an inspiration on these boards, you deserve only the best! Happy healing! Linda
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linny - thanks, you are a sweetie! Happy with the foobs, not happy with the rash. This happens every time though so I guess it is normal! Pleasantly surprised that I am not in more pain though, so that is good! DH has to go out of town on Tuesday-Fri, so it is good I can manage on my own, I have DD to help too.
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SpecialK
You're amazing...absolutely amazing!0 -
Hi Ladies. I just had chemo #5 on Feb 21 and it really kicked my butt. #4 landed me in the hospital for 4 days, so this time my onc was more proactive. I went in on Tuesday for treatment, neulasta on Wednesday, then on Thursday and Friday I went in for fluids and meds. I also went in on Saturday and today as an outpatient for fluids and meds. I spent Friday and Saturday throwing up and being terribly nauseaus, but feel much better today. I think going in every day for infusions has helped. I have one left! I dread it, but am excited at the same time. I cannot wait for it to be over and cannot believe the end is in sight. Just have to do herceptin for the next year.....not so bad in the realm of things. Hang in ther ladies.....we can do this together! God bless those of you who are done, those of you who are about to be done, and those of you just starting out. Hugs and love to you all.
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slgarcia, you are almost there! Hang in there and it will soon all be behind you. The last few seem to be harder, but your body will recover quickly. Herceptin alone is not so bad.
SpecialK I hope you feel better soon. I hope your rash is under control and that your healing speeds up!
MizMarie, bless your heart. I hope all is well now. I have to go for a colonoscopy soon.. MO keeps reminding me. Not on my list of favorite things to do, but I know it needs to be done.
For those of you at the end.. hang in there. It will be over soon and your body will regain its strength.
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ana - thanks!
ashla - not amazing, just getting through one day at a time.
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Hey guys,
I am about a week out from TX #4 and have developed a new side effect. Having problem with tingling and numbness in my feet and tiny bit in my finger tips. Onc's office said it was from the Taxotere and they would monitor and to let them know if it gets worse. Has anyone else had this, is there anything you've taken or done that has helped, and how long did it take to go away after last chemo? I'd appreciate any advice or input. Thanks!! Judy
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Judy - It sounds like the beginnings of neuropathy. Keep you doctor posted on your symptoms closely.0
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specialK, so glad it's behind you and that you are doing well. and hooray! for no pain meds. if you're not taking any, it must mean that you're not in that much pain! duh.
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yaya - How are you doing?0
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SpecialK, I wanted to pop in and say Congratulations to you for getting through this last stage of your reconstruction. I am glad that everything seems to be going so well. I'll chime in with Ashla and say that you are truly amazing. You are such an inspiration and a source of support to so many of us. A big congratulatory hug to you!
Yaya, so good to hear from you again. Are you all healed up from rads? How about you, Ana?
I want to celebrate all those who are done with, or nearing the end of, the TC part of their treatment. Hang in there; pretty soon, all these SE's will be a memory. The herceptin part is so, so much easier.
And Dragonfly, I wanted to start clapping when I heard your account about leaving your MO. Good for you for standing up for yourself and taking charge of your care. I fervently wish for the courage to be able to do the same someday soon. My MO is always too busy to talk to me and I always leave her office feeling frustrated, discouraged, undervalued, and depressed. I have promised myself that I will look for another MO after I finish with herceptin. I feel stressed out just thinking about looking for a new doctor, but at the same time I know that the one I currently have is not the right person for me. Luckily, I absolutely love both my BS and my RO.
A question for all of you, do you ever feel overwhelmed by the toll that BC has taken on your life? I am approaching the time when I was diagnosed last year (three hellish weeks from the end of March to the beginning of April) and I can sense myself feeling anxious. I imagine others have felt that way too. When you do count your NED anniversary? Is it the day of dx or the day of surgery? And if the margins were not clear, do you count it from the second surgery? Just wondering....
Amelie
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judy - I had fingertip tingling that resolved just prior to each new tx. By number 5 I had tingling and numbness on the bottoms of both feet. I took L-Glutamine, B6 and acetyl L-carnitine, but I am not sure if starting ti this late will do anything for you. The foot numbness did resolve completely by about 4-5 months PFC. Definitely tell your MO about this development. There are some prescription meds that may also help you.
My PS moved my appt up to tomorrow morning to remove my drain. I have a bright red, very itchy rash, covering 100% of the skin from the neck to the thigs and it is starting to creep down my arms. Not fun. I discontinued the Cipro but I don't think that is it. I haven't slept much but I am thankful I am not in pain either - just super itchy!
yaya - this surgery was very much easier - I hope it is for all who are waiting to have it. I don't know if it is the end of the road, as I will do fat grafting, etc. but it is a major hurdle that was a long time coming.
amelie - thanks, you are too nice! I feel like my life has gotten smaller since BC. It is the topic of too many of my conversations, I have too many doctor appts. - you all know what I mean. I have not maintained ties with a lot of people from the other parts of my life - work, neighbors, etc., because all my time was taken by dealing with BC. That is the part I need to get back now that I am done with chemo, Herceptin, and most of the surgery.
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Special K.....Did you have your port out before your exchange? I just realized that you went until the herceptin was finished for the exchange. I am meeting with my PS this Friday to discuss my exchange. I now have Lymphedema so that kind of messes everything up (in my mind it does) for my exchange. I don't want these dang TE's all summer!!! Oh well....
Judy....I just started with numb/tingly fingers and toes, too. My MO wanted me to come in before my next appointment to talk about. I was given 2 options, lower the dose of the Taxotere or take neurontin. I went with the neurontin. Since it's not painful and I go next week for tx#5, I will go for the full dose until it really interferes with life.
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I too have numbness in my feet after tx #4. I spoke to the nurse navigator and she suggested B12. My MO said to take 500mcg sublingual each day so I have been doing that for the last week. I go in to see the MO and have tx #5 on Thursday. The numbness seems to have resolved somewhat but I wonder if it is from the B12 or just because I am almost 3 weeks out from the tx. Guess we'll find out Thursday!
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