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Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin

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Comments

  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 131
    edited August 2008

    Congratulations Shel on finishing- Im a week behind you thanks to lovely Mr Staph- but thats OK, my last chemo will be next Thursday - then only Herceptin to deal with.

    Kristy 

  • shelbaroni
    shelbaroni Member Posts: 350
    edited August 2008
    Kristy;

    The best of health to you in the meantime. Enjoy your good week, and let's just get it over with!

    Shelby
  • gramma23
    gramma23 Member Posts: 482
    edited August 2008

    Hi All! I have been sicker than a dog all week and my grandson was here to entertain me. I had told him 30 minutes tops for the Herceptin and then we would do something fun. Well that did not pan out since the diarrhea started again, Well I had it off and on since Sunday and my husband had to take me home dunning class (which I was not teaching) I even pooped my pants! Boy does that bring a old gal down. I have done it a couple of times since. I am trying to eat right but they have a secret at the docs on how to take the Imodium and now I know. I had to have 2 bags of IV fluid because I kept trying to pass out and they said my blood pressure was too low and the heart rate was too high. i told them it was the diarrhea. Theirs would be too. Anyway I had to start the shots for WBC too and go everyday until Friday and we will do blood draw again to see how much more. My youngest son who is 39 took me since he was not working and I told him we had to have someone working and getting paid so he did not mind taking me and tomorrow too but he had planned on going out of town Friday morning. Oh well Mom hardly ever asks for help and he is really happy to help me. His trip will just be delayed an hour or so. he and a friend are going to Arkansas to dig for diamonds.I hope he finds a big one so he can pay off his college.

    I can't see worth a darn so if something is misspelled please forgive me. One reason I am not allowed to drive myself! Plus it is a bad part of town I have to go to and someone would probably be able to knock me down real easy and then find out there is no money but I would be in the hospital.

    My sister in law had a bad wreck and is in the hospital. My husband said can you and Alen go see her. I told him it is his sister and I have done all the calling of the others and even found the phone # for her room and made arrangement for her sister to visit. She does not want to see me or if she does she wants to see her family. I am younger than they are and my husband is the youngest of his siblings. I wonder if I am going to have to make a trip tonight to see her. I had better take some extra clothes just in case and get a mask so I don't catch anything at the hospital. You just never know! That is where sick people go to get well. i am not really that mean but he asks a lot of me sometimes. We have been married 45 years so I guess he is used to me taking care of stuff.

    I hope is well with everyone. I am tired now so I had better get off here. The bone pains are hurting too from those injections.

    Carolyn

  • Gina_M
    Gina_M Member Posts: 108
    edited August 2008

    OK Carolyn - spill the beans on how to take Immodium to get it to work!!

    Gina

  • suemed8749
    suemed8749 Member Posts: 210
    edited August 2008

    Carolyn: I can see that this is difficult for you, but let me spell it out: TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Somebody who is "sicker than a dog" needs to be HOME, not visiting someone in the hospital. After 45 years, your marriage is not going to fall apart if you don't accompany him to visit his sister. And you're right about your son - he WANTS to help out; postponing a trip for an hour is not a problem.

    I'm betting that this is a pattern in many of our lives - kids/grandkids/husbands/etc. come first in our lives. But now we sometimes need to put OURSELVES first. And it sounds like this is the time for you.

    I hope I don't sound lilke I'm lecturing - I just want you to be kind to yourself.

    Best wishes to you, sweetie,

    Sue 

  • shelbaroni
    shelbaroni Member Posts: 350
    edited August 2008
    Carolyn;

    I heartily second Sue's motion that you stay away from the hospital. You already have earned the "Golden Latrine" badge at Camp Chemo. I don't want you to add the "Hospital-Aquired Staph Infection" Badge or worse! Do take care of yourself. I know I don't take my own advice most of the time. But I promise to let you yell at me when I'm overdoing it.

    WHICH I WON'T BE FOR LONG CUZ I GOT MY "CARBOPLATIN AND TAXOTERE COMPLETION" BADGES TODAY!

    My REAL camp is my trip to New York at the end of the month with my husband to see my son who's a grad student at NYU. I can't wait.

    Hey you guys...especially Donalee who's read Duma Key...wanna hear something spooky? So at my 3rd tx, I was superanemic, but not quite enough to give me a shot. So I thought I'd try an experiment. I printed a photo of red blood corpuscles crowding through a capillary and painted it very realistically in acrylic on a 20 x20 canvas. I make sure to spend some time looking at it every day. Guess what? My hemoglobin is UP! I know, I know, it could all be coincidence. ..or not. I think I need to get a photo of HEALTHY mucus membranes and paint them next. Really soon, before I start feeling like hell. I might be on to something. 

    Gina:

    If you're mixing BEANS with your immodium, that might be why it doesn't work too well for you.

    Aly;

    How are you doing? Haven't heard from you in awhile. I hope that's because you're out and about feeling good.
  • Donalee
    Donalee Member Posts: 106
    edited August 2008

    OMG! Shel, that is too spooky for words!! I'm a painter too. I think I'll try and paint my bowels moving! I have never had constipation for this long! Usually I'm on to the runs by now! It's been 5 days. I took dulcolax and ate prunes everyday! I went for a long vigorous walk this morning. I was very dizzy but stuck it out anyway just to get my blood rolling. I got a little somethin started I think. I feel really sick today. UGH! It's day 4. I think I'll try and sleep it off (hopefully on the toilet!hahah)

    Congrats on being done Shel!!!

    Carolyn, I hope it gets better for you!! Hang in there!

    Donalee

  • Gina_M
    Gina_M Member Posts: 108
    edited August 2008

    Hi all,

    You know there's a ton of research done on the power of visualization, so what you're saying Shel is no surprise to me.  Some early groundbreaking research was done in the 70s on having patients visualize how the chemo was destroying cancer cells, with very good results ("Getting Well Again";, O. Carl Simonton. MD, et. al.).  I used visualization to get my white cells up after they bottomed out (<0.1) during Tx1 and had them up to 8,900 by Tx2 (with no Neulasta).  So I'm a believer.  The whole concept is well supported by concepts discussed in The Secret, The Power of Positive Thinking, The Laws of Attraction, etc.  </p>

    Gina_M.

  • gramma23
    gramma23 Member Posts: 482
    edited August 2008

    Okay here is what they gave me on the Imodium-

    1st dose take 2 caplets=4mg of Imodium, during the day take 1 caplet =2mg every 2 hours, during the night at bedtime take 2 caplets=4mg and every 4 hours until morning. Stop taking Imodium when you have not had bowel movement for at least 12 hours.

    I guess it worked because I went all day yesterday with only 1 BM and I was eating rice, applesauce, and then some rice in chicken broth but then I did not eat a lot of it because I don't like it. I ate toast and applesauce this morning and then just had some more rice & chicken broth for lunch but then it started again but not as bad now I think. I have a friend that goes to church with us and he had so much chemo. I was talking to him complaining about not keeping anything that would stay and he said he had that problem too. he said they gave him some kind of med but then he would go the other way so it was not fun. He had cancer of the small intestine and the tumor was right on his vein and so when they swunk it too fast it tore the vein and he almost bled to death.

    I have to go ahead through the weekend and get my shot for the WBC even Sun morning. My WBC is up to the lowest it can be in the normal range and the RBC are okay now since I had the shot for that. They said that once you quit the shots you lose 1/2 and so that would put me right back again so I will be glad to go ahead and then on Monday I have to get another and blood tests to see if I get to stop.

    Shel, I am so happy for you having your last poison and I hope you get to feeling great. Do you have to start Rad. now? I have to have Rad after I finish my chemo but I am not sure if it is after all the Herceptin or I will be doing that at the same time since it is every 3 weeks for Herceptin after the chemo. Sometimes I just wait to see what they tell me next.I typed this 3 times a while ago and lost it in cyberspace so I took a nap and hopefully it helped

    Carolyn

  • vintageruff
    vintageruff Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2008

    Hi,

     Donalee, You and I are on almost the same schedule, i had #4 last Friday and made it through "hell week" again.  Two more to go!  You are so inspiring, working out and all on your good weeks.  I need to get back to my walking, but it was so hot here the last few weeks, I haven't done much.  My stomach issues are the worst se's so far,  I too have a lot of tearing and watery eyes, "No, I'm not crying!"  (although I feel like it!)   Let me know how your week goes.  Some days I'm so happy about "only" 2 more, some days I feel like it will never end. 

    Shel - Congratulations!  I cannot wait for that badge!!! You did it!!!!!!!

    Caroyln - You can do it to, one day at a time - take it easy and get lots of rest!

    You are all inspiring and I hope everyone is doing well.  It's been awhile since I posted, but I read this board almost everyday.  I feel lucky so far, but also am constantly fearing some new se. 

    Well, off to get ready for my weekly Herceptin. "the easy one"! 

    Kelly

  • AlyMarie
    AlyMarie Member Posts: 192
    edited August 2008

    Hi Shel, I'm here.  Yep, I'm feeling OK.  This treatment I think went a little better.  Had chemo on Monday of last week, Tuesday was mostly OK, but tired.  Wednesday a little worse.  Thursday hit me like a Mac truck and I was down Thursday and Friday but started to get better Saturday.  By Tuesday I was fine.  Now if it can just go like that for the next 3 treatments, I think I can handle it!! :o)

    I have been having a couple issues with what I think is fluid retention.  My stomach feels really bloated, especially after I eat and I put on 5 pounds in 3 days which is completely weird.  Of course, I got nothing constructive as far as help goes when I called the doc so I'm just hoping it will go away soon.  I see from the posts I'm not the only one who has had a problem with this so hopefully it's just chemo related.  I wish it would go away!

    It's good to read all of your posts but has anyone heard from Brenda (cupcake) lately?  I don't see any posts from her and have been worried about whether she's Ok.  Anybody know?

    Aly.

  • Gina_M
    Gina_M Member Posts: 108
    edited August 2008

    Aly - I also was quite bloated for the first few days of Tx1.  Then lost all the fluids within about a day.  i had also gained about 5 pounds, then lost 6.

    I too wonder what is happening with Cupcake.  If you're reading posts, Cupcake, let us know how you're doing.

    Gina_M.

  • bethanybeane
    bethanybeane Member Posts: 167
    edited August 2008

    Hi everybody,

    YAY Shelby! BRAVO. You're a hero and you're done.....a trip to NYC sounds so energizing and to see your son ------of whom you must be very proud. Is he also a writer? artist? ...........and

    Donnalee: guess who else is a painter by avocation (and architect: day job). Right before my surgery I insanely worked all night on an oil pastel  that was my version of pure psychic automatism: turned out to be a mountain and also a deep topographical crevice with all kinds of celluar terrain around it.....a friend saw and asked if I felt my that my feminity was being threatened.....it was humorous. I completely didn't realize what I was doing.  Visualization is a powerful mystery and I fully believe that we can do that for ourselves and each other.

     Wondering why some TCH protocols have 4 TXs and some have 6. Why am I in the 6 one?????wahhhhhh.

    Just came from having blood drawn to check liver functions for Monday TX#3 -- last time they almost delayed b/c of high values on the liver profile: Seems the AST and ALT need to be dropping which they are but I'm worried this time not fast enough. From Tues to today the AST went from 45 to 46 UP.....and the ALT went from 125 to only 121 ---. I'll be so bummed to go in Monday and not be able to stay.

    Does anyone know much about this issue? or have lab reports that show anything similar?

    Gina/Shelby -- the beans thing made my day.

    ((((())))))) Bethany 

  • gk2bc0
    gk2bc0 Member Posts: 18
    edited August 2008

    Hi Bethany and everyone 

    I too am on a TCH protocol with 6 txs also...then a year of herceptin alone every 21 days. i get herceptin in between the full TCH , so now I have some sort of infusion every week.  Is that what you are doing? 

    I had no wbc to speak of and had neupogen, last week,  but today after TX#2 yesterday they gave me a shot of neulasta. I'm waiting for bone pain to arrive in about two days.  This should shorten my nadir, I am told. My RBC is also down, but the use of Arenesp is not advised for me.  So, I am lining up blood donors in case. Isn't amazing how each of us are our own individual chemistry experiment?

     Did I mention that i opened a page on CaringBridge.org?  Highly advisable if you need to hear from a lot of people for positive energy. It seems to be working for me...When I was diagnosed in 2005, i was a lot less open about my experience and that really depressed me. I'm the kind of person who needs attention, and this gives it to me on my terms. 

     Hey, it's the weekend!  have a great one.  Gail

  • shelbaroni
    shelbaroni Member Posts: 350
    edited August 2008
    Hey you guys!

    Thanks for all the cyber-applause. Yes! Yay me! It felt very good getting my tee shirt in the mail today that has a cute little bald head and says, "I hope you're staring because I'm cute. Proud chemo survivor." Because now that's what I am, a survivor. And you all will be too. We cheered in the room yesterday every time a bag emptied. Such a feeling. The only bad part was the Royal High Poisoner wasn't there to see his surrealistic portrait. I'll take it back when I go for Herceptin. I'm also going to ask if I can re-start myself on coenzyme Q-10...protects the ticker, you know.

    Bethany:

    My son writes, but he's not a visual artist. He's more into criticism than fiction. As to the liver issues, I know nothing about that. I know they take vials from me every time, but other than the instant crits, they haven't told me any values. So I guess everything's been hunkey-dorey. Your painting sounds really amazing. Would love to see it.

    Aly:

    I know all about the edema/swelling thing. I think I mentioned (bitched about) my mystery 3-4 pounds that keep hanging on in several entries. It's an s.e. of taxotere, usually doesn't show up until about tx 3, and will disappear usually a month or so after treatment ends. I've gotten an rx for Lasix from the doctor, which helps some but doesn't alleviate completely. My legs still feel heavy toward afternoon/evening, especially if I don't get a chance to elevate them. I also use alfalfa tablets with meals--an herbal remedy for swelling. A couple times I've had lymphatic massage for it--had one today, and I think it helped. We'll see. Find out if you can get some Lasix. That's a pretty common treatment. I'm also concerned about Brenda. If you're out there, I'm sending healing and energy your way.

    Kelly...

    I also have the "Taxo-tears on My Pillow" badge. Interestingly, I normally have to use eye drops for dry eye. The nurse told me to use those even more, because apparently, the tears you over-produce on Taxotere are not "high quality" tears and really don't lubricate your eye. I notice when they dry, they're slightly sticky like snot. I notice it more in the morning or when I've been outside in the wind. I've just stopped wearing makeup, which along with the fact that I don't have to shave anywhere or wash my hair, makes getting ready in the morning a breeze. Of course, I look weird, but then there's my tee shirt to speak for me. HA!

    Carolyn;

    No, happily I don't have to have radiation, since everything came out with the breast and I don't have any active nodes. God bless all of you who do, though. Try to take it one step at a time and not be too concerned about that next step until this one's done. 

    Donalee;

    Yeah, I had the total bowel paralysis thing my first tx, to the point that I even tried a Fleet enema which didn't even provide complete relief. But then on Day 6, all of the things I'd poured down my cake hole worked all at once and I exploded! So stay close to the head tomorrow! This time (and last) I developed the following regimen: 2 days before treatment, I started with stool softener and 1 capsule of colon cleanse (mostly aloe and cascara sagrada), night before treatment, stool softener and 2 colon cleanse capsules. Same the night after treatment. By that time, you're pooping like a goose. Tonight, I'm going to stay with the stool softener, but back off on the Colon Cleanse. My husband did some research, and apparently the main way of excreting the byproducts of these chemo drugs is through the feces. So the faster the output the better. Next time, try hitting the ground running (literally) rather than waiting to treat it once it's happened. And it couldn't help to visualize either!:)

    By the way, the timing of your bad days sounds like mine. The nurse told me it's probably mostly the withdrawal from the steroids.

    Gina;

    I've got a photo of the white cells I want to paint too, but that's going to take a back seat to the mucus cells, since I have Neulasta for the white cells, but the mucus membrane kill is responsible for the stomach/bowel issues, the lip and mouth sores, nose bleeds, and vaginal tenderness. I need my mucus cells healthy!

    Well, that's it for now, gang. If I "crash" tomorrow, you might not hear from me for a couple days.
    Don't worry, I'll spring back and will probably be running and biking again by Wednesday. Hopefully...


  • TF80209
    TF80209 Member Posts: 83
    edited August 2008

    Bethany: I looked at my results for my chem panels and my liver function results were always within range.

    Shel: Congratulations on finishing. Let's hope the side effects don't bother to stick around now that you are done!

    Terri.

  • gramma23
    gramma23 Member Posts: 482
    edited August 2008

    It is good to hear all of you are doing okay. I have not heard from cupcake (Brenda ) since she had her colon rupture. I hope all is well with her but I know she was going to have to wait until she was healed from that to start her chemo.

    I have to drive across the state to get another shot. It is not really that far but might as well be. I wish it were closer. I guess we will go see my husband's sister since we will be in that area. I will just carry an extra scarf for covering my mouth and use the hand sanitizer. I am so hungry I could eat a horse but then it would probably run right through so I am sticking to rice and applesauce and toast. I can't eat bananas. They hurt my stomach on a good day.

    I had to get up this morning and wash my husband some underclothes. I guess my schedule is all out of whack too. Oh well he will live over it. It is possibly for him to do it his self I imagine. He does help some but he works really hard to for a retired man. I am not even sorry I am not working and i really thought I could.Tongue out

    Well, we must get going to get the shot..

    have a great weekend everyone

    Carolyn

  • clamutt
    clamutt Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2008

    I am on TCH every 3 weeks and am on day 9 of first treatment.  Am I the only person on this site that has had every side effect and then some.  The first thing that hit me was hot flashes as they infused me.  I felt good enough to get home, but for 3 days don't remember much, my eyes were totally blurred and was in a different world. 3rd day my anxiety, climbing the walls, and complete body pain started.  All I could do was get up and walk, I felt like I was dying.  Finally I called on day 5 and they put me on 1mg of Atavan for naseau, anxiety, and pain.  I expected to bounce back after 3 days, but not so day 9 all the symptoms are still here, my stomach hurts, my intestines hurt, I can't sleep.  I'm not concerned about taste change and hair loss they seem so minor compared to the rest of what I am feeling.  I am upset becasue I expected to bounce back sooner.  Does anyone know why I am having such a hard time?  I think maybe it is becasue I was so healthy before, I always ate right and exercised.  I thought I would have an easier time with chemo, I didn't want to read about the side effects because I didn't want to expect them.  Does it ever get easier?  Will I have a day where I feel good before I go back?

  • Gina_M
    Gina_M Member Posts: 108
    edited August 2008

    Clamutt - If you look back at previous posts starting around July 10th, you will see that I had just about every side effect and then some.  Even ended up in Emergency for 8 hours with a fever and no white cells.  There are several forums here that I read and post on - Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan? Anyone starting chemo in June08? Anyone starting TC in July? Starting DD AC July 2008. 

    My oncologist reduced my dose by 15% for the second treatment (I think it was based on a combination of low white cells and fever and other side effects).  That was 12 days ago, and this time it's been MUCH MUCH better.  I was also given a shot of Neulasta (had to give it to myself actually) the day after treatment.  I really only had a few muscle aches for a few days. And a bit of diarrhea, but not much and infinitely better that constipation!

    Maybe they'll lower your dose?  Good luck, hang in there, it's bound to get better!

    Gina_M/

  • shelbaroni
    shelbaroni Member Posts: 350
    edited August 2008
    Clamutt:

    I just had my 4th and last TC on Thursday. I learned the hard way from the first cycle that it really pays to call the oncologist's office and tell them EVERYTHING that's going on, even if it's an expected side effect, because they might be able to ease your mind about WHY it's happening. Sometimes, just knowing why it's happening helps it not seem so terrible. Also, they might be able to tell you things that you can do to actually prevent some of these side effects. For example, after this cycle, you'll know whether your body responds by diarrhea or constipation, and you can begin to premedicate accordingly. Then, as Gina pointed out so well, if your side effects are just crazy outacontrol the first time, they sometimes dose you down for the second time. They did that with me, after I called in with just wicked mouth and lip blisters. You sound rather like me--I've been working with a clinical nutritionist for a long time--supplementing, eating for my blood type, as organic as possible, balancing my fatty acids, running, biking, yoga, etc. So when you're used to feeling really GOOD and feeling empowered and in control of your health, and then you feel really BAD and not in control of anything, the difference is monstrous. If I were to predict, based on my own experience and those of our fellow campers here at Camp Chemo, I think you'll be doing much better the week before you go in again. It'll be a gradual comeback, but one day you'll go, "Hey, I actually feel like doing something today." And between learning your own response to the regimen, the plan of symptomatic relief that works for you, and possibly adjusting the dosage to your body, I think you'll probably have a much smoother sail your second time out. No guarantees, but that's what I have faith for!
  • Donalee
    Donalee Member Posts: 106
    edited August 2008

    So I made it to the grocery store on Sat., day 5. Everything seemed so sureal! It was like I was in slow motion. It took me about an hour an a half to get a small amount of stuff! So anyway, I get through the check-out line and decide to treat myself to a carmel latte.(couldn't really taste it!!^%&^%) So this is finally the slightly funny part. Picure me pushing a cart with one hand, holding the latte in the other, just then my nose starts running like a nose bleed and my eyes both start running down my face!! Oooooh the joys of chemooo!!!

    Love you guys. You can all probably relate!!

    Donalee

  • shelbaroni
    shelbaroni Member Posts: 350
    edited August 2008
    Donalee;

    God bless your sense of humor, homegirl. The visuals on that were rich as whipping cream! You needed the tee shirt I just got in the mail that says, "Are you staring because I'm so cute?" What TX are you on, anyway? Day 5 is always my day that I can hardly get out of bed, so I think you're doing fantastically. I'm on day 4 and decided not to go to church today because getting up was not in my body's repertoire this morning. I'm sitting around playing on the computer and ordering yarn to make warm caps for my annual January ski pilgrimage to Utah, since I still won't have enough hair to cover the southbound end of a northbound chipmunk. I would say that's rather proactive, wouldn't you? Still haven't painted the healthy mucus cells, but that might happen if I can stand up long enough to get the colors together. I find moving anything south of my armpits today is a motivational challenge. 

    I'm just rejoicing that I just feel weak and that I'm not throwing up and I don't have a killer headache. Wishing  you all a relaxing Sunday!
  • Donalee
    Donalee Member Posts: 106
    edited August 2008

    Shel,

    I'm on #4. I seem to be missing my headaches this time! On day 4 & 5 (which are usually my worst) I got up early and made myself walk 1 mile each day. It seemes like most of my energy comes between 6:00AM and 10:00AM. After that I just layed around all day like a couch potato! Well, today I put on my i-pod and walked 2 miles! I really impressed myself! (As you recall I was a little backed up in the bowel area.) I walk fully comanding my bowels to start their business! This has worked along with a daily stool softener.

    This treatment for me is so different than the rest. I usually have 3 days constip. followed by outrageous diahreah!!(SP) Well, I'm totally in the constip. club this time around! I think I royally screwed the pooch this time. I asked the onc for a stronger pain pill because I have had terrible shoulder pain in which I couldnt sleep. So the day before chemo I had 2 oxycodone and an aleve. I think that seeled the deal right there. Shel I am taking your advice next time and doing it up BEFORE chemo with the stool softeners!!!

    Oh by the way do not eat cucumbers! I had one bite yesterday and I can still taste the damn thing!

    OMG! My mother just walked in. Really long story I'll grace you guys with another time!

    Donalee

  • cupcake7
    cupcake7 Member Posts: 321
    edited August 2008

    Hello camp buddies.  I know it has been awhile that I have felt strong enough to write, but I do read how you all are.  It has been a month now since the surgery and just now can get up in the morning without pain.  I started cutting back on my morphine tabs yesterday and did pretty well.  Not staying in the complete comfort level, but enough to manage. I am healing, slowly but surely.

    I began the Herceptin last week and another treatment on Tuesday.  It is a toss up about adding the Taxotere/Carboplatin until I get a bit stronger.  My ONC wants to start it on the 19th, but I am uneasy that my body can handle it.  I know the healing will stop and I still have a large wound on my stomach that could get infected. They don't want you to even get a hangnail and here I am with this. I am so tired right now I can't even imagine what the chemo will do to me on top of where I am right now.  I am slowly healing, but again that will stop when they blast me with the big chemo.  I have a question for you all.  When you start chemo is it sort of like antibiotics that when you start it is important to continue so the body doesn't build resistance to it?  If the Herceptin is targeted to the tumor and the TaxotereCarboplatin is to hit the cancer cells that is floating around in my system then why would waiting a couple of more weeks to do the Tax/Carbo so my body can get stronger would it hurt?  Is it just protocol that the three work together to work??? 

    For all of you that prayed for me I do appreciate that and felt the power get me through these dark days.  4 months of constant pain just drags you so low.  Only by the grace of my God did I survive it.  I am doing my own daily wound cleaning and dressing now and although I absolutely hate it just about doing my colostomy bag change on my own.  The only light on this is after the Chemo they can reverse the colostomy and put it back.  I can't imagine living with this the rest of my life. I just hate it. Talk about not feeling sexy.  Here I am now bald, going to loose my right boob and a shit bag glued on my stomach.  GEESH not a poster pin up girl for sure.You talk about bawling just sit in front of the mirror naked and look at all this you just have to bring out the tissue box and go into a crying jag.  If not for my faith in God I do believe I could not bear it  and would certainly stay in a crying pity party if not worse, but because of Him I can rest in His arms.  I can go to that special place that takes me away from the reality if not for a little while.  I can go on.  He WILL bring me through it.   

  • Gina_M
    Gina_M Member Posts: 108
    edited August 2008

    Cupcake -I feel so badly for all you've gone through.  I'd talk to the onc. about if the treatment can get postponed or if the timing is critical.  Maybe they could reduce the dose to get you through it.  They did that for me (reduced it by 15%) and I went from every side effect after tx1 to almost none after tx2.  Good luck.

    Gina

  • shelbaroni
    shelbaroni Member Posts: 350
    edited August 2008
    Brenda;

    Thank God you're hanging in there and, at least, finding some relief from the pain and feeling well enough to post. You are already a living testimony of the spirit of God within you, quickening your soul and body. Since I've never seen you in person, I can see the beauty that is your eternal self shining through all this misery. Try to discount what's in the mirror. That's all temporary anyway, right? I don't know if I mentioned it before, but my husband had to have a colostomy 11 years ago due to a case of diverticulitis that punctured his bowel. They removed 18 inches of colon. They reversed it 6 months later. He's been great since and is active as ever. I don't know the answers to any of your treatment questions, unfortunately. I do agree with Gina that you need to talk to the doctor again if you're feeling squeamish about starting the chemo as early as they want you to. You'll remain in my prayers.

    Donalee;

    You've inspired me. I'm quite light-headed today and can't stand up for more than a few minutes, but I'm going to will myself to take a walk this afternoon. I'll let you know if I get there! At least I'm not nauseated.
  • TF80209
    TF80209 Member Posts: 83
    edited August 2008

    Brenda: I'm glad you were feeling better and could check in. Having Herceptin with Taxotere and Carboplatin is protocol. I think I read somewhere that the timing of how often you get the heavy duty drugs (TC) is related to the time it takes for your body to recover between treatments and as explained here:

    How often you receive chemo depends on the type of cancer you have and the drug or combination of drugs you receive. Different drugs work at varying times in the cancer cell growth process. Taking all of these factors into consideration, your doctor will help you determine the most effective treatment schedule for you.

    As the others suggested, this is something you should discuss with your onc

    Terri..

  • cinrae123
    cinrae123 Member Posts: 211
    edited August 2008

    Cupcake,,,,,,,,,,,I'm glad you checked in with us,,,,,,we have all been concerned about you.  I am so sorry that you have to go thru all of this.  Be strong,,,,,,,be positve.  You are in my thoughts,,,,,,,and here's a big feel better hug for you.Smile

    Take care girls and have a good week.

    Cindy

  • Donalee
    Donalee Member Posts: 106
    edited August 2008

    Brenda,

    I'm so glad you checked in. You've been in my thoughts and prayers a lot these days. The power of prayer is strong!! You have a "battle ridden" body and with out a doubt have been through the worst! I pray things will turn around soon for you. ON with the fight!

    Love and prayers,

    Donalee

  • cupcake7
    cupcake7 Member Posts: 321
    edited August 2008

    Thanks all of you for remembering me.  Yes Gina the onc did say she was going to reduce the Tax/Carb so good to hear they did that for you and it worked well.  I just couldn't imagine throwing up with this slash on my stomach that is still open.  That is a positive note to put in the bank for going for it.  I think you are right Terri on the dose as with the stage IIIa dx they wanted to hit it hard, but after the first treatment the onc was absolutely amazed at the response of the lymph nodes reduction in the swelling so maybe she is taking this is consideration on the reducing the chemo dose.  Thanks for the prayers and hugs and yes ON with the fight....

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