Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
Comments
-
Thanks everyone. Talked to my onc about the port R vs. L, he agreed R side would be safer.
Did anyone here do the TC one day and the H the next? My onc says he likes to give fluids with (or between? not sure) the Carboplatin b/c it helps protect the liver and bladder. Of course I am to drink, too, but he also likes to give fluids. He said b/c of that, there is not enough time to get all 3 treatments in in one day. I know this sounds different from what I hear everyone else saying - that their TCH is done in like 6 to 7 hours. Curious if anyone else is doing it the way my onc is advising.
He also said not to drink tons of water b/c it will mess up my electrolytes. Instead, he recommends lots of pedialite no flavor (not Gatorade, b/c it has too much sugar, which feeds cancer).
0 -
Dancetrance its drink lots of fluids that doesn't have salt or caffeine. You can drink water but not over due or your electrolytes will mess up like your onc says. Soup counts as fluid too.0
-
YaYa5 when the Onc was discussing the two protocols he was suggesting he indicated Neulasta for the stronger one ...AC>TH. What is this about taking Claritin? I've been takings Zyrtec for many years on a daily basis for skin allergies. I probably shouldn't take both. I took Claritin before I started having skin issues.
You are so right about Charleston. I brainwashed our son as he grew up telling him Charleston is the best place in the whole world to live and rear a family. he's still here.0 -
Alice - The Zyrtec should do the same thing as Claritin - the antihistamine properties help lessen the edema in your bone marrow from Neulasta, and make it less painful.
relda - I didn't have enough hair come out and need to buzz it until day 24. I got through the 2nd chemo with a full (ish) head of hair. My MO was amazed and I briefly help out hope of it staying - but it didn't!
0 -
alice, some of the other women here can give you the answer about zyrtec and claritin. i can't remember if zyrtec does the same thing. the claritin supposedly keeps you from having bone pain with the neulasta. lago and specialK will give you the exact reasons for that. i still have too much chemo brain for me to remember all the details! p.s. you look like the true southern ladies i know from the south and that's a compliment!0
-
lago - didn't you take Zyrtec also - seems like I rememeber that.
0 -
Yeah, I know its gonna go, I'm just surprised its going beyond day 14. At this point last time I had shaved my head already
But if I can get thru tx #2 with hair - groovy! Just need to hang on for another week lol 0 -
New and even better treatments for the Her2 positive ladies on the way.. Perhaps without the chemo part of therapy one day!
"
ISSUE: MARCH 2012 | VOLUME: 07:03Benefit in Adding Anti-HER2 Pertuzumab to Breast Cancer Regimen
From Lancet Oncology
A study published in the January issue of Lancet Oncology (2012; 13:25-32, PMID: 22153890) has determined that the addition of the novel anti-HER2 antibody pertuzumab (2C4/Omnitarg, Genentech) to a regimen of trastuzumab (Herceptin, Genentech) plus docetaxel (Taxotere, Sanofi-aventis) is more effective than a regimen of trastuzumab plus docetaxel alone in the treatment of women with locally advanced inflammatory or early HER2-positive breast cancer. The Phase II NeoSPHERE [Neoadjuvant Study of Pertuzumab and Herceptin in an Early Regimen Evaluation] trial—published by an international team of researchers and funded through a partnership between Fondazione Michelangelo in Milan, Italy, and Hoffmann-La Roche, which owns Genentech (manufacturers of the study drug)—randomly assigned 417 treatment-naive women with HER2-positive breast cancer to four treatment groups: group A, in which 107 patients received four neoadjuvant cycles of trastuzumab (8 mg/kg loading dose, followed by 6 mg/kg every three weeks) plus docetaxel (75 mg/m2, escalating if tolerated to 100 mg/m2, every three weeks); group B, in which 107 patients received pertuzumab (loading dose 840 mg, followed by 420 mg every three weeks) and trastuzumab plus docetaxel; group C, in which 107 patients received pertuzumab and trastuzumab; and group D, in which 96 patients received pertuzumab plus docetaxel. Pathologic complete response (pCR) in the breast, as examined in the intent-to-treat population, was the study’s primary end point. In group B, 45.8% of the patients achieved pCR compared with 29% in group A, 24% in group D and 16.8% in group C. Neutropenia was the most common adverse event (AE) of grade 3 or higher across all treatment groups, affecting 61 patients in group A, 48 in group B, one in group C and 52 in group D. Febrile neutropenia and leukopenia also were reported. Overall, the number of serious AEs was similar in groups A, B and D (20, 15 and 16 total serious AEs, respectively) but lower in group C (4 serious AEs). Two patients died during the neoadjuvant phase of the trial, with one death in group B resulting from fulminant hepatitis and the other in group D, a result of lung metastases and progressive disease. In their concluding remarks, the authors noted that “although pertuzumab plus docetaxel was efficacious, the combination of chemotherapy with both antibodies was more active than chemotherapy with either antibody alone.” They added that “data obtained from NeoSPHERE supported the conduct and informed the design of an ongoing adjuvant trial with pertuzumab, and illustrated the potential of the neoadjuvant approach in new drug development.”http://m.clinicaloncology.com/Article.aspx?d=Solid+Tumors&d_id=148&i=March+2012&i_id=824&a_id=204340 -
Good morning friends...I've been trying to follow the news here and unless I missed one or two, it seems we've had alot of worries, visits to the drs about our worries but no really bad news after being checked out.
We can handle that, right? I'm beginning to see that's the way we're gonna live our lives. That's why this forum is so valuable. Our family and friends, however well meaning, can never quite grasp the mental aspect of this miserable journey.
Last I was venting to you all..I was in a panic because my post neo adjuvant chemo lumpectomy was postponed less than 24 hrs prior to surgery because the anesthesiologist said my EKG had changed since my sentinel node biopsy in October. That was resolved with a echo and a visit to the cardiologist. BTW...the anesthesioplogist told me I look a lot better than my chart! I hate that guy.
Since then I had my lumpectomy last week..which for those who may not have had theirs yet..went very smoothly.No pain, no problems. I was not even completely knocked out. They let me wear my wig under the cap. I was home within 3 hrs of the surgery and have not even needed a tylenol for pain. So..again..the worst part for me was my own head game.
Now the really, really, really good news for all of you ladies who are going through that tough chemo trip now and those who have gone before but haven't had neo adjuvant chemo.
CHEMO WORKS ! I had what is called a pathologically complete response to chemo. The margins were all clear .No sign of cancer in the breast.
As we all know, even great news in this battle we're waging only lasts so long in allaying our anxiety and fears.
The really good news is that there are new and even better treatments in the pipeline.
0 -
Alice my onc had me on Zyrtec the entire time on chemo so I didn't take any Claritin. The first nuelasta was rough but the next 5 not too bad. Just took the Aleve for a day to relieve the pain. Like Special K said they work in a similar fashion.
Asha isn't chemo amazing. So glad you are truly NED!
0 -
Ashla, congratulations!!!!! So happy for you!!!
0 -
Ashla - That is FANTASTIC news!!!! I am so happy for you!!0
-
congratulations to you, ashla! it's such a positive, happy outcome to share. HOORAY!!0
-
congrats Ashla!
Relda - my hair was still there after my second TCH. So don't shave until you see it really coming out. There was a lady finishing when I started who was going on to rads, and she hadn't lost much hair at all! But like one of the nurses said, if you lose your hair, you know the chemo is doing what it is supposed to.
I don't what to start a food fight, but does sugar consumption really make that much difference? My metformin onc said it didn't matter. I drank lots of gatorade during chemo because on just water, I was getting headaches and dizzy.
0 -
Has anyone had their hematocrit drop and need a transfusion? I am one point away from needing one.
I am sitting in the chair getting my last chemo treatment!!!!!0 -
Wendyspet, I haven't researched it extensively (the sugar issue), but I sure have heard about it a lot. That, combined with my doc telling me to avoid excessive sugar and white carbs is enough to make me aware. I still have sugar and carbs, just not excessively, and I go with more complex carbs when I eat them. I don't make myself crazy over it.
0 -
Yay Lori! I hope everything went well for you today. My RBC, hematocrit and hemoglobin have all gone down each week but not to a dangerous level. It accounts for why I am so damned tired all the time though. Sometimes I wish I could get a blood transfusion so I can feel good again. Hopefully now that I am done it will start to rise. Here's wishing you mild SE's.
0 -
dougieswife - what you are experiencing with hemoglobin (that is the number a transfusion is based off of) is normal. Usually there is a stair-step from the second or third chemo onward where your hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in your blood, goes down, then up a little, then farther down with each tx. If you are not to receive any more chemo you should start to see it come back up, probably more slowly than you would like. Up your red meat and leafy greens, especially spinach, as much as you can to give it an assist. A full point is a fairly large drop, and if you are asymptomatic you can always refuse a transfusion. If you feel lethargy, confusion, shortness of breath, or dizziness you need the transfusion. If you require one - PM me, before BC I worked in Transfusion Services. I will give you the lowdown.
0 -
Good to know, Kellogs and SpecialK!!!! I know it will make me feel better, if I need it. I should have had one after I had my little boy. Long story short, my placenta tore and 1/2 of it got stuck and I bled out. Needed emergency surgery right then. It took me 6 months to a year to bounce back after that, but my periods also came back with a vengence as well.
I am battling intense, intense acid/heartburn from the steroids to the point eating and drinking is near impossible. I have been taking zantac150 2x's a day, but that doesn't really help. I totally spaced out and forgot to ask MO about it today. Anyone else have any suggestions on what to take?
On a completely side note, I am going to do one pic a day to document my hair growth and maybe string it all together in a video.0 -
Dougieswife, have you heard anything about probiotics. They help some people with heartburn/GERD issues.
Special K and Iago, thanks for you response regarding Claritin and Zyrtec. I wonder if I'll get Neulasta. I go in for my second Herceptin infusion on Friday afternoon.
My hair dresser suggested I try the ice caps, but my oncologist was against it. I've been going to this same hairdresser for maybe 10 ish years. She offered to go with me to select a wig. She also offered to come to my house to shave my head when the time comes. My Onc said I should shave it too instead of letting fall in clumps. He says to expect it to start in 10 days to 2 weeks after the 1st TCH (last Friday).
I like what Diana said about thinking about these treatments as something being done for me instead if to me. Thanks for that, Diana
And YaYa, I need to change that photo if I can figure out how to do it. I want to use one that shows me smiling.0 -
Congrats on your last chemo Lori!
Hope your gi issues resolve quickly. Ther's always another hoop to jump through. You and I were dx'd one day apart it seems with very similar dx.
Question..if you are ER neg , why TCH?
Special K...that is great info...I wish I'd known that during treatment.
I'm a month pfc and the lack of progress with hair regrowth is my latest mental torture. A bit ..just a teeny bit...of growth around the edges. Maybe wishful thinking but the scalp feels bumpy. I'm constantly rubbing it which probably doesn't help with delicate growth..if there actually was some!
Last week I massaged my scalp with olive oil. This week I read red wine vinegar cleans the scalp and opens the follicles....No hair yet but I' m thinking of adding some cucumbers and tomatoes and I'll eat it next week so it's not a total waste of time.
Friggin bc.0 -
Hi Alice71
Having trouble getting back to sleep.
Everyone is diffferent but I didn't start losing my hair until 21 days after my first chemo. I cut my hair really short. But not shaved two weeks post first chemo. I purchased the wig just in case but didn't use it till about 5 weeks after first chemo.
Some very wise lady in this forum...and there are many wise and wonderful ladies in this forum...said to keep saying and thinking. 'CHEMO IS MY FRIEND'....Every time I have an MRI, an echo, a needle localization mammagram or other treatment or procedure I repeat the same thing in my mind. This treatment is my friend!0 -
Dougieswife,
The Zantac didnt work for me either. Onc switched it to Prilosec and that did the trick. Sometimes you just have to try different ones.
0 -
dougieswife Prilosuc didn't work for me. My onc got me a prescription for Protonix. When I switched insuranced they would cover that so I had to switch to Nexium. They both improved the situation but by the last few treatments I was also taking Carafate. I had bad reflux/gerd issues about 3 years prior to all this so that's how I knew about Carafate working for me.
I do probiotic yogurt and add nutraflora even before diagnosis because I have IBS (irritable bowl syndrome).
0 -
Ashla, Hey, maybe some chia seeds would help. I may try that. Worked for my chia pet.
0 -
Reposting 4 those who aren't on my other threads.
Had my port placed 2day. Typing w/one hand.
In the hospital - lung punctured during port surgery. Small pneumothorax. Pain drugs is good.
0 -
Dance tracer, so sorry about your port and the lung puncture. Hope you mend quickly.
Ashla, I was watching Dr. Wayne Dwyer the other night. He has chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He says the unconscious mind does not know the difference between reality and fantasy. It just operates on the info it receives, so he tells his unconscious mind positive "I am..." statements. I've been trying that when my mind starts churning obtrusive thoughts. I say, I am well. I am healthy. I an free of invasive cancer. I am strong. I am love. I am loved. I am grateful.
I had my Herceptin only infusion today. Even before, I had an uneasy stomach with diarrhea. I started eating dinner and threw it all up. I also notice that the inside of my lips are getting bumpy and sore. They didn't use my new port today because I developed a rash from the tape on the bandage on the port surgical site. Plenty to get my mind off the hair issue.0 -
Dance tracer, so sorry about your port and the lung puncture. Hope you mend quickly.
Ashla, I was watching Dr. Wayne Dwyer the other night. He has chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He says the unconscious mind does not know the difference between reality and fantasy. It just operates on the info it receives, so he tells his unconscious mind positive "I am..." statements. I've been trying that when my mind starts churning obtrusive thoughts. I say, I am well. I am healthy. I an free of invasive cancer. I am strong. I am love. I am loved. I am grateful.
I had my Herceptin only infusion today. Even before, I had an uneasy stomach with diarrhea. I started earing dinner and threw it all up. I also notice that the inside of my lips are getting bumpy and sore. They didn't use my new port today because I developed a rash from the tape on the bandage on the port surgical site. Plenty to get my mind off the hair issue.0 -
Dance tracer, so sorry about your port and the lung puncture. Hope you mend quickly.
Ashla, I was watching Dr. Wayne Dwyer the other night. He has chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He says the unconscious mind does not know the difference between reality and fantasy. It just operates on the info it receives, so he tells his unconscious mind positive "I am..." statements. I've been trying that when my mind starts churning obtrusive thoughts. I say, I am well. I am healthy. I an free of invasive cancer. I am strong. I am love. I am loved. I am grateful.
I had my Herceptin only infusion today. Even before, I had an uneasy stomach with diarrhea. I started earing dinner and threw it all up. I also notice that the inside of my lips are getting bumpy and sore. They didn't use my new port today because I developed a rash from the tape on the bandage on the port surgical site. Plenty to get my mind off the hair issue.0 -
dancetrancer,
Sorry about the collapsed lung from the port. I had one too. Mine took a couple of weeks to resolve. I knew it was better when the pain between my shoulder blades went away and I stopped coughing.
0
