Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
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lisa, great news! you are very strong and brave.
ricky, remember that you are taking chemo for breast cancer. you're going to feel badly from time to time. we're all different and respond to it differently. you're doing great! when i was on chemo, i couldn't drink water or eat anything except vanilla ice cream and potatoes ... fixed every way: fried, mashed, baked ... it didn't matter. my liquid intake was mostly diet coke because i couldn't get anything else down and i decided that chemo was a bitch and i'll eat/drink whatever sounded good at the time. you WILL feel better, even before the next treatment. hugs to you.
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LisaG....
Wonderful.....just wonderful!0 -
O.k., so it's day number 8 after my 1st treatment, and it has been rough. The last two days were almost more than I could bear. I don't know how to describe it, other than like a long ago memory of my younger days, when drinking was a sport. I can now remember back to the worst hangover I ever had, the kind where you vow to never drink again........and actually stick to it. That was 30+ years ago, yet I found myself feeling the same way times 10, and just begging, BEGGING the misery to stop. Someone on here said chemo is not for wimps. I am a wimp. I cannot imagine going through this every 3 weeks. I am coming out of it now, feeling better, and eating again. I wish I could say that now that I am on the other side of it, it wasn't that bad, but the truth is.................it was, and I know it's coming again. The anxiety from that alone is enough to unnerve me. I am hoping & praying that now that the 1st one is behind me, maybe the next won't be so bad. Any thoughts? I have spoken to others who said they really had no side effects that weren't manageable, and I know everyone is different, but I think I had them all. I feel horrible for writing this down, as I don't want others to read it and be fearful, but it is just honest. I guess I'm just one of the "ones" who got the full brunt. I wonder........now that my body has been totally shocked, will it absorb the next ones easier? Will it really be like this every time?
Remembering back to the drinking days, it affected me in such a way as that since that time, I cannot even smell alcohol without wanting to throw up. It is some kind of gut reaction to how badly I felt, and never wanting to feel that badly again. Now I get the same physical reaction from even seeing the words Breast Cancer, or taxotere, or anything related to this. There is, somehow, a taste, a smell, a feel, that makes me want to wretch when I hear or see anything associated with this.
I don't even know if I should post this, as I don't want to upset anyone else who is just starting out. For the first person who reads this, be honest with me. If I need to delete this post, just say so. I will happily do so. Though honesty is the best policy, it may not be appropriate in all cases, and I certainly do understand that.
Someone asked us to write down if any of the suggestions everyone made for dealing with the SE's worked, for feedback purposes. Sadly, none worked for me. I have gotten more prescriptions in the last 5 days than I have in my entire life, and I have been weighing whether or not to take them all. I think I need to make a trade-off in some respects. I haven't slept, and some of these drugs "may" cause insomnia. Do I get some temporary relief or do I sleep? Do I give up the stomach cramps for a headache? It's so hard to decipher. I know it is a learning process, and maybe next time will be different. Maybe no SE's, maybe different SE's, maybe, maybe, maybe............
I have a lovely neighbor, just lovely, who has been coming by, 1, 2, 3 times a day, to clean and bring me whatever I may want or need. She has been a Godsend, and nothing I can ever do in this lifetime will be able to show her just how much she is appreciated and loved. She has taken me on as her own and is watching me like a hawk. She's like my mom, since mine is no longer with me. Imagine my surprise when she came bounding in the house the other day, telling me she has spoken to another friend of hers who had been through this, and sang the praises of the marijuana trade. She said get it, get it, get it. I know I have read and heard about the medical marijuana business, and seen it in the movies, like Stepmom, but is that for real? Has anyone been privvy to that sort of thing? I'll try anything at this point.
Thanks for letting me vent, but seriously, if I need to remove this, just say the word.
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rickysgirl - ((((Hugs to you)))) So tough. Just to say, number 2 was easier for me. The first is just SUCH a shock to the system. I am glad you have your neighbor. Hang in there.0
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Rickysgirl - number 3 was the worst for me. I read somewhere (on these boards), that TCH should be administered in that specific order (taxotere, carbo and then herceptin). On my 3 tx, because I had an allergic reaction to the taxotere on infusion #2, they gave me carbo first. Boy was that a mistake. I felt like a steam roller hit me for 4 days, vomiting, achy the whole nine yards.
After the third tx they would "ween" me off the dexamethasone over four days after tx. I would also take a Priolcec every day for one week to help with the acid build up in the stomach. I did not need to take any anti nausea meds when I got home, as they would give me Aloxi (sp?) and Emend during the infusion. Aloxi lasts 24-36 hrs and Emend could last up to 5 days.
I hope you feel better soon :-)0 -
Rickysgirl - So sorry to hear you are having a hard time. Everyone does react differently, but don't give up. If the meds you have don't help, ask for different ones. The MO's have an entire arsenal of drugs to combat the SE's. Did you get the Neulasta? I found that was the worst, but the first one in particular. The best advice I can give is hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. I was never a water drinker but took the advice of the ladies here and drank the day before, day of and for several days after.....tons of water, like 5-6 bottles a day. I really think it helps flush the meds out of your system quickly and keep you from being dehydrated.
Rest when you need to and take advantage of all the help that is offered! You CAN do this....hoping the next one is easier for you. {{HUGS}}
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Rickysgirl,
I took Xanax during treatment. It helped with the steroid jitters and the nausea. I took it the days I was on steroids. Made me sleep like a baby. Everyone that has done TCH has been where you are now. Please don't beat yourself up over anything. TX 5 was the worst for me. Made the mistake of eating something I shouldnt and ended up with food poisoning. That was worse than any chemo side effect.......
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Rickeysgirl,. ((((Hugs)))) I am so sorry you have to deal with SEs that Swamp you . I had very bad SEs from my first two treatments. Diarrhea and vomiting and just plain yuckiness . Ended up in the hospital for renal failure from dehydration. I don't want to scare anyone either, but I made it through all 6 tx. I was in close contact with my MO, and every week he tweaked my tx, hoping to make it better for me. On my third tx, after my hospitalization, he cut down my percentage of Carboplatin. That tx was better, no vomitting, but felt like throwing up all the time. Next tx, he adjusted my taxotete dose. Eureka! Still had diarrhea, but no nausea and a lighter weight steamroller! So 5 & 6 were actually easier. Of course, I was worried that the cuts on dosage would make it not work as well, but I'll tell you what my mo said. He said that there are many ways to determine the dose. The first and most common is simply by weight and height. (This is what they did at first) Then there is a way they base the dose on sensitivity . This is why they lowered the percent of the drug as my body was reacting so badly because I was extra sensitive to the drugs. You know how people can take one drink and be messed up completely? And another doesn't until they are on ten drinks? Same difference. So, speak with your mo, let him know how bad this was, and he should work with you to find the right dose so you can continue. Sorry for the long post. And I think everyone needs to know when things don't go right not to scare people but to realize there is so much they can do to help. Much love
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Can't add much more to the great advice the ladies have given - do let your onc know and hopefully he/she will tweak your next infusions. However I can tell you that I used medical marijuana during my tx's and it helped immensely - if you are able to get a prescription I say go for it. At this point you need to throw everything at it and see what works.
So sorry :-(
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What also helped me - and btw I had pretty much the same reaction you are having, like the worst hangover EVER times infinity - was getting IV fluids at my oncs office 2-3 days after tx. Really helps flush out your system. Interestingly - as you described I am a wimp when it comes to drinking as well, a few sips and I am drunk and more than a drink and I have horrible hangovers. Very low tolerance for alcohol. Maybe the same when it comes to all drugs, I have to say that medication always works wery well and very fast for me, antibiotics clear up infections quickly etc. Our systems must have a low tolerance for drugs. Talk to your onc, thats what they are there for!
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relda - yay on the new job!
rickysgirl - many of us found that tx#1 was not tolerated well, but that subsequent tx were easier. I discovered that Zofran made me feel worse - it did not relieve nausea and gave me a killer headache. Talk with your MO about using the SE management meds to their best advantage, and that may mean changing them up. Some who have had intractable nausea have used a Sancuso patch for relief. Ativan is both anti-anxiety and anti-nausea - that may be a good one for you. Definitely discuss with your doc any and all SE and meds to get the best approach. Also, be aware that this is an ongoing process - many of us dropped some meds and added others as we went along. Glad you have a good neighbor - that is awesome!
lisa - yay!
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Rickysgirl if the anti nausea meds are not working for you ask for different ones. There are many out there but some are more $$ so the doctors don't recommend them out of the gate. You must demand. Someone else had that issue and finally got them to prescribe the $$ anti nausea. She did much better after that.0
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Ironically, I have had no nausea. I threw up once, but I think that was my body trying to rid itself of the bile that was building in my throat due to the acid reflux. I got some prevacid and have not had a problem there since. Mine is more due to the vertigo I seem to suffer when I try to stand updright, walk erect, bend over anything like that. All I have had to take, pill wise, is an antibiotic that was prescribed due to a touch of fever. I took one dose of MoM after chemo, then the floodgates opened and there was no need for that anymore. If I could get my head straight, I could take all the other. I just hate the feeling of being in a constant fog. It's a debilitating fog. I did find that The U of Miss grows medical marijuana, sends medical marijuana out of state, but doesn't make it availabe to those of us who live here. HMMMM. Something doesn't seem right there. I sent a random email to a very highly "decorated" researcher at the university, inquiring about this topic, and we have been going back and forth all morning. I do have to say I feel a bit special that he has taken such an interest, and is very encouraging. We'll see what transpires next.
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rickysgirl - Are you staying well hydrated? Have you had your blood pressure checked at home? Sometimes low blood pressure can make you dizzy.0
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rickysgirl - yes, hydration can help tremendously! I know you didn't mention taking any anti-nausea meds but after my 1st infusion I took Compazine as prescribed and I had terrible vertigo and fog. I agree, that is the worst feeling. The next time I tried Zofran instead and what a difference! I never had the fog again. Of course I drank the equivalency of Niagara Falls for days also!
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Yes, lots and lots of water I have had. Also a coke or sprint or gingerale thrown in. In between the diarrhea and the ammonia from pee, I about set myself on fire. Thank goodness for Johnson & Johnson baby poweder. I don't even know why I have any, but I do, and I'm using. I am enjoying vanilla yogurt my sweet neighbor brought. It is sooooooooo good. My boyfriend will be going to Taco Bell for me tomorrow. All I want is plain old refried beans. Just beans. Must be my Texas comfort food craving setting. I know Taco Bell isn't much, but they are the closest to good refrieds I have found around here. Mississippi knows no mexican food. I am also craving carrots and cucumbers. Never did before, but now I can't seem to get enough. Fresh is best, so what they hey. My energy level is good today, but I'm not going to overdo. I t feels so good to be able to get up and do something, anything. I am actually enjoying doing some laundry.
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Good deal rickysgirl!0
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Glad you are feeling better!
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Hey, here's a new SE I think I have. My toothpaste burns my mouth so bad I cannot brush my teeth as long as I want. Just about 30 seconds or so is all I can stand. Anyone had this? What to use?
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I used Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash the week of chemo. Kept the mouth sores away.....
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Rickysgirl: I felt like my almost a headache feeling was not sleeping off the norco so just tried to sleep a little longer with no tv, music, lights etc. worked for me within a couple of hrs. I also walk crooked! Feels like I'm leaning to one side, passes in a few days after treatment. Had #5 yesterday and should be coming out of it in a couple of days. Had neulasta shot today so I expect bone pain in two days based on my past notes. Then I feel as if the light switch is turned on and I start to feel better and able to go to work. One more treatment to go and then radiation!
Lisa: yay!0 -
Good for you, Lisa. Hip Hip Hooray. I haven't been the Neulasta route.
What is that for?0 -
Neulasta is used to prevent neutropenia, a lack of certain white blood cells caused by receiving chemotherapy. Helps build it back up. I get mine the day after my treatment.
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How do they know if you need that? I will have my labs done on the 31st, right before my tx.
Do they do labs after, or just go by your last results?
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From what I understand it depends also on how often you get treatments. My onc dr has had me get them starting with my first treatment and mine are every three weeks and it has to be given no sooner than 24hrs after chemo but not within 14 days of receiving it also. I also have my labs done two days before treatments
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Hey girls- I got my start date- Sept 5! Yeah!!! So glad to finally have a date so that I can plan for things. I have read here that many get it done in the tch order but mine will not be that way at all- I am also doing a study drug in ADDITION to TCH, so I wonder if that has anything to do with it. Also- do any of you give yourself the neulasta shots? My dr said they are easy but many insurances are requiring them to be done at the dr office- which makes for yet 1 more appt to have to show up for
I am hoping my insurance will allow them at home.0 -
I have only had my shots done at dr office. But admittedly would not be good at it! I'm a whimp when it comes to things like that.
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ricky, so sorry you had some bad days, but happy that you're better now. i remember feeling awful after the first tx and it lasted from day 3 through day 6 or 7. the next week i was better and the week before the next tx, i felt almost normal. it DOES get better. i can't stress the biotin mouth wash and toothpaste enough. it saved my bacon and no mouth sores. i don't think i could have handled mouth sores on top of the other SEs. also, everyone is right when they say to tell your onco and ask for stronger meds. i think they really do start us on the mildest meds so they can go up if we need them. hope you feel better and better!0
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Wow, there's so much to read today.
Rickysgirl, I've read many of your posts. Everyone does such a good job of responding to you, that I don't usually have my $.02 worth to add. Anyway, you are a sharp cookie to find this board to help you with info and support. I've finished TCH -- about a month ago. I'm really feeling sorry that you're having such a rough go of it. It seems like each one of my cycles had a different effect on me. My biggest problem was anemia and low white count. They adjusted my dose of carboplatin based on my age, height, weight, creatinine and maybe one other factor.
As for the Neulasta, Iago and some others on this board suggested I take a certain antihistamine, which I can't remember the name of at the moment. Since I've taken Zyrtec for years, they assured me it would work too. I did not experience any bone pains. My Onc told me also that if I took the shot at home, he'd have to write a prescription. He said it costs about $7000 a shot and ins. wouldn't cover all of it. When I see the Neulasta on my EOB it's almost $8000. The TCH meds are also expensive. The Neulasta keeps your absolute neutrophils and other blood components from dropping so low. You can feel really wrung out when that happens.
I look on my cancer treatment as a job. If they tell me to be somewhere at a certain time, I'm there. It takes precedent over nearly everything else. I don't even try to make too many plans, and when I do, I always make them tentative. There were times when I was going to meet a friend. The time would be near and I'd feel too weak to go through with it. You'll figure out which days are likely to be better.
Food was a big issue at times because the taste changes. I love a morning coffee, but it just tasted terrible. I'd fix a cup every day, but often, it went down the drain. Ice cream, peanut butter, pizza seemed to taste better than a lot of the healthier choices.
Are you from Texas, Rickysgirl? I grew up in Dallas, but have lived in Charleston for decades. When we first moved here, I'd dream about TexMex. And yes, it seemed like Taco Bell came closest, but we didn't even have that for a long time.
Guess I'd better stop here and give someone else a chance. Hope ou feel better.0 -
Claritin was recommended for Nuelasta. I was already on Zyrtec (per my oncs request) so I didn't take the Nuelasta either. The first shot was the worst but not too bad after that. My husband gave it to me at home.
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