Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
Comments
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Sorry about the multiple posts, don't know why.it did that. All deletions were repeats, not that I just wanted to see my name over and over. Much love.
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Sorry about the multiple posts, don't know why.it did that. All deletions were repeats, not that I just wanted to see my name over and over. Much love.
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I'm having a weird issue that I wonder how others have dealt with...
Here it is in a nutshell....Even on days when I'm feeling good, I can't help but worry about when the next SE will hit. Then every pain becomes magnified, because I think its the start of a terrible SE. I did have some difficult days (days 3-5 after the initial TCH infusion) and then some bad stomach problems earlier this week. Now, I'm afraid to live my normal life because I'm terrified that the SEs will start and I'll be sidelined. For example, I used to be a big walker, and would walk miles a day. Now, I'm afraid to leave my block for fear my stomach will act up (like it did) and I'll desperately need a bathroom.
I'm new to this so I don't know what to expect, and I also know that each person reacts to treatment differently. I would love hear from others how many days out of the 3 week cycle the SEs are really a problem. Hopefully, it is very few. My regimen is TCH week one, herceptin week 2 and herceptin week 3. Are the SEs bad for the herceptin only weeks?
Rationally, I know I should enjoy the good days without worrying....but somehow, this is proving very difficult to accomplish. Thanks in advance for the advice.
Cheryl
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Cheryl, I had the same tx, and my SEs ( diarrhea ) began around day 5 . Lasted until day 10 or so. Was usually worst a half to an hour after I ate. Then, if I absoulty had to do something, I took my strong Lomotil. I also switched to diapers, as bad as that sounds, life was easier. made sure I had a change of clothing in the car. I would think running would either stop the diarrhea while you are running, or happen faster, you may just need to run laps around tor block til you find out. I know this was TMI, but that was my SEs for my whole chemo. Of course I am on abx right now and dealing with it again! I wish you lots of luck, and soft toilet paper! LOL
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Cheryl you now know your pattern. It's pretty consistent but might get a little more intense. Get meds to settle your stomach or control the big D before it happens… you know what day it starts now. You should be fine on Herceptin, maybe a little stiff. Drink lots of fluids and keep walking. Serious about the walking. I stopped after tx 5 and it was the biggest mistake. I got so stiff.0
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Hi Cheryl.... I agree with Lago to take anti-diarrhea meds as soon as it starts and keep walking. Moomflower's got a good idea to wear diapers for now also. No one knows you have them on but you and it gives you a sense of security. Walking, exercise and sunlight are so important for our mood and health.
I started getting migraine HAs again after not having any for 9 years and it's from chemo lowering serotonin which also makes people sad or depressed and I took imetrex which is a strong drug that I learned the hard way can cause rebound migraines, so I found 5HTP as a natural way to raise serotonin without SEs.
My nurse opened my eyes when I told her my symptoms, that it could be from other things besides chemo, and chemo triggers it. So, using the treatment for the SEs doesn't have to do with chemo, as long as the drugs are compatible- and the pharmacist should know that (some we need to remind what chemo we're on).
I take biscodyl chemo day because I get constipated for 3 days, then I get D for 3-4 days. Medicine helps, and it's nice to know it's not for ever....
Enjoy the day as best you can.
Gina 0 -
Cheryl, I am so with you. I have been afraid to continue walks in the forest preserve for fear of a "gotta go" moment hitting.
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Cheryl, I had the same problem as you after tx 2. I had adb cramps with the incessant diarrhea for 5 or 6 days. It was almost like clockwork. It started the first thing in the morning when I got up and lasted all day and night, but, thankfully, ceased when I went to bed....until the next morning. By the time it was over and done with, my hiney and vaginey were raw, slathered in Beaudreaux's Butt paste, and I wore adult disposable underwear. Every time I so much as took a sip of liquid, I'd be struck with a cramp that started the cycle. All I can tell is that it will quit. In my case, there was no way I could go out for exercise because there was not enough time between the warning cramp and the dash to the potty. You'll know when the coast is clear. You just have to wait it out, or at least that's what I had to do. Remember, we all may experience some of the same things, but in different ways. I opted not to atke anything for it because I don't want all the extra drugs in my body. The chemo is bad enough. I was corrected by my staff yesterday at the 3rd treatment when I explained this SE. I told them it wasn't really diarrhea as the stools weren't runny, just soft. They asked me how many BM's I was having each day, and when I told them 15-20 they said that is was diarrhea, loose stools or not. I didn't know the frequency is what defines it. It, of course has passed now, but I am waiting for whatever I may get now.
I am now in the same boat as cgesq. I'm just waiting and wondering what is next and it makes me very anxious. I had unpleasant SE's with each of my first two tx's, but they were completely different in nature. I'd like to be able to prepare for whatever lies ahead, but it doesn't seem to work like that. All I know is that, if I stay true to my own form, I will be fine today, tomorrow I will start getting a little tired, and then Monday I will get my surprise that will last until Saturday or so. I know I just have to get though it and I will feel good again. My onc said she thought I was actually doing quite well. All my labs yesterday were normal and she said, as far as SE's, that I wasn't on the low spectrum of things, but pretty close. The first was so bad that I came awfully close to telling her that I wasn't going to continue this, and she took me off the steroids, which made all the difference in the world. I told her I would take SE round #2 over the first any day. I'm hoping I got the worst one out of the way. Whatever comes my way, if it's not as bad as #1, I'll take it. I don't know if any of this will help, but just know YOU CAN DO IT !!! It will be over soon and we're all here pulling for you. I haven't been on here too long myself, but without the wonderful ladies on here, I would have been sunk. The advice and encouragement is just priceless and I wish I could thank each and every one of you presonally for all you have done for me. I just hope I have been able to give back as much as I have received. I appreciated the honesty, as though at times it may seem daunting and unpleasant, it helps tremendously to know what may or may not lie ahead and I can gauge my situation on all the info. It's so helpful. Have the best day possible and keep us posted.
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Cheryl, I had the same problem as you after tx 2. I had adb cramps with the incessant diarrhea for 5 or 6 days. It was almost like clockwork. It started the first thing in the morning when I got up and lasted all day and night, but, thankfully, ceased when I went to bed....until the next morning. By the time it was over and done with, my hiney and vaginey were raw, slathered in Beaudreaux's Butt paste, and I wore adult disposable underwear. Every time I so much as took a sip of liquid, I'd be struck with a cramp that started the cycle. All I can tell is that it will quit. In my case, there was no way I could go out for exercise because there was not enough time between the warning cramp and the dash to the potty. You'll know when the coast is clear. You just have to wait it out, or at least that's what I had to do. Remember, we all may experience some of the same things, but in different ways. I opted not to atke anything for it because I don't want all the extra drugs in my body. The chemo is bad enough. I was corrected by my staff yesterday at the 3rd treatment when I explained this SE. I told them it wasn't really diarrhea as the stools weren't runny, just soft. They asked me how many BM's I was having each day, and when I told them 15-20 they said that is was diarrhea, loose stools or not. I didn't know the frequency is what defines it. It, of course has passed now, but I am waiting for whatever I may get now.
I am now in the same boat as cgesq. I'm just waiting and wondering what is next and it makes me very anxious. I had unpleasant SE's with each of my first two tx's, but they were completely different in nature. I'd like to be able to prepare for whatever lies ahead, but it doesn't seem to work like that. All I know is that, if I stay true to my own form, I will be fine today, tomorrow I will start getting a little tired, and then Monday I will get my surprise that will last until Saturday or so. I know I just have to get though it and I will feel good again. My onc said she thought I was actually doing quite well. All my labs yesterday were normal and she said, as far as SE's, that I wasn't on the low spectrum of things, but pretty close. The first was so bad that I came awfully close to telling her that I wasn't going to continue this, and she took me off the steroids, which made all the difference in the world. I told her I would take SE round #2 over the first any day. I'm hoping I got the worst one out of the way. Whatever comes my way, if it's not as bad as #1, I'll take it. I don't know if any of this will help, but just know YOU CAN DO IT !!! It will be over soon and we're all here pulling for you. I haven't been on here too long myself, but without the wonderful ladies on here, I would have been sunk. The advice and encouragement is just priceless and I wish I could thank each and every one of you presonally for all you have done for me. I just hope I have been able to give back as much as I have received. I appreciated the honesty, as though at times it may seem daunting and unpleasant, it helps tremendously to know what may or may not lie ahead and I can gauge my situation on all the info. It's so helpful. Have the best day possible and keep us posted.
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Rickeysgirl, just a note for you. You said the D started if you drank liquid, and you HAVE to drink! I ended up in the hospital because I could not drink enough to compensate for what left via the D. I had renal failure and had to stay four days and hoped my kidney function returned. That is another reason they worry about frequency of stools. Please keep drinking, although I found the D time the hardest time to keep hydrated. I just could not drink enough and never felt likevi wanted to either. Don't want to scare you, but make you aware of what the D train can do to you. Much love.
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Rickeysgirl, just a note for you. You said the D started if you drank liquid, and you HAVE to drink! I ended up in the hospital because I could not drink enough to compensate for what left via the D. I had renal failure and had to stay four days and hoped my kidney function returned. That is another reason they worry about frequency of stools. Please keep drinking, although I found the D time the hardest time to keep hydrated. I just could not drink enough and never felt likevi wanted to either. Don't want to scare you, but make you aware of what the D train can do to you. Much love.
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Thanks, Moonflwr. I acutally had no troulbe staying hydrated. One thing about me, even before this, I always have a tall glass of something cold in my hand or very close by. Of course now, the choice of drink has changed, depending on my taste buds, but I'll have something. I also was able to eat relatively well. I just knew that whatever went in was coming out pretty quickly, so I steeled myself for the consequences and moved along. Now that I am on this side of it, I'm prepared inc ase ithappens again, but as ya'll have mentioned, the SE's may be different this time. We wait, and we hope for a break.
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Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.
Now, when I start having cramps, I take immodium, and that has really helped. (Rickysgirl, you mentioned not wanted extra meds in your body, but you should consider anti-diarrhea meds like immodium. It really works!)
Lago, I'm going to try and stay active as long as I can. I figure as long as I am feeling pretty good, I should keep moving.
Wishing everybody a great weekend!
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Compazine is helping with the nausea but it's also screwing with my vision so playing on the computer these past few days since last Thursday's chemo has been not so fun. Still, I guess having almost no nausea is preferable though sometimes I find myself wondering because I'm bored and playing on the computer is hard on my eyes. I'm actually wearing my distance glasses right now that I normally only use for driving.
Sense of taste is still really bad - most affected are bread items and white cheeses. I seem to be fine with some veggies, salads, ice cream, chocolate and mints. Using plastic utensils doesn't make a difference to me as I'm not having a metallic taste issue. Certain things just taste like paste right now.
I'm feeling a little achy as well but Tylenol has that mostly under control. I'm tired a lot but that's to be expected.
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I hear ya jinkala. I'm having taste issues again, too, since #3 last friday. I really don't feel bad, just extremely tired. My morning coffee is tasting o.k., but feels "hairy" in my mouth. I am also experiencing for the first time, the vision thing. Things seem a bit blurry. Everything I ate yesterday tasted like dirt. I prepared a lot of food and ended up throwing it out. I had some success with a blowl of Frosted Flakes. They're GGGGreat ! And my old standby, choco milk. I was thinking this morning of going to get some juices, but I don't know if I feel comfortable driving my truck. May have to put that off until someone can go get some for me. Not having much success there, either. It's a lonely time for me. Me and you do the same thing...........computer........but I'm so tired of it, and the tele. Oh well, nothing to do but wait it out, I guess. I so look forward to the day when I feel normal again. I'd like to read a book, but can't. Mostly just sitting and sleeping. I hope you get on the other side soon. I know how miserable you are. I'm so sorry, but I'm right there with ya.0
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Rickysgirl if your tongue is feeling "hairy" call your onc! This could be thrush. You want to treat this ASAP. The longer you wait the more challenging it is to deal with.0
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OMG !! What is thrush?
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I got scared there for a moment, so I looked up thrush. I will call the onc, but I already have some mouthwash the dentist prescribed beore all this started. He gave it to me since my mouth seemed to be a little sensitive and he was warding off the beginnings periodontal disease. I have been lax in using it, but I'm on it now. Don't need anymore troubles.
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Thrush is just a yeast infection in your mouth. Don't get scared but as you know sometimes fighting yeast can be a battle. You may not have it but doesn't hurt to check.
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Thank you so, so much. I cannot belive all the things I'm learning. I'm thinking it may be just dry mouth, as I have no taste or nothing tastes good, and I just know I'm not eating or drinking properly. I still have a glass of something cold with me at all times, but everything seems to taste like dirt, and I can only handle so much choco milk. I need to stock up on some liquids the next time I go to the market. i should have gotten some different juices, but it's a live and learn, trial by error deal, I'm learning. I just remembered that I do have some Biotene somewhere. I may need to use that, as well. Thanks for looking after me. I get more of that from you than I do from the folks around here. Very sad.
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Ricky I used Biotene every night when I was on chemo. I also flossed 2x a day.
Don't be too hard on the folks around you. They really have no idea what you're going through. I mean before you were diagnosed did you have any idea about any of this? I didn't. Granted there are a few that don't want to understand.
My sister & I haven't talked since I had to kick her out of my house 1 week after my BMX because she was so verbally abusive. She's still waiting for an apology from me… because being right is so much more important than a relationship with her sister. I never expected an apology but it's now 2 years. I mean I could have had a recurrence in that time yet no call, during chemo, after recon surgeries, shingles. One time I did call my mom's and she was over there. It was not too long after my exchange surgery. She picked up the phone. I didn't feel it was up to me to ask "so how are you?" if you know what I mean. I just asked for my mom. That was 1.5 years ago. I'm still a bit shocked but now I know that the relationship is gone.
Ironically her birthday is the same date as my first day of chemo: Oct. 5th. I think that's why I though about it.
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lago - so sorry about the sister thing - did you have issues with her prior to BC? It is so hard when people, especially family, disappoint you when you need them.
rickysgirl - there is also a Biotene gum that might help if you are having dry mouth. They had a sample of it at my center.
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Jinkala, I notice you are type 2. So was i. The steroids days sent my blood sugars soaring. Make sure you keep checking, don't slack off testing. Just a friendly reminder, my sugars are finally getting back to my normal.
Rickysgirl, you just have to experiment as to what you can eat. Nothing tastetd good to me, so I justvatet anything that didn't taste horribly bad. Mostly mashed potato, noodles, white stuff. Not real good for you, but then again didn't eat much either.
So sorry you all have to go through this.0 -
rickysgirl - I used the biotene spray and that helped with my mouth 'issues'. Also, the regular toothpaste like colgate/crest can be too strong during chemo. I also used a softer brush.0
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Oh lago, so sorry. You certainly have nothing to apologize for. I know what you mean, though. This is taking a toll on my relationship with my boyfriend. I gave up my entire life, my job, my home and everything I knew for 50 years to come over here and be with him, yet he can't seem to give up a little time to go get me some juice, or anything, unless it's convenient for him. He seems more concerned about getting home after work to let his dog out of his run than to see if he could possibly bring me anything. He's here very little, and though he says constantly "we'll get through this together" and "I'm here for you, whatever you need", that is, sadly, not the case. I'm looking forward to getting past all of this so I can go back to where I came from. He has NEVER called to see if he can bring anything or do anything. He does call, but those questions are never asked. Today I told him I was so hungry, and all he said was "I'm sorry". I have never been able to find a job here, or any friends, so I am now moving into my 3rd year of sitting in my house, day after day, after day. Now I just do it while feeling bad, too. My remedy has been to start packing boxes when I feel good enough. It seems to give me some hope that I can blow this joint and get back to a civilized enviromnent. I do come from a medical background, but this ride is more than I could have ever imagined, as this was not my field, so, no, I had no idea. I do take great steps in trying to learn about as much as I can and share with him. I also bought the book that someone suggested, The Breast Cancer Husband. He is a voracious reader, but has not cracked the spine on this. I read it in two days. I think he's actually read a couple of pages. I would think he would want to learn about it, but I guess I'm wrong. I think this is the greatest test of all, so see who's in and who's out. It's very scary, but I know we'll all get through. Thanks, again, for the advice. It's always appreciated.
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Rickysgirl, ((((hugs)))) I think you need a new warrior name!
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Yes my sister and I were close but like I said I now understand her better… and what's truly important to her. My mom says she feels bad. OK well then tell her to pick up the phone. I found out that my husband actually asked her to call and she promised she would during chemo… but never did. When I found that out I did right her off. She should know better since her field is social work!
Ricksgirl that does suck. Have you discussed this with him though? He just may not know. Also at times we do overload them with information. It was hard to talk about all this research/information constantly with my husband but I knew I had to give him some space too.
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Yeah, we've talked. He undersanads it. he sees it. He knows it. He says he doesn't blame me for wanting to leave, but it goes so much deeper than that. I think it comes down to sacrifices. I sacrificed everything to come over here. It didn't work out. I guess I was just thinking it would be his turn to sacrifice and go back with me, but .............I'll just go by myself and be happy in my "homeland" with or without him. I need to be happy wherever I am because I think it's so important for my recovery. I just thought he might want to play a part in that recovery. He tells me he wants me to be happy, but he plays a very minimal role in making that happen, so it's up to me. It's o.k. Live and learn and move on.
You're so right. A social worker? I would think that would be the person to understand your trials, especially a sister. My heart just breaks for you. One day.............
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rickygirl don't worry about me. I typically don't think about it but my old chemo start date coming up reminds me. Did you tell us where you were from?
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The Lone Star State - Texas !!!!!!!!!!
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