Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
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oops, sorry! lago my ago!
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My hair started falling out at 14 days - the day before it started to fall I could pull on it and nothing, then the next day I did a little tug and got a handful, tried a few more times with the same results and buzzed it off! I thought it would start falling gradually, but it wasn't that way for me!
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ablydec totally understand (I'm Jewish). You know the best places to get wigs and hats. I wasn't too stress about it either although I don't cover my hair. I was worried about losing eyebrows and my hair coming back poodle. Never did lose the eyebrows completely nor did I go poodle. I have straight hair. Wouldn't know what to do with curls.
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This was one days worth of hair loss for me. I was going to get it buzzed off, but ended up in the hospital for the next three days, and had to wait till I got home to get it cut. Had hair coming out all over the hospital! LOL this was two days after my 2nd tx. To show size, the paper beneath is an 8 x 10. the funny thing is I still had a LOT of hair on my head then. Glad that part's over.0 -
My hair (at shoulder length) started coming out in strands on the 17th day. That was last Friday. I had it cut into a tousled short style and it did pretty well for a few days but now it's falling out by the handful. My 2nd treatment was on Wednesday (1/23) and by Saturday it was coming out like crazy. I buzzed some of it off the sides but I haven't completely shaved yet. I've really got a mental block about doing the final buzz.
I keep using those tape lint rollers over everything.
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Hi Girls,
hope you don't mind me hoping on here. I have just had my double mascetomy and still in hospital. Will start treatment in the next few weeks. I was just wondering if anyone has heard of parasternal node spread? My doc said that I have spread to this area and it can't be removed by surgery will have to try chemo and because it's HER2+ perhaps life long herceptin (herceptin side effects sounds very scary). Any info or comments from a person in the same boat would be very helpful.
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When I asked about the hair loss, my onc said TWO WEEKS after the first chemo. She was right on the button. It started slowly enough, so I had it cut short, but it kept going, so I got a buzz cut. Couldn't bring myself to completely shave it off. I never lost it completely, which sounds better than it really is. I can feel and see hair up their, but you have to look very closely. It's like a thin fuzz. I also can't bring myself to go completely hatless, except when I'm home by myself. I find the hats to be very bothersome. My head gets sooooo hot, and it gets itchy under there. And I absolutely cannot sleep in one. Wigs are out for me, as are scarves. It's a pain for my trying to get dressed to match the hat. On cold days, it's not such a chore, cuz I would wear a hat or beanie anyway, but warm days is a different story. I have bought more hats than I care to look at, and really, there's only one I truly like. I'm looking forward to the day I can donate these to someone else in need.
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Thanks for chiming in about the eyes... And bloody noses glad i found u ladies .. Here are more questions ....
...What's PFC? Post fu***ng chemo?
Isnt lymphodema in the arm? Mine is extremties.. Legs feel like tree trunks cant do rings, but no one else can tell.
My hair could be pulled out at 14 days so had small buzz party with girlfriends at wig shop. With wine! I miss wine, but dr says no. Eyelashes starting to go now after round 4 of 6 , just when i thought i was safe. And puffy face with redness...so ugly!
How is anyone eating healthy fruits n veggies? My high carb intake with icky taste buds - any way to avoid this? gargling earlier? - is also because dr says everything must be cooked or peeled to avoid bacteria.
What is the best way to avoid hemmorhoids? Between teary eyes and this, work is difficult.. I use stool softener and take baths .... Will lots of liquids make a difference?
And why the sleep issues again after round four? Anyone using meds to sleep?
This is the first time no "good" week! Is that normal for round 5 and six too? I was hoping things wouldcsettle down like after round 3,
For those finished with tch part) do the blood bruises on nails mean they will definitely come off? I have years of work invested in my novel coming out in May and hands will be seen to sign books.. Do i need to get gloves?
I heard juicing with greens helps hair growth during Herceptin...
Finally, anyone having sex? Valentines is 2 weeks after round 5 and i dread it....
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CeceliaL sorry to see you here but we are a good group. Your BS (breast surgeon) should have explained to you more what that means. From asking Dr. Google it appears parasternal node(s) is in a different area than under the arm and that's why they can't be removed.
The SE of Herceptin are pretty minimal for most of us. There is a chance it could effect your heart function. They will monitor you but most of us don't have this SE. If there is an issue they stop for a while before it gets bad. And don't worry there are other drugs now for HER2+ so if Herceptin isn't an option there are others. Take a look at this video. About 25% of the way through the reporter will be on. She is on Herceptin indefinitely! Not sure how many years but keep in mind this video was shot at 5:30am this past October. She's also a mother. She is still doing her job getting up early in the morning and being a mother as well as getting her Herceptin.
But your BS say MAY be on it indefinitely. Again it appears this kind of spread seems to put you in a higher risk for distant mets but it doesn't seem like a done deal. Chemo/herceptin might get rid of it. You'll need to discuss this with your onc to see if that's a possible. I really don't know much about this other than what I just read which might not be 100% correct. Do come back and let us know.
PFC is post final chemo or post fucking chemo (Yeah I use the F word)
Sickofpink my mom and her uncle have/had LE in their legs. Not due to surgery though. Many people get LE in their legs, actually more common. I have a feeling I got LE with just 10 nodes removed because of my family history made it more of a risk for me.
I was given the nuelasta shot so my onc said I could eat anything, including sushi. There are plenty of veggies you can cook. I like to make chicken veggie soup. Here's my recipe, sorry I don't measure so you'll have to guess:
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lago's Chicken Vegetable Soup
-----------------------------------------------Ingredients
• 1 chicken (or chicken parts. Dark meat more flavor but white me less a calories)
• 1 large onion
• 1” chunk cut carrots
• 1 inch parsnip
• lots of white mushrooms (adds lots of flavor-very important)
• a few red potatoes (already cooked)
• bok choy (not the baby kind)
• a little tomato powder to taste (optional purchase at Spice House)
• leeks
• broccoli
• salt & pepper to tasteDirections
- Cook the chicken in water for about 10 minutes skimming off the crap that floats to the top.
- Simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Put the veggies in based on how long they would take to cook. So the carrots would go in first. The potatoes and green part of the bok choy are last in the pot.
- Put de-boned, skinless chicken back in pot.
* Taste better the next day. Be sure to skim off the fat the next day once it has been chilled.
** When storing separate the veggies/chicken form stock or they will get mushy.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Best way to avoid hemorrhoids is not to get constipated and strain. I got them my first round because I got so constipated. Doesn't sound like you can eat dried fruit but I found Metamucil, as directed on the package, worked great for me. I started the night of chemo and ended 5 days later when things started to pass at normal speeds again. I also took Nutra Flora (still do). I also ate lots for veggies. My other secret ingredient was my chicken chili. It had lots of beans in it. Yes lots of liquids will help. You should be drinking/ingesting lots of liquids anyway with chemo. And soup counts as liquid but caffeine drinks do not.
I had the nail issue big time. I have yet to see anyone have it so bad but I'm sure I'm not the only one. Every toe & fingernail effected. I didn't loose any fingernails. Lost a few toenails and had to have one removed. Actually should have had two. They lifted. Hate to tell you this but they got worse after chemo. Very smelly too. For about a year I had to wear nail polish all the time. No one knew when I wore polish. My nails never fully recovered but they don't look gross. I just had beautiful nails before. Compared to most people they still look nice but the hand modeling career is definitely out.
Sex, there are all sorts of threads here about sex and getting your mojo back. It takes work. If you don't use it you lose it. So it took me a bit to get it back so it wasn't painful but it does come back. Replens might help. It did for me. Initially I used it every day for a month. Then went to 2X a week. I haven't used it in at least over a year now. With regular mojo use I don't need it anymore. Still need a lubricant though. Astroglide works well for me. While on chemo I would stick to water based lubricants. Don't be afraid to talk to your onc about this. It was her NP (nurse practitioner) that told me how to use the Replens.
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Dear SickofPink, you're too cute. Let me see if what I have to share is of any help at all. First of all, I LOVE your definition of PFC. I don't know what it means, but I'm picking yours. Second, my legs felt like tree trunks, too. I think mine was just the extreme fatigue. Any little step was so hard and I got winded very easily. I had to take a cane with me to the mailbox as it is downhill, then uphill to the box, then the reverse to get back to the house. I needed the cane to help pull me up the hills. I felt like I had 50 pounds of concrete on each leg. I am 1 month and 2 weeks post chemo and it's getting better. I didn't lose eyelashes or brows, so I'm sorry I cannot help with that. They have thinned a lot, though, so I'm just waiting to see what's going to happen. I'm taking Biotin, a supplement, that is supposed to help with hair, skin and nails. Onc said it was fine to take. they all seem to be familiar with it at the office. Of course, what effect the Herceptin has on how fast it works remains to be seen. And the Tamoxifen. My fruits and veg didn't happen til after number 5. Up until then, most everything I ate tasted like dirt. And everything I drank, as well. I was stuck on Mr. Pibb for a couple of weeks, then moved on to choco milk. I did put some choco Ensure in the blender with ice, and made a a slushy that was good sippin' ! I've has sleep issues since this whole thing started. I get a good night here and there, but most times..........not. It seems to have been compounded by the Tamoxifen. It's worse now than with chemo. I don't take anything. I just nap during the day, but I know a lot of you don't have that opportunity. Believe me, I wish I was having trouble at work. It would mean I actually have a job to go to. I miss working very badly. I had no 'rhoids, so I'm no help there, either. I do have some of a nail problem, but not bad. A few of mine have a "bruise" stripe down the middle of them. They are getting fainter and I haven't lost a one. My onc said they would grow out, just keep trimming and they will soon dissappear. I put polish on mine, but gave up when I started biting them again. I have stress issues, so I'm a gnawer. And finally, sex. NO !! I have not had any since this started and have no interest whatsoever. The free Brazilian wax that comes with this little episode has been most irritating to me. Not so much on top, but down low. I have no desire for such activities. I will sort that out later, I'm thinking. First of all, I just want sleep. Second, I don't have the energy to keep up, and third, I haven't dealt with my deformity as I probably should have. The boyfriend doesn't help. He cannot bear to look. I think it hurts him as much as it does me. I will have emotional baggage, along with the physical, but I'm taking it one step at a time. I figure it like this......let me deal with things in my own time, and if you cannot be there to support that, then go away. Has any of this helped at all? I hope so.
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Thanks for chiming in about the eyes... And bloody noses glad i found u ladies .. Here are more questions ....
...What's PFC? Post fu***ng chemo?
Isnt lymphodema in the arm? Mine is extremties.. Legs feel like tree trunks cant do rings, but no one else can tell.
My hair could be pulled out at 14 days so had small buzz party with girlfriends at wig shop. With wine! I miss wine, but dr says no. Eyelashes starting to go now after round 4 of 6 , just when i thought i was safe. And puffy face with redness...so ugly!
How is anyone eating healthy fruits n veggies? My high carb intake with icky taste buds - any way to avoid this? gargling earlier? - is also because dr says everything must be cooked or peeled to avoid bacteria.
What is the best way to avoid hemmorhoids? Between teary eyes and this, work is difficult.. I use stool softener and take baths .... Will lots of liquids make a difference?
And why the sleep issues again after round four? Anyone using meds to sleep?
This is the first time no "good" week! Is that normal for round 5 and six too? I was hoping things would settle down like after round 3,
For those finished with tch part) do the blood bruises on nails mean they will definitely come off? I have years of work invested in my novel coming out in May and hands will be seen to sign books.. Do i need to get gloves?
I heard juicing with greens helps hair growth during Herceptin...
Finally, anyone having sex? Valentines is 2 weeks after round 5 and i dread it....
Thanks!0 -
PFC is Post Final Chemo, but I think most of us here claim its for Post F@$%%# chemo! Guess its whether you need to be polite or not! LOL
I am a diabetic, and I could only eat carbs, bcause i got diarrhea with my treatments. LOL fun! NOT! But you do what you have to to get through. It did seem to get a bit worse with each tx, with # 4 & 5 being the worst. I guess 6 isn't as bad because you know its the last one. My nails just kept cracking but they are getting better. More liquids is always good. And sex? If you want it, you'll find a way. But, the more you try, the easier it gets, whether you fly solo or fly in s formation! LOL. Much love.0 -
LOL @ fly in s formation, Moonflwr!
I'm using doctor prescribed sleep medications. At least for now. I hate having to use it but I also know that lack of sleep isn't conducive to healing so for now, I take one Ambien per night. It's a very low dose (the lowest, I think).
My MO had the sex talk with us (my husband was there) last week. I'm still chuckling about it. It was pretty graphic!
lago, thanks for the recipe. It has been screenshot!
I need to Google Replens as I'm not sure if it's for the eyes or between the thighs.
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LeeA - I bought Replens...... for between the thighs. I was told that the Tamoxifen might cause dryness, and I wanted to be prepared for that because it can be so awful. I'm ready, but so far, no need.
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rickysgirl -
My MO gave us a tube of...
McKesson's lubricant.
With, um, position instructions.
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LeeA - your MO is on top of things, recommending lubricant and positions. I just applied for, and was accepted in to, a clinical trial in Portland Oregon, because besides not having the urge, it is painful. We use coconut oil (food grade), Lago mentioned some reasons though that water based products were better. I tried Replens, it's ok, but really didn't like the ingredient list.
Fluocinonide Cream for Hormone Therapy-Related Vaginal Dryness
Phase II Study of the Effect of the Topical Corticosteroid Fluocinonide in Breast Cancer Patients With Symptoms of Vaginal Dryness and Dyspareunia While on Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy. (7265)
Summary
Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse can be a common side effect of treatment with hormone therapy. Fluocinonide cream is a topical steroid cream that is used to treat certain skin conditions; it can relieve itching, redness, dryness, inflammation, and discomfort. The goal of this trial is to determine whether fluocinonide cream can help to treat symptoms of vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse in individuals taking hormone therapy. This is a Phase II trial
What's involved:
All participants will receive the following:
- Fluocinonide cream applied twice daily by participant during weeks 1-2 and once daily during weeks 3-4
Additional procedures:
Surveys
Trial length:
4 weeks
Post-trial follow-up:
Please contact research site
Sponsor:
NCI;Other
More information
View eligibility criteria and additional trial information: Cancer.gov ClinicalTrials.gov
Related links: BreastCancer.org: Vaginal Dryness
Number of visits unavailable, over 4 weeks
No visits required
- Number of visits unavailable, over 4 weeks
- Nearest research site: Portland, OR; 102 miles from 97400; 1 site total View locations
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My legs didn't swell, but they did feel like stumps - worse right after chemo, then would get slightly better before the next one, I really think that it was due to neuropathy though.
But the hand swelling (if it's just one) could be LE, it doesn't have to be the arm, it can be any part of your upper extremeity, including chest, shoulder, back, breast (if you had LX), and any part of your hand or arm. You might want to have it checked out. I did find when I walked during chemo both hands would swell sometimes.
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LindaKR Oil based and some silicone based can degrade the condom. I know my chemo binder specifically said water based so my gut says that maybe oil/silicone may last longer but also may not be good regarding bacteria. So if you're on chemo I would double check with your onc.
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I'm way past chemo - thanks Lago, makes sense. It's the only thing that I've found that doesn't leave me more irritated - but everyone should ask their oncs before using any lubricant.
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Off to TCH #4 today. Won't forget my Emla cream like last time! Anyone have snoring issues with chemo? DH says ever since I started chemo I have started snoring! Maybe it's because I have this constant sinus drainage, which also started with the chemo.
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Yes, Bren58, I became a snorer also. I don't sleep well, or for very long, but the boyfriend says it's during those times I fall into a deep sleep. I was very defensive about it at first, but then we started comparing times, and it always seems to happen during that 1 or 2 hours when I am sound asleep. Most of my night is spent tossing and turning and clock-watching, and I remember every single hour that I look at the clock. The unnaccounted for hour or two is the snoring hour(s).
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oh my word rickysgirl, you are exactly right! That is what happens. My sleeping is just like that. I look at the clock about every hour wondering when I will fall asleep. The unaccounted for hours are the sleeping/snoring ones. I have tried melatonin and does help a little. I am sure the lack of sleep is also contributing to the chemo brain thing too!
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I swear by my blinks sleep mask. It helps especially when you wake up too early. I've been wearing one since the summer. They hand wash nicely too. I found mine at cheap Marshalls but they sell them at lots of places.
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Ladies, 5 weeks PFC and my eyes are finally stopping to tear!!! I definately needed way fewer drops today. There is hope!!
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My solution to possible snoring was to never sleep - lol!
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Thanks for all your tips ladies. Still tearing and swollen legs& feet but #5 is thursday so.... And i dont know if i snore but the clock watching definitely keeps it to a minimum. Besides, if i slept more, when would i post?
Gnight!0 -
Best sleep aid that I have found: Get your ipod (or iphone or other device that can download audio files) - get your earbuds. Download a PODCAST - NOT music. They are available for free through ITunes. Pick something interesting but not too stimulating - cooking show, short stories, travel, things like that. When you can't sleep, put on the earbuds and listen to the podcast. Keep the volume pretty low. The effort of listening and following along will block out worrisome thoughts, and will not stir up emotions (the way music can do). And you WILL fall asleep with the earbuds in, but then you will wake up slightly and realize it - just take them out and shove them aside (without waking all the way up) and go back to sleep.
I used the many many times during chemo and when I had my worst sleep disturbances and IT WORKS!
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Thank you Sickofpink for bringing up sex. I've been wondering what's going on with others. I've talked with ALL of my docs about it - kind of interesting that my Gyno gave THE LEAST info...anyway I got some Slippery Stuff (real name - and from Kaiser - LOL) and it was COLD and evaporated quickly. But at least it wasn't painful.... my poor DH.... and me. That was the other weird thing about thegyno - she asked me about keeping my husband happy - huh? Excuse me - but I want to enjoy it too... and she's way younger than I am - tells a lot about her relationship.... so any recommendations would be GREATLY appreciated. I have heard that moisturizing 3 times a week then lubricating before sex works the best.
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The best info I got was from my Oncs NP. By the time I saw my gyno I had no more pain.
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cgesq Congrats on the tearing!!!!
A BC friend of mine recommended this - http://www.goodcleanlove.com/store/personal-lubricants I thought it dried up too fast. This same friend (she was 24 at diagnosis, and it's been almost 4 years for her) said that she fixed the problem by masturbating (for her) she insists that it increased the blood flow and now she seldom has to do that, she said it increased feeling, decreased pain, increased lubrication. She also was triple positive and got TCH and is on Tamox now. I find that the more stimulation the more pain - so? Maybe there is something to the use it or lose it concept.
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