Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
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Hi all, speaking of the other side, today Richard and his parents and I went to have lunch at Whole Foods. (Whole Paycheck) ;-)......and I happened to be wearing a cotton scarf not a wig. Across the way I saw a woman with very short hair who smiled at me. I smiled back -- I think we could both just tell that we were in this sisterhood.
Next thing I know she stops by our table and she and I give each other a hug. She's two months out from chemo and her short but thick hair looked really cute. She had a lot of energy and seemed happy. Her husband was holding their 10 month old baby and she told me that she had been going to MD Anderson and was taking Herceptin but it wasn't Taxotere/carboplatin -- no matter -- she gave me hope that one might be looking normal sooner than expected. She had had a mastectomy and was also going to have radiation. She looked really healthy and cheerful and I was so touched that she came over to me. ~ B
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Bethany that is so sweet. I have noticed that people are more considerate of me because I do wear a scarf and I guess they know. I am half way through my TCH and I will be so glad to get that pasted me. I can do the Herceptin I think but the radiation is another story. I guess we will see.
A woman I go to church with is taking chemo every 3 weeks but hers is 4 different meds and she also takes the Neulasta but it does not hurt her like it does me. I wonder why it effects my bones and back so bad? I guess just that we are all different. she is older than me too but seems to do better. Medicare will not pay for her to have the anti nauseau med put in her IV. what is up with that? the pills she takes are $100 a piece and Medicare pays half. I am so lucky to have insurance that pays a lot.
have a good day!
Carolyn
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I am 5 months out from TCH (stil doing the herceptin till end of the year) and I have noticed this as well. I did wear a wig until about 6 weeks ago. I have thick short hair as you describe this woman having. I will remember how good this hug made you feel when i am out and about. I bounced back fairly quickly after the chemo. My energy level, I lost that cancer look and I just felt so good. The hair coming back of course adds alot to that normal feeling.
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I have not lost all my hair but it is not a good look so I wear a hat or scarf. I am 3 tx away from being finished with the TCH and if I can just get through those and all the other junk they throw at me with the WBC & RBC shots and transfusions I am hoping the rest will be a walk in the park. I think I can do the herceptin every 3 weeks okay. i want to just have 4 tx but the doc said 6. I sure wish he would change hsi mind! haha Well I guess I can dream.
Carolyn
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Carolyn: I made it through the six TCH - you can too! Especially since you're taking care of your anemia. I got hard-headed about that and didn't do the RBC shots or transfusions, so I was pretty tired at the end. But 5 weeks after tx #6, the blood counts are up and I feel good! I've been back to work (school) for a month and am working out on the weekends (still can't make myself go to the gym after work - need to work on that). This weekend I found myself cleaning the metal strip that my closet doors slide on - maybe I'm feeling TOO good if I'm wasting my energy on crap like that!
I've done one Herceptin-only and felt fine afterwards. My only gripe - NO HAIR yet!
Have a great Labor Day -
Sue
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That is so sweet, Bethany! I haven't lost hair yet, but I am wearing a wig (to get used to it so that it won't be too shocking to myself and to others when the time comes). BUT, just by wearing the pink ribbon pin and a pink bracelet, I get many touching smiles from women, that makes me think their smile is saying: I understand - I'm there, or I've been there!!!! It's a nice feeling!!! One of these days, I'm going to get up the nerve and speak to them!!!!
Carolyn, I have only one chemo treatment under my belt (& 2 Herceptin's) so far. One down and five to go!!! Then radiation will begin. Herceptin will go on for one year. I had the very bad pains in my lower back and legs for about 3 days, which began the very day after my Neulasta injection - it was horrible, but I blamed it on the chemo, because my onc was told that if I was going to get any chemo SE's, they would begin on the 3rd day after treatment, and was also told that the bone pain from the Neulasta would begin 3 days after that shot, but I had that pain the very next day after Neulasta, so I was confused as to what SE was what!!!!! My next chemo treatment is Sept. 10th and I have that question (plus many others) for my onc - what SE did I experience??????? By the way, excuse my ingnorance, but what does TX stand for, treatments?? I'm still so new at this.
We have a trip to DisneyWorld in the works - for the first week of December. It was planned and partially paid for before this onset. And WE WILL BE THERE!!!!!!!!!! Mickey & Minnie will never feel so loved as when they see me!!!!! My onc told it can be worked out as to treatments for that time slot.
Just like Sue, we'll make it through the 6, Carolyn!!!!! It's a rough road, but I just keep thinking of it as my Road to Survival!!!!!!
Have a great night everyone!!!
Maggie
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Hi Maggie! I have TX (yes, tx stands for "treatment") #5 on September 8th, so we're almost on the same schedule! After my first TX I was CERTAIN I wasn't going to make it through 6. I had horrible bone pain from the Neulasta and I was so weak I could barely make it off the couch to the bathroom. Right before TX #2 I got a blood clot and was hospitalized and they gave me my chemo at the same time (no sympathy!!). That round wasn't any better but TX #3 was. It was SO much better. I was tired and dealing with the nausea but I could still get up and around and make myself lunch if I needed to, which I couldn't do for the first two treatments. Now I feel like I can get through the last 2 just fine and I'm looking forward to the end. You will get through them too. It seems like such a long road when you've only got one down, but it does go pretty quickly. Just keep your doctor informed about any side effects so they can keep them managed and you'll do OK. You have all of us behind you wishing you well!!
)I went to the post office on Friday with my 3 year old in tow. Let me tell you, the post office is not a fun place with an energetic toddler you're trying to control. I was there to pick up a package. On the way in a woman walked alongside of me and asked me if I was a breast cancer survivor (I had my pink hat on). I said yes, and that I was still going through treatment. She smiled and said "well, God be with you". I thought that was sooooo nice. Then on the way out with my absolutely huge package, I found I couldn't manage the package and get Molly across the street safely at the same time so I said "Ok Molly, we're just going to have to leave this package here on the sidewalk and come back once we get you in the car". A woman saw me put it down and asked if she could watch it for me. I said yes, thank you so much and Molly and I hurried across the parking lot to the car. I buckled her in and turned around to go get in the driver's side and there was the woman standing with my package. She said "well this hardly weighs anything at all!" and she put it in the back of my SUV for me. I said "oh thank you so much. God bless you!" and she said "He has, in so many ways" and she left. I can't tell you how good I felt driving away after such warmth from people I didn't know. I run into so many crappy people these days I get jaded and think the whole world is one big A-hole. These folks reminded me that there are still some wonderful people out there.
'Night everyone!
Aly.
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Maggie,
With your great spirit and postitive attitude you'll be fine. I kept re-framing my milestons: first, it was one down and five to go, then 1/3 done after two, then half way through after number 3.
Tomorrow I have #4 and from then it's only 6 weeks until my last TCH TX (treatment)..... I'm a new 'texter" also and so I had to learn what dh meant. (dear husband I believe)
My pain from the Neulasta shot started the next day and it was worse the first time -- barely noticed it on the most recent treatment. Thing do just kind of blend together and it's hard to say what is causing what. Each time is a little different.
Oh boy DisneyWorld. Best wishes to all this week....Bethany
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Hello all! I haven't posted in quite a while - been really sick - and depressed. I am sick for 2-1/2 weeks between treatments, then have a couple of good days and WHAM! back again. I have TX #5 tomorrow and feel as if things are starting to look up. I can finally see light at the end of this tunnel.
I have been fortunate that Neulasta hasn't caused me any pain after TX#1, then it was only mild. Herceptin doesn't seem to bother me at all, which I am grateful for, given the length of treatment.
Also, my hair has started to grow back. Is that unusual? I didn't expect it to even start coming back in until TC was over. Right now it is just the tiniest little spikes - looks kinda like splinters all over my head along with some very, very fine growth that is about 1/2" long. I hope I am able to stop wearing my scarves around Christmas. I don't know why I've got that milestone in my head, but that's what I'm hoping.
Another question - anyone's fingernails start growing in darker? Does this mean they are coming loose? Just trying to figure out what to expect. Guess I can ask my onc tomorrow.
Best wishes to everyone, especially those just starting the journey. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Good night...
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My fingernails are turning dark also. Doc told me to put some fingernail hardener on them. I have also been pretty sick but start feeling better around day 8 and the neulasta does make me hurt all over. I take some vicodin for the pain.
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Good Morning,
My fingernails turned darker and got the bullseye look- I used Nail Envy - I found it at the JC Penney hair salon- it makes a really hard coating and has really helped through treatments.
The hair that didnt fall out on me started growing around treatment 4 I think and the hair that fell out started growing back around treatment 5 - now I look like a baby bird!
Kristy
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My chemo book does say that some people's nails turn dark. It also cautions about numbness,tingling and burning in hands and feet. I guess if you can't feel you could burn yourself or hurt yourself some way.
I am still having bone pain but I am not sure if it is from the Neulasta or arthritis and fibromyalgia. I thought I had learned to live with pain but this is bad. I need a good nights sleep!
I have a Herceptin tx tomorrow and then on Sept 10 I have the dreaded TCH and I won't get sick until Sat. & Sun. I guess I am just slow. I get diarrhea mostly. Last time I vomited some. Orange jello of all things. You would think that would not be too strong. I guess it will come up if the tummy does not want it there. I think I have a plan of action but you know the SE will change if I think I have it figured out. I am having trouble drinking my water even though I love the taste of our water. I guess it is the chemical of the meds in my body. I am going to buy root beer this time to see if I can get more of that down. Root Beer does not have caffeine in it. I can't do KoolAide because I can taste the water and I can't do the bottled water either because I can't stand chlorine in it. It all has something I guess.
Aly, that was really nice of the person helping you with your package. Around here people are all so nice it would not surprise me but I live in a small town. We have lived here 45 yrs so I do know most people. I also work at the local bank or was until the chemo and the doc won't let me work. Everyone is leaving me notes how they miss me and to call if I need them. Some have called me to ask if they can help so I really appreciate friends.
My brain seems to get really messed up after TCH and I didn't think it could get worse!
You know at my age! Anyway that does wear off in between the TCH tx. I have about a week and 1/2 of real bad taste too so you would think I could deal with that. I just need to be more resolved I guess. I am half way there. My sister called me yesterday and she has all these stories of people she knew that had radiation or chemo and she never has anything encouraging to say it is always the bad stuff. I want to to say please just don't tell me. My brother had throat cancer and he was having a hard time with the radiation and my sister wanted him to quit taking it. he is cured now and is really glad he completed the tx but still has a few problems eating but is doing better. I need to think like some have said this is to get me better and hope not to have it come back. I know I can do it but I just whine sometimes.I hope all have a good day. Maybe I can get this submitted. I have lost the first one. See what I mean about the brain!
Carolyn
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Hi girls, I just thought I would jump in here. I had my 1st TCH tx on 8/27/08, and i think I am on the upswing. I spent the last 5-6 days on the couch, my bones were killing me from day 1 of neulasta, I looked like I had a sunburn on my face and chest for a couple of day, hot flashes, taste changes, zero appetite, and now the question... can you get vaginal yeast infections also? Do the next treamtents match the first? I don't even want to think about it. I am trying to draw strength from all of your posts.
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Yes! You can and I did get a vaginal yeast infection and I also had mouth sores after first tx. they gave me 2 different meds. difulcan and acyclovir for my mouth and told me to rinse (water,soda,salt), brush, rinse again with Prevention mouth wash(onc in red & yellow bottle) you can get at the drugstore. We can only get it at Walgreens here. they also gave me a cream for my bottom but it did not do much good and so I used Baby ointment to help the itch and pain. I guess the pills took care of the rest. CALL the doc! do not let this go.
Once you get past the yeast part you will probably do fine in that department but you will find other SE I am afraid. I did not get the neulasta until my 3rd tx ,I had Nepogen which is 5 shots and it made my shoulders hurt so bad. My friend has had a lot of chemo and he said that this is bone pain from your bone marrow making new white and red cells and even though he has finished and they did a stem cell on him they said the bone pain would continue for a while. It is not a bad thing I guess. My WBC really went up after Neulasta but then I had a blood transfusion too. My face flushed too which I am sure it was Neulasta since it had not done that with other 2tx.
I have another friend that takes tx every 3rd week and she has not had much problems like have and she takes Neulasta every time she takes a tx. she has a different kind of cancer but some of the same meds. I would say everyone is different and my first was the worse and after it the doc lowered my dose. He said he always starts a little higher to see how much a person can take. Let your doc or nurse know what is going on with you because they got onto me for waitng until I went in again.
As for taste changes, no appetite I have had those with every TCH. I am usually over that in 1 1/2 weeks and then I eat everything. I have another herceptin tomorrow and I will probably do good. Sept 10 is the TCH and I dread it but it is #4 so I am getting closer to #6.
Carolyn
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Hi Gals,
I just need to say I am sooooo very glad I joined in on this board!!! Each and every one of you are so supportive and understanding - it truly assures me: I AM NOT ALONE!!!!! You've all been so helpful and I thank you all !!!
Aly, thank you for the translation (TX = treatment) - Some of the abbreviations are obvious, but some I have to sit and really think about - so I figured, why not just ask???? LOL : )
Tomorrow is my Herceptin only treatment - piece o' cake - lol - thank God, that's not too bad - dread next week when I get the TCH - and possibly the Neulasta shot. YUK Have a great day everyone - it sure is a beautiful one here today (New Jersey).
I do appreciate all of you - I'll be back!!!!
Maggie
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Maggie, where in NJ are you? I am in Morris county and just had my 1st tx last week.
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Hey ladies!
We just got back from New York yesterday, and I'm mired in accumulated laundry. The kids started school this morning, so I'm taking a deep breath before going to the dentist for my first cleaning since before THC. I hate getting my teeth cleaned, but it's a piece o' crumb cake compared to chemo!
Julie--The yeast stuff is a result of your not having a very good immune system right now. When your intestinal flora are wiped out and your white cells are diminished, all kinds of opportunistic things can attack your system. If your doctor will allow you to take probiotics (some oncs will and some won't), that will help prevent yeast infections in the future. Your flushing could be a reaction to the steroids. Many people get that. Make sure that you tell your doctor and/or nurse ALL of your side effects and severity. Many women (and many on this post will attest) are given a high dose the first time, and then they crank it down for subsequent treatments. If they do this, you will notice a substantial difference. I had very severe mouth and lip sores the first time, and my face looked like that of a burn patient. I had really really bad nausea and a headache that, if I had had a gun in the house, I would have shot myself in the head. But because I was given a reduced dose the second time, I had a much easier time of it. Still had a couple bad days, but nothing like the first time, and no mouth sores to speak of. I hope that helps.
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Hi Julie,
I'm in Monmouth County - only for the past two and a half years though - prior to that we lived in Bergen County for about 33 years, and before that New York City!!!!!
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I am glad you had a good time Shel, so sorry about the laundry! I guess it is good the kids will be at school though. You will have some time to get it done. I don't mind laundry but then I don't have a lot to do with just my husband, grandson and me.
I think we are getting ready for that rain from hurricane Gustav. It is getting cloudy.We need some rain here in Oklahoma though but I hope not too deep. I worry about the grandson driving to work and then school in the rainy traffic.Well we have to go downtown tomorrow for my herceptin too so I will have to break out my rain hat I guess. So cute!
Carolyn
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Julie - I got a vaginal yeast infection with my first treatment (never had one before), and my family doctor prescribed a cream that was a bit stronger than the over the counter Monistat, etc. It worked very quickly. I understand the over the counter stuff works really well too, so I bought some of that...just in case.
Gina
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Hi, everyone!
Just wanted to introduce myself and join this board since I will be on this combo for next 5 months, every three weeks, starting this Friday. I was diagnosed on 08/12/08, have not had a sugery yet. I will be doing chemotherapy before the surgery.
I am very nervous with my 1st tx since I really don't know what to expect. I plan to work full time (I just can't afford not to) and am nervous if I will be able to... I also wonder if I need a ride home after the tx?
Nice to meet you all.
Yuyu
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Dear Yuyu,
I could easily have driven home from my treatment today. The only caveat I would add is that you could become too sleepy after having a been given a couple of benadryl at the beginning of the TX.
Of course, it's different with everyone, but I know some people are able to work all three weeks as long as you have a restroom where you can go whenever you need to. You may be really tired and need to cut your hours short. I hope you have some sick leave you could use judiciously to allow yourself some mornings when you might need to give yourself some time.
I would say that the worst days are 3-7 after the treatment counting treatment day as Day #1. Maybe if you schedule for a Thursday afternoon after lunch, you could go back to work on Friday and then make Saturday and Sunday your not so good days and hope for the best on Monday. Usually a Neulasta shot causes body aches a couple of days afterward -- you would have that on Friday PM if your TX is on Thursday. Maybe you could schedule the shot for the last slot in the day.
Hope this helps a bit. Best wishes, Bethany
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Bethany
Thanks for great tips and help! I am glad to hear that I probably would not need a ride home, since I don't have anyone who can give me a ride in the afternoon this Friday. But, I will have a number for taxi service with me in case I need a ride
I am really hoping I can continue working. I am currently scheduled to have tx on Fridays but let's see how it goes and maybe I may change it to thursday of third or fourth day willbe the worst. Yuyu
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Yuyu, I had planned to work also but it did not work out that way. My onc told me my WBC was too low to be around the public. Do you work in an office or with the public? My first experience working after tx was not good. I was so sick the first time and I found out later he did have the tx a little stronger for that one. I do okay after the tx (day of, since benadryal does not make me sleepy) my biggest day of being sick is the 5th day. Well I got sick this last time on day 4. I do have friends that worked at the bank during their tx but they had a desk job and mine is more physical and the bending over just felt like a roller coaster to me. I had to pull some money out of my IRA and thankfully I could since I am old enough.
If you need help with rides the cancer society around here will help with that so see what you can get as far as help for that. If you have some friends that can check on you after tx it would be nice , just to see if you need something. I get some broth and other things in the house before my TCH so I don't have to go anywhere to get something. You will want plenty of water, juice or some kind of decaffeinated drink also no alcoholic beverages. these are dehydrating. maybe jello or easy on stomach foods. Drink that water as much as you can! If you get a chance to go to a chemo class it is a good thing.
Carolyn
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Well I just got back from the onc and sure enough they gave a script for diflucan for the yeast infection. Today was also the 1st day of school for my 2 older boys (8 and 5) 3rd grade and K, thankfully I am on the upswing and was able to walk with them to school today. Many parents have heard about my diagnosis and were very supportive. I may actually get through this...
Thanks for all your info and responses. Much appreciated!!
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Got a question for you guys. I go for my first Herceptin only tx tomorrow. How long do these infusions usually take?
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Hi Shelby,
Mine have been given the same day as the Taxotere and Carboplatin, but I would think the amount would be correlated to your weight as they were. Mine, at the speed set by the onc nurse, takes an hour and 1/2 right now. (My taxotere is one hour and the carboplatin 30 mins if that puts into perspective for you.)
How are you feeling? Ankles better? Eyes better?
Bethany
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Hey Shel. My chemo nurse told me the Herceptin by itself would take about 1/2 hour.
Bethany, how do they get the Carboplatin in you in only 30 minutes? They have you on super-duper speed?
) My total tx takes twice as long as yours, I get all 3 drugs plus pre-meds (nausea stuff) and it takes about 3 hours. Do you get your Herceptin later in the day or something? They do all of mine individually but all in one sitting. It's funny how different everyone's chemo team does things! Or maybe I'm just waaaaaaaay fatter than you are (lol!)!0 -
Hi Aly,
Maybe I've got it backwards, but the total elapsed time with the Aloxi, TCH is about 3-1/2 hours. Yesterday they administered the Aloxi with a hypodermic into the IV - she called it a push.
Maybe also my dose is larger than yours -- I know you've been worried about your weight, but you look petite in your picture...I'm 5'9" -- pretty tall and weigh too much right now. I've gained 8 lbs since July 3 on top of already being 15 lbs over my best weight. Just saw my BMI go over 25 and I'm only half way through......too much self-indulgence, yikes. Got some Skinny Cows and popsicles to take the place of my Ben and Jerry addiction. Got to get a grip now I think.
Hope to get down 15-20 lbs after this is over. Tried to stay off the scale for now but I'm afraid that sets a disaster course.
Cheers.b
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HI Bethany. No, I'm not petite, never have been. I'm 5'7" so you're a little taller than me but I'm obviously heavier, my BMI is higher than yours. I don't know what's happened to me this week but my appetite is CRAZY. I just want to eat everything! We bought a box of Snickers ice cream bars at the grocery store on Monday and I'm through 5 of them already! I told my husband that they're never allowed in the house again.
)Aly.
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