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Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin

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  • bailey6760
    bailey6760 Member Posts: 380
    edited November 2013

    Thanks, friends, the blonde was everybody's fav.....mine too...sure never thought I could pull off blonde but it was fun (not more fun....just fun...gotta take it where you can get it). 

    The tch treatment makes for a long day at infusion.....mine were usually 6 hours at shortest....9 at longest. I always said my worst side effect on chemo day was boredom. DH came with me the whole first day and then sporadically after that. I set up "chemo sitters" with friends and family so I was able to spend time with more people and so DH didn't get too burned out or miss so much work. Not knowing how sick I would be or for how long made me want to protect him as much as I could whenever I could. I knew he would HAVE to be with me if it got really bad so tried to rely others when it wasn't so bad. The time spent with friends during my chemo actually makes it a special memory for me, in a way. We are always so busy it's hard to find time to just sit and be together. Try to make it good wherever you can.


  • AmyIsStrong
    AmyIsStrong Member Posts: 426
    edited November 2013


    Bailey you are so pretty!


    When I had my wig (which I also very rarely wore), and went to a work meeting (with people who didn't know about the BC or the wig) people would RAVE about my hair - "OH I LOVE your hair, you look fantastic" - I used to laugh to myself thinking "I guess my hair must've looked pretty bad before and nobody told me!" Oh well.


    I found the wig hot and itchy - wore bball cap or nothing at home and slept in a soft cotton cap as well.


    Yes, not easy but doable. For me, it will be FIVE years in Feb. It is definitely in the rear view mirror now.


    Stay strong ladies!

  • bren58
    bren58 Member Posts: 688
    edited November 2013


    Bailey, you look great in all of them!


    Amy, I too had people compliment me on my "hair" when I was wearing my wig. Strangers would ask where I got it cut and colored. It was actually kind of funny. Now that I have ditched the wig, no one comments on my hair anymore. lol. I guess the super short pixie in the dull brown color is just not as flattering :) I guess I really do need to get it colored.


    Yes TCH is a long day. I was always there between 8 & 9 hours. Thankfully I always had someone there with me for most of the day. It helped to have someone to talk to, to pass the time.


    ChickaD, still praying. Any updates?

  • ChickaD
    ChickaD Member Posts: 971
    edited November 2013

    John is resting comfortably...I duct taped him to the couch!  This is going to be a challenge...my hubby is one of those men that has to be doing something...he rarely just truly relaxes.  Got home and wanted to split wood...ugh.   Needless to say..me and the girls are going to sit on him if needed.  

    We are looking at about a year to complete several eye surgeries on him...no paychecks in this household any more....ugh again.  Cant even begin to deal with those issues yet.

    For the next week or so John needs 5 medications administered every 2 hours into his eye...long nights....and visits to the clinic daily.

    Did I mention I have a HUGE eye phobia?  I can't even go to the eye doctor without throwing up or passing out...they hate my visits.  So this "test" is going to cure or kill me. 

    Keep sending prayers...much appreciated!

  • ChickaD
    ChickaD Member Posts: 971
    edited November 2013

    Its AMAZING what love can do......I put the drops in John's eye for the first time because he keeps missing with his depth perception being off......then....



    I threw up...lol !

  • Edith61
    Edith61 Member Posts: 2
    edited November 2013


    HELLO ALL I had my port put in when they removed both my breast on Oct 24th will have my first Chemo on Dec 4th will be getting the taxotere, carboplatin and Herceptin for 6 treatments then the Herceptin for another year my treatment will be every 3 weeks..I am scared to death that when they go to use the port it won't work or the stuff will go some were else other then in the vien...Has anyone else had this fear guess this could be because I am still sore from the surgery..I will also get the neulasta shot with in 24 hours after the chemo..

  • m1970
    m1970 Member Posts: 261
    edited November 2013


    Hi Edith,


    I gore up In Herndon close to where you live.


    The port is ready to use immediately, don't worry it will be fine. Your treatment plan sounds like a standard protocol, I had exactly the same protocol this year. I recommend the Emla cream to numb the port 1 hour before chemo so it doesn't hurt. You can ask your MO for a Rx prior to chemo. I tape a small piece of plastic over it with paper tape to keep it off my clothes.


    When is your second treatment? You'll feel the effects about 2 days later. If you celebrate Christmas you might want to see if you can wait until the 26th.


    Good luck next week.


    Marsha

  • ChickaD
    ChickaD Member Posts: 971
    edited November 2013

    Welcome Miss Edith....my port was  God send......especially with all the Herceptin we get.....positive thoughts coming your way!

  • flowergirl1
    flowergirl1 Member Posts: 36
    edited November 2013

    Edith...I agree with ChickaD.  I am so thankful to have the port.  And every time they access mine they flush mine with saline and draw blood back to make sure it is working properly.  Hope this helps.

  • bren58
    bren58 Member Posts: 688
    edited November 2013


    Edith, I think we all went into chemo with a lot of fears. It's a great unknown and we fear all the things the side effects and reactions that could happen. Fortunately for most of us the day of chemo was just long, boring and uneventful. The ladies here are a wealth of knowledge, so ask all you questions and someone should be along with answers for you.

  • bailey6760
    bailey6760 Member Posts: 380
    edited November 2013

    Thanks, ladies.

    Chickad bless your loving heart, woman. You def have an eye aversion! 

    Edith welcome....sorry you are here but glad you found this spot. I had my port placed on June 16 and first chemo June 24....So just 8 days later.....No problems like you described. For most of us the anticipation and fears of treatment are far worse than treatment ever turns out to be. It's not easy, but you can do this. 

  • Viji
    Viji Member Posts: 89
    edited November 2013


    Edith, try very hard to go into treatment calm and trusting your doctors, nurses and the treatment plan. We all started out being apprehensive. I go into my 4th treatment tomorrow and yes, I have to remind myself to be calm, but mostly I can't wait for it to be over! Accept the situation and take one step at a time. We can all do this...


    ChikaD, I am just squirming in my chair just thinking of what you are going through... all the best of luck to you and your family.

  • moonflwr912
    moonflwr912 Member Posts: 5,938
    edited November 2013


    Edith they usually place the port using fluoroscopy either during the procedure or once they place it to check the placement to be sure it goes just where they want it. Mi e was placed on a Tuesday and used on Thursday so that's not a problem either. Deep breath. You will get through.


    ChickaD. So sorry you had a reaction to the eye. I hope it gets easier. My older brother who served in the army came home and wanted contacts. Yep. You guessed it. Passed out when they made him touch his eye..... LOL

  • ChickaD
    ChickaD Member Posts: 971
    edited November 2013

    image


    John Eye Update

    At today's visit to the Clinic we learned that John has a small leak in the eye that his iris tried to plug. Also the doctor did not like that the chamber has flattened outbe repaired. So what that all means is that on Wednesday if the chamber has not expanded, John will undergo surgery again that day in attempts to continue to save the eye, fix the iris and repair the leak. Also today the doctor put in a contact lense for extra protection and to try and stop the leak. Needless to say John's visit created much more pain...when we got home he rested all day!

    Even though John does not want me to do this, I will probably delay our trip to Florida until John can travel with me and my mom. John wants me to go as planned for my Treatment-Free Vacation, but it just feels wrong.

    I have chemo tomorrow and John promises me that he will stay put and still all day....I surely hope so! I'm thinking maybe a leash long enough to get to the bathroom....lol 

  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,261
    edited November 2013


    chickad - so sorry for the setback, hoping things go smoothly from here. Also, I would do the same thing about your trip - I don't think I could leave either!

  • moonflwr912
    moonflwr912 Member Posts: 5,938
    edited November 2013


    Hugs for ChickaD


    Much love to all.

  • Shasha10
    Shasha10 Member Posts: 212
    edited November 2013


    I've been gone for a awhile. Bren congrats on the port


    Soriya sorry to hear that you're going throughout this again. My thoughts and prayers are with you.


    I just got bad news about my mom. She's 92 and NHL is back and active. Her mo who has been great for last 15 years said she may have 2-3 months. I knew this might come but it hit me so hard. I'm actually feeling more depressed than when I was first diagnosed w bc. She's had a very good life and I know she's fine. But it's my mom and there's very little to do. Chemo is too hard at her age. They're doing a light chemo to keep her comfortable. Anyway thx for letting me vent. I'll be ok.


    Hope everyone is doing better.

  • bren58
    bren58 Member Posts: 688
    edited November 2013


    Shasha, that is so sad to hear about your mom. No matter how old they are or what their health condition is, it is still hard to think about losing our moms. Enjoy as much time as you can with her.

  • ChickaD
    ChickaD Member Posts: 971
    edited November 2013

    Miss Shasha....my heartfelt prayers are with you.  Peace my friend.

  • Shasha10
    Shasha10 Member Posts: 212
    edited November 2013


    thx Bren. Im so used to researching and figuring what the next treatment should be. my son said he would come in from SF and visit her. And my nieces and nephew are visiting as well she's down in Boca.


    As I said she had a very good life and I know she really missed my father for the past ten years so maybe she's ready. Anyway thx

  • Shasha10
    Shasha10 Member Posts: 212
    edited November 2013


    thx chickad

  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,261
    edited November 2013

    shasha - so hard, I am sorry - it has been a string of events for you, just when you get your footing, something else happens.  My dad had taxol in his 80's for palliative care, he did well actually - hope the same for your mom.

  • Shasha10
    Shasha10 Member Posts: 212
    edited November 2013


    thx Special K. Many years ago when my father in law died of lung cancer I asked my mom's mo to let me know if she wasn't going to make it. so there wouldn't be any surprises. That's why he called. He was correct but I just can't believe how sad I am. I really shouldn't be surprised. I'm just so sad. Thank you all for your support.

  • specialk
    specialk Member Posts: 9,261
    edited November 2013

    shasha - it doesn't matter how old we are none of us is ready to lose their mom - you have lost a whole lot lately, this is salt in the wound, and it makes it hard to rally when you feel a bit beaten down.  I know how hard it was to lose my brother so soon after my parents, it seemed so unfair.

  • Shasha10
    Shasha10 Member Posts: 212
    edited November 2013


    thank you Special K I guess I spent so much time making sure she was ok and overseeing everything. She knows. She told me. Three years ago she was hospitalized (in and out) for 3 months with an infection. She told me she didn't want to be a burden on me. I she came back from that episode. But I know she doesn't want to be bedridden. She was always so independent. I'm not super depressed but I'm very tired and my dh thinks it's that. I think he's right. Take it one day at a time. Thx again.

  • moonflwr912
    moonflwr912 Member Posts: 5,938
    edited November 2013


    sasha. I'm sorry. You will have time to gather and say goodbye. Sad but helpful to all. Enjoy your time with her. Much love.

  • mckatherine
    mckatherine Member Posts: 180
    edited November 2013


    chicka D & Shasha - prayers and hugs for you both!


    I'm three weeks post rads (skin is completely healed -yay!), and one week into Tamoxifen. Getting to spend Thanksgining with my family (and got to visit my alma mater for a football game this past weekend!).


    Hope everyone who can travel has safe travels for Thanksgiving. Hugs to everyone who is working Thanksgiving plans around treatment.


    Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

  • soriya123
    soriya123 Member Posts: 384
    edited November 2013

    Chicka D n Shasha....I am praying for both of you.

  • soriya123
    soriya123 Member Posts: 384
    edited November 2013

    To all my lovely ladies,  my MO called me today to let me know the results so its a benign...no cancer.  He didnt want me to go thru Thanksgiving n keep thinking about  it...so I thanked him for that cus that was the only thing on my mind these pass days.    Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! :)

  • naiviv
    naiviv Member Posts: 308
    edited November 2013


    Sasha, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Mom. I am sorry.


    Chicka D, continued prayers for you and your husband.


    Soriya, Good News... I am so happy for you.


    My prayers continue for all


    Vivian

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