Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
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Bold Thanks for the confirmation was pretty sure that was what was happening now I know for sure Im going to go shorter I am not quite ready to shave it , Congrats on halfway over that is great! About that libido issue I lost mine when i got the DX ,with the biopsy,lumpectomy,node removal,port put in and chemo and work there doesn't seem to be time. I guess since Traci says it will return to normal, I guess it will just have to wait! 0 -
Hello Everyone....I hope that you ladies can help me here. It seems that as I get closer to the end of my chemo treatments, I am getting very frightened. As some of you already know, I had my mastectomy first and at that time, the doctor removed the nodes as well. Because of this, I went into chemo with no evidence of cancer left in my body. The reason I was getting chemo was to kill off any "stray cells" that made it past my nodes. I now find myself worried that I have no way of knowing that the cancer is gone. My doctor doesn't follow up with scans, just bloodwork. I was reading on-line about Her2 and it frightened me so much that I ended up in tears for almost an hour. This is unusual for me, since I haven't shed too many tears as of late. I'm constantly thinking about recurrence and worrying that the cancer may have already recurred, but I just don't know it. I started worrying yesterday that the Herceptin might not work for me. My Her2 was "strongly positive". Every cough or bone ache (from Neulasta I think) has me worried that I'm having a recurrence. I know this sounds crazy.....I cannot make sense of this sudden rush of anxiety either.
I keep thinking that I should be happy that my last treatment is within reach and then I just have to deal with Herceptin for the next nine months. I NEVER thought that I would react this way. Do any of you ladies who finally made it through chemo recall being so darn frightened at the end? Is this normal to feel this way? Too many tears around my house over the past few days and I'm waiting for my secure feeling to come back. Any advice you can offer would be much appreciated. Thank you, ladies.
Much love
Anne
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Yes...Anne
I felt the same AFTER chemo and AFTER rads and AFTER Herceptin. The end of active treatment is a frightning time because...well..thats it. Have faith in the chemo drugs and have faith in Herceptin.It really is a miracle drug and do NOT, I repeat, do NOT read about Her2 on the net. With Herceptin the statistics have totally changed.
Ill tell you something.I finished my Herceptin Nov 2008.So only 2 months ago.I was a wreck because now I was REALLY finished. I went to my second opinion onc to talk about removal of my ovaries or not. He is the head of oncology at one of the major hospitals in Vancouver. Make a long story short, we ended up talking about Herceptin. This is what he told me word for word........he has seen very ,very few woman who have had a recurrence after Herceptin treatments.Although Herceptin has only been used for the last 4-5 years for early stage disease. He also said that BEFORE Herceptin, Her2 BC was "stubborn".But NOW...with Herceptin, Her2 BC has the more FAVORABLE outcome!
It is completely normal to feel this way and we have all been there. I also think that the chemo drugs play a roll on our emotions too. My onc only follows up with bloodwork,no scans unless symptoms. Thats ok with me because less anxiety waiting for test results.It will take time to "trust" your body again.Coughs,headaches and everyday aches and pains now have a different meaning. But, I can say this.....my end of treatment anxiety is over and I'm now happy to be doing my 3 month checks.You WILL get there too.
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my2boys - I am with you sister!!!!! I also had my surgery first. Had the bi-lat mast, lymph nodes tested and removed, etc. Was told the chemo was my "insurance policy". I am 11 days from my final tx. Yesterday I was a weepy fool. Everything made me cry. Not mad cry, not frustrated cry, just life. I cried cause the sun was shining, I cried cause my fav show was on TV .... I just cried. Went to bed last night and made hubby hold me so I could just cry - for NO reason. Today I am fine, I have no idea what came over me.
I have no advice I think our emotions just take over somtimes. I think maybe we are waiting for the next shoe to drop. We were all so shell shocked that this was happening to US. Our worlds have been imploded and we have lost our sence of security. We need to get our world back on a even surface with a normal routine.
Sorry Anne, I doubt that I have helped, but that is my theory!
Love and Hugs!
Lisa
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Take a deep breath and breeeeathe. These are perfectly normal reactions. You have to remember that for the last few months you have went from tx, to ct, to onc, etc etc. You never had any time to think cause you were so busy and now that it is slowing down it all hits you at once. Let me be the lab rat for you. I just had my surgery after chemo and NO CANCER IS LEFT! The chemo killed everything and left only debris of dead stuff in its wake. So if they can see inside me the same thing has happened to you even though you can't see it. I took the same poison you did and it has worked the same in your body as it did mine.
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Cupcake, Thanks. You are the best! Love and hugs!!!! Lisa
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Oh ladies thank you sooooo much. I'm still crying here, but tears are ones of relief. Relief that I'm not losing my mind! Thank you for sharing your story about the oncologist Lexislove...and Lisa, you are a HUGE help since you had your surgery beforehand, like I did. Cupcake, I have been soooo happy for you this past week and I'm glad that you are here to tell us about the debris that the chemo left in it's wake. I guess I should have known better than to read Her2 stats on-line, since most haven't been updated in a while.
I was just telling my husband that between the bald head and the swollen red eyes from crying, I hardly recognize myself. He just smiled and said "you look just fine". I guess that love is blind, right?
Once again, thank you ladies so much. What would I have done without you? Nobody can understand the emotions that are unleashed here unless they have been through it.
Much love,
Anne
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Anne, you are going through the same thing I did. I cried when I walked out of the onc office at my last tx. I held everything in for all of those months because I knew if I broke down half way through I would never make it. I had to be strong and keep going. But as soon as I walked out after that last treatment I let it all out. It felt good to get it out. I cried for about a week. I still cry on the way home from radiation every day. It is only a two mile drive but I cry all the way home. I am worried that since I am not doing chemo that it is back but I think of Cupcake and tell myself "it worked, it did it's job". My nurses have all told me that it is very common for people to be afraid after finishing chemo and rads because we feel like we are not fighting it any more. We feel helpless because we are not doing anything. I pray and it makes a huge difference for me. Hang in there!
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Thank you for all the good advice. Reading all the posts seems to help ease my mind a bit. I have been so busy with my business..I havent really had time to even think about it. My Pet Scan was delayed because of insurance...waiting on authorization. I will be busy all weekend attending and working super bowl events, so Im really trying not to think about it too much. Next week I will begin putting together my kit and searching for fun hair. My friends want to get in the fun and get some for themselves. We are even planning a party where you have to come as some one else.
Wishing all of you a wonderful weekend! Keep Smiling...I AM!
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Thank you Traci. As crazy as it sounds, when you are going through the chemo, you feel protected. But as others have said, the further you get away from the treatments, the easier it will get. I guess what Lisa said about "waiting for the other shoe to drop" is true, since at this point we are so used to getting blindsided by bad news. Once we go for a bit of time without any nasty surprises, we will get our footing back.
I'm doing much better today. The tears have stopped and I'm trying to get busy with planning a nice trip in a few months. My family needs a short break from this madness.
I think that Shari has the right idea....keep busy and keep smiling.
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Thanks everyone for your advice on the nausea. I spoke to the pharmacist at medical day care yesterday and she's looking into getting Emend for me for my next treatment. Sounds like it's a real effort to get it and she may have to put in a special order at the pharmacy since they don't ordinarily stock it?? To justify the order I think I had to go throught he conventional route first. There's more going on here than meets the eye, definitely. I can't understand the reluctance since the government plan doesn't cover it anyway and it's my choice regarding payment.
To top up my Zofran, I've also been taking dexamethasone pills. Hasn't interefered with my sleeping but I do notice that the usual itching and hives I get after treatment have not shown up this time so that's a bit of a bonus. Today's my last day on dexa, so I hope I don't crash too badly. My guess is that because I'm on pills rather than IV, the dosage isn't as strong - especially if it isn't affecting my sleeping.
Boy I'm tired of SEs. Being snowbound with more snow on the way doesn't help. I just want to get out and get fresh air but I'm wary since I've been prone to fainting spells while on chemo.
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Mason: I took Emend and it worked wonderful. Never got sick again for the rest of the treatments. Remember to keep well hydrated.
I had my MUGA today and then went over and had the tattoo's for my radiation treatments put on.. Man those tattoo's HURT! I sure wouldn't pay to have one put one. I don't know how people do it. Sure exhusting to pack to appointments in one day. It is so beautiful here I sat out in the sunshine in between the two. 60+ weather...opps sorry for you snowbounders. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Love you all
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Thanks, cupcake for the advice!
I've had tatoos twice (radiation 2x). The first time they did sting and the second time I didn't feel much. The tech says it depends on the skill level of the technician. Funny thing, the tech also told me that women handle the experience so much better than men. The men literally jump off the table when given the same tatoos! Enjoy the sunshine - I'm so jealous !
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I had TCH tx3 Thursday and seem to be following the usual pattern. Treatment day and the day after are okay. Day 3 is crash day! Nausea is controlled with kytril and phenergan but queasiness never really goes away. Hopefully, I will start to come out of this tomorrow. Last time, I did feel better every day beginning with day 4 and was able to go grocery shopping by day 7. I just have to remember that this too shall pass. AND I am halfway through!
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Hello My Friends:
I have been nauseous everyday since my tx which was thirteen days ago. I am taking ativan for it but I still have digestive issues too so I try not to take drugs unless it is imperative. This tx hit me hard. I have sores on my head like hurting pimples. Has anyone else had that or am I just the lucky one. I used tea tree oil on it. it stinks but it feels better. My intestines and stomach are always in turmoil. I wish that there was a way that before I start this next treatment I could get my GI in order. I take fish oil and a pro-biotic and stool softeners. I just do not know what else to do any suggestions would be so appreciated as I am only half way through on the 9th UGGGGG>
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Anne, I hope you are feeling better and the blues have passed.
Cupcake , Sounds like you are ready to go with the radition - yoo hoo!
Mason, I am so glad you are getting some good drugs for the nausea. That will make the rest of your tx's so much easier to handle.
rayhope - Half way home!!!!! Isn't it a great feeling?!
Bold - The sores on the head or normal. I had them thru tx # 3, but they stopped for 4 and 5. Just try not to pick at them and they won't hurt as bad.. Sorry, but I don't have any suggestions for the GI problems other than what you are already doing. Drink lots and lots of plain water and avoid foods and beverages that are known to cause constipation like peanut butter, banana's, etc.
Has anyone heard from bluedasher?
Sunny south Florida is sunny, but coldddd, at least for us it is. I have a fire in the fireplace and the bread machine is doin' it's thing. I am all settled in to be pretty darned lazy today.
Lisa
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Bold: I don't think taking drugs for the nausea is going to hurt your GI system. The chemo does that all on its own. Why fish oil and probotic? The cells in your digestive system from your mouth to the other end are dying off from the chemo along with the cancer cells. They will regenerate when the massive dose of chemo starts to wear off. 13 days of nausea is just to much. I would rather have the drugs to anti the nausea than worry about the GI at this point. Maybe the other stuff you take is irritating the digestive system more. It would help this next time not to take them and take more of the anti nausea or a different stronger kind and see if it changes. Like Lisa said lots and lots of water. Discuss your issue with your onc. I have heard of some in here with the head pimples, but I never had them so can't help you there. I just know the GI well.0
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Hi TCH Campers -
I haven't posted in awhile, but I had to respond to Anne's fears as she finishes chemo. I had Herceptin on Thursday, and when my nurse gave me my usual monthly calendar, she made it through April - THE END. I really had mixed emotions - glad, of course, but also terrified! I also met with the PA that day, and she told me the onc would order a PET/CT then - "just to be on the safe side." I've been freaked out since then. DONE with treatment - how wonderful! DONE with treatment - how terrifying!
There are several very upbeat threads on the Her2+ thread on this site, and I turn to them when I'm feeling fatalistic. I remember about a year ago when I got that path report and saw the word "unfavorable" in 4 out of 5 prognosis spots. That sick feeling in the pit of my stomach comes back sometimes, believe me, but I'm much more optimistic now about my future.
Hang in there, ladies. We're hitting it hard, and much current research seems to really be focused on Her2+ with more treatments coming soon - now let's all hope and pray for CURE for all of us here.
Love to all -
Sue
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Bold: I had severe constipation after my first treatment - actually thought I might have to go to emergency room. For subsequent treatments, my onco has prescribed generlac (which actually holds liquid in the colon). For tx 2 and 3, I took stool softeners the two nights before treatment. Then on treatment day I took the generlac in the morning and afternoon and senokot-s at night. I have continued this regimen (generlac and senokot-s) on the following days (or adjusted as needed).0
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Rayhope and Bold....have you ladies tried to eat smaller, more frequent meals? Try eating a little bit every two hours or so and maybe this will help with the queasy/nauseous feeling. I found this to be helpful. As far as constipation goes, I was badly constipated after my first Tx. I stopped taking the zofran and only take emend. The zofran was causing the constipation. After each chemo treatment I make sure to eat my share of oatmeal or raisin bran for a few days and I've been lucky that I haven't had a problem since. Oh, one more thing....the water helps too. Drink, drink and then drink some more.
Mason....I hope you get the Emend. I think it makes a big difference and it is well tolerated. Remember....."Emend is your friend!" (sorry, had to add my little bit of humor there).
Hi Sue....I can certainly understand that just the thought of a follow up scan can be scary. I think that I will be asking my doctor to order one for me though. I need that little boost to get me moving again. I guess that once you finish your Herceptin in April it will be like learning to walk all over again....one step at a time. I don't even look at my pathology reports any more. What's done is done and I'm trying hard not to look back, only forward. My sister and I were chatting earlier and she said it's almost as if a chemo patient goes through a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder when they transition out of chemo treatments. I would have to agree with her on that one!
Hi Lisa....Yes I am feeling better, thanks. It's cold here in New York, but the sun was shining today and I sat in my florida room and basked in the sunshine. Then hubby and the kids joined me for a walk around our local mall. It was nice to get out and be around people.
My latest problem seems to be the heartburn. It was just terrible. The doctor gave me a prescription for Nexium and it seems to be doing the trick. I was taking way too many Tums each day. The Nexium works after just one pill.
Have a wonderful night, ladies. Stay strong.
Much love,
Anne
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Bold, I had the bumps on my head after I lost my hair. My onc said they were acne and gave me an antibiotic lotion to use for it. That helped. They came back after the next treatment and I used the cream again. They didn't come back after that. It can also be folliculitis which is just the follicules being irritated without being infected. But if they have that same pressure hurting feeling as pimples, they probably are.
If you are nauseous every day for 13 days, you should take something for it. Otherwise, you are likely to get into other problems from getting dehydrated.
Lisa, I had to go in to get IV fluids Friday. Between the cold I have and nausea, I was having a lot of trouble drinking or eating. Nothing tasted good, nothing behaved that well after I'd eaten it. I was feeling slightly woozy when I got up. My blood pressure was something like 85/45.
They gave me 2 liters and I feel a lot better. I'm hoping that I'm at the end of my nausea period now. Yesterday I was able to do okay on drinking fluids and eating. I was going to post yesterday, but for some reason my vision got blurry. I've seen some people mention that happening on chemo. It's better now.
5 down, 1 to go!
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Anne - Ah yes, the heartburn. I have never had so much heartburn in all my life! I am eating Zantac like it is candy!
Blue - I was starting to get worried about you. I felt so much better when I go the fluids after tx 4. So much so that I had the doc going ahead and add 2 liters to tx #5. Plan on doing the same thing for tx6 - THE FINAL ONE! Yoo Hoo!
Bold - If you are having a hard time drinking water, try gatorade.
I have been spending time down in the Physcial Fitness Section of this board. I have decided o become a personal trainer but I am having a devil of a time choosing which certification course to use. Been online all morning going from one website to the next.....
Hope everyone has a wonderful day.
Lisa
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I had round #4 Wed. and luckily it was the easiest round yet. Even the taste issues were minimal. More tired than usual but that is about it. However, Fri., I noticed a red spot on the t/e "breast" and called PS. They told me to watch it. It is about the same size today, and I now have another red area on rim of the breast by my armpit. I am going to see him tomorrow (really no symptoms, just 2 areas that look a little scabbed and a little red around them). I don't know if it could be from the chemo or a t/e infection. Has this happened to anyone else?
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I have been finished with my TCH for awhile now but reading all the recent posts brings back memories for sure. First treatment I first had severe constipation with pain and then the opposite. The next 5 tx i was okay, took colace just before chemo and for a few days afterwards and that helped alot. I also had nose bleeds and got this wierd rash on one of my hands that was extremely painful. The key is drinking tons of water and that is very hard. Oh I also had sores on in my mouth after each tx. My tx were on thursdays and I was fine that day and most of Saturday, Sunday was a wash and Monday I could barely drag myself down the stairs, by tuesday I was already on the mend and thrusday ( a week from tx) I could get up and out on my own. I took Compazine for Nausea plus whatever they put in my IV. I am now finally finished with Herceptin and will have my mediport out this coming thursday.
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Blue: Glad your better. Yep your over the worst now. Next one you will get through fine knowing it is IT....OVER!! Yipee!
For some of you who didn't know my very first chemo tx I got so constipated I perforated a bowl and ended up in the emergency room and an emergency operation for a colostomy. So chemically induced constipation brought on by chemo is nothing to laugh about. It can be very serious. I had Diverticulitis so I had a weakening in the bowl that ended up perforated so most of you won't have that, but if you have, or have had diverticulitis in the past, please be careful and let your onc know so they can care for you. I will have my colostomy reattached after all this is over, but surly not a picnic to go through when your full of chemo at the same time. .
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kimbly - Getting your port out!!! Yippee!!! That must feel like a wonderful accomplishment!!!
Cupcake - I am so glad that you pointed out that constipation and chemo are NOT to be taken lightly. I was only mildly worried about constipation until I read your story - then I got scared. I was born missing the lower 1/3 of my large intestine. What I have is stretched to make it to the end and/or man-made. I had a colostomy at birth till about 2 y/o and have had many more surgeries since then - mostly for scar tissue. I allowed the constipation to get so bad after tx#5, I thought I had blown out my artificial sigmoid colon. I was fine, but it could have been ugly.
Ladies, water, water, water, water. It is so important!
Lisa
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Hello!!! Fellow Campers!!! Where are you?????!!!!
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Hey Lisa: Hello from Sunny 80 degree So Cal. Just logged in and you were on my favorite subject. Just kidding I think that if it were not for the constipation I could handle this with a lot more grace. I have had a spastic bowel and most likely diverticulitis most of my life. This chemo is playing havoc with me. UUUUHHHGGG! And Monday it starts all over again. TX 3 of (gulp.) I drink two liter a day. How much is good and reasonable?
I am going to go to a detox spa when this is all over. After herceptin.I want to get myself clean from all the toxins. I had a question. Does the year of Herceptin include the 6 treatment of my tch or does it start the year after rads? HMMM most curious.
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Lisa and Bold please discuss this with your onc. Mine didn't know or would have paid more attention to my constipation. She said, after it was over, I will make sure you get (whatever she said) so this doesn't happen again...well dah should have in the first place so again bears repeating. You have to be your own health advocate in all this. Don't just go along thinking they know everything about you. They have to many patients. I ask one time how many patients she has and she said 600! I just about fell out of my chair. She said there not all on chemo just about 20 of them, the rest are follow ups etc. Well still that is a lot of paitents to take care of and remember everything about you so take the lead and make sure they know of your past health conditions that could be affected by chemo. Bold the Herceptin is one year from the first dose. I was dx in June and started Herceptin in the middle so that will be my year up of it.
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Bold, if you are drinking 2 liters of water, that sounds like plenty. Try eating some chocolate - it helped me. I agree with Cupcake, talk to your doc. Your constipation sounds worse the normal. Hang in there, #3 is halfway there!
Lisa
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