Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
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Bold, Miralax is a good stool softener but sounds like you need more. My book I had listed all the laxatives that was good but I gave it to my brother but the Herceptin would make me constipated a little and I had to take ducolax and it worked fine for me. Also if you can eat some nuts like almonds or walnuts they are good fiber. It does not take much for me but I know a lot of women were complaining about constipation when I first came on this website but my problem was diarrhea. the anti nausea meds will sometimes make you constipated so I guess you will just have to take something on a daily basis until this is finished. My stepmother took mineral oil all her life and was not able to have a bowel movement without it but I don't think you will get that way if you just take stuff until you are finished with the TCH.
As far as I know the Herceptin for a year includes all you took during the time you were on the big guns and what you take during the radiation too. My onc said until June and that will be a year from when I started it.
It was a long trip to Houston and back to OKC. I am still sore from riding and my hubby has not been feeling good since then either. I am not sorry we went but I guess we will not be making any long trips for a while for sure. He did all the driving. I guess he does not trust me with his new pickup haha!
As for the water they told me 2 to 3 quarts a day for the first 48 hours after chemo to wash the chemicals out of your kidneys and I am sure the same goes for bowels so if a person must they need to take laxatives but ask your nurses and they will know just what to do.
My hair is still not growing very fast but then I am wanting it too much I guess. I can see a few longer hairs so I guess it is growing. I see my onc on Feb 11 and I am going to ask if he thinks my thyroid is the reason it is not growing very fast. I am hoping they will do a test for that while I am getting blood drawn for my counts too. His nurse told me to have them draw extra but I am going to remind her before my visit. I don't want to be stuck by the one they have now more than once. She is terrible. The good one quit. I am glad she waited until I was not doing it every week.
Well it is time to get ready to make my trip to radiation. I get tired of going every day and then when I take the Herceptin too plus the times I have a doc appt it is a very long day.Not as bad as when I took TCH though. It was the after effects of the TCH that was bad though for me. I am wishing all of you few SE and an end to the TCH. Hang in there you can do it.
Carolyn
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Today is day 6 from tx3, and I feel pretty good. So far, each treatment has actually gotten easier for me. I think getting the constipation under control has been a major factor in making it easier. I don't like taking the generlac twice a day (it's real sweet), but it helps tremendously. I still had extreme fatigue and queasiness over the weekend, but it seemed more tolerable. I was given kytril tablets to take this time but they really didn't stop the nauseau. I started taking phenergan every 4-6 hours and that worked. The most unpredictable thing is my taste buds! I was well stocked with foods I had wanted on previous treatments (sherbet, gatorade, ginger cookies, etc.). I didn't really want any of that but had cravings for spicy foods. Who knows what the next time will bring. The good thing is that I am halfway through! Hope everyone is doing well.
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Cupcake you are a dear. really your concern for others is wonderful. I pray that your life is filled with happiness and love.
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Hello Ladies I just got tx2 yesterday feel pretty good last time I had a headache the next morning and the consipation was bad for 2 days I took Milk of Magnesia it worked great then for 2 days I got diarrha,this time so far has been better I am actually regular so far. I still have hair Surprise Surprise I am shedding like a dog though I think half of its gone but you can't tell it Thankfully.This time I have Heartburn today never in my life have I ever hardly had heartburn whats the best remedy???Water Water Water It is Important that is so true.Well Im done going on felt like I had been away for awhile thougt I would catch up. 0 -
Carolyn and rayhope thanks for the valuable info. rayhope your right infront of me on treatments. Halfway wow. sometimes is feel like yipee and most time it feels only half way. We'll make it.
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Heartburn: I use pepcid ac works good.
Thank you Bold. I do care about all of you and I guess it just comes through the cyberspace.
Hi Carolyn how is the rads going? Outside of being tired of going. I heard you might not take H while doing the Rads, but maybe not if you are. Have you had any major problems. I begin on Thursday and I must admit a little on the anxious side. Can you sleep ok at night with the sunburn? I find it hard to sleep on Mastectomy side for any length of time. Hope that changes in awhile. My PT yesterday said I won't be able to do the self therapy to move the Lymph fluids while doing the rads. Great just as I am learning to do them.
Sunshine here in California but a little rain on the way starting tomorrow night and we do need it desperately. Hope all of you have an easy tx.
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Hey guys!!
Heartburn Folks! I have been eating Zantac like it is candy, but it works.
Those of you with the constipation, please pay attention to it, If the stool softeners don;t work, go ahead and use the full blown laxatives.
I am getting geared up for #6 - and FINAL!!!! YEA!! Things have changed a bit, I was supposed to not work on my tx weeks but..... The sub teacher we hired is AWFUL!!! She is causing me more work, not less. I have to undo and redo everything she does. This is causing major stress in my world and is throwing my class way behind schedule. So I will work thru my tx next week. Won't be fun, but will be less stress in the long run.
Lisa
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Carolyn...Hang in there dear. Sorry to hear that you had such a hard time with the trip to Houston.
Rayhope....I'm told that the cravings are normal. Starting around Tx#3 I was having cravings for the weirdest foods. I remember wanting egg salad in the worst way and then the next week, I thought I would die if I didn't have a baked potato! I've never been one to have food cravings, so this was alarming at first, but then I just went with it and ate my potatoes until another silly craving popped into my head. This past month I've put on a few pounds...hmmmm.
Lisa....You're a pro now so you will probably do just fine working through chemo. HOORAY FOR YOU!!! I think we are on the same schedule. My #6 is next week. I'm dreading it, but I just want to get it over with. Good luck to you! I'm trying to decide what to bring with me to give the chemo nurses as a thank you. They love to eat treats! Since it's early in the morning, maybe I'll bring them some danish.
Here in New York we are snowed in AGAIN! This has been one snowy cold winter here. I guess that I can't complain since I've been forced to stay in a lot more because of the chemo. Kind of like I'm not missing out on much anyway. My kids are even sick of snow....now THAT says a lot!
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Hello Everyone! I am suppose to be starting my first round next week, and after reading everything that you all of have been through with what works and doesnt, I am hoping that I will get through this without too many tears and problems. I have a high tolerance for pain, but when it comes to needles and naseau, I am a big baby. When I went in for my consultation, the nurse informed me that I should never have my blood pressure or blood drawn from the same side that my lymph nodes were removed from...even if it was only one. My concern is how will my other arm handle weekly injections?? Ive read where some of you have ports...I am not sure if that is what my doctor will suggest or not. I had my CT scan done today and when the nurse calls me with the results, I will ask about the port.
After my CT today I went shopping for a wig, that is something that will be the most difficult for me. I am not one that has to have every hair in place, in fact, most days I throw a cap on instead of fixing my hair. I was happy to find one that is styled like my hair now....still cried though.
I do have a question....I am having my treatment on a Thursday. When should I expect the "crash" or worst day?? I am trying to schedule the treatments around my job. I am self employeed, but I still need to be there as much as I can.
I would like to thank all of you for your posts. It actually helps knowing what I am about to go through.
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Smile - Hold on for the ride! You really need to ask about a port. NEVER get IV's, BP's or anything else in your lymph node removal side! Any of the above can and will trigger lymphdema!
As for Chemo Crash. The day of is fine. The next day is a steroid rush, Third day is crash!!!!! Try and stay home and rest day 4 and 5 !
We are here for you!! We care!
Lisa
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Thank you Lisa!
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Shari: Just keep in mind that when you first get your infusion you won't get sick. You take a steroid (decadron) the day before, they will have it in your chemo, and you will take it the day after. This will help you with the SE's (side effects) then the crash happens after no more steroids. . About day 3, or was for me when the crash happened.. I would suggest if you have problems with draws to ask for a port. I just love mine. No needles. I'm the very worst baby when it comes to needles. The port is hooked up inside your body and they just clip into it when you go in for your chemo. When they put the port in they just give you a local. I was awake through it all. A little weird at first having this alien thing in your body, but you get used to it. After all the treatments they just take it out. I'm still on Herceptin so I use it But also you can use the new ports for the CT scans too. But you have to have an onc nurse to access it. Anyone else can not do it right and get you a nice infection and you loose your port so I don't let anyone but oncology touch it. You will do just fine once you start and get a handle on it. The worst of all of this is the unknown.
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Cupcake, the sunburn is not that painful like if you really got a sunburn. It is tender,but just use the cream they give you and if they don't give you cream then you need to get a list of what they say and also the soaps etc. don't use anything they don't recc. Very important. Just like chemo,there is a reason for everything. Keep you arm moving even if you can't do the stuff for lymphedema but you might ask the radiation doc what you can do of them because some might be okay. I am working and no one said don't do anything. Different docs though! I am taking Herceptin every 3 weeks while on radiation and have no side effects.
Smile, you will be just fine and I never got a wig. You have to have them fixed which costs time and money and I just didn't feel like going to have that done. I wear hats and scarfs. You can change to match outfits but my clothes was jeans and T shirts if I was home which on certain days was. I could not work because of low counts and other problems I have. I am back at work with radiation just a little though. I know you are a little anxious but once you get going it will come easier. If you need the nurses for any reason don't be afraid to call them 24/7. You might get a sore mouth and if you do ask them for scripts and mouthwash to use. I hope you are one of the lucky ones that don't. I had heartburn which I got scripts of Protonix and Pecid (which is double the dose of over the counter).I found if I kept my mouth cold during tx I did not have as sore a mouth. You might try that. Drink water or other liquids like they tell you to do. You must wash out that chemo and if you have bowel problems we have some experts here to help you If you are taking 6 treatments you want a port put in. It is also good if you have to have blood. You might and you might not. Do not use the lymph node side for anything BP,Bood draws etc like you said. If you are going the needle way they have a lot of different veins they can change around and as for the checking counts mine always healed fast. Keep them clean though so no infection.
Yeah! for those getting tx #6. See how fast it went. For those who are in the earliy txs it will be over before you know it. Just a few bumps along the way but you can do it. We are all here to help you. One of my male co workers got his hair cut short and this guy from a business said he thought he was a skin head and they were killing his people overseas. I forget where he is from but I told my co worker if I had know this I would have taken off my scarf and went to help him. this man has said ugly stuff about Americans and yet he owns a business here. I want to tell him to go back where he came from. I know he has been here 10 years because I have been there longer than that and he has banked with us. Just a little vent. I don't care where a person is from just as long as they appreciate the country they decided to call home.He is not a citizen
Well time to get ready to go down to get shaked and baked! My arms get tired from being over my head even if it is not that long. Arthritis stinks too.
Carolyn
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Thanks Carolyn helpful info. And good advice to Smile too. Shake and Bake, that's funny. Some of Shelby's humor rubbing off. I have Arthritis too and it is so hard laying on that hard table. I insist on them giving me an extra pillow under my head cause the vertigo really is aggravated when my head goes flat. It feels good to have that under knee block put in too for the back. I go for the trial run today. I guess then they will give or tell me what kind of cream to use. Why don't they want you to use deo soap??? I know no deodorant I can understand that, but no dial etc? That is going to be tuff. I am going to ask if I can use the soap everywhere, but where they radiate. I bought some non scented dove soap, but not happy at all on the smell it leaves. Smells like ol tar soap. You know the homemade stuff. I still have to find out about the H..if so then I have to change the time cause they are at two different places. At the same time. So have you felt more weaker as the Radiation goes on like I have read? How fatigued is it? Nothing like chemo I hope. That fatigue is the most awful I have ever experienced. OPPS shouldn't scare the newbies. Its just different than just being tired guys. I feel like a puffer fish today I am so swollen up. Must be a storm coming in. Glad you are doing well.
Evening: Got back and no they are not going to have me take Herceptin while on Radiation. Wonder why beings you are?? Ummm Also found out about no Deo . I knew not to, but didn't know why. The chemicals in the deodorant reacts when the beam of Radiation hits it and it can burn your skin, also the nurse said that it could scatter the concentration of the beam so it isn't right on the target. interesting. Can't use deodorant the whole radiation treatment on treated side.. And yes I can use the dial, but not in the area being radiated. They gave me the list of creams to use. Have you had problem with the skin itching? Today they put me on the table and mapped out the machine so it will be ready for my first treatment tomorrow.
It seems like just yesterday all you ladies were just beginning like Smile and here you are almost done now. Congrats on your brave journey. Don't forget to reach back and lift a newbie. It would be nice if you stuck around in here for awhile to support them before you move on.
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Morning Campers!! Cupcake, glad you got your answer on the deoderant. I beleive it is the mineral that makes the deo work that is the culprit. Think is is ammonium oxide, but it is too early for me to think that hard!
I have suffering from some late effect SE's this week. Don't know what's up with that, hope I have it all cleared up before Monday.
It is COLD here in So Florida!! Temps this morning in mid 20's with wind chills in the high teens! Burrrrr. I had all of my horses blanketed last night. I have a horse buddy in Illinois that was making fun of me.
Too bad! Us Floridians (2 and 4 legged) are not used to this! The citrus and strawberry crops are gonna take a big hit. Our economy does not need this.Hope everyone is doing well this morning and Cupcake is right!! Those of us that are finishing up need to stick around for a while to support the newbies coming in.
Have a great day.
Lisa
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Cupcake, I am not so fatigued. I do get tired but I think the getting up and going to town so early and then coming home to do whatever house stuff and cooking lunch then work for a few hours a couple times a week but now they are wanting me to work Sat. but I am not going to work every Sat. like I was doing. They want me to work on Feb.14 but I have radiation and Herceptin on Feb 11 plus see the doc so we will be down there a while and I don't work that day but I feel a little punky after Herceptin. I will work the next day even though they said not to but if I don't then the girl will have to work by herself and that is not good. I worked by myself yesterday while they had a meeting and of course you know it got busy.Wed. is a slow day normally but not the 2 hours I was there! It always happens that way. I just don't want them pushing what they don't want to do off on me like before. I am hoping to retire in August even though it will be early retirement. I have other things I want to do besides work at that bank. I might find a different job. I guess we will see. I do get a headache from radiation so I am going to ask the doc today about that. I am getting pretty pink but they give me the cream called Biafine. I am sure I am paying for it but it does work good and even rub the rest in my hands and they look better.
I go to my onc on Feb 11 and if I think about it I will ask why some don't take both together. The radiation people know I am taking Herceptin and the onc knows I am taking radiation. they are at the same place so very easy on me and my hubby is doing his cardio rehab in the same hospital too. My friend went to see her onc and he said no more visit until 3 mo and she said she does not know what she is going to do now since she has lived this for a year. Of course she is happy but this becomes our lives so much it is like a withdrawal I guess. I know I miss the chemo nurses and when I go for Herceptin I have to catch up on what has been going on and so many new faces taking chemo. I just want to cry to see so many with this stuff. I guess I am around it more but it seems like more people are getting cancer.
Well it is time to get ready to go. I have to put the cream on at least 2 hours before my radiation so I shower very early so I can use the cream and I really do not itch. No hot showers though. That keeps you from showering too long also I guess so in this winter weather it is better for all over the body itch. I will be through the rad before the hot weather is here so I don't worry about the deodorant soap. I like the Lever 2000 they want me to use.
I hope all that is taking chemo are feeling good or at least not too bad. sorry about the radiation talk on the chemo site. Some of you will be doing this soon too though.
Carolyn
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Does anyone have a severe salty taste in their mouth all the time? Any suggestions? Also, my nose constantly drips, so my nose is getting irritated. Thanks.
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Ahhh...the drippy nose. I went through that too. I also had a salty taste in my mouth. Your nose will continue to be drippy as you lose all of your nose hair. I learned that nose hair is a pretty good warning system for a runny nose. Without the hair it just drips with no notice. It is completely normal.
Hang in there...Traci0 -
Duneoaks: I never got the salty taste, but the nose at the end of my chemo became a problem. I even got nose bleeds it was so irritated. Not running, but it was stuffy and then blowing it came out bloody. I used ol vicks to sooth the lining.
LisaThanks for the mineral name. I bet that is it. I have a friend in Florida that tells me it is very cold there. I am making fun of her how sunny and warm it is here 68 degrees yesterday. Sweet. What are your late SE you have been experiencing this time around? Hope they are better today.
Carolyn: Thanks and I don't think the other campers mind in here if we chat about rads cause it will just help to introduce them to their next step. Isn't it amazing , going through this cancer journey, what really comes into focus on the important things in our life. Your seeing beyond working at the Bank as being number one is like me thinking that there is a lot of things I have been putting of wanting to do with duties coming first that I am changing now. Life is precious and non of us, cancer or not, don't know how much time we have. Its like the saying not to save those fancy dishes, or special clothes for special occasions but to use them today. I will only see my onc now every three months, but the Radiologist has taken over her position now as my cancer Doctor in this phase of tx. Let me know about the headaches. I know Herceptin is known for causing them. I always end up with headaches from H. Don't they give you Tylenol when you take H. I know they do me at tx and I follow up with it at home. Maybe the H along with the Radiation ?? Oh my but I will miss my hot showers. With this Arthritis it is the only thing that relaxes my ol bones in cold weather. I wrote down the Biafine and will look for it thanks.
Well better get up and shower to ready for the rad tx. You all have a wonderful day and know I am thinking of each one of you and holding you up in prayer....cyber hugs to you.
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Lisa, I've had late side effects this week too. Maybe it is just the build up of so many weeks. At the start of the week, I had nausea - I was beginning to wonder if it was ever going to stop. I've not had nausea like this in week 3 before. It was hard because I'm on a business trip. I come home tonight. I think I will go in to get my blood tested tomorrow. I'm getting really short of breath at the slightest activity so maybe my red cells are getting really low again.
I'll stick around too - anyway we will be getting Herceptin for the rest of a year.
Carolyn and Cupcake, yes go ahead and talk about rads. I'm starting to think about that next step now that I'm almost done with chemo. My onc told me that I would continue Herceptin during radiation. How many weeks are you doing? I was told my rads would be 6 weeks but the rad onc said he would look into whether 3 week would be appropriate for me. No hot showers! I love my hot shower.
Helen, I think almost everyone gets the drippy nose because of losing nose hair. Also, sometimes there is some blood when I blow my nose. I find that lip balm helps on my nose if it starts to get sore from the dripping.
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Hello to all my cyber sisters. Oh yeah on the runny nose and blood and now (oh lucky me) I am having sever headaches every night when I lie down. I think that it is sinus as it does not effect me during the day. Don't forget about the twitching eyes either. That is enough to drive you nuts.
My breast is sore this week even though it has been fine for quite some time since surgery and any healing pains.. It always freaks you out when a new pain comes up. I only had a partial mas. (lumpectomy) even though my tumor was 3.3cm. My BS said that the outcome would be the same as full mas. I hope she is right. I will discipline my mind not to think negative thoughts. (i.e. brain met and recurrence) Always a challenge and most likely will be for the rest of my life. But one that can be done.
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I got through the first tx of rads and it was a breeze. I even had them take some pictures so I could add them to my web sight. For you getting ready to go to the radiation. It is a piece of cake. In 3 weeks I might be whistling another tune, but for now it is a snap. I'm going to have to check on the Herceptin thing. My onc is on vacation and my turnover to the new radiologist onc I might have gotten lost in there somewhere cause it looks universal you continue on with H. Most rads are 6 weeks everyday Mon-Fri. But after they get you set up it will only take about 15 minutes to go in put on a gown, lay down on the table and zap zap your done. I think once a week meet with your radiologist onc. I know Bold about the feeling every pain and wondering if it is the cancer again. Kina hard not to think of that, but keep em positive and I'll try and do the same. Blue glad your better. Be sure to check on your blood numbers.
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I still take the herceptin every 3 weeks. I am in my fifth week of rads. On the days that I take herceptin I go in and get started on that and rads will come get me and let me get my rads at the same time. It is much easier than spending all day at the oncology center. I am ready to be finished with rads. I am starting to feel more and more fatigued. This too shall pass. Only two more weeks!! I am starting to have a nice crop of hair come in too! It is really dark and is starting to look pretty good. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
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im so confused now. Stopped by my onc today to find out my results from pet scan. Dr. had not signed off of them, but the nurse told me there was suspision around my lower abs and female organs. I have had a partial hysterectomy years ago (so it could be scar tissue).
I asked what my regimen will be and she said I would be having Herceptin every week and Caboplatin every three weeks. I am almost positve that was reverse the first time I went in, so now I am really confused. I did receive a message on my phone tonight from the onc office stating not to be alarmed, but she would like to have my GYN name and number. How can I not worry. They told me that the cyst was most likey just that....nothing to worry about. Then I was told just radiation until the onc said no I needed chemo. I dont believe anyone at this point. Needless to say....vodka and soda is my friend tonight. My boyfriend./ex husband....long story is leaving for Costa Rica tomorrow on business....
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Cupcake and Blue - Severe constipation in week 3!!! What is up with this? I managed the constipation very well for tx 1,2,3. Then on 4 it did not hit till week 3 and now the same with tx 5. On tx 4, I was terrified that I was on the way to the energency room. My lower large intestine is man made and grankly not made for THIS! This week, I was not so worried about an emergency room visit, but the abdominal pain was horrendous! I am fine today. I think I let down my guard with water and eating right. I will not do that after tx#6!!!
Drippy nose folks - Yep! Don't forget the persistant dry hacky cough - very attractive. Oh yes, the morning nose bleeds are a blast too!
Traci - Congrats on the hair!!!!!!!!
OT - WEATHER: Any of affected by the flooding in CA? Just looked up and saw it on the news!
Cupcake - Glad you got Rad #1 behind you!!! Website? You have a website? Cool! Care to share?
Carolyn - Don't you dare let that bank work you too hard!!! I think retirement in August is a great idea!!! I wish you well!
Lisa
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This is my first post. I am on day 9 of my first round of TCH chemo. I found this forum a few weeks before I started and have been a silent and very grateful beneficiary of all the wisdom, advice, and spirit of this wonderful community. Reading your posts gave me comfort and courage beforehand and also helped better prepare me for this process. So, it seems time to get active and thank you all.
So far, I am doing real well. Lots of fatigue on days 2-6, but no other big problems yet--and no nausea. They gave me IV fluids the day after chemo and I think that really helped. There is a long road ahead. Thanks for being fellow travellers and leading the way.
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Sailor, sorry you had to join this camp, but glad you found us!! We really are a great group
Fatigue on days 2 - 6 is perfectly normal. That is the way it runs for me. As for gettng extra fluid with the tx, YES!!!!! My onc doc did not do that as standard procedure, I had to ask for it it halfway thru and I am glad I did.
Please feel free to vent or ask any question that comes to mind! We are here for you!
Lisa
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Traci: So happy for your hair and almost done with rads. You are one more that takes H too during radiation and I just don't think this is right I am not taking it.
Shari: I can really understand you being freaked out. I would be too. Just Carboplatin and not Taxotere? Probably because you are a mild stage I. Yeah don't be alarmed after dropping the bomb. Please keep us posted on what's going on.
Lisa: The old gremlin gotcha. Glad it worked out so to speak..lol Yes I do have a care page websight. A hospital here in California set it up and you can post on it for those that want to follow your progress and not have to tell each and every person. There is so many that come on to pray for me that I don't even know. I'm not real good at this so bear with me. I think this link will take you there. http://www.carepages.com/servecarepagecpn=Brendasjourney2008&pc=pinviteemailtemplate you have to pick a goofy name and a password to be able to go in. This is to protect those machines getting in to post junk mail. Its really easy. My sight is called Brendas journey 2008 if you get lost. I have pictures there, my journal and post messages from people. Let me know if you can get in ok.
I got in by clicking the above. Then click on become a member. It will ask you some questions and that is where you put in your password you make up. You can visit other people while there or start your own if you wish. Don't worry about the pop up that says are you sure this is a trusted sight..(it is) and when you join (its free totally) be sure to on the bottom to click you agree with the terms and then take out the check to receive the newsletter etc. Each time to go in to visit or you make your own (free) you will have to sign in...just like in here.
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Sorry, I missed one of our posts Shari!!! If your are Her2+ and not getting Herceptin, you need to talk to your doc. Maybe there has been some mis-communication and you are not HER2+.
Please get this clarified with your doc asap. I am thinking of you!
Cupcake, I am going to find your website!
Lisa
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Shari, it is usual to get Taxotere and Carboplatin every three weeks. Herceptin is given either every week or every three weeks.
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