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Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?

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Comments

  • birdsong
    birdsong Member Posts: 56
    edited September 2008

    Hi Audrey, I don't understand why they take out any nodes when the sentinal node has no cancer in it. I am a healthy 72 and most people don't think I am that old. I am grade 2 with a low mitotic score. I had clear margine and a clear MRI and clear cat scan.Where can I find studies that show TC to be more effective, I would love to read about that.How is your arm with since the node removal. Do you do massages to stimulate the lymph system? Thanks for the reply. Birdsong

  • AMANN
    AMANN Member Posts: 63
    edited September 2008

    Oh Birdsong, as far as finding out about T.C. chemo versus A.C. I think I just typed it in Google that way, and all sorts of articles came up.  I don't know if my Surgeon did the sentinal node first. I wanted to know why he didnt' but it's too late for that now. My arm feels numb and a little tingly underneath and I do massage it a lot. I know I should exercise it more too.

    Audrey

  • SQK
    SQK Member Posts: 23
    edited September 2008

    Hi all -- I finished 4 rounds of T/C in early June, and finished rads in July. I've been on Femara for about 6 weeks.  Now I'm all ready to start my recon and have tissue expander placement scheduled for next Thursday (Sep 11).  So I had the pre-surgery bloodwork done and just found out that my WBC count is still way low at 2.9!   The PS doesn't want to proceed until I get clearance from my onc, who is out of the office today. Now I need to wait until Monday to get some direction.

    This one caught me off guard. I just assumed that my counts would have returned to normal by now. Anyone else have this after finishing their T/C?  

    Sue K. 

  • birdsong
    birdsong Member Posts: 56
    edited September 2008

    Hi Audrey,

    I went on google and got articles on one or the other of adrauamycin or cytoxan but couldn't find one that compared them. What wording did you use? Thanks Songbird

  • dcgirl
    dcgirl Member Posts: 22
    edited September 2008

    Hi Birdsong,

     Type "jones usoncology tc ac" into google and it will bring up lots of articles.  As has been said, this study compares TC with AC, not ACT.  From what I can tell most oncologists don't recommend ACT unless there are some positive lymph nodes, and even then some still recommend TC - perhaps because of cardiac problems, I'm not sure.  I was node negative and while some doctors suggested AC and some TC, it was the outlier position (1 doctor out of 6) that thought I should have an anthracycline and a taxane.  So for me the choice was TC vs AC, not vs ACT.  The combination of the study showing TC is at least as good plus the heart risk of A made me choose TC.  Age seems to be a factor in recommendations as well, on both ends of the spectrum - with more aggressive treatment suggested in younger women and less in women over 70 (or so I've seen).

    As for the nodes, I think when sentinel nodes are removed sometimes there are other nodes with it so they end up taking out a few (thus some people are 0/2 or 0/4 or something).  I had an axillary dissection because I had more than one tumor so the surgeon said this was the safest way to make sure no nodes were cancerous as they couldn't easily/reliably determine the sentinel node for each little lump.  Also apparently some people have more lymph nodes than others - axillary dissection is usually removing two levels of lymph nodes and for some people this is 20+ nodes - for me there were only 7 there.  Go figure.

    Best wishes,

    dcgirl

  • kayakgirl
    kayakgirl Member Posts: 18
    edited September 2008

    Hi Lana

    I am finally feeling better 10 days after my first cycle with taxotere and cytoxen. I did have compazine and ativan for breakthrough nausea and got Aloxi pre chemo and 3 days of Emend. But I still had problems with nausea from day 3 to day 5 and when the Aloxi wore off on day 5 with vomiting. (I was someone who had nausea and vomitng all through my 3 pregnancies and get nauseated when sick so I guess I am just prone to it. Then on Tuesday I got thrush in my mouth and had serious trouble swallowing and felt like I was getting the flu. First I was placed on nystain swish and swallow than yesterday Diflucon was added after I developed yeast around my mastectomy wound. Well thank God that today I am finally feeling better. Agnes

  • lanihardage
    lanihardage Member Posts: 92
    edited September 2008

    Agnes, I'm glad to hear you're getting better. My first round was the worst, the second was somewhat better (less pain, nausea, dizziness and weakness) and this third one is the best yet so far (day 5). You're right about it feeling like pregnancy -- bloated, nauseated, smells bother you, craving comfort foods. You will learn what works for you for the next time around. Are you getting a proton inhibitor twice a day? They are prescription for acid stomach, and I think they reduced my nausea these last two rounds. Ask you oncologist about it (omeprazole is the generic name).

  • slortiz
    slortiz Member Posts: 142
    edited September 2008

    Lani,

    So glad to hear you are doing well this time around. I have been thinking about you and hoping all is well.

    I am at Day 10 after Tx 4, and I am starting to get my energy back, at least the first part of the day. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

    Regards

    Sandra

  • AMANN
    AMANN Member Posts: 63
    edited September 2008

    Hello all, I finally got my pic posted with my wig :)  I had to get help from my hubby. Sandy congrats!  you are pretty much done!  I know that must feel great!

    Agnes as far as nausea, I only got it once with tx 1 and once with tx3. It only last like one day, I think it was the 2nd or 3rd day. I do take aciphex regularly because I have acid reflux. So maybe that helps alot. I have never taken any of the nausea med that was prescribed, Zophran. I had sore mouth on tx 1 on 5th day, and my toungue turned white. I gargled with biotene. I haven't had it 2nd tx or 3rd.

    Take care,

    Audrey

  • robichson
    robichson Member Posts: 26
    edited September 2008

    Hello,

    Amann you really look great.  I will have my first tx on Tuesday 9/9.  My dentist gave me a perio treatment oral rinse in case of mouth sores.  I figure I would just use it after first treatment and hopefully I won't get any mouth sores but I have to wait and see how things go.  I have pretty much decided that I would wear scarves and turbans during my treatment. I'm not sure if I will get a wig.  I have a friend who will make me some head wraps out of fabric.  My sister and I are going scarves, turban and hat shopping today. Laughing 

    Birdsong,

    I went for my regular mammogram in June and that is when they discovered a spot and I went back for my second one with an ultrasound.  At this point I knew my life was going to change but I didn't want to claim anything.  After I had my biospy I got the call from the radiologist who did my biospy telling me it was breast cancer.  I was returning back to work from my lunch break.  My family was in shock and I cried with my coworker and then I told her now that I have this let's stop the crying and I have to get ready for this journey I'm getting ready to go through.  And there is so much information to take in that things became overwhelming but I did a lot of research and spoke with several breast cancer survivors on my job who I didn't even know had it.  The wealth of information giving to me has been helpful and doctor recommendations.  Every doctor on my team has been wonderful.  I also had an MRI and it showed another tumor next to the first one.  Even though they were small the fact that another was found helped me make my decision to have a mastectomy with reconstruction and I'm glad I did.  I am triple negative so chemotherapy is the only systematic way to treat my body. This is where my onc told me that you would wish that you were ER+. And the information I have received from this discussion board has been wonderful and I know that every woman will have a different response to tx but it helps to know what is out there to help alleviate the side effects.  Take care and I will keep you posted.  

  • AMANN
    AMANN Member Posts: 63
    edited September 2008

    Thank you Pinky, I pray your treatments goes well. Also with the mouth sores, I think the key is to keep your mouth as clean as possible, rinsing and brushing after meals, you may not experience them at all.

    God Bless,

    Audrey

  • MsKarin
    MsKarin Member Posts: 105
    edited September 2008

    For mouth sores I sucked on ice pops during the taxotere drip and never had any problems with the mouth.

  • sherrie1964
    sherrie1964 Member Posts: 37
    edited September 2008

    Here it is day 4 after treatment and I have just been wiped.  Sleeping a lot.  Some difficulty swallowing so I called the doctor and they put me on the salt water/baking soda gargle alert every hour.  No fever, but just plain feel lousy.  I'm trying to keep up with the fluids.

    Amann:  You look great!  Very inspiring since I go for my wig next week.   

    Karin:  I'm going to have to try the ice pops.  I did suck on ice chips, but doesn't appear to have worked. 

    Sherrie 

  • Nannie96
    Nannie96 Member Posts: 21
    edited September 2008

    Hi Ladies!

    I have been reading your posts since July.  Now that I know my tx plan, I am posting. I will begin TC on Fri. 9/12 for 4 rounds.  My initial dx was in June of 07...had alump, mammosite radiaiton and femara.  Then when I had my2 post tx mammo in June of 08, they found a small tumor in my other breast.  After an MRI showed nothing more, they decided that it must have been there last year, but too tiny to see.   Once again, they felt, I could do lump/mammosite.  Well, I awoke from surgery with 18 nodes gone and one positive and no mammosite cavity...thus TC!  I am just so glad to get started and get this over with and to be able to quit worrying about it.  My oncl opted for the TC because I had had some heart issues in the past and I had a 20 on my oncotype.  So, here I go....chemo class on Tuesday and start Friday....I teach 3rd graders, so everything is iffy there.  My onc. says she thinks I may be able to teach some....what do you all think..?  you are the ones who have "been there/done that!"  I do have a great sub in place who will long term or be on call.......I am a little concerned about the wbc thing and when that occurs.  Any tips for gearing up this week?  She said I would get prescr. for decadron to take Thur/Fri/Sat and compazine and phenergran  any other tips....mouthwash names?  what should I take to first session.....how long,etc?  I know they will tell me Tues, but I am one who likes to be prepared.  My stats have changed some from what is listed and I cannot figure out where to change them....IDC 1.2cm  ER/PR +Her2- 1/18 nodes.....You all are so uplifting and glad to be one of you!  Thanks, Nannie

  • sandym
    sandym Member Posts: 70
    edited September 2008

    Nannie - Welcome, although sorry you have to be here. I'll be glad to answer the questions I can.  The TC certainly isn't a party but is very doable and this is the place to learn and compare notes.  After a bilat mast 3/08, I started TC in April and finished  tx #4 June 24.  My onc said we'd talk about my job as we progressed but due to the nature of my job and accumulated sick time, I choose not to work with my onc's blessing.  I work in elementary school health rooms as a dental hygienist so would be exposed to a multitude of bacteria and viruses. Teaching 3rd grade is probably the same exposure. Your labs will tell the story.

     I had the prescribed decadron and received several antiemetics IV prechemo but never needed the compazine at home. I used Biotene mouthwash as well as a salt/baking soda mouthwash recommended by the onco nurses. 

    I took lots of reading material and puzzle books to TX but used little of it.  It was my intention to just relax and ignore my surroundings as much as possible. To my surprise, everyone was so friendly - nurses and patients - that I never did get much reading done. It was much more pleasant than I imagined.  I did take a hoodie which came in handy as the temperature in the room fluctuated.  I also used my small travel pillow - sometimes for my head and often for my arm.  It's important to drink a lot and sucking on ice helps some to avoid mouth sores so I brought a large insulated mug and a small insulated lunch bag filled with ice.  I guess some infusion centers have ice machines but mine did not.

    The first tx was the longest but they vary in length as I have read.  My 1st was 7 hours total.  There's blood work to start and then you have to wait for the results.  The infusion is started slowly at first to watch for reactions but speeds up as things go smoothly.

    I've noticed a lot of variety concerning infusion times, drugs and recommendations as I read these posts so don't be alarmed.

    I can't believe it's already 10 weeks post chemo.  Once I have my expander exchange in 2 weeks I can begin to put this all behind me.  You'll be on the other side before you know it.  Blessings as you begin and let us know how you're doing.  

  • kerry_lamb
    kerry_lamb Member Posts: 77
    edited September 2008

    Hey Sandy!

    Can you PM me when you have the exchange. I'm doing the recon next May, and I like to get my head around things well in advance!   All the best with yours. Is it a single or a double?...XXX

  • Nannie96
    Nannie96 Member Posts: 21
    edited September 2008

    thanks for all the good info, Sandy and blessings to you too!

  • birdsong
    birdsong Member Posts: 56
    edited September 2008

    Hi Nannie96,

    Here are my tips. Get a perscription from your dentist for a toothpaste that has 4 times the fluride to prevent teeth problems in the future. Brush immediately after eating and use a biotene mouth wash also. I put an ice pack on my head during chemo to diminish chemo brain, something someone told me about, and I think it helps. My doctor came into the chemo room, looked at me and said,"Good idea" I also used ice on my feet and hands to prevent numbness,during the chemo, don't know if it makes any difference. The b vitamins help with that also.I wash my hands before I touch any food and would not think about teaching because of your immune system and being with children.You could be very tired also and your  body needs to build back up not be drained.I think of my skin as the largest organ of my body, and it is taking on a lot of toxins so I shower or bath religiously every day to clean it off and use lotion.I love the articles by stephen jones that were listed above and count my blessings that I we now have a choice of TC instead of just having AC which was not true a few years ago. Many doctors are still ignorent about it and cling to the past.I had no nausesa on round 2 and very little on round one so stay positive. Hope this helps, Birdsong.

  • Nannie96
    Nannie96 Member Posts: 21
    edited September 2008

    Thanks Birdsong...will try the ice thing and thanks for the info on school.  In my heart, I know that I will probably need to be off.....I am kind of a control freak so it is hard....thanks so much for responding!

  • sherry38
    sherry38 Member Posts: 25
    edited September 2008

    Amann, I had a lot of trouble with my arm after the surgery.  All I had removed was the sentinal node & the axilla.  The underside part of my upper arm was numb and very weak - I couldn't lift a gallon of milk!  My hand had numb spots in the thumb, index finger & the space in between the two.

    I hung in there and did all the exercises they told me to do and went about my normal routine as much as possible and about 1 month later I noticed that the feeling was almost all the way back - the strength came back too. 

    So, I am hoping that with thime you will experience the same.  The Dr.s were amazed that I had any trouble, so I really thought I was in for a liftime of problems.

  • birdsong
    birdsong Member Posts: 56
    edited September 2008

    Hi Nannie96, I had one more thought. You do feel better the 3rd week and depending on how your immune systme is doing may be able to teach that week Without a blood check it may be hard to know, but that is a thought..Birdsong

  • AMANN
    AMANN Member Posts: 63
    edited September 2008

    Hi Sherry,

    Yeh, I am hoping over time it will get better. That is something that you had that problem with only 2 removed. I have noticed when I sweat. I don't sweat under that arm anymore.

    Thanks,

    Audrey

  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 2,701
    edited September 2008

    Does anyone know if your WBC can be seriously too high?  I had tx #2 on 8/27.  I also got my second Neulasta shot the next day.  With my #1 tx, my WBC was very high the first week (19.6), but dropped into normal range over the next two weeks.  This time (10 days after tx), it was ridiculously high -- 49!  No one in my onc's office seems concerned.  They just say, "Oh, it will go down," which is what it did last time.  But, last night, I was doing some research on it, and I was alarmed at one of the rare side effects listed for Neulasta -- damage to your spleen.  So, without having a medical degree, I just want to be sure there is no link between the high WBC and spleen damage (which sounds very scary) or any other SE that might not self-correct when chemo is finished.  Any info' would be much appreciated!   Deanna  

  • Sloancat
    Sloancat Member Posts: 1
    edited September 2008

    Hi everyone -

    I've been lurking for a couple of weeks now. I had my first of 4 TC tx on Weds, 9/3.  Had a lumpectomy and re-excision in June.

    Today is day 5, and the first day I feel fairly close to normal, after a questionable morning.  Day 4 was the worst.  I've read most of the posts - that's what took 2 weeks LOL! - but probably not all of them. 

    Even though I thought I was prepared, I really did think that I'd have maybe one day of feeling yucky, then I'd be back to normal.  Ok, so, I'm stubborn and silly.

     I appreciate everyone sharing experiences, it has really made a difference to me. I took a good friend with me to my first tx.  We laughed the whole time, and actually had a fun day. We even stopped for dinner on the way home (it's a 2.5 hour drive).  The nurse and pharmacy were nice enough to create a makeshift "bed pan ice chest" to transport my Neulasta, for the day 2 shot.

     I'm all set to go back to work tomorrow. I'm a Pilates Instructor Apprentice and Weight Watchers Leader.

     Luckily, I have quite a bit of flexibility in my schedule when I need it.  I was surprised that I haven't felt like working- out since the chemo.   I plan on changing that tomorrow!

    One thing I haven't been able to find info on is the itchy scalp. Obviously, it's too soon for the hair to start coming out, but the itchy/sweaty scalp is really annoying.  Maybe my body is setting me up so I'll be glad to shave it - LOL!  Any tips on controlling the itch?

    I do have a blog:  cathysbcjourney.blogspot.com.  Is there a place here where people list their blogs? 

    I'd like to read other blogs.

    Well, now I've officially graduated from lurker to participant!

  • sandym
    sandym Member Posts: 70
    edited September 2008

    kerry_lamb, I'd be happy to PM you after my exchange.  Feel free to PM me if I forget.  It's a bilat exchange.  I had bc on the right side 5 years ago, 2 excisions and rads.  Now it's the right side so after 2 excisions on that side with narrow margins, I opted for the bilat mast.  There wasn't much to miss and although I can't yet call them perky as they are rock hard I expect to have the best chest of my life when this is all over. 

    Blessings to you in Australia.  Our daughter fell in love with koalas as a child and has a huge collection of stuffed animals.  She visited with her husband 3 years ago. She did get to hold a koala which was the highlight of their trip. Every Christmas, I buy her an Australian calendar so she can look at the pictures and dream. 

    Sandy 

  • kerry_lamb
    kerry_lamb Member Posts: 77
    edited September 2008

    Sandy, thank you! Where did your daughter visit? I must admit I'm feeling pretty lucky to live here atm. or is that, pretty lucky to live, period!

    I've had my 2nd Tax and the broken bones have started (day 3). Different this time is the SMELL! My sheets, my pillow! I smell like a girl Toxic Avenger! I am getting mega head-cooking during the night..adding to my collection of broken capillaries..grrr. is there no end to the low and high level torture??? Anyway, I'm getting the broken caps zapped in November. I believed I have earned a little self-indulgence this year.... Kiss

    I should feel like shite..but I HAVE ONE SESSION TO GO!!! and then I am done with this fecker.

    Re WBC: Mine was way up last count, and then dropped just before chemo. I asked, and they said it was due to the chest infection and UTI I got, not the neulasta. Nice to know I've still got an immune system after 12 weeks of poisoning! 

  • birdsong
    birdsong Member Posts: 56
    edited September 2008

    Hi Nannie96

    I reread your blog and had a couple of questions. What is  mammonite radiation and cavity? Also what is femara? Thanks , Birdsong.  

  • birdsong
    birdsong Member Posts: 56
    edited September 2008

    Hi Kerry Lamb, I was curious to know how many treatment you are getting. You said you had one to go and does that make 4 total.? My doctor said if there were any positive nodes you should have 6 treatments. What information do you have from your doctors on that. Thanks Birdsong

  • slortiz
    slortiz Member Posts: 142
    edited September 2008

    Looks like quite a few of us are finishing treatments this week. YEAH! I'm not sure about some because I don't know how many T-C infusions they were down for or what more they face. But congrats to all of you. We also have several new women starting chemo this week:  Robichson (Pinky), tattered_tata (MissNelson) oldlady and Nannie96.  May your SEs be few. We know you're scared, but remember: you are doing this to whup cancer's butt!!!!

    Schedule for Week of September 8thth:

    Monday, 9/8-Irishbrae (#4 of 4), BonnieLee (#2 of ?)

    Tuesday, 9/9-Gina_M (#4 of #), SDM (#4 of 4), robichson (#1 of 4), DesertRider (#3 of ?),

    Wednesday, 9/10-tkone #4 of 4), IndyHusband (#3 of 4), WantToBeNed (#3 of 4), birdsong (#3 of ?)

    Thursday, 9/11- Charlotte27 (#4 of 4), SherriM (#4 of 4), kbuskirk (#4 of 4), Moonchild (#4 of 4), nurseKim (#3 of 6), oldlady (#1 of 4), tattered_tata (#1 of 4)

    Friday, 9/12-lalani (#4 of ?), mbutterfly (#4 of 4), TX66 (#3 of 4), donotcallmesue (#2 of 4), Nico1012 (#2 of ?), Nannie96 (#1 or 4)

  • birdsong
    birdsong Member Posts: 56
    edited September 2008

    Hi Sloritz,

    You can put me on the schedule if you like. I have my 3rd TX this wednesday and have a total of 6. Thanks Birdsong

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