Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
Comments
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Hi all -
Sandra, My treatment tomorrow is #4 of 4 (yippee!). I continue with Herceptin for a year and will have 20 radiaiton sessions (hopefully starting the beginning of October).
Gina
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Gina,
Just curious, why neulasta for a year? I just thought it was for keeping blood counts up for the chemo but then again I never looked into what else the drug is for.
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Thanks Karin,
I missed that one when I proof-read my message (chemo brain?). It is Herceptin for a year - last Neulasta shot will be this Wednesday. Thanks! (I edited my original message above.)
Gina
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From looking at this weeks schedule it looks like quite a few of you will be joining me on the other side of the river. Here's hoping your last infusions are uneventful and that you have minimal SE's.
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Gina--Hooray! I'm so happy for you to be done with the T-C. I finished on 8/28, and I'm still feeling a tad run down, but starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Yippee! Hope all goes well with you.
MsKarin--Anything happening in the hair department yet? I actually indulged myself and went out and bought a really, really short pixie style wig because my other wig drives me up a tree as it's so hot and scratchy and I hate wearing it and I doubt I will have hair in time for our planned vacations. This one is quite comfortable--like my prosthesis, I forget it's there. I've changed my picture as you will see. I've always had long hair, so this is really quite a new look for me and kind of fun.
Sandra
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Sandra,
Hair lets see. Wednesday will be 6 weeks out from last treatment. First new hair to make a reappearance was my unwanted facial hair of course, lol. Finally lost the rest of my nose hairs. Now I know why they had mentioned to keep Kleenex on hand. No new hair growth on my head but stubble that never feel out have grown a bit longer. Still have all my lashes and brows have thinned a lot with a few tiny hairless patches.
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MsKarin,
Let's hope the eyelashes hang in. Miracles do happen. I also am quite surprised at how vexing the nose hair loss is. My nose drips constantly.
And, of course, you might know the facial hair (aka "stray eyebrows") would be the first ones to post a comeback.Those things are as stubborn as weeds.
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Hey Birdsong!
Well, Mammosite is a targeted radiation...it is 5 days 2x a day. You have a cavity excised where your lumpectomy was...they put a balloon in to hold the sapce and if you hit all the criteria tumor under 1.3, no node invol. over 45 and it has to have room so you don't burn...they then replace the balloon with a catheter...they put a radioactive wire with a little radio. seed on the end. They send it thru the catheter and it targets the spot where the tumor was....so you only radiate a small portionof your breast. It was an easy treatment then they gave me Femara which is an aromatase inhibitor that kills all the estrogen in your body and is supposed to stop any new cancers. My onc feels that the cancer in my other breast that I am dealing with now was there when the other one was diag. but was too small to detect.....I felt guilty all last year because I had it so easy, but I don't anymore
Hope your number 3 goes well....do they get better or worse....are the worst symptoms the same each time, or does it get a little easier? Just ready to get this show on the road!!!!
Nannie
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Hey Nannie96
The first one I had fast heart palpitations on days about 2 hours each day. Some mouth tenderness particular in my gums, tender mouth that required mouth rinse, sensitivity to regular tooth paste so I got sensodine and then flouride perscription, as mentioned, irritation in the pantyline area and pubic area which I used cornstarch or desitin for, little bouts of mild nausea that I only used 3 nausea pills for, but mostly fatigue. The second tx was only fatigue and I think doing the biotine mouth wash and showering regularly did a lot of prevention. Focus on other things if you can to take your mind off of your body but listen to what your body tells you when you feel tired.. You may start with constipation so be ready with stool softeners if needed . Like I say, this one is sooooo much better than ACT that we should all count our blessings. Let us know how it goes. We are here for you. Hugs, Birdsong
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Hi everyone,
I'm getting close to "graduation"...#6 of 6 will be on 9/17! As usual, I have a question to pose: I've been scheduled to have my port removed on 9/19, the Friday after final tx. Normally, I have the Neulasta shot on Thurs., and have been running a fever for 2 days afterwards, which is a little worse each time, with chills and all that. I'm seriously thinking of just passing on the Neulasta for this last tx. I can't have the port removed if I have a fever, which I likely will if I have the shot...plus I don't like thinking about why Neulasta is causing a fever in the first place. Anyway, I'm just wondering how many of you didn't have the Neulasta every time--seems like it's a hit or miss thing with different oncs? I'm thinking I can just be really careful for those last 3 weeks and not go out anywhere with the unwashed masses.
BTW, my thin, old man hair is getting longer, but not filling back in. I didn't think it would start growing back until I was done?
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Hello Everyone -
This is my first post. I've just come from my oncologist and was told I'll be on the TC regimen. Little did I know there was such a club out there! I'm happy to find you all and look forward to learning much from your posts.
I'm 43 years old, Stage 1 IDC with LCIS in one breast. Stage 1 DCIS and LCIS in the other.. Had a double mastectomy 8/25 and will go through reconstruction when the chemo is done. Will eventually read all 102 posts but am specifically interested in what to expect in terms of side effects and energy level. I've got three beautiful kids that keep me on the go all the time and am trying to figure out how best to balance that with the rest I'll need.
Anyway, I'm sure I'll have lots more questions and look forward to connecting with you!
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Welcome Pageroo! Sorry you have to join our little family, but we're glad to have you. This forum has been a lifeline for me many times through the TC journey. How many treatments are you going to have? I'm 44, have had mastectomy of the "problem" breast, and will be having the other done prophylactically as soon as my body recovers from the chemo.
I will have had a total of 6 treatments, and honestly, it's been nowhere near as bad as I feared. I was a wreck beforehand (and I'm usually a pretty tough cookie, if I do say so myself)--the very word "chemo" would cause me to puddle up. There are lots of annoying side effects, and of course the mess of losing your hair, but as far as really going down for the count, I haven't experienced much of that. Very little fatigue, no nausea at all. I even wondered (until my hair fell out and my periods stopped) if they were really giving me anything!
So, expect things to sail along and just come here for all the info about anything crazy you may experience...I guarantee that no matter what it is, someone else will have had the same thing!
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Welcome onboard pageroo! I think you will find this thread very helpful.
You have youth on your side, which is a very big plus for getting through the side effects. I'm in my sixties, and really haven't had too bad a time with it, but the fatigue has really knocked me out of the action for most of this summer. Definitely think it would have helped if I had been a few decades younger.
When you know your schedule, could you share it with me? I'm the official keeper (for now) of the list and we like to publish who's "stepping up to the chair" each week.
Sounds like you have a great attitude and that's half of the battle right there.
Regards,
Sandra
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Hi pageroo!
When you read all these wonderful posts, you will realize how much info and support are on here, and how do-able it all is.
Fatigue is crap, but I found I was ok while I was 'going', and crashed if I 'stopped' (at work and at home). But you certainly will know when to take it easy. Try to get to bed get REALLY early. That kind of rest is really useful. If I tried to rest during the day, all I thought of was what jobs still needed doing. Psychological rather than physical, that one!
Much love and courage
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Catlover, you might want to consider postponing the port removal until at least 2 and a half weeks after your last treatment -- 3 weeks if no Neulasta, because it speeds up your WBC recovery. Two reasons -- you will be in the hospital exposed to more germs than necessary (several people touching you), and while the taxotere is working, cuts don't heal quickly because it stops new cell growth. I have a little cut on my hand that is taking forever to heal. Maybe talk it over with your onc?
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Slortiz, my 3rd out of 6 treatments will be Thursday, 9/11.
Pageroo, I am 42 and have 3 sons. I have been able to work fulltime and attend all of
their functions. I do get a little tired, but just schedule in a nap here and there. You will do fine.
Catlover44, I can't wait to join you!! Best Wishes with that last treatment!
Birdsong, I agree with you, THANK GOD no TAC for me!!
Gina_M, Cograts on 4 of 4!!
Hope everyone else is having little to no side effects!
God is good!
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Please... I need your collective input. WHY would a chemo nurse I met at the oncologist's office tell me that my hair MAY thin with 4 TC treatments? It's not just the hair, but it's a point... How many women, percentages, do and don't lose their hair? How many cannot work and for how long after the treatment? I am trying SO HARD to make the "right" choice but feel the information is so inconsistent. I understand no one can tell me for sure what will happen with me personally, but just a better idea of my odds of losing my hair, my odds of being really so sick I cannot work (other than when I'm in the chair) -- these would be helpful to me in making the decision whether decreasing my risk by another 3% is worth it to me to go through with SEs, etc....
Sorry I seem so frustrated... and also wanting feedback from you all... I am just at my wit's end trying to figure all of this out -- naturally, whilst trying to remain calm, cool and collected on the outside for my boss and co-workers and children and parents and sister and significant other....
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Shari,
I had 6 TC treatments and my hair kept getting thinner and thinner after I cut it into a short bob. After session 5 I finally had to wear wigs due to some bald spots..I think the vast majority will lose hair on day 14-17. While it was the worse part of chemo, once the shock wore off I was ok.
I did my chemos on Thursday and took Fridays off from work. Mondays were a little rough but I never called in sick. Mentally I was not going to let chemo get the best of me. I have a 5yr old and an 8 yr old and just wanted to be strong for them as well. In retrospect, the whole ordeal was "doable". It was very important to me to do whatever I could to make sure this mess would never reoccur, but everyone has to decide for themselves. Good luck to you!!!!! Barb
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Hi Page...I just joined myself a few days ago and these ladies are the best. Iwent for my chemo class today and felt so smart! I asked questions over things that have been discussed here! My chemo nurse even agreed with Birdsong that ice will help during chemo! (Thanks Birdsong). I have had a peace about this and just want to get it started and "git er done"! My nurse said as long as my counts were up she had no problem with my teaching as long as I felt okay. ( although I am 58, my mom and I have gone round and round about this...she was with me and I loved that she heard it first hand
) However, I know that I will have to back off when I am tired. It is really scary all of this, but i have a verse that I found in the summer of 07 when I was diagnosed the first time....The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you! Yall keep good thoughts and lots of prayers on Friday for me and I pray for all my cancer "cousins" each night! So, Paige, I will add my experiences from Friday...hang in there! Hugs! 0 -
Some people have very few SEs, the majority perhaps have mild to moderate SEs, and some of us (a minority) get pretty sick. It's very hard to predict what your reaction will be. I was in excellent health, walked 12-20 miles a week, work full-time and homeschool one of my 4 kids, and I still got very sick, so you can't count on being "normal." It's good if you can negotiate a flexible work schedule in case you are sick or tired, and make sure you have some protection at work against exposure to germs while your immune system is down (days 6-12). Perhaps someone who can provide rides for kids if needed, buy frozen dinners, etc. I'd say plan for the worst and then enjoy it when it isn't that bad.
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Shari,
I haven't heard a single woman on this board report that they did not lose any of their hair. Now granted, you don't necessarily lose all or even most of it, but you lose enough to look like a plucked chicken. I had long hair, and it killed me to have to cut it short, and I wasn't going to shave it unless it really looked necessary, but by day 18 after the very first treatment, the short hair was coming out in fistsful and it looked really dreadful. I had my husband shave it. I'm not sure how much more I lost during subsequent treatments. After finishing all 4 sessions, there is still some fuzz, but it is nowhere near enough to provide adequate coverage.
The chemo nurses told me this too, and I don't know why they do that-- guess they just want to soften the blow, or maybe it depends what regimen you're on, but I think significant hair loss is pretty much a given on T-C. It's tough, and I see from your picture you have gorgeous locks!!
Regards,
Sandra
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Shari ~ It looks like you were very recently diagnosed, and that is the hardest time because there is such a steep learning curve with all the new terminology and medical information you suddenly find yourself needing to know. And, on top of that, you quickly learn that not all the experts agree, and that you can and should have input into decisions regarding your treatment. But hang in there! It really does get easier as you go along. The most important thing is to find doctors you feel good about -- ones that you really trust and that you aren't trying to second-guess.
As far as the hair, although some lose it at different rates, I think just about everyone on TC experiences significant if not total hair loss. That said, it's just one more step you will find a way to cope with as you move through the process. And once it's gone, as hard as it is, it's just one more milestone towards getting your treatment done and your life back. Most of the women on the August 08 chemo board (all started chemo in August, so are just a few weeks ahead of you) started to lose hair around Day 14, and it comes out over the next several days. It looks like you have gorgeous hair, so I can see why hair loss might be especially difficult for you to think about.
I was also wondering in reading your post if you've had an Onco-Type DX test. It's a test designed to help women decide if they really need/want chemo when it's not an absolute given. If you haven't taken it, you may want to ask your onc about it.
Hope this helps .... And, remember, don't try to figure out everything all at once. Take your time, and focus on one step at a time. Otherwise, it is just too overwhelming.
Deanna
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You ladies are amazing. Thank you so much for your input. Please keep it coming!
Yep, the Oncotype DX should be back at the beginning of next week, although my oncologist says that even if it's low, he wants to do TC (but I asked about having the test done, and he's doing it to see what it will say, and perhaps to satisfy me also as I am clearly not wanting to do chemo for 3%).
I was FLABBERGASTED when my BRCAs 1 & 2 (5-panel) both came back negative (with a 1% margin of error for those with a history of breast cancer -- and my maternal and paternal sides are loaded with breast cancer, including my mom....). Even though I know the BRCAs have nothing to do with chemo, it sure changes my mindset about things going forward. Even my 17 & 13 year old boys were glad I was negative for their future children's sake...
Tomorrow I have a PET CT... NOT looking forward to it having been a smoker for 30 years and having quit almost a year ago (nice present... quitting then getting this diagnosis...). I'm terrified, actually. Friday I go to a rad onc to see if I qualify for mammosite rads x 5 rather than 35 of the regular rads.
Well, I've spilled my guts here. Thanks for reading, or taking up space on this thread....
I'm so glad to see you are all doing well, are making it through, have seen the other side of TC and all treatments.... it helps so much.
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Shari - one of the tests many women ask themselves when considering chemo is "if the cancer does recur, will I be kicking myself for not going that extra mile to do everything possible to prevent recurrence?" That said, it's an individual choice, but a good onc. will help you make it. Asking the question, "if these results were yours (female oncologist) or your wife's/daughter/mother (male oncologist), what would you do?"
The side effects are manageable and temporary. Sort of like pregnancy side effects (which we seem more willing to endure). Hair loss feels traumatic at the time, but get a very good, comfortable wig (or 2) and wear it often and you will not notice the hair loss as much.
I am a consultant and none of my clients are aware of my BC or treatment; I have scaled back on some of my work (especially that involving travel), but otherwise produce my reports, etc. with no trouble. I attend meetings (wearing my wig) and no one seems to notice. If someone says "I like your haircut" I just say "thank you...it's good to change it around sometimes and this cut is much easier to manage".
If you decide on chemo, go to a Look Good Feel Better workshop (they're free), and they give you free makeup and teach you how to look your best during/after chemo. Many of us attended and it really helps.
I personally do not like wearing scarves and hats as they seem to broadcast "cancer" and people start treating you differently (some people are fine with this and don't mind people knowing about it and being more forgiving/supportive) - I'm just not one of them. So I carry on much as usual, but wear wigs and makeup whenever I go out of the house (even grocery shopping).
If the side effects are really bad (they were for me after the first treatment), they may reduce the dose and then the side effects become much lighter. They weigh the benefits against the side effects and go with the lesser of two evils. Many of the posts here talk about horrible side effects - I should point out that no one gets them all, and that you will also read about those who get almost none, as well as lots of advice about what to do to minimize the bad ones.
Good luck with your decision.
Gina
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Sheri,
Gina pretty much summed up my thoughts as well...I never got as many compliments on my hair as when iI wore my wig! I hated wearing it at first but got used to it. I never went anywhere without wearing it but admire women who do hats and scarves.
I was so antichemo at first due to the hair loss aspect but them one node came back and I had no choice but to move forward. I did rads after that and now am on Tamoxifen. Good luck with your PET scan tomorrow...my friend is having hers tomorrow as well...she was diagnosed in August... Barb
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Hello Everyone, Sandra I like your new wig, it does look lighter easier to wear
. Sheri, I am 43 y.o. I too almost decided not to do the chemo. Although it gave me a 6.5 % difference. I didn't feel it was that much. But after talking to my cousin who had it 10years ago and she is still surviving. and also others that went through chemo, they all said if they were glad with there decision, because they felt they did everything to beat it. Also I thought about my age the grade of the tumor the size. I wanted to go another route trying holistic treatment, but felt like It would have been harder, I would still be thinking about what if... My Onco score came back a 19. My Onc said it was totally up to me. I waited until the last poss. moment 3 months after surgery, before I decided to go with it. I wish I didn't wait that long but I tried to get a second opin, and it took forever. So I just went for it. I am on my 3rd tx. and I am glad I have only 1 more. The first one was the easiest and this one wasn't too bad either. 2nd one was tuff. I think my biggest thing is I don't sleep well. I have sleep apnea and that makes it even harder on days that I am exhausted. But as you can see the majority of people don't have many S.E. Good luck with your decision, and go with your gut tell you. OH yeh,my hair was long too and It started coming out around day 16 in clumps. I cut it down to 1 inch but it is very spotty. So I will not go out in public without a wig, scarf or hat.God Bless,
Take care,
Audrey
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Hi Amann, I too have sleep apena, Doyou have a machine that you breath through at night. It makes quite a difference. Hugs Birdsong
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Shari,
I would add only that both the Onco-Type score and my age were important to me in making the decision to do chemo. At 66, I have a 19% chance of dying from something anyway in the next 10 years, and so if my Onco-Type score had been low (say 18 or under), doing the chemo would have added such a small % of benefit, I definitely would have blown it off. But it came back as 29, and--as it was explained to me--this meant the chemo would reduce my risk of recurrence by 7% (about a third of my total risk for death). That made it seem worth doing (though only just barely). In your case, you are SO much younger, and your risk of dying from other things in the next ten years is SO much less, it makes the recurrence risk issue considerably more significant, and the decision very different--if that makes any sense?
I was drug into chemo kicking and screaming with fears and objections, but now that it's over, I'm not sorry I did it as it turned out to be a lot less awful than I had feared. Not a walk in the park, surely--I had some real punk days--but definitely doable. Also (unlike the hair promises) when they told me I would not have nausea or vomiting, they were telling the truth. Hope that's of some help.
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Birdsong, yes I do have a machine. It does help, but I notice that my mask seems like it doesn't stay in place through the night some I am always reajusting it. How long have you had Sleep apnea?
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Hello everyone,
My first tx on yesterday went well. I"m not experiencing any Se's as of yet it may be too early I will have to see how I feel the rest of the week. But I'm not going to think to much about it just take one day at a time. I did drink plenty of fluids during treatment and I have my water bottles and Gatorade by my bed. I'm eating small meals today but I ate like a pig after treatment yesterday (couldn't help it LOL).I got my Neulasta shot on today so I will see how I feel later on. I am anemic so onc said I may have to have an iron infusion have to wait and see on the next blood test results. The major problem I have right now is I have a hemorrhoid that I got after having a colonoscopy last Friday. It is getting better but I am using suppositories and cream and that is just what has me down right now. I finally was able to sleep last night but the night before tx I only slept three hours. And I know if was from the steroids because I was trying my best to go to sleep. I will check with you later in the week. Take care everyone.
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