Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
Comments
-
Ladies... Here is a link to an article in the NYTimes about the new, shorter radiation protocol Sherry mentioned above:
(If the link doesn't work, just Google New York Times and search Radiation."
What is equally exciting is the idea of getting radiation while lying on your stomach, to keep it away from the chest wall. Evidently, it's being used at MSK. Has anyone else heard of it used elsewhere yet? When I read this article last week, I actually ran off a copy and left it for my radiation oncologist, who was out of the office -- hopefully at this conference! Deanna
0 -
Hi gals ~
Am on Day 4 of Round 1 and don't feel bad at all. Still a lot of aches and pains but the horrible fluey feeling I had over the weekend is gone. I felt like all I could do was put my head in my hands with an ice pack on my forehead, but hey, I had no fever. So wierd. Plus I kept tripping over my own feet.
Saw a late second opinion doc today who knows Dr. Kevin Fox at U Penn. He thought TC a great idea, good results and without permanent side effects. I've been worrying, what if it's not aggressive enough? My original onco, who I do like a great deal, said he usually does AC+T but TC is okay too. My second opinion, a beautiful young lady doctor, felt we should go at it with biweekly TAC, big guns no matter what.
I drove myself across town for this 3rd Opinion, who is a breast onco only. He wants to look at my slides over at the hospital to count the micro metastases. Huh, that's pretty neat. According to my surgeon only a few cells there. But this is the first onco who wanted to look at it himself, as opposed to just reading the pathologist's report.
I'm a let's get all the points of view possible kind of person, so I'm happy about all this.
Meanwhile, my scalp has started to itch. Did anyone lose hair this early?
0 -
HI Ladies...I had TC #2 today. They had to stop it at one point because I had terrible heartburn radiating to my jaw.I am a nurse and assured them that I have had this problem before and that it's not cardiac related. It is my reflux. It brought about 4 nurses running into the room. On a positive note, they were offering complementary reiki treatments during chemo so I had one during this episode. The reiki therapist resumed her treatment, they restarted the IV and my pain went away. I will definitely take advantage of this next time. If anyone has a chance to do this I highly recommend it. There are some really good complementary/alternative therapies out there.
Kat70...I had my period before my first treatment and spotted for 2 weeks afterwards. I was told this is normal as your hormones are all over the place during this process.
Slortiz...thank you for doing such a great job updating this site. It's much appreciated.
Good luck to all having a treatment this week and to those having SEs from recent treatments. We'll all get through this.
L
0 -
Has anyone had accupunture in conjunction with chemo?
0 -
Wink, Thanks for joining us. I took note of your schedule. Hope it goes well for you on Friday!
Annie--I can't imagine your hair is giving up the ghost already! Maybe it's just an anticipatory mind over matter thing? A lot of women get sick just thinking about going to their chemo sessions (at least before they had effective anti-nausea meds) I think usually about day 17 is when the hair loss starts in earnest. I am now waiting anxiously for my eyelashes to start falling out, as the consensus on the eyelash board is that this starts happening about 5 wks after the last chemo. Oh, joy. Well, they're kind of skimpy at this point in my life (age 66) anyway, but at one time they were full, curly and gorgeous. I will miss even these little piddly ones and worry that I lack the dexterity/patience to deal with artificial ones..
To all you pre-menopausal gals trying to figure out what in the heck treatment is going to do to your periods, and trying to second guess that, my extreme sympathy. I ALMOST remember what that was like. I had my last infernal period, after a couple confused years, when I was 54 (and was starting to worry whether I was going to be in the Guiness Book of World Records). I cannot even begin to tell you how liberating it is never to have to worry about all those complicated logistics any more. Why don't we make a big deal out of the end of menopause and celebrate it for the wonderful life event it is? My thought is that we should have menopause "showers" where each guest brings a pair of sexy lace panties, symbolic for the fact that they can be worn any time without fear of nasty blood stains!! No one seems to be taking up my idea on this. Hallmark is missing out on an opportunity here.
0 -
Lili ~ interesting about your heartburn during chemo. I had "jumping" in my stomach during my Taxotere infusion that lasted about 5 minutes, then went away. Wierd.
Sandra ~ you can add me to your list, I'm scheduled for #2 of 4 on Oct 16. It is really neat to see when all the gals are going and what stage we are all at. And, did you have a hard time on second round days 1 & 2? Just wondering if I will have the same discomfort over the weekend again next round. Guess we'll find out!
Lani ~ I tried a tsp. of Miralax this morning and my constipation let up a little. As you said it's not good to push it all the way to diahrrea! Things are like rabbit poos, rounds the size of marbles, what the heck is up with that! Guess it is okay if they keep coming and passing through.
Deanna ~ I didn't feel so great over the weekend, lots of aches and pains and this horrible feverish feeling that had me just lying down with an ice pack on my forehead. No fever though. Just the feeling of a fever.
Sue ~ Will be looking to see how your first treatment goes this Wednesday, I am just about one week ahead of you! The only thing I can think of is make sure you get enough aches and pains meds. I am going to ask about rebound pain from Tylenol, I could prolly take it constantly for the several days I need it. I used it just when it was real bad, but I could have used more I think! I had two days of feeling bad and then it just let up and I feel much more normal.
DC ~ I am having so many hot flashes it's not funny! I got thru menopause without too much of these, but now I am always sweating. I kept waking up last night every hour almost with a feeling of drowning in my own juices. Heh.
Ruth ~ I've got the fuzz mouth, too, and it's icky! Popsicles, the fruit kind, seem to help quite a bit. I did the baking soda rinse too, but the nurses said salt water, so I've done some of that too. I also have a scratchy fuzzy throat and the warm salt water helps that too. So maybe do both together like you do.
Nannie ~ sorry you are having such a hard time! Hope it goes better next time!0 -
Hello to everyone here! Please add me to the list - I'm starting my TC plus H on Thursday 10/2 and will have 4 cycles every 3 weeks, and continue with herceptin for the next year.
I just had my "chemo teaching" today and boy, that was a real waste of time. The young nurse handed me a folder with some drug information sheets in it and began to read the side effects to me, saying, "MMM'kay?" like the teacher from South Park after every point - and when she got to the part about, "and you WILL lose your hair!" - she paused and looked at me like she was waiting for me to freak out or something. But I said, "okay, next?" and she seemed disappointed...lol. I told her I was perfectly capable of reading these papers myself. My husband got so mad at me, because he said I had an attitude and I apologized and told him I'd try to be more passive and agreeable next time.
I'm sorry, I just couldn't help it. It was so obvious she clearly had better things to do than read these papers to me. Then she told us that we would have to use condoms for the next year because the drugs can cause my husband's skin to be irritated. I asked her about any side effects that I might have in that area, but she said that I would not get any. Is that right, ladies? It seems to me that if mouth sores are possible, then isn't it possible to get sores in other areas where cells shed rapidly? Has anyone experienced this? Also, what about bladder infections? I don't want to make this post too long! It is SO helpful to read everyone's experiences and how they've worked through them, helpful tips, etc. Sometimes I feel so alone but when I read your words I know I'm not. Women are so strong and resilient and I admire everyone for their courage!
Prayers and love,
Teena
0 -
Hi everyone! I thought I'd check back in to say hello. It is almost my one year anniversary of my Diagnosis 10/12 and lumpectomy 10/15. thought you'd all like to know that normal does exist! My last chemo was on 1/24, and I now have about 3 inches of hair. If course it is so curly you cannot tell it is 3 inches. I have to pull it out and measure. Hang in there all, you will get through this.
Lou
0 -
Teena - Yes it is possible to get sores on any mucous membrane, but I don't think it's a common side effect to get vaginal sores. Several women (including me) reported vaginal yeast infections (which are cleared up with Monistat or prescription creams). I was told condoms for the first 3-4 days after chemo, as we are still excreting the drugs. Other than that, nothing needed and we didn't use anything except for those first few days after each chemo (I finished my 4 treatments on Sept. 9th); my dh never had any irritation. Keep pushing the liquids to help avoid the bladder infections.
Gina
0 -
Hi Gina,
Thanks for the information. That sounds much more reasonable to me than having to use condoms for months. And I will try to drink as much water as possible. I love coffee and drink way too much, but I guess that doesn't count.
What are the worst chemo days? I originally scheduled each treatment on Friday, thinking I would be able to work on Monday and feel reasonably well, but I've now switched it to Thursday after reading everyone's experiences, as it seems like days 3 and 4 are worse.
Teena
0 -
TNT:
My worst day was the 3rd day, I had a horrible headache but I still went to the wig shop that day and had lunch with a friend. I went sailing the 4th day. I think you were smart to change your schedule. It does seem from reading that those are the worst days for most people. The 7th day was also bad, the constipation caught up with me and I landed in the ER even though I was proactive in trying to keep that at bay. Good luck to you!
Peeps
0 -
Good Morning Ladies!
I had my first TC yesterday and all went surprisingly well. I was able to go to my math class last night and actually take a test. Felt pretty good.
I am scheduled for my Neulasta shot this morning and so far today am feeling good. Only thing I am feeling is mouth is slightly sore. Have been rinsing with Biotene mouthwash, spraying with their mouth spray, and brushing after meals with the Biotene toothpaste.
PEEPS: What did you take for your headache?
I know the line between diarrhea and constipation is a fine one, so how does everyone deal with that one? When do you know that you are going in the wrong direction? Should I be taking something every day or just when I feel one or the other? Also, doctor prescribed Protonix and prescription says to take one every day, but is that really necessary?
Hope that all are well and that each day gets better for all.
Eileen
0 -
HI everyone:
I am feeling better than last week.... been almost two weeks since my treatment. I did wind up in the emergency room with severe kidney pain on both sides of my lower back. Did you know that chemo can cause uric acid build up and form uric acid stones? I thought I was passing a couple of metal looking objects but was just in denial figuring it couldn't be anything. Oddly enough the ER never did a uric acid level. I'm having an ultrasound of the kidney tomorrow. I had a pain shot in the ER and the pain never came back.
I was told to take Multidophilus capsules (Solarey brand in refrigerated department of vitamin store), three times a day. This helps with replacing the flora that is destroyed. I've been doing that and also taking Nexium every day due to an acid stomach diagnosed a couple of weeks before chemo began. I'm also taking Milk Thistle to help with elevated liver enzymes.
I had bouts of diarrhea and constipation however the cramping was there with both..... like an irritable bowel pain. After a week of putting up with it and nothing working, I took 50 mg of Benadryl and it stopped the histamine reaction and I haven't had a problem since. I think I mentioned that before but wanted to throw it in there again for those who may have missed it.
You all have been such a big help... thanks for sharing your experiences.
Katie
0 -
Unique, the hot flashes will die down after a few days as the taxotere begins wearing off. I take an Ativan so I can sleep through them.
Teena, the worst days vary by person. Mine were 4-8, until I got a longer course of steroids. Now my worst are days 6 and 7. Today on day 9 I have a lot more energy. Sorry you had such a bad chemo teach. My onc did mine and she was super. But this list knows more about SEs that my onc or the onc nurses.
Eileen, I found that laxatives such as Senekot pushed me over the edge from constipation to diarrhea, so now I just take a stool softener twice a day. Around days 7-8 I get a touch of diarrhea anyway, for which I take lomotil, (rx, stronger than Immodium).
Katie, sorry to hear you had such a hard time! I hope it goes better this time.
0 -
Hi all,
It is day 7 post treatment #2 for me and I have the most energy today since treatment. Mouth pastiness and metal taste is coming and going. I started spotting today....UGH! It's only been about 2 & 1/2 weeks since my last period. I'm envious Sandra; who ever thought I'd be wishing for menopause! Overall I would rate #2 a little easier than #1. My worse days seem to be between 3 & 5. I did better with the Neulasta shot this time. I started the Alleve plus Ativian twice a day on day 4 until day 6 and I think it really helped. I think I also mentioned that I was really emotional this time. Hormones must be out of whack!
Katie- I have acid reflux and take protonix daily. I had reflux before chemo, but I'm told chemo makes it worse. It must be true because I've had a couple of breakthrough heartburn episodes and have had to take some TUMS. I'v noticed that caffeine, alcohol, and STRESS are triggers for me. I also take a 10mg Claritan every day. My GP had me start this right before chemo as my ears were popping and hurting a little.
Donna & Lili - I have not tried the Acupuncture or reikki but I'm looking into it. My cancer center offers sessions so I'm going to call today about it. One thing I did sign up for was a Yoga class. I have heard that it does wonders for stress, so I'm going to give it a shot. I'll let you know how it goes.
Katie - I did not know about the uric acid build up with your kidneys. Thanks for the info and I'll be on the lookout for "metal looking objects". I'm sorry that happened to you and I'm glad you're feeling better now.
On the constipation/diarrhea topic - My nurse initially told me to take 1 Senekot in the morning and 1 in the evening for the first four days. I'm not doing this though, because I know I'll get diarrhea. My rule and what works for me is that if I go a day without a BM, I take ONE, if I still don't go, then I move up to two. My Onc ultimately told me to do what works for me.
Sorry for the long-winded, here's to smooth sailing ahead for all.......Thanks everyone!
Best,
Sherrie
0 -
I made it to day 6 and it seems a little better than 4 & 5 - the achiness was horrid for me, and now it is at least manageable. I had blood in my urine and stool day 3 - but it seems cleared up now - will be interesting to see how my counts look on day 10. My doc told me usually the 2nd tx will stop your periods and throw you into menopause, but then many people get their normal menustration back 18+ months later - it's not that I want my period, but going through menapause twice seems rude.
I must say the weather is fabulous - it is easy to want to be outside and breathe just little breaths of fresh air. I can't imagine dealing with this during the middle of the winter. Or during the hot, sweaty months - I feel like my armpits already stink 10x what they every did in high school gym.
Teena, thanks for the laugh. I can't count the number of times my family has reprimanded me for not tolerating certain people so well. My teaching nurse was useless - hyper, cheery, and empty. I've never heard a discussion of sexual lubrication with couples 20 yrs my senior, but am hoping to avoid it ever again. She kept saying she usually brings popcorn - like that would have helped.
Have a better day all - today's goal is to go for a good walk...best to all.
Ruth
0 -
Hey, Ruth... thanks for the chuckle. I really did chuckle out loud (COL) with the "going through menapause twice seems rude" comment!!!!!
And man oh man, I hope you feel better soon! 0 -
Annie--My 2nd Tx was the easiest. Hope you find it easier than #1
Teena--Welcome on board. I will add you to the schedule. Hope it goes well for you.
Eileen--Also, welcome on board. (sorry you both have to be here). Will you be getting 4 Txs or 6? I've made note that you started on 9/29. Hope it goes well.
0 -
I had Tx #2 yesterday and all went without a hitch. For my Neulasta shot today I was given 4cc instead of the full 6cc to help with the bone pain I had in Tx#1. I am a smaller person, so that was the reasoning for the lesser amount. Did anyone else get this modification? Did your WBC's still rebound okay?
Thanks,
Meg
0 -
Hi everyone
Thanks for all your messages of support for TC #1 originally scheduled for tomorrow. It makes such a difference.
However, looks like I will be delayed till Oct. 8. The Oncotype DX results are not in yet. I elected to have this test - it is not standard, nor is it covered in Ontario - and having done so my Onco. naturally wants to see the result before moving ahead with her original recommendation of 4 rounds of TC. If I score very high then she will switch me to FEC+T
I am champing at the bit to get things moving here. Hanging around sucks but I trust that this is all going to contribute in the long run to a better outcome. I will stay in touch, and thanks again for the encouragement.
Sue
0 -
Hello everyone
My 2 tx went well today. My labs were good wbc was high and the iron infusion seems to be working for me. My onc said it will take about a month to really see a difference. I never got mouth sores. I use a perio treatment day of tx and at least 4 days after tx. Sometimes my throat would be scratchy and so I have started to gargle with warm salt water. My sinuses started bothering me last treatment and so onc said sudafed was ok to take.As for constipation after my first tx I didn't have a bowel movement for 2 days and I was taking senekot and I also had hemmorids at the time and my cycle started. On top of that I was very fatigue so I was miserable but I didn't get any nausea or vomiting. For my 2 tx I took one senekot today and will for the next few days to make sure things move okay. I also drink a lot of water and they say that walking helps move your bowels. I definitely have the hot flashes and night and day sweats. Got a small fever 1 tx but but nothing serious. I will continue to monitor fever. My onc said I would probably be more fatigued this time plus I'm ending a bad relationship right now and don't need anymore added stress. Need I say more. LOL last tx I think day 6 I had the pain and took loritab. I will keep you posted.good luck ladies and we are conquerors over BC stay positive and in prayer. And I will be getting the rest of my hair shaved today because I'm tired of seeing it on my clothes. Lol .0 -
Hello everyone
My 2 tx went well today. My labs were good wbc was high and the iron infusion seems to be working for me. My onc said it will take about a month to really see a difference. I never got mouth sores. I use a perio treatment day of tx and at least 4 days after tx. Sometimes my throat would be scratchy and so I have started to gargle with warm salt water. My sinuses started bothering me last treatment and so onc said sudafed was ok to take.As for constipation after my first tx I didn't have a bowel movement for 2 days and I was taking senekot and I also had hemmorids at the time and my cycle started. On top of that I was very fatigue so I was miserable but I didn't get any nausea or vomiting. For my 2 tx I took one senekot today and will for the next few days to make sure things move okay. I also drink a lot of water and they say that walking helps move your bowels. I definitely have the hot flashes and night and day sweats. Got a small fever 1 tx but but nothing serious. I will continue to monitor fever. My onc said I would probably be more fatigued this time plus I'm ending a bad relationship right now and don't need anymore added stress. Need I say more. LOL last tx I think day 6 I had the pain and took loritab. I will keep you posted.good luck ladies and we are conquerors over BC stay positive and in prayer. And I will be getting the rest of my hair shaved today because I'm tired of seeing it on my clothes. Lol .0 -
Hi Sandra,
I will get 4 TX.
Had my Neulasta shot today and so far am feeling well.
My husband and 2 sons have been so supportive and attentive. Thank God for them!
Eileen
0 -
Lani,
OK, will monitor.
Eileen
0 -
Hi gals ~
Having a wierd SE, maybe one of you have experienced it? Muscle or bone pain and throbbing in my hips and thighs. My onco thinks maybe I'm a little dehydrated, so I'm working on the fluids there. I had one 24 oz bottle this morning but then fell asleep so I am behind there. If it improves in an hour or two I'll forget it. It's similar to that 10-minute throbbing in the stomach I got during Tax infusion. Not excruitiating or anything, but very disturbing. May take Tyenol or Ibuprofen after a bit if I can feel like it's a SE and not my entire lower half falling apart. Anyone else had it? Sitting, lying down, walking (feel like I gotta hold onto something, but not falling over yet), nothing helps. Shower helped a little.
0 -
Ladyleen4:
I alternated Vicodin and Motrin for the headache. I have fibromyalgia and expected the bone pain but never got it so my oncologist gave me those two drugs. I am very careful not to take them unless needed as I also had gastric reflux before chemo and the Motrin can upset the stomach and the Vicodin can be habit forming but the headache was so major, I almost felt like I was going to have a seizure.
I took sennecot and colace but still ended up in the ER with constipation. They said to take milk of magnesia so next time I'll be ready with that.
Peeps
0 -
I am bumping this to the top for a very nice lady who had her first TC yesterday, who I've been pushing to read these boards....
0 -
Hi, Annie.. What you're describing sounds like the Neulasta kicking in. I know, that deep throbbing definitely gets your attention, doesn't it?!! A Claritin or Xtra Strength Tylenol should nip it. I suspect you'll feel it in other large bone parts of your body over the next few days as well -- the chest (a nurse in my onc's office forewarned me to expect it, and that it's not heart pain) and lower legs. The lower hips is the first place it hit me, with waves of deep throbbing. It also got noticeably better (less) w/each tx. The Taxotere can also cause bone pain, but the throbbing rings true for Neulasta pain. Deanna0
-
DLB,
Oh, thank you for putting the wierd thing into the realm of something understandable! I did take Xtra Strength Tylenol, got a hot herb pack, took an Ativan, and it's better now, almost gone. It is just soooo wierd! "Waves of deep throbbing" yeah that's it! I am on Day 6 of the 1st Tx so I guess it makes sense. Sigh. Why Claritin? Why does that help? I'm also hearing take a Benedryl for sleeplessness and that makes sense but how can an antihistamine help with the Neulasta pain? I'm just curious if you know, it really doesn't matter if it works!!!
0 -
Annie... I had the same question. I don't know how Claritin works on Neulasta pain, and I haven't been able to figure it out from what I've read about Loradatine, its primary ingredient, But I had seen it mentioned so many times on these discussion boards, that I asked my onc nurses about it, and they quickly agreed it works! Maybe Otter or someone else can explain the biology of it to us... Deanna
0
