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Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?

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Comments

  • jenn46
    jenn46 Member Posts: 9
    edited October 2008

    Thanks TNT!  I had terrible acid burn the 1st 2 days from the decadron, and am on prilosec for reflux anyway but didn't help.  Tums was the only thing that helped and luckily I haven't had any today.  I asked my onco about the aleve and he said I couldn't take it because I am on blood thinners - he said I could only take tylenol and if that doesn't work vicoden, but so far it hasn't been that bad.  I will try the claritin the next time, thanks!!  I did have a little bit of diarrhea today but have been pushing the water.  Thanks so much for the helpful hints!  We will get through this!

    Jen

  • yorkster
    yorkster Member Posts: 5
    edited October 2008

    I finished 4 rounds of Taxotere and Cytoxan January 2007. 

    I have always thought of myself as being strong so I wanted to go by myself for my treatments but my mother insistence on going with me.  I finished my 1st treatment no problem then went shopping that evening, about the 3rd day I felt flu like symptoms. I would feel bad for about 5 days. 

    My 2nd treatment I got a scare, in the first 15 minutes I started having problems breathing and I told my mom to get the nurse.  They stopped the iv for 15 minutes and then started it up slower and I was OK.  The 3rd and 4th treatment went OK.  It seem like with every treatment, I would get different symptoms as soon as I would get prepared for the symptoms I had for the 1st treatment, they would be different for the 2nd, 3rd and finally the 4th. I would read this website to see what all the symptoms were and try to be ready for them which really helped.  The not knowing can really freak you out. I have had all the symptoms at different time. Flu, constipation, running, no taste for anything, chalk mouth, tired but can't sleep. The one I had the hardest time with was the anxiety from the steroids and that only lasted a couple of days.

    I didn't have to have a shot, my white cells were low after my last treatment.

    When you look at all the symptoms they are all manageable and temporary.

  • tbird57
    tbird57 Member Posts: 50
    edited October 2008

    I keep a HUGE bottle of TUMS in my "chemo" bag, which also has sugar free lemon drops, peppermint sugar free gum, lotion, nail file, a notepad/pens, book(s), an extra pair of underwear (ya never know!), nausea meds, pain meds, cheese and peanut butter crackers, water, and (soon) a headscarf or two.  On chemo day, I add a portable DVD player and/or MP3 player (at least I did on #1 but I had a lot of stuff.  My dh had to put some of it back in the car. Plus he had his laptop. Laughing) 

    I was wondering if #'s 2, 3 and 4 will be different from #1...what is everyone else's experience?  Is tx#1 indicative of the remainder, or do you keep getting "new" surprises?

    Best to all,

    Teena

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

    Hi, Teena ~  I'll take a stab at your question re. how subsequent treatments differed, at least for me.  My 4 tx's were similiar in that the worst SE days (flu-like aches, exhaustion, nausea) came on around the same time (day 2 or 3), and lasted for about the same length of time -- basically through the weekend after a Wed. tx.  But, with tx #1, after the SE days, I felt progressively better, and by week 3 was feeling pretty normal.  Tx #2 hit me much harder.  I never regained energy and was incredibly exhausted (my limbs literally felt like lead) the entire 3 weeks.  Tx #3 (thank God) was much easier.  I felt remarkably energized after those first few rough days -- more like my energy level pre bc dx.  #4 (which I just had last Wed.) so far seems much like #3, although I'm just starting to come out of that yucky flu-like state.     

    I do think it's important to pay attention to your SE's (a written log is good) to see if you can link them to any of the additional meds, which can possibly be changed if you suspect you're reacting badly to a particular one.  The one thing I did differently after #1, was lay off the Compazine, which I suspected made me feel zombie like.  Then for #3 and #4, I cut back on the Zofran as well  -- just delayed taking it until I had to.  I've had more nausea than I did with tx #1, but prefer it to feeling totally out of it.    

    Good luck with #2.  You've obviously doing well with it if you can continue to work, as you have.

    Deanna

  • peeps1111
    peeps1111 Member Posts: 70
    edited October 2008

    Hi TNT:

    I had my 2nd TC on Thursday and have the horrible headached on today, day 3, same as the first TC.  My onc also scheduled an appt. for me with her on day 7 which was the day I landed in the ER from abdominal pain last time.  I asked her if TC 2 would be worse as some here seem to have had a worse time with no. 2 but she just shrugged and said now you know what to expect.  So she seems to think that it will go the same I guess.

    Peeps

  • mrschilicook
    mrschilicook Member Posts: 7
    edited October 2008

    I begin this T/C regime in three weeks.  I'm trying to educate myself and this seemed like a good place to start.  Scary though.  Are you going thru this with someone by your side?  I have friends that have offered to come and stay with me, but now I'm a bit concerned if they know what they are getting into.  Try to stay strong.  By the end of the year it will be over and you will be on the path to healing and repair.

  • unique
    unique Member Posts: 209
    edited October 2008

    Hi Mrs. Chilicook!

    It's scary because it's an unknown I think. I am between Tx's 1 & 2 and feel somewhat confident about Tx. 2 because I feel the secret is drinking MUCHO WATER. But prolly this is only one bit of the equation. I will still feel like a horrible flu on Days 4-6, then better I hope like I have this round. I have had I would say one week feeling icky, a second feeling okay, and a third feeling like my old self. Although I am shedding like a puppy in Spring, all over the house. Really, there is short hair everywhere. I cut it about an inch all over, a very cute pixie, and now it is a very cute and thin pixie, but sort of still there. No wig yet, maybe remake the appointment with ACS or the wig place. Went canvassing for my candidate today with my Mom, very satisfied I felt good and could do that.

    So try not to worry, altho it is scary, be sure to do nice things for yourself always, okay?

    I have my son, 10, at home with me, so I know if I have a problem he can call family or friends for help. I didn't feel like I needed someone right here, but why not have a friend come visit every day and bring food and comfort items like popsicles, etc.? 

  • ilovemykids
    ilovemykids Member Posts: 43
    edited October 2008

    Hi Everyone,

    I am starting my TC on Tuesday.  I feel good.  Can you guys tell me about the Claritin?  I bought it today, but I do not know when I should start taking it!  Please let me know, why and when.

    Love, Elizabeth

  • peeps1111
    peeps1111 Member Posts: 70
    edited October 2008

    Hi ilovemykids...

    I take my Claritin as soon as I get in the car after the Neulasta shot.  For the first one, I didn't know how many days to take it but I read here somewhere today that it is for 4 days after the shot. 

     Peeps

  • samiam
    samiam Member Posts: 39
    edited October 2008

    For those of you who take Claritan to help with Neulasta ... which one?  I bought non-drowsey Zyrtec because one of my nurses recommend that.  I shopped for Claritan and saw so many different choices.  Which specific one do you take?

     Thanks!

  • tbird57
    tbird57 Member Posts: 50
    edited October 2008

    samiam, I was told it HAD to be Claritin 24 hour, and to take it with an Aleve.

  • tbird57
    tbird57 Member Posts: 50
    edited October 2008

    Peeps and Deanna, thanks for the feedback...it's amazing how differently everyone reacts to this, the sequence of SEs, etc. 

    Annie, someone suggested a hairnet to me at night to help with cleaning up hair...my husband is always trying to get me to wear a hairnet when I cook (I put it in an ponytail, isn't that good enough?) so now I can just leave it on all the time to catch my falling hair if/when it starts...lol

    Elizabeth, I started Claritin/Aleve on the day of the Neulasta shot, and took it for 3 or maybe 4 days.  It's supposed to prevent the bone pain that some get from it; I had no bad effects from the shot at all that I could discern so I guess it worked.  

    mrschilicook, I told my husband he didn't have to come with me for the chemo but he wouldn't hear of it, and I was glad he was there even though it was very uneventful and lasted 5-1/2 hours.  He was happy to get me things to drink or eat, and watch movies with me and talk to the other people around.  About half of the 20 people getting chemo while I was had someone with them.  My main complaint is that they don't make it comfortable for companions at all!  My poor husband (and all the other companions) had to sit on a rolling stool for all those hours since the other reclining chairs were constantly full of chemo patients.  It would be really nice if they had space for our loved ones. 

  • Katie2u
    Katie2u Member Posts: 43
    edited October 2008

    HI Everyone:

       I had my second Taxotere/Cytotoxan treatment last Wednesday the 8th.   This time the two were ran in slower with an additional bolus of IV fluids.   I started taking Benadryl 25 mg every 6 hours around the clock and tapered off the Dexadron for an additional 2 days.  I've been feeling fairly good.  I feel like I have "flu" type symptoms this entire weekend (days 3&4) but can't complain.  I am having minimal bone pain in my wrists and legs from the Neulasta so far.  Not sure if that will worsen as the week progresses.  Hopefully the last two treatments will go as well.

  • Nannie96
    Nannie96 Member Posts: 21
    edited October 2008

    Katie,

    I had tx 2 on Friday....have been to get neupogen shots this weekend....felt really good Sat, but today, slowing down....I have to get shots every day this week.  Tell me about the benadryl every day...whta is that for?   Last time I ended up in hosp after day 5 for a week....so  hopefully this will be better with the shots.....glad you are doing okay......Nannie

  • unique
    unique Member Posts: 209
    edited October 2008

    Hi gals ~

    I go for #2 on Thursday.

    Made a list of things that helped me during #1, saved it and here it is, for all you are starting soon. Feel free to add to the list, I'm always interested in new things that help! And I'm sure you all are too!

    1. HUGE amounts of water. Helps to flush all the poisons out. I have felt like I am coming down with something a couple times and even had a 99 degree fever two evenings but it was gone by morning. My onc said 48 oz a day but I am doing twice that now.

    2. Keep them bowels moving, and be ready for either constipation or diarrhea. I had constipation the first week, but no stoppage, just a feeling of pressure and then had to huff and puff a little. Out came marbles, which is not my usual! Today I had some loose ones. Coffee with caffeine is good to start the bowels in the morning, if it doesn't disturb your stomach. Miralax is good too. 

    2. Yoghurt with live cultures and cranberry juice to ward off yeast infections and bladder infections. I felt like one of either might be coming on over the last couple days but things seem fine today.

    3. Lots of salt water and/or baking soda gargling. I also do a nose rinse with warm salt water most mornings to clear out my post nasal drip. This also helps with scratchy/sore throat and that fuzzy tongue thing.

    4. All fruit popsicles like Edy's or Tropicana to add fluids, counteract that chemical taste in the mouth. Lots of fruit juice, soup broth, aromatic teas (Throat Coat by Yogi Tea feels oh so good going down, it has licorice in it which soothes the throat, but if you have high blood pressure don't do because of the licorice).

    5. Hot sweats or chills plus that feverish feeling - either a cold pack from the freezer OR a hot herb pack which is squirted with a little water and then heated up for two minutes in the microwave. Get a child or loved one to get these for you and reheat. They last about 45 minutes. I have lots of these latter due to my history with sinus headaches and migraines. They do a charm with muscle aches, just zap a few and take them to bed with you and the warmth is just so soothing. I have lived with my son's little terry Piggy ice pack when cold seems to be what I need, I feel like I'm burning up or something. Pack of peas does the same. 

  • Diane1214
    Diane1214 Member Posts: 23
    edited October 2008

    Hi Peeps,

    We're on the same schedule - I had tx 2 on Thursday as well. I'm feeling all around yucky since Friday night, but better than last time when I had horrible headaches, joint pain, constipation and eventually dehydration and infection. I talked to my onc nurse about my headaches because they were so severe last time and we decided not to take Zofran as she said it can cause bad headaches. And with all the SEs I had, nausea wasn't the worst one. Wanted to pass that along in case Zofran is in your mix of meds. My headache this time is tolerable. And I am drinking as much water as I can possibly handle. My oncs also reduced my chemo dose by 20% this time and the Neulasta dose by half. I'm sure that's playing a big role in feeling a bit better this time.

    Here's to continuing to feel better to all.

     Diane

  • peeps1111
    peeps1111 Member Posts: 70
    edited October 2008

    Dianne;

    Haven't even started the Zophran yet because the dr. told me the anti-nausea in the IV would last 4 days.  This is day 5 and after my experience this morning, (I posted in the Oct. group), I wonder if anyone has any dignity left after these treatments.

    I have done everything in my power to ward off constipation and the SE's, drank tons of water, ate fibrous foods, on sennecot, colace and milk of magnesia, eat yogurt every day to ward off the UTI's, either walked or swam or both almost every day to keep everything moving, did the mouth rinse with Biotene, etc., very discouraged today.

    Peeps

  • unique
    unique Member Posts: 209
    edited October 2008

    Gals ~

    The hair has decided to go, but not without torturing me first! I really, really don't want to shave it, that just doesn't feel right to me, but I know now why you gals do it, it's itchy and there's hair floating everywhere, down your shirt, on your pillow, on the bathroom floor, in the shower drain. If you wear a hat the hair prickles inside until you take the hat off and then the hair is not only sparse but glued to the head. Shake out the hat ~ holy hair! What a disaster!

    Quote of the week: "I am my own dog" 

  • unique
    unique Member Posts: 209
    edited October 2008

    Peeps ~

    I am so sorry you're feeling so miserable. I'll have to go over to Oct. and see what happened!!! I was also very down on Day 5 because I had the galloping bone cramps, or whatever the heck they were, and they kept me up all night, well I woke up every 4 hours and took Tylenol, so I did get some sleep until it would wear off and wake me up again. But Day 6 was MUCH MUCH MUCH better - other than feeling tired I felt nearly normal. May it be so for you!!! 

  • unique
    unique Member Posts: 209
    edited October 2008

    Peeps ~

    Where is the Oct. group?

  • lanihardage
    lanihardage Member Posts: 92
    edited October 2008

    Annie, I love your dog joke. Peeps, I hope you turn a corner and feel much, much better. It sure is depressing to feel bad. I hope for mild SEs for everyone. --Lani

  • peeps1111
    peeps1111 Member Posts: 70
    edited October 2008

    Unique:

    It's under the heading of "Before, During and After Chemotherapy".  I think it's called, "Anyone starting in Oct.".  Feeling better tonight, just the metal mouth which is easy to take compared to this morning's humiliation.  Does anyone have any dignity left after treatment?  Between hair loss and ass explosions, I just don't know!

    Peeps

  • tbird57
    tbird57 Member Posts: 50
    edited October 2008

    Annie,

    I love your sense of humor.  And the tips are great; thanks.  Good luck on Thursday.

    I hope everyone who is having unpleasant side effects recovers quickly and gets to a better place. 

    Peeps, the day before tx and for a week after, I drink a capful of Miralax in Crystal light or juice every evening and that keeps things going smoothly; it seems to be gentle, too.  I had diarrhea for 2 days and took 1 day of Immodium which fixed it, but I didn't drink enough water and got bad leg cramps at night for 2 days.  I drank a bunch of water and fixed that.

    Prayers and best wishes for all,

    Teena

  • Katie2u
    Katie2u Member Posts: 43
    edited October 2008

    HI Nannie:

    I took the Benadryl 25 mg by mouth every 6 hours to lessen the histamine effect which was causing my irritable bowel syndrome and rash on my chest and forehead.  So far, no rash and no IBS.   I'm tapering down to every 8-12 hours since tomorrow I will be a week out.   Hang in there.  You should feel better in a couple of days.   Has anyone had any heart palpitations or feeling your heart beating fast at times and through your chest?   I thought it was from the Decadron but that finished a few days ago. 

    Katie2u

  • sherrie1964
    sherrie1964 Member Posts: 37
    edited October 2008

    Katie -

    Glad to hear your second treatment went better.  I have experienced the palpitations.  I mostly get them when going up the stairs, but also at other times as well.  I am slighty anemic and I'm not sure if that is what is causing them. 

    I have the period from HeXX right now and am taking extra iron to try and keep the anemia in check.  My 3rd treatment is tomorrow and I may have to go in the hospital next week for a D&C if the bleeding does not stop.  I was in my Gyn's office crying yesterday - as if the chemo isn't enough to deal with right now......  Peeps - I too felt completely without dignity yesterday.

    Keep the jokes coming.  Laughing is supposed to be therapeutic right?  Annie - I like the dog joke too; I often refer to my wig as a Chia Pet.

    Anyway - Is anyone else on the schedule for this week?

    Feel better everyone,

    Sherrie 

  • Karenp62
    Karenp62 Member Posts: 68
    edited October 2008

    Hi Katie - I am also on schedule this week. Friday will be my 3rd treatment. I am having a real good week so I am dreading next week. Sore mouth, headache, heartburn fatique.

    My last period was right on time and fairly normal. Hoping the next one will be the same.

    Prayers to everyone going through chemo this week.

    Karen

  • Diane1214
    Diane1214 Member Posts: 23
    edited October 2008

    Hi Peeps,

    Glad you're feeling a bit better. It is tough keeping your sense of dignity during these times. My last time I was on the floor in the bathroom screaming from gas pains, and my mother stopped by to visit. My husband was carrying on a loud conversation with her so that she wouldn't hear me so much!  I find it helpful to review all the meds with my oncology nurse to tweak for next time - maybe they can find a bit of a better balance for you - I hope. I'm impressed that you kept up walking and swimming. The best I could do these past 5 days is a 30 minute walk each day- I was just feeling so lousy. Today, Day 6 I have some energy finally and am very relieved.

    Have a good day all-

    Diane

  • unique
    unique Member Posts: 209
    edited October 2008

    Peeps ~ I have had irritable bowel in the sense that I've exploded in public places, very humiliating, you are so right. I always take underwear with me just in case. I have had it ever since I lived in New York and just held it in, guess I messed something up there.

    Katie ~ Someone on here (Lani?) wrote that chest palpitations can be from the Neulasta.

    Teena ~ I think the Miralax is great too! And I had leg cramps - actually pelvis and thigh cramps, like pounding in there. Water and Tylenol fixed it. I can't say enough, DRINK DRINK DRINK. Get a water bottle like for biking and just keep it by your side and sip constantly. I went to Yom Kippur service where you're supposed to fast (but not if you're sick!!!) and hid my water bottle in my bag with just the straw sticking out. You just can't drink enough out of a glass, you'll feel bloated. But the constant hydration really works.

    Sherrie ~ I go for #2 on Thursday!!! Tomorrow I get my bloods done, but I feel fine, so I feel confident.

    Everyone ~ the hair is at an odd in-between stage. Very thin and wispy, but still there. What did you all do about your hair?!?!? at this stage. Here it is, fixed my avatar so you can see where I'm at with the hair.

  • Tonda
    Tonda Member Posts: 12
    edited October 2008

    I am having a rough day, I finished my 5th TC treatment last Wednesday and I just want this over with Yell  My 4th treatment was horrible, my blood count dropped very low and I had flu like sypmtoms for over a week (I don't take Nulasta because it gives me migraines)  I thought I had it whipped this time but the doc just called me at work and told me to go home, start an antibiotic again that my blood count is way low again.  I have tried to work the entire time I have had chemo but I am an elementary school librarian and now can't be around kids when this happens.  This too shall pass but after 6 months of dealing with the diagnosis, surgery and chemo, knowing that I start radiation in a few weeks it is wearing on me. 

     I don't like telling my family and friends how I feel because I don't want to get them down, but being PollyAnna all the friggin time is getting on my nerves. Tongue out

     I hate venting and complaining but I thought if anyone understood it would be you guys.  Thanks for allowing me this vent.

    Tonda

  • lanihardage
    lanihardage Member Posts: 92
    edited October 2008

    Annie, great picture!

    Tonda, I felt that way. It's hard to believe it will all be over some day when you're in the middle of it. It's OK to vent here!

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