Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Unique! Congratulations!! "thick carpet"... I like the sound of that!!!!! Woohoo.... radiation will be a breeze (I did 33 tx last year). Enjoy your normal self!!!
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Unique - good for you and your new hair!!
Snowbird - I am 3 weeks into my buzz cut and just remember to keep your scalp moisturized and soft. I have my 3rd TC this Friday. Experiencing some strange joint pains lately but that could just be normal and not an SE. Hard to tell with being so tired and still trying to get things done. When is your next treatment? Good luck.
hugs,
Bobbi
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Snowbird,
I will be glad to help in anyway I can, and I may be able to really help you since we are "almost" neighbors. I live in Estero. My oncologisit is Mark Rubin who is part of Florida Cancer Specialists, and I see him in the Bonita Springs office.
After my second tx of TC my hands started to get a puplish red in raised areas, like my knuckles and the heels of my palms. Shorthly after that my hands started peeeling very badly. It is usually called hand/foot syndrome, but Rubin referred to it as glove syndrome.
Apparently he had a very severe case before me and the woman's hands ulcerated and it took months for her to heel. He really did not want to go down that path with me, taking that chance, since my chemo was questionable from the get go with an oncotype score of 17. Only decided to go the chemo route when a separate cancer was discovered in the same breast, two months after the first dx.
Early on I had gone for a second opinion of my case at Moffitt and that oncologist has become invaluable to my case. He and Rubin have consulted a couple of times. This time, they determined that the taxotere was the culprit and we would stop using that. At this point I had two txs of TC given 21 days apart. They decided to switch me to a cousin of taxotere, called TAXOL. They were able to give me that in a lower dosage, but I had to have it weekly for 6 treatments. My hands began to heal immediately and were completely clear in two or three weeks. I do not recall having itching, so this may not be the same.
As I said, we live near each other, so if you want to contact me at 947-2994, that would be great.
By the way, as far as the hair, I continued to shampoo my bald head (used baby shampoo) and I used conditioner. My scalp has not given me any problems, and of course I anxiously await some hair growth.
For all other skin irritations I used udder cream which I think is fantastic. It is greaseless and makes you feel great. I will probably use that in radiation also. It saved my hands, and my feet, which also peeled a little.
When I got the two tx of TC I did get a neulasta shot the day after treatment (it was not necessary with taxol) and I found if I took Ibuprofen I did not ache much at all. Onc said no problem taking it.
Hope all goes well, and if I can be of help, just holler................................or phone.
I am glad I checked in on this thread and saw your post.
Caren
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My last chemo was Dec. 30th. So it's only been almost 2 weeks...I wish my hair would start coming back...so far I still have the sparse strands with scalp shining thru...guess I need to go visit the "hair growing back" (not sure of the exact name) topic for that time line I saw when I first logged into this discussion site. I too was very, very tired and have ordered me a yoga mat to start doing yoga along with the t.v. Also need to get on the treadmill and start walking. What is keeping me from this is the numb toes. What an awful thing!! Anyone know how long the numb toes hang around for? Maybe walking on the treadmill will help. I will let you all know! I go for my first rad appointment this coming Wed. and can't wait to get started. I hear it's a piece of cake compared to chemo...is this true?
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Sewbutton, I found the thing that helped with numb fingers and toes (peripheral neuropathy) was L-Glutamine -- 500mg taken before bedtime.
Others on this board have also recommended Vitamin B6.
I'm sure either one will help you. Good luck!
Linda
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thegoodfight: how cool to find someone so close! THANK YOU for your reply, info and invitation to connect! Our diagnoses are quite similar too! I'm seeing Frank Rodtriguez in the Broadway office. Bonita would be closer, but since my elderly inlaws are close to the Broadway office we decided to stay there so my husband can visit with them whenever I'm being "dripped"... The other frequent trips for WBC checks, etc., also gives us much opportunity to check in on them, so it's not too bad. I'm sure the other locations are much nicer, though!
I'm also getting the neulasta booster and ached for several days, but "FR the onc" assured me that it would get easier with each treatment, so that must mean I've already been through the worst. If so, I can make it through the others.
This "hair thing" though is quite an experience.We're so very lucky, though, that we can (and did) just put the top down on the convertible and hit the highway to let it fly! I still have quite a bit left, and wonder how long it will take for it to all fall out. I bought a terry turban at Sally Beauty Supply today and will sleep in that tonight to keep the 'fallage" contained. Bought at nice hat at Fleamasters today too, but have not had much luck finding nice scarves anywhere.
I'll connect with you soon and maybe you can advise? Thanks again for reaching out. Is there a best/worst time to connect with you?? Cheers! Gayle.
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Hi Annie!
Glad to hear from you, and especially glad to hear you are finally starting to feel like your old self. In my humble opinion, you had a REALLY lousy time of it, and yet you withstood it all with patience and grace. Let's hope 2009 brings good things your way.
I am feeling good, but still frustrated with the hair growth thing. We are leaving on a ski trip tomorrow though, and I decided to NOT bring wigs or scarves or whatever. Everyone's hair is a mess skiing anyway. I doubt anyone will notice.. Good luck with the radiation. Please keep in touch--I don't log on as often as I used to, but still like to keep up with the many great women I met and care about.
Regards,
Sandra
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Snowbird,
So good to hear back from you. I figured you were at FL Cancer Specialists also. I went to the Broadway office once for a catscan at their mobile in the lot there. I really liked the crew at Bonita, but I understand your choice and the proximity to the inlaws. I am actually about halfway between those two offices.
I found some really nice scarves (already tied, but very versatile) on a site called 4women.com
The scarves are actually very pretty and comfy, because they are cotton lined. The fact that they are pre-tied makes it easy to just slip them on. They are a little pricey (I think $50) but I have three in colors to compliment my wardrobe and I love them. Sometimes I top them with a cute hat and it is a "total look".
I usually try to walk in the mornings, but please call any time. If I am not here, leave a message and I will get back to you. This week is exceptionally busy with doctors appts., mostly Tuesday and Wednesday.
I too am so grateful to be going through treatment in this glorious climate. It is so nice to be out every day, and to always have beautiful scenery and flora to enjoy. I am originally from the Northeast, and they are having a particularly bad, cold, snowy, icy winter this year. I am here over five years full time and all I miss are the kids and our first grandbaby born last May. But the webcam and many visits has kept me whole.
Looking forward to talking to you.........................Caren
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babyc --I hope your treatment tomorrow goes smoothly. Side effects are different for everyone, but here's what has happened with me so far....
I've had 2 TC treatments, December 17th and January 7th. Side effects after #1 were mostly fatigue, headache, sore mouth (no mouth sores), low grade temperature for a couple of days, mild nausea a few times and bone pain between day 5 and 9 from the Neulasta injection. I felt pretty good after day 9. This time I had more a lot more nausea on day 1-3 and Compazine took care of that. Fatigue set in right away, but is better today, day 5. Bone pain is mild and no other side effects so far.
When you have a chance, please let us know how your treatment goes tomorrow.
unique -- I'm so happy you are feeling like your normal self AND getting new hair, too! My head is like a cue ball, but it's not so bad. I enjoy wearing hats and scarves, but don't like wearing a wig because it isn't very comfortable. The extra time that used to be spent fixing my hair is a nice bonus, too.
Bonnie
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bobcat, so sorry I blew by this... it must be all the hair flying into my eyes! Really yucky! I really MUST get that buzz thing. Thanks for the advice on moisturizing. I'll heed. My next treatment is next Monday, after which I'll be half-way through! Good luck to you this Friday too. The aches are pretty uncomfortable and annoying, for sure. I hope you can get some relief from just over-the-counter stuff. Keep in touch! Gayle.1
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Hello everyone, first time posting on this thread. I have a hair question, I still have stubble after my tx#2, is this going to fall out or do I get to keep it? I'd love to join the Bald is Beautiful club and do go without a hat at home, but my head gets cold and I also have premature gray hair, so I'm not very attractive at this point. I really miss my hairstylist and all of her bottles of color!
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Hi CindaD -
DId you get a buzz cut or just let is fall out? Anyway, if you use a scrubby or washcloth on your head in the shower the rest of the stubble will come out little by little if you rub at it gently. I too am salt and pepper but the only thing on my head is some very wispy white hairs - may 1/8 inch long that I don't think anyone can really see. I go bald at home, wear hats to go out as it's cold here in PA(I love in Easton) but do the bald thing in public mostly as my scalp is sensitive. Just remember to keep your head moisturized! This is really important and use sunscreen if your in the sun at all or go tanning. Hope this helps. Good luck,
Bobbi
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Hey Folks, I joined the club---sat from 8:30 to 2:00+ in the chair. All went smoothly until the Cytoxan started dripping. I immediately had strong pain in my hip bones, both sides with later some involvemnt of pelvic area and circling around the back. Doctor and nurse had never seen such as reaction with Cytoxan. After having me stand for awhile and them discussing whether it could be my "nerves" and mentioning adding adav??-something, we continued but at a slower rate of drip. Up until this time, I had fought the effects of benedryl so just gave into it. Once arriving home, I've been very tired and haven't done much except drink water and swish stuff in my mouth. I go for neulasta shot tomorrow. I'm on Claratin and plan to take a tylenol prior to shot. If any one has experienced the hip+ pain let me know and what was the cause according to your doctor. One other question-- I've noticed once the hair is gone on this topic site, many have stat ed the need for a moisterizer. Any suggestions as to what kind? What's best for health of the head and our psyche? close buzz cut and fall out naturally OR cut and have it shaven????????? (I'm past vanity on this; just want it to be as quick and no-complications as possible.) Thank all of you in advance for you're willingness to share.
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bobcat- You sound like me,wispy white (a few brown) 1/8 inch hairs. BTW...my DH is from Easton.
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CindaD, It's hard to say what will happen for sure. I always had some stubble, it never all fell out and I was never "shiny bald". Now, nearly 2 months after my last treatment, it's growing quite a bit and getting some (gray) color to it. I also never lost the hair on my arms and so far so good with the eyelashes and brows.
Chris
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Hi everyone,
I go for my 2nd chemo today (T/C, 4-6 cycles). I took the steroids yesterday, woke up to pee at 1:30am and never went back to sleep. ugh. I'll let the benadryl carry me away at chemo and just SLEEP!
I had my hair cut into a pixie last week and didn't shave it as I didn't want my scalp to get nicked. but, its a MESS having hair fall out everywhere. Do most of you shave it all off?
also, a few of you mentioned keeping the scalp moisturized. what do you use? any recommendations? for now, i'm just using a dab of shampoo and a dab of hair conditioner. should i use lotion?
thanks so much!
Lisa (I also post on the jan '09 chemo thread)0 -
Thanks Ladies! I guess I will have to wait and see what happens with my hair, we actually buzzed it about 1/4" and I swear it grew since that time! My nails have also grown and are as strong as ever. I hope the chemo is kicking the sh*t out of my cancer!
Cinda
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I always wore my hair very short so when it started to fall out in handfulls I went and had it buzzed. As for moisturizer - nelson's calendula lotion is wonderful and you can get it at a healthfood store or online at like drugstore.com. It doesn't contain any alcohol which can be drying to your scalp. And the scalp is really sensitive when it first starts to come out or at least mine was. Hope this helps.
Bobbi
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oh - good luck today lisa! I go for #3 on Friday.
Bobbi
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thanks, Bobbi, for the lotion reco! and for the good wishes for today!
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I'm new to this forum. I'm not quite 7 weeks post-TRAM and had my first taxotere/cytoxan tx/drip last friday. Still feeling spacey and light-headed. When does the TC get out of the body? - a week? Three? In other words, how long does a patient feel the efffects after each treatment?
Any advise/wisdom is appreciated.
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Hi, Snowbird ~ This Board has been my home for the last six months I guess so I'll stick here for awhile! Might as well feel like an expert, he he! My hair odyssey: 2 weeks after first tx, head started to itch, then I lost some all over. By 3rd tx, I'd thinned out so much that you could see head and I was wearing my hats (had fun with the hats!) Each tx. I lost a little more, and even after I was done, I lost some more! In fact, as I've been getting little stubble, the original hair was still falling out. Eyebrows fell out partially, but then recouped.
I think everyone's mileage varies -
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P.S.: I didn't shave it, mostly because it was just thinning all over, and I wore a hat as much to keep the shedding in as to keep the baldness hidden!!!
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Thank you Linda! :c)
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Renrel, you will definitely learn a lot about yourself and human nature through this experience, so it isn't all bad.
sewbutton, the tingling will go away eventually, at least it has for the people who posted on this thread (and for me). The more tingling and numbness you have during treatment, the longer it takes to go away after you finish.
kiddo, you will feel better around 10-14 days after treatment and you get to have a good week before starting again. After you pass the halfway point, it doesn't seem so bad. That's when you know you can do it.
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Has anyone developed restless leg syndrome while on TC? I think that is what has happened to me, but don't know whether it's the chemo or just a co-incidence. My second treatment was last week and this started between the first and second treatments. It seems to be getting worse -- as soon as I lay down at night my legs start to ache and hurt and I moan and groan until finally getting up for a pain pill after an hour or so. This happens a couple of times every night. Anybody else in the same boat?
Bonnie
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Bonnie ~ I'm 12 weeks post my last TC tx, and in the same boat. Actually, I'm kind of relieved to hear that you are experiencing something so similar, although I wouldn't wish the pain on anyone. Mine has been so bad, and only in my right leg, my rad onc finally scheduled me for an MRI tomorrow (which is a bit scary), to see if we can figure out what's going on. Like you, it starts when I lie down at night, or if I elevate my leg on an ottoman, but not when I'm walking or sitting. And, like you, it awakens me during the night. I'm normally a side sleeper, but have to lie on my back with my leg elevated on a pillow to get any relief. I feel strongly it's from the Taxotere, but neither of my 2 oncs will acknowledge it as a lingering chemo SE, although I have found a few women on this site and multiple on-line refererences to similar leg pain after chemo. Deanna
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Bonnie and Deanna; There is a website: www.restlesslegs.com that describes the syndrome. Bear in mind that the website is a production of SmithKline, which makes a drug called Requip, which is supposed to provide relief of symptoms.
I've had periods of RLS all my life, but never so much as following Taxotere. My onc did tell me that Tax can aggravate the problem and did suggest Requip as an Rx, but so far I've managed without.
However, pain isn't usually involved with RLS, so I'm not sure that this is what you are suffering from. But, no doubt, your symptoms are a s/e of taxotere and will surely disappear in time.
Good luck to you both.
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Deanna -- sorry you are having leg pain following chemo. The other side effects are bad enough! Mine isn't really painful as much as it is achy/uncomfortable and makes me need to keep moving my legs after I go to bed. It also makes it impossible to go to sleep.
Linda -- thank you for the link -- I'm going to check it out and decide whether or not to call the onc tomorrow.
Bonnie
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Bonnie, Deanna & lindasa: Just wanted to mention that I had RLS a few years ago and learned from one of my doctors that it can be a symptom of anemia - which I have had a long time problem with. Anyway, when that anemia episode got straightened out, the RLS problem went away. Unfortunately, I don't recall what I was prescribed for the RLS, but I do know it wasn't Requip.
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