Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Sue... Hope all is okay. Keep us updated.
Okay... as long as we're mentioning pet peeves... I really hate it when someone asks how I am... AND THEN, they proceed to tell me about their sinus headache, a cold, etc.!!!
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Sue, I hope you are doing alright! I had a horrible time when I went through the taxotere and cytoxin. I had six treatments, and it was a triple dose because of my weight. I lost all my hair, and all of my body hair, and my eyebrows thinned out some. I had enough left to look normal. Didn't lose my eyelashes either. My toenails took a beating. I had my last treatment in December, and they are slowly growing out, but look dark and nasty. When I try to clip them, I notice that they are VERY hard. I have a hard time dealing with them because my toes are still so numb. My fingernails were ok. I'm just noticing that I had a thin line and that has reached the top. Now my nails want to break off at that line. I call it the chemo line. But otherwise, they stayed pretty normal and didn't fall off.
I remember feeling like road kill during those chemo days. It was horrible. And NO. . . . those days did NOT pass quickly. I thought it would never end!!!!!
Cora
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Tomorrow start this group of drugs. Not a bit looking forward to it. Going to ask the doc tomorrow to load me up on info and meds to help with the side effects. I hope I don't get the worse of the effects, but knowing my luck...its all going to hit. Told hubby last night I just want to sleep it away..doubt that will be possible. And told him that even if I fight drinking and eating he has to make sure I do in small amounts. I thought surgery would be bad...damn it wasn't fun but a lot easier on the mind looking back than this. I am not the best kind of sick person...who is really. So glad the kids are raised and gone. Just the two of us to fight this damn crap together. Hubby has to work so there will be periods when I will be all alone and that does concern me.
How soon is the norm for effects to kick in after the first treatment? Prepared as I can be for the hair loss...whats the norm on when to shave the head?
Any help from those experienced ones is so much appreciated. And hell or high water I will get through this. Man, how this must suck to get drugs that will make you sick. Well my thoughts are...CANCER YOUR IN FOR ONE BAD TRIP...GET THE HELL OUT OF MY BODY AND STAY AWAY!
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Best Wishes, Nadine! Sounds like you've got a good handle on things so far. Mental prep is a good thing and you're on top of that, obviously!
I like my alone time and don't get enough of it, so don't sweat that part. Having a few hours a day when I'm not trying to pretend to be human would be really, really nice I think, haha!
A lot will depend on the meds you get before, during and after the actual infusion. Most of us get steroids in one form or another to help with the allergic reactions. For my first four I had steroids in my IV only. Some get pills the day before and after. Once I started crashing so hard I was switched to that too and it has helped. I'm usually "on the way down" for a couple of days after--functioning, but can feel things grinding to a halt. Then I have 3-4 days where I feel like I've been hit by a mack truck. Then I start the upswing again--don't feel good, but know I'm getting stronger.
I have a "crash pad" in my bedroom--a large mushroom chair and footstool with shelving and such all around to hold books, water, light snacks, a gazillion pills... I live there for about a week each time. The second week is better, but that week I get hit again, so I can't really tell you how close to normal I would be on the third like most folks get. (I'm doing this dose dense, so my experiences are a little compacted for most.)
It is also cumulative. I'm sure you've heard that a lot. After #1 I was convinced it would be a breeze. Oops. But I will say that #3 was the worst for me and that seems to be echoed by many I talk to. I don't know why #3, but that seems to be the doozie for a lot of folks.
I've had a wide range of SE's with it, from edema (generalized body swelling) to neuropathy in fingers and toes to muscle spasms and lung fluid. Rest assured, that is NOT normal and most escape without them all. A few, yeah, but not most. My biggest complaint is the fatigue. I didn't realize when I was warned about it that we weren't talking about "hard day and I'm tired." Not at all. It's like my body has been encased in lead and my head has been wrapped in fog. Nobody home. Period. You can't just "rest it away" like normal and it can get frustrating.
The other one I have to watch out for is mental. About 3-4 days in I fall into a black hole of despair for a day or two. Why after five of these I don't realize what it is and that it isn't real I dunno. But I fight it every time. Normal. Just watch for it.
As for hair, I started feeling creepy crawlies on my head and then weird pains--like a ponytail left in too tight for too long about day 17 or so. I had been cutting it shorter and shorter going in to get my near waist lenght hair down to something more manageable. I waited too long to shave it tho and was miserable. When it starts, get it off! The instant relief was amazing and I find I don't mind being bald at all--unless it's cold. haha!
You've got a great attitude going in and I'm sure you will do fine. It IS weird to feel fine and know you're taking drugs that are going to make you sick, but when you know that, you really do handle it better--not a failure to thrive on your part, a necessary part of getting this crap OUT and GONE!
Above all, this group and this board have been a godsend. Stick around and keep us posted. There are many, many smart women here who will be with you every step of the way.
All the Best,
Webbie
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I have to shout out too that......I am also DONE!!!! Finished tx #4 of 4 last week. I want to thank all of you wonderful women (especially holtbolt) for your love,encouragement, and support. I have not been a regular "poster" to this board, but have definitely been a regular "reader". I have learned so much from you girls and would never have gotten through this without you. Chemo is a very scary rollercoaster. I had no idea what I was getting into on Jan. 20th, and glad I found this site to help me through. I also experienced every S/E in the book. I have to say that you ladies have much more info. than any onc. I know. You are an amazing group!
Now on to rads starting April 20th. At least I have a little break.
Love and prayers to all especially those who are still going through this. Believe me, if I can do this, you can too!!
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HOCKEYMOM! OOHHHH RAH FOR YOU!!!!
It does a body good to see some similing faces get through this. CONGRATULATIONS!
Big shout out in Illinois! HOCKEY MOM IS DONE!!
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Hooray fro Hockeymom14!!! One more woman done........let's keep the good news coming!!!!
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Hi ladies,
I finished TC treatments on 11/20/08. Finished rads mid Feb. All in all I'm feeling great. Got my energy back, my hair looks pretty good, exercising and eating well. Just a couple of things happening I wanted to ask those of you who are post-treatment about. I'm getting a shake or tremor of some kind in my hand - especially when I am holding a glass of juice for example, and trying to take a sip. Is this a symptom of neuropathy or something else? I do get some numbness and tingling - especially when my hands are cold, but wasn't sure if the shaking is also related. Second question- the week after I finished rads I went for a dental check up and found out I had a severe abscess tooth. It had to be extracted the next week. I'm in the process of having a dental implant, but the bone loss was substantial and it is being reconstructed. I gotta tell you, after 9 months of BC treatments which I thought I handled reasonably well, the tooth thing almost put me over the edge. I think getting to the "finish line" and then finding out I had to have more appointments, pain, money, etc., just was tough to take. Anyway, I suspect the abscess was related or at least exacerbated by having chemo. Anyone else dealing with post treatment dental problems??
Thanks,
Diane
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Congratulations hockeymom!!! Absolutely wonderful news! Puts a big smile on my face... sorta like this ===>
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hi Steve- I am going through the same decision making about Adriamycin versus just T/C I am early stage 2 only 2 nodes had double mastectomy and really want to avoid the port and the Adreiamycin but want to do everything i can to prevent future cancer--I know there are no guarntees but I am just not sure what to do as i was given a choice--hope your wife is doing well it looks like it has been over a year for her--I am just starting hope you will reply to my post or someone will with infor on the choices i have Thanks Lolly
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Diane - went to my first post chemo dentist appt in February. FIVE CAVITIES!!!!! I had just had a check-up right before chemo in August. YES, I would say that my cavities were chemo related.
Karer
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Hello Ladies....
I was cruising the site of threads and came across this one that I thought was interesting and right up my alley.
I am currently on Cytoxan and Taxotere. I was scheduled for 6 sessions of Cytoxan, Epirubicin and 5-FU with a shot of Neulasta the next day. After session #2 ...I experienced heart palpitations and was put in the hospital overnight for observation. My doc decided after reading up on CT vs CE5FU that the results are the same with that said I was given CT for session #3. The SEs have subsided and feeling like I can handle the next two rounds. I will be in the chair tomorrow for round #5 of CT and then I will be able to scream out "ONLY ONE MORE!!!".
I see that most of you have only 4 sessions...and I will have 6 by the time this is done...I think with the change in my regimen it may have to go the full 6 sessions.
As you can see from my avatar...I have no hair, eyelashes are thin and eyebrows are very thin. I wear a wig which everyone thinks is my real hair when I go out...most of my SEs are constipation, diarreah, fatigue and a rough white tongue and no taste in mouth. My fingernails are okay..I have acrylic nails and only notice a little bit of black on the thumb moons near the cuticle. My hands did peel after the first CT session and I use vaseline all the time on hands and feet. I have gained weight...the EMENDS work great...no nausea. I am going for the home stretch and can't wait to start radiation...I am on temporary disability from work (stressful Mortgage manager position) and glad I am not at work during this treatment.
Reading the last few postings...leaves me concerns for my teeth...I had no idea that would be a side effect too...
Well thanks for letting me pop in and I will continue to reach out to those of you on the same regimen as me...
Lets all kick cancers A$$.
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Hello Mom of Boys....
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Hi,
I start TC on Friday. Four rounds. Aside from the general anxiety, I'm a bit nervous since my onc doesn't do steroids ahead of time (he does start them about 1 hour before), but I know most oncs do--mine said he stopped since he felt the extra steroids weren't helpful as standard practice. I'm at a great medical center and know he reads up on everything so I'm just going to trust him on this one--but still makes me extra nervous. I thought about taking benadryl the night before to both help me sleep and give me an added boost of antihistamines.
For those of you who have been through this, what do you usually do during the infusion? I was told mine will take 3 hours (after all the prep - that is infusion time)--is that true for most of you as well? I can bring a computer for movies or books or music, but was wondering if there was anything you usually want to have with you. Do you bring food or drinks?
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Hi aoandrews43...I am new to this thread too...but I will answer you from my experience. My session takes only 2 hours. We are in a new center so we have flat screen TVs and what I call suites (looks like a suite on a cruise ship..LOL) that have sliding doors for privacy. From my experience the bendryl will make you very sleepy at least it does for me. My DH comes with me to drive me home and we usually stop somewhere for a bite to eat sort of as an reward for taking in the poison...LOL..and you can take a magazine (they have them available) or a book, DS or ipod. I take about 4 bottles of water with me..although they offer water and juice...I just have it because I know it will help get the chemo through my system faster if I drink lots of water...and be prepared to hit the restroom a couple of times...
It will go quickly for you because you are taking it all in at first. The unknown is the worst part of the whole experience...Just try to rest and relax...
Look forward to hearing what you experienced...please share...I will be in the chair tomorrow...
Good luck....
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Hi aoanderws!
My onco doesn't like to give pre & post steroids unless he needs to either. He told me it's because he doens't want me to have GUARNATEED steroid side effects in order to prevent POSSIBLE chemo ones. Made sense to me and I didn't need the extras until #5 (of 6.)
I take water with me because I like it flavored with lemon. I have taken snacks, but haven't wanted them. I read, watch TV or a movie. I bring a little pillow for under my arm b/c I'm using veins, not a port. More comfy for the IV that way. I get a warmed blanket at the start, but keep another to wrap around my shoulders with me.
I take Benadryl AND Zyrtec starting the night before TX and continuing as long as I am still dripping snot from every orifice. (haha!) I have major sinus issues with these things, but those keep them under control very well. Check with your doc before you do it tho, because you might be getting some of that kind of thing with your TX--don't want to double up if you don't need them.
You can do it. It ain't pretty, but the fear of the unknown is the WORST part. Once you get started you'll be okay. The rest--well, it's just getting through. We've all done that to one degree or another.
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Hi aoandrews, For your first round, I would take a spouse, SO or a friend for sure. After the first one you can decide if you want someone with you each time. I usually just took my Ipod and a book or crossword puzzles. Sometimes I would just visit with other chemo victims. And sometimes, I would just take a little nap. I was usually there from 9 am till 12:30. My clinic offered water and snacks but not all of them do. Ask at your chemo class if they have stuff for the patients. Otherwise, just take some the first time. My Onc. did not do the steroids at home either until I started getting edema with the 4th Tx. Then I took them at home the day before, the day of and the day after for Tx 5 and 6. It did help a little bit with the edema. Otherwise I just got all I needed at the clinic. I'm happy you're only getting 4 rounds.
It's a bit of a freak out the first time you go. You can do this. I just finished 6 rounds last Wed. It did get to be pretty much routine after the first one. Not a good routine, but I knew what to expect for the most part. Let us know how you do.
Hi Cruise Hope all goes well tomorrow. When I had two left to go, I kept telling myself that I just had one more after this one. Somehow that made it feel like it was less than two. Hey, anything to get there for those last two.
Webbie, I don't know how you do it. With your DD chemo you're still able to show up on several threads and be an inspiration to all of us. You are awesome.
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Hi aoandrews--I've now done 2 TCs. Because of my hypersensitivity to meds, I get steroids day prior to, day of and day after chemo, plus steroids at time of treatment. I learned the first time around that we have to go very slow, so my whole treatment takes about 4 hours. Not everybody requires this, but I have learned what I need and to advocate for that plus I pay close (but not overly vigilant)attention to what is happening during the process so I can give feedback. I think I have discovered that with Cytoxan going slowly I have none of the head congestion, which is great since I have quite a history of sinus "issues." I take spearmint flavored water with me and drink throughout the treatment. I have a hard time concentrating on a book so I take interesting magazines. My best tool for relaxation and tuning out distractions is my ipod, which I loaded with everything from relaxation music to some of my favorite music.
It's certainly anxiety provoking the first time around, and I hope you will settle into the "routine" that helps you feel the most relaxed. I am careful about what I eat prior to and immediately afterward, but I know some people who eat whatever they want. I have relied on the Eating Well Through Cancer book for tips, and it has been really useful. Also, I recommend you don't hesitate to let your onc's office know if you have side effects that are problematic; there's no need to suffer unnecessarily--chemo is challenging on its own. I'll be checking in again to see how your first round goes.
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Firni...thats my plan...tomorrow around 11:00 after my 5th dose I will be smiling and saying ONLY ONE MORE TO GO........I will FIGHT LIKE A GIRL...and get er done!!!!!
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Thanks so much for those responses about steroid premedication -- it made me feel SO much more comfortable with what I'll be doing. And all the suggestions about managing anxiety and what to do during the infusion were so helpful.
These boards are really wonderful and I so appreciate those who are going/been through it sharing what they've learned.
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I am supposed to strt treatment in a week or 2 given a choice between A/C and hen T or just T/c no adreamycin--i have early onset with 2 nodes and a small tumor oalthough multifocal had double mastecomies 2 weeks ago-- i dont want Adriamycin or a port so think of going with just T/c since i was given the choice but just not sure it is the "cure" I guess i will nver be sure --just dont know what to do- rea one promising article on T? but guess not enough research yet--in a bind here--have to decide within a week -- any input from anyone wpuld be great
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My Onc. was going to put me on adreamycin at first. But then I was Her2 neg and node neg and he said A wouldn't benefit me at all. So I did just TC. Also A is very damaging to the heart so you would want to look at your family history for that. Do you know if your Her2 is neg or pos.?
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I am her 2 neg but 2 nodes involved-- and will only receive 4 treatments--both m cardiologist and onc says if it were them they would go with the most aggressive treatment but why give me a choice-- thanks for your input really appreciate it
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Hiall,
I am currently undergoing TC for early stage BC with no node involvement, small tumor 1.2 cm.Er+, but PR-,no HER - I chose to have the chemo due to my oncotype score of 27.
When the doctor discussed the TC's she said if I tolerated it well she said I could do 6 instead of 4. Now I feel bad that I am tolerating it that well. What protocols did you ladies have with similar stats. I think most who are given 6 are a little more involved. I don't want overkill but on the other hand you want to do what is right..
Thanks for your time..
Francine
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You can see my stats below. Doesn't look bad. But when the oncotype test came back at 28 Onc said 6 Tx of TC instead of 4. I figured he knew what he was talking about, so that's what I did. I don't ever what to say, "if only I had done more."
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nadine, i'm 2yrs out. before 1st chemo [c and t] i bought antidiarrhea, anticonstip., biotene toothpaste and rinse , filled scrip for anti mouth fungal, bought ginger pills, etc. in other words, read all possible side effects and had all counteragents on hand, rather than perhaps deal w/ a yeast infection or nasty gastro at 3:00 am sun. morning. felt very much in control through it all. cut my long hair very short before chemo after they double-pinky swore that it would flee. 10 days after 1st, started that itchy, tender feeling. [had been yanking for 5 days], then oops, globs came out. plucked for a half hour til it looked REALLY threadbare, then shaved that day-with elect shaver gotten in anticipation. i was so excited, had tangible proof that my body was not a happy place for nasty cells to hang out! one great benefit, for the longest time, i could wipe my bald pate w/ a baby wipe and i was good to go. i chose biker doo-rags, giant purple wigs, red, sleezy clown wig, other very scary head attire. basically, preemptive goofiness. hmmm... ALL body hair went bye-bye over a couple of weeks, felt pre-teen again. eyebrows and lashes went many weeks after chemo ended, near the end of radiation. nails ended up w/ wierd growth rings like little trees and, yes they broke off very easily... good news, it all is good again. i view the scars, nails, hair and all the rest as noble battle scars that you can wear w/ pride. as you go through it all, kind of find that it's really very interesting. best of wishes.
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Hi, ladies. Just started today on 4 rounds of Taxotere and Cytoxan. Feel a little sore at the port site (it's only 1 week old anyway and still bruised really well), a little light headed and tired, but nothing else. Appetite so far is great, but that's the steroids talking, so I think I will start taking the anti nausea as suggested, just in case. No sense in getting ill if I don't have to!! Cut my hair very very short last week, very traumatic, but now that I'm over it, if I need to, I'll shave it and do the wig, hat and scarf thing. Optimistic in that I have my next treatment on the 23rd, and hopefully by June 1 I'll be finished and can move on. I was mostly nervous about the entire procedure, but now that it's done, I'm okay with it. We'll wait to see what SE I have after the steriods wear off, but I will work tomorrow as much as I feel up to it, and have taken next week off just to see how I do and will plan a work schedule accordingly for other treatment weeks.
any advice is welcome!! And, peace and prayers to all who are in this journey with me!!
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Hello, just found this site as I'm up at this late hour. Nice to see some familiar folks. Don't think I'll get a chance to read 4,000 plus posting but look forward to reading through here and there. I have had 3 TC tx and have 3 more to go. So far the 2nd tx was the easiest, the 3rd the roughest. I go for tx 4 on Wed. If people aren't dose dense I wonder why there is a difference between 4 and 6 tx. Nice finding you all. Catch ya later.
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Crusader....I just finished my final 4th TC....for an oncotype of 26. I know of several women on this sight doing 6....so when I went for my last appointment I asked why 4 not 6....he said there is no evidence to suggest that 6 is better than 4....but some Onc's do 6. He said I could do 6 if I wanted...I gave him the standard...if I were your daughter...what would you suggest..he said 4....but was willing to give me 6. I am going to stop at his original treatment plan for 4....but it seems like a fuzzy area. I suppose you must do what you feel comfortable with.
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Hi Ladies....
Well I had my # 5 today...and shouted ONLY ONE MORE TO GO........Yeah...
There was another patient celebrating their last chemo...took pictures and had a little party in the community room. Can't wait...April 23rd...for me!!!
They put me in the private cruise suite since I got there really early today...and it was nice cause I had my DH close the sliding doors so I could sleep after they gave me benedryl. They gave me liquid Emend and then CT ..it took longer today (3 hours) as they were very busy with patients for some reason. At 58... I was the youngest one there...even scarier...
My onco doc came in and visited with me...he said I looked really good and that he didn't think I would have any issues going forward and to call him if there were any SEs experienced. He assured me that this one would be harder on me...and maybe it wouldn't be too hard since I know there is only one more to go. He said patients morale gets higher towards the end of the sessions and they begin to not notice the SEs or just deal with them. He said that he will prescribe a PETSCAN for me two months after my last chemo treatment - then if its all good the ALIEN mini-BOOB will be able to come out...YEAH....
Tomorrow I go in for my $4,000 Neulasta shot...yep it's $4k not $3k recently got the bill and looked at it closely. So I hope all goes well for the next few days...I will keep you all posted.
I did take it easy however we went to "In and Out burger" for lunch and then I came home and slept the rest of the day. Made MAC & Cheese for dinner and drank lots of water...now catching up on emails since I was out of it most of the day.
As for some of the questions...
- why 4 or 6 sessions...it really depends on your diagnose and what the onco doc feels is best for your situation. You just don't want to say later "I wish I did more...".
- A vs TC ..again if you have genetic heart issues...research and speak with your onco to see what is best. I am glad I spoke up after having heart palpitations and right away my doc changed mine to TC and he read recently in the medical journals that TC is just as effective and studies have shown they have the same results.
Have a great weekend ladies...Hugs
Cindy
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