Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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finally home!!! 3 down and 1 to go. It was fun "live blogging" from the chemo factory.
Off to veg out now and drink lots of fluid.
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bdatlanta: You're cracking me up - do the nurses think that you're busy "working" while getting infused? Why did you unplug to go potty? I wheel my iv pole to the bathroom and do the "careful, careful potty run". If I had to unplug each time they'd do nothing but unplug and plug me back in...I drink a half gallon of water pre-chemo to plump up the veins and a half gallong during to flush the chemo out. One think I do bring is a cooler full of snacks - that steriod infusion makes me so hungry!
Kathy - I'll try to Claritin next week when I do my Neulasta shot - do you also start up again 8-10 days out when the N is pumping out of your bone marrow? I have had the worse week for fatigue this week and my lower back pain is pretty severe.
CHJ - Sorry you're not finishing up but at least time flies even when you're not having fun....soon you'll be looking at your "last" chemo too. I cannot wait!
Trina
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Had 2nd TC today. It was uneventful and now I am half way done! I am so on a mission to get this over with so I can regrow my long hair! I want my life back. It is helpful having all you girls here to talk to. Unless you have or are currently going through this I think it is hard for anyone really to completely relate to all that we are going through.
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I was multi-tasking today. Sent out a bunch of group emails for the project I'm working on and "live blogging" here. The nurses are always confused when I come in there because I bring my own power strip to plug in my laptop, 2 blackberries, and bluetooth headset. I convert my room into a mini-office. Hell I'm going to be there for 5 hours and since I don't watch tv at my home office I wasn't going to watch tv there. They wanted to sit me in a chair today...but obviously I need more "working" space than that so I opted out of the chair.
Those nurses are much better off if I have my own equipment there. My ADHD would have been in full tilt if I had to lay there for 5 hours without some real visual and mental stimulations. Lord knows they would have kicked me out after the 1st tx or doubled my Benadryl dosage. Plus, I don't feel so "trapped" when I'm there and can still reach out to my friends via the internet.
I have to unplug because the bathroom isn't in my room. Only one bathroom in the main corridor. It's always fun to try and pee while dosed up on Benadryl.
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Hello, all you strong, inspirational women!
Just wanted to note we made it through the week.
I have a question about the Claritin thing: I take Zyrtec regularly. Does anyone know what the deal is with Claritin? A particular ingredient of that drug or not? Don't get me wrong, if I have to have that shot next week, I'll take it.
Also, wanted to let you know that despite what I had been told, one CAN take too much Benadryl. I was having vision distortion and incredibly shakiness. So, I'm supposed to work with lotions. Hah.
This is Day 8 following tx 2. Most of my eyelashes are gone despite my efforts to avoid touching them, no makeup, etc. I've been more tired this week, I think. Nails still look normal, whatever that is. I go in on Monday for bloodtests, so I'll start the Claritin--couldn't
hurt, right?
I can't concentrate on reading or crosswords during all this--but my best friend bought me a Nintendo DS. I play the most mindless games on it (all children would beat me easily, I'm sure) but it does take my mind off this stuff. Just in case anyone else needs something.
I'm happy for you Goldilocks (I moved from Dallas area right before this dx!)-glad your bloodwork is good and you're feeling better.
Guggerty-I hope you have a better time and more energy next week.
SharonS-enjoy that meet.
Everyone enjoy your weekend whatever it brings you.
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bdatlanta- I absolutely love it, you nailed it!! I really have to agree with the damn stabbing thing--and the whole tummy thing was one of my events that put me into tears in tx1 -- I'm so sensitive with my stomach and the nurse kept pushing my hand away while she was putting the alcohol rub on, I said I just wanted to guide her hand because I'm so hyper sensitive on my stomach, then when she stabbed me, it burned like hell, and she said, well it hurt because of all the alcohol and if I would have let her alone there wouldn't have been so much!!!!! freeken mean not so warm & fuzzy nurse-- now since each blood check and 2nd tx I have not had to run into her again thank God-----boy your story brought back bad memories, almost worse than the SE!
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bdatlanta - I am very jealous. I had my laptop with me today when I went in for tx2 - but no wireless or broadband in my hospital. Watched a dvd instead.
Message to people who haven't had a treatment yet - it's not always awful. Except for a Taxotere side effect which meant that they had to stop it & give me a Benedryl IV, it went smoothly.
Much to my amazement blood counts & platelets were all on the high end of normal so none of those awful shots you guys are taking. I was worried that low counts were what was making me tired - but the doctor said no - it was the TC & it would only get worse.
Chemo brain hasn't set in yet, so I'm writing while I still can.
susan0 -
Totally can't sleep. Still hyped up from the Benadryl.
Nancy - I agree video games are the best during treatment. I have an Xbox 360 and it helps pass the time especially when I get chemo depression.
40somethingmom - I'm with you. Once you have one bad stabbing nurse, never ever go back to them again. Get a new nurse. But make sure you tell your complaint before the new nurse picks up the needle because she will then be very gently. I hate for anything to come near my stomach region so having some nurse jab a needle is not very fun.
guitarGrl - type up a diary of your next tx and then post it here when you get back home. I'm telling you writing helps pass the time.
It's not the actual chemo treatment that hurts; its the side effects that can break your spirits.
Gonna take a sleeping aid in a few. I took ya'll advice and will take the meds until my body and sleep pattern returns back to normal.
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It's Day 2 after chemo, and so far still feeling good. I hope it stays this way
(me praying). I've been taking 1/2 hydrocodone every 6 hours to fight any pains trying to catch me. So far so good. The neulasta shot today was only 3 mg (instead of 6), because my wbc went up to 45 last time. Too high! Yesterday it was within range at 7.Bdalanta, enjoyed your blow-by-blow coverage of your chemo hehe. That's pretty cool.
Welcome, Jisman! You came to the right place :->
Goldilocks, I sent you a pm.
Good night ladies, and may we all sleep tight!
God bless,
Aurora
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badatlanta: Hope you were able to get a good night's sleep - for some reason the steriods do NOT keep me up the first night..they seem to kick in the 2nd and 3rd night and by that time I'm suffering the s/e's of the Neulasta so I'm not happy about not being able to sleep.
Susan: I'm happy that your counts are up and you can avoid the shots. You're pretty darned lucky for that!
40something: So sorry that you got a nasty chemo nurse - I didn't think there was such a thing. Mine are so wonderful that I've already bought "goodbye and thank you" gifts for them since my last tx is next week.
Nomad: Sorry about your eyelashes......mine have thinned a little but nothing drastic. From what I have been told and have read the nails fall out after the tx's are over with IF you're going to lose them, not everyone does. We are all different so while we may have some similar reactions not all of us have the same s/e's.
Believer: I hope you stay s/e free again today - it's so wonderful to have a "good" day!
Bad energy day again yesterday - I've only had one day this week that I didn't feel like crawling into bed and staying there. I think I'm going to call my clinical nurse and see if she has any suggestions. I drag myself to the pool to swim so I am getting some exercise. My eyes burn - anyone else have this?
Happy Saturday to all.....Trina
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Has anyone in the group had chemo leak into their tissues at the IV site? I just had my third Taxotere round and the nurse wrongly inserted my IV line and taxotere leaked into my arm - this happened slowly over several days - so a week later I have Taxotere extravasation - nasty red patch moving up my arm and am in pain - has anyone had this?? Please let me know treatment and duration - think I am done with chemo-
sharonw
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Good Saturday morning girls! I'm in a chemo fog today and having trouble typing. This is always my toughest day post-chemo. I am soo tired and a little nauseous today which is new for me. Got my Sea Bands on which seem to do the trick. Have to report the bone aches are still there, but not as bad as they've been before-- so maybe the Claritin IS helping some. I haven't had to take any Motrin yet and am moving better than I expected. To those who asked (sorry I'm so foggy today)... you can take Claritin for a week straight. No, I have not heard of anyone restarting again later on at day 8-10. And yes, it is the same type of drug as Zyrtec, so don't take both at the same time (pick one or the other)!
OK, I'm done. Catch ya later when the fog passes.
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bdatlanta; you are the best. Laughter is great. I can picture the hats and believe me, people think that if you are going to be bald that you will settle with whatever they give you. I had a friend give me a ski mask with the eyes and mouth holes. Was I suppose to wear that when I go to the store? Really don't feel like spending time in jail. She said it would help keep me very warm;) So, thanked her and moved on.
I feel pretty good today, just a bit ache but the weather here is cloudy w/chance of showers. I have arthritis so some of the pain may just be normal. Went out to Whataburger last night for dinner, and the hamburger tasted like it had been dipped in pure salt. My mouth has become somewhat sensative so I didn't really enjoy my meal. My onc nurse said that I need to focus on protein in my diet to keep my strength and count up. No problem there, I'll eat a steak. My tastebuds seem to go out on starches. There is no flavor. I still can taste veggies and fruit. Spices are now out, but know that I will return to salsa when this is all over. Hope everyone is doing good. I also plan on the Claritin the next round. Have a great day!
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Good morning ladies, it sounds like everyone is hanging in there, that is all we can do. I have my first chemo treatment on monday, 3-3, I take clartin regularly each day, have a question that I know someone can answer. What is it with the Neltesa shot? Should I wear the sea bands to the first treatment, also why do you think people have reactions to the taxterore? I go in first thing on Monday am for the port and later that afternoon for the treatment, what should I take with my, I haven´t gotten a chemo bag yet. How much water should I drink the day before, i usally drink 2 to 3 qts a day anyhow, any suggestions will be glady accepted. Thank you ladies for all the advice, it is a great forum. Have a good Saturday. lotodgs
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lotodogs - sounds like you are drinking a lot of water already. I find that while I'm getting the treatment, I drink more than usual. The nurses are good with giving you refills. Take with you whatever will keep you entertained for how many hours it is. If it's music, then music, if it's reading, then that. Though I find it hard to read the first few days after treatment my mind won't track. Yesterday I brought my computer & a DVD & that helped pass the time.
goldilocks - a ski mask really? And that person is still a friend? Where do people come up with these ideas. One friend gave me this very pretty green christmasy stylled hat. Green makes me look like death warmed over, so I thanked her & put it in a pile for stuff to go to goodwill when this is all over.
Also I'm having the same problem with some carbs - bread is totally tasteless, but brown rice seems to work. Also fruit juices & yogurt taste ok, so I've been doing a lot of smoothies. Some spices do work for me - mainly oregano, but hot stuff just burns - no real taste there - and salt is very salty.
Since I'm still on the steroids, I'm going out to buy a new dvd player - last one died months ago & TV has gotten very boring!
here today, crash tomorrow!
susan0 -
1st day after chemo - my lips feel like they are swollen and weigh a ton. They are not swollen though just feels that way. completely fatigued. My new project is to send emails to a group of rapid responders...trust me, I'm not so rapid today. I'm like 4 hours behind.
Can't taste anything. Its 63 degrees here in Atlanta and I have no energy or motivation to get out of my fleece pajamas. Fleece has to be the best material to wear during this journey.
goldilocks - reading about the ski mask made me laugh out loud. OMG - she was definitely setting you up to get arrested by the po-po man
lotodgs - I am counting the days until I get this cyborg looking port removed. Ports are not made for skinny framed women. Its so annoying but works well for chemo treatments. My onc said my veins were too squirrely for chemo.
sharonw - ah man, that sucks about the taxotere leakage. wow, I didn't know that could happen. have you thought about getting a port?
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Hi lotodgs, here's what I bring on my chemo days:
1. my hubby hehe
2. small blankie and mittens to keep me warm
3. light snacks (crackers, granola bars, juices or bottled water if the clinic doesn't have them)
4. light reading stuff
Since my chemo is through IV on my arm, I had to drink 8-10 glasses of liquids a day before chemo days, so the veins will be easy to find. In your case, you're already drinking enough, so just keep doing that.
Neulasta is to boost your white blood cells, which helps fight infections. They'll give it to you the day after chemo. I prefer getting the shot on my tummy coz it doesn't hurt during and after. It will make your bones hurt 4th or 5th day after the shot, so I take pain pills in advance. I take 1/2 hydrocode every 6 hours. I wrote down every side effects I had each day, so when I went to see my doctor for followup, it was easier. He reduced my neulasta shot to half, lengthened the drip time to 1 hour each, and gave me tylenols during the chemo. Cytoxan made my head, throat, neck, muscles hurt last time because they infused it too fast.
Hmm, that's all I can think of right now. Hope it helps, and I pray your first TC won't be too bad. Take care and keep us posted...
God bless,
Aurora
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I try to read your posts every day and enjoy your stories, but am sorry to hear about the se's. Now on day 10 after my first tx. Here's a summary of what's been going on.
Sleep - not a problem til night 7 when I felt that I never really went to sleep. The next night I took 2 tylenol/PM when I went to bed; I woke up at times but went right back to sleep. The nurse suggested trying that before using ativan. Last night I was restless again so will try to take 1 pill tonight.
Schedule-I initially planned to do chemo on Fridays so I'd have the weekend to recover, but the Dr had me start on Thursday because they'd be in the office the next day in case I had a reaction. After reading these posts, I changed my next sessions to Wed.'s, since I take steroids and anti-nausea for 2 days after. So the "down" days should be on the weekend. Wherever you get chemo they really should be able to accommodate changes in your schedule.
Neulasta shot effects-I've had some achiness and my shoulders have been sore (a pre-chemo problem for me so I heat one of those buckwheat collars in the microwave). I already take clarinex for allergies, which may help like claritin.
Dry mouth-I'm using biotene mouthwash and toothpaste; bought a generic non-alcohol mouthwash for the office. Carrying baking soda around isn't very practical. I'm awaiting delivery of some sugar-free hard candies from the stained glass candy company.
Drinks have been a problem-gatorade, ginger tea, etc., almost make me gag. Vitaminwater seems to be the most palatable.
Based on these posts I started taking a laxative/stool softener night 1 and continued for 3 more nights. Big mistake. Running to the john every 20-30 minutes Monday morning. I may have misunderstood what the Dr's office said because I never took the immodium I have, just followed the BRAT diet. It was hard to cut out dairy, fresh fruit, chocolate. It didn't totally stop til Thursday morning. Have had gas cramps several times-it's hard to figure out what to avoid. Now I'm adding some fiber back, trying to find a balance.
It's something new to peruse the pharmacy and grocery aisles for digestive aids, mouthwashes, different teas and foods to counteract symptoms. I even found myself wanting animal cracker cookies!
So far my head isn't itching, though I know that's coming. My hair texture seems coarser.
Sharonw - missed your question earlier. My onc (Neelima Denduluri)is next to Virginia Hospital Center here in Arlington--3 blocks away--so I can walk to and from treatments and appointments. Where do you go? Let's plan on meeting at Tysons after I get used to how I react to the treatments. You're about finished, right?
Regards to all of you facing treatments this week.
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Things to talk to chemo:
I really enjoyed having a pair of comfy slippers to wear during chemo rather than shoes.
On day 4 now and doing fairly well with the se's - had some constipation but not enough to need to do anything other than upping my fiber intake. Fortunately, no nausea (hope that stays that way). Tired today; I slept most of the day away, am still in my robe and it's almost time for dinner.... No Neualsta shot for me so won't be feeling those effects.
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BeeGirl-
Glad you've got the first one under your belt! I have finished #3 - lots of worsening SE's - think this crap is accumulating in my body quite well now. Some drink and food suggestions (I have had the dead taste buds se with each tx). I could tolerate gingerale, Snapple ice tea lemon flavor, pretzels, werther's butterscotch candies (I got really tired of lemon drops), Sour Apple lollipops, cream of wheat cereal, got tired of chicken soup, and frozen popsicles - not much else until the end of the second week.
Also - start out trying 1/2 of an ativan - I found a whole one left me groggy the next morning, but half worked just right.
My onc is Nicholas Robert with Fairfax Hematology & Onc in Fairfax, but I get my treatments near Loudoun Hosp. - My white blood count really nose dived this week - I am at the nadir for TC - I am actually considered neutropenic at this point so I hope my counts will rise this week on their own (don't want to take any more shots) - my last tx is scheduled for 3/10 and psychologically I don't want to delay it!
Let me know how you are doing these next days - Tysons will await us! I can also recommend a very good wig place if you need-
Sharonw
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Sharonw -
A friend of mine went to Nicholas Robert, and he's now part of the same group with my onc (now Arlington/Fairfax group). I'm glad you can go to Loudoun for the treatments.
I got my wig at Bravada's in Fairfax City. Am now looking for a fringe or something to wear with scarves and hats.
Great that you're almost finished with this. I have my 2nd on March 12, by which time you'll be done!
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believer0711, thanks for the information, Now i am really worried, I have been out of the country for the past 8 days, got a message on my home phone that the Onc.office called, has a PX for me to start taking on SUNDAY (today) before <Monday, first day of chemo, i called the office on sat night, of course no answer, got the on call dr to call my husband, that dr. pulled my chart up, saw no meds for me to take, DUH!!! so now, will go to pharmacy to get them to call, what types of meds do you think I would take,??????It is always something, I guesss the dr's office knew I would be gone, why don't they think of these things before. Will go to CVS at 10am when they open and try to get it straight, oh, my Dr is out of town for weekend. Everyone have a good SUnday and try to enjoy the day, In glen Allen, va it is a cool 40% with a high of 62%, I will try to relax today,have a big day on Monday, with my port being installed and then chemo in afternoon. Take care everyone.lotodgs
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Good Sunday morning all! Feeling better today, still achy but on the up-swing. I hope to post later this week all my "pearls" up til now since I've done 3 rounds. My last will be March 19. Yippee! I can definitely say the Claritin helped for bone aches. I had one round totally without Neulasta and had bone aches (TC can do this, not just neulasta), and then I had one round with neulasta and the bone aches were worse. This time I took the claritin and the bone aches were not as bad and were shorter in duration. I only took Claritin for 3 days. Doubt I'll need it today. I do not seem to get bone aches again once I make it through days 3-5 (today's day 5).
Anyway, hope everyone is fairing OK this weekend. It's warming up here in DE and the sun is out. Makes for a much nicer day.
Lotodgs: I'll bet the RX is for a steroid. I take one the day before/of/after each round of chemo. Good luck tomorrow. You will do fine. The anticipation is the worst part. You sound like you drink a lot already. Plus they'll probably give you some extra IV fluids. I aim for 70-80 oz/day for about 2 weeks, starting the day of chemo. The deal with neulasta is this: some need it some don't. Often oncs will wait to see if your WBC count drops too low, then you get it; others just get it automatically. You don't know who's going to have the aches with it. The reason they happen is b/c neulasta hyperstimulates WBC growth in the bone marrow. They grow so fast that the periosteum (lining of bones) cannot expand fast enough to accomadate the cell growth-- thus we feel pain. No one for sure seems to know why Claritin works for some. But it seems anecdotally to be working. You probably won't need your Sea bands during infusion. They'll load you with some antiemetic IV. I do take my bands just in case, to "ward off evil spirits", but have not had to use them then yet.
Lastly, taxotere: some people just react to it, like any other drug out there. They seem to think it's part of the plant bark that the drug is made from that people are allergic to. The reactions I've had are actually not considered an allergy, they are an "adverse reaction" (an expected bad reaction, but not an allergy), thus I have to keep getting it and muddle through with more drugs to combat the problem! Hope this helps. See you all later!
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Hi all - Took me a while to read through all...glad we are all hanging in there. Went to the meet Friday night...good to see Brandon run...slept the entire 1 1/2 hours home...hubbie said he only slept a few minutes...ha..
Sleeping has been fine...wake up to pee, and back to sleep, only took the Pm the first two nights...
Yesterday morning the train hit...a little nausea at first..better after some crackers...rest of the day tired and achy...legs, feet I guess from tax, but my jaw was killing me last night also...just did tylenol...slept most of the day and night...
Better this morning...only weak and a little leg pain...nice weather so want to take a walk after while....blood check is on Tues...Hope everyone has a good Sunday!
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Yes, lotodgs, what KathyL said - with Taxotere you get the steroids (dexamethesone) to take the day before, the day of, and the day after. That's pretty standard, so don't stress!!
CHJ
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Thank you chj127 and KathyL, I zoomed to CVS when they opened in a panic, (should have taken some xnax), the pharmist was very calm and did indeed call the dr on call, they discussed it and she called me a few minutes ago, and said the steriods which you mentioned can be done 1 hour before chemo if that is what was ordered, who knows??? But I feel a little better now, bought all the things everyone suggested for the S/E, I can open a pharmacy of my own, wish I could take my little miniature schnzuzers with me to the chemo, they comfort me so, Thanks for the advice. Everyone have a good day, and enjoy as best as you can. Remember God is GOod and knows what he is doing with all our lives.
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I really don't understand why putting in the port and starting chemo is all scheduled for the same day. It seems a bit rushed, but hopefully they have all the scheduling correct. I am not using a port this time, so yes fluids is a must. I take in plenty so that is not a problem. The first time around I did have a port, but the dr's had to wait a few weeks before my first treatment because the port bruised. I don't want to scare you, but it would be something to consider about asking if everything needs to be done on the same day. I know that you are anxious to get things started, and getting through all of this, just consider asking why are we moving so quickly on the same day? Your body will be also dealing with the drugs they use to get you to sleep so they can put the port in. Your se may be different from ours if everything is done the same day. Please don't fear this, just inquire more so you have a full understanding of why everything is being done on the same day.
For me, yesterday I could not stay out of the bathroom. Stomach cramps were wearing me out. It got better closer to the evening, but could not put anything in my mouth that didn't make my stomach turn. Rootbeer saved the day. Go figure.
Today I had to shave my head. No, I'm not going to wear the ski mask, however that would be funny if I wore it to work considering I work in a court. HaHa! My hair wasn't coming out until I went to take a shower and then clumps just washed away. So, hubby graciously shaved me and onward I go. Feeling better today, but plan on just hanging out here at the house and watching junk tv. Everyone have a good Sunday.
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Hi ladies!
Trina, it's Day 4 for me and I'm still feeling good! This was a lot better than I thought. Thank God! Stayed home after church to conserve energy for this coming work week.
I don't have to take steroids before my chemo, but maybe they infuse that before TC - I should ask my nurse. So far, the neulasta has been good to me. Nothing hurts, really. I take hydrocodone when I feel a headache is percolating. Everything's in control right now - whew.
My hair is almost gone. We buzzed it really short, but scared to shave to the scalp because of possible cuts. So I have bald spots all over hehe. I wore my wig today, and nobody in church can tell until I revealed my scalp hehe. It was a blast!
Lotodgs, I think you're all set. Deep breaths, relax and you'll survive this like a champ. And yes, God is really good!
SharonS, glad you're feeling today! Hope your blood report is good.
Take care everyone and enjoy the rest of the day!
Love and blessings,
Aurora
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Hi Ladies - Have to share this with you...after dinner my husband said he needed to go to church and get his cantata book since he missed choir practice....I said ok...When we got there, he goes in and I promptly decide I will take a little nap...he likes to talk alot..he comes back out and gets me and says Cindy wants to talk to show you something in the basement....so I go down and there are 26 women from my church..young and old all with hats on...they were having a hats off party for me...I was so surprised...wish I could show you all my new head wear! May not need the wig shop visit...
With all the support from old friends...and all the great support and advice from you guys...I know I will be fine. Hope everyone has a good night...
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Sharon - what a nice story. Lots of hats are fun.
I bought a wig but haven't worn it out yet. Hats have so many more expressions & a wig, well it looks like a wig. The first couple of times I was really self conscious, but now I just find it's a way to dress up (or down) whatever I'm wearing.
Day 3 was easy on me - a few Compazines for nausea and a lot of sleep. I love it when I go back to work & everyone is surprised at how good I look. Hey anyone would look good after several days of sleeping 20 hours a day! My hair is finally falling out, so I can stop shaving my head now - it's what I get for clipping it off too soon.
susan0
