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Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?

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  • babyc
    babyc Member Posts: 20
    edited April 2009

    Hey All, I'm sitting here reading and thinking about where everyone is in her treatment plan with T/C.  Next Monday, I have my last-- #6.  Originally scheduled for 4 rounds, I was increased to 6 since I was "tolerating treatment so well."  Each of these has been somewhat different as far as side-effects (one round each of constipation, diarrhea, thrush), although there have been some aspects that have remained the same (mouth and taste issues, day 5 pain from neulasta lasting 24 hrs., increasing fatigue and "chemo brain").  Where I am now:  some neuropathy (all below knees to feet), a lingering sinus infection and cough, a large amount of numbing fatigue, and a mind I don't quite trust.  Emotionally, I'm okay but only because I've never stopped being amazed at the amount of love and support from my family and friends.  Although I've come to hate the words such as "journey", "doable", "positive attitude", etc., they have each play some kind of role in this saga that for me started when my gyn thought something was different during a breast exam last August.  (Of course, everything really started back in 1976 when I had a surgical biopsy and had my first experience with a fibroid cyst.  For 32 years, I lived with the whole gamut of callbacks, 6 mo. mammo/ultrsnds, aspirations, needle biopsies, etc.)  Now, the boobs are gone (good riddance); I'm bald (slightly liberating); I have one more treatment (wahoo!); and I'll do 5 yrs.+ of an estrogen blocker or whatever.  How all this will turn out, I have no idea.  I do know I will have done everything I could do to go beyond breast cancer.  To all of you who have shared your feelings, experiences, and information, just know you have been a great help and inspiration to me.  My best wishes to you all....  

  • misty123
    misty123 Member Posts: 63
    edited April 2009

    To all the ladies still going thru treatment, sending prayers and encouragement for less s/e with each one, all those who have completed the chemo phase of tx, congrats on being over that bump in the road of life and good wishes to all my sisters I share a common bond with, may we all continue to live long and health lives.

    Melissa

  • Cruise4life
    Cruise4life Member Posts: 39
    edited April 2009

    Hi Ladies...

    Well I am going to get my last LAB today...before my LAST CHEMO....yeahhhhhh...

    Congrats eadsla on completing your chemo....and nice to hear your hair is on its way back!

    I am glad I am done with Menopause...and I truly believe that when I took the hormones it caused my breast cancer...I will never take any kind of meds again....I took Premarin for a year and quit as the concern for heart damage was out there....my family genes in the heart department are not very good.

    Hope that SEs are mild for those on chemo this week....

  • Cruise4life
    Cruise4life Member Posts: 39
    edited April 2009

    Awfully Quiet on this board...is everyone OKAY???????

  • Alo123
    Alo123 Member Posts: 72
    edited April 2009

    All good out here....just popped my first Arimedex this morning!!!  Going for my first infusion of Zometa as part of the S0307 Bisphosphonate Research Study on Friday.  Hope everyone else is hanging in there!

  • chelev
    chelev Member Posts: 417
    edited April 2009

    Hanging and ready for #2.  Need to remember to ask them about ice for my fingers so I don't get so numb, still numb in spots from the last time.

    Having a hot flash right now - need to get a small fan for my desk - it's hot under this wig!!!!!!Yell

    Cruise4Life - WOO HOO on your last treatment!  You lucky dog, you!!

    Misty123 - CONGRATULATIONS to you too!  I know we are all going to be better than we started out!

    Alo123 - I will probably be doing Arimedex - please keep me posted if you have any SEs.

    Thanks and everyone have a great night and for those of us getting treatments tomorrow - Good luck and let's get it over with already!!

  • Mom_of_boys
    Mom_of_boys Member Posts: 101
    edited April 2009

    Such good information from everyone.  And, such encouraging news on those finishing their last tx.  I personally will have my 4th and final chemo this coming Wednesday.  2-3 weeks after that I'll start rads and then Femara.

    As far as the eyelashes, mine are really thinning out now.  Eyebrows hanging in there, and my legs are completely smooth from the last time I shaved them...... probably 3 weeks ago!

    ~Jan~

  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 114
    edited April 2009

    Hi all,

    GOOD NEWS. I saw my oncologist whom I have not seen since my first TC for various reasons and she gave the Okay for me to have only the Four TC's.

    So my fourth and last treatment will be on May 4th.

    I am so excited that I can actually see an end to all this.I now will schedule a trip to the Amalfi Coast of Italy to attend a destination wedding of a British friends son . I will also schedule an appt to begin investigating having Breast Reconstruction at the end of June.

    I am so excited and so relieved. I can actually see the light at the end of this tunnel.

    Hurrah! Cheers! Whatever!

    Hugs to all,

    Francine

  • swest
    swest Member Posts: 140
    edited April 2009

    That's wonderful news Francine!!!!!!  You can do it!  Only one more!!!!!

    Sonia

  • Cat1
    Cat1 Member Posts: 128
    edited April 2009

    Great for those on the last leg of this journey!  Can't wait to be at that stage also! 

    2nd treatment was Monday and this afternoon I feel like CRAP!   Sorry but I've felt so good for the last 2 weeks now I hate this!  Just in a bad mood and hate feeling this way!  Ignore me! 

  • chelev
    chelev Member Posts: 417
    edited April 2009

    Cat1 - No, we're not going to ignore you - instead, we are there with you!!!  I am fully anticipating feeling the same way on Sunday.  Out of sorts, cranky, depressed, whatever.  You are perfectly normal!!!  Just think, 2 down though.  You are probably having the worst of it now, so you should feel better tomorrow!  I hope for you!

    Francine, that's wonderful news!!  Congratulations and you have made it!!  I was in Italy in October, near Genoa, the Santa Margherita coast - it was glorious!  I've been to England too - where in that country are you going?  I have dear friends who have been keeping my spirits up, both in the extreme southern part and in the northern end.

  • Brendatrue
    Brendatrue Member Posts: 487
    edited April 2009

    HIGH hopes and heartfelt wishes for healing for all who have just finished TC, are about to finish TC, or may still be "in process." I just finished #3 last Thursday, and it has been a ...doozy (trying to keep my language "under control.") I had rampant diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps Friday, ended up in the ER for 6 hours, survived that with a little help from morphine, started down the road to constipation, which was a real issue with TC#1. Finally got the constipation resolved (Day 4+), briefly had diarrhea again, now feel back on track. I can't believe that I have had to be so focused on my "bowel regimen"! Right now my fingers are so sore that I am taking too long to type, so I will run out of energy before I do words! I need to "vent," so I will just mention the thrush, indigestion, blurred vision, pain & swelling from neulasta, headaches, nosebleeds, let's just end with "etc." I'm sure I'm not the only one to go through this, but sometimes I surely feel isolated by it!

    Yesterday I felt thrilled when I was able to walk with my husband down the street and back (maybe 2-3 tenths of a mile). Right now I am going to rest, get something to eat, prepare for my trip to the clinic for labs. I venture into the world today! I hope everything goes as well as possible for you all and for me today!

  • Nadine54
    Nadine54 Member Posts: 162
    edited April 2009

    Looks like we woke up...checked last night and everyone was dozing. 

    Got my second treatment yesterday...FINALLY.  Went to the lab for blood draw...no luck blew the vein in the hand right off.  They called the chemo nurses and it was decided the nurses would try.  They tried in two places in my arm and blew both times.  So a second nurse tried back in another part of my hand it nearly blew also...FINALLY got it to go.  Blood was drawn out and a line ran for chemo once the doctor gave the okay.  Now wait for the labs and hope...they turned out real good.  Doc did some adjusting on my chemo and increased the Cytoxan.  I am going to day for the shot from hell.  They told me to take one of my prescription pain pills before we leave home to help with the onset of full body pain.  Told DH, he may have to drag me out of the truck into the center...I just go to sleep on those meds and its an hour away to drive.  My left arm and hand looks like I was in a terrible  fight with all of the bruising and wouldn't you know the veins on the unusable left side are perky as can be.  Doc told us since my labs are so good and we won't have labs next week also giving the veins a chance to mend and step up to the program.  IF we have problems next time they have to go into the tiny veins which is even more painful that this time was.  OMG I could feel the micro hairs popping out...sure hurt like total hell.  And then stress added to it.  I actually fell asleep during the last bag of juice.  I was worn out to much drama for one day.

    When we got back home I was full of energy, maybe more adrenalin.  I felt like I was going to throw-up...hubby told me "not on your laptop"  He gave me my handful of pills and told me "pretend its desert".  YUK!  Getting pretty good at swallowing so many pills at one time.  When pill time comes I look like a baby bird ready to feed.  Oh ya doc told me my SE's could be considerable worse this time...gee thanks for the heads up doc.

    Because I had thrush so bad last time we had to start the pills for that last night to make sure I have no recurrences of that on top of everything else.  So wait and see on the SE's and keeping the fingers crossed that they will be milder this time.

    Congrats on everyone who is finished or heading into their last treatment...GO LADIES so glad you are there!  Wait up I will be tagging along in a while.

    NO ONE is ignored we love you all.  Yup we feel alone and sometimes just want to cover our heads but we won't.  We are tough cookies, even in those times we feel more like a crumbled cookie. 

    Got my new hats yesterday...Love the way they look and fit.  Think I better stop ordering hats and head covers or I just may have to open my own shop.

    Well off to more water and juice got to keep this flushing away. 

    Sure love the PM's from my new found friends.

    Keeping my chin up and popping those pills and knowing I am now on the down slope.  Oh ya got a great early B-day present...next chemo is on my 55th birthday...what a deal. NOT.  Oh well its going to be #3, so maybe the veins will be nice this time and we can get it all done and out at a better time.

    Love you all...drink drink and drink...Don't forget to eat those tiny meals.  Heads up girls were doing it!

    Nadine Undecided

  • 7timewinner
    7timewinner Member Posts: 15
    edited April 2009

    Yay, Francine!!! Yay, Jan!!

    So happy for you both!! Can't wait until I can say the same! :)

    Nadine

  • misty123
    misty123 Member Posts: 63
    edited April 2009

    Cat1- we never ignore anyone here,we encourage, support and listen. We have all had those days/weeks and they pass but know that you are not alone, we are here with you and for you. I am positive I made it thru chemo because so many others on the boards gave me strength and knowledge that each Day gets a little easier and listened to me whine and complain with complete understating and love. sending you hugs and good vibes for healing.

    Sending out love to the whole group, it's nice to see people making future plans.

  • Tina-in-Seattle
    Tina-in-Seattle Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2009

    Been through my second round last Friday.  Hasn't been so bad except after the first round I became nutrapenic and had to get the nutrapine shots yuck,  that hurt.  I had no white cells!  ACK!  Got my neulasta shot on Monday and it hasn't really been that bad.  I felt like hell on Monday and Tuesday but today I really feel fine.  I don't like the steroids before and after treatment but I have to say that there is something surreal about cleaning your bathroom at 3 am roided out.  HA!  I'm finding being bald kind of liberating but not liking the wigs too much.  Especially when I'm not feeling well.

    Half way through two more to go then rads.  This has been some hell of a ride!

    Big hugs to all!

    T

  • Tina-in-Seattle
    Tina-in-Seattle Member Posts: 6
    edited April 2009

    Nadine,

    Why don't you have a port?  I did my first treatment in my vein and it almost killed me.  I had the port put in midway between first and second treatment.  Is that not an option for you?

    Big hug,

    Tina

  • Nadine54
    Nadine54 Member Posts: 162
    edited April 2009

    There was never any talk of a port...May have to have a pig line if this keeps up...I can't take two more rounds of this.  With only one arm my thinking is what is this going to do long term if something should happen down the road and only one arm to work with.

    Nadine

  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 114
    edited April 2009

     Everybody..Yes thanks for the congrats. I am so  excited.

     Nadine54,

    Here are some hints so they can find your veins easier. Get a small hand exercise ball and squeeze it before treatments or even better when watching TV. I was also told to get some weights. You can do the same with those. I got a three pound weight. The last thing I do the day before and the day of is put a heating pad on my arm. This also brings out the veins. I was told for four TC's you don't really need a port. I even put a microwave heated towel on my arm going to the doctor.

    Try doing these things before your next treatment.

    Hugs,

    Francine

  • chelev
    chelev Member Posts: 417
    edited April 2009

    Nadine - sorry you had such a rough time!  I was nervous about the port, but so glad it is in.  You might want to encourage at least the pik line if nothing else, so you don't have to go through all of that hell on your hand. 

    I had #2 today and my doc lowered my dosages to keep my WBC from plunging so badly.  I get the dreaded Neulasta shot tomorrow afternoon, but as I'm driving myself from work, I won't be able to take pain meds until I get home from the shot.  Hopefully all the SEs will be less, except for the bone pain from the N, but if I just get them all on Sunday and not so much any other day, I can deal.  And, like you said, 2 down, and 2 to go!  although my doc pushed my #3 back a week as he'll be out of town, it was kind of like taking the wind out of my sails.  Pushes everything back a week, but at least I'll still be done in early June, just not as early as i wanted.

    Tired now, going to go lay down or at least continue reading.  Got a little nauseous on the way home, told DH not to swerve so much, he was making me sick!  Took a compazine and will continue with the Miralax, hopefully constipation won't be so terrible this time, I'm prepared for it now!

    I agree with you - if I don't stop ordering hats and bandanas and wigs, I'm going to have my own shop.  but dammit, I want a selection if I can't have my hair and this is getting kind of fun to see what I can put together!  The wigs just get tiring after a full day of work, can't wait to rip them off and put on a nice, cool cotton bandana instead.

    Hugs and love to all - wishing you all a wonderful, SE-free night!!!!

  • babyc
    babyc Member Posts: 20
    edited April 2009

    Nadine54, water, water, water.........Hydrate those veins!  For my weekly bloodwork, I drink lots of water and  warm my hand and arm.  I too can only use one arm and have "rolling veins".  I have been very thankful for my port during chemo, but bloodwork is not done at onc's office so lab place has to use arm.

  • Cruise4life
    Cruise4life Member Posts: 39
    edited April 2009

    Hi Ladies...

    Well..... GUESS WHAT?????

    TA DAAAAA....I am DONE....D...O...N...E...    YEAHHHHHHH!!!!!!

    We did PAR TAY...and the cupcakes were a hit. 

    I had my last chemo...and the benedryl kicked in and I was so sleepy..so I had to take a nap this afternoon.  On our way home we stopped at JIMBOY Tacos and I had a chicken taco salad...BIG mistake...to think that I could eat normal...I have a bout of diarreah now...YIKES...and woke up in a big pool of sweat...and now got the dry mouth...urggh start of THRASH....BUT...its the last time...for that!

    Along with the cupcakes I also gave my onco nurses "thank you" and gift cards - Michele a Nordstroms GC and for Rebecca who is expecting in August - a BABYs R US gift card.  They made my 6 sessions seem painless and were there for me all the way.  I couldn't have asked for better care.  They called me every session to follow up and see how I was doing. We had great hugs....and they were so appreciative and made sure that I stop in and see them whenever I see my onco doc...I will see them again tomorrow when I go in for my Nuelasta shot.

    My doc said that I will need to leave my port in until after I am done with Radiation and have the Petscan.  So it will be a few more weeks for that to come out. 

    Good news...my doc is referring me to a Cancer Center for my Rads here in Vacaville so I won't have to drive to Vallejo every day...that is a blessing...Its bad enough having to deal with a daily routine let alone a drive to another planet...LOL

    Chelev...Cute Picture....and so sorry you are having to push back a little time with this next one...

    Jan and Francine...You will be DONE next week..Kudo's......

    Brenda, Chelev, Nadine(s), Tina, Misty, and Cat1.....  YOU GIRLS ROCK!!!!  KEEP GOING.....

  • Nadine54
    Nadine54 Member Posts: 162
    edited April 2009

    Crusader:  Good idea on the exercise ball I will do that for sure.  Will start the night before and all the way to the center...We live an hour away so with luck that will help.  They had me run my water under hot water in the lab...not a good idea since I am sensitive to water and have to wear gloves to wash dishes and real quick showers with tons of lotion to follow.  The chemo nurses did use a heating pad for sometime (and had a darn hot flash at the same time) but it didn't do much to help. 

    BabyC:  I do drink so much water and all the way to to the treatment center.  They told me today when I got my N shot that I am also on blood pressure medicine which has a mild diuretic in it.  They didn't feel this was a problem and due to the severity of my BP, they as well as myself don't want to risk having the BP shoot up any higher.  We have to stop part way to the center for a potty break.  I keep chugging fluids every day since chemo started.  When we go anyplace including treatments I carry bottles of water and try to max out, no matter what I have already had during the day. 

    My doc figures we can make it through this with out any help...but one more time of being poked so many times I am going to ask him to volunteer for the needles.  My good arm is happy as a lark and the veins are right up there smiling.  The left arm is looking pretty sad...so keep chugging water and try the ball exercises.  At this point anything besides a arm full of bruises.  Just have to make it 2 more times. 

    Did take a perscription pain pill before we left for the N shot and it helped so far.  Did doze some coming home but at least hubby was driving.  And got a Smurf bandage...so special.

    Hope every is doing good.  Thinking of all of you.

    Have a good evening,

    Nadine

  • Alo123
    Alo123 Member Posts: 72
    edited April 2009

    wow!!!!!  That is great news!!!!  I hope you have an easy weekend Cruise!!!!!

    I HAVE to share something with you Jewels!!!  It seems like this was the week my eyebrows would fail me!!!  Yup...4 weeks after treatment and they're very thin and light.....so today I went to Sephora and got the best products!!!! They are by Anastasia...one is a pack of stencils...and the other is is Anastasia Brow Wiz.....total price $40.  They may also sell it at Nordtsrom....or you might try sephora.com.  I just used it and I have brows again and they look super!!!!  I hope this might help someone out there!

  • suzmarks
    suzmarks Member Posts: 20
    edited April 2009

    Just wanted to say a quick hi to all. I'm sorry to hear about some of the difficult SE and experiences some of you are having. I enjoy reading this dialogue board, hearing how everyone's doing with TC. I just ordered two scarf hats from info fashion and scarves. Thanks for the site Nadine54. I, too, am getting quite the scarf & hat collection. But of course we need different ones for different seasons. I'm packing a bag to go away to a friend's for the weekend and I can't believe that I put in 3 different hats.I also am kind of enjoying the bald experience. The showering and washing my no hair is so quick and easy now. I'm thinking if I lived in a nudist colony life would really be simplified then, no grooming of the hair and no worrying about what clothes to wear. Well just a thought anyways. I'm the one who was hoping to be done after 4 tx and leave the clinical research study I'm in. My onc wants me to go through the 6 tx as I was node positive. I'm disappointed but since I've been feeling pretty good for a bit and life seems normal 2 more tx don't seem so horrible now. Of course I'll be complaining after tx 5 next Wed. But as others have stated, we all soldier on and make it through. I was wondering how long it's ok to postpone radiation. I've read that some oncs want us to wait a month or so before beginning radiation. If that were the case I wouldn't start until July. I hate the thought of spending my summer break (I'm a teacher) going in daily for radiation treatment. It doesn't seem like such a big deal doing it during the school year when I regimented, keeping a regular schedule. I guess I'll have to find out from my onc. Anyways thanks for listening to me think aloud. My best to all.

  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 526
    edited April 2009
    Alo - I've been on arimidex for 6 weeks now and the worst SE is the joint pain.  I already had arthritis in knees and elbows but now wrists and fingers just ache.  I've found the best thing is to keep moving  - I try to exercise everyday and that seems to ease the pain but the mornings are a nightmare some days.  I look like an old woman when I get out of bed - goes along with the baldness beautifully Kiss.  Congrats to everyone who is finishing up this week and sorry for anyone having bad SE's.  I have been reading religously but not posting much lately but you are all in my prayers.  Work is crazy and that is taking all my brain cells at the moment.  Good news - we are heading to the beach for the weekend and it's expected to be in the 80's here in the east.  Hugs to all, Bobbi
  • Cat1
    Cat1 Member Posts: 128
    edited April 2009

    Cruise - WAY TO GO!  Happy Dance, Happy Dance! 

    Nadine & Chev1 - Hate to hear of the SE.  I was hoping this one might be better!  My SE come and go so far - nothing major!  Keeping my fingers crossed! 

    I'm also working on a collection of hats and bandana's - keep thinking of a new color I need.  If I'd known what I know now - I would have skipped the wig and spent all my money on the collection. 

    Ladies, keep the info coming!  We are strong! 

  • annadou
    annadou Member Posts: 46
    edited April 2009

    Hey Cruise 

    Smile well done !! When do the rads start?

    Anna 

  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 114
    edited April 2009

    Alo,

    I am one week before my 4th TC. I just saw your post on the eyebrows. Mine have just started to thin tremendosuly. I am going to the mall today to Sephora and will buy the Anastasia stuff you recommended. I definitely do not want the sick look. I feel great.

    Stay strong.

    Hugs ,

    Francine

    You will in a beautiful state . I have been there twice. Quite a distance from NY

  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 673
    edited April 2009

    Suzmarks: I feel for you.  You teachers work hard and strenuously during the school year.  That summer time under a less hectic schedule to rejuvinate, do continuing ed, and prepare for the coming year is so important to keep you coming back refreshed and excited about new lessons to teach.  It really does sux to think of having rads during it.  Hope it works out for you so its at a time that doesn't interfere too much.

    Crusader, so happy for you.  After the surgery issues, you certainly had good news coming to you on the chemo front. congrats and happy traveling