Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Suzmarks: Your welcome on the hat/scarf site...I received my order and was real pleased...I did a little touch up ironing on them and they look nice. My free head wrap from L. Erickson would have cost $72, and myself its my least of favorites. I didn't like the fit at all and had to do a little stitching in the back to pull it together more...had a big hole after it was tied. I like the prices of the lower priced ones and they fit and look so much nicer.
I got some fabric from the resource room yesterday and am going to make some head-wraps from some of my favorite styles...all look pretty simple now just able to stay focused will be the key. I figure I may not wear my wig and do like a variety of head coverings. In the house I don't wear anything but do like the variety of trying to coordinate with my outfit for the day. Since I am a home person, its no major thing, just want to look as nice as I can...takes away from the yuk feeling that is coming and going.
Since my micro hairs are shooting out I am keeping a skull cap on now in the house, plus keeps my hands off of my head and filling up the hands with hair. Some of those darn hairs are long which is funny since what you can see on the scalp is pretty darn short. I use a damp wash cloth a few times a day to brush over my scalp to get the loose ones so I don't end up with little hairs all over.
Doing okay today a little slow moving and a few shakes...brain is in sloooowww mode, so could be repeating myself and not even realizing it. Just going to chill today and try to stay focused on making some head-wraps or something. For sure a nap will be in order today...during this time it gives me a boost of some energy.
Thinking of everyone and sending many hugs and good thoughts to everyone.
Nadine
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Cruise - you go!!! Congratulations and whooooo hooo!!! I am so happy for you!
Day 1 after treatment #2, just starting to get a little foggy. Been on the agressive side about taking everything I can to prevent SEs - took compazine this morning, and a pepto tablet as heartburn was starting up even with my regular priolsec. Already turned off coffee, bummer. Eating blandly, been taking miralax, sort of helping. If I can stave off the horrible heartburn /gas pains, I'll be able to deal with the body aches better. going for the Nuelasta this afternoon, and will go home and take pain pill right away - maybe it will help keep the bone pain at bay. Otherwise, I'm stoked and hope it's not too horrible of a weekend.
Hope everyone is feeling okay - and has a beautiful day!
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Cruise... YIPPPPPEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you feel like a physical weight has been lifted from your body?
Alo123... Thanks for the tip. My eyelashes are very thin now. Eyebrows are okay for now... going for 4th and final TC this coming Wednesday.
suzmarks... Yep, I'm sure the rads will make it hard for you to re-group for next year's students!
chelev... Remember for some (me) the Claritin helps with the neulasta pain.
Nadine54... Nap away!
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Morning Ladies...
Sending you all the great heat to the East from Sunny California...we are cooling off a little and back into the mid 70's.
Thanks Alo123, cat1 and annadou...I am on cloud 10...going in this morning for my LASTA Nuelasta shot...YEAHHHHHH....
Anna I start my Rads after my consultation in about two to three weeks...I am ready to keep going with this fight and get it all done..so my rehabilitation can begin...and ongoing visits to the doc to keep it away.
Mom 2 boys...Yes...I feel so much lighter...except the scale didn't show it...WOW...these steroids put on the pounds....will look into Weight Watchers...during rads.
Ladies have a great start to a great weekend...Keep Posting!!!!
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Cruise -- Thank God someone else has gained weight! I asked this question on the March Chemo board and no one seems to have gained weight except me! My last chemo is next Wednesday and I'm already semi-starting Weight Watchers. If you need any helpful web sites, let me know.0
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Mom 2 boys....it is crazy to think that some of these ladies have not gained any....I started at 180 pounds and hit the scale at the docs yesterday at 207. I am ready for getting this extra off..I feel like a Macys day parade Balloon...I can't bend over to peel my feet or scrub my ugly brown toes..and forget going in for a pedicure...too embarassing. I have tried walking with my DH in the evenings...but I have been so busy during the day that at night I just can't get motivated. I got a dog thinking I would walk...HHAAHHH...she sits on my lap.
I have joined Weight Watchers before...so I am okay with the web stuff. I was also on Jenny Craig before I was diagnosed and did very well on that program...although I had to go in weekly for weigh in and purchase the food. It got to be the same old stuff to eat and not very exciting at all. I think WW is the best bet for healthy way to go...and walking is a must...just got to do it in the mornings when I feel PEPPY...LOL Lets start a thread on losing POUNDS...while going through Rads....
Well...Here it is...I just posted this one for us to start a following...
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I agree Chelev, I was nervous about the port as well but the first round really did a number on the veins. The nurses don't like to put the line in the hand veins. I am glad I got it because they can draw your labs etc from the port less sticks. Nadine, talk to your oncologist about having the port placed. Even after they warmed my arm up, and I drank almost a gallon of water, etc. It was still rough and I have good veins. Even if you are only having 4 or 5 treatments it really is better. And they can leave it in until you are done with all your treatments then take it out. Mine is in my arm as when I had it done I was already nutrapenic and the surgeon did not want to place it in my chest for risk of infection. And the bonus is that the treament goes faster, they don't have to stop the line, restart, etc. that happned to me like 3 or 4 times first time and it took forever. This time I was done in 3 hours!
Chelev, I got my neulasta shot on Monday and I've been a bit achy but nothing compared to what they said it would be. It could be because I had to do 5 days of nutrapine shots half way through my first and second treatment as my nutafils plummeted to 100. That baby hurt! But the neulasta hasn't been that bad this time. Maybe it won't be for you. Ibprofen has worked well for the aches so far but I'm guarding my vicodin with my life just in case!
Hoping all is going well for both of you. Stay strong.
Big Hugs,
Tina
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If any one is looking for head gear wigs, or other head pieces check out cricketts answer for cancer. I think they are a dot org. I got a new wig from them and it is great.
They have a great story. Tell them I sent you over. They do great work and are very loving.
Big hugs,
Tina
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Hi
This is somewhat a repeat of what I posted on the April 2009 list, but I had my #2 TC today and had an allergic reaction even though I was given benadryl before the treatment. It was fine - I recovered very quickly once they stopped the drip. They gave me more benadryl and pepcid and restarted the taxotere more slowly and I was fine. My question for folks here -- what experiences have others had on the next treatment after having a treatment with an allergic reaction. My first TC was fine. I really want to continue this regimen as well.
Thanks,
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Cruise & Mom_of_Boys - Thank goodness, someone mentioned weight gain. I'm gaining around 2 lbs per week and I just thought it was because I'd been eating the wrong foods! Which I have but all the good stuff doesn't have any taste anymore and the bad stuff does! When you don't feel good it's just so much easier to stop and get something than go home and fix it! Ok, now I've got to get motivated to eat better cause I don't want to keep gaining like I have.
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aoandrews - I had the same reaction to #2 with the same treatment. Stop, restart with benadryl and slowly. The following treatments were no problem after that 1 time although I was pretty nervous. Just be patient and positive.
Regarding weight gain - I had to pack for a weekend at the Jersey shore this am. The bathing suit did NOT look good even with the new girls perking it up. I have some weight issues to address and will use my pretty coverups for a while. And talk about white legs, bald heads and no lashes or brows - a sight for sore eyes
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Bobcat....I was wondering how your hair is coming in since the arimidex....I have read the horror stories about thin hair. My mom was on it for 5 years and was fine....just wondering how you are finding it?
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cat1 and bobcat... I'm feeling better now about my weight gain. Seriously, on the March 2009 thread it seemed (in my little head) that no one else had this issue.0
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Ladies...check out the Weight Watchers link: http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/58/topic/733059?page=1#idx_2
We can start to get to our gorgeous figures again...with help from others in our predicament...
aoandrews...they will keep you on your same treatment unless there are serious side effects...and most onco nurses and docs know what to do in your case. You also may not experience anymore SEs when you get #3 and #4.
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Cruise and mom 2 boys
How much steroids were you girls getting? Is that what does the weight thing or what .I was told not to eat sugar or salt with mine -I get 3 days of steroids.
Have a good weekend
Anna
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I think there are several reasons for our weight gain, One is the steroids. Even tho we only take them around our treatment time, they add weight. Taxotere will make you retain fluid even if it isn't obvious, it's there. My onc nurse told me that it isn't unusual to gain up to 20 lbs while on Taxotere. Also, since out taste buds are so messed up, we tend to eat things that are higher in calories. Juice instead of water, ice cream smoothies instead of oatmeal for breakfast, canned fruit, etc. Then of course, we've felt like crap and laid around for up to 6 months with surgeries and chemo. That never helps with weight either. So depending on how inactive you've been and how badly you've been eating, Weight Watchers may or may not help. All the weight from steroids and chemo has to resolve itself with time.
It is good to know that each one of us is not alone with this problem. I myself, have gained another 3 lbs after finishing chemo. I've gained 23 lbs now. Not happy. I know a lot of it is water weight but it doesn't seem to be going away. I thought it would after a month. Frustrating.
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Morning Ladies...
annadou...the weight is from the chemo treatments including the steroids used and the preventative medicines to keep us from vomiting. We are prone to eat more during this treatment phase. Doctors and nurses advise us to not worry about weight gain as there is no stopping it. Eat as much as you like and pack in the protein to help get rid of the toxins and bad cells in your bodies.
Firni...I see that you mentioned Weight Watchers. I started a thread with that title and probably should have called it Waste Watchers...we want to bring in all kinds of great tips on how to help get the pounds off once we are done with chemo treatment. What I mean is that there are many other great ways to reduce caloric intake and exercise is a great way to lose the added pounds we put on while going through chemo. It will take time to get back in shape...and we have a great forum here to help others stay motivated....Please join in and give us some of your great tips on how you are planning to get your self motivated and in shape.
So far so good...no SEs that popped up last time....of course its only day 3.
Have a SE free day!!!!
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I gained 20 LBS. You're not alone.
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Thanks for more information on the weight gain, ladies.
Annadou... I take 8 mg of Decadron twice a day... the day before, day of, and day after. Does that sound reasonable to you all? And... no one told me about the sugar and salt.
Firni... Yet ANOTHER thing I didn't know... about the water retention. Makes sense. Past couple of days I've had trouble putting on my rings.
Cruise4life... I'm already starting to think in terms of points!
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Mom of boys, 8 mgs of decadron twice a day for those three days is what I did for each round. No one told me about sugar and salt either.
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Mom of boys ,Firni
I get the same steroids -mine called Medrol 8mg 2xday for 3 days and they said to not eat sugar and salt during that time so we hopefully dont get that swollen steriod look-dont know if there is any other reason.I am trying to eat nutritious food and I dont think I am eating any more but I will get really pissed off if I have to diet after all this-that just seems to be the final blow.
Feeling a bit down -that shot has given me neck pain-whats left of my hair is hurting-got shooting pains in my lumpectomy breast-could that be the Neulasta anyone
Take care all
Anna
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Nadine 54
How are you doing today ?
How did the head wrap session go? Im not doing so good with the head situation but I shall just have to deal with it -these hairs hurt a lot .
Whats the weather like over your way-hope you have recovered from the shot
Take care
Anna
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Annadou: Got one head wrap finished yesterday and looks good. Have a second one half sewn. Was going to rest yesterday and a elderly neighbor came over...I had only been sleeping about a half an hour. I waited way to long to lay down, trying to finish the one wrap. One visit tossed my nap out the window. Had a hard evening, just to pooped out. Loaded up on all the meds and went to bed early. I love those first words, "Were you sleeping"? Gee what gave you that idea? Could it be the pillows and blanket on the couch and the fact the blinds were closed. Nice lady but darn, I had mentioned before to please call first because I could be resting. Oh well!
My head is quickly becoming shinny bald. I use a cool wash cloth and gently rub on my scalp to get the hairs to fall off. Its funny (NOT) to see how long the hairs are when popping out of the follicles. DH asked me last night if I cut my hair again...I told him I had no hair to cut since the buzz that its just falling out. Actually its shooting out! I have to wear a skull cap to prevent those hairs from getting all over my pillows when sleeping. Looks like maybe a day or two and all of them will be out (I HOPE) then I can go without a covering in the house and bed again.
Thought maybe the effects of the shot was kicking in last night, appeared to be just pure exhaustion. Slept good, thanks to meds...just feel slow going this morning. For sure plan on a nap mid day no matter what. Foods are still tasting okay, no weird tastes yet. Hot flashes are blessing me through out the day. Had a couple full body melt downs but seemed to be worse last night when I was so tired.
I am doing good, far better so far than the last SE's...hope it lasts.
Weather here in my little Idaho town has turned cooler, actually had to turn the furnace on yesterday morning for a little while. Looks nice outside but rather chilly. Spring time is in full bloom here, will be glad when I have more energy and can get out and do something in the yard again. For sure got to remember to wear sun protection on the skin. I like to be tanned and this year have to forget that idea and just make sure my skin is protected...sure don't want any more problems...
On the weight topic...I give up. I finally got to my ideal weight to see it quickly shot out the window. Figure when all of the treatments are done, back to walking and riding my exercise bike. I was shocked when I saw the scales the other day. But figure getting treatments done and behind me and will have plenty of time to get back in shape. I have a problem with water retention anyways, so as long as I can keep drinking fluids and flushing everything out and eating healthy, there isn't much else I can do right now. My sweet tooth is gone, which is good so no worries there. If DH can look at a bald, somewhat chunky wife and be able to deal with the SE's that effect me...then my weight will be taken care of later. Bless DH, such a good man, wonderful support...couldn't do this without him in my ballpark. You sure find out during times like this what is and is not important.
Hope everyone is doing good...keep your chin up, we are getting through this in baby steps at times...and before we know it we will leap to the other side of being done. Hang in there ladies, and remember to find some humor in your lives every day.
Nadine
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Hi,Nadine. I think I'm feeling about the same as you - SE's not as bad as round 1, but still really groggy-tired, slow moving. also, having a lot of pain near port for some reason. I'm getting a little shiny on the sides, and have been wearing bandanas and caps, but to sleep in, without much to hold on to, they twirl around my head all night! no great appetite, seem to want like crackers and such, with a little salt on them, it's all I can taste!
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Chelev:
I have to wear skull caps...the other caps I like at night I seem to be like you twirling around and before I know it I have pulled them off. The skull caps are tighter and I at least leave them on.
My eating is okay, if I just remember to eat. I try to do small things during the day, granola bar, fruit, pudding, smoothie, crackers and peanut butter. I try to boil a couple of eggs a day and have a english muffin. My problem is I don't feel like eating and just plain forget. Trying to keep a check on that. This morning instant oatmeal since I didn't have the energy for regualr oatmeal and then forgot to eat it before it turned cold. I seem to eat more cold foods because I forget I was only letting it cool not get cold. Oh well getting used to everything cold.
Energy is near zip today for sure. Got the bed made and dishes washed and ate...shower in a bit and a few naps I think are in order today. Just chilling today, maybe work on the other head wrap don't know. Would like to read my new book but focusing is difficult unless I am on the computer for some reason.
Glad your doing good Chelev, rest. Well back to more fluids which means more running to the bathroom.
Happy thoughts to everyone.
Nadine
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Congrats to all who are completing t&c. I'm just starting tomorrow and am a little nervous. I know what to expect (thanks to all of you!) and I'm hoping for minimal se's! I'm not getting a port - is that good or bad. I'm scheduled for 4 rounds. Is that why? I'll have to ask. I feel like I have to get everything done today because after tomorrow I'm not going to be able to do anything. I know that is not the truth but I still feel like that. How can I possibly fit 2+ months worth of work into one day??? Especially since I have to put away clothes from Disney (awesome trip - just got back friday night), go to my son's lacrosse game 30 minutes away and cook dinner for my family and parents (remember, it's the last time I'm going to be able to cook - all in my head). Anyway, I am so happy to hear from all of you. Great tips on the hats, wraps and wigs!
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I am on board with gals wanting to loose weight!!!!! I am 4.5 weeks out from my last treatment and just started on Arimedex, I did ok during chemo and gained and lost every round.....I ended up maintaining in the end. My main concern now is getting back into shape and not gaining anyhing on the arimidex. My whole body feels a little stiff and creaky if that makes any sense? Does anyone else have the feeling? I have joined in with a local running store that conducts these running groups. They group people together who are at the same level and have a coach go out with you. We start with... run 2 minutes.. walk 3 minutes for 8 or 9 sets....as quickly as we can. Than we keep moving up...run 3 mintues, walk 2 mintues....and keep increasing the running time as we can. It seem to be working and helping me build me endurance back. We meet twice a week and if I try to do it myself as often as possible on my own. One of the ladies in the group said she has downloaded some music from a running coach.....Jeff Galloway I think....and it has music set to these timed sets. I need to get the music for my ipod and see if it helps me when I'm workout by myself. That's what I'm doing to get started back......I wouldlove to hear what anyone else is planning on doing to get back in shape.
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Sukiann, good luck with your first tx tomorrow. Not having a port for 4 rounds is pretty typical. I usually was pretty ramped up the day of and day after chemo. Then the SE's would start to set in. Are you getting Neulasta shots too? Let us know how it goes.
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Firni... Thanks for the confirmation that I am on the right dose! During my 3rd tx, it seemed too much. I was super-hyper and hadn't been the other two times.
Annadou... Definitely could be the neulasta shot. I have either general bone aches or stabbing pains in my back. I take Claritin and Extra Strength Tylenol. They seem to help.
Nadine... Don't forget to use a lint remover brush over your head to get those final hair stragglers.
Sukiann... I'm finishing my fourth, and final, TC this coming Wednesday. I got my port at the same time as I had my lumpectomy. And, I'm glad I have it. HOWEVER, with only 4 treatments, many oncs don't seem to feel the need for the port especially if you have good veins. Good luck tomorrow...... you'll do fine. If it helps at all, I worked all the way thru tax season and only missed the chemo day and half a day the Friday after each time.
Alo123... My plan right now is to wait until about 2-3 after my last chemo and then start walking. Once I get up to 2-3 miles of walking, I plan on going back to my gym and doing the elliptical cross trainer and weights. Again... that's at least the plan.
Dx 12/5/2008, IDC, 5cm, Stage II, Grade 1, 0/1 nodes0 -
Sukiann - good luck tomorrow. I finished my fourth TC on 3/24... no port... not a problem.
Alo - turns out I gained about 5 lbs through the whole deal... tomorrow I start my exercise routine (you inspired me). I am going to walk the lake around our neighborhood (takes 1 hour exactly) and bike ride every day. We'll see how I do... I feel creaky too....
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