Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
Comments
-
Hello Ladies! I've been out of the net for a bit and now trying to get caught up on all of the posts! I had to make a trip to the ER; I developed a clot in my port arm. They attempted at CT scan to determine if any clot had broken off to the lungs, but the contrasting dye burst through the IV vein and into my already swollen arm! My blood pressure and pulse rate was sky high as well, so an overnight stay was a must. Thanks be to God, we were able to jump on this early!
Take care and have a good day!
0 -
God Trumpet, what a mess! Glad to hear you are ok now. What symptoms did you have prior to the clot? That's scary.
Goldilocks: have you tried Prilosec yet?
0 -
Well I will be joining you TC ladies starting Thurs.the 6th. I have a large tumor they are trying to shrink before surgery. The plan right now is 6 times every 3 weeks. I had the bone scan and ct scans yesterday and tomorrow they put in the port.. My sister is going with me for the first chemo--they said plan about 4 hours or so because I meet with the onc. first. It has really been encouraging to read how well most of you are all doing..you hear such horror stories..The doc told me if I have the chemo on Fri. I should be back to work on Tues..I own my own business and we're closed on Mon. I hope he's right. I have made arrangements for extra help tho. I just want Thurs. to get here and be over with--the waiting and worrying about everything is really putting me in a terrible mood--not eating or sleeping either..but reading about your experiences has really helped calm my nerves a bit. Thanks so much for being here!
0 -
Hi Ladies!
Guitargirl - so do you have a problem with the silk scarves slipping or do you wear something under them? The few I have are cotton. Are you wearing oblong ones or square?
Beegirl - I have had bloody noses with each tx. Usually it lets up after about 10 days, but I am still getting them now and am due on Friday. I use a saline nose spray and a rinse once or twice a day. I also put Vaseline on a q-tip in each nostril (thanks Kathy!) and use the humidifier occasionally. I have bad allergies and have sinus issues anyway. I may try the tonic water, thanks.
Nomad - I was told too, that if you ask the nurse to warm up the shot, it doesn't hurt. I haven't had a problem with needle pain, so maybe they already do that where I am.
Chj & guggerty - I will try headcovers.com. The scarves I have I got from tlc and I have a few that a friend made. The scarf I got from tlc came with a scrunchie and it looks cute, but it is a bit big. I think it is about 36 inch square. I would like one smaller.
Lotodgs - Next I am on to radiation. I just had a lumpectomy. Thankfully my center is close. I have total constipation. At times I feel like I will never get back to being regular!
Kathy - I do have a "beaubeau". I also have a gift certificate a friend sent me to get some more. They are so expensive though. I wish she had more that were plain colors. I have a lot of patterned tops for the spring and can't decide on which colors to get. They lady that runs it is really nice. I wish we had a BC boutique around here. My mom and I were thinking that would be a good business to open. I have looked at the mall and Wallyworld etc. and just have a hard time finding anything without having to order online.
Sharons - funny you say that about being healthy cause that is the exact same way I feel. I have been exercising and eating healthy for about the past 3-4 years. I have also gotten so many compliments in the last year on how good I look for my age etc. Then boom!
Goldilocks - my heartburn had gotten worse with each round. I take the Pepcid AC. I start out with the maximum strength and then switch to the regular strength as I move further out from treatment. I have to take it 24/7. This last round ended up taking it about a week and a half. My onc said not to take Maalox because it interferes with absorption - so not sure on the Mylanta.
Trumpet - That is scary! Hope you are all better now. Do they need to watch you more now, or what?
Embmom - Welcome! If your se's are anything like mine, Thursday would be good for you. I have my infusions on Friday and I feel like crap on Monday and Tuesday. Good luck with having your port put in.
Please excuse any typos. It is ridiculous how many times I have had to backspace in trying to type this!
Hugs everyone!
0 -
embmom - welcome to the madness.
SharonS & PALady - I know what you mean about exercise. All those "studies" about how exercise reduces your chances for bc, what the heck? The first time I had bc (in 1994) I was a running fanatic, and less than a year before I had run a marathon (26.2 miles) at a 10-minute pace. So how much exercise do you need to prevent bc, I ask??? Jeez. When I was diagnosed, people said, "you? of all people!!"
Whatever. If it's your number, it's your number. I believe everything happens for a reason. I just don't know what it is...CHJ
0 -
Embmom: We are all so different but I will tell you that alot of us have treatments on Friday and its Wednesday before we feel good again. Actually I spend Tuesday getting my feet underneath me but I still have very little energy on that day.
40something: I also loved the list. If we can all spend time looking at the blessings that are intertwined with this craziness then it really does help our attitudes. Usually when I feel good its easy to remember the good stuff and forget the bad stuff. Its when I feel bad that I slip into the hole that is depression. Only 1 more to go through.
I feel so tired today. I almost went home this morning after I got here to work but decided to tough it out and took something and think I'll stay now.
Trumpet: I'm so sorry about your hospital trip! That sounds very scary! And it sounds as though you still have a great attitude. Good for you.
PALady: I was glad to hear from you. When some of you ladies that have been here since the beginning of this thread don't show up for a few days I tend to worry! I feel like a mother hen!
For those of you with children (especially young ones) - my hat is off to you! Ooops, there's my bald head! HA! But I digress. I just don't know how you all do it. I am humbled in your presence because mothers are the strongest individuals anyway but those going through this and have to deal with children on top of it - WOW! Ya'll are SUPERWOMEN!!!
Friday is the day!!!!! Last treatment!! Then rads in about three weeks. Seven weeks later - DONE!!! 10 more weeks! I am surely not rubbing noses in it - I'm just so excited. I pray that all of you will will reach this point very quickly and have great results also!
I love you ladies - you all keep me sane!
Cheers!
Wendy
0 -
KathyL - The primary symptom was the swelling which gradually increased over a few days. My hand would be slightly plump first thing in the morning with slight tingling sensations, but would then go down after 10 minutes or so. Each day the sensation lasted a bit longer and then it came separately in the afternoon and would not go away! As a matter of fact, the Today Show had a segment on DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) this morning! You hear of this mainly occurring in the legs. I caught the tail end of it, but basically they said the same thing as my ONC in that cancer patients are more likely/at risk to develop clots. So, everyone must remain highly aware of any changes in their bodies.
PAlady - I have to be on Lovenox (blood thinner) for the duration of chemo now. I have to give myself shots twice a day which is no fun at all. They will be definitely keeping a close eye out to ensure the clot does not break lose. It is going to take at least 2-3 weeks before the fluid is absorbed in my arm.
As far as scarfs and such, I found a great seller on eBay (englishtraditions) that sells very comfortable cotton scarf liners as well as very pretty, pre-shaped scarfs. I wear the liners around the house to keep my head warm and then a scarf on top of it when I go out.
0 -
Palady just goes to show how different we all are. You still have hair! Mine is truly just a shadow, maybe next week or 2 I'll see what it will look like. Mine was curly prior to this whole ordeal, so I am hoping for straighter!!
I am going for an MRI Friday of both breasts. Radiologist found a small cyst on my good breast, but my Mammo had been ok! Oh well, the MRI will tell for sure. I am positive it is nothing!
Lou
0 -
Well, count me in too. I had my first treatment of TC followed by my neulasta shot last Thursday, Feb 28. So far so good. Just feel a bit tired and had some stomach cramps Sat. pm and Sun. Yesterday I was tired but overall feel ok. Trying to keep busy and stay positive. Feeling tired towards end of day, but trying to keep strong for my daughters. Don't have much of an appetite. Lost a few pounds, but I am sure that will pass.
Kim
0 -
I get my first treatment tomorrow and i am so anxious...not sure what to expect..I will also have my neulasta on friday...any feedback is welcomed
0 -
PDM,
Suggest you look at the thread "Tips for Getting Through Chemotherapy" -- lots of good advice there... best of luck to you... sometimes the anticipation is worse than the reality!
C-Babe0 -
PALady - I am doing 4 treatments. Loss of appetite is bothering me a bit and things don't taste exactly right, but things could be worse. I have been using Zantac for the heartburn and it seems to be doing okay, but my stomach is always a little upset.
I got some scarves from TLCdirect and I like them. DH thinks I look like a pirate or a biker! It's a different look for me. I am a Girl Scout leader and I have a couple of bucket hats that I use when I go camping. I have been using those paired with some scarves tied around my head. It looks cute. My biggest problem is that I can't wear headphones at my desk while wearing a hat. I use the headphones b/c I am a medical transcriptionist and they won't fit over the hats.
Rachel
0 -
PALady - I am doing 4 treatments. Loss of appetite is bothering me a bit and things don't taste exactly right, but things could be worse. I have been using Zantac for the heartburn and it seems to be doing okay, but my stomach is always a little upset.
I got some scarves from TLCdirect and I like them. DH thinks I look like a pirate or a biker! It's a different look for me. I am a Girl Scout leader and I have a couple of bucket hats that I use when I go camping. I have been using those paired with some scarves tied around my head. It looks cute. My biggest problem is that I can't wear headphones at my desk while wearing a hat. I use the headphones b/c I am a medical transcriptionist and they won't fit over the hats.
Rachel
0 -
Just went to Walgreen's and spoke with the nicest female pharmacist. She suggested the Prilosec. She said that it takes a couple of days to get into my system, but that this is longer lasting than most without a Px. So, here's hoping this works. I start to get such heartburn around this time every single day. It makes it hard to enjoy my dinner and evening snacks. Thanks everyone for the comments. I sure appreciate it.
For the new ladies, remember to stay clear of people that may be getting sick or that already are sick. It is harder for us to get well quickly. I wear gloves here at work when possible and use the antiseptic gel. I work around lots of people and most of the time there is someone that is sick. I take the gloves off if I am not doing anything that could cause paper cuts. Just preventive. Don't want to get sick on top of everything else. Exercise and eating the best you can is pretty much what has helped me so far. I am new to this form of chemo and have only had 1 round. I did also find that sucking on a slurpee during chemo has definiately helped keep my mouth in better shape than before.
I am wishing and praying for everyones good health.
0 -
pa lady, I went to the pharmacy at CVS and spoke with the pharmaist, and she recommended (sp) some stool softens and the best type of laxative to take, I am sure you have one close to you or even Walgreens, they have beenvery helpful. I had radiation after my chemo 13 years ago, I would get some special cream (radilogist will advice) as the skin that is radiated gets a bad sunburn look, the radiation is NOTHING compared to the chemo, after you get the 1st consulation with your radiagiost, the rest is 10-15 minutes each day, they will give you a special parking pass just for that, in and out, just tireness. stay strong, I had to lumpedtomy also 13 years ago. lotodgs
0 -
Went for blood work today...neulasta did its job WBC and platelets both fine...however RBC low, but it was too late to call anthem to get shot approved. They will call me in the morning. So tell me about this shot, se?
I am feeling a bit tired 1 week post chemo....but other than that really only one bad day and the bone pain after the shot...I am on spring break...so resting up for when I have to go back to work...
Good luck to the newcomers...yes the anticipation is worse that then treatment...
0 -
debap- My heart goes out to you, I have an 8 year old boy and can not imagine him going through anything like that, we have been attending a benefit for Children's Luekemia for the past few years & when I was diagnosed with BC one of the thoughts that raced through my mind was those children should not have to be so brave so young. Your family is in my prayers!
with love Patricia
0 -
PAlady: AML is a form of leukemia. It is pretty rare in children, but my son is doing great! He just has some graft vs. host issues from the transplant.
trumpet84: That sounds really scary! I am glad you are doing better.
goldilocks: Thanks for the tips on staying healthy. I'm glad we are getting out of cold and flu season (hopefully).
I start my first treatment of CT tomorrow. It has been a blessing reading your comments. It helps to be prepared for and to know what questions to ask.
0 -
Awhile ago someone was advised not to have massages.
Here is what the massage center at Virginia Hospital Center said in response to my question:
"Essentially, massage does not spread cancer because....cancer is an accumulation of genetic mutations. Mechanical processes...like massage...are no more likely to (or capable of) cause metastasis than taking a shower, playing with your kids, going to the gym...or anything else that falls under "daily activities of living". Increased circulation alone will not spread cancer. It *is* important that people who are currently living with cancer or have ever had cancer seek out a massage therapist with post-graduate training in how to work safely and effectively with people living with cancer. It is *not* safe to receive massage at a spa or gym or other location unless the therapist who works there has this training. If you find a massage therapist with this training, massage is safe at *every* stage of treatment and recovery.
The website of the Society for Oncology Massage is a good resource. It answers a number of questions about cancer and massage and it also has a locator service for consumers so they can find a massage therapist near them. It's a new organization and will begin accepting members at the end of this month, but the website has been up since last spring and has up-to-date accurate and useful information. www.s4om.org."Hope this helps clarify--especially for those of you getting massages regularly.
0 -
Tomorrow is my first TC. It was postponed from last week since my hubby and I got the cold/flu thing that is going around. My kids gave me an IPOD for my birthday last week so I have it loaded with all my best music and a book. I also have a paperback book and the first season of Grey's Anatomy on DVD (I missed the first 2 seasons) so I have lots of diversions for the chemo drips. Since I got postponed a week I ate all my good snack food that I had bought for the first week. It was good with the cold you know! I'll have to send my hubby down for replacements, although he has some bad sciatica going on and can barely walk. When it rains it pours.
It sounds like you are all doing pretty well this week and some of you lucky ones are almost done. Hip Hip Hooray to you!! More of us will replace your spots in the chairs. Who has to go on to radiation?
Joyce
0 -
jt945, good luck on your 1st treatment, the anxiety is so bad, but it will go fine, you have some good material to take with you, also take some water and sip along. IF you have anxiety in the months to come, get your dr to get you a px for xnax, it is very helpful with little or none side effects. Thinking of you today
0 -
jt1945 - welcome to the madness! You will find that "getting" chemo is not that bad, really. I don't read much during treatment, as the Benedryl makes me sleepy, but you'll be glad to have the iPod and the DVD. I'll be joining you today - my 3rd out of 6, so I'll be with you for a while!
Hope everything goes well for you.
CHJ
0 -
Morning all!
Tried the Prilosec. Great news, it worked the first day.
I didn't have a bit of reflux yesterday evening. That was so very wonderful. Thank you, thank you! Even got to enjoy a glass of wine. I definitely plan on taking that the rest of the time, till all the treatments are over. Whew! Yes, it is the little things that make the big things little. Today my head is very sensitive. I guess that means that my head will be "shiney" before long.
Just need to get some lollipops-"Kojak time". I do hope that I am better looking than him. I have been wearing hats, and today I am wearing this knitted cap that has airflow. It is helping with the sensitivity. It also keeps me cooler with "the flashes". Hope everyone is doing fine. Keep your spirits up are all going down this road together, even if it is at different times. We get to share our stories, our tears, fears, concerns and achievements. Isn't it great that we can do so? I have gained so much by becoming a part of this group. Thank you all for your support. I only hope that I can contribute as much to all of you. Have a happy day!
0 -
ChJ - I hope treatment goes smooth,you deserve it, so sorry you are a repeat defender. I too have always been athletic, runner till knees, I was playing tennis 3wxeeks, work out at gym... I do think being fit has helped with my recovery from surgery.
question for anyone: I saw my onc yesterday, I'm feeling the best as it is week 3, but I have been experiencing heavy chest and tightness in my throat, nothing to write home to mom about, but very annoying-- so she says it could be either heartburn or a yeast infection developing into thrush. I know a few of you have had those symptoms anyone guess which, I'm taking antibiotics for the possible thrush & if that does not help she gave me prylosec sp? for the heartburn.
She also said my blood work showed concern about my liver?? she will let me know today about this weeks blood report--anyone experience something similar?
The Luck of the Irish to all of you with SE this week-"May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be at your back, may God hold you in the palm of his hand...."
0 -
Beegirl: thanks for all the info on massage!
JT945: Good luck with your first round. I also like to take a friend along. So far I've had different ones join me each time. We catch up on things, and then go to lunch afterwards. A nice "girl day" in a strange way!
Trumpet: Good to know what to look for. I never thought about ports causing clots...SharonS: What shot are you getting for RBCs?
Hope everyone is doing well today. I woke up at 2AM with all the bad/heavy rain storms we had go through and could not get back to sleep. I plan a slow day today!
0 -
40somethingmom: We must've been posting at the same time. I wonder if your bloodwork is just elevated liver enzymes? That is a known SE of chemo. It's supposed to improve if doses are adjusted, and of course when chemo's done. Keep us posted.
0 -
jt1945 - I will be going on to radiation. I guess the worst part will be the commute (62 miles RT daily)
. 0 -
trumpet84 - So sorry to hear about how far you will have to go for the radiation. As a fellow Virginian I'm curious where you live and where you'll do radiation? There's no place closer for you?
0 -
CHJ - I've been thinking about you and that you are going through a recurrence and I was wondering about your story. I looked back and it looks like when you had BC the first time that you had a mastectomy? Do I assume then that your most recent occurrence was in the other breast? Let's hear you story because I can't stop thinking about it coming back. I know with time that I will stop thinking about it but for now.......tell us your whole story.
Hope everyone is good today.
Weather here is beautiful and I think another walk is in order.
Cheers.
Wendy
0 -
Hehe, it's hard to get caught up with you ladies :-> Hope everyone's having a good day, and getting all the se's in control. So far, day 7 for me is still gooood -- and that's a real blessing.
Just wanted to let you know you're all in my prayers.
Joyce, hope your first TC went well.
God bless,
Aurora
0
