Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
Comments
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40somethingmom: I know from my son's treatments that your AST and ALT (liver functions) are really affected by certain medications. Please let me know how you make out. It took me a LONG time not to panic about every test, but every once in a while something new comes up!
I had my first treatment of CT this morning. Pretty uneventful, which is always a good thing!! Yesterday I started the steroid and my legs were a little sore. Does that sound like a se? Also, this afternoon I have a headache (not that bad) and a little dizziness, probably from the Cytoxan?
Thanks!!
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Hi all,
I'm home from chemo, and other than being a bit woozy from the Benedryl, I'm fine (so far!!). I didn't get much sleep last night either - I forgot that the day-before steroids keep me up at night. There will be Tylenol PM tonight!! And Neulasta tomorrow...
Wendy - Yes, my mastectomy on the right side was 13 years ago. Had IDC, 2 cm tumor, one positive node out of 21. I first had a lumpectomy, but they did not get clean margins so I went back for the mastectomy and had TRAM reconstruction at the same time. Had 4 cycles of AC then tamoxifin for 5 years. I celebrated every year that went by, and stopped thinking about it every day. I can honestly say that I did not worry about getting it again.
This year, I went in for my left side mammogram (just another thing on my "to do" list) and there it was. Went through the usual battey of tests, and voila, here we go again. I was totally not expecting it. I seriously considered having a mastectomy to just be done with it, but I figured I would tempt fate and chose to have the lumpectomy. I just couldn't think about reconstruction again, and didn't know if I could live with a prosthesis... I guess only time will tell. This is NOT a recurrance, it's just a new cancer. I've been told that once you have it on one side, your chances of getting another bc on the other side are about 13%. But who knows???
Anyway, I have days when I'm just pissed about the whole thing, but mostly I just keep going. My dh & I have a saying, "it is what it is" - everything happens for a reason. The love and support of my friends, coworkers, and especially my church family have been overwhelming, and I feel so blessed to have so many people who care. If in some way I have been an inspiration to anyone at all through all of this, well, then maybe that's why I have to go through it again. But I survived it once, and my prognosis is just slightly better this time, so I'm hoping I get through and can talk about it 20 years from now (and beyond!)
So, yes, you will stress about it daily for a good while, but that fades with time. Keep looking up and find other things to occupy your mind, and look toward the future with optimism! There is life on the other side of bc. Someone told me 13 years ago, "you won't believe this now, but you will be a better person for having gone through all of this" and I still believe it's true.
Be well, everyone!
CHJ
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CHJ, i had goose bumps on my bald head reading your post (i really did). I didn't realize you've been a survivor that long, and your story just gave me more hope. If you think about it, 13 years (plus 20+ years), that's better survival than other people who are not going through cancer.
You're a trooper. And it is what it is. From this experience, I've learned to endure more, laugh more, love more, and pray more. I know God has a plan for me (and for everybody), and I can see how God works out His plan in mysterious ways.
(me so emotional)Love you guys!
God bless,
Aurora
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Thanks for the info CHJ. You are strong beyond words! I have always said that it wasn't IF I would get cancer it would be WHEN........I somehow think its going to get alot of us and I also think its an epidemic. Of course, according to the Secret I have brought it upon myself with that thinking....I'm not sure I believe that. But anyway.......I had so many risk factors that literally when the doctor told me that I had BC I said, "OK". I mean it shocked me but not really. Here is a list of all my risk factors:
1. I am a woman - go figure but this is one of the top risk factors!
2. I am over 40.
3. I have had no children of my own - my son is a step (even though he's been mine for 16 of his 21 years - I didn't "birth" him)
4. I have had a hysterectomy so am post-menopausal.
5. I was on hormone replacement therapy.
6. I am overweight.
7. I drink alcohol - daily.
8. I don't currently smoke cigs but did in college as well as the occasional "doobie"
9. I worked for years in a building that was known to have asbestos.
10. I exercise now but didn't for years and years - and it sounds like that doesn't always help prevent it anyway.
I'm sure there are more but for now that's enough, don't you think?!
So, I am scared of what might happen later. I mean this has been "too easy" if you get my meaning.
Anyway, CHJ, I'm sure sorry that you are enduring this again but maybe it was to give me strength and inspiration - and you have more than you know. All you ladies are an inspiration to me!
We will get through this with the God's help.
Hope you all are well this day!
Cheers.
Wendy
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chj127; I understand how you feel. This is not the first fight for me either. We always say,"there are no accidents" we just deal with it and move forward. I was almost at my 5 year cancer free from a lumpectomy, but when I did my "celebration" mammo there it was. I was not fortunate to take the tomoxifin due to extreme reaction to all the cancer drugs. So, being adopted and not having my full family history decided to stop looking over my shoulder and take them both off. I did have latsimus dorsi and so am still recovering from that. Had everything done the same day. I was in surgery almost 15 hours. We did the reconstruction the same day. My body really took a toll. Funny thing, after a couple of days in the hospital I was able to get to get up and around I passed a mirror and screamed, Who's ass it that?" I was swollen at least 5x's my normal self. Whew! Then it was time for them to make sure that I got all the gas out..You could hear my fart through the entire hospital. My friend had left the room to give me some privacy and obviously that was no quiet feat. So, after consulting with all my dr(s) it was decided that double mastectomy with chemo will improve my chances of reoccurence. Pray this does the trick.
I will not be doing radiation, since there is nothing to radiate. My implants are not the size I once was, and the PS says that I will not ever be. That is somewhat heartbreaking, however, I am here and that is a good thing. Sorry, guess I'm getting that feel sorry for myself thing. Better day tomorrow.
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Goldilocks, almost fell off my chair with your story! 15 hours in surgery is a long time, I didn't know you had to go through that. I had lat flap too, and it was uncomfortable at first, but it's now completely and miraculously healed.
Wendy, i remember asking my doctor why i have breast cancer, and he said because you have a breast. So I'd like to add that as a risk factor. Anyone who has breasts can have cancer. There :->
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goldilocks and chj 127, I am with you all, this spring I would have been 13 years cancer free, and then I found this lump (right under the breast bone, the same side) it had been radiated as well, the dr'
s told me it had been there for 13 years and dormant, something woke the cells up and BANG, another round of all the anxieties of test,chemo and then what? But we will all get thru, just remember 1 day at a time. Hang in there
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So sorry you gals are having to do this yet AGAIN! Where is the justice? But your attitudes are good and they do help all the rest of us...makes it hard to complain too much on this being our first (and hopefully only) trip down the yellow brick road.
I am gearing up for my 4th and final tx on Friday......looking forward to it but sure NOT looking forward to it.
Wendy: I too was not surprised when I was dx'd with cancer. I was a smoker for many years and even tho I did quit I figure I am a walking time bomb. Not overweight but didn't get into exercising until 8 years ago and while I've kept it up I know the consequences of early neglect can catch up. Like you I never had a "live" birth and when I went into menopause, about 7 years ago, I took hormone therapy on the insistance of my doctor. And now they figure my tumor started growing about 5 years ago and oh yes, it's estrogen positive. No surprise there. But hey, we're doing the best we can.
CHJ - hope you had an easy few days post tx.
Love to all, Trina
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As far as risk factors - for me you can add "living in Maryland". For whatever reason there is a high rate of BC in Maryland.
I remember hearing that "breast cancer is every woman's greatest fear". Well, it wasn't mine. It never crossed my mind that I would get it!! It was always something that happened to "somebody else". I ignored the "Race for the Cure" and all that stuff. I just didn't think about it. But what do you know, both of my dx's came in October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month - a time when you can't escape it!! It's everywhere in October. The morning this past October I was sitting in the waiting room waiting to get my mammogram, there was a TV on, with the Today Show, and they were talking about BC Awareness Month and telling women not to forget to get regular mammograms. And I was mumbling under my breath, "all right already, I'm here! I'm doing the duty!" - never realizing at that moment that my life was about to change again.
It is what it is!
CHJ
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beegirl - I live in South Riding (Loudoun County) which is just west of Chantilly/Centreville and south of Dulles Airport. As it stands now, I will have to do radiation at Walter Reed in D.C. It is difficult to get authorization for a closer facility unless I live outside a certain radius of the hospital and dependent on the patients physical condition/requirement. On a good day, I can make it in 45 minutes; but that is rare. Average is about one hour; longest can get up to two hours! I am going to make a request for something closer to me. Where are you located?
chj127 - You are awesome! Continue to be prayerful!! I wonder if we can add living in Virginia to that risk factors list as well?
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CHJ, Goldilocks, and Trina: Thank you all for sharing your stories. You're each an inspiration for going through this not once, but twice and still having such a good attitude about things.
And girls, don't beat yourself up about risk factors, b/c it really doesn't matter I think. I am 37 (dx at 36), no family history... in fact NO risk factors other than I had my first child after age 30 (I was 31). I eat well, exercised great until the past 3 years with kids, never overweight, don't drink or smoke-- and I still am here with you all. BC makes no sense! Oh, yeah, and I don't have either gene. So, no one can tell me why I got it and frankly whether or not I'll get it again. I've learned you are just dealt things in life-- if it wasn't BC, then it would be something else. Just gotta go with what you've got and make the best of it
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I feel the same way. I didn't really think about bc, then my mother-inlaw got it and I was there for her first chemo treatment and cheered her on. Never thinking that it would get me. Well, after being through it with her, at least I did have a bit of insight. It just is something that you do, and get through it. Granted having to do this a 2nd time is crazy, but ya know; women are stronger than men and I do feel that we are never given more than we can bare. At least that is my feeling for today. I don't think there is a real answer where we get the bc from. There are men that get this as well. So until there is a cure, the "C" word is there for the rich, poor, middle class, people of all colors, ages and races. One thing for sure, cancer does not discriminate. There.
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I had a mastectomy on Feb. 6th and just started CT today. I have been seriously considering having the other breast removed as well and/or a hysterectomy. Does that sound crazy? Especially you ladies that have relapsed, do you wish that you would have been more radical? Or maybe removing parts doesn't really change your chance of recurrence? My bc is stage 1, 0 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- with no family history.
Deb
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All of you with the recurrences and second cancers--you are such an inspiration!
trumpet84 - You must have a military connection if you're going to Walter Reed for radiation. Surely they can approve somewhere else closer to you. Where do you do chemo? I'll be going to Virginia Hospital Center here in Arlington, and I hate to tell you that I live 3 blocks away so will be able to walk back and forth. I do my chemo at an office that's connected to the hospital. We've lived here for 23 years so the closeness is just by chance--though it was very handy during my one daughter's growing-up years (she went to the ER for one thing or another 3 or 4 times a year!).
Regards to all of you yet to do chemo this week, and best wishes for few se's to those who had chemo this week.
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The first TC went well today. No s/e's from the Taxotere during the infusion. The nurse was very good and watched everyone like a hawk. Other than being tired from not sleeping well last night because of the steroids I feel great this evening. Tomorrow I go in for Neulasta.
Funny who you run into on this cancer journey; there was a couple there that I knew from a few years ago. He has the cancer. I guess I am on the same schedule as him. I don't really want to see more friends with this problem!
I hope everyone is feeling better and enjoying the beginnings of spring.
Joyce
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I just found out that this is the one for me - can anyone explain the schedule to me? the dr did a good job of explaining, but I can't remember anything!
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Dansmom, are you having 4 rounds of Taxotere and Cytoxan? Every 3 weeks? That's exactly what I'm going through. My first treatment was on Feb 7, then I get a Neulasta shot (to boost white blood cells) the day after chemo. I had my 2nd chemo on Feb 28, and Neulasta shot the day after. My 3rd is on March 20. I hope I answered your question???
Take care,
Aurora
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I agree this is an epidemic, I have 3 close friends going through this and know 2 other people one with the unthinkable IBC, I ran into a girl yes girl 36 at my first biopsy that I knew who was just finishing her treatments of radiation, she had the more manageable stage 0--Of course we all hear a story from everyone we talk to "I have a friend who had BC...." And yes I was like most NEVER really understood cancer until now that I'm going through it!!
I had a benign lumpectamy back in college I'm now 43, I was told by that doc, make sure you do mammograms, but who listens when they are 20something, he also looked at my birth control pills and said "why are you on this high dose of hormone?" He said no one should be on this type anymore" I told him I had heavy breakthu bleeding and my last doc gave me the PX--so he changed me to a lower dose-- I too had my kids over 30--but boy I am hormonal positive, and always suffered from bad hair growth after taking those darn pills I speak of--- I really think I'm a hormonal cancer person----I know studies out all point to the darn hormonal replacement for those poor ladies who took it for menopause-- We deal with what God Has dealt us, I say---I'm just glad we know more now for our daughters and granddaughters---------Science and medicine just keeps on getting better in my book
My heart goes out to all of you going through this for a second time!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Hi all. Hope the sun is shining on everyone today. It's colder today in DE than it's been, but the sun's still out. Good mood booster.
Debap: I went through the same dilemma... one vs. two mast.? Very personal decision with no right or wrong for sure. I ultimately decided on one only b/c: my surgeon told me that removing a breast (or both), DOES NOT mean you can't get breast cancer again-- it can return in the chest wall, muscle area, axilla-- anywhere that breast tissue remains. They can't get all the tissue for certain when they do a mastectomy. So I thought, why take both, make an even longer more painful surgery when it doesn't mean I won't get it again (I am a total wuss and hate pain, I didn't want more if there wasn't a great reason)? Did you get BRCA tested? This makes a big difference too. I was negative. If positive, there's a much greater risk of recurrence-- then I would've done both. BRCA testing will also help you decide about ovary removal. Again, if positive, higher risk and I'd remove them. It's such a personal decision. I know people who did both breasts b/c they were afraid and never wanted to worry (this wasn't reassuring to me given what my breast surgeon told me), others did both for better reconstructive symmetry (mine look pretty &*mn good for being one real/one not). Lots of reasons out there...
JT: hooray for a good infusion! glad it went well for you. here's hoping you sail through the SEs as well.
Dansmom: everybody's schedule can be different. Maybe you can tell us what you remember and we can help you sort through it, or figure out what questions to ask your doc again. Most TC's seem to be every 3 weeks for 4-6 times.
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Good Morning
This is the morning after of my first chemo ...took my supository last night and was restless all night...a little woozie this morning...feeling really exausted...night sweats were really bad...took the decadron and I think this will be a rest day...
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Good Morning Ladies!
Chj - I am in awe of anyone who can run a marathon! My dh's phrase has been from the beginning "it is what it is", too. We gotta just deal with the hand we are given the best we can.
Wrsmith - Have you seen your radiation onc yet? I have my pre-chemo onc appointment today, so I am thinking he will set me up with my radiation dr. appointment. I am really interested to see what the treatment is when there is no node involvement. I have my moments of wondering about the recurrence and mets. I think it is because we are close to the end of this part it has been popping up a bit more.
Trumpet - thanks for the ebay tip. Her stuff does look nice - will have to get a better look when I have more time.
Rachelgators - My kids said I look like a pirate too!
Debap - Glad your treatment went well and your se's are minimal. God Bless your son. I am glad he is doing well. Kids can amaze us at times with their strength and bravery.
40something - My liver enzymes were up the last two blood tests they did. I have to have another done today. Dr. said they don't worry about it unless they get to be about 3 times normal. I think mine were at 1.74 the last two times. I am not sure what causes it. I figured it was from all the meds, including Tylenol which I don't normally take. How did yours come back this time?
Goldilocks and lotodogs - did you have radiation or chemo your first time around?
It never crossed my mind that I would get BC but always thought I might get some type of cancer. My brother passed from brain cancer, my dad had tonsil cancer and my sister ovarian (both survivors) - so I know I have some cancer gene. But, I have always done preventative tests. Had my first yearly mammo at 35. I had just had a clean yearly mammo in July and ended up finding the lump myself in October. That day they still couldn't find it on the mammogram. That is what scares me about recurrence. I am afraid they won't find it. I am hoping the insurance company will cover sonograms or mri's cause they obviously won't find anything on a mammogram. I was on birth control pills for the past 12 years for migraines and because they were supposed to protect against the ovarian. Well guess what my tumor is about 97% ER+.
Chj - I found mine in October 9th. I wanted to just throw up every time I saw more pink! You couldn't escape it. Our area has a higher rate also for some reason. I think it is 1 in 5.
You, Goldilocks and lotodogs are very inspirational!
Well, I am off to the onc. for my last pre-chemo appointment!
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I agree with all KathyL says, I too was considering both,it was the hardest decision to make (because my tumor was attached to the chest wall we all wanted to have the surgery as soon as possible) just before surgery they found another lump on the other side-- we were still waiting on pathology before my mastectomy on my right and really had a hard time deciding to go for two or not ---not knowing if other was cancer yet, my onc surgeon was pretty confident he did not think it was (I'm so glad/lucky he was correct) I ultimately decided to only go with the one. As you see it's so individual so personal. I hope my reconstruction when I do it will be good and balanced. And after all of that, I hope the other side never has cancer!! something we all unfortunately have to worry about like KathyL said even if we have the mastectomy but the % certainly is lower with less tissue (mastectomy)
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Morning ladies. Been really busy this morning here at work. I use to have extremely heavy periods. Then my flow was so heavy that it was dangerous, I lost 50% of my blood inside of 3 days. Had to have a blood transfusion; not fun. That was extremely painful. Blood is heavy so it was like putting syrup into my veins. Shortly there after I had a complete hysterectomy. 2 weeks after the hysterectomy I was given a Px of estrogen to help my body balance out. Well, when I went in for my post-op 6 wks out from the surgery; I had discovered my first lump. The dr. immediately sent me the same day to a breast surgeon for an exam. Guess what? I was told that I had breast cancer on christmas eve. Was immediately taken off all hormone replacement drugs. So, I truly believe my cancer was originally homonal. But then, who knows. Great thing is that I found it, we dealt with it, and are dealing with it now to have a long and wonderful life. There are unknown reasons for this, I only pray that I am able to help others get through this and we face our challenges together. If nothing else, to assist a "sister" through the process.
Hope everyone has a good day, and God bless.
My newest tip for the day. Avocado oil applied with a q-tip inside my nose has helped eliminate the bleeding. No smell and has also helped with the nasel drip. Don't know why, but it works.
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Hi Everyone - Thanks for sharing...those of you for the 2nd time down the road...I can't imagine hearing it again. But all we can do is what is available and hope for the best. I am so focused on getting through the treatments - only 1 down...I can't consider recurrance....
ok...here's the dumb question for the day...has anyone heard on anyone who does not lose hair on TC...my scalp feels funny and I am thinking about going ahead and shaving it this weekend...Day 14 will be Tues....but my husband is gone sun-tues....and I think I will need his crazy funny self to be around for the shaving....
have a great day
Sharon
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HI Sharon
I also was told I would loose all my hair before the second treatment ..I figure right before I go I might just go and have it at least buzzed...I did go last week to have it gut very short so it wouldn't be too much of a shock...my first treatment was yesterday..
I am going wig shopping saturday..I was told that would help my vainness...not sure I would want to go special places bald..
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Got a question about BRCA tests -- should the onc order that, or my bs? I mentioned that to my onc before chemo, but I forgot to followup on it. I've always had a normal pap smear, normal periods, never had kids (i'm 45 now), never took hormones nor birth control, I'm think I'm ok. But would like to be sure...
CHJ, lotodgs, goldilocks, do you remember what your recurrence rates were the first time? Is the treatment you're getting now any different from the first time?
Enjoy the sun where you are, it's raining cats and dogs in Dallas!
God bless,
Aurora
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pdm, good idea to pick a wig while your hair is still there, so you can match the color. Having the wig, scarves and hats are really cool! We get to show a different side of us - the prettier side
. Oh, some insurance will pay for the wig by the way. Mine paid up to $220, so I got a really nice one. Make sure you get a prescription for cranial prostheses. 0 -
Sharon - my hair started really falling out around day 15-16, so don't fret. You still may still have time.
Believer, I am not sure what your question is when you asked, "do you remember what your recurrence rates were the first time?" The treatment I got the first time was 4 cycles of AC. This time, I think they would have given me all 3 (Taxotere, Adriamycin & Cytoxin) but the onc said they only give you the Adriamycin once in your life because of the effect on your heart. I think that's one of the reasons I'm getting 6 cycles of TC instead of 4 because they had to omit the A.
In 1994, I thought hard about having a double mastectomy also. They found a litte spot in the other breast that turned out to be benign, but there was a fear in me that said, just take them both!! But I calmed down from that, none of the doctors seemed to think it was necessary. Even in hindsight, I'm not sorry I didn't do them both then. You take your chances, I guess.
PALady - I'm like you. The pink ribbons everywhere really get on my nerves sometimes!! I went in for a quick trim at the hairdresser right after I was diagnosed, and she put a cape on me that had a big old pink ribbon that fell right across my newly infected boob. I just wanted to rip the thing off!!!
Oh, well. I gotta get back to work!
CHJ
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Thanks all...I think we will go ahead with the head shaving on Sat night...I told my husband we would invite the relatives...most of the males shave theirs anyway and have a taco and marguerita head shaving party...nothing seems to be bothering my stomach so far...and although I haven't lived there in a while...deep down I am still a California Girl!
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Beegirl - Yes, I am retired from the Army in 2004; my husband is still in the Army. I do chemo at Walter Reed as well. They have a great Breast Center and Oncology team. I am totally jealous that you are able to walk to treatments!! Arlington is way cool!!
Dansmom - The best thing you can do to remember is to write everything down and/or make sure you take someone else with you to your appointments and have them write everything down.
I hope everyone is having a good day!
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