Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Hi, Girls. Kind of a slow day for posting. I assume this is becuase you are all out swinging from a chandeleir somewhere. Hope you are up and peppy, friends. GreatMom - horray for hair! Is it the same color as it was before? What's going on with those feet? Hope the swelling stops - bet it will. I am doing great - SEs are shwoing up, but they are manageable. Eating and sleeping and celebrating this victory. Until next time, heal and renew, ladies. XO, Mary
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Hi ladies hope its a mellow saturday. I had TX number 1 on thurs. Only side effects I've been having is some fatigue and just a bit queasy but when I feel it come on I take the nasea meds. Some diahrreah but that's because I've been using a mild laxative. I want to avoid constipation, steroids had a bad effect, shot blood pressure up so I stopped them.sleeping well with the ambien, took nice walks with the dogs which helps with circulation and drinking tons of water. I've been out of the house a few times too. Hopefully feel less fatigue tomorrow, but really the side effects have not been bad. Positive thoughts to you all!
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Hey all,
It sounds like we are all in the same boat. I am laying in bed after a sort of busy day, I did go to my daughter's band day. It was fine. I rested in the car for a little while and we only stayed through half time. But it was nice to see her and feel like a mom. I am tired, a little constipated, but all in all okay. I have been sleeping great so I hope that continues. I love you all and hope all of you have a wonderful, side effect free Sunday.
Love and Hugs,
Susan
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Hello Ladies,
day 2 last night wasnt a picnic. Came home drank my water but my bladder got nothing. had to call the doctor he said hot bath for 30 min. no good. my friend is a nurse and came and straight cath me with no results. went to E.R. did blood work and no treatment could be done. dr. advised blood work today at 1 pm. everything came back fine. going for my neuelesta shot tomorrow. and bloodwork on friday. overall pretty good, could have been worse. just got back from my husband's 50 bday party with over 240 people and thats whats lifes all about.
THINK POSITIVE
chat with you soon
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Hello All,
My feet were swelled for 3day and looked like "Big Momma's". My Onc prescribed me water pills. It started after my 3wk were up from my final chemo. I believe my body was looking for the chemo and swelled up. I'm still bald and patches of hair are growing very slowly. Nails are still black and dented around the cuticle.
I start my Radiotherpy CT mapping 9/14/09. Interestingly enough, I met another cancer survivor who is 7yrs out. She indicated she did not have chemo nor radiation and had both breasts removed. She also indicated her Organic eating lifestyle before, during and after her prognosis.
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Hi,
I'm more of a lurker than a poster, but I just wanted to wish the people who are now going through the treatments, good luck.
I had my first treatment last Sept. and while it didn't go by quickly, it did go by. Now I'm sitting here with my energy and hair back and (knock on wood) cancer-free. This board was such a lifeline for me last year. Every success story made me believe it would be successful for me too. Next year, you too will be sitting at your computer thinking, "Did that really happen to me last year."
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magob - can't really tell for sure about hair color, it looks about the same as before with lots of grey. Of course I've colored it for year, so don't really know what color it was before! It's looking like a dark blonde - I've colored it darker for a while - but we'll see.
Hang in there all!
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Good Evening Ladies
On day 2 after my chemo and I got the neulesta shot this morning. It did not hurt at all. I'm feeling pretty good. I have a little dull headache and was nauseous. I took a zofran and feel good. Most of the women here have said days 3,4 or 5 are no so good so we will see. Right now feeling ok. One day at a time. I hope everyone is feeling good and hope to here from you wonderful women.
THINK POSITIVE
Chat with you soon
Catherine
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McD5 -- Thank you for your comments. It's so important to stay positive and hear from those ahead of us who've gotten through it. Thank you again for your post.
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Goodmorning- Hope you all are doing ok today. Wishing you all had a good weekend.
Not myself today. Been crying ever since I got up this morning, my scalp is so sore and itchy and I look like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and of course the dreaded "poops". Sure wish someone could come over and whine w/ me ! Hey, if I turn the Price is Right on do you think I'll cry at that? I used to when I was pregnant.
Madge24- I agree, thankyou McD5 - Its encouraging to hear from you and gals (guys) who are post chemo, ect. Gives us hope.
Just wanted to check in and give everyone warm fuzzies this morning. Please take care.
((hugs))
Toni
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Hi, Friends. Sounds like some of you are feeling a little crummy. It's OK. It's all part of it. Looking back on round one, I realize it was all so scarey. I fought it all. Tried to keep plowing through. Its a process - you will work through it. And the reality of it all came crashing down. "OMYGOSH I"M GOING THROUGH CHEMO!" Give yourself some time to work through it. Cry if you need to. This business stinks, after all. It does get better. The SEs will fade, you will get back to normal, and you will be amazed that your body is so able to repair and renew itself. I had wonderful family and friends who let me cry and tell them everything that scared me and made me sad. When I got it out of my system, I fel better. God love my pals, though. They may need to be medicated. They're so worried. We got through it. You will, too. I PROMISE there are days ahead when milkshakes will taste wonderful again and your hearts will be at peace. Rest, friends. All is well. Love you! XO, Mary0
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Mary, Your last post is all so true. I am just starting to come out of it -- my last chemo was 3 weeks ago, so it IS getting better. Yes, it's scary and yes, we cry alot! We are not meant to go through this alone though, so you must depend on close friends and family. Thank you for the encouraging words, I know I need to hear them and stay positive.
All the best to all of you.
Peggy
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GmaToni -- Girlfriend, been there done that! All of the above. Some days, it's just plain hard. Give yourself time to have a good cry, then make some tea and curl up in a chair for silly tv or a good book, if you can. Walking helps me feel better, but some days I was just a hermit. This morning, taking kids to school, I saw a bumper sticker that said, "Don't worry -- God has a plan." And I found this comforting.
I'll be thinking of you today and sending prayers your way for more hope and sunshine!
Peggy
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Hi All,
I have never joined a forum before, but this seemed like a good time and this seemed like a good thread.
I was dx with BC July 23. Four wks ago I had a left mastectomy with placement of an expander. I had thought the worst was over. Then my diagnosis changed when they found an area of invasion. Although my tumor was small it had several characteristics that made it worrisome: grade 3, high proliferation, triple negative, and positive for vascular involvement. The presence in the vascular system is what really scared me. The possibility that cancer cells may have spread elsewhere, even with negative nodes was disturbing. My oncologist said I was in a grey area as far as tx. I decided to lower the odds of reoccurrence as much as possible and am going to have 4 rounds of T/C at three week intervals. I start chemo on Sept 21.
I am nervous, but feel like my decision was the right one for me. As I read your posts some concerns arise and others are put to rest. I'm hoping I will be one of the lucky ones and get through tx with minimal SE. Actually, despite our dx, all of us are lucky. I have already met so many wonderful, compassionate, and strong people since this journey began - people who I would not have had the opportunity to otherwise meet. This has also given me the opportunity to reexamine what is important and what isn't worth my energy to stress about.
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Hello Ladies
As promised I am posting how my day is so to help anyone out there newly dx. Today is day #3 after my first tx and doing ok. My neck and shoulders are sore and my tongue feels alittle funny. Using biotene to rinse so hopefully that will help. At work but leaving alittle early to go lay down. Hopefully tomorrow will be ok or better.
THINK POSITIVE
chat with you soon
Catherine
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Hi everyone. I have been poking around for a while and have finally decided to post. I started 4 rounds of TC on 9/2 and the first round was really tough. It wasn't really the chemo, it was the Neulasta shot. I had excruciating bone pain for 3 days. I could not get out of bed. It was as if I fell out of a four story building, landed on cement and then I bus ran me over. Awful. The good news is no nausea, no vomiting. It is day 13 post 1st round and I feel pretty good other than a headache that has not left me since day one. I take 4 Advil every 6 hours for the headaches and it helps a little. Headaches and fatigue are a part of my life for a while I guess. Since my reaction to Neulasta was so severe (and my wbc was 23,000 on day 8) my onc said we are skipping it next time, will check wbc on day 8 and if I need a boost they will give me Neupegen (a milder formulation). Today, day 13 my hair is shedding. Each time I run my hands through I get about 5/6 hairs. Gonna buzz it off tmrw and start wearing the wig. I have a question, two actually...what can I do for the headaches other than Advil and Vicodin (it knocked me out and I have twins to take care of) and will the hair slowly fall out or will it all be gone in a day or two?? Good wishes to everyone. xo
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RICKIREV...With my first round of TC I had a headache for the first week. For me, it seemed to be a lack of electrolytes, which I added to my water the following rounds and did not experience one headache. With all the water and peeing, your system really gets depleted of electrolytes, so you might give that a try. Patti0
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Hi girls! When I did TC, I lost my hair beginning about 12 days into it. Once it started, I lost it pretty fast. I had a bob so the hair loss was unbelievable. But, I went to my wig lady and she cut it very short and I started wearing the wig which helped me a lot.
Positiveme--My tongue felt like I wrapped it in wool the week between treatment and nadir check. Then it seems as soon as my counts rebounded, my tongue would ease off.
I have to say, Neulasta SEs were worse than chemo. I didn't have a lot of bone pain but I always got flu-like symptoms 24 hours after the injection. Blech...
But, it's over and I feel great now! Good luck!
Lorrie
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Tenacious P - our diagnoses sound almost identical. I had a left mastectomy with TE's in April and just finished chemo in August. My exchange surgery is in under 2 weeks! My oncologist felt that chemo was the best option for me due to being triple neg. Good luck - it doesn't seem like it at the time, but it really does go quickly. Hang in there.
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Hi everyone, i had TC on Sept 10th, today is the 14th and feeling myself again. the day of and the day after i didnt feel bad at all. saturday was just very tired, yesterday had the drained energy and dull headache all day and felt lightheaded but heavy in the legs. I kept on top of the nausea but taking my meds every 4 hours whether i felt naseaus or not. took ambien and xanax at night. Today is day 5 incl treatment day and i feel like myself just a bit tired. it also doesnt help its still in the 100 degree weather here. the worst for me yesterday was the dull headache and feeling like my blood pressure was off. its usually high so i took an extra blood pressure pill and it dropped way low. I bought an official blood pressure cuff today. I agree the lack of electrolytes can bring on the headache so instead of just water next time, im doing the gatorade propels and low sugar powerades. i am hoping to go to work tomorrow and that me feeling good today isnt false hope. an ice pak on the head when youre laying down sure does help too. i am hoping that this week has low side effects for us all. i went to a reflexologist today. was wonderful, i just had to remind them to keep away from my arm with the lymph surgery.
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Hello All!
I just had my first round of treatment last Wednesday. I feel ok, but not "me". 1. tongue feels like it is wearing a wool coat. 2. headache that won't stop. 3. legs achy and restless. I've read several posts that say Claritin helps the headache (wish I had some) took an Allegra D instead, maybe it will help. 4. Can't sleep.
I had Hodgkins lymphoma when I was 17 and this breast cancer is a secondary cancer from that treatment. I knew what to expect and thank Jesus it wasn't as bad as the hodgkins treatment. I have to say the not sleeping is the worst. I need to go to work, but I feel like crap after tossing and turning all night. I'm taking some benadryl tonight before bed. The sleeping pills the Dr. gave me work bout as well as a skittle.
Hang in there girls. It's a long road, but life is worth the trip.
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Hi Ladies - had tx #3 on the 9th and so far this one had the least SE's, I am wondering if decreasing my pre/post steroids is the reason...
Toni - for diarrhea...I have two plastic ketchup bottles full of water, a package of extra sensitive diaper wipes and a tube of Desitin on the back of my toilet. I have found rinsing with the cool water, using the diaper wipe and then applying the Desitin to the 'affected' area has really helped with bumm irritation.
Neulesta Shot pain - I have taken Claritin since the first treatment and have not had any bone pain...
I also had headaches from electrolye depletion...have been drinking Powerade, Vitamin Waters and Gatorade and have found that I have had less headaches.
Big Thank you to everyone for posting regulary and all the words of encouragement.
HUGS
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Hey all of you beautiful T/C babes,(and any random dudes that might be joining us). I just wanted to drop by and say hi. I had my first T/C tx on the 10th and worked my first full day today. I feel pretty good, but not myself. I agree with the tongue thing, weird. Nothing tastes right. I didn't get a Neulesta shot so I am not dealing with that one as yet. I don't know if I will have one next time or not, but I'm making sure I have Claritin if I do. I am having some minor aches and pains, but I went for a really long walk, and it didn't help a lot, but I can tell it didn't hurt. I think I will sleep better tonight, and I will hope for the best.
Hey are there any of you out there who are taking part in the TAILORx clinical trial? I am and obviously got randomized to chemo. If you are in the TAILORx what was your oncotype? Mine was a 24. Just wondering. I might post on the general chemo forum just to see.
Thanks,
Susan
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Dear o2bhealthy, PAP and Dogsaver---
How do I know if I have an electrolyte depletion?? Is there a special test? All three of you have mentioned drinking electrolyte drinks, which I already ran out and bought! I will do anything to get rid of these headaches. They make me nauseous Thank you. Ricki
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I dont think there is an electrolyte test and unfortunately for me it wasnt til i was dehydrated that i found out so best thing is to drink the low sugar gatorade/powerade before and during and after treatment. you can always alternate the vitamin waters (low sugar) and regular waters with the electolytes. they also sell individual packets of gatorade powder. after my surgery i had a bad headache and my holistic doctor gave me a magnesium injection which helped too and said to bathe in epson salts (they contain magnesium. just dont get open wounds in them, aka surgery, biopsy) if the electolytes and naseau meds dont help, maybe go to your local urgent care and get IV fluids if it gets unbearable, i hope you feel better!~
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rickirev- welcome! I have almost the same dx as you and started my TC on 9/1 with almost the exact same SE as you. However, I also ended up with a head and chest cold so my Onc won't forgo the Neulesta shot next time. So I will just plan ahead to take plenty of pain meds and stay at home for a couple days. I'm glad to hear you are doing pretty well. Next week, round two!
Also, today is day 15 for me and no hair loss yet. I was wondering, is there anyone that has NOT lost their hair? I just wondered if there was any hope at all that I might get lucky?? I know it's still a little early.......
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Hi. Im so happy to report that my headache has lifted significantly. I drank 1/2 a bottle of pedialyte (which has the most electrolytes) starting yesterday afternoon and I had only a dull headache in the evening, no headache throughout night, and woke up with no headache!!! I could cry. Crossing my fingers that it lasts. Thank you all for the tip!!
Jenw- nice to meet you! Looks like we are on the same path and interesting that our side effects were similar. How quickly did you recover from the cold? About the hair, today is my second day of shedding and so to spare myself the emotional drama of possible clumps coming out, I'm having it buzzed today by the wigmaker. I also bought a halo and bandanas and scarves for a different look. I have spoken to many women in my area, los angeles, and all of them lost hair on TC although I have read online about one woman that didn't (only thinning). I've already made peace with it. It's a part of the chemo cleansing process.....I guess.
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Doing well today, ladies. Laughing at the SE du jour: red bumps all over scalp. Lovely. Onc says it is a side effect of taxotere. Using phisoderm to wash. Have opted not to use steroid cream. The less roids, the better. Are any of you old enough to remember who Dr. Bombay is? I 'm thinking he's more suited for these crazy SEs than an oncologist. Might have to call him right away.
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DenverDiva: I too am enrolled in the TailorX Trial and was randomized to do the chemo ( 4X T/C). My Oncotype test result was 16 so I agonized for a long time before deciding to do the chemo or withdrawing from the Trial. I finally decided to go ahead and do the chemo as my ONC recommended because of my age (42) and family history. I wanted to put all the chances on my side and never have to wonder if I did the right thing. Our DX seem very similar.
Iam having tx #3 on Thursday and so far the SE have been manageable. I even ran 3.5miles today and feeling good. The worse SE for me right now is sleep. I have always been a good sleeper and now I am having a hard time sleeping because of hat flashes keeping me up at night. Has anyone else had this problem or have any suggestions? I am hoping tx#3 doesn't hit any harder then the other 2. Anyone have any thoughts on whether SE get worse with the # of tx ???
Hope all is well with everyone - Stay stong !!
Marie
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So glad the headaches are lessening. Good call on the pedialyte, I will try that too. 6 days (incl tx day number 1) and I went back to work today. People were supportive. I've been honest with them since finding the lump. I too have noticed more tenderness since the chemo. Guess I'm so used to the poking and prodding its just a reminder. Still have dull headache but my blood pressure meds were out of whack. Back on the right dosage and got magnesium injection today.for those having side effects, they will let up soon for us all. Have a question, a coworker grabbed my arm muscle really hard today without knowing that I'm not sopposed to have that area squuezed due to lypmh removal. Does not hurt now but do I need to have it checked asap??
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