Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Lord love a duck! Wish I had known about the claritin secret 5 days ago. I didn't have any claritin, so I took an Allegra D.......whewwee, what a relief. No more throbbing headache and I can actually tolerate my legs, feet and hands again! I want to go from infusion chair to infusion chair at the doctor and tell everyone about this stuff LOL
I know water is supposed to be good for you, and had it been intended for us to drink funky purple liquid, God would have made it come from the tap, but Gatorade is my new best friend. Having the poops has dehydrated me to the point my lips look like a loofah, but I've tanked up on Gatorade (the purple one) and I feel so much better.
You ladies have no idea how much love I have for you for posting here and sharing your tips and tricks.
Here's one for some of you that I know first hand. Before your hair starts to thin, if you really want to hang onto it, get it cut short, the shorter the better, and wash only every other day. Take hair, skin and nails vitamins, and comb with a wide tooth comb. Don't use styling products. When I had Hodgkins, I should have lost my hair within 4 days of my first treatment. I hung onto it until treatment 12 and then shaved it off completely because it was dull and lifeless. Truly tho, it is just hair. It grows back, and in the long run, you will be stronger for going bald. I plan to let go early this time.
dogsaver: I'm not sure what the answer to your question is, but I would venture to guess no. As long as no swelling happens, I'd say you are fine. The way it was explained to me, they don't want bp's or needle sticks in lymphedemic arms because they don't want the remaining lymphnodes to be damaged. One squeeze, especially if there is no swelling or pain, shouldn't be a problem. And BTW, are those Boxers in your picture? DH and I own two, or I should say they own us
Romulus and Rogan, the Boxer Brothers.0 -
yes thanks for the wonderful tips! and keep posting everyone
Pamelajo: the dogs in the pics are rescued pitbulls. the sweetest ever your boxers sound wonderful. animals are so healing 0 -
Hi everyone,
Today was my last infusion!!! I went through 6, and didn't have a lot of SE's. Numbers 5 and 6 were definitely harder than the first four. I usually didn't experience queasiness until day 3, but today I was queasy just coming home from the cancer center. But it is doable, and I'm done--hopefully forever. I start radiation in a month.
For those concerned about hair loss--it is distressing, but after a while it becomes a way of life. My wig looks better than my own hair, and I get lots of compliments about my "do." I used to be shy about wearing scarves around town, but now I do it with ease. I live in Southern CA, and wigs just get to be too hot.
I also just learned about a wonderful business owner who provides one free scarf or head wrap to chemo patients. Here is the email she sent. The head wraps looks absolutely beautiful. I chose one that looks like a Japanese kimono print.
Ah--the darn thing won't paste. Anyway, if you send an email to laurie@franceluxe.com, she'll send you the info. She told me it's fine to share the word about the free head wrap.
Jo Anne
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Congrats JoAnn on your last treatment!
In regards to hair loss, I agree with not washing everyday. It did help me keep it longer. However, on day 17 I had a very 'bad hair' day and it just came out in clumps.
Marie 11 - Here are the suggestions I have received for hot flashes:
- close yourself up in the coldest room in the house
- put ice on the inside of your wrists
- put a cold towel or wrap on the back of your neck
Hope they help!
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Ooops, forgot to mention. I also received a free scarf from laurie@francelux.com. They are so sweet and the scarf is beautiful!
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Hi everyone! Ok- here it is! Day 16 and I have handfuls of hair coming out. Not clumps yet, just handfuls. Why oh why do I care so darn much about my dumb ol hair? It started in the shower and keeps on a comin! I really was ok til I looked down at my feet this morning at work and saw a stinkin PILE of hair! woweeee! Thank you so much for all posts regarding this- I know that I too will be ok with it once it's over and done- we will be shaving it soon, once it's over I can move on. And thanks for the website about the free scarf. I'm going to send an email in a minute. I've been pulling all my hair back and playing around with scarves and hats ( i also got a wig). It won't be so bad, a little fun, right?! Ok, all- hang tough- we will get through this!
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jenw,
Take a deep breath. I remember when mine fell out the first time. It was gutwrenching. This is temporary, only temporary. Look at it this way, if you shave it off, you no longer have to worry about it cause it's gone. If you shave it off, you no longer have to worry about it falling out all over the place (specially the bed, I hated waking up with drooly hair stuck to my cheek). If you shave it off, you will be ONE STEP CLOSER to beating this!
It honestly is not as bad as you think it will be. Shocking yes.....you will cry, but you are tough. You will do fine.
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Hi All,
Gearing up for my first Tx next week. I'm appreciating everyone sharing their tricks in handling their SE. I'm mentally preparing for hair loss and will cut my hair short soon. My DH thinks I should shave my head in advance. He says that would be a way to "give the finger" to CA; it can't take my hair if it is already gone! I'll probably to it. Went to my first support group yesterday. Just another place to learn from other's experience and benefit from their strength. I'm in awe of you ladies and the strength and courage you show.
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Yesterday I had my hair shaved off and it felt great. I feel as if I took a big step forward in this slooow process. I wore the wig all day yesterday and then took it off before my kids went to sleep and let them touch my head. I thought it would scare them to see me without hair but it didn't at all. Kids can handle some things better than most adults. I slept better last night b/c the anxiety of losing my hair was gone! Today I skipped the wig and wore a halo with a bandana..very cute look.
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I think losing my hair was one of the hardest part of treatment. And it wasn't once it was lost, it was the losing it part. I was heartbroken. But...I found my bald head fascinating. I also had a great wig which made me feel good about myself. Now my hair is growing back and it's thick and curly! I am totally enjoying my new hair.
Also, one of the best feelings was when my hair grew in enough for the wind to blow through it. It was a revelation. It always amazes how I appreciate the little things so much more now.
Lorrie
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Rickirev - what is a halo?
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The halo is a hairpiece that is open on top, the hair is just around the sides from temple to temple and there are straps that criss cross over the top of your head. You can wear it with a hat or scarf or bandana. It's quick to take on and off and feels cooler (temperature-wise) than the wig and it looks good and stylish. I will wear my wig too but only if I know I will be out for many hours. The halo is perfect for quick errands, dropping of kids etc. I have pics but don't know how to post on here.
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Hello my T/C friends - on another site they have a nickname, maybe someone could think of something for us that involves the T/C concept - its fun and a thought ! OK, Im wierd..
Sorry been out for a bit, my 85yo mama had a nose bleed so bad we ended up in the ER after calling the ambulance. Im not kidding, the blood clots were the shape and size of butter knives ! I was so scared. Thought I was gonna lose her then. All I could think about was this Da#n cancer and to blame myself. I should have seen it coming...should have been there more,, i shouldnt have rested I could have made it... oh gosh its torture. Thank gosh for LifeLine.
Well met w/ the onc yesterday, my blood counts are good, Im good, saw the naturopath and will get my next TX on Oct 6. Not many SE's (Im looking for some wood to knock on) so I will continue to pray about it. Im 25% done!! Enough about me...
Welcome to all you newcomers !!
Marie111- I felt the same. My onco was 24, Im 44 but I did not do the Tailor. I just did the chemo. I knew I would lie in bed and wonder for the rest of my life. Now when Im done, I will let this go and live. Good luck w/ your TX today. I hear Tx 5 or 6 are when it starts to get real bad for patients so maybe #4 wont be a good picnic. So many people suffer terribly through them all and my heart goes to them.
dogsaver-first, thankyou for saving dogs, animals, not sure what you all save. Bless you, Im crying as I post. My puppy (OK he's 120 lbs - huge Lab) is our son. Your headaches are better ? Due to pedialyte ? Thank gosh. Your back to work? You go girl. Hope you are well.
pamelajo- great things to say about our hair, thank you. Hope you are well today !
Magob-Did anyone answer you about Bombay? Calling Dr Bombay, calling Dr Bombay? Wasnt he always in the Himalayas or somewhere in the snow ? LOVE BEWITCHED !! Hope you are well today.
rickirev- Hello and it is difficult w/ our hair. Check into the "Look good, Feel Good" program (Cancer Society) if you have one in your area. Cosmetologists, ect doing wigs, makeup. Its great !!
Joanne- Congratulations!!!!!!!
Karen - thanks for the hot flash tips. Hope you are well.
Morgan513- We are all so very beautiful w/ or w/o hair, clothes, ect. Doing what we are doing and going thru what we are going thru make us the most beautiful, strongest women everyone and anyone will ever meet. No one will even take a long look at you other than to see how strong and beautiful you are. Hope you are well today.
jenw- Im so jealous I cant wait for mine to come out ! I am waiting and prepared ! It is a sign of tx getting closer to the end. Today is my 15 wedding anniversary. My husband already wants me to wear the wig for night night time tonight !! All you intimate women - come on - lets have some fun times (and funny) with this !!! We'll look back and just laugh !!
Susan and Positiveme - Hello girls !
Tenacious P -I wish you strength and wellness next week for TX. Another one down. How many left ?
Gosh I am so sorry if I missed anyone or didnt mention anyone. Welcome to all you new comers and my thoughts are w/ each and everyone of you.
((Hugs Always))
Toni
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Hi everyone! I really don't know what I would do without all of you! Thank you for your support on this old hair thing! Tonight is the night - it's all coming off! I just keep shedding and shedding, so I believe it's time to take some control here and just shave it off.
Rickirev- I am a little nervous about the kids, I'm so glad to hear that yours handled it so well. Mine are 11 and 9. Keep your fingers crossed that mine take it as easily as yours did. I have talked to them about it so they know its coming, hopefully that will ease the shock.
GamaToni - God Bless your upbeat posititve attitude!
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jenw,
you go girl! Just think how great it will be to finally be IN CONTROL of something that comes along with this
GmaToni, my hubby will probably suggest several different colored wigs so he can pretend to be with a new girl each night LOL He's such a perv.
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Hello T/C ladies,
I have been super busy today, but just thought I would drop on and say hi!!! I decided to take on a project that I am calling "Cupcakes for the Cure". I didn't want to just ask people for denotations for my Race for the Cure team, that would be too easy. So the last 2 nights I baked about 100 cupcakes for my husband and I to sell at work. They are super adorable and very pink, and are selling well. My Race is on 10/4, two days after my next TX so I hope I feel good enough to participate. I think I will.
My 17 year old daughter, who is really an amazing child, has just been plain mean lately. She hates every hat I've found, she would totally flip if she saw the wig I picked out, and I think she is just angry at life. I got a wig from the American Cancer Society, and when I went in they didn't have much selection. I have total salt and pepper hair naturally, which at 45 I am not thrilled with but I have gotten used to it and I must admit I rock it. The wig I got was golden brown, and while I thought it would be fun to try out a new look, I was a little anxious about how it would look especially because my eye brows are black. But, the day I went it was the nicest one they had. I haven't shown it to DD because I knew she would flip. So today I decided to go back and see if they had anything better for me. I ended up meeting some really nice ladies, who helped me exchange for a different wig. I got one that is almost all gray, but it looks more natural on me. I don't know what she will think, but I like it better. I also got some free hats from Heavenly Hats, which I am thankful for, but DD thinks are totally tacky. So I splurged and got a couple of more fashionable hats and inexpensive scarves at the cancer societies gift shop. I just don't have the money to spend on this stuff right now, but I hate the thought of being totally unattractive, and my DD just brings that to the forefront with her attitude. I don't know what to say to her to help her deal with her issues around this, and I am tearing up just thinking about it. Any ideas?
One good thing, my 18 year old daughter, who is a freshman in college called just to hear my voice, and totally made my day.
Thank you for being a place for me to vent!
Hugs,
Susan
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Is there anything I can do to protect my nails from possible damage?? I'm doing 4 rounds of TC and have been told by Oncologist that only 10% chance of nail damage.
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Ricki--
My fingernails had white lines and ridges that popped up and corresponded with each treatment. My nails lifted only slightly at the very tips and then they grew out very quickly. My toenails got ridges too and took a lot longer to grow out which is how it is with toenails anyway.
It was no big deal. My only advice is to keep your nails trimmed and trim hangnails as soon as they pop up.
Lorrie
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Susan - Do exaclty what your'e doing w/ your daughter. Take her w/ you, talk to her, keep her a part of everything. Doesnt make sense sometimes but it all falls into place.She is terrified of losing her mom. Assure her you will do EVERYTHING to fight this and you refuse to let it win. You expect the same from her. Make special time for just you and her and BE SILLY together. She is old enough to understand and young enough to be scared sh**tless. God Bless.
rickirev - My onc told me its TX's after 4 that really start to not make people feel well and have more troubles. Heck, we already dont feel well but I know what he means. I got some Sally Hansen Hard as Nails and started using that and I clipped them down short so I wouldnt put any undo stress on them. I saw on a chemo thread somewhere and dangit cant remember where but they mentioned another product that was quite expensive but worked - then a fellow sister posted and mentioned the sally hard as nails, it worked and she did do 6 treatments. She did stress the trimming them down.
Hope this post goes thru - Im at my mama's house and using my phone to post - She fell asleep and my phone is half dead !! Love to you all !!
Toni
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Thank you Toni, I had a good talk with her, and we cried together and all is better for now. I will do the silly thing too. I lost my mom when I was 17, so I do get it. In some ways I am sure it is the parental curse of having one just like me. I hope your mama is okay, that must have been so scary.
I hadn't heard the hard as nails trick. I am sure it is just my imagination, but my nails feel tender. I need to trim them down too. I hadn't thought of that.
Everyone who is dealing with hair loss, thank you so much for posting about how it is going. I am just one week out from first TX and the anticipation is hard. People keep telling me that I might not lose it, and while that would be nice, I don't want to expect that. In fact I know they mean well but it is almost as big of a cancer faux pas as people who say, "I knew someone who had chemo, they died...but I'm sure you'll be fine." Just one of those things people say meaning well but that hit you the wrong way.
I hope you are all well, and sleep tight, and have the best most side-effect free days possible tomorrow.
Hugs,
Susan
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Thanks all for the nail tips.
Jen - I have twins that are 10 and everyday they say and do things that blow me away in terms of handling my cancer/treatment. I'd like to think it's good parenting (ha) but I'm sure it helps that I discuss my situation with them openly and honestly never hiding anything. I believe it helps them feel safe and secure. My son can explain my condition to anyone with the fluency of a young medical student. So adorable. After school drop off this morning, as I was driving away I looked back to see my daughter walking down the sidewalk. I know she was wondering how I was feeling (sporting the new look on my head), she ran up to the car window, gave me a thumbs up and mouthed "love the hair". So thoughtful and compassionate for 10 years old. They keep me going those two. Thank god for them.
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Hello Ladies.
Sorry I didn't post yesterday but it wasn't a good one. I am sharing this so if it happens to anyone else that have heard about it before. I woke Thrus. morning at 3am. I was dreaming I was in the ER having a heart attack. The pain in my chest woke me up. I remembered that some women have heartburn so I thought that was what it was. I took prilocsec and tums and tried to lay down. The pain was so bad in my chest, spine and lower back it was worse than any contraction I had when I was in labor. That's when it hit me it could be bone pain from the neulesta shot. I took advil but it didn't touch the pain. I had a dr's appt. at 9:30 so I toughed it out until then. The pain took my breath away. As soon as I saw the dr. they gave me a narcotic right in the office. They said the WBC are started in the sternum, pelvis and the long bones in your legs. She said no more neulesta shot we will try the neupagen shots every other day after my next tx which is 10/1. I just wanted to let everyone know if this happens the only relief I found was the pain meds. I am at work today for a half day and feeling alitte better. These darn se's of the shot is worse than the chemo. I am glad everyone seems to be doing ok. Sharing our stories is just like getting a dose of medicine. It really makes me feel better.
THINK POSITIVE
chat with you soon
Catheine
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For those wondering what can be done for nails. At the hospital where I am being treated in Canada they have me wear frozen oven mitts on my hands and feet and although it is not very pleasant it seems to work. I had tx#3 yesterday and my nails are still nice, I also meet a lady who after tx#4 had no nails issues at all. So you may want to talk to your ONC and see if that is available at your treatment center. The premise is that by freezing your fingers and toes you are reducing blood flow to those areas therefore reducing the amount of the chemo reaching those areas.
Good Luck.
Marie
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Day #2 after chemo- Not feeling good - severe nausea even after taking the Emend and a Zofran. Was so hoping not to have this happen. Best friend coming to take me for my 1st Neulasta shot so hope I don't get much sicker. Not vomiting yet but on the verge. Dread having the bone pain to deal with on top of he nausea. Will update as I can.
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Catherine, following my first tx and Neulasta shot, I had similar excruciating pain......I had narcotic meds at home so took them to help relieve the pain. The day before the next tx I took Claritin and took it for about 7 days following......that took care of the bone pain. I had little twinges that Tylenol took care of easily.....give the Claritin a try. It works. I found out about it here.
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Good Morning!
BALD IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!! I did it! Last night we had a big ol' "Make Mommy Bald" party. My sister and mom came over. We let my 11 year old daughter cut my hair however she wanted to ( it was actually cute), then gave my 9 year old son the scissors. Once it was really short, we moved on to the clippers and my husband cut a mohawk into to! Oh my gosh, it was hysterical, and so much fun, and I think it really lightened up the whole idea of my baldness. Finally we finished it up, shaved it totally bald- then had an ice cream party. Wow, what a night. I kinda look like GI Jane!
I am wearing my wig today, and I work in an elementary school (picture day of all days!) I have had a ton of compliments from staff, and kids are commenting on my new "highlights". Why was I so worried!?
So, to anyone out there who is still awaiting the loss of their hair - I PROMISE - it's not as bad as you might think. It actually feels awesome, and it's gonna grow back. I was so worried about it, it's all I could think of, and now that it's done, I wish I wouldn't have wasted my worrying on hair!
Rickirev- Don't fool yourself - it IS awesome parenting skills that have made your kids the way they are, don't short change yourself! You should be very proud! I too have tried to be as open about all this as possible, and I think it does help, but my kids still act kind of funny about it. My son said he likes my head bald, but absolutely does NOT want his friends to see it! My daughter seems ok with it, but is kinda quiet about it, so I don't really know what she's thinking? We are going to start a shared journal where she writes to me and I write to her. I hope this will help her express her feelings better.
positiveme- I know exactly what you are saying about the bone pain. It was by far worse for me than any SE from the TC. My onc won't agree to skip it next time, so it'll be Vicadin all the way!!!!
I also heard or read to use Sally Hanson Hard as nails and keep them trimmed short?????
Denverdiva- I so hoped I would keep my hair,and people kept saying maybe I wouldn't lose it. From what I understand, some Chemo drugs do not cause hair loss, just thinning, however from what I have read,and from what my onc told me- T/C will definitely cause hair loss. But, I totally agree, the waiting is AWFUL. When it's done, it's a HUGE weight lifted.
Sorry to ramble today - it's just such an awesome day for me today!
You ladies are all so incredible. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and minimal SE.
Keep smiling!
Jen
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Hi, everyone. I have not posted in a long time as I finished my tx in April. But, just to have you see - this is me at 5 months PFC (post frickin' chemo as we call it) and the hair does grow back!!! It is as thick as it was before we shaved it off. Length is very slow, but it does come in as a full head of hair. Keep doing well - you are all awesome and you can do this!!!!!
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Hi All,
I get the best information from this site. I was going to wait to get rid of my hair, but after reading everyone's comments I think I will cut it very short this weekend, then buzz it after the first week of chemo. I was going to pass on the wig, but now I'm thinking it may be a good idea to have one in reserve (in case I just don't feel like being labeled as a chemo patient by strangers).
Gma Toni - Hope your mama is doing well, don't play the ‘should of' game. Luckily I only have four tx so I'm hoping the SE won't be so bad.
DenverDiva - I like the pink cupcake project! My race for the cure is this coming Sunday. DH and I are walking. My surgeon didn't want me jogging so soon after my surgery. I start chemo the next day, so it should be inspiring!
Rickirev - I have signed up for one of the "Look good, Feel Better" classes. It is not until Oct 3, but I will pass on any nail tricks they mention. It sounds like keeping them short is a good idea.
Positiveme - How scary! Yesterday I went to my ‘Intro to Chemo Class' and I asked about the neulesta shots. The instructor sort of nodded. She said the same thing about the sternum, pelvis and long bones...they hurt because your marrow is kicking into super overdrive to produce lots of WBC. Hopefully the neupagen will work better for you.
Torona - Hang in there. We are rooting for you.
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DenverDiva; my 17 yr old daughter moved out and in with her Dad who has had nothing to do with her ever, the week I had my mastectomy. It nearly killed me. I've seen her twice since July 29th I thought about it long and hard, and I decided she just doesn't know what to do about me, so I'm letting her have her space.......for now. I've been an awesome mom (yea, tooting my own horn, but it's true) I live and die for my girls. Since this is my second go round with cancer, I am pretty sure she thinks I'm a goner, and she is trying to spare herself some heartache. I look forward to seeing her face when this is over and I'm still breathing LOL I better get a hell of a Mothers Day card next year, that's for sure.
jenw! I'm so happy for you! I knew you'd be okay with being a baldy
Hugs I'm planning to let my 19 year old daughter draw a mural in marker on my head. She is such a talented artist.....just not sure what picture I want positiveme: I had the same pain starting two days after my first treatment. I came here, read about the claritan soon after, bought the generic brand, and I've had very little pain since. I feel shadowy hints of it, but I take tylenol and it goes away. Give it a try. These ladies knew what they were talkin about. Now all we gotta do is find a cure for the poops.
Torona: so sorry you are feeling bad. It will get better. Rest and feel better. You are in my thoughts.
Everyone else, hope you are having a blessed and SE free (or tolerable) day! I'm finishing my overtime day at work and heading home to meet my college girl for dinner.
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Hi ladies - I'm shy so I don't post much - but I have a stupid question. When exactly does the PFC period start? I had my 4th and final T/C on Monday. Does PFC start then or in 3 weeks when I would have had my next tx? I don't want to start obsessively checking my scalp for new growth too soon...
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