Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Yes, my onc recommended flu shot so I got it a couple of days before 1st tx. No problem at all. I also tried the ginger tea and it really helped. My onc also ordered a scopolamine patch (the one you wear behind your ear for motion sickness). I haven't been nauseated since Friday (day after tx) but I got all those meds you mentioned above the day of chemo and 2 days afterward. Onc was puzzled by the degree of nausea I had the day after. Hopefully I won't have it next time.
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Hi all
Jo Anne - Thanks for your post. I start TC x6 on Wednesday and reading your post is encouraging. I'd heard from my onc that side effects are cumulative as well. That gave me perhaps the wrong impression that my 1st treatment will be problem-free. We'll see.
I'm torn about whether to get my hair cut really short this week (it's jaw-length right now) & then buzz it when it starts to fall out, or to leave it as is until it starts to go. Perhaps starting chemo w/ a shorter cut would be a better idea?
Best to everyone
Lottie
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Revricki- Vent all you want, we're right here with ya! I agree time seems to be ticking by very slowly these days. But hey! could always be worse, right! I'm just glad to be here! Good luck Wed. I'll try to check in depending on how I'm feeling. Judging by my journal, I get a little loopy in the days following my poison!
Magob- thanks for the support! I need all I can get! As for the flu shot, it scares me. It seems like it gives the flu to ya! I know that's a myth, but it still makes me nervous! lol My onc hasn't recommended it yet, so I don't know??? Let me know how it goes for you!
Ok- so you know I shaved my head. Well, now the little stubbies are coming out like crazy and itching really bad. So, out of desperation, I took a tape lint brush that we use for dog hair on our cloths, and rubbed it all over my head. By george, it worked like magic! I know it sounds silly, but hey, whatever works! Just thought someone else might be having the same problem, maybe this would help!
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Peggu- Hey I'm all for the take out and limited house work! Can I continue that even after Chemo!lol
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Hi Lottie,
My first chemo was pretty mild. I went to a tai chi class and a meeting the next day, and wondered what was the big deal about chemo. The SE's don't usually hit until day 4 for most people, I think. That was true for me, except for #5 and #6. The SE's started almost immediately for me after #6, but were quite bearable. I'm feeling great a week later, but am VERY fatigued.
I had my hair cut very short just before my first infusion. I didn't want to have long strands of hair falling out all over the place. I don't mind short hair, so it wasn't a big deal to have it cut short. When it started falling out, my night cap contained the hair until I could get it shaved.
I would do what you feel like doing--hold on to your existing hair length for a bit longer, then have the whole thing done at once--or get it cut short so that the hair falling out won't be as big of a deal. This is actually one of the easier decisions we have to make with this disease! LOL...
Jo Anne Kindler
7 days PFC
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4 shots of tequila and my shirt didn't come off, but my hair did.
I feel alot happier. Yesterday it was tight, nary a loose strand, this morning, it came out in handfulls. I dealt with it all day but we buzzed it when I got home from work.
I flip off the chemo demons and thumb my nose at the hair salon. Neither of you are getting my for awhile.
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jenw -- oh yes, you can continue getting take out and doing no housework after chemo!! You go, girlfriend!!!
peg
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jenw -- someone else did that w/ the lint/tape brush too, rolling around on their head while working on the computer! she also said it worked really well.
Yours,
Baldie aka Peggy
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Pamelajo- Way to go! Isn't it liberating!!!!! I think the whole world should go bald, people have no idea how great it is LOL!
On my way to #2 in an hour! I'll be half done! WHOOHOOO!!!!!!!!!!! Wish me luck gals, I'll be talkin to ya soon!
Good luck everyone else that is going this week! Keep me posted on SE's.
Luv ya, Bald Beautiful BC Babes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Jenw - I did the lint brush thing too and it took out a lot of the stubble, but for the past couple of days my head has been so itchy and prickly and at times (especially against the pillow) feels like little razors on my scalp. So last night I shaved it completely smooth and it feels sooooo GOOD! I slept like a bald baby. Liberating!! When my kids woke up and saw my head they touched it and said it feels like petting a dolphin...LOL!
Ok, 2nd TX tomorrow and that's half way for me. Good luck to everyone!!!
Where is my time machine?!?!
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Hello Ladies
Today is day 11 and still feeling good. My engery is back and I feel like my old self. On Sat. (day 15) I am going to my hair dresser and have my head shaved. Maybe 1/2 inch. Bought some hats and scarfs so I will be ready when my head needs to be covered.
Jenw- I hope today goes well for you. I will be thinking of you.
revricki- Thanks for the tip about shaving completely if the little hairs left hurt. Good luck tomorrow. You will also be in my thoughts and prayers
THINK POSITIVE
chat with you soon.
Catherine
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Oh Catherine, I forgot you when I posted on the other thread yesterday. I am so sorry! I love your posts, they are uplifting and I look forward to them so. I think we have a close time frame for treatments. I am on day 13. I still haven't lost much hair. I keep finding it on my clothes, but it isn't a lot. People keep saying, "Oh you probably won't lose it." My DH said, "It will serve you right if you don't lose it since you worked so hard to get stuff together first". I know they all mean well, but for some reason all of the comments rub me the wrong way.
I just don't have the energy to name all of you beautiful bc babes individually today, but for sure I read all of your posts, and learn so much. I keep a good thought for all of you. Best wishes to all who are having treatments this week. I pray for peaceful SE free days for you.
Love,
Susan
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Ladies, good luck this week with your tx's. I'll be thinking of you. Go back for my second on Oct. 1 (geesh, that's next week).
jenw, it is liberating, and a huge weight off my head LOL In my scarf at work today. I work with mostly men and they have been absolutely the sweetest things ever about it. Hope your treatment goes well and the SE's are held at bay.
revricki, good luck with your treatment as well. Praying for SE free days ahead for you!
Susan, I understand the aggravation when people comment about hair. It's like it isn't their hair they have to worry about, so it seems so easy for them to shrug and say the things they say. They have no clue how much it hurts. My mother actually told me to swallow my pride when I was asked if I wanted reconstruction after the bi-lateral. She thinks I should just be comfortable with how I am. Pride? If this happened to her, I doubt she'd want to go boobless the rest of her life, but it isnt her, so she just says whatever comes to mind. All of it makes me more aware of how I react and respond to people in need of a soft place to land. Thats the lesson I think this has taught me the most. It's your hair and you love it. It's just another loss, and we've had enough of that to last a lifetime! So go ahead and get irked.....just do it with a smile on the outside
and know that this too shall pass.Be well all you terrific ladies!
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Susan- There are quite a few ladies on these threads so it is easier to forget or miss someone now and again. I agree with the hair thing. One of my best friends keeps saying don't buzz your hair maybe it won't fall out. I have been reading these threads for almost 2 months now and have not found anyone who didn't have get their head shaved due to hair loss. I have made up my mind that Sat. is the day and it is best for me. I am really close to you as far as tx goes (two days behind).
Pamelaj- My second tx is also on Oct. 1st. I also noticed that our surgeries where one day apart. I had R mx with recon on 7/28. It feels like it was years ago with so much going on. We can only take one day at a time and thank God we are still here.
I hope everyone is getting stronger everyday!
THINK POSITIVE
chat with you soon
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Hello Everyone:
I follow your post often and love the positiveness of this thread, We are all very stong women !!
I have a question, I had tx#3 of 4 last thursday and have been having problems since my tx#2 with bloating. My belly is getting so big I feel like I am pregant !! Has anyone else had this problem and do you advice about what I can do to help this ???
Thanks and have a wonderful day !
Marie
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I don't usually post but read this thread alot. I just finished my last taxotere Sept 8. Done with chemo and now on to rads. Marie111...yes I have the same bloating...my stomach and upper mid section is bigger than it's ever been. I thougt while doing the chemo it was the steroids they had me take...but I'm two weeks past and wondering why it hasn't gone down??? Going to the onocologist tomorrow to talk about getting my port out and starting rads, was gonna ask him about it.
It would be interesting for someone that had the "bloating" problem but is a long way out from chemo to share...
Have a blessed night you strong ladies...
((((((((((hugs))))))))))) janet
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hi ladies hope the week is being kind to you. i got my flu shot today, was told it was a good time since i am between chemo weeks, feeling decent and also the flu is supposed to come hard this year and we are very suceptible (sp?) it takes a week or two to work so best to get it before flu season kicks into full gear. i was told that this year will be crazy and shots will run out, so when you have a chance between chemo weeks, please get your flu shots. luv you all. next tx for me is oct 1st, have a good week
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Good morning everyone - I'm off for my first treatment in a few hours and wanted to thank you all for posting here. I've read everything although I haven't posted much myself. I feel well informed and prepared, a little scared but who wouldn't be, right?
Jaelsne-I got a great short haircut yesterday. Too bad it won't last very long, it looks nice -- I've worn my hair long for a few years so it was a real change.
I'm looking forward to getting home this afternoon & if the steroids haven't made me too jiggy, taking a nice nap.
Best to all
Lottie
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Good Morning!
T/C # 2 went fine yesterday, although it took forever. While I was getting the T, my head started to feel very heavy and a lot of pressure, then my back started spasming and I couldn't stop coughing and sneezing!? Then I started getting real dizzy. Weird, right! So they slowed the drip down and it all went away, but it took FOREVER! The taste thing is already back and I feel very dopey and jittery all at once. I can't say it's a lot worse than last time, but definitely different. My Neulasta shot is at 3:00, so I am anxious to see how that goes this time, I have already taken a Claritin (which by the way, I asked my Onc about and he said there is no medical research supporting it, so he doesn't recommend it, however, if I wanted to try it, it wouldn't hurt anything). And I am armed with Vicadin for after the shot to hopefully keep the pain away.
Revricki- GOOD LUCK TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
marie111- hello! I also have started experiencing bloating for about a week now, and thought it was just due to my eating so much!!! lol, but it's interesting that others have had this. Let me know how it goes for you, I've never read it as a side effect before.
arnie2two- CONGRATS on being finished with your chemo- can't wait till its me! It's nice to hear from someone who is done. I would be interested to hear what you doc says about the bloating, I didn't think mine was due to the Chemo, but like everything else, it probably is!
Lottie- GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
About the hair- I know what you mean about the hair hurting on the pillow. Last night, I don't know what was worse, the lack of deep sleep due to Decodron, or the hairs poking into my tender scalp, guess I'll take the advise and shave it all the way. Revricki- your kids say the cutest things!
OK Ladies- I'm going to try to get some work done while I feel I can. I'm preparing for the worst but hoping for the best!!!!!
Take care everyone!!!!!!!!
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Hi to All,
I finally got on to my computer today and have been sitting here for an hour reading comments.
Some so similar and some not so.
I had my LAST TC treatment a week ago
My husband, daughter and close friend was there with me. It was a long day because the Dr. forgot to make the med orders and they had to wait for her to get out of the meeting. Oh Well. I was just thrilled when they pulled out my IV.
We celebrated at home with lobster, corn and cake.
The days that I have most of my worst SE have past. I still have nerves jumping from my head to my toes. Find myself crying here and there. Just water needing to come out?
I am very much looking forward to my hair growing back!! I have these little stubbies and I pull on them all the time hoping for them to grow. No one has mentioned eyelashes or eyebrows?? I still have mine but the Dr. said they might come out. I REALLY hope that they don't fall out.
I have a long brown wig and crown but they both felt terrible so I just stuck with light weight caps. With the weather cooling off up here, my head, ears and neck get cold. The Cancer Center had a basket full of beautiful nit caps and had me take some.
I have met soooooo many wonderful and caring people durring this journey down Cancer Lane and know that I will meet many many more as I continue my travels. My goal is to be standing in a park and running a race to raise $ for our cause. Thank You to all of you on this forum. It helped me know that I wasn't alone in this fight and many of you prepared me for what was coming.
God Bless You All XO
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Hi all,
My last t/c was last week. I usually get stomach problems during the second week--reflux, etc. Last night I was throwing up--don't know if it is due to the chemo, or stomach flu. I suspect chemo... but I'm ALL THROUGH!!! I must say that #6 made me feel like a "real" cancer patient. I am totally drained. I'm going to look at info about food, supplements, etc. to take post chemo.
Lottie: Enjoy your new look, and take pictures for yourself. I'm glad that you're happy with your decision to cut it before it falls out.
Marie: When was your last t/c? Mine was September 15, which happens to be my sister's birthday and the day before my daughter's. It wasn't great timing (also just before the Jewish High Holidays), but I was glad to get it over with.
Bye for now!
Jo Anne
Marie: My eyebrows and eyelashes didn't noticeably start falling out until #5. Now that I've had #6, I have no lashes or brows. I miss them more than my hair. I can wear a wig, but it's harder to disguise the eyes. Ah well, this too shall pass...
Jenw: I did 3-4 cycles of Neulasta without the Claritin, because I didn't believe it would help. Then I tried using it. Believe me, it worked! I never had horrible pain anyway, but I would get a stiff neck and achiness. Gone with the Claritin.
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Catherine and Pamelajo,
Thank you for being so kind and understanding. We are all close in tx's, my next one is on Oct. 2. My hair is still holding steady, and I haven't figured out what to do yet. I had immediate TRAM reconstruction, and I think a lot of people have forgotten that I had a bilat. It is okay, I am glad that I had that choice and I know it was the right thing for me. The chemo is just one more hurdle to get through. Indeed, this to shall pass.
You are all amazing ladies, thank you for all of the good info,
Susan
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JenW and Marielf...Congrats on finishing chemo too! I did see the onocologist today and he said some of the bloating is from the steroids... he did say that most women gain weight with the regimen I've been on...4 AC and 4 tx. He also put me on Femora today and said that one of the SE's is weight gain! ugh!!! I have to have a colonoscopy, port removal and start rads all in the next two weeks... so here we go again! I'm sooooo looking forward to hearing, "Ok, we'll see you in six months, or a year!"
Ohhhhh, I remember the stuble!!! Felt like lying on a board of needles! I haven't lost all my eyelashes or eyebrows yet, last chemo was Sept 8... but they have thinned. Jaelsne...I have always said that loosing my eyelashes would be worse then my hair!
Hope all you brave ladies that are still doing the chemo have minimal SE's... have a blessed night. (((((((((hugs))))))))))) janet
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I had my 2nd round of TC today. So far just a bit tired and heartburn, not bad. BUT I am so bloated!!! I look 5 months pregnant! I had mild bloating with TX #1 but it was barely noticeable and went away in a few days. I'm a little concerned because I'm starting out so big on day one. Anyone????
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Hi everyone! I am off to my last TC treatment tomorrow (yeah!!). Funny you should mention the bloating of the mid-section. I too thought it was perhaps due to weight gain, although I really haven't gained that much.
Congrats to all who have finished treatment and best wishes to those you are still in process.
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revicki and Karen VW...sending good vibes your way for little if any SE's... KarenVW...YEAH! So glad to hear it's your last one!
Lottie...how ya doin' sweetie??? Know you had your first tx...hope your resting and drinking lots of water!
Hope everyone has a blessed day...
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Good morning -- first, a quick question (I know that there are no dumb questions). My first tx was yesterday. So, is this day 1 or day 2? I'd like to keep a log as the days go by.
arnie2two - i drank about eight 12 oz cans of cranberry lime seltzer water yesterday plus the liter of fluid they gave me during the infusion. it felt good to flush all that crap out of my body and i'll continue pushing fluids today.
I was curious about how close my onc's regimen would be to those described here. I arrived at the office and saw my onc, he's a very straight shooter, no bs, and some find him patronizing or condecending. I think he's great. Very honest and knows his stuff. As far as his personality, I've worked with men like him on and off for years so I know how to deal. Anyway, I received decodron and benedryl plus a shot of anti-nausea med in the IV for the 1st hour. They ran the T next and then the C. I tolerated both well. They also ran a liter of fluid through the whole infusion. I got a script for Ativan and took some last night to counteract the steroid jiggys.
I feel pretty good. Minor sensations include dry mouth, dry eyes, and some faint cramping. My legs ache for no good reason and I may be retaining a little fluid in my feet, they feel tight.
I plan to work today (I am blessed to be able to work from home until I'm done w/ tx -- and take sick leave when I can't manage - there's an upside to never taking any sick leave, 'cause when you really need it, there it is!), mow the lawn and bathe 2 of 3 stinky little dogs. And, drink, drink, drink ... We'll see how it goes.
Best wishes to all. Have a great day!
Lottie
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Hello Everyone
Today is day 13 I think?-Good question about counting chemo day or start the day after. I count day 1 as the day after. I feeling pretty good and looking forward to the weekend.
Susan. I am so sure you made the right choice for you. When this is over and we lay our heads down we have to be able to live with our choices. My head is really sore along the top. I hurts just to shampoo it.
KarenVW- Good luck tomorrow. I can't wait for the last one.
Arnie-Glad things went well. Hopefully the se's will be tolerable.
Revricki- On my 1st tx I gain 10 pounds that night. My dr. said it was from the decadron. It was fluid retention. Thankfully in about 3 days my bladder kick in and I lost all of it. I have gained a couple of pounds even though I am jogging 3 times a week and watching what I am eating. I guess there is nothing we can do just ride it out and when this is over get back to our old selves.
THINK POSITIVE
chat with you soon
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Lottie: I hope the day goes well for you. I'd count this as day 2, if it were me. No matter what, each day away from tx counts and the more days away from it the closer to the end you are
Everyone else,.... I know how rough this has been on all of us. I've gone through crap with bc that I never wanted to even think about let alone have happen to me. BUT, believe me when I say it could be worse. The SE's with Hodgkins treatment were hair loss, mouth sores, not just pain but actual open sores, nausea......extreme puking (coulda been a sport) and poopin at the same time, weight loss, puss filled sores on all joints, up for 5 or 6 days and nights straight, and the ultimate in SE Hell.....after the chemicals started to leave your body, your liver would shut down for a few days which caused extreme pain, jaundice and white poo's. Yay! Back then, they didn't have the wonderful anti-nausea drugs they have now, so you used a compazine suppository and hoped you could hold off the explosive runs long enough for it to work. I was such a joy for my Mother back then I'm sure.
So, I know this is rough, but I thank my lucky stars it isn't what it was before. The emotional toll is far worse this time than the last, but I can adapt. Things will get better, I just have to believe that with all my heart.
I feel for each and every one of you and what you are going through, and even though I don't name you all individually, I pray for us as a whole, those of us who caught this early, but more for those of us who didn't. Someday this horrible disease will be cured and this carnage will never befall another woman. I pray for that as well. I also pray for our spouses, SO's, children, family and friends, this has to be rough on them too. I never realized how many women are layed low by this disease until it happened to me. I always lit the candle for my aunt who had bc, and I have donated money to research, but I never actually wrapped my brain around the sheer numbers. It's crazy.
We are warriors. Anyone who fights a cancer, whether they win the battle or lose, is a true fighter, a heavyweight, a champion. Whether you cry daily, or suck it up and shrug it off, you are a fighter. Through it all, the good the bad and the hilariously ugly, remember to wear a smile each day, even if it hurts. Find something to laugh about, even if it's yourself, and above all take care of yourself.
Have a great day! I'm off to a meeting.
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Wow Pamelajo, you said it well. I appreciate how lucky I am, and I also pray for all of us. I never thought this would happen to me. I was really sure that it wouldn't, to the point that at 44 I had never bothered with a mammogram. I just figured I was special, and I had dense breasts, and I could get away without caring. My mom died of a heart attack, so even though I am adopted, I thought I should focus my energies there. I donated to BC issues some, I walked in the Race. But I was more into the Red Dress stuff for women's heart health. I still really care about that too. I just am thankful to all the women who took breast health more seriously than I did, and for all of the research that makes our treatments safer and better. When I found my lump, my initial reaction was guilt for not having taken this seriously, now I just advocate, and encourage. I hope you all have a great day. I need to make a deposit at the bank for the fund raising I've done for the Race so I can send the money in. We've raised $108.00 so far, and we have another week so maybe we can double that. It isn't much, but I figure every little bit helps.
Take care all,
Susan
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