Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Quick question -- is anyone out there medicated for pain during chemo? I'm really struggling with joint pain in my fingers, knees and painful feet -- everything aches as though I'd done tons of physical work but regrettably, I haven't done any this time around. My oncologist is big on exercise during chemo and I LOVE to walk but there's no way I can with this pain. I'm taking extra strength tylenol as well as Tramadol that I get from my rheumatologist who was treating me for RA and fibromyalgia before BC came into my life. Anyway, those 2 drugs aren't doing much. I'm headed to soak in a tub w/ some epsom salts shortly.
I'm curious if anyone is on any pain meds to deal w/ chemo SEs.
Thanks and best to all
Lottie
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Lottie, I have fibromyalgia too. I only took pain meds one time - the nuelasta shot made bone pain unbearable at one point. Had hydrocodone left from surgery, and took that. (The doc said it was OK before I took it.) It did the trick within about 20 minutes. On a scale of 1 to 10, I was at about 8 or 9 before caving in to take the meds. Are you having muscle stiffness and soreness? It's been a real problem for me. I am taking flexeril for that - otherwise known as cyclobenzaprine. You might talk to your onc or rheumatologist about that. I take it at night - it helps with sleep and muscle pain. It lasts well into the next day, and makes muscle stiffness go away a little bit.
I also have brain zaps followed by leg pain. We tried tramadol for that, and it didnt do a thing for me, either. Tylenol worked better. Can't remember how many tx you've had. How many more do you have to go? Hang in there, friend. XO, Mary
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Pamelajo and other Hodgkins survivors: Did you know there is a topic in the forum "Young Women with Breast Cancer" called "BC Dx and Hodgkin's Disease Radiation Treatment"? It is NOT just for the under 40 crowd (I am 45!) and it is also not just for HD survivors who had radiation - all are welcome! Check it out - there is a growing number of us and it is wonderful to share info.
Re stubble hair - (Can't remember who was asking/commenting about it) - I had stubble on my head throughout my TC treatment. I kept shaving it off because it would drive me crazy. My last treatment was at the end of August and I still have mostly stubble but I THINK (might be wishful thinking) that I'm starting to get new hair growth. I'll have to deal with the stubble now - don't want to shave off any new growth!
Hang in there everybody- it is doable!!!
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Hi Mary -- I've got some percoset left over from surgery but it makes me very itchy. I do have flexerill here as well courtesy of my rheumatologist.
Brain zaps? Those are the weirdest things. I stopped an SSRI anti-depressant cold turkey years ago and had a few of those. One time I was getting off the train on the way to work and was convinced the train door slammed closed on the side of my head. I looked like some sort of psychotic mime staggering around the train platform as though I'd just been hit in the head. No brain zaps now, thankfully.
I never gave any legitimacy to the fibro diagnosis. Partly because at the time the rheumatoid arthritis was really roaring. Now chemo has pushed that way into remission but maybe it has ignited my fibromyalgia. The pain is sort of a burning tissue pain. I'm assuming the foot pain is neuropathy and the joint pain is, well, joint pain. Wow, I sound pathetic. I did Remicade infusions for my RA for 4 years. I won't be able to have Remicade now after breast cancer. I don't know what's in store for RA treatment-wise when I'm done with all this cancer crap.
Soon after I posted this morning I took a soak in the tub w/ epsom salts and some lavender. That helped a lot. Two extra strength tylenol and two tramadol kicked in later and I'm feeling much better now.
I'm on day 10 after my 2nd tx. This round is definitely harder than round #1.
Everybody be well and enjoy
Lottie
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Meg, thanks for the info. I hadnt seen that topic, but I will look for it. I love all of my BC sisters, but I feel so all alone sometimes because I KNOW why I got BC. It isn't a mystery for me like it is for all of you. There are scary parts to not knowing what causes cancer, but there are really scary parts to knowing I got cancer from fighting cancer........it sucks.
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Is anyone experiencing swelling of the knees? I've done 3 of 4 tx and just noticed that my knees look like my grandmother's!! Maybe I'm just so out of shape from not working out in months...I don't know.
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nope, no swelling of the knees, just the butt here. :-O
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Pamelajo - I can see how you'd feel isolated knowing you got cancer from cancer treatment. If I were in your shoes I'd be angry and feel cheated out of my cure. It would be extra hard for me to summon up the spirit and sense of humor that I see you display on this thread almost daily. Know that I, and I'm sure everyone else here, can see how your situation would be lots more than "adding insult to injury" - a double-whammy that truly sucks.
Lottie
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Hi ladies, its saturday after the the thurs treatment, my 3rd. Feel lousy since giving up the steroids and because I got my period.it was 2 weeks late so its here with vengeance. Anyone else who is doing this without the roids? The side effects are worse but had to give them up due to blood pressure. Glad I did get my period though!! For my last round I'm going to do it on a monday. These wasted weekend days are a drag
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Hi ladies, its saturday after the the thurs treatment, my 3rd. Feel lousy since giving up the steroids and because I got my period.it was 2 weeks late so its here with vengeance. Anyone else who is doing this without the roids? The side effects are worse but had to give them up due to blood pressure. Glad I did get my period though!! For my last round I'm going to do it on a monday. These wasted weekend days are a drag
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Hi Ladies,
Again, I want to thank everyone for sharing comments on this site. I don't think I could make it w/out reading about everyone. I am into day #9 of TX#2. It was a bad week for me. My nausea became very intense mid week & I had to miss 2 days of work, only a few left before I start loosing my $$$$ when I take off. I'm worried about the WBC's being low as I'm already feeling they are, I'll find out tomorrow. I don't get Neulesta, now I'm wondering why as they no I work in a school (clinic at that) & was pretty low last time around. Why do some of us get it & others not...anyone know? I'm finding myself being VERY depressed out of no where. Especially when (here I go again) walking around in my hat, the freaking looks gets to me...I have to fight to hold back my tears. About shaving the stubble....what type of razor, hand held w/shaving cream??? My stubble is driving me crazy & its very patchy, I've been wondering what to do with it.
Beleiving High - I also had a Savy catheter inserted back in August (which unfortunately failed & needed to be pulled at my first treatment). My site healed well. I still received a twice daily week long targeted external radiation at the time. After my 1st TX, a portion of my breast became extremely itchy, then red very sunburned like. I was advised to keep extremely clean & apply ABT once daily, it healed w/in about a week. After my 2nd TX, another area started to become a red blotch, I hit it w/the abt oint as soon as I noticed it & so far its under control & has not increased in size as the last time. The onc says sometimes it occurs from the meds. I would consult your radiation oncologist if you are still concerned.
Laura 2009 - I to was very nervous, I get Ativan IV prior to my TX which totally helps me relax, bring a book & snuggle up in a blankie....the actual infusion has never been a problem for me so far. I'm originally from Crown Point, much of my family lives in NW Indiana!
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Hi everyone. I'm new here. Just been reading all of your posts and hoping I can understand all of the shortcuts! T/C, SE, etc. (I think I figured those out!). This has been quite a journey for me. It started in an unusual way. My gastro doctor wanted to check my liver, so he ordered an MRI. Liver fine, but he noticed a shadow on my right breast, so he called my doctor. That's how it all started. I had a mammogram last November, 2008, and it was fine. Saw Gastro doctor in March of 2009. So, I would say that my gastro doctor saved my life!
I have had four rounds of T/C (completed last Thursday) and am finished! I feel that I've been very lucky with minimal side effects. Had minimal nausea, a little bone pain from Neulasta (took 2 Tylenol, and within a half hour, pain was gone!). Loss of taste is with me now, but I'm sure in a week or so, my taste buds will be back. Queasy stomach now and then. Hair no longer, but I am enjoying my wigs. I've read that most of you are not pleased with wigs. I can't understand why. That's the best part of all of this! I'm making it fun. I got my first wig free from the American Cancer Society, and they gave me a catalog (tlccatalog.com), and I've gone bonkers over their wigs. Every day I look different, and my husband is really enjoying this. Don't try to look like you used to. Take this time to find a new you.
This whole situation is quite an experience, and I know that SE, pain, depression, etc. plays a big part. But you have to conquer all of this with a positive attitude. I have not cried one moment over my loss of breast or hair. I have, however, cried because of the wonderful support I have received from family (4 daughters, 10 grandchildren & 2 step-grandchildren) and friends. Did I mention that I'm 71 years young and live in an age restricted community in Illinois (55+). I am enjoying life - celebrating life. I read that so many of you are young, working, have small children, and I know that can be difficult. I'm not going to bring religion into this picture, but I know that if you believe in G-d, it's the same G-d for all of us. Just bring in his light into your lives.
I've started a support group in my neighborhood, not only for breast cancer, but for anyone else that needs the support of friends. After my surgery, I've been inundated with meals, desserts, gifts, cards, emails, hugs, and loads of prayers and love. That, plus my wonderful doctors, faith, etc. has helped me during this time. Right now, I have 2-3 breast cancer patients that I'm hoping to help get through their ordeal.
Going through reconstruction now. Had my left breast perked, and soon my right breast will be perky, too. I plan on being a perky old lady!!!
So, I hope that I've brought a positive spirit to this forum. Anything you want to ask, know about, please do so.
Thanks for listening.
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Marrhea, you sound like such a wonderful person. What a joy it must be to live near you.
Sounds like you have a full live and you are always able to make that lemonade out of those lemons. You go girl.
Juannelle
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Thank you, one-L. My goal is to bring love and laughter to everyone I meet. I'm afraid I have that reputation, and I'm proud of it. It makes it easier to get along in this tough world.
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Hey Gals,
Lil, I know how you feel hon. I too had a very rough time with my 2nd tx and literally thought I was going to die. After talking to my doctor and discussing what my se's were, she has decided to possibly take me off treatment all together. You must understand, this is my second type of cancer. I was treated years ago for Hodgkins lymphoma. My body just can't handle anymore chemotherapy. I'd rather live well than long
I've no doubt I'll be just fine. I'm researching alternative medicine for breast cancer, and there is TONS out there. I am praying your days get better. As for the stubble, I used my husbands disposable head razor. The thing has a vibrating head on it, and with a little shaving cream and that razor, my head was slick as a baby's butt. I'd knock down the stubbles with my electric wet/dry razor if I just needed a quick touch up. My hair is coming back in now and it itches something fierce under my scarves. Please don't accept people staring. Number one it is rude. Number two, they may not realize they are doing it until you either stare back, or say something. My fav response is "dont stare, I bite". I've had to stare down several people. It's annoying and hurtful I know, but if you take charge instead of feeling victimized, you will feel better hon. Laughter is the best medicine.....take multiple doses daily.
To the rest of you........have an awesome day. I'm off to take what will most likely be the last motorcycle ride of the season here in Indiana to view the fall splendor. Hang in there girls!
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Pamelajo, I am sorry to hear you have had such a rough time with this, but I do think you have the right attitude. The decisions on this journey are not easy, but you have to do what is right for you. I hope all goes well for you and have a good time on that ride today.
Juannelle
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anyone interested in supplementing traditional BC treatment with alternative medicine and nutrition should see the website crazysexylife.com from Kris Carr who did the documentary Crazy Sexy Cancer. Some of the information is a little over the top, but there's some good stuff there.
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I think ppl stare because they want to know what is wrong with us. Most of us are pretty young so it makes them wonder, wonder what kind of cancer we have. I had a shirt made up that says it all "Its ok to ask me about my shirt, Crusading Breast cancer since April 2009, Diagnosed age 38. It is a hoodie, and I live in it in the fall. People now read my shirt rather than stare at my head~lol. I look at it as a way to let them in on a little something. Especially my age.
I know we have discussed our dosage and sorry I dont buy it. I really do believe they lie to us about it, I believe they give us more in the middle of our TX. I had my last tx 3 weeks ago tomorrow, and I have hair. I never had this much hair before so why now? Must be that they lowered my dose a lot more. JMHO I know tx 3 and 4 kicked my a$$ like never before. 5and 6 they lessened my dose of tax. but still had bad se's, just not as bad.
Remember tell your Drs everything. Let them help you with SE's.
Much Love Deb
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Hi ladies,
I had the Zofran headache for several days, too, though I didn't know what it was from until I went in for blood work when I couldn't get myself in gear on day 7. My blood counts were dangerously low and had a lung infection--didn't know what to expect--am I sick or is this normal??!!?? My second treatment is coming up on Friday, and am hoping it will be easier than the first, though reading the experiences you all have had makes me a little nervous. I was really miserable for a whole week after my first TC. But as my coworker reminds me every five seconds--this too shall pass! My hair started coming out on day 14 as predicted, but it's very different than I expected. It keeps coming out by the handfuls, but four days later no real bald spots. I cut it short but decided to wait and see how long it takes to look really gross before shaving it. We'll see!
Thanks to each of your for sharing your stories. I feel connected and close to each of you and am with you in your own struggles as I bumble my way through my own.
Querida
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Hi ladies,
I had the Zofran headache for several days, too, though I didn't know what it was from until I went in for blood work when I couldn't get myself in gear on day 7. My blood counts were dangerously low and had a lung infection--didn't know what to expect--am I sick or is this normal??!!?? My second treatment is coming up on Friday, and am hoping it will be easier than the first, though reading the experiences you all have had makes me a little nervous. I was really miserable for a whole week after my first TC. But as my coworker reminds me every five seconds--this too shall pass! My hair started coming out on day 14 as predicted, but it's very different than I expected. It keeps coming out by the handfuls, but four days later no real bald spots. I cut it short but decided to wait and see how long it takes to look really gross before shaving it. We'll see!
Thanks to each of your for sharing your stories. I feel connected and close to each of you and am with you in your own struggles as I bumble my way through my own.
Querida
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I finished 4 rounds of TC chemo in Sept. But still suffering from severe pain in my feet (I don't have fibro or RA). My ONC insisted that the pain would soon go away as Taxetere wears off. But it hasn't. I have been to a foot and ankle surgeon. He has perscribed physical therapy - ultra sound, laser and electropulsing. I don't want to take painkillers so hopefully PT will work because I cannot walk very well. PT might be something to consider for you, too.
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Hello Ladies
Just getting caught up with everyone. My next tx is Thrus. # 3 out of 4 for me. Alittle nervous but nothing I can do about it except keep busy and try not to think about it.
Dogsaver- I have to increase my steriods for the next tx due to an allergic reaction during my last tx. We will see how I do.
Lottie- My dr. gave me oxycodone for bone pain from the neulesta shot. I then change to the neupogen shot after my second tx and no pain at all.
Revricki- No swollen knees here.
Lilin- Ask again about the shot. As you can see I changed from neulesta to neupogen because my dr insisted I be covered with something.
Marrhea- Welcome- Glad you are done with tx. I can't wait until 11/19 that is my last tx and hopefully this will be behind me for good.
Hoping everyone has a se free day!
THINK POSITIVE
Catherine
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Catherine, I love the picture!!!! We have the exact tx schedule. I, too, am a little nervous about Thursday's tx (10/29) but I did much better after 2nd than I did with the 1st so I'm hopeful that it won't be any worse. I do hope yours is much better. I have felt great the last few days with thankfully, no se's. I'm so sorry to hear about some se's that you all are having - they sound so severe!!! Take care and will post after my tx on Thursday!
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Hi Catherine,
Thanks for welcoming me. Yes, it's great to be over chemo. I'll put you my special prayers so that you will have an easy time. I love your "positiveme" name. That's how I go through life. In grammar school, I learned this long phrase, "vicissitudes of life," and somehow it has stuck with me. It's the ups and downs of life - nobody goes through life without them. It's how you handle them that makes the difference. So stay strong, keep positive. Right now I'm going through the "no taste" time. Nothing tastes good to me now, but I continue eating. Even chocolate doesn't taste good. But, aha, this too shall pass! Put a smile on your face, have faith.
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Hello Ladies
I am feeling really good today but the weather here in NJ is damp and rainty. Just makes me want to crawl under the covers and nap.
Torona- I will be thinking of you on Thrus. I will think positive about my tx but I am alittle anxious. I will post after but not until Fri. I am usually too tired right after tx.
Marrhea- I agree 100% about how we handle the ups and downs makes all the difference. The woe is me attitude is not for me. My no taste days will start on Thrus afternoon after my tx. I try to eat but don't do as well as I should.
Hoping everyone has a great day.
THINK POSITIVE
Catherine
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Torona and Catherine - Best to both of you on your next tx. We'll all be there with you.
XO, Mary
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I'll be thinking of you ladies doing chemo on Thursday, and then on Friday, too. My next (#2) treatment is Friday, so I'll have lots of time to think of you all and feel your support! Hope this one goes better than the first.
My hair has been falling out since Thursday--that's already five days and I was sick of picking it up. I've been carryong one of those lint rollers with masking tape on it--works pretty well. So my husband shaved my head tonight--what an experience! All the bald spots interspersed with stubble! And my scalp is sore, especially if you barely move the stubble in the wrong direction! Who would've thought? I still had a lot of hair on my head, but it was constantly falling out everywhere. My poor coworkers are so kind, but I can't imagine that it didn't gross them out--my constantly looking for a wastebasket to get rid of a handful of hair!!!
Thanks to those of you who went before me in this--don't know that I would have been so willing to just shave it off if I hadn't read your experiences. And as for no taste days, thanksGod we are in this together!! Sweet dreams, and peaceful sleep to each of you.
Querida
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I am in the hair growing club too!
I almost have enough fuzz to cover my entire head! BUT I am getting more hair on my chin than ever before! It is gross! Onc. said it is because my hormones are crazy and wont get better. Great.
Mary, bladder problems sometimes are a rare se of neuropathy. I had some real problems, but thankfully they didnt last with the bladder. Unfortunately the neuropathy in the hands and feet is not getting any better yet.
Gisu, do you think you have neuropathy? What is the pain like?
Some of us created a group on facebook so all that do fb feel free to join us. Crusading Breast Cancer is the name, look us up.
Much love Deb
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Querida, I had my son take duct tape to my head as it was so annoying the stubble just kept sitting in there, and yes it hurt. It also grew back just enough inbetween tx #2 and 3 to hurt. I shaved it with a bic razor. It stopped growing back and falling out #4. Good luck on Friday!
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Deb/Cherneski -
No hair on my chin, but why is the hair on my toes hanging on? Am I a hobbit? TC x 2 is tomorrow. Head hair, armpit hair, most other hair gone. Eyebrows, eyelashes and toe hair hanging on. And the eye stuff better stay or I'm gonna have to hurt someone!!
Hope you all have a great night!
Laura
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