Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
Comments
-
Hi dogsaver - I think Visine dries your eyes. Try something labeled as "natural tears" -- I know that's not real helpful but I do know that Visine dialates the blood vessels in your eyes ... to "get the red out"
0 -
Hi everyone
Just joining the discussion for the first time. I had my first TC treatment on October 28th and have three more to go. I feel fortunate to only have to go through four treatments. So far, only one terrible evening of bone pain. I just didn't take the medication in time. No hair loss yet as it's only been 10 days. I expect it to go any day though. Maybe I am under a false sense of security, but so far so good in terms of painful side effects. Just hoping and praying it doesn't get a whole lot worse. One of the oddest things for me was during my treatment they put my hands in "ice mitts". This is supposed to help protect my nails (what about my toenails?) and also prevent the tingling sensation that sometimes happens as a s/e. Next time I might put my feet in the mitts too. Should be fun
Shari 0 -
Hi Ladies,
JENW - CONGRATS!!! Radiation will be a piece of cake to this....I had the one week twice daily tx before starting chemo...worst s/e was fatigue & loss of appetite-but no nausea.
I have a ? regarding WBC's & Neulesta. I just rec'd #3/4 on Nov. 6th. My onc now recommends me to get the shot mainly because of my job (elem. school nurse). My WBCs are in the norm range @ treatment, but has dropped to 2.1 @ my 10 day check. Just curious what others blood levels are at those times & if you do/do not get the shot. I refused (b/c I want no more s/e) and because I made it through the last 2 tx's by taking a couple of days off work @ my low points, then did bounce pack. Now I will take Levaquin QD x 5 weeks for a little extra protection. Any thoughts?
By the way, the Emend & Aloxia is not working for me as well as it did on TX #2, I'm still having some (slight) nausea, I'm thinking by tomorrow I'm going to start using my compazine already. Again those of you taking the Emend & Aloxia, I became extremely nauseated in the middle of the night on day 5 (Aloxia is only suppossed to last 5 days), my onc was surprised to hear of this.....maybe its just me.
Wishing everyone a FEEL GOOD DAY :>)
0 -
I agree w/ 1L and the gel tears they last a lot longer (my dog uses them 2 - his tear ducts pooped the bed and hes tried everything).
Oh Torona and about the IV- there are lots of places to put an IV - would not chance the SNB arm - more worry!
Be well- Valerie
0 -
Shari, I will have tx #2 of TC on Thursday and I have buzzed my hair, but it doesn't seem to be coming out at all. Maybe sometime this week.
Valerie, we are all getting that same look. I guess I need to take a picture and replace mine. I am getting more comfortable with the look, but not enough so that I walk around without something on my head. One reason is that I am having some remodeling done and there are workers in and out of the house. They know I am doing chemo, but I still don't want them to seem be bald.
Hope everyone has a good week. I hope all of us that have a tx this week have mild ses.
Juannelle
0 -
1L today I walked thru a field/ 62 degrees w/ dau & friend w/ no hat and the warm wind and sun were absolutely sensuous. It felt like waves over my scalp. Who knew? Felt liberating i gotta say! V.0
-
Hi there Juannelle and everyone else,
I am actually a chicken and am afraid to buzz my hair - unbelievable after everything I've been through in the last few months. So I have decided to get a really short haircut tomorrow, and then when my hair really starts to fall out, I'll have it buzzed. Don't know why but the buzzing scares me. I can't imagine what I will look like. What's the longest possible amount of time that my hair might stay in? Can it stay even beyond the 2nd treatment? Do I sound anxious? I am. Shari
0 -
Hello Ladies
Day # 10 after my third tx and feeling preety good. Energy is back.
Torona- Sorry to hear about your vein problem. I hope the cream will help.
Shari51- Welcome, you are in good company. I happy to hear your fisrt tx went well. Day 12 after my first tx my hair started to fall out so I buzzed it. About 1 week later I had bald patches so I shaved it all off. Most women only having 4 tx don't seem to have many nail problems. My are fine and I still get them done every 3 weeks.
Lilin- I had severe bone pain from the neulesta shot. My onc changed me to neupogen every other day for 10 days after tx. No bone pain and my counts are great. He says I need something to keep the WBC up.
1L- I sit at work and home with nothing on my head. Everything seems to bother me on my head. I wear something when I'm in public but if this was July or Aug. I think I would go topless even in public.
Hope everyone has a great week.
THINK POSITIVE
Catherine
0 -
Hi Friends - Dry and burning eyes were a problem for me, too. I used stuff called Sysyane lubricant eye drops. They are meant to be long-lasting. It really helped. Those of you who are having trouble should also think about Claritin - if you are taking it for bone pain, it may also be causing your eyes to dry up a little. I stopped thte Claritin and the eyes got better.
About veins - THANK HEAVENS YOU WROTE, TORONA! I've been telling my onc that my veins are puffing up and sore in both arms. And I have a port! When it's warm and also at night the veins pop up and hurt. It looks like I have Frankenstein hands, which compliments the Uncle Fester head nicely. Told the onc about it, and she seems to think this is just the oddest thing she's ever heard. My feet do it, too. I'm going to bring it up again - the drugs have certainly done something to make this happen.
Funny story from the weekend. Was at a delightful lunch with the girls when a handsome man came in and sat down alone. We were all checking him out and making up the story of his life, wondering why such a beautiful specimen would be alone for brunch on a Sunday. Told this story to my mother (mind you I'm 47 and she is 80) and she asked if I walked over and said hello. Here's how the rest of the conversation went; "Mom, I'm completely bald and have half of an eybrow over one eye." - end of conversation. Come to think of it, there may be men out there who are into this kind of thing.
We had lots of people walking in Dallas over this past weekend. It was the walk for breast cancer that goes for three days, and the people sleep in tents at night. There were folks everywhere in bright wigs and fun outfits. Teams were dressed in themes, and the atmosphere was festive. Yesterday morning on the way to church, we had to wait at an intersection while a large crowd of these walkers crossed. There were volunteers at each corner dressed in wild outfits. They were playing fun music and cheering everyone on. Some were sweet couples, husbands and wives walking hand in hand and wearing pink t-shirts. I watched them pass and had strong feelings that caught me off guard. It was the thought of the tough things I have endured and will endure, combined with that overwhelming sense of gratitude for the kindness of people. I was so choked up, all I could do was cry and mouth the words "thank you" as they went by. It was emotional for all of us.
Surely they will find a cure soon.
Love to you all. XO, Mary
0 -
Hi all
Well, the first clump of hair just fell out this morning. I let out a little scream and scared my teenage son. Atleast it got him out of bed. My nose has been bleeding a little bit all day... guess it's dry. I think I'll go get some kind of mild saline spray. I never thought I'd be posting that on a discussion board!! Have a good day everyone
Shari
0 -
Hi All
Mary - thanks for your story about the walkers. I am walking in a 2 day breast cancer walk in the middle of May. I'll be about 1 year since I found the lump in my breast by then and I hope it ties the year up in a grand way. I also hope I can get my stamina up and continue training ... I have 3 treatments left and the lousy New England winter to deal w/ while I try to get in shape.
Shari51 - welcome. this is a great discussion thread. everyone has great tips and experiences and is super-supportive. Don't fret about buzzing your head. It's not that bad and your hair will be back when this is all over. I've had 3 of 6 treatments and still fuzzy on top, the sides of my head are really nearly bald though.
Doing ok after tx #3, but this time my mouth is driving me crazy. I feel like I burnt it on super-hot soup or coffee and it's day 6 post treatment. My sinuses are a mess -- bloody nose and so sore. Also, nausea seems to come and go a little more than before.
I hope everyone is doing well. Hang in everyone!
0 -
Hey Lottie where r u from? Getting tx? If u don't mind me asking. Valerie0
-
Hey Ladies
Just checking in to see how everyone is doing.
Mary- I too have been caught off guard by the kindness and generosity of many people. I have received many gifts and flowers since my diagnosis.
Shari51- As soon as my hair started falling out (day12) I had it buzzed and felt better than just watching it fall to the floor.
lottie- You are half way there. Sorry to hear about those terrible se's. Hope you feel better soon.
THINK POSITIVE
Catherine
0 -
Hey Valerie - I certainly don't mind telling you! I'm in the Merrimack Valley, getting tx in Haverhill. I work in Boston (working at home since July tho ...) Where's Hubbardston?
Catherine - thanks so much for the good wishes. I'm feeling better today. Someone on this thread compared chemo to getting "a chemical peel from the inside out" --- I think I understand what she meant.
0 -
tx 2 down, severe bone pain (neulasta), firey/itchy/peeling palms and soles. The worst part is the depression. Hubby wants me to be possitve and keep doing things to keep up my strength. Just going to my fulltime job is exhausting. Feel like running away but can't take a break, I need my leave and paycheck for treatment and reconstruction. And blood counts too low to be around groups of people.....Just can't take anymore...............I'm low on spirit right now.
I'm on Facebook is anyone wants to connect: Laurie Silvia Boyd in Alaska
0 -
Hi Lottie Hubbardston is between Gardner and Worcester, more northerly towards NH area. Small and rural off route 2 west. I used to live in Lowell when I was first married. Getting my tx at MGH b/c local med personnel were really bizarrely off on my dx and scared me into the city!
Lacey I am so sorry things are so bad - just do enough to get by and go with the flow- if u feel weak DO less! I am sorry hubby needs you positive-sometimes acting positive leads to negative emotions! (resentment?) Hope u r ok!
Be well and keep writing- Valerie
0 -
Valerie, you walk sounds wonderful. Tonight I went on a walk with my grandson, they have family walk night on Tuesdays, so I walked the track 6 times and he walked/ran 8 times. He is 5, so I was pretty amazed. Every time you go around there is someone there to give you a mark on your hand, so you can keep up with how many times you go around. It is a great program, there were many families there getting exercise.
Catherine, I am now getting to where I will go around the house without my scarf or wig. I had my hair cut two weeks ago and now it is finally coming out. Today my head is sensitive and my wig bothered me all day. Tomorrow I will wear a scarf to work.
Mary, you should have talked to him, you never know what you might find. I liked your story about the walkers. It would cause any of us to tear up.
Shari51, it was very hard for me to get my hair buzzed, but it was causing me so much distress, that I just had to get it done. I don't think I could have watched it come out in handfuls. Once it was done, it has not bothered me at all.
Lottie, congrats on TX 3. Hope everything goes well for you. I do #2 this week and I did really well with the first one, I am hoping that #2 will be as easy.
Lacey, I hope you get over the pain issues. I had pain with the Neutprogen, not the Neulasta. I am also having trouble with my WBC and was restricted about 4 days after my last tx. I hope I do better this time. Only time will tell.
Well it is time to say good night, I will be thinking of everyone that is doing treatment this week, me included.
Juannelle
0 -
Greetings to all you lovely ladies! I'm afraid I disappeared offline for a while after my first tx (I posted here about being terrified beforehand). Like a lot of the things that I've faced with BC so far, my anxiety level beforehand was worse than the experience itself. I'll be getting my second tx on Thursday. I know it's still early, but surviving the first one has improved my outlook on making it through the next 5.
A few people asked about why I was getting a port inserted. I am currently transitioning from an oncologist at an integrated cancer treatment center to a local oncologist for the duration of my chemo, and both recommended the port to avoid issues with the veins in my arms. I've also had problems with fainting when I've donated blood and occasionally during routine blood draws. (It's embarrassing ... if nothing else, I'm learning techniques to prevent it in the future! Yay!). That history may have played a factor. I suspect, though, that oncologists are biased in favor of ports -- that easy access for pumping me full o' chemo is hard to resist! The nurses who transported and prepped me for the port insertion were WAY too enthusiastic about how with my port, they could now power-inject me full o' contrast dyes and radioisotopes for imaging.
I cut my hair short in anticipation of losing it, and stumbled upon another unexpected silver lining -- I look great in a slightly modified Halle Berry cut, circa Die Another Day (sans orange bikini)! I may stick with the Halle once my hair returns! I just started shedding over the past couple of days, so I'm planning on going to the Demi Moore, circa GI Jane, on Thursday. My sister-in-law and I were able to 'shop' for American Cancer Society wigs last week, so I'm ready with hats and wigs on hand. I have one that's close to my natural color, but I couldn't resist getting an auburn red one to experiment with life as a redhead! I'm fortunate in that my workplace is supportive and I don't have to worry about keeping my situation under wraps (so to speak!).
Thank you all for sharing your stories here ... reading how other people are navigating through their tx is reassuring to me. This isn't fun, but it IS do-able, especially if you can work a few laughs in along the way!
eta: eek! I need to update my profile pic!
LilinTexas ~ I live in Schererville, right around the corner from Crown Point. Fun to run into another region rat here! :-)
0 -
Hi All -- a quick question, which I also posted in another thread ---
I wonder if any of you are familiar with possible side effects of L Glutamine and Alpha Lipolic Acid. I'm taking both except for the day prior and 4 days after each chemo. I have a nasty rash that's appeared after my 2nd, and now my 3rd tx ... little red welts in various places, fingers, arms, rib cage, sternum, around my mastectomy scar, ... there's an area on my right index finger that almost looks like a burn. I've eliminated a new coconut moisturizing cream I'd been using, been careful around cleaning products, use only Dr. Bonner's castile soaps and use Ecos brand laundry soap -- very mild. I don't want to eliminate the supplements because I think they're helping me, but, I'm not sure what else could be doing this unless it's just a plain old side effect of either cytoxan or taxotere. If this episode goes like the last one, the rash will fade in the days before my next tx. Still, any clues or advice would be appreciated. I just got out of the shower and took a good look @ myself and it looks horrible -- feels fine, but, I'm concerned.Many thanks.Lottie0 -
Hi Lottie -
I don't think either supplement is causing your rash. However, my Onc asked me to stop both of those, plus a few more, because they can help protect the cancer cells as well as healthy cells. He even has me off of my multi-vitamin. I am allowed to take Vitamin D and my Triple Omega Oils.
Not sure if I believe all of that. And even if it is true, you could be doing it right by stopping before and for a few days after! I think both chemos, and particularly T, can cause a rash if you're a little allergic to it. It seems weird all of the places you are getting the rash, though.
I guess I'm not much of a help!!
Laura
0 -
Hi Lottie, I too had a rash after tx #2 and 3 of six TC's. The first time it coincided with a spider bite I had on my butt. When the rash spread to my ankles and wrists and chest I didn't know if it was a reaction to the bite or the chemo. Neither did the Onc. I had less if none at all for the remaining treatments....it was weird and now when I look back on the SE's of my chemo segment it seems that there were only a few things that were consistent with each time and every one would have a little sumpn' sumpn' that was different than the last.
It was me many weeks ago that compared chemo to a chemical peel from the inside out, during the period of time that my esophogus felt like it had a brick lodged inside and I swear it seemed like I could see chunks of my stomach lining in my stools....ugh. I am happy to report that 11 weeks out from my last tx, the plumbing appears to be back to normal.
Regarding supplements, while I understand that we want to be healthy getting through this, the whole idea of killing off these cancer beasties includes a bit of "friendly fire" to our otherwise healthy cells. They will recover. I did not take any type of vitamin except D3 through my whole process (bi-lat mast. T/Cx6, 35 rads ) and just started back on the good stuff. Within 4 weeks of the last chemo I could feel the vibe in my body returning and it's gotten stronger every day. Hang tough ladies.....you're gonna make it! Hugs to all, Mary
0 -
Hi wonderful ladies,
I am just here to report to you that I am doing my second round of TC tomorrow. ONC and I talked for a long time. I decided that I will do one more round, then we can have another conversation. He promised to support me in any way he can to help alleviate side effects from chemo and shots.
My greatest side effect was the diarrhea and of course the terrible stomach pains and spasms that went with that. The Immodium did not seem to work. The Xantac did not work. I lost 8 pounds just from my first round. Now I'm only 107 pounds, and I don't think I should lose any more. It would be nice if I at least had the appetite to eat something, so when it came time to go to the bathroom, I would at least be pooping something other than water.
Sorry for TMI.
0 -
Hi Ladies,
I am 8 days post LAST and FINAL chemo...thank you lord! I had four rounds and the hardest one was the first and surprisingly this last one runs a close second. I could swear that my ONC doubled my last dose as a crazy farewell gift. I am STILL in and out of bed, I am extremely weak and feel like I'm gonna pass out when I'm lying down! Saw NP on Monday and my blood counts were dangerously low. I'm waiting for the Neulasta results to kick in and having blood redrawn tomorrow and meeting with ONC. I've been walking up and down the block and eating and vitamins and doing all the right things but I'm not sure what else to do to regain my strength. I'm so happy to not have any more chemo although I truly feel poisoned this time. Ugh! Any advise??
0 -
Neulasta.....I have heard that Claritin helps with severe bone pain cause by neulasta. Has anyone tried it? I plan to ask my dr about it. Any help with the pain would be wonderful. But, I concerned that taking claritin may interfere with effectiveness of the neulasta.
0 -
Lacey -
I take Claritin about an hour before the Neulasta shot, and take it every day after for about 5 - 6 days. I had very minimal discomfort the first round and absolutely none the second. It didn't diminish the effectiveness of the Neulasta because my WBCs were at almost 40,000 about 6 days after the shot!
I have seasonal allergies as well, and usually take Alavert (same ingredient as Claritin). I just switch to 12 hour Claritin when I'm getting ready for the shot. DO TAKE IT TWICE PER DAY IF YOU GET THE 12 HOUR. If you miss your dose, you will get pain.
Hope that helps!
Laura
0 -
Thanks Laura....Any relief would be great!
0 -
Hi ladies - does anyone have bone pain w/o neulasta shot? I seem to get pain in my bones for about 3 days - during the nadir- kept me up last night. Just curious. thanks Valerie
0 -
Hi Ladies -- I just returned from a 2 and 1/2 hour wait at the oncologist to have them look over this crazy rash. Now it all makes sense, sorta ... there are 3 different things going on ... one is dermatitis on my ribs, a rash that looks like burns on my knuckles and fingers and the other is all over my arms and my chest ... they are all reactions to taxotere, according to the onc -- duh. But, the stuff on my arms and chest is a "radiographic recall reaction" -- areas where I've got pre-cancerous patches of skin are reacting to the chemo -- the oncologist called this a "salutary effect" and I told him he has a wonderful way of putting a positive spin on things. I've had lots of skin cancer before (all basal cell and keratosis) and I've actually been prescribed a cream in the past to treat areas on my face in exactly the same way. I can see that makes perfect sense -- my arms and chest are where most of my skin cancers have cropped up. I guess they're getting treated in advance. He prescribed a steroid cream which should help, especially on my hands. This may also explain the giant red spot that appeared on my forehead a week after my 1st treatment. Funny, aside from this skin reaction, I'm holding up much better after tx 3 than after tx 2.
To everyone suffering side effects the past few days ... Lacey, revricki, Adnerb ... please hang in there. Better days are coming. And congratulations on being all done revricki!
Best to everyone.
Lottie
0 -
Lottie, sorry about the rash. My arm is a mess - phlebitis from the chemo burn from 2 weeks ago. I remember telling the nurse when she hooked up my IV fluids for pre-chemo meds that it was burning. She said it was just out of the fridge and hadn't warmed up yet.. that my taxotere was and it would be okay. Well, it hurt the entire time and now I have a red, swollen, and angry looking vein from below my ring finger to my elbow. Not sure but I might be developing a small ulcer looking place on my arm. I'm treating it like a severe burn with silvadine cream and gauze bandages. It is getting a little better. Has anyone else had this happen? Especially the cold IV fluids? I have my next treatment one week from today and you can bet the IV fluids will be warm. Other than that, I'm feeling pretty good this week.
Catherine- how are you? Hope everyone is doing well!
0 -
revricki, I have no advise, I have tx 2 tomorrow, so I am hoping for the best. Congrats on being finished. I can only imagine how that will feel.
lacey,I also took Claritin with the Neulasta and didn't have any pain. It seems to work.
adnerb, sorry you have had such a rough time. I hope you get to feeling better soon. I go for tx #2 tomorrow and I am wishing for mild ses. Maybe this time I will get my wish.
Good night ladies,
Juannele
0
