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Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?

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Comments

  • dogsaver
    dogsaver Member Posts: 110
    edited December 2009

    Lottie and Juannelle: so glad you are done after your next treatment! The black cloud will lift! I feel better and have been very active again.

  • Sido
    Sido Member Posts: 55
    edited December 2009

    enjoyful, my 4th tx knocked me out with serious bone pain, but it's my last so I'm just riding it out.

     As for the dark polish, supposedly the taxotere is light reactive and by keeping nails painted black, it keeps you fomr losing your nails along with everything else.  The evidence is purely anecdotal, but it's worth it to me to be a bald goth for a few months if it will help me keep my nails.

     The strange thing is that I also seem to finally be in full chemo-pause.  My last period was right after my first tx in October, but I didn't get hot flashes until a little over a week ago, and now they seem to be non-stop.  I had horrible periods, so I don;t miss them, but the hot flashes are really rough. 

    dogsaver, it is so nice to hear that the cloud will lift!  I know it logically, but sometimes it is hard to see.  

    My sister is flying in from Los Angeles tomorrow night and I'm finally starting to feel better.  She'll be so excited because they are promising snow for Christmas!

    Be well Lovelies!  Sido

  • chynadollsmom
    chynadollsmom Member Posts: 43
    edited December 2009
    DianeB - Sorry your first treatment went so badly for you.  I didn't have as much trouble.  The worst thing from my first TC was that I lost my white count completely.  I will say that since I did that the first time the oncologist then put me on a neulasta shot for the remainder of my treatments.  This took care of the problem.  I would think that this will be the same for you.  The oncologist now has an idea as to how your body is going to react, so they will probably take steps so that you will have a better result the second time.  As for nails, I went through 4 treatments and the worst I have had is that my nails are splitting a little more than normal (have to keep them trimmed) and I'm going to have some ripples in them until they grow past where the chemo has caused a disturbance in the growth.  (That didn't show up until around the 4th treatment).  As for your hair, get online and buy yourself some fun hats and pretty scarves.  I have a tote full of scarves and hats.  A friend gave me a bunch she had and didn't use.  Sometimes I wear one scarf, and sometimes I will work 2 scarves together into a pretty "hairdo" or pop on one of my fun hats.  In a way it's kind of nice.  I don't have to worry about how my curly hair is going to decide to act today.  I got a buzz cut as soon as my hair started falling our.  I never fully lost my hair.  I'm keeping it trimmed up until I start seeing the sides grow in again.  By the way, I had to get online and find some videos and such to show me how to tie the scarves.  It helped immensely.  I have been achy and weak after my treatments too.  Pretty much my experience, and from reading on here many of the other womens' experience, is that the week after chemo is the worst.  2nd week a little better (and those of us who work can go back to work).  And then the 3rd week you feel like a human again.  Of course there are side effects each time and the fatigue gets a little worse with each time.  But you can do this.  Before you know what happened you'll be celebrating your last chemo.  Just keep reminding yourself that this is helping you to get rid of the enemy.  It's a war we're all fighting and we'll be praying for you as you go throug this.  Hang in there girl.  Give yourself the rest you need, but try to get out and get some fresh air every day you can too.  When I was feeling bad, I'd still have to take the dogs outside to potty, and I couldn't believe how much better the cool, crist air made me feel -- and I don't really like the cold!  Also, drink, drink, drink.  You need more fluids to help rid your body of the bad toxins and it also helps keep you from getting light headed.  Let your friends and family bring you meals, help you with house work, whatever they want to do.  Right now you need to concentrate on resting and getting yourself healthy again.  Take care girl.  We're all here for you!
  • Enjoyful
    Enjoyful Member Posts: 278
    edited December 2009

    One-L - I'm so glad you're finishing up this week.  You've really had a tough time of it.  I hope radiation will be somewhat easier for you.

    Sido - You're finished!! Yay! 

    When does everybody finish up chemo?  My last is January 26.

  • sugar77
    sugar77 Member Posts: 1,328
    edited December 2009

    My last treatment will be around Feb. 8th or 9th, if all goes as planned.  Seems so far off but I've only had one so far on Dec. 7th.

  • Enjoyful
    Enjoyful Member Posts: 278
    edited December 2009

    Hang in there, Sugar!  The time goes by surprisingly fast.

  • Mommaof2
    Mommaof2 Member Posts: 39
    edited December 2009

     Sherri -

    We will be celebrating New Year's early too,  the 31st is also my husband's birthday, so I am going to have to plan something extra special for him.  My next treatment is on the 28th - just think, we will be half way through our treatments by New Years!  We'll be through before we know it!  I am just keeping my fingers crossed that the next three treatments will go as well for me as the first one.  I feel perfectly fine today - pretty much like normal.

    Juannelle,

    I agree with you about chemo not being so bad, it's funny the reaction I received from my friends and my family when I told I was going to go through with the treatments...it was like the end of the world.  I think we are so lucky that there has been such a HUGE improvement in the chemo drugs.  If only they could find a way to keep us  from losing our hair!  Smile  Mine started falling out yesterday, just a few strands, but today it's really coming out.  I can't  imagine what tomorrow will be like.  I am planning on going to the wig store with my husband and kids tomorrow and let everyone pick one out for me to try on.  It should be a lot more fun that way!

    Hope everyone is having a good day.

    Liz

  • sugar77
    sugar77 Member Posts: 1,328
    edited December 2009

    Liz - there are a lot of really cute wigs out there.  I was so upset about losing my hair so my mother bought me a human hair wig that I had coloured and styled to match my real hair. I also have a human/synthetic one that is also similar that my benefits covered. That said, I must admit I've just purchased a couple of different "fun" wigs on eBay.  They were cheap and look pretty nice.  One is a Raquel Welch short boy's cut wig.  It's so different than any hair style I've ever had.  The other one is a really curly Forever Young wig.  Both were around $25.00 each.  If they end up being crappy when they arrive, my 10-year-old can play with them.  Either way, I can't lose!  Speaking of losing...my hair hasn't started coming out yet but I'm expecting it to any day.  I had a buzz cut on Monday and my hair is now about 1/4 inch long.

    Sherri 

  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 653
    edited December 2009

    enjoyful, thanks, I am ready to get past this and get on to something else.  It has gone by pretty fast.

    sherri, you will be surprised at how fast the time will pass.  I still can't believe that I will do my last tx this week, boy am I ready.  But it wasn't as bad as I had expected.  Hang in there, you will  make it.

    sido, enjoy your visit with your sister, hope everything goes well.

    liz,I will be the first to admit that I have great admiration for all the women who went before us and have gotten us to this point with chemo.  I know they suffered greatly to make our journeys easier.  I think your shopping trip with the family for a  wig is a good idea.  That way they will feel like they have made a contribution.

    Well, ladies I am done for the day.  I have to get up and go to work in the morning and 4:30 comes very early.

    Juannelle

  • lottie
    lottie Member Posts: 160
    edited December 2009

    Congratulations for everyone finishing up their treatments! My last one is 1/6 and even though I'm in the throes of side effects from tx #5 which was last Wednesday, I'm counting the days until I get to go to that last "cocktail party." Seems like most of you are doing 4x and I'm envious. Still, I'm grateful, as I've said before, that I'm on to tamoxifen after this, no rads. I can't imagine having to deal w/ rads after chemo and you all have my utmost support!

    It's day 5 for me and like clockwork, my skin reactions are starting. I'm using the prescribed steroid cream and the antihisimine but I'll try to hold off on the oral steroids until Wednesday. My eyes are tearing like mad and my fingers are numb. My fingernails, after 5 tx, are just starting to look strange. I can see how they're sort of lifting from the beds. I'll keep them short and clean and hope for the best.

    Lottie 

  • sugar77
    sugar77 Member Posts: 1,328
    edited December 2009

    Lottie - hopefully your good spell will start this week before the holidays and continue past New Years!  

    I'm feeling well this week and my next tx is on the 29th...so I hope to continue feeling good for Christmas. I just have to get around to wrapping presents today or tomorrow.  I already know I'll feel crappy for new year's but then...so will the rest of the country...lol.

      

  • catori
    catori Member Posts: 38
    edited December 2009

    I just started my first chemo treatment Dec.17 2009 with Taxotere and Cytoxan. The following day was the Nuealesta ( sp? ) shot. The following 2 days was pure agony. Severe bone pain.... very sick to my stomach but no vomiting...might have felt better if I did. The 3rd day I had to go in to the Onc for an emergency visit as the pain was out of control and I was in a fetal position in tears. My skull, facial bones,legs,hips,arms, ribs,pubic bone, everything hurt. Felt as if my knees had been pulverized to a powder. Stomach pains in my left side below the ribs. I had tried motrin,advil, left over vicodin from my port surgery,left over oxycodone from bilateral mastectomy, nothing seemed to get rid of the pain. I was told the chemo causes bone pain as does the booster shot so I was given a double whammy and just had an overload of toxin. I truely felt poisoned. The chemo nurses flushed my system with saline, then did 4 small bags of meds not sure what I had, I do know one was a steroid. I have been taking 4 motrin every 6 hours since and feel soooo much better.

    One day at a time....that is all we can do.

    Peace and Blessings to all of you.

  • valeriekd
    valeriekd Member Posts: 79
    edited December 2009

    Oh Catori That sounds AWFUL- that should not happen again- they will figure out how your body reacts and treat you accordingly, I am so sorry that happened to you!

    Sido congrats on finishing!!!!!!!! YAY! I can not wait!

    Lottie I am right with you sister. Jealous of everyone who has four txs - do you have 6 also or more? And my nails are all ridges but are not lifting. But boy am I ready for a break from this. Hope your skin behaves itself.

    Well, the last one is 1/28! Good luck to all who have finished and those who arre beginning this journey-I have a feeling spring will feel pretty good this year.

    Love to you all, Valerie 

  • sugar77
    sugar77 Member Posts: 1,328
    edited December 2009

    catori - sorry to hear you had such a bad experience.  Sending you good vibes that next tx will be better. You might want to consider joining in on the thread entitled "Starting Chemo December 2009 - Holiday Chemo." All of the ladies on that thread have started their chemotherapy treatments this month.  It's a good opportunity to share with others going through the same thing in the same time frame.  Check it out and send a Private Message to CoolBreeze (you'll see her name attached with this thread).  She can then get you added to the list at the top of the thread. She updates with a smiley face after each of us has a treatment.

    All the best! 

  • Mommaof2
    Mommaof2 Member Posts: 39
    edited December 2009

    Juannelle - You have to get up for work at 4:30?!  Oh, that is awful!  I hope you get off early from work.  That must be so hard when you are already so tired.

    Sherri - how is the hair holding out?  I think we are going to buzz mine today. Even though my hair is pretty short, it's still REALLY gross having handfuls of hair coming out.  My little boy was terribly sick with a stomach bug Sunday night, so we weren't able to make it to the wig store yesterday. I hope we can go today before we buzz my hair. 

    Liz

  • sugar77
    sugar77 Member Posts: 1,328
    edited December 2009

    Liz - so far I've only had a few pieces of hair come out from my buzz cut, which is about 1/4 inch long (#3 on the buzzer). I had to go to the wig shop and have my bangs adjusted on the wig yesterday so I brought my 10-year-old daughter in for haircut, too. I figured since I'm not going to my normal salon these days...it made more sense to get her hair done their, too, since they are a full service salon in addition to wigs. It's in the hospital, so most of their business is wigs.  They did a wonderful cut for her and it was 1/3 of the price I pay at our regular salon. I think I'll keep her going there for the next six months or so. She was apprehensive saying "I don't want my hair cut at a wig shop!"...but was very happy with the outcome.

    Given the circumstances, I really don't mind the buzz cut...but I know it's on it's way out, too! Once you get your buzz cut, you'll at least have a sense of being in control.  Every little bit helps! Hang in there.

    Sherri 

  • Mommaof2
    Mommaof2 Member Posts: 39
    edited December 2009

    Sherri,

     Well, we buzzed my hair yesterday (what was left of it anyway).  I was so surprised that it came out so fast!  It started coming out Saturday and by yesterday morning it was pretty much gone, except for the sides.  It reminded me of Bozo the clown. Sealed  I wonder if that is bad news for my little boy, since I've always heard the baldness pattern comes from the mother. 

    We made it to the wig shop yesterday and I found a wig that I liked.  I found out I have a "petite" head (if only my body were petite too!) and there weren't a ton of choices for me.  My daughter has beautiful red hair and I decided to get a red wig to match her.  It's not quite as red as hers, but close.  Since its so close to Christmas, I won't get it until next week, it's a good thing I have a lot of hats to wear until then.

    Liz

  • sugar77
    sugar77 Member Posts: 1,328
    edited December 2009

    Liz - I still have my buzzed hair but this morning some of the little 1/4 inch hairs came out when I put on my scalp serum. My sister bought me a three-step scalp system at the wig shop.  She said she felt helpless and wanted to support me somehow. She offered to buzz off her hair when I did and I said, "no way!!!" So, she decided to buy me the scalp products as a way to support me. The stuff is awesome and feels so good.  I took a leave from work to go through the chemo and radition but went to the office yesterday for a luncheon and my wig made it's debut to my co-workers.  Those who knew about the chemo were quite surprised at how much it looks like my hair. Those who don't know I'm off, never said a word...and they usually comment every time someone gets a trim!!  I felt adventurous the other night and bought a short Raquel Welch wig on eBay - something totally different than any hair style I've ever had.  It was on $25.00 so time will tell how it works out. Your raise an interesting point about head size...I wonder if Raquel will even fit my head?

    Sherri 

  • sugar77
    sugar77 Member Posts: 1,328
    edited December 2009

    Juanelle - all the best for your 4th and final treatment today! May you have little or SE's.

    Sherri 

  • magob
    magob Member Posts: 242
    edited December 2009
    Lottie and Catori - Hang in there.  It does get better.  Promise.  To all of you going through chemo right now:  take it an hour at a time.  You're going to get through it.  Today I have about 1/4" of hair, and food tastes kind of normal again.  Took a drive yesterday, looked at Christmas decorations, and listened to the radio.  Life gets back to normal, and you will love it. Sending you all lots of love.  XO, Mary
  • lottie
    lottie Member Posts: 160
    edited December 2009

    Thanks for the words of encouragement Mary, they're appreciated! I'm taking oral steroids now to combat the skin reaction I've gotten with every tx since #3 -- I think I slept about 90 mins the whole night last night. Well, at least the steroids gave me the energy to do some time on the exercise bike and some free weights this morning.

    Catori - I am so sorry you had such a nasty experience. As others have said, now that your oncologist knows how you reacted, they can treat accordingly. Someone else may have mentioned it already, but Claritin helps battle the Nuelasta-related bone pain. You'll get through!

    Valerie - Thanks for understanding my feelings about being a 6-timer! If I'd stopped at 4 I'd say I had it pretty easy. It's these last two that are really knocking me on my a$$. And, it's unpredictable. Yesterday I could have sworn I was getting out of breath just talking on the phone and this morning I rode my exercise bike and worked out for 30 mins ... You're a little behind me, I'm done on Jan. 6. Your 5th treatment must be around then. I can't wait to watch my body heal from this! We'll have a great Spring!

    Best to all

    Lottie 

  • lbrewer
    lbrewer Member Posts: 96
    edited December 2009

    have you tried claratin for the joint pain?  no one seems to know why but it works for a lot of women. 

  • chynadollsmom
    chynadollsmom Member Posts: 43
    edited December 2009

    Liz - Sounds like you're taking your hair in stride.  The Bozo thing's funny, because I said the way mine came out I had a Cupie Doll on top and a Friar Tuck in the back!  Hehehehe   Guess we're all different. 

    Juanelle - Praying you get through Christmas before the chemo takes you down too much.  And hope this treatment isn't too bad for you.

    Lottie - Hope you get some sleep tonight.  Nights like that are the pits.  Glad you felt like exercising a little, though.

    Catori - Hope you are feeling better.  Sounds like your first time was awful.  But hopefully they'll be able to adjust things so your next isn't as bad.

    Started my radiation today.  The first treatment is always the scariest, I guess.  But really wasn't much to it.  The worst part is that you are not comfortable the entire time.  Bought some pure aloe to put on my breast each night before bed.  Hoping I won't have too much of a reaction to radiation.  They said that I wouldn't really even notice anything for several weeks.

    Praying everyone has a blessed Christmas and can enjoy some time with friends and family and maybe even be able to forget side effects and chemo for at least just a little while.  My daughter from South Carolina and her boyfriend are here to visit for about a week with a kitten he just adopted (it had been a stray).  My 3 dogs and the kitten are keeping things....lively!  What a great diversion from everything that I've been dealing with.  Wish you all could see their shennanigans.  Suffice it to say the 2 month old kitten is running the show (she still has her claws!)  LOL!

    God bless! Anne

  • Sherri_V
    Sherri_V Member Posts: 35
    edited December 2009

    I had treatment #3 of 4 today.  Doing pretty well!  I'm taking Cinnamon & Tumeric supplements at the request of my oncologist and it seems to be helping...I get blood drawn and tested every Tuesday.  She said that yesterday's blood counts were excellent so we aren't planning on a shot!  I hope that it is as good when I have my next draw next Tuesday :)

    I should be able to have my lumpectomy in February.  So glad to be getting further down the road!

    Merry Christmas to All ~

  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 653
    edited December 2009

    Liz, I get up at 4:30, out of the house by 5:00 and at work at 6:00.  I work until 4:30, so I am usually home between 5:30 or 6:00.  I work 10 hour days, but only have to work 4 days a week.  I have been on this schedule for about 3 years and I am not sure that I could go back to 5 days a week.  It would be hard on me.

    Sherri, I have my tx in the morning, on Thursday.  I am still suffering from the last tx, so I can only hope that this one will not be so bad, but I wouldn't count on it.  I have started packing my chemo back in preparation for tomorrow, trying not to forget anything.

    Anne, thanks for the encouragement.  I am hoping this one is not as bad, but will not know till I get there.

    Catori, I would like to say it would get better, but you just can't say that with all this stuff.  But they should be able to adjust a few things to make it better.  I have not had much trouble, just fatigue.

    Lottie, sorry you are not getting much rest.  It is good that you got some exercise, I just haven't been up to any exercise. 

    Mary, glad you have your taste back, that should  make for a nice Christmas.  I love to go look at Christmas lights and then go get some hot chocolate.  We haven't done that since the kids were young.  What have we been doing?

    Good evening to Valerie, Ibewer, Sido, hope you are doing well and are all ready for Christmas.

    The fatigue is still hanging with me since my 3rd tx and I go tomorrow for the 4th and final one.  So, I don't know what to expect, but I will have over a week to try and feel better.

    Yesterday, we went to the adoption of my granddaughter.  This is the best present we could ever have.  She is 8 months old and is such a sweet baby.  She knew that yesterday was her day and she never cried or fussed or anything.  We went from courthouse, to restaurant, and then to a party at someone's house.  She was passed from person to person and never seemed to care who was holding her.  What a good day, it  did take my mind off of my fatigue and tx coming up.

    Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and am hoping that it is easy on the SEs for everyone.

    Love you all,

    Juannelle

  • sugar77
    sugar77 Member Posts: 1,328
    edited December 2009

    Juanelle - for some reason I thought your 4th tx was today.  All the best tomorrow.  

    SLV - just curious, what do the cinnamon and tumeric supplements do? Can you please let me know. Maybe I need them, too.  

    Lottie - sorry to hear you're having trouble sleeping. Hopefully the steriods are helping your skin. Have you tried Ativan for sleep?  My doctor prescribed for me and I take one before bed if I can't sleep.  If anything, maybe it would counteract the steriod in terms of keeping you awake.

    Have a great Christmas all you TC gals!!

    Sherri 

  • Sido
    Sido Member Posts: 55
    edited December 2009

    Good evening ladies,

    Juannelle, I wanted to hop in and send good vibes for your final treatment tomorrow. It is wonderful to know that you'll be finished and we'll move on to rads together.  Merry Chirstmas!

     As for me, this last treatment has hit me a lot harder than I thought it would.  I've been very weak - but that might be from trying to do too much now that my sister is here.  I've been having chest pain and feel like my limbs are filled with lead.  I'm going to have to take it easy because we're going up to Chicago the day after Christmas and I'm really excited to finally shop in some real stores!  I keep forgetting to pace mayself so I really burn out.  I just wish this damn poison would get out of my system and I can start feeling more like myself again.

    I wish you warmth and peace for the holidays,  Sido

  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 653
    edited December 2009

    Sido, thanks for the good vibes.  I have not been able to recover from tx 3.  I am still fatigued and am a little worried that the fatigue will hit me faster with the tx tomorrow.  But it too will pass.  I am ready to get rads started. 

    Juannelle

  • chynadollsmom
    chynadollsmom Member Posts: 43
    edited December 2009

    Sido and Juannelle, I am 3 weeks out from my final chemo now and starting to feel like a human again, but that lead feeling is still an issue.  I still feel like I'm pushing against something when I move, like walking through water or something.  Anyway, I had been feeling well enough that I spent several days on a "normal" schedule -- clean the house in the morning and then head to work, and then home to fix supper.  But after a few days of that I woke up feeling really bad.  Took me a couple days to recover.  I asked my nurse yesterday at my last blood test (Woohoo!!!) when I could expect to really be feeling much better.  She told me the chemo would still be in my system for another 6 to 8 weeks!.  Ohh, well that explains it.  Didn't realize that.  Anyway, found out the hard way that I need to do a few things--rest--few more things--rest.....  So take care of yourselves ladies!  Sido enjoy shopping, but give yourself plenty of timeouts.  You don't want to end up having to cut your day short.  And I'm pea green.  I'd love to see Chicago someday, but my husband has an aversion to big cities.  Juannelle hang in there.  We're praying for you.

  • Sherri_V
    Sherri_V Member Posts: 35
    edited December 2009

    Sugar77,

    Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:

    1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

    2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

    3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

    4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

    5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

    6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

    7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

    8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

    9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

    10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

    11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

    12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

    13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

    14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

    15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

    16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

    17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

    18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

    19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

    20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

    Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.

    Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it's fun to find new ways to use it in recipes. My favorite way to use it is to add a pinch of it to egg salad. It adds a nice flavor and gives the egg salad a rich yellow hue.

    Contraindications: Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.