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Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?

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Comments

  • msledford
    msledford Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2010

    I am looking for advice. I had TC jan, 4th. My biggest complaint is, heartburn and indigestion. I am on cipro for 10 days, and you have to be careful of the time you take meds for heartburn. I take cipro 2 a day. The heartburn seems to come around the time to take cipro again.

  • Sido
    Sido Member Posts: 55
    edited January 2010

    Traci, I'm triple negative too and just finished chemo in December.  My friends keep talking about how strong I've been to get through, but I'm not.  I just showed up.  With the help of these ladies on this board I managed the se's but more than anything for me it is about just showing up.  Chemo is really effective for us TN girls.  You CAN do this.

    msledford, I had the same problem with heartburn/indigestion (and still do).  I take Prilosec twice a day, which pretty much keeps it at bay.  If you don't want to take meds, I also found milkshakes worked really well to stop the burn and give some extra protien.

    Be well ladies and minimal se's,

    Sido

  • squidwitch42
    squidwitch42 Member Posts: 1,467
    edited January 2010

    Thank you ladies....it Really helps to know that I have people who understand.  I will continue to show up :)

    Sido....my very first dog as a child was a Pembroke Welsh Corgi we named Towser.  All of my "kids" since then have resembled a Corgi or are redheads, as he was such a joy and wonderful companion.

    Traci 

  • kathimdgd
    kathimdgd Member Posts: 84
    edited January 2010

    1-11-10

    Thanks ladies for your support.I'm thinking my pain is from the femera,and perhaps the lipitor.My feet feel like i walked thru fire then on glass shards,they also feels like my toenails are growing into my toes instead of out towards the end.Does that make sense to you???

    My arms and hands are swollen,especially the right side(cancer side)Around the wrist area is almost unbearable at times,and i had a few days straight where i couldn't even straighten out my fingers,squeeze a wash cloth or write.That part has been better the last few days,and i'm able to write for a short time,however the pain and swelling are still there.

    It generally gets worse about 2 hours after i take the meds,that's why i think that is the cause.Hopefully i'll find out something on thursday when i see the onc.

    I don't know what we all would do if these boards weren't available!!

    Kathi

  • Adnerb
    Adnerb Member Posts: 727
    edited January 2010

    msledford:  Do you try to walk around the house even if you are not feeling that well?  I find that I have less indigestion/gas/bloating when I try to walk.  I have more stomach problems when I lie in bed all day.  Just a thought.

    Kathi:  Do you have lymphedema?  Some people get it after lymph node surgery. I think you will qualify for PT is you are diagnosed with it.  I'm sorry about your arms and hands, I feel really bad for you.

    Brenda 

  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 653
    edited January 2010

    misledford, I have heartburn and I take Nexium.  However, with chemo everything gave me heartburn, even water.  So I would take a Pepcid and that really helped. 

    Kathi, I hope the doctor can do something about your pain.  It is just terrible to hurt all the time.

    Brenda, Traci, Sido and Sherri, good evening to all of you and hope all is well.

    Juannelle

  • sugar77
    sugar77 Member Posts: 1,328
    edited January 2010
    Juanelle - thanks for your kind wishes...you are an inspiration to all of us with your positive attitude and helpful tips!Adnerb - I've been through 2 tx so far and both have left me with a sour stomach and gas. I do walk around and it does help. In fact, I make an effort to walk on my treadmill nearly every day and I think it helps a lot. On the days right after chemo, I walk more slowly at a lower include for less time. On my "better" days, I walk longer, faster and at a bit on an incline.  Nothing like I did before chemo but I've tried to keep moving and I think it helps with the fatigue and the gas. I do hope I can continue through my last two treatments. I like to walk outside but it's pretty cold here in Canada right now (below zero). I usually go on the treadmill after dinner and watch Entertainment Tonight and The Insider and catch up on the Hollywood gossip!  
  • alkum22
    alkum22 Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2010

    I had my first treatment yesterday of T/C, so far i had a l little nausea last night-relieved with zofran, but i have a terrible headace.  I will be getting my neulasta shot later today & will stop at the pharmacy for the claritin prior. Hope it helps.

  • leta17
    leta17 Member Posts: 29
    edited January 2010

    I am considering this treatment option (TC) and I noticed that everyone here says there are 4 treatments or rounds.  My Onc is saying that there are 6 rounds every 3 weeks?  Reading these posts have been really helpfull, I will be starting next week>>  Thanks,  Leta

  • lbrewer
    lbrewer Member Posts: 96
    edited January 2010

    I had TC and was told it "shouldn't make me nauseaus(sp).  Well it did I finally insisted on emend.  I don't care if most women don't need it!  It really helped me.  My insurance covered it without any question.  My only complaint is I didn't demand it sooner!

  • chrisct
    chrisct Member Posts: 310
    edited January 2010

    Leta17 - some women have 4 rounds, some have 6.  Depends on your individual situation and your onc.  Maybe you are getting six because you had a positive node. 

  • kathimdgd
    kathimdgd Member Posts: 84
    edited January 2010

    I also had 6 sessions of T&C,i had 3 positive nodes,so that is what my onco suggested,and at every 3 weeks.

    Kathi

  • valeriekd
    valeriekd Member Posts: 79
    edited January 2010

    I have 6 rounds also - one to go! Good luck- valerie

  • bbd
    bbd Member Posts: 18
    edited January 2010

    One-L-

    Do you take Nexium and Pepcid together? I am six days out and my most painful SE is the heartburn that comes and goes all day and night. My onc suggested 2 Prilosec in the morning, but it is not getting rid of it. I am walking each day. Did you take Nexium throughout your treatment? I feel fortunate for my first treatment and I am watching the devastation in Haiti. I hope I don't sound too whiny

    Barbara

  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 653
    edited January 2010

    Barbara, yes I take them both.  Nexium is not quick acting and the Pepcid is.  I can take a Pepcid and the heartburn is gone in just a little while.  Normally, in the perfect world (without chemo) the Nexium works great for me.  I have a hernia, so I have lots of acid reflux and have for many years.    I am 3 weeks post last  chemo and I am still having some heartburn, hoping it will go away soon.

    Good luck Leta.  TC can be rough, but it is doable.  You can control  some of the SEs and some you just have to put up with. 

    lbrewer, I took my antinausia meds faithfully, I did not want to be nausious at all.  I hope you have mild SEs, but if you have any questions, be sure to post them and we will help you out.

    sherri, it is good that you are able to exercise.  I am so tired by the time I get home from work, I just want to sit in my recliner and do nothing but read  on BCO.  I start rads next week and I am worried that I will even be more fatigued.  I hope I can continue to work, but I am not sure.  I guess I can come home and go to bed about 6:30. 

    Juannelle

  • Adnerb
    Adnerb Member Posts: 727
    edited January 2010

    Sugar77:  Sounds like you're keeping yourself active in the middle of treatment.  I think it can only help.  Don't forget to hydrate often.  You seem to be so health-conscious you probably have a water bottle by you all the time.  I don't have a treadmill, wish I had one, but the weather here is mostly always nice, and my little Angus (my Scottie) needs to walk regularly, even during my sick days! 

    Juannelle:  Did you work throughout treatment?  What do you do? I'm a Kindergarten teacher and as such I can't work during chemo treatments.

    alkum22:  Hope your s/e's aren't too bad.  It is very doable for a lot of people.  I, on the other hand, wanted to quit after the first one.  After much haggling and talking, I will be having my 5th round on Monday.  I cannot believe I have lasted this long!  I am noticing that the side effects are not hitting me as hard, but they seem to be lasting longer.

    valeriekd:  One more to go!  Are you doing it every 21 days like I am? 

    kathi:  Are you going through any more treatments? Will the ONC order a scan or MRI to see if you are clear?  I have always wanted to ask my ONC this question.  I know that a pet scan is equal to 100 X rays and that is why they don't do it that often.  But wouldn't you want to know if there are any lingering rouge cells?

    leta17:  I think I'm getting 6 rounds because this is my 2nd diagnosis in 4 years. 

    Take care, ladies...

    Brenda 

  • leta17
    leta17 Member Posts: 29
    edited January 2010

    Thanks for the in on 6x vs. 4x, I feel better about my oncs rec., granted 2 more rounds, but I did have that pesty 1mm on my sentinal node.  

    I am curious was anyone given a choice of TAC vs. TC?  I am leaning toward TC but since I haven't started still wondering what others were presented with before tx started.  Plus my onc said if I lived in another part of the US (like TX or CA) then TC would be the accepted standard but since I am in the North East (NJ), TAC x6 or AC 4x + Tx12, would be the standard.

    Also, was anyone able to maintain regular exercise, if so, what type did you do?  Any problems with the port during exercise? 

    Thanks again you are all amazing and this is such a BIG help!!

     Leta

  • sugar77
    sugar77 Member Posts: 1,328
    edited January 2010

    Brenda - looks like we are on the same schedule.  I have my next treatment on Monday the 18th, too.  I estimate my final one will be on Feb. 8th...can't wait!!

    I used to go to the gym to go on the treadmill, which cut into my family time, and got tired of waiting for one only to find out the fan or the TV attached to it didn't work. Therefore, I took the plunge and purchased one for home in October. Ironically, it was delivered four days before I got the surprise "invasive" diagnosis (my initial surgery was to remove a benign finding from a biopsy and to rule out DCIS being nearby). I figured the treadmill was going to sit collecting dust but I began using it after my sentinel node biopsy surgery while I waited to find out what my treatment plan would be. 

    Here's to minimal side effects for all of us undergoing TC treatments.  I also hope those who have recently finished are recovering nicely.

    Sherri 

  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 653
    edited January 2010

    Brenda, I did not do much exercise while  I was doing chemo.  I wish that I had.  I feel that I have lost so much strength and I think that is what is causing me to be short of breath.  I know I need to exercise, but I get up at 4:30, leave my house at 5:00, work 10 hours, then I get home about 6:00 in the evening.  I am just tired, it  is dark, I live in the country and don't have a good place to walk at that time of day.  I start radiation next week, so I think I will be more fatigued and will have less time to work out.  I may end up taking short term disability before this is all over.

    Juannelle

  • Everett78
    Everett78 Member Posts: 45
    edited January 2010

    Well, I met with the oncologist today and I will be doing 4 rounds of TC.  Of course, I'm nervous...but I figure I'll get through it.  Then I'll start on tamoxifin.

     I am 1cm stage 1, grade 2 and .7cm stage 1, grade 2. 0/3 nodes  er+/pr+ , her2 neg  I had a BMX with TE on 12/17 and really (I think) am doing great.

     Originally, we all figured no chemo (just tamox) , but my path report showed some ITC's in one of  the nodes..and the new research shows chemo is the thing to do....

     I love reading all your posts. Deb

      

  • Sherri_V
    Sherri_V Member Posts: 35
    edited January 2010

    I'm finished with chemo...at least for now!  So happy to be moving on to the next stage - surgery in February.  Lumpectomy & removal of my ovaries.

  • magob
    magob Member Posts: 242
    edited January 2010

    Hi Ladies - Having a very tough day.  Had the MRI last Thursday night.  Doctor said he cannot tell if the lesions on my bones are cancer or not.  There is more than one lesion.  On the hip and femur.  Scared, because that is where the pain is.   Sent films and reports to medical onc, and she punted everything to the rad onc.  The rad onc can not tell if this is cancer or not.  I am officially out of my mind with fear.  Bone scan Monday, and possibly a bone biopsy after that.  How can this be?  I was diagnosed as Stage 1, grade 1, with only micro mets in the first node.  Stay tuned....

      

  • sugar77
    sugar77 Member Posts: 1,328
    edited January 2010

    Mary - sorry you're having to go through such a difficult time.  I'm sending good vibes your way.  I think they err on the side of safety and won't tell you it's not cancer until they've 100% ruled in out. My prayers are that you'll be fine.  Have they indicated anything other than cancer that could be the cause of these lesions? Hang in there!

    Sherri 

  • valeriekd
    valeriekd Member Posts: 79
    edited January 2010

    Hi Mary that is awful-I am so sorry you have to go through this at all- when can they tell you definitively? How long and how many tests? You must be what? Freaked out? shut down? depressed? Hurt? I think I would be sort of like when first dxed. I try my best not to give any of this stuff a future and just stay in the moment but sometimes the mind gets too wild for that.

    I'll be thinking of you and hoping for the best- Love to you and all - Valerie 

  • Adnerb
    Adnerb Member Posts: 727
    edited January 2010

    Mary, don't focus on what if's.  Relax and try not to worry.  Worrying will not make it better.  I hope it is not what you think it is.

    Take care.

    Brenda 

  • magob
    magob Member Posts: 242
    edited January 2010

    Thanks, friends.  Good advice here.  Feeling a little better already.  

    The lesions can be the result of other things, not just cancer.  At the beginning, the rad onc felt this was "probably nothing."  But even she has said we need to do further testing - they just cannot tell what in the heck is going on.  Yipes!   

    Your words of encouragement and a good night's sleep will change my outlook, no doubt.  

  • leta17
    leta17 Member Posts: 29
    edited January 2010

    MAGOB - Hang in there and get a good night sleep!  Tomorrow keep yourself and your mind busy, call a friend who likes to talk your ear off or who likes to complain:)  lol but it will keep your mind off off of the waiting or if you like puzzles, pull out a crossword or sodoku.

    I can't get my dr.'s office to call my cell or office phone number and they leave messages at home which I never get b/c my children listen to them and never tell me!  I'm waiting to have multiple tests done for general screening so that I can start my tx next week, the port goes in on Monday..I know small issues, but still annoying:)

  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 653
    edited January 2010

    Brenda, I am an office worker at a nuclear power  plant.  I just sit at my desk and work on the computer.  I normally do some pretty complex stuff, I am the administrator of a computer program and I have to do a lot of problem solving and such.  I have a lady that helps me and she does all the thinking right now.  I can't seem to think everything out as I use to.  I can do it if given the time, but it is not always easy to deal with the chemobrain.  I also write procedures.  

    Mary, sounds like you are having a really hard time right now.  I know what you mean when you say you are stage 1 and such and how could this be happening.  I think I would have a nervous breakdown, if I thought this stuff was spreading.  Sending you good vibs and I do hope that they find that it is not more cancer.  Keep us informed, we all care  about you.

    Sherri V, congrats on finishing chemo.  Isn't it a great feeling.  I finished 3 weeks ago and just knowing that I do not have to go for a tx tomorrow is such a relief.  Good luck on the next phase of tx.

    Deb, the TC is doable, just finished TC x 4.  Glad it is over, but you can manage the SEs.  You and I have about the same dx.  I did chemo because of my Oncotype DX, it was  25.  I just wanted to through everything I could at this, so I would  not look back later and have regrets.  Good luck to you. 

    Juannelle

  • chynadollsmom
    chynadollsmom Member Posts: 43
    edited January 2010

    Mary, you're living all of our nightmares.  Praying for you and hoping for the best.  Wish there was something we could do for you, but praying seems to be all I can think of.  Take care!

  • sugar77
    sugar77 Member Posts: 1,328
    edited January 2010

    Hi, I was told by my Onc that TC would most likely put me into menopause due to my age of 45.  I had a period that started two days before my first tx (Dec. 5th) and haven't had one since until today.  It came as a surprise because I thought it would stop completely...or at the very least until well past chemo was done if it ever came back.  Has anyone had a similar experience? Believe it or not, I was going through cupboards the other day and got rid of all supplies thinking I'd never need them again. If anyone has any experience with TC and "chemopause" it would be most appreciated.

    Thanks, Sherri 

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