Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Catori - I feel your pain. I posted many times on this thread about that very thing. It was very bad after tx3. I remember waking up in the morning and taking a big stretch - then about four seconds later - OUCH! Big pain in abs, arms, legs. Stairs were the worst. Even a sneeze made abs burn. I am 4 months PFC, and the pain is gone. So endure for now, friend. Hopefully this will all be a memory soon.
Lottie - hope they are gentle with your eyes. Let us know how you're doing.
On the subject of 4 vs. 6 tx - it is so important to talk this over with your onc. DO NOT hold back on a discussion about your SEs. Write them down, make a list. Take it with you and work together to see if your reaction to chemo is worth it. There are some SEs that are very serious - if they might not go away, then you need to evaluate the benefits vs. the downside of further tx. Some of us handle the tx quite well, and others suffer very real consequences.
Best to all of you. XO, Mary
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Leta17, I'd be interested in what your onc says about TC frequency. Mine did not believe that 4x was enough for me (with positive nodes) and he also mentioned that every 3 weeks gives my body more time to recover. He didn't want to do dd. That's fine by me.
Glad to hear that you are doing well. Happy that the Neulasta pain didn't last long for you. That may give me some encouragement to go for the shot anyway. Don't want to be sick due to low blood count. I'm going in on Wednesday so two more days left before chemo changes.
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catori - I had the nastiest skin reactions from taxotere. I got the burns on my hands, a mottled sort of looking rash all over my chest and arms and to top it off, a sort of poison ivy kind of rash under across my middle. All of this would show up about day 7 after all the treatments except the 1st one. My oncologist gave me an antihistimine for the itching, prednisone and a steroid cream. I tried to go without the prednisone after my 6th and final treatment and ended up getting really bad fluid retention too ... which, according to my oncologist, would've appeared shortly after the rashes if I hadn't been taking the prednisone all along. I found that taking a bath in Aveeno oatmeal bath or the store-brand version really helped. For itching I'd toss a bunch of baking soda in the bath and take a soak. The good news is that none of those skins problems were permanent. They're just another pain in the a** side effect from the barbaric regimen they call chemo ;-)
Mary - thanks for asking about my eyes. I saw the opthamalogist today. My tear ducts in my left eye are barely open and those in my right eye are scarred shut, again, from the lovely taxotere! At this point the doc recommends doing nothing. There is a procedure where they prop the tear ducts open with tubes for a few months. They can also "snip" them open (eeeek). I have rheumatoid arthritis and a touch of sjogren’s syndrome, which causes dry eyes and dry mouth. The eye doctor thinks that since I'm prone to dry eyes -- it may be better for my eyes to be watery and that it may get better with time. I'm not convinced. Although its been slowly getting better, I'm not sure I can tolerate having weepy eyes forever.
Wow ... just talking about all these side effects is starting to make me angry. It's funny, like some of you have said, the emotions often come after treatment is over. damn!
Lottie
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Lottie, I am so sorry! The eyes thing sounds awful. I do hope there is a less intrusive, effective treatment available for you. Kit0
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Lottie - there was someone on here a long while back that had to have her tear ducts opened. It sounds like the same situation but I can't remember who it was. Anyone??
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bobcat, it was Marybe. She's messaged me kindly and given me lots of information.
If I'm still going nuts with it in a few weeks, I may find another eye doctor. This guy really seemed facinated with the whole thing (even brought in a visiting doctor from Equador to look) but didn't seem interested in helping me at all. He said the tearing was "reactive" to cold weather and that it should be better when the temps moderate ... sheesh.
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Lottie - I'm tearing, too, in my right eye. It's driving me nuts and is messing up my makeup, which I'm wearing more frequently to give me some color.
Help: For the past few days, I've noticed my skin breaking out on me cheeks just beside my nose. My pores seem larger, too. I'm not sure if it's the Taxotere, hormones from "chemopause", or the foundation I've recently been wearing to cover my pale face. Anybody else having breakouts on TC? I used to breakout once and awhile when I was younger...near my period but it was usually along the jaw line. I'm turning 46 soon and think I'm a bit old for pimples so I'm thnking it's got to have something to do with chemo. I've love to hear from anybody else experiencing the same thing.
Sherri
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Hi Catori,
Just adding you are not alone. I too get the smackdown from the T/C (had #2 on Jan. 28 and neulesta on Jan. 29.) I get food cravings...all fat, and when it hits, stand back!!! My sister got mad because I couldn't wait for her to serve dinner, instead running in the kitchen and taking food while she made it (LOL.) I also have to take Phenergan on top of the Emend and Zofran after day three. I look puffy and walk like I'm 90 at times. Then it all receded on week three, and back to "normal."
I have a long history of chronic pain and nerve damage, so I am in pain management. My Onc encouraged me to go ahead and use my pain meds, and my pain MD also is supportive and started me on neurontin. I go ahead and take what I need to make this easier and to enable me to walk me dog etc...It's not easy.
But you are not alone. I come here to remind myself that evey day, and it helps.
Traci
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HI everyone, I saw this string and had to ask you all a question.
I just saw my oncologist today and he recommended TC for my diagnosis. I will definately take the tamoxifen, but I am on the fence about how much benefit from the chemo I will get and am seeking a second opinion from another doc. Can anyone on this string offer some insight into their decision to do the chemo?
Aside from the malignant .9cm tumor the biopsy took out in October, after my bi-lat mast a few weeks ago, all removed breast tissue and lymph were clean.
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Sherri - it sounds like the culprit may be chemo. If you haven't had breakouts and redness before, it sure does seem like an SE. Sorry, friend. It will go away. Tell your onc - there may be something they can give you to make it better.
Lottie - hmm. How comfortable are you with this eye doc? Waiting a while to see if things improve may be a good idea, but if you are still having trouble, perhaps the next appointment should be a new opinion. It's miserable to have the eyes all wonky. Hope it gets better for you.
limegreen - You have one tough decision ahead of you. My oncotype score is 20, too. Did 3 rounds of T/C; could not do the last because of central nervous system issues. My tumor was 1.2 cm, and there were microtraces in the first node, technically node negative. I had melanoma at age 19, so two primaries under the age of 50. I went for it, opting to throw everything possible at the opposition. It was tough, and continues to be a challenge. Chemo is a whopper of a life event. But then, so is cancer. Give yourself time to think it over. Try your best to let the emotions out when they surface, and you will be able to move forward. The answer will come. Good luck with your decision. If you want more info, PM me. I'l do my best to help.
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Magob,Lottie,and Squidwitch,
THANK YOU....for reminding me I am not alone. Sometimes that is forgotten as one can become so consumed with what they are enduring it is easy to forget there are others going through it too.
My prayers are with all of you here .... we will get through this...one day at a time.
Peace and Blessings to all of you.
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Sherri - You are right, it does seem like the docs coax you along and then spring extra treatments on you at the end. I think it is a cruel thing to do, like your SIL, I have had the end of my chemo treatments stuck in my head as a date when my life will become a little more normal, adding six more weeks is unthinkable to me. It seems like I have missed all of my daughter's third grade year at school. It is the first time I haven't been involved in her classroom.... it makes me really sad to miss out on so much.
I haven't had problems with my eyes tearing, but my eyes twitch a lot. And while I don't have the breakouts on my face, I've noticed little sores on my hands...I don't know if it's from my last treatment or not.
Limegreen - I was in the same situation as you, although my oncotype score was 22. My onc pretty much left the decision up to me and I decided I had to do everything I could to keep from having a recurrence. It was a very, very difficult decision, but I would make the same choice again. I've had three rounds of TC with one more to go and like so many others have said, chemo really is doable and isn't nearly as bad as we imagine. Good luck make your decision.
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Hello to all the kind and gentle ladies on this thread!
I just wanted to share that in 2005 my eye doctor said the steroids caused me to have cataracts. They are not so serious that my insurance will pay to have them taken out, but they do cause me to be color blind at night!
So now I am looking forward to having more eye problems. My eyes are either very dry or teary.
On the bright side, the end of this chemo business is coming!!! I can't believe I am going on to round 6!!! I don't know if anyone remembers, but I wanted to quit after round one. I'm so glad my ONC convinced me to stay with it. We argued for hours, and I had to have him agree to a lot of things, but in the end, he won the argument.
My ONC said that my first appointment after chemo will be to discuss Tamoxifen. I mentioned to him that I did not want to take tamoxifen because out of 2 tumors, the one that was ER positive was BARELY ER positive, and the other one was BARELY PR positive. Well, he said the appointment was to "argue" about it. I think he knows he will win again. He must have an arsenal of information about Tamoxifen.
To those of you who are just starting this TC journey, you can do it! Just keep track of your S/E's and report them to your ONC. Make sure you report fevers over 101.5 degrees!!! Keep away from infectious environments and people. And last but not least, pamper yourselves!
Take care.
Brenda
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Catori,
big Big HUG!! We are here, cheering you on
Traci
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Brenda - sorry to hear about your cataracts. We finish chemo the same day and Mommaof2 is right behind us. We'll have to have a virtual celebration!
Mommof2 - I met with the radiation oncologist today and I get to start on March 22nd and will be doing the planning/simulation week of March 8th. I won't know how many I'll be doing until the simulation. It'll either be 3.5 weeks or 5 weeks (3.5 weeks is the norm) and then I'll get 5 boosts, adding another week. I have twitching in both of my eyes and it's driving me up the wall. I had it a bit after round #2 but it's a lot worse this round. I think it's from fatigue but probably something to do with Taxotere.
Have a nice evening ladies!
Sherri
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Brenda,
Wishing you smooth sailing on #6. Thanks for your story!
Traci
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limegreen, my Oncotype DX was 25 and I was encouraged to do chemo. I did TC x 4 and am glad that I did. I just wanted to know that I threw everything I could at the cancer. Up until I received the results of the OncoType DX I was always told I would not need chemo, because like you my tumor was small, grade 2, no node involvement, but this disease can certainly throw some curve balls at you. I am 6 weeks PFC and am now doing radiation and am ready to finish this and go on with the rest of my life. Good luck to you with the decisions you will need to make, they are not always easy.
Wishing everyone mild SEs, it is getting close to the end for many of you.
Juannelle
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limegreen - My Oncotype DX was 10, but had microscopic trace on 1 node...the score of 10 was great, but I had the node and as I have been told over and over, I am only 41. The oncs both said that most of the women in Oncotype DX are not only node negative (like you), but are also post menopause....So, b/c I am only 41 and the trace on 1 node I am on TC x6 given every 3 weeks...I have seen others on here who did not have any node involvement and they are getting TC x4 every 2 weeks....there has been some debate about the differences between 4 vs. 6 on this thread, I think, so read back over those as well. The decision isn't easy and I would recommend speaking to more than Onc., not necessarily to find one that says you don't need it, but you will be with them for a long time and you need to not only trust them but like them:) Also, trust yourself and you do have time to research and talk out your decision. Best wishes on your journey!
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leta17, one-L, Mommaof2, MAGOB,Thank you for your insight and kindness. This feels harder than the decision to do the bi-lat mast. Called to get appointments ASAP for 2nd opinion today. Looking for a fresh look at my data. If the answer is the same then that's okay. I feel it is important to talk with another onco. I want so badly to make the right decision for myself and never look back. This is hard. I will let you know how it goes.All of you ladies still on the chemo, I wish you the least side effects possible. I can't know how you all feel and everyone's biology is different, but would like to pass along some info that a friend said helped her. She had to take ACT and said she nibbled on gingersnap cookies to help with nautiousness and that adding glutimates like yogurt and ice cream to her diet during/right after chemo helped ease nerve damage to her feet, ankles and hands.0
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leta17, one-L, Mommaof2, MAGOB, Thank you for your insight and kindness. This feels harder than the decision to do the bi-lat mast. Called to get appointments ASAP for 2nd opinion today. Looking for a fresh look at my data. If the answer is the same then that's okay. I feel it is important to talk with another onco. I want so badly to make the right decision for myself and never look back. This is hard. I will let you know how it goes.
All of you ladies still on the chemo, I wish you the least side effects possible. I can't know how you all feel and everyone's biology is different, but would like to pass along some info that a friend said helped her. She had to take ACT and said she nibbled on gingersnap cookies to help with nautiousness and that adding glutimates like yogurt and ice cream to her diet during/right after chemo helped ease nerve damage to her feet, ankles and hands.
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Sherri - I hope you get to go with the 3.5 weeks of radiation. That sure sounds a lot better! I think for me it will be six weeks with the boost added in the last week. Did your onc say if you would need full breast or partial? I'm meeting a new rad onc on Friday to see what her opinion is about full vs. partial breast. I agree, the eye twitch is very annoying...I've been really tired this round too, much worse than the prior rounds. I guess chemo is catching up with me.
Liz
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My Dear!
I had exactly the same chemo treatment. The taxotere did cause a reaction for me.. but I continued it anyway with the help of Benadryl and steroids. My onc is one of the best from University Hospitals of Cleveland. This combination of chemo has been shown to provide very good results with little or no effect on the heart. Chemo in itself is poison!..but we must get through it. None of this is easy, just keep on pushin' ahead. As far as the hair loss...I didn't know I would love my hair short. You may be surprised..wear it like a badge! you are certainly earning it! Take control and give yourself a fun short cut... it will put some fun in this often terrifying process. You go girl!
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Mommaof2 - yes it'll be full breast. My radiation oncologist explained that it's done differently here in Canada. Here the norm is 16 higher dose fractions, which takes just over three weeks. Then the boosts at the end. I had the option of getting in on a clinical trial where I would go only for five days for partial breast radiation but I opted for the longer length full breast treatment.
Domenique - Thanks for sharing! I'm looking forward to a fun short hair cut. Most of all, I'm looking forward to having hair on my head again.
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Chynadollsmom-
You were right. TX a little worse day 4, still heartburn although the doctor prescribed something for night and morning that makes it less, still awful mouth taste. The new one you warned of is the strange bumps on my head. They are itchy and hurt. I worked from home today to be bald and give my head a day to be bald. Feels better than wearing my wig.
Daysone-
My onc gave me a reprint of a an New England Journal which breaks out the risks/factors based on oncotype score. It is from December 30, 2004. Although I didn't understand most of it, I like that she tries to give me data to help in my decision. Maybe your onc can offer you some stats that help make you comfortable.. though there are no easy answers.
I hope everyone has a good night. Today was a good day for me working from home. I hope it will be for you all as well.
Best.
Barbara
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Hi everyone, I have two questions to anyone who can help me. First: What is Oncotype DX? I have never heard of this. Also has anyone heard or been on the hormone therapy Aromatase? I was given the option of Tamoxifen or Aromatase. This will start when my hormone therapy starts after Chemo. I am going on my #5 of 6. T/C chemo treatments. I will be speaking to my oncologist on Friday about the number of treatments. Still have to see the radiation doctor.
limegreen: Also I was told that if I didn't chose to do at least four treatments of T/C that I could experience the cancer coming back in the form of lung, bone, or liver cancer. It was very eye opening to me. This was said by one of the three oncologist that I saw for second and third opinions before I started my chemo treatments. Needless to say it scared me silly. I am not seeing the doctor that said that. I am seeing another doctor that is very nice and not quite so blunt. I am not trying to scare anyone by telling you this but that is what I was told.
I wish all of you good health and happiness
for the 2010 year. Thanks ahead of time for your help.
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daysone - here is a link about Oncotype DX, you may want to ask your Onc. about it, you are node 0 and thus should benefit from this information....not sure about Aromatase...google it:)
http://www.oncotypedx.com/HealthcareProfessional/Overview.aspx
ACNE!!! Worse today, had to buy more Clearasil, who'd of thought this would be a SE!!!
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Hey Limegreen, are they using TC as 'Adjunctive therapy?' In short, do you have a choice? I was told very honestly that IN MY CASE, the TC chemo would only give me about a 1-3% leg upon the disease and only recommended for me to stop a possilbe recurrance of BC in the bones or lungs. I had no lymph node involvement, but they want to make sure to get the "one cancer cell" if it escaped. Part of decision is understanding your "tumor report." I did the first TC treatment and was sick as a rat-I do not think I will do it again, but that is just me. SV
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Dear Taxotere and Cytoxan,
You both are rotten.
Sincerely,
Traci
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Leta17 - I've been breaking out, too. I really haven't had pimples since I was young and I'm nearly 46 now so I never thought of Clearasil...I'm going to get some today and see if it helps.
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I had my 3rd TC treatment of Thursday and was so sick, I was in bed until Tues. I have never been slammed so hard from the chemo before but this one wiped me out. I had severe bone/muscle pain and alot of nausea. Today I went to get my blood drawn and to see the ONC. The Onc and his nurse seemed to be under the impression I could not possibly have felt sick from the chemo because whatever a persons reaction to chemo is after the first round pretty much dictates what their reaction should be the rest of the treatments. They suggested I have maybe pampered myself too much and need to get out and about more. I am so pissed off right now, I feel as if they think I am " making it up" or just feeling sorry for myself. I am so glad I only have one more treatment to go and I am pretty much deciding to NOT do the Tamoxifin for 5 years. I have had enough of Big Pharma and just want to get on with my life.
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