Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Hi there. It looks like a couple have joined the new chemo group. I just finished 8 rounds of chemo last week. 3 with Adriamyacin,taxotere, cytoxin, 5 with just taxotere & cytoxin. I was going to do 6 but decided to do the last 2 because my last Dec scans showed a slight increase in inflammation.
-My nails are a little bumpy but strong -experienced a lot of nose bleeds -my 2cm gallstone started acting up until I took Prilosec -decradon (stimulant) kept me up for 2 nights each time - extreme fatigue for almost 2 weeks - constipation & diarhea easily handled with immodium - Emmed was the best pill I took for nauseousness -I had no nausea - Nuelasta will bring up blood cell counts faster & were not as painful as nuepogen shots - lost my hair day 14 & my eyebrows & lashes on chemo 7 - still take Melatonin to help me sleep and did when I started chemo--I really needed my rest and it's natual
For a healthier body, I now juice twice a day, drink alkaline water, take B6- B12 subliminal tablets to repair neuropathy issues. I eliminated caffiene, diet cokes and try to eat more organic in chicken, eggs & cheese. Limit dairy because of hormones in milk. I'm ER/PR+, Her2-.
Sorry you are on this path. I'm so glad to be done at least for a long while. Talk to your oncologist about everything. I once had diarhea for 14 days b/4 talking to my doctor.
Terri
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Psalm121 I also could only end up doing 4 TC treatments because of neuropathy in my feet. I noticed that the fourth treatment caused my numbness get worse. The doctor decided to stop the fifth and sixth treatment. I hope that the four treatment did what they needed to do. I don't want the cancer to come back! I am going to see a radiation doctor in two weeks. Also I am on hormone treatment Femmara.0
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Psalm 121 - Don't beat yourself up about exercising. I don't think many of us managed to do that. But your aches and stiffness may be there for another reason. We found out on here that there is such a thing as post-chemo rheumatism. You most likely have that. My last chemo was Dec 2nd, and I just realized yesterday that I'm not having those awful aches. Don't know if I'm completely out of the woods yet, but it would appear that it has significantly calmed down over the last week. I would have periods of not achine much at all, and then Bam! I can hardly straighten up! Hope you feel better soon.
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Hi Ladies,
It's been 4 days since my 6th and final T/C!!! Is it my imagination, or am I already growing hair on my head? It must be my imagination. And chemo fog!
Congratulations to those who have finished and are finishing. Sherri, I know you are one of them, but I can't keep track of all the names at the moment...
I'd like to take a moment to thank all of you who contributed your thoughts, feelings, and all the useful information. Thank you, thank you...
Brenda
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Adnerb that is so encouraging to hear you are growing hair
That gives me so much hope!!!! My last tx is this coming thursday and I can only hope to see hair so soon afterwards! How are you feeling now that it has been a few days? Hope you recover quickly. 0 -
Had #2 today, no surprises, thankfully, but 4 more to go, arghhhhh!!
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Here's what I looked like during last chemo. And I have not changed my expression since! LOL!
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Adnerb ~ You look beautiful
.I have put on soooo much weight since I began chemo. I told my hubby if I sit crossed legged naked without my wig I look exactly like Buddah ... you would think we were related . LOL *sighs* I sure hope this weight will come off after chemo. I have my treadmill and my gazelle at home to try to keep moving but it is so difficult and so painful with the muscle pain.Hopefully once the tx 's are over the symptoms will subside and I can get moving again.
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Brenda - you look great. Is that a wig? If so, it's an awesome one because you look exactly like your profile photo.
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Was wondering how many of you have experienced neuropathy? Is it a common side effect?
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Limegreen ~ I am not sure if this is the same thing as neuropathy or not but I am having intense muscle pain /weakness in my arms and legs... to the point where I am questioning if I can continue the job I have been doing the last 3 years. I now have the eye twitching/tearing which started out sort of randomly but has progressed to where now it is pretty much all the time. The weakness and pain in mymuscles has me worried and I am hoping it will subside once chemo is finished but for now...it has seriously limited me from what I can do. Little things such as getting dressed, using a TV remote, simple things we do everyday have become a source of pain for me.
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The eye twitching is driving me up the wall. It won't stop. It was random for me, too, but got worse after Tx #3 and now that I had Tx#4 on Monday, they've been twitching non stop. Any suggestions? I need some relief!!
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Daysone: This neuropathy stuff is weird, some days it's worse than others, and some nights I can't even sleep because my feet are so hot & sensitive. I'm taking Tamoxifen and Onc told me to take Vitamin E, which might help with hot flashes. I have heard some drs prescribe Effexor for that, so if Vitamin E doesn't help, I'm gonna be calling Onc's office.
Chynnadollsmom: Wow, I hadn't heard of post-chemo rheumatism...but you're right, that sounds very much like what I'm experiencing. I get out of bed in the morning and have to shuffle til my body warms up! I'm glad you're feeling better, and sure do hope mine eases some soon. My job requires a lot of movement and I've discovered that if I kneel down it's real hard to stand back up, forget about graceful! I have lost 3 pounds since I've been back this week! Yay!! Do you have any tips for me? Maybe you did something to help your symtoms ease sooner?
Sugar: My right eye twitched with the watering....I think people thought I was winking! Maybe the twitching/watering is all related...dunno, but the Claritin I am taking has helped. I don't have watering or twitching any more!
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Limegreen: when I told my Oncologist last week that I'm having the foot/hand numbness & tingling....he told me it is neuropathy caused by the Taxotere. But, apparently that's another side effect that happens to some but not all. Mine is more noticeable in my feet than my hands...night-time is the worst. The severity does seem to be lessening a little now.
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Sugar: I was wearing the same wig on the avatar! lol!
Catori: Thanks.
Seriously, after my first Dx I had to have AC 4X. A few months later the ophthalmologist diagnosed me with cataracts in the left eye and are you ready for this... arthritis in the right eye. All because of the steroids, he said.
Limegreen and Catori: My ONC also told me that neuropathy is caused by Taxotere. Pain may be another side effect that you should definitely have looked at. It may be from the Neulasta or Neupogen as well.
Today is the 5th day after my final infusion. My biggest SE today is diarrhea, which I have treated with lomotil. Lomotil has its own side effect: blurred vision.
All in all, I am too happy that I am done to worry about the side effects. You will feel this way as well, eventually. My ONC thinks I will be back to "normal" in April. That's when he wants me to start with Arimidex. I'm not thinking about this yet. Anyone here on Arimidex?
Take care, ladies...
Brenda
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Hey all, I had one T/C chemo and the impact from T was so dramatic for me that they stopped chemo. I just saw a doc fromChapel Hill for 2nd opinion today. He said that he had not seen such profound impact except in a handful of cases and he recommended using a drug other that Taxotere for me (i have it wrrtien down). I had hair fall out immediately (all over); motion sickness 24/7; body blisters both inside and outside of bodyy (skin was melting off); toenails turned black; nails have shattered pretty much; just diag with peripheral neuropathy but CH doc says this should subside; abcesses on tongue; severe dehydration no matter what I do (been in the ER x5 and he wanted to admit me to hospital today-NOPE); BP unstable all of the time; taste buds fried; you name it, I had it after one chemo. Lost 20 pounds in 3 weeks. Ppoint being there are choices if Taxotere cannot be tolerated.
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StillVerticle; Bless your heart! I so hope and pray your next chemo does not have the same effects on you and just cannot imagine the suffering you must have experienced. How long ago did that happen? Sounds like you had the very worst of ALL the side effects....please take care of yourself and may you heal and never, ever, have to go thru that again!
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StillVertical ~ HolyCow...I can't believe the SE you had after one tx...I feel so badly for you. I have the fried tastebuds as well but so far nails are ok and haven't had body blisters. I did get a big red burn on my hand that was from the first chemo and can still see it lightly and I am having my 4th on thursday. My worst is the muscle pain/weakness and this eye twitching/tearing. Iwish I could say I had weightloss but I have so far gained 30 pounds and feel like I am carrying a lead weight around my shoulders. I sooo look forward to being done with this crap.
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StillVerticle - so sorry to hear about your problems with Taxotere. Did this just happen? Is your onc postponing your next treatment until it gets sorted out? Surely they'll be able to get you on the right regimen. Wow, and here I am feeling sorry for myself because my eyes keep twitching.
I'm on day 5 and usually this is my worst day but so far I'm not as achey as usual. I think it's because I took it really easy yesterday and went to bed right after dinner. That long sleep (aided by Ativan) really helped. I'm experiencing some stomach issues but no nausea.
Brenda - that's a great wig!
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Couldn't help myself...had to write. I finished my final Taxotere treatment November 16 and within a few days developed a worsening shortness of breath (had it all through my tax treatments but onc nurses said that it was "just the chemo") to point of not being able to walk anywhere without gasping and taking breaks. After a series of antibiotics, which did not work, I ended up in Emergency as I couldn't breath and was literally turning blue on Dec 1st and was kept in until Dec 31st! Final diagnosis was Chemically Induced Pneumonitis as a result of Taxotere. I have scarring on both lungs and one lung collapsed. I am now on a constant supply of oxygen (24/7). my lungs are showing very little progress. I too suffer from the foot neuropathy and nights seem to be the worst. While on the treatment, I likened the pain to being shot by a paintball gun. Sometimes it was so random, it was like being hit from the sidelines somewhere. I also lost all my finger nails and two toe nails. I suffered from Thrush really bad, was on antibiotics for that as well as mouth wash. The best mouth rinse solution for me was the one with baking soda, salt and water. It seems to take the film off a lot better than the pharmaceutical potion. To put a positive twist on all this negative stuff, I am noticing a lot of improvement in my hair growth- eyebrows are pretty much all back and eyelashes are doing great. The hair on my head will need a little trim soon - and I am almost at the point where I wouldn't mind not wearing my wig - if it wasn't so darned cold out!
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2QUI ~ I am so sorry you experienced all that.(((Hugggs))) This is all so frightening to me. These drugs are so toxic,it is hard to believe it is to make us better. I pray you recover completely and enjoy health and peace.0
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Hi Ladies, Just dropping in to say hello and you can all do this. I finished my 6th round on Oct. 5th, my 5th and 6th tx the taxotere was dropped in half because of the terrible side effects I was having. I wanted to quit so bad, but didnt. I did 25 rads that ended December 23rd, and started Tamoxifen in Jan. I have plenty of hair, my eyebrows are still a little scarce but coming in slowly.
Much love to you all. Cheering you on!
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Ok, after reading this thread, TC scares me!! I will definitely be inquiring about CMF, in case my ONCO score comes back saying I need chemo. Thanks for all the honesty ladies!!
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Congratulations to all of you who finished your chemo treatments. Thank you for your tips and honesty. Prayers and hugs to those who are experiencing really bad side effects. I had my first T/C treatment yesterday. I was okay until I sat in the chair, then decided I wanted to go home. I was a mess for a while. With an oncy score of 46, I knew this was the best decision for me so I would know I did all I could to prevent a recurrence, but it is so hard to comprehend putting all this poison in my body for prevention. So after crying, I got it together and sat through the first treatment. So far, I seem okay. I am taking Decadron for nausea - I am supposed to take it the day before, the day of, and the day after treatment. Has anyone not taken it and been okay? I was going to pass on today's dose, thought the peppermint tea would be just as okay.
The side effects scare me so much. Your experiences, positive attitudes, and strength really are helping. Thanks.
Limegreen: have you decided chemo or no chemo?
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Hi suz6 - Decadron is a steroid and not just for nausea but also to prevent other allergic reactions. I had many allergic reactions to TC that appeared in the days after a treatment. Considering this is your first treatment, I'd take it and wait to see how you react as your treatments continue. This is just one person's advise. Others may feel differently. Good luck and best wishes to you for as few side effects as possible and a fantastic outcome!0
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Hi suz6, no, I have not decided yet. I get second opinion next week and will decide then. This seems a harder decision than the surgery was. I am happy to see your post that you are getting through your first treatment okay. I was thinking about you this week.
I have been reading this string regularly and want you all to know that I think about you and you are all in my prayers.
-Patricia
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Suz - I agree with Lottie. Since this is your first treatment be careful until you know how your body will react. Lots of SE's and reactions don't show up for a couple of days. You've gone through the treatment and your body has all that poison inside. I think I would wish you to take the meds until you know for sure.
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StillVerticle: It really does sound like you have had the worst side effects from Taxotere. What are they going to replace it with? Are you going to get a break before you try something else? Good to know that your team is monitoring your progress appropriately. Glad to know that the neuropathy will subside.
I thought I was feeling great yesterday when all my toes on my left feet started cramping at the same time! That’s a pretty new and late side effect (got last infusion last week).
2QUI: Thank you very much for sharing your experiences. Wow, you had it pretty badly, as well. Will the pneumonitis and the scarring eventually get better? Good to know that you are finally growing enough hair so you don’t have to wear a wig.
Sugar77: That is my favorite wig. I have 8 of them. A couple from the first Dx, a few that were donated, and the rest from wigs.com. The one that you like is not real hair, though it looks real. It has the monofilament backing so you can see the “scalp”, and you can trim the lace at the hairline very short. Even my PS could not tell up close that it was a wig. My real hair was a little bit wavier, but you were kind of right when you said it resembled my profile photo. That is the wig that most closely resembles my hair style.
Deborah: Thanks for the cheers. We need to hear from more people like you, who, although plagued by s/e’s, eventually got over them.
Janina: You are a thumbprint. You may be one of the lucky ones who don’t get any side effects. You never know.
Limegreen: After my first Tx I told my ONC no more. I just did not have a good feeling about it. He and I talked for hours about side effects and how I was to be helped manage them. He also said that he would hate for me to have a recurrence a year from now and feel regretful that I did not do everything I could to prevent it. So we decided that we would not plan for 6 Tx but to just do one Tx at a time. He was going to be fine with 4 or 5 Tx. I ended up doing all six. It’s been more than a week since the last one. I am so happy I am done that my side effects do not bother me that much.
Take care, ladies!
Brenda
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Hello ladies. Thanks for your support.
Adnerb: The oncologist is not sure whether it will heal completely or not, so far I've been told it will be 6 months to a year and I don't know whether the scarring is permanent. I believe I'm feeling better and somewhat stronger, so I'll take what I can get at this point and keep fighting through it. I'm one of those ladies that wants to prove them wrong, so I have to get better and get off this oxygen or else and hope it happens soon!
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Brenda, thank you for your thoughts. It helps so much to know of other experiences because the onc doesn't say much. The difficult thing is the doc left it up to me decide if to do chemo, saying I was borderline. I had hoped that weather or not I needed it would be more clear. I go this week to get second opinion by a b.c. onc and then have to decide.
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