Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
Comments
-
Day, sorry you had such a bad reaction to the taxotere. Next time make sure you get the benadryl before the T/C. It makes me mad to know that doctors would rather see a bad reaction first than plan to give the benadryl right away. Starting a diary is a good thing. I found that I started feeling "bad" for a week after the third day from infusion. I was pretty sure it was because of the lack of steroids, but my doctors insisted that feeling "bad" is caused by the toxins in the chemo starting to take effect. Steroids are for avoiding swollen legs and feet and for something else that I am forgetting at the moment.
Brenda
0 -
Day, I went to the same place for my chemo; I go to Dr. Toma there. I thought the chemo room and the nurses there were very nice and caring. After the first time my steroids were cut down since I am diabetic and it made my blood sugars sky high. I also had to have extra benadryl due to nonstop sneezing during one of my treatments. Any problems I had afterwards and at home, I called and they gave me a solution for it. Very nice place if you have to be at a place like that!!
0 -
To those starting Taxotere and cytoxan, my doctor had me put my hands in ice water while taking the chemo IV to help keep my nails. I did keep my nails on my hands but lost the nails on both big toes so I know the prevention works. It was painful to do the ice water bit but I would put my fingers in for as long as I could, take them out for a few minutes and go at it again. You probably would not be able to do that if you had the IV in your hand. I had a surgery on my ring finger (not related to the cancer) a couple of months ago and they had no place to give me an iv or use a blood pressuge cuff so they did both on my leg. They found a vein easily on my foot and I found it easier to find a vein there than on my arm and hand. I had already had my port out by this time.
0 -
Hi, my nurses also put ice on mine. They put on my toe nails, too, and I've not lost any nails at all and I finished in Feb. It's definately worth doing.
0 -
Day 2. Besides waking up at 3:30, going around the house, having some ice-cream and watching some clips on youtube, going back to bed at 5:30 and then waking up again at 9... I feel just fine. I took the anti-emetic that we're supposed to take every 8 hours at 5 am. I feel no nausea, no pains, no diziness, no nothing. I had my usual (decaf) coffee, two cups, and some dry fruit. I hope it says like this - I presume the waking up early was from the steroid yesterday still in my system. I have a little bit of fatigue, but nothing new - I've been fatigued since my surgeries last fall, something I can't seem to be able to get rid of.
I have a few questions if anyone knows the answer, and I hope they don't sound stupid, lol:
1. Is it possible to go through this regimen without needing Neulasta?
2. Is there a "jerking leg" syndrome that can develop due to this regimen? I remembered that after I had that reaction yesterday, I was cold, and my legs both seemed to jerk simultaneously, from time to time, even after I got to feel warmer. Had the same thing happening a few time before I fell asleep.
3. Do I need to avoid using my fingertips in order to avoid damage to my nails?
4. Is bloating a SE? I was exceptionally bloated last evening - seems to be ok now.
5. The water retention - see swollen ankles mostly - is a SE of the TC or a SE of steroids?
6 and finally - did anyone go through this regimen without steroids prescribed (well except the ones during the IV treatment)? They didn't give me any - again, same as for Neulasta, they said considering my "power of recovery" I shouldn't need them, but if I feel disabilitatingly fatigued to call them.
0 -
I forgot.
Kat, yes, I saw Dr. Toma when I went there. The people are very very nice, the place is great (except that it's a little cold from the A/C). The only funny part was an older nurse, when she came to check on my IV, she asked my boyfriend if he's my son (we get this very often, as he's much younger than me), and when he said "no, I'm her boyfriend" her eyes went very wide, and I saw her going to the other nurses and whispering to them, then a couple of them looked towards us. I found it very funny. Guess it all came from him acting like a hen with only one chick, and bombarding them with all kinds of questions while they were preparing me. Also we had to parade quite a few times through the whole area for me to go to the bathroom - I went at least 6 times, I was sloshing from so much water I was drinking + the saline - him pushing my IV thing back and fort. Otherwise it was nice.
0 -
Hi All,
Had my first TCx 4 yesterday and so far, so good. I seem to be hungrier than usual, but I think its from the steriods. Surprising since I've been drinking so much, you wouldn't think there's room for food! So far my only SE's are dry eyes and my lips feel burnt. I forgot to eat popsicles during the treatment, so that may be the problem. Like Day, I had some trouble sleeping after treatment due to the steriods, but overall, not too bad. I get my Nuelasta shot on Monday and am hoping for no new SEs from that. I am also taking the ACS class "Look good, Feel better" on Monday. Here's hoping I don't have any side effects that interfere with going to the class as I hear it is really good.
0 -
OK LADIES, I THINK I CAN GET THIS TOGETHER FOR ALL OF US WHO DESERVE TO CELBRATE-MOTHER'S DAY OR NOT!!
HAPPY CELBRATION OF US!! Photos by SV
0 -
SV - what a beautiful photo. Thanks for sharing. Did you take this?
Happy Mother's Day!
Sherri
0 -
Hey Sherri, Yeah, this was my career pre cancer. wildlife photog and i had my own art gllary on the outer banks of nc. i am watching it all disappear-years of work-due to bad chemo reaction. my biz partner is trying to keep the gallery afloat-i have everything from a clothing line with my photos to greeting cards to watercolors. and it is all going away-too ill. and no $$$ to upgrade equipment like getting new camera w/ more megapix-I did shoot a Canon 20d. Enjoy more of the 'flower line.' And sorry, I feel like I am being a 'show off' now!
WE SOULD ALL BE BATHED IN FLOWERS!! Photo by SV love by SV
0 -
Day, and a few others, it's not likely that you will not have to get a Neulasta shot (or something similar), as the T/C targets fast growing cells, and White Blood cells are fast growing, so they are some of the first to get hit. You cannot afford to have such a reduced count so it really is important to get them back up to a level that can keep you from ending up in the hospital over a tiny scratch.
Re: the steroids and glucose levels. I'm a diabetic, too, and I would not even think about trying chemo without the steroids. During the steroid days, I simply monitor my glucsoe more frequently and have a sliding scale of insulin that I am to take during those days. It's only 3 days, and the insulin works very well to keep the spikes under control.
It might help to actually drink MORE fluids to help get through the water retention period.
I had my last treatment a couple of weeks ago and am very excited that I am getting back to a more "normal" feeling again. The digestive tract is coming back online and I've been less fatigued.
PS: the Claritin works really well if you take it the day before your Neulasta shot and the day of. The bone pain is very minimal. Even without it, it was endurable, especially since I knew it would not last very long. The worst it ever got, it only lasted about 2 days.
0 -
Happy Mother's Day, everyone! Beautiful pics!
As for Neulasta, I guess it's different for everyone. My pain settled in my lower back & was so severe it was like giving birth & lasted 3 days--not something that I could tolerate well for that long! I'm hoping the claritin+pain killer combo works this time.
So here's my question...I'm on day 11 after T/C #1 and my hair is hanging in strong. On what day did it start coming out for you? I'm supposed to pick up my wig on Wednesday (day #14)...
0 -
Jenny--I've taken Claritin starting the day before my chemo (so 2 days before Neulasta) and I think it's helped. I actually stayed on it for the allergy benefits. I too find that my most severe pain is 2 days after it, and in my lower back too, and some in my neck. I use a heating pad on my back and it helps A LOT. My pain hasn't been as severe as yours, so maybe that's a good sign that the Claritin will help you.
As far as the hair goes... mine started coming out (when I barely pulled on it) around day 12 - 13. Day 14 I shaved it because it was coming out too easily. Good luck; hope it's not too upsetting when it comes out. I felt prepared, mainly from spending time on here reading about everyone else's experiences, but it did bother me right at first. For some reason it didn't bother me when I shaved it off.
0 -
Hi, I took the neulasta that is given over three or four days since I lived close and my insurance allowed it, not as much pain doing it that way. I, as a diabetic, did have some steriods just not as much and I could not tell the difference. They also upped my diabetic medicine.
I do not think anything helps with not losing your nails except the ice bath but I could be wrong. Not everyone loses their nails but this chemo is prone to doing so. Someplace I read painting your nails black helped but do not really know if this works.
My indigestion got really bad on about the 8th to 10 day and got progressively worse each go round. Ended up in the hospital on the fourth with what I thought was a heart attack but was indigestion.
My hair started falling out around the 17th day and my scalp hurt so bad I wanted it gone. I had it cut very short and then shaved it a few days later.
I tend to have jerking leg but do not remember it being worse during chemo. I wouldn't doubt it could be since it does neuological things to feet and hands. I have lots of pins and needles in hands and feet since then.
Good luck
0 -
Hey all,
So I am on Day 16 and my hair is just now coming out everywhere. I plan to shave it on Weds (if I make it that long...) That's the day my stepson is off and he wants to shave his head too in support
They didn't offer me ice for my nails at my treatment, but my onco nurse suggested buying tea tree oil (about $12 for small bottle) at Sally Beauty and I did that and have been using it in the cuticle bed every day at least once, twice if I remember. My fingernails do feel a little weird, tingly or something but they still look very healthy I had REALLY BAD restless leg Days 1-7 but thankfully that subsided! Hope you all are having a great day!
Hugs!
0 -
I also started taking Prilosec when I started chemo because the indigestion was so bad; it took about a week or so til it really helped a lot. I have just stayed on it every day since starting treatments and I think it helps a lot.
0 -
Beautiful pictures, SV....you obviously have a great love for photography and a great talent!
0 -
Thank you SV for the beautiful, amazing photos!
0 -
What beautiful photos!
Feb. 8 was my last T/CX6. Hair's about 1 centimeter long all over, very dark (black), and very thick. I am thinking it will be curly again, like it came back the first time.
As far as neulasta, I did not need it with the A/C. I needed it after every T/C. If they are not giving you neulasta or neupogen after your T/C, it may be because they know, from your blood count, that your white blood cells were not compromised. But like MIchele said, the T targets white blood cells because they divide very fast.
If you don't get steroids, you will have a tendency to swell more, especially around your ankles and legs.
To those who are presently getting T/C, we are cheering for you. It's not easy. I have yet to hear someone say it's easy.
Brenda
0 -
wrsmith
When I was first diognosed everything happend very quickly. Found out it was cancer on the 17th of Nov. 09 had surgery (masectomey) on the right side on Dec. 2 and was doing chemo by the15th of Jan. Any way I decided that my hair lose was one thing I could control so right after my first treatment I went and had a buzz cut. My onc laughed at me in a good way but I had taken a step for myself to aleast have some control over this fight
0 -
I hate the smell of tea tree oil. My manicurist uses Solar Oil after doing nails, so I got a bottle of that and used it regularly during tx. It has a very pleasant almond scent. Never did the ice bath, never had problems with my fingernails. I do have two purple toenails.
My neulasta was the worst in my pelvic area and lower back after my first tx. Then, it went to pain in my neck, but wasn't as bad. Do use the Claritin and something like Aleve.
Day: My DH is ten years younger than I am. I have been asked that before, too. It always takes me aback, cause I don't think he looks that young, or me that old, but go figure. Oh, and I have restless leg issues and had that during my first tx. The nurse thought that was part of my reaction to the benadryl, and changed my antihistimine the next time.
Thinking of all of you going through your tx. Beautiful pics, SV!
0 -
gofish - I had the reaction during my first TC last week. Definitely was not the most pleasant thing - heart started beating really fast, went red as a tomato, hot feeling from chest right down to the pit of my stomach. But the nurse came over really quickly and stopped it and gave me an extra steroid dose and after 15 mins or so started again and I was fine. They told me that a reaction could occur again at #2 but it might not and that very rarely it could happen after that. So we'll see I guess.
My SE have been mostly manageable so far - worst one was the rash of acne that appeared on day 4 and spread over my face, neck and back. Doc gave me a cream for it and it's mostly gone now. TOday i've had a twitchy eye which is something that I sometimes have gotten in the past when I got tired so wasn't worried about or thought tis was linked until I read some mentions of it in this thread. Can anyone give me some more info about it and what I should do?? Should I be worried about it?
0 -
ah, the twitchy eye! I had heard that it was a common SE, and I have it too. It's always my left upper lid, and it happens for a little while a few times during the day. I don't do anything about it and it stops; as far as I know it's nothing to worry about and should go away after tx stops.
0 -
Re: twitching eyes...if you read on earlier pages of this thread, you'll see me constantly complaining about twitching eyes (Feb./March timeframe). They got worse right after I finished TC; however, it's now gone completely so rest assured it does resolve itself, even though it might get worse before it gets better!
Sherri
0 -
Yes, DancerMel, that's the word I would use: Mangeable. Chemo isn't easy, but I've been very fortunate that the side effects have all been mangeable.
My hair started coming out in tiny drops around day 12 or 13. By day 15, my shower drain was getting clogged as it was coming out by the handsful in the shower. So I ended up getting it shaved then, too. Especially since my "hair" was very painful then, too. It was a tremendous RELIEF for it to be gone!
Eye twitching was somewhat "normal" for me during chemo. I used a lot of eye drops, which didn't really help the twitching, but it did help with the dry eye feeling and the blurriness.
0 -
Thanks girls! Good to know the eye twitching is nothing much to worry about. I've woken up with dry eyes this morning so will look at getting some eye drops for that.
0 -
Hello! I brought ice packs with me during my 4 TC chemo treatments. When I was given the Taxotere, I put the ice packs on the top and bottom of my toes and held my fingernails against ice packs. I used the flexible ice packs. My fingernails and toenails are doing fine. I don't know if it was the icing or "good luck."
Also, if you have bad pain from any side effects or bone pain, Dilaudid (I can't remember the generic name) is a great pain killer. I learned about it some years ago. It seems to be very effective for intense pain. Everyone reacts differently but for those of you hurting, give it a try.
I took Claritin before and after my 4 Neulasta shots. I think it helped.
Eye twitching, dry yet teary eyes, and a small eye hemorhage(sp?) in the back of my left eye, (the hemorhage went away but it left a "floater" in my vision field.) Annoying but not too bad in the grand scheme of things considering some of your terrible and lasting side effects.
Also, my oncologist prescribed Zantac (generic) and it has really helped my chemo heartburn. The nice thing about Zantac is that it doesn't interact with as many medications as some other heartburn medicines.
My chemo treatments are now done and I am waiting to feel better so I can begin taking Arimidex or Femara pills (estrogen blockers) for 5 years!!! I am postmenopausal and estrogen postitive. Whoopppeee!
Best wishes and prayers to all my TC sisters!
0 -
Congratulations Leah!!!
Wonderful feeling to have chemo in the rearview mirror, isn't it? I cried all the way home after my last one and my DH thought I was sad! I was not sad!
So happy for you, my dear!!
0 -
Hi everyone, I finished my 6 rounds of TC 2 weeks ago!! The experience wasn't easy, but I managed through it fairly well. I still have some of my eyebrows and eylashes, my nails became a white color at the base, my arms fall asleep easily at night, but no other signs of neuropathy, mild eye twitching. I had thrush after each tx, I had strep throat 1x, an alergic reaction to a cream 1x, and had very bad stomach cramps and vomiting 1x from not watching what I was eating after my last tx, definite 'fog' for a few days after each tx and increased need for sleep or rest. I still exercised through most of of tx up till the last 3 weeks, but I am back walking on the treadmill again and will try my classes this week again:) I worked through everything, but I did about 1/3 of it from home and I never missed any of my children's activities, shows etc., they have been great and I cherish those times more than anything!
On to radiation, get my markings this week and will start the following week, but I may ask for one more week:)
Best wishes ladies and hope you have mild to no SE's!!!
SV - Sorry to hear about all that has happened to you, I hope you find some answers and perhaps they will find some things that will help others because it definitely sounds like you should not have been given these drugs.
Hugs!
0 -
Hey Leta!
Soooo glad you're done with the chemo! Time will definitely help with those side effects...my last chemo was Jan 7th and I've been doing really well. You're so right.....my family, friends and all the day-to-day experiences are even more precious and I thank God for all the many Blessings.
0
