Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Keep up with all your symptoms. I never thought I would get this thing called "chemo brain" but it has already got me. I got these side effects quickly maybe my treatments will go by quickly too...lol Good luck to you
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bdavis I worked all through it I had chemo on Thursdays every 3 weeks and I also hated the steriods they kept me awake I had the weekend to recover Monday was usually my bad day at work and by the time I got to my 4th session I had to take off Mondays but I never thought I would be able to work through it the naulesta was a blessing I didnt get sick just got the runs one day and numbness in my hands and feet but it all leaves. My suggestion to you is its been 2.5 years since my chemo and I still dont have my hair back look and ask for anything a cap they can put on your head cold cap to help it come back maybe after you shave it off use a vibrater to stimulate the folicles its all you can do I am on the Taxatears group unfortuntly. Good luck
Maura
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No hair after 2.5 years? Wow... does that happen often?
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wow no hair after 2.5 yrs? never heard of that. I guess i need to buy more wigs then. I have slow hair growth but if its going to be that slow then i will just wear wigs.
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Hey Ladies I am working thru chemo its been pretty easy. I get my treatments on a Thurs. and take Fri off, and back to work on Monday. Only SE's I am having is thrush, constipation, and of course HAIR LOSS.
Only one more treatment to go!!!!
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I just spoke with my oncologist who said he has had 2 cases of no hair regrowth out of 1000s of patients on taxotere, so the risk is low, but is possible. He offered Taxol instead but said the instance of neurapathy is greater. So I get to decide.?????
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Maura, my heart goes out to you that your hair isn't back. Before I started TC, I had come across some women online that had that misfortune as well. The biggest contention was that they were not warned by doctors or anyone that this could be a side effect, even if rare. Only because of women like yourself that have spoken up and gotten the word out, did I know it was even a possibility.
I have heard of success for hair loss with a combo of rogaine and retin-a. I remember a doctor in NY had his own formula, but can't find the link now. I did find this link today, and it gives instructions for rogaine/retin a, and the strengths recommended. They sell generic rogaine at Walmart, and it is a lot less expensive there. I think it's worth a try.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Hair-Loss-1012/Retin-hair-loss.htm
Personally, I weighed out all the factors, and because of a heart murmur, and wanted to avoid adriamycin, I thought TC was still the best choice for me. The Breast Cancer Symposium out of San Antonio published extensive studies about TC and it is a powerful combo with really promising statistics.
I had my TC tx June -Aug 2009, and I hope that it reassures those of you that are in active tx that I have a full head of hair.It started to grow back in about a month after I was done. Even though I had to adjust to the chemo curls, I am grateful. I also used Nioxin scalp tx products, and was able to hold on to most of my hair until 4th infusion. My onc doubted it could be related to products. I don't know if it would work for everyone, but I found out about it online, too, and it worked for me.
I also used a supplement list for chemo from a holistic MD, Dr. Andrew Weil, online. He is world renowned. I reported all supplements to my oncologist and he had no problem with them.
Hugs to my sisters
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Yes all I was ever told was it would come in even thicker not that I needed that and my hair was always full of curl and body we morn our heads we really do I cant even stand to look at pictures of me a month prior to chemo glad your hair came back I guess we all got the wrong batch ...thanks for your info..
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That is up to you but you do have a choice which we were not given at all hair loss was never talked about accept it will grow back thicker so its up to you bdavis I would not take it again I dont think so because in a sense we have killed part of us our spirt our social life etc so think hard you might be one of the lucky ones but you do have a choice and i think they can cure the nerve thing allot more than hair loss we have tried it all I have used Rogain over a year maybe 2 now lost track of time on that one...
Maura
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bdavis- You will be just fine. Keep planning your life, but listen to your body and stop when it says stop. That is my best advice to you. I took a 10 day trip to Florida on the 10th day after my 3rd chemo treatment. I certainly had to rest and take naps, but just the change of scenery (from the couch to the beach) did wonders for me! Also, hair not coming back is VERY rare but it is a possibility. In my humble opinion, in the scheme of things, it is only "hair" and I would wear a wig if necessary the rest of my life. Really the choice is life or hair. I choose life. And though hair seems to be a big deal now -- to me it did too before I lost it -- it really isn't a big deal... there are bigger things. Also, DRINK TONS of WATER! It does flush everything through and help your body minimize the side effects!
((BIG HUGS))
Jan
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I am so sorry for what you have gone through, Maura. Thank you for being an advocate and letting others know about the risk and what you have lost. I have come across a thread here called Taxol vs Taxotere under the Help Me Get through Treatment forum that may help with decisions. I know it is so stressful to be faced with all this, and have to be thinking about temporary and/or permanent se's. Hang in there, bdavis. I heard something in the Stand Up to Cancer telethon that I haven't forgotten. "Cancer will do anything to win. Will you?" So know that whatever you choose, take pride in knowing you are a warrior doing everything to win.
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as I just reread my post, it may sound a bit harsh and I truly didn't mean it to... I am sorry too for all Maura has gone through... this whole cancer thing is such a battle. I just had a hysterectomy and all my hormones are out of whack and I think I come off "bitchy" or "know-it-all" and I REALLY DON'T mean to...
Love you guys and thanks for being there!
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Not at all. We are all in this together! We all have to travel the road of healing for our losses, for what we lose traveling on a path we did not seek. Hugs xxoo
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I had chemo Sept - Nov 2010. I worked through most of it. I had chemo on Thursdays and took Friday off but ended up taking Mondays off also because that turned out to be my worst day. I left early a few days with an upset stomach but all in all it was doable. The only se's I am still dealing with are neurapathy in my toes (which I am taking vitamins for), watery eyes and sore hip joints. My hair is starting to fill in pretty well just not sure of the texture or color yet. Just glad I have hair. Best wishes for you ladies just getting started.
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Day 149 since surgery. 34 days since final chemo. About 2 months away (no date yet) from recon surgery. SNAFU
Just checking in it;s late. Spent 9 hours in the truck driving shotgun and i feel fine. Went to dnner mow relaxing at a La Qunita hotel somwhere near Dallas Texas. & hours of driveing tomorow. Feel pretty normal. I still have a white tongue but I have been doing the nystatin so hepfully it will go away eventually. I really miss having a glass of milk and cookies, or a ot chocolate.
Jsugt want to let you know that i feell great even with all this exhausting driving and its 34 days since my last infusion. So as bad as the side effects are they pass, and when teh chemo is over the side effects are over.0 -
There is an option to prevent hair loss. Take a look at this topic;
Topic: Cold Cap Users Past and Present, to Save Hair
I just finished my second round of TC and I still have most of my hair.
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Kathy119
That's great!!! I wanted to try this option but the small chance of scalp mets worries me to death. Even if its 1 in 100,000 I am still scared I might be that one.
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I have learned through this process that every treatment has risks. The most difficult part for me has been assessing those risks and making the decision that is the right one for me. Before making the decision I reviewed a study published In Breast Cancer Research Treatment (2009) where they looked at the incidence of scalp mets in 604 women treated with scalp cooling which is routinely offered to women in Canada. The incidence of scalp mets was 1.1% and in no case was the scalp the only site of mets. After a discussion with my doctor I felt comfortable to proceed. Ice caps do seem to decrease the amount of hair loss associated with chemotherapy. I believe every woman should have this information so that she can consider her options and make the decision that works for her. There are too many people-doctors and patients- who don't know the option exists. There is a clinical trial in California going on now which should help raise awareness.
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Just a quick post re SEs. I too was terrified after reading this thread. Although some do have a really hard time with this treatment, there are some who do fine. I was told by my onco that this treatment is usually well tolerated and easier than others. I have also heard thru others that their oncos said the same.
I did tues infusions and my only bad day was Sat. On that day I slept almost all day and had muscle aches, but nothing too bad. I was never nauseous, but was overtreated in that department at my insistence. I had emend and zofran, plus compazine as needed (never took one).
After sat I had about 2-3 days where my muscles tired easily and I got out of breath with exertion beyond walking short distances. Other that that I was fine. I worked every day, mostly full time in a high stress job that requires clear thinking (but a desk job). I never had chemo brain, at least not as far as I noticed.
I never needed neulasta. That seems to cause a lot of SEs itself.
I had heard about the perm hair loss and almost backed out because of it. My onco (who is at a major cancer center in atlanta) has never had that happen, nor has my nurse who has been working with breast cancer patients for years. I am now 6 weeks from from final tx and my hair is growing in much quicker than I expected - I am so relieved.
Good luck!
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I've taken my 2nd round of TC - going for my 3rd next week. I've been reading this thread a lot, but haven't participated much.
Irr4993 - I read your post above about losing your breath. I've had a lot of that the week after treatment. I mentioned it to my oncologist and he didn't say anything about it. Your post is the first I've read about being out of breath. I get out of breath just walking from one room to the next during the first week.
Is this normal?? Or is that extreme and should I make sure my oncologist really listens to me about it??
Congrats to all of you nearing the end of your treatments!!!
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Irr4993 tht is great that your doctor is the best from the best but that has notthing to do with the hair loss if you went to our site we are from all over the country from the USA, Canada England Germany, Paris every where but we are very happy for anyone who gets thier hair back but we were not that lucky and we are not making it up for sure we are trying to help people make a choice we were never given a choice and I get so sick of the words at least your here from some of my family and friends yes we are but mentally we have been through hell. I realy hope all of you ladies get your hair back but I still think doctors should stop excusing this and look into why its happening to us.
Maura
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bdavis: I have done 5 of the 6 TC,with few SEs, working full time everyday, and just came back from a trip to Hawaii between X'mas and New Year. It is all doable! There will be some discomforts and SEs from chemo, but don't let it beat you down! The best time to plan a trip is at the beginning of the third week during each chemo 3-week cycle (the happy week with less infection possibility). My trip to Hawaii visiting my son was planned with Onc's approval, even it delayed the start of my 5th chemo with 3 days. Of course everyone's reaction to TC is different, keep a positive attitude.
Shelmel: When the red cell count is low, chemo patient will have the SE of shortness of breath. I have had this SE to various degree in every cylcle of the TX. My onc said, eat red meat! But if it is debilitating, tell onc to make sure your red cell count is not too low that will need some kind of shot.
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cling - thank you so much for explaining where the shortness of breath comes from. It was worse during my 2nd round but definitely not debilitating. I just wasn't expecting it and my oncologist didn't seem concerned when I told him. But, he was looking at my numbers from that day and they all looked good.
Makes me feel better just knowing. Thank you!!!! 0 -
I had my second chemo one week ago. I am down with SE a little longer than many of you seem to be, but am also dealing with other health problems (diabetes, mainly). Days 3-6, there is no way iI could work, I spend almost the entire time in bed. Even so, I am feeling pretty decent by the second week and almost good for the third week :-)
But I am wondering.... the think that is bothering me the most is my arm hurts from the IV. It is a little swollen and a little red (not much) Both of the infusions hurt my arm even though I have heard that it should not hurt. The Oncologist does not think I have an infection, but prescribed some antiboitics just in case.
Does anyone else have their IV site hurt and throb for weeks after?
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I had 3 chemos through an IV then my vein collapsed. Before the 4th chemo I got a port placed near the collarbone. This was much better than an IV. They still can't use my right arm to draw blood after two years. You should ask your oncologist about a port (I don't know if you call it in the U.S. port, 'cause I'm from Germany.).
I really hope you're arm gets better!!!
Greetings from Germany
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Thanks kristina. I asked about a port and was told that he would rather use the IV if possible. The arm now feels a little better, but my hand is getting worse from the site of the first chemo, 4 1/2 weeks ago. It started itching about a week after, then got a little discolored. Now it is very red and feels like a burn. Each time I've mentioned it to my onc. he just says that it sometimes gets irritated. I feel like the skin is about to blister.
But, all else is good :-)
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@AnnetteS I would persist on a port. The veins near the collarbone are much bigger. The chemo damages the wand of the veins, it is like acid... The risk in the bigger veins is much smaller. Do you have to get Herceptin after chemo? Then it would also be much more convenient for you. Here in Germany in my clinic where I got my chemos it is now standard to lay a port. I would advise you that before you start to use the other arm (if it is possible in your case) get a port. You will need the veins in your arm the rest of your life for drawing blood or for getting an anaesthesia for example...
Hope everything works out for you!!!
Greetings
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can anyone tell me why it is one month after my last TC treatment, my eyebrows have all fallen out and show no signs of growing back as is my hair.. .Since TC #2, I've had baby fuzz and peach fuzz on my head... Now a month after finishing my treatment, I still have the baby fuzz, some falling and no signs of growing... Am I one of the statistics of permanent hair loss, or is this normal? How long after chemo is finished does your body know and stop hurting, starts growing and become normal again?
I still have thrush, still have a sore throat, have bad muscle pains especially calfs, legs, back, arms. I'm sure I'm retaining some fluid everywhere.
I thought once this was over, it was over - guess not. But at least my taste buds are back at 30% - I can taste some foods.. Some days all I taste is salt.. And one of my favorite food which I did NOT eat while getting chemo, I had for the first time on friday after almost 6 months and made me gag.. I'll never look at pizza the same again...
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Hey Rachel, my onc told me that the treatments were cumulative and I definitely felt the worst after the last one. Also, I was so proud I had kept my eyebrows and eyelashes all the way through my treatments only to have them both fall out a month or so AFTER my final chemo... arghh... I remember crying and crying but they came back within another month or so after that and they are staying around ( I am 6 mos PFC) One warning, I also thought I kept all my toenails with no problem but 4 MONTHS after I finished chemo they all fell off within 2 days! Fortunately Flip Flop season was over LOL... my small toenails came back quickly but just now my big ones are big enough to paint, but they still look a bit silly. Unfortunately the effects of the chemo meds stick around a while....
((big hugs)) to you!
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arubajan05 Thank you so much. That's exactly what's happening to me. I was feeling good because I kept my eyebrows and eyelashes throughout my whole treatment and like you, one month later, they're gone or going. Happy to see it came back for you.. Now only if my hair can cooperate and do the same, grow I say!!!!
I have Beau's Lines on my fingernails even though I did the hands and feet in ice throughout my treatments. So far, my toe nails are okay.
My last treatment with the exception of 2 days in hell - was my easiest and best one. It seems to be hitting me a mont later with the thrush, the muscle pain etc... I really hate this.
But thank you for the encouraging words.
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