Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Emerald & Patricia- I just finished my last round of TC 1 1/2 weeks ago. My hair is about an inch long and looks strawberry blondish - I'm 60 so I figured since I'd been covering the gray for so long it would come in gray...but anything can change.
My only concern that I see you both have is the aching bones...I'm getting concerned because I have a deep throbbing on the left side of my lower back and this has lasted for more than a month. This morning I had my 4 month followup with my surgeon and he says it's probably nothing to worry about but had me do a lower spine and pelvic xray...
I'm a little nervous about that and just hoping it's either a bad sprain or left over se's from the CT.
Otherwise I am thrilled to be done with chemo and looking forward to my exchange surgery for my implants on 4/18. All in all the chemo wasn't fun but like everyone says - it's doable and not as bad as I expected.
For those of you starting new or still in the middle of treatments - I wish you minimal se's.
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Good Monday Morning everyone. Came out of my chemo fog yesterday around noon (tx 2 last Wednesday). Same as you CHJ? Tx 2 went the same as the first time so far, except that I got a jump start on the constipation factor this time around. Easy Lax every night, a bran muffin every morning, and Fibersure in my tea, coffee or hot water. This time I am eating better food, too. I am expecting the Neulasta pain anytime. It wasn't too bad last time, about 24 hours in my lower back, handled nicely with vicodin. Hope it is easy this time.
Welcome Karen and any other newbies. This is a great place to hang out. I wouldn't have had a clue what to expect without it, but as we are all different you will have your own experiences to share with us.
I was wondering if any of you have had this experience. On my first 2 tx's on day 4 (maybe day 3 and I didn't notice) I have had a fast heartbeat. This time it was 107, day 5 it went to 93 and today it is 89, more normal. It is very annoying and maybe is leftover from the steroids, or it is just my body fighting like crazy against the nasty poisons I allowed in. I cannot sleep at all and am very jittery during that time. Reading & watching TV is jumpy. Feels like I drank 3 pots of coffee and I seldom drink any. Anyone had this?
Today I am going to have my DH shave my head. I had him buzz it at 1/4 inch but the hair is falling out everywhere and I look like a baby bird. I think I'll go the clean smooth route. My head doesn't seem to be too sensitive, but we'll see when he starts to shave it (electric razor, no blades!). I sure is nice to not have to do hair everyday, although it can be a little cool sometimes and require a scarf or cap.
I hope everyone has a s/e easy day and all the infections, swellings, red bumps and pains go away. We will all get thru this.
Joyce
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Joyce - yes, I guess we're following the same schedule when it comes to chemo fog. Saturday was my worst day, and Sunday was a bit better. Today, not so bad except my taste buds are still off and I still have that fist-sized lump of pizza dough still sitting in my stomach. It's all the usual stuff, and overall it's not unbearable. I'll be back to work tomorrow, Lord willin'!
But I also have had the fast heartbeat thing (around 100). It's not all the time by any means, just every now and then. It seems to happen when I'm doing absolutely nothing, like lying in bed watching TV. I mentioned it to the onco nurse the other day, and since my heartbeat was fine when she was checking it, she didn't seem all that disturbed by it.
And I love your "baby bird" description. Pretty much discribes it, LOL!!
Hope everyone is doing OK today!
CHJ
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Hi All, I was to have chemo today for the first time but I have a cold so we have put it off till Wednesday. I am a bit scared only because I do not know how I will react but you postivie woman will get me through the journey. I will have Adriamycin, Taxotere and Cytoxin followed by Neulestra on Thursday. I know to take my premeds before but was wondering when do you take the Claritin? The day of Neulestra or before that....any advise would be great. Packing the chemo bag for Wedesday.
Shari
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Shari,
Welcome to the group -- you will do just fine.
I've been taking Claritin starting on the day of the Neulasta shot and continuing about 7 days. It seems to help the pain that I experience as a side effect of the shot. I also take Advil or Tylenol during that timeframe.
Best of luck to you!
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JT: Yes, I've had the racing heart rate too (HR>100). Feels like my heart is pounding at times. It lasts for a few days (off and on) and then goes away. I had it happen with rounds 1-3 but not so far with my last round. I, too, asked my onc about it and he said everything looked and sounded fine. Scared the crap out of me though b/c it does seem to happen when I'm at rest and doing nothing.
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I have had racing heart each tx and onc said it was associated with the the taxotere, my opinion is who really knows
CarolC- you are having implants, have you or anyone researched the newer Diap procedure? I'm considering this over expander/implant
I was called today to go in and have a blood draw to make sure we can go ahead with my final tx tomorrow, hoping my liver enzymes have gone down!
EVERYONE HOPE YOU ARE ENJOYING YOUR DAY WITH NO SE!!
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Patricia,
I'm familiar with the Diep Flap method of reconstruction but after lots of discussion of options with my plastic surgeon ended up having expanders at the time of my surgery in October. I just didn't want to take the extra time off from work for recovery. It's a much longer period of time.
Also, my bc was discovered a couple of days before I was scheduled to have breast reduction surgery. It just made sense to me to do the bilateral mast and then have the implants the smaller size I wanted.
But I've heard good things about it.
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40something..Good luck on your last(Tomorrow?) I'll be praying it's the best one yet for you!!!
Evie
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yes, the Diep is what I meant, I am looking into it all for the Fall, I am considering going with the bilateral mast because of benign tumors on my left and the fact that my breasts are very dense and small--I'm thinking just having it all reconstructed to healthy athletic looking breasts that I can play my tennis with and have them not get in the way. In the beginning it was too much info to take in at once so I just went with the rt mast. More research and doc councils to come.
thanks Evie!
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Good afternoon everyone! I gave my weekly vial of blood today. I think the nurse has finally figured my veins out since she got it in one go and we didn't have to use the port.
I started losing my hair on Saturday (Day 17). Even though I'm prepared, it still shook me for a little bit. We had an appt with the vet for our 10 year old cat and we were late. I've only been washing my hair every other day, so I was a little startled when I put gel in my hair and went to rinse it off my hands, and my hand was full of little hairs. On Sunday, my scalp felt like I had my hair in a ponytail for a week and just took it down, only I don't have hair long enough to put in a ponytail anymore since I cut it off. But it hasn't come out in clumps yet. Just a handful from all over. I washed it this morning before work and there was a bit in the drain, but everyone says they can't tell I've lost any yet. I'm sure they will in a few days if it continues at this rate. I don't feel a need to shave it yet, I was just starting to enjoy my new 'do'. LOL. But I have a wig ready and waiting, along with scarves. Maybe I need to buy a hat tomorrow. That might be fun.
Thanks for the comments on mascara, I think I may stop using it. For some reason, I'm more afraid of losing my eyelashes than any of my other hair. Seems like it will be hard to put my contacts in without them.
Just out of curiousity, I've seen comments on fatigue and heart rates but has anyone had more energy after their chemo? I'm beginning to think it's nervous energy. I had lost 20 lbs before I found out I was sick, ironic eh, I was trying to get healthy only to end up sick. Anyway, I was on a work-out regimen and have found that after the treatment, I'm working out just as much as still have energy when I'm done, but I think it may be more nervous energy since I find that I can't sit still for dinner and fidget, a lot.
I asked my oncologist about the alcohol thing before we started, and she told me, barring any unforeseen problems with my blood tests, that it was OK to drink an occasional glass of wine with dinner but I shouldn't do it everyday nor when I was taking meds that say not to mix with alcohol (like my anti-nausea meds). I'd suggest anyone should ask their onc since they may be taking different meds.
I have treatment #2 on Wednesday. My fingers are crossed that it goes as smoothly as round 1 did for me.
Sending out positive thoughts for everyone!
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Hello,
C-Babe thanks for the words of wisdom, I think it is the fear of the unknown. Thanks for the advil share as well.
Shari
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40somethingmom: Good luck tomorrow with your last tx. Hope all goes well. The end's in sight!
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lynn- 770 ,if you read back further in the site many of us were very hyper or wierd in the beginning after tx1 from the steroids, I and many others complained about not being able to sleep, I was working out regular and then it hit hard after tx 2 fatigue set in I was down to walks and tx3 even worse, although I so have other issues going on as well blood work issues, we are all very individual
your description on how you feel about loosing hair vs eyelashes I felt the same, I have some bald spots with my eyelashes and brows thinned, I notice more than anyone, I am considering having some semi permanent lashes put on after my final tx a friend found a place for me that costs /$40 and they are suppose to last up to 4 months
Thanks Kathy! i like what you wrote on the other site great overview of the TC journey
bdatlanta- how are you?
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40somethingmom: Tell me more about those semi-permanent eyelashes! Do you have to go somewhere special, or do most salons have them? I'd love to do it. My lashes were so short and thin before. I've noticed now (2 weeks after last chemo!) that I have some spots where they've come out. Like you said... more noticeable to me than anyone else.
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Hey Beegirl! I had a weird pimple on my arm near my armpit. It started to get bigger and obviously had pus in it. It looked strange. It is hard to describe, but it was very cyst like! I am one of those people who must squeeze. Sorry if some of you are grossed out. I did and it went down, and appeared to get better. About 3-4 weeks later it got all swollen again. I did the same thing and it went down. I showed it to the doc at one point and he did not seem concerned. Anyway it is now gone! Very strange. I wonder if it was the same type of thing you have.
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lynn77...Yup 40some. is right. walked every day last time , and #2 I'm draggin my butt. Four days after and my legs still feel like lead. But everyones different, let's hope for the best for you.
KathL..We don't have lashes in my salon, or others that I know of. Maybe you live in a big city where the chances are they do the lashes. Call around and ask. Lashes and brows hanging tight yet!
Blessings, Artsee/Evie
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Hi All -
Day 14 after tx#2 and doing pretty well. Don't see any noticeable eyebrow or eyelash thinning as yet. Still have some (very sparse) hair on my head and lose a few more each day.
I'm continuing to have some fun with my wigs. Each day I get to decide which hair I want to wear. (For the newcomers, I decided to get 3 wigs - one that's close to my original look and two that are different. Figured if I have to do this may as well try to have fun with it.) My friends are anxious to see the other looks that they have missed. And no one knows what to expect when they see me. I've been fortunate to keep good coloring in my face (and since I am not on the steropids right now, I don't turn red) so that helps me to feel better as well.
Having lunch with some of my co-workers tomorrow who haven't seen me since I started chemo. I have so little interest in work right now yet it will be good to see them.
Hope all are having a good day.
Joan
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Morning, running a bit behind. Seems like it is a bit more difficult to multi-task and just heading into tx #3 Thursday. I really think the antibiotics are adding to confusion.
Arsee: #2 seems to have lingered until this past Sunday. I now have my taste buds pretty much back, still a bit tender for salt or any soda, but I can enjoy flavor.
OK, so being brave is one thing, apprehensive is another. Since round 2 was a bit more challenging, I am not giving into round 3 without a fight. Start the pre-chemo steroids tomorrow.
This leads to wonderful "HOT flashes". At least they say if may be a bit cooler for a day or so.Still have some lashes, and thinner eye brows. Funny though, the only other place that there seems to be hair is upper thigh. Actually had to shave. Seems like a circuit shorted.
Happy Tuesday.
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artsee/40something mom - steroids! That must have been what was in the 3rd bag they gave me that I hadn't figured out yet. I was so enthused with everything that was going on during tx1 that I forgot to ask what was in the 3 little bags they gave me b/w the plain old fluids and the chemo bags. I knew that 1 was a nausea med and the other was benadryl/zantac (I saw the label on that one). I was going to ask tomorrow when I go in for tx2. I didn't realize the effects of steroids would last so long. I was thinking that I probably would get fatigued as the treatments started to build up. I've been going to work everyday so far, and I get so many interesting-toned questions about how I'm doing. None of them can believe that I'm coming to work all the time, let alone bouncy and chipper.
Still losing hair today but I feel better, I ordered some scarves and hats to supplement my wig and picking out the patterns and colors is always fun. When in doubt, shop, though that's not always the best answer for my bank account. LOL.
The lashes sound great! I'll have to look into that when I start seeing them go. My hairdresser's boss just opened a new salon, maybe I can talk her into carrying them if they don't already.
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Oh my, ladies, I feel like I've been gone for weeks. Kids were off school, computer had problems, so I've spent quite some time trying to catch up on everyone. It sounds like we're all hanging in there and fighting hard! Welcome to all you new ladies and congrats to others who are finishing up.
I had tx2 yesterday. I find it hard to sit for so long, and it's harder when there's no one around who wants to talk. But the nurses are kind to come around and visit when possible.
I had my neulasta shot today. The nurse suggested getting it in my stomach instead of my arm; said the bone pain is supposed to be lessened that way. I hope she's right; last time I felt like I was in labor with all of my kids at the same time before I discovered the tylenol.
I've had a high heartrate for a few days after tx too, as well as being bright red. I feel like a lantern.
Thanks to all who gave me advice about mouth tenderness/sores. I'll be proactive this time around.
Hair is all gone, and husband is continuing to shave his as well. As soon as I can figure out how to I'll post a picture too.
Wishing all a good day; hope you don't get too many pranks pulled on you!
Michele
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Michele - I have tx2 tomorrow but they gave me my first neulasta shot in the abdomen. I freaked out about that a little bit since she didn't tell me until she pulled out the needle, but I didn't have much pain with it. I had a some spasms around my spine in my lower back on the fourth day but they just felt weird, like a long involuntary twitch rather than painful. I never had it in the arm so I'm not sure how I would have reacted with that.
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Forgot to ask earlier, does anyone wear "ice gloves" while receiving Taxotere? They sound dreadfully uncomfortable. A nurse mentioned that I might want to wear them next tx b/c of concern about losing my nails.
Michele
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What does the ice gloves consist of? I had to go today for a follow up with my ocon, she gave me a PX for Klack's for little red pimples (bumps) on my tougne, they are just uncomfortable and this wash is suppose to be the best. Anyone out there, have you used it? Just another s/e of our breast journey. Had tX #2 last Monday, and new growth of hair is beginning, look like a baby chic only greyer!!!!
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Hello newbies, and hello everyone!!! Wow, I have a lot of catching up to do.
Had my bloodwork done on Monday, and everything's good, so my LAST TC next Thursday is a GO!!! YEY!!! I can't wait for this to be over, so I can start enjoying my "new" life
. Also, meeting with my ps next week to set up my implant exchange. I think I'm going for Cup C hehe. Vava-voom!!!
I pray everyone's doing well.
God bless,
Aurora
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Hi Everyone...good for you Believer - I go to the NP today...then #3 next Wed...I have actually felt pretty good this go round, and am getting back to my normal work out schedule - which makes me really feel normal...still a bit upset about the 8 lb gain....
For everyone with the head bumps...I saw the anti bacterial Dial pump in the shower and decided to use that on my head, and I think it worked....so will keep it up. I have one little patch on the crown of my head that is hanging on...but other than that hair is gone...haven't shaved legs for 2 weeks and they are still smooth!!! However eyebrows are thinning...guess I will look for some big sunglasses.
Here's to minimal SE, finally getting warm here in the valley of Virginia.
Sharon
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Morning sisters;)
Start the pre-tx3 today. Feeling much better, or course chances are that may not last long. Will stay positive and push through it.
I found that Witch Hazel helps reduce the bumps followed with avocado oil. Then after a few days follow-up with Bag Balm to remoisturize my head. Seems to be working pretty good. I have also been using the bag balm for moisturizing my hands, feets, and nails. So far, nothing changing color yet.
Go for the bloodwk today, and hopefully all is good so as moving into round 3 and seeing A BIT OF LIGHT towards the end of the tunnel.
Have a se-Free day!
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Hi, everybody. This is otter. May I join your club?
I graduated from the Surgery topic after my mast/SNB (no recon) on Feb. 5, but I've been waiting for my Oncotype score since then (due to a major mix-up). Got my score last Friday: 26.
I switched medical oncos because of a personality conflict, and met my new onco two days ago. I like her WAY better. She agreed with onco #1 that because of the charcteristics of my IDC and my upper-mid-range Oncotype score, she recommended chemo. But she thought adriamycin (AC, onco #1's plan) might not be a good choice for me, so she switched the plan to TC (x 4 at 3-wk intervals). She said the short-term SE's would be worse with TC, but the long-term SE's (cardiac SE's, mostly) were better.
So, here I am. I have my first TC infusion tomorrow (Thurs. April 3). Pre-tx blood work is already done. Both oncos said my veins are great and should be fine for 4 tx. Neither wanted to use a port unless it was absolutely necessary--their main concern was the risk of clots. OK, as long as everybody knows my left arm is off-limits.
Here, they use Neulasta automatically with a TC protocol, so of course I'm looking forward to THAT. (Better than getting hospitalized I guess...). I'm making the pharmacy run today. My list is different from some of yours--decadron, but not until after the infusion (which will include steroids); phenergan for nausea; Ativan for nausea + anxiety; lots of OTC things I've learned about here.
It took me 7 HOURS to read all the posts on this thread! Great stuff, though. As was true with my surgery, I learned more on the BCO board than I did from my docs & nurses; but they hate on-line discussion boards. They think all we talk about is alternative therapies, like using flax seed oil to cure BC.
No flax seed oil for me--just the real deal. It's good to hear from those of you who are nearing the end of this, or who are already done. That light at the end of the tunnel is not a train?
otter
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Welcome Otter!
Of course you can join. Just one quick thing for right now - I too feared the Neulasta because of all the bad experiences I heard about. But after 3 rounds of it, I have had no se's that I know of related to it. So don't assume it will be awful - you might get lucky like I am...
CHJ
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Welcome Otter. Already with the funnies. Very good. Hopefully the train to good health at the end of the tunnel!
I have had difficulty with the neulasta shot the last time I went through this. This time I am doing the neupogen shots, but they seem to be just as difficult,not just at one hard "time". I am seriously considering getting the Neulasta so as to get through the pain quicker, but then that may not be the best idea. Any suggestions?
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