Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Hello Ladies,
Well finished 1st chemo on Wednesday had Neulasta shot on Thursday and so far so good. With regard to the decadron keeping me awake. My onc rn told me Benydril is my friend for sleeping. As well as Atavan or compazine. I have had a bit of nausea at the end or middle of each day and I read online at another website that Angel Food Cake...yes Angel Food Cake is good for chemo nausea. So I tried that and it not only tastes good it works. I also ate a banana and took a compazine and ativan. I did one at a time seeing which would work or how. I spaced it out food and then each med one hour later. I now love my little treat and then the meds to help.
I do see a little swelling in my hands and fingers but it does not bother me. And a slight headache and back pain so I have increased the water and advil every 4-6 hours. Seems to be keeping me feeling pretty good.
We have such a great group on women sharing on this website I feel so honored to have you all as my Survivor Sisters.
Everyone be strong and be brave we will take this sucker on.
Shari
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Welcome Shari, I wish you luck starting out!
below is a repeat of what I said this morning on another thread--hopefully helps anyone behind me--
for those with the heartburn --my onc did say the prilosec and I'm sure whatever we take, takes a time to work, a few days at least, It has really helped but does not make it go away completely(for me tx4)
Good Morning, I'm in the thick of it all, got to sleep in though--thanks to my WONDERFUL MOM! GETTING THE KIDS OFF TO SCHOOL AND DOING A LOAD OF LAUNDRY, I JUST LOVE HAVING HER WITH ME & I realize lucky-- after each tx! It's day 4 last tx I had hot flashes all night last night woke me up at least 5 times on top of all the trips to pee--at least the liver is working getting those toxins processed killing off those cells and out of my body, I was having the hot flashes occasionally with last txs but more like cold sweats, last night it was heavy sweating with bad headaches. I also have the heartburn(taking prilosec) this morning and there's the sore throat. I'm very fatigued all i feel like doing is reading these comments and laying on the couch this morning. I am being postitive I am signing up for my tennis league today and can not wait to start back into my regular workout routine! I am getting my life back in order after all of this!
bracing for the Neulasta to hit Oxycodone at my side, each time seemed to hit on days 5-7
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Yeah, you should see the stuff that's appeared in the medicine cabinet in the past 3 days! I did go out and buy the generic OTC versions of Prevacid and Pepcid. I tried the Pepcid last night and I think it helped a bit.
After a rough morning, I finally started feeling better today. I think there were some things I was doing wrong. First, I had been chugging water on an empty stomach, and it turns out my stomach is not in the mood for that right now. Second, I wasn't snacking often enough. You're right--a few crackers, one of those little cups of jello with fruit, half a glass of ginger ale, a piece of (lightly) buttered toast--take as needed.
I was kind of hoping my onco would give me some stronger anti-nausea meds, especially when I told her I was so darn vulnerable to sea sickness. She did decide to write a script for phenergan, which she wasn't planning to do. She figured the anti-nausea meds in the i.v. (decadron + Zofran) plus the 2 days of decadron at home, plus Ativan as needed to sleep at night, would be enough. Heck, I've been throwing-up seasick on scopolamine patches. Unfortunately, my insurance no longer pays for Emend--it was on their formulary last year, but they took it off ($$$ I suppose).
I haven't felt bad since late morning today--just tired, a bit run-down. It's time for my p.m. decadron, and maybe I'll try the Ativan tonight. One more day of decadron tomorrow, and then I'm on my own.
It's funny (knock on wood), but I haven't felt any aches or pains from the Neulasta injection yet. The oncos at my cancer center give it on the same day as the chemo infusion, so I got mine yesterday. There are some early reports showing that it works as well if given same-day as next-day, but the official guidelines still call for next-day administration. At least I don't have to go anywhere and mingle with sick people during the low ANC time.
Don't y'all feel like you're participating in a big chemistry experiment?
otter
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Hey Otter, sorry you are not feeling so well. I am on day three and kind of how do I say...backed up. Tried walking on treadmill then took a colace wondering If I should take another. I guess another walk tomorrow and hopefully back on track. Here is what has helped me with Nausea tonight...baked potatoe and then mint chip ice cream. The walk could have helped as well. Good luck to you.
40something...good luck over the next few days with Neulasta pain...I am right behind you so hoping to hear you do not get any LOL then maybe I will not. Good luck.
Shari
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I'm on day 4 after my 3rd tx and still feeling slightly queasy, which didn't happen the two times before. I've taken ativan at night which has helped me sleep. Part of the problem may be that I'm also on an antibiotic for a cyst on my back; I finish that med tomorrow. However, that med may be what's keeping me from getting constipated.
This time I've been burping a lot. Any remedies for that?
Tea tree oil - after last tx my little toe toenails really hurt so I've started using the TTO. How often do you apply it?
I'm also more tired this time than before, though I managed to take a walk yesterday.
Hope we can all rest a bit for the weekend!
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Bee Girl - I burp all the time and have the hiccups bad the first week. At work try to internalize the burping, but at home I figure there is more room out than in.
Just finished a run...then we have softball game...at least it is not raining....
Sharon
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Beegirl: Apply the TTO twice a day. You can also use a nail strengthener twice a week. I like OPI's Nail Envy. I've had no major nail problems so far with this regimen and my nails are growing like crazy!
Otter: See if your insurance will cover IV Aloxi. It was great. And look into the Sea Bands-- for real, they worked!
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bee girl...have you tried pepcid ad or some sort of over the counter antiacid ?? I have read that helps. Also if you are backed up have you tried Colace, stool softener or Senacot laxative a bit stronger. I too am a bit backed up for a day now so I tried one of the colace with no luck and now I am going to take a walk to see it that will help. Or I will be stepping it up on Colace. Good luck ~~
Shari
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I have used the chewables Rolaids (comes in fruity flavors) for indigestion and that does seem to help, along with any burpring or gas issues. I never knew so many s/e could come up with the TC/everyone rest and have a good weekend.
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Today is day 3 of tx #1 and I'm feeling GOOD, especially compared to yesterday morning.
Oh, the burping and hiccups--I get 'em, too. They start right along with the indigestion (sort of gastric reflux, which I almost never had pre-chemo). I've been taking Pepcid AC (generic OTC) when that happens, along with 2 Tums for instant relief, and it helps. The gastric problems come mostly in the evening, right after my night-time dose of Decadron, so I'm wondering if that's related. I've gone back to sleeping in my recliner, which also helps a lot. Today is my 2nd and last day of oral (post-infusion) Decadron.
I was also afraid of being "backed up" (waste management problem, as it's been called elsewhere on these boards). Even a couple of Tums can dry me up; in the hospital for my mast/SNB, the pain meds had me stopped up and it lasted about 3 days. Because of all the warnings I read here, I bought some generic OTC Colace (docusate) and also some docusate + senekot (generic). I took a docusate the 2nd night after my tx (waited 'til then because of concerns about the opposite problem), and it has helped.
As for nausea, I didn't have any today (well, maybe just a whisper this a.m. before my first crackers). I'm sure I can get stronger meds if I call, because the onco nurse told me that. I just need to loosen up and take what they've already prescribed for me. One problem is that I haven't figured out how to fit in all these new meds (script and OTC), along with the meds I take normally for BP, cholesterol, & thyroid. Some of those have timing issues (empty stomach etc.) or can't be taken with other meds (like antacids). So complicated! I'm afraid if I put too many things in my tummy at the same time, there might be a chemical reaction!
Oh, and last night and this morning, my face and chest were really red--it looked like a sunburn. The oil pores on my nose were pouring out oil, too (gross, I know). You think it's the Decadron? I don't know--mine seemed to come on just shortly before I took my Decadron, and was gone about an hour later. I'm wondering if it's the Taxotere. Do you get a rash from the Taxotere, once you are off your Decadron? What's that like?
So, when can I expect the Neulasta hell? Nothing has happened yet, but I am afraid I was too optimistic to think it would come early. Today is so good that I don't want to give it away. I can't see this getting any better until about 12 weeks from now, all things considered!
So many questions....
otter
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Otter - you might not get the Neulasta hell - not everyone does. My chemo nurse said to me the other day that she thinks it's 50/50 (who gets the joint pain and who doesn't). I have not had it, and I am forever grateful.
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Otter: I had the neulasta shot the day after tx #2. My doctor won't give it unless you get a fever or your wbc count gets really low after the first round. It has been 10 days and I have not had any pains at all, so hopefully it will be the same for you. Actually, for me, after day 5 I feel pretty good and by the end of the 2nd week I feel great. It may get worse by tx#3, I'll let you know.
Has anyone spoken to their onco about having your ovaries removed as compared to Tamoxifen? I know you still need some kind of hormone therapy but I also know that ovarian cancer is hard to diagnose and treat. I asked my doctor but did not get a straight answer so I will probably get a 2nd opinion. My insurance will not cover testing for the breast cancer gene but my oncotype score was low.
Tigwin: I will definitely try the Angel Food cake. I have a hard time finding things that taste good the 1st week or 2.
debbie
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KathyL: What was your reaction during transfusion. I didn't have a reaction tx#1 but during tx#2 I bent down to take something out of my bag and when I sat up I became really dizzy, could see "stars", became short of breath, and felt a pain in my abdomen. My doctor stopped the transfusion for about 30 min. and gave me Benadryl and another pre-med. Should I expect a reaction again next time? I know I will get pre-meds automatically. If so, does it get worse? It was a little scary.
Debbie
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Thanks for the suggestions about dealing with the burping. I'll look for some pepcid AD.
KathyL - will try the TTO 2x/day. Is it supposed to dry? I've used Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails so will maybe add that though removing it is tiresome.
I fortunately don't get the Neulasta hell, but it may be because I'm on clarinex for allergies, similar to the claritin that some of you find helpful.
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otter- I had the red face & swelling after my 2nd tx, I had tried to cut down on my steroids early to combat the sleepless hyper-ness I experienced after tx1, I also took the decadron and it subsided in a few hours- my onc said it was an allergic reaction to taxotere
I have asked about the removal of the ovaries, my onc leans to tomoxifin at my age 43, she mentions it helping with osteoporosis. But if I am gene positive no doubt take them out.
Today day 5 tx4, I feel real tiered and run down and a horrible sore throat, headaches. I hope I am not developing thrush. I had the hot flashes again all last night too. This is last tx and I'm not complaining I just can not wait till next week when it's down to just the eye twitching!
My nails have gotten tender at the nail beds each tx but they are good and growing as good as ever, I have not used the TTO.
Pattty
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Red face etc. can't be the taxatere, because I've not even gotten pink. But then all are different I guess.
Nuelasta won't get "hellish" if you stay on top of the pain meds.
Otter..did you get the shot or are they waiting to see if you need it?
If you get an irritated feeling in your bladder area, get it checked. The Cocktail we're on, is pron to playing havock with the bladder.
Oily nose, that's a new one. My nose just drips.......and it's not oil.
Artsee/Evie
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debap- I found this artical in the <Research News> section may want to read Ovary removal ups breast cancer survival for some0
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http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Individualdrugs/Docetaxel#2362
I wish I had gone to this site before tx 1 covers side effects of taxotere pretty good site to read if you have just started txs--- it does say taxotere causes allergic reactions in some which is why we take the steroids
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Hello fellow TC ladies:
I also had an allergic reaction to Taxotere on my second infusion. I had no trouble the first round at all. I did have some flushing for a couple days afterward (red, warm cheeks) but no other problem. This time, within 5 min of starting the taxotere, I got very dizzy, short of breath, face & chest got very red, and blood pressure shot up. Onc stopped the drip and gave me benedryl to relax and tagamet to handle the allergic reaction. Once everything calmed down they continued the taxotere at a slow drip. Now I have to take decadron day before chemo and 5 days following to prevent any future reactions. (Hopefully!) It really scared me when it happened. I was also given Ativan to take night before chemo so I can get a good night sleep. I also am experiencing major chemo fog this round and having problems with my eyes twitching. Any suggestions? I appreciate all your comments and though I don't always post I read quite often how you guys are doing. You are all very brave and I look to all of you for my own strength to get thru this. Thanks and be well!! ((((Hugs))))
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Patty...Thank you for the info on the Taxatere site. It was really interesting.That should calm some of the ladys anxiety about certain s/e's. At least we know we weren't hatched from a left over Dinasaur egg or something.
I want to share a neat experience I had last night. My 5 year old grandsons birthday was yesterday and we went over for the party.
My sweet daughter-in-law, had sent for pink BC bracelets for every person that came and BC ribbon pins for all the ladies including my 6 year old grand daughter. She was sooo proud to be wearing it and quite frankly so was I. She truly touched my heart by sending for all that.
So no more cool stories except, that for the last two days I have NOT SWALLOWED a drug!!!YEAH!
Hope all of you are getting on good, I'm still praying for you....
Artsee/Evie
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Otter - I had the flushing with my last round. The first night it lasted most of the evening. Then I got it the second night too but not for as long. Unfortunately I get it almost daily now, for anywhere from 1/2 an hour to an hour. Right now, it is just on my cheeks, where the first night it was my whole face. I believe it is from the taxotere. I am about 4 weeks out from my last treatment btw. I haven't been able to figure out if I am doing something to bring it on or how to prevent it...
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Debap...Yeah I know the taste thing..drank a root beer tonight and nada nothing it tasted flat and like it had not root left in it. The angle food does a bit of the trick for nausea...good luck. Mint chocolate chip ice cream still tastes good as peppermint patties. Mint is a natural anti nausea.
Artsee..love the story. My sister and mom all bought the Komen braclets for everyone in my family. My mom and dad have not taken theres off...it is so special to see how someone can care so much. Just a little rubber bracelet can mean so much. My niece sent one to each of my three best friends so they would feel included. Very touching..and my cat things one is hers !!! LOL
Be Well All,
Shari
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Anna- hope you are doing better today, KathyL mentioned drinking tonic water for eye twitch, I have not tried it yet.
Today day 6 tx4 -hot flashes all night and headaches sore throat, but this morning much better, slight headache and sore throat, but very doable I can get around and get things done, pray neulasta passes me over this last round, I'm taking the oxycodone to try to ward it off!
Evie, Shari, I also love all the jewelry for BC, I sent a Mother's- Daughter's- Sister's necklace to all my sister's, sister-in-law's, nieces and my daughter. Some seemed to appreciate other's seemed uncomfortable about it. I also had several wonderful friends give me bracelets of hope I wear proudly. I bought most at the breastcancersite.org, there are a lot of nice things good prices where proceeds go towards BC and many other organizations very nice site.
I will be signing up for the Race for the Cure Detroit this week, I have done it once before, but not as a survivor!
Nice to hear from you PALady
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Day 6 out from T/C (4 cycles) + Neulasta. Anyone else suffering Neulasta side effects right now??? I feel like a truck has not only hit me, but dragged me down the road. Advil is cutting the pain....sort of, but how long does this last?!
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Um, for me it's not a truck, but I'm pretty sure it was at least a VW bug.
I'm day 4 out from my first TC (with day 1 being the day of tx), and this is the first day without Decadron. I got my Neulasta injection on the day of my TC tx (standard protocol at the cancer center where I go). Yesterday afternoon, I started feeling a tiny bit achy, with very mild, very brief but sharp stabbing pains in my lower back. It was almost like somebody was poking me with a sharp stick. I might not have noticed it had I not read about Neulasta bone pain here. (Sometimes do we read TOO much?) I took an Advil last night, and during the night I had some more, mild pains here and there. They were positional--worse when I was lying flat on my back than when I was on my "good" (non-mast/SNB) side.
Today it's a bit worse. I feel kind of achy in general, but there are distinct sharp stabs in my legs, shoulders, back, and hips. I hesitate to call this "stabbing pains", because it's not really that severe--it just feels odd. I've not felt anything like this before. They're just sharp little stabs that come and go. My hips and upper back are starting to ache a little, though.
I took 2 Advil an hour ago, so we'll see if that helps. I haven't tried the Claritin experiment--maybe I'll go to that next time. I'm hoping that Advil will keep this under control. So far, it's not anything that would interfere with what I want to do today (which wasn't much, anyway), but it is new, strange, and disconcerting.
If this is Neulasta pain, I hope it lasts (new-lasta?) just a day or two, like I read on the web. I was warned by my onco and chemo nurse that Taxotere also causes muscle and joint pain, but I thought that would be over by now. I also don't know how much of this is due to Decadron withdrawal. Steroids are notorious for making you feel better than you really are.
otter (a tiny bit ouchy today, but not a big deal yet)
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Morning everyone. Sure was expecting to be reading more. My computer is running strange, got everyone's postings after I posted this. So got kicked into another page and can't remember what I read. Chemo fog? Ok. Guess everyone has spring fever? Better than se, I'm hoping that's the case. I had great energy yesterday so didn't allow myself any time to post or be on the Internet. It was a beautiful day and had several things to do. So, probably over did it, but it is a good feeling when you have energy and an appetite.
Can't eat stuff I normally have enjoyed, mostly spicy food. My mouth is so sensitive that I am making due with cheese, milk shakes, fish and veggies. Fried is out. Pasta, breads, anything with dough makes my stomach turn. Even the nausea pills don't work for that. Guess it's one way to get me to change my eating habits. Don't really eat much fried foods, but french fries are my weakness. Now I don't have that problem the smell gets me.
So other than my stomach, my legs are a bit achy and I plan on just relaxing today. We have a friend that is in the hospital and the onc nurses said that I can visit through today. Dh will have to go it alone after today until they are sure about my wbc.
Wish everyone a sunny happy Sunday.
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Hi, Otter
I being reading about you, and I am sorry you being having some disconfort and I hope that you get better and better each day.
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DeBap: My taxotere reaction with round #2-started with some vague nausea, saw flashing lights (like stars), felt hot and dizzy (people said I turned bright red from my chest up), BP shot up, and had trouble breathing/shortness of breath. My nurse stopped the infusion. I got oxygen, Benadryl, extra decadron (I took it orally the day before/of/after chemo), and saline. After ½ hr. they restarted the infusion and I was fine. My onc said I shouldn't have a reaction the next time... but no guarantee (I'm one of those "fun" patients that's always the ends of the Bell curve of statistics!). My third round of chemo they started the taxotere really slowly, so I didn't notice anything until about 15 minutes in-and I knew what to look for this time. I started with the nausea and feeling hot, and I started to get red-my nurse didn't waste anytime turning the infusion off! I'd gotten benadryl already as a pre-med. They just gave me more. The rest of the infusion went fine. My last round of chemo I got 50mg of Benadryl and 10mg of Decadron (extra) as pre-meds, and I finally had no reaction with a low infusion again. About time! So glad to be done so no more reactions. They are scary!
So, I'd say the reactions CAN happen again, but hopefully shouldn't. And I guess they could get worse, but you'll be so in tune to what happens-you'll catch it early most likely like I did if it starts up again. Try to relax-remember the nurse will watch you like a hawk if you've reacted once already!
Beegirl: The TTO is supposed to dry. I put it on and then use a scented hand lotion right away. So by the time the lotion is dry the TTO is, too. I have to say I gave myself a manicure today and my nails look great-no signs of coming off yet!
Otter: I noticed some flushing to my face the day after my last round of chemo. I thought it was from the extra steroids they gave me as a pre-med. It went away by the afternoon.
I found it impossible to tell what made me hurt-- the neulasta and/or the taxotere. But I really think it was the taxotere b/c my first round I did not get neulasta and I still had the aches, which unfortunately for me, got worse each round. My body aches/pains felt like I'd been beaten really-like I should be covered in bruises but I wasn't. It hurt to lay down, felt better to be upright or moving (but that still didn't make it go away). Advil 400mg every 6 hours worked best for me, as did heat (I got a heated blanket for Xmas-love it!). I tried Claritin, which did help a little (10mg daily starting the evening of the neulasta shot and continuing up to a week; I took it for 4 days). I found I did not need to take the Advil as much when I was on the Claritin. My aches started on day 3 in the evening, and were over by day 6.
Anna: Not much we can do about chemobrain I don't think-just take things slowly and give your brain extra time to process things. As for the eye twitching, my eye doc said to drink a half cup of tonic water daily for it. Tonic water contains quinine which is supposed to helps settle the muscles. I haven't tried it yet.
Artsee: Cool story. My family also wears the bracelets, and I agree- it's a great feeling to have their support that way.
Not much going on for me. I have to say three weeks out from chemo and so far I'm doing OK. Taste buds have returned-yea! I can finally taste chocolate again. Tuesday I have my first herceptin only infusion (prior to this I got it with each chemo round). Will have to see if I have new SEs to contend with. I hope not.
I've been keeping busy at home. I am also going to do our local Relay for Life in June. My personal page can be found at http://www.middletownrelay.org/. My team is Merrie Moppet Marchers.
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Hi Everyone..I started a new thread about our favorite "advice" from our Dr. or nurse. Lets make it a thread of "Helpful advice" from experience, and share it with all of us.
Glad everyones having a fairly decent day.
Hugs..Artsee/Evie
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40somethingmom: Thank you for the link! Since my onco was not much help I think I will talk with my gynecologist who I will see next month. In want to do everything possible to decrease my risk of going through this again. Did you just finish your last treatment or do you have 6?
KathyL: It sounds like the same reaction I had. Hopefully the premeds will help next time. I will also ask that they run the chemo slow. I asked the nurse to run the cytoxan slower my 2nd tx because it made me very dizzy with a lot of sinus pressure.
Tigwin: The only soda I can drink after treatment is ginger ale. I also eat sherbert and popsicles to make my mouth taste better. For some reason only vegetables (especially sweet potatoes) taste good. Oh well, doesn't last forever!
Debbie
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