Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
Comments
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otter: I take 4 decadron the day before, day of, and the day after treatment and it is given i.v. before TC. I still had a reaction tx#2. The nurse immediately stopped the taxotere and gave me benadryl and something else (sorry, can't remember what). Everyone came running with oxygen tanks. I felt flushed, short of breath, could see ''stars", and my heart rate went up. That seems the usual reaction according to this site. But I don't think many people have had reactions. I was fine tx#3 with the premeds. Don't worry, just speak up if you feel the least bit unusual. Also, you can always ask that they run it slow if you are worried. I always ask that the Cytoxan run slow so I don't get that burning sinus feeling and headache. They run Taxotere slow the 1st time to see if you have a reaction, then full speed the 2nd, which may be why more people have reactions tx#2. Good Luck tomorrow! Will you be half-way there?
chj127: Does the compazine make you feel dizzy? My onco prescribed Prochlorperazine and one of the se's is dizziness so I have been afraid to try it since I am always dizzy the first few days (the same time I have nausea)
algw and revkat: How did everything go today? Said a little prayer for minimal se's!
Debbie
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Been away for a few days so just now getting caught up on all the posts. Regarding bloating, my onco thought I was retaining more fluids than he preferred so decided to put me on a mild diuretic. I've never done that before so let's see how this goes. Had picked up 6 pounds in 10 days since the last tx. Anyone else doing this?
Robink - I picked up three wigs - one is from a wig salon in the next county over where the owner has been running the business for 20+ years, is hooked in with all the insurance companies, and has cancer patients as almost 90% of her clientele. She had 300 wigs in stock so lots to see although she is so good at it that I was in a wig that looked close to me (short, very dark brown & curly) in 5 tries. Bought the human-hair wig from her, mucho bucks, covered by my insurance. The second is from the Cancer Center at the hospital where I am being treated. It is a synthetic from Paula Young company but part of their salon series (made for salons rather than carrying the Paula Young label). It's collar length, dark brown, and straight. The third is the "Beth" from Paula Young. Synthetic, dark auburn and straight - my sassy wig. I have ended up wearing the Auburn o9ne more than any of the others! Paula Young's website is http://www.paulayoung.com/ Definitely get the ones that can be parted any way you want (rather than a fixed part) as it gives you more flexibility.
Evie - I was in the same camp at surgery decision time ... thinking no chemo but clearly that was not the ultimate outcome. Still don't think I would have opted for a mastectomy though.
Bd - wow, 1200, most impressive! Good for you. I just had the rest of my remaining hairs shaved yesterday and only took a long look in the mirror this morning. Have the nubby hairs at this point. Guess I'll try the lint roller soon. Not sure how soon (or long) it will be before I'm ready to go "topless". It is just starting to warm up here so the wigs have actually been quite comfortable.
Chj127 - glad to hear you had a good time at the Look Good Feel Better program. Great for you on the wig changes.
Ladybug - My onc says I can have an occasional drink as long as it is not treatment day or the day after and I go lightly. An occasional glass of wine works for me. Obviously, we all are different and on different drugs for side effects so check with your doctor before imbibing.
Beachmom - I called my radiation onc's office and asked "how close to the last chemo tx for starting things in motion?" when I was two weeks out from the FINAL TX (4/30). They said "now is good" so I'm scheduled for a mammogram this week, meeting with the rad onc on May 8th, have simulation/mapping session on the 21st and start the next week which will be 4 weeks after last chemo. When I saw my med onc yesterday for my standard mid-cycle appt, he mentioned he was going to call the rad onc so I filled him in on the plans. I'm going away for a week before starting rads - need to take a break from all of this and DH has a great conference at the Atlantis on Paradise Island so off I go. Thinking I might have to stick with one wig that week. Timing could change if either the med onc or rad onc determine we need to but at least I have a plan and can think about when I can do some other things.
Beegirl - My onc said the Ativan is good for nausea and sleep issues so sounds like the right thing to be taking if you have need for both.
Night all, sleep well.
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Been away for a few days so just now getting caught up on all the posts. Regarding bloating, my onco thought I was retaining more fluids than he preferred so decided to put me on a mild diuretic. I've never done that before so let's see how this goes. Had picked up 6 pounds in 10 days since the last tx. Anyone else doing this?
Robink - I picked up three wigs - one is from a wig salon in the next county over where the owner has been running the business for 20+ years, is hooked in with all the insurance companies, and has cancer patients as almost 90% of her clientele. She had 300 wigs in stock so lots to see although she is so good at it that I was in a wig that looked close to me (short, very dark brown & curly) in 5 tries. Bought the human-hair wig from her, mucho bucks, covered by my insurance. The second is from the Cancer Center at the hospital where I am being treated. It is a synthetic from Paula Young company but part of their salon series (made for salons rather than carrying the Paula Young label). It's collar length, dark brown, and straight. The third is the "Beth" from Paula Young. Synthetic, dark auburn and straight - my sassy wig. I have ended up wearing the Auburn o9ne more than any of the others! Paula Young's website is http://www.paulayoung.com/ Definitely get the ones that can be parted any way you want (rather than a fixed part) as it gives you more flexibility.
Evie - I was in the same camp at surgery decision time ... thinking no chemo but clearly that was not the ultimate outcome. Still don't think I would have opted for a mastectomy though.
Bd - wow, 1200, most impressive! Good for you. I just had the rest of my remaining hairs shaved yesterday and only took a long look in the mirror this morning. Have the nubby hairs at this point. Guess I'll try the lint roller soon. Not sure how soon (or long) it will be before I'm ready to go "topless". It is just starting to warm up here so the wigs have actually been quite comfortable.
Chj127 - glad to hear you had a good time at the Look Good Feel Better program. Great for you on the wig changes.
Ladybug - My onc says I can have an occasional drink as long as it is not treatment day or the day after and I go lightly. An occasional glass of wine works for me. Obviously, we all are different and on different drugs for side effects so check with your doctor before imbibing.
Beachmom - I called my radiation onc's office and asked "how close to the last chemo tx for starting things in motion?" when I was two weeks out from the FINAL TX (4/30). They said "now is good" so I'm scheduled for a mammogram this week, meeting with the rad onc on May 8th, have simulation/mapping session on the 21st and start the next week which will be 4 weeks after last chemo. When I saw my med onc yesterday for my standard mid-cycle appt, he mentioned he was going to call the rad onc so I filled him in on the plans. I'm going away for a week before starting rads - need to take a break from all of this and DH has a great conference at the Atlantis on Paradise Island so off I go. Thinking I might have to stick with one wig that week. Timing could change if either the med onc or rad onc determine we need to but at least I have a plan and can think about when I can do some other things.
Beegirl - My onc said the Ativan is good for nausea and sleep issues so sounds like the right thing to be taking if you have need for both.
Night all, sleep well.
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I do not take any meds prechemo - I get Ativan, Decadron and Aloxi just before chemo and then take Decadron for 3 days after. This combo has worked pretty well for me. Other than my weird hospitalization after #2 - I don't have many se's - general yucky feeling but able to work and do pretty usual things.
BD - hope things go better with your rads - it is bad enough chemo has to take it's toll - would be nice if rads gave you a little break.
Deb
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debap, yes, tomorrow is #2 out of 4 for me. I'll be half-way finished, although I don't think of it that way--at least, not until the SE's from #2 are done.
It amazes me how different each doc's protocol is. I can't figure out why Evie and I [& gramadeb] aren't being given dexamethasone a day ahead of time, like everybody else. There must be something else that compensates for that difference.
I plan to fuss and whine and plead, and tell the onco nurses how worried and stressed I am about a possible reaction to Taxotere with this tx #2, so will they PLEASE go slowly and watch me like a hawk. I had no reaction at all to #1, which was infused really, really slowly at first. Maybe that's the key. Thanks for the advice.
Last time I slept pretty well the night before my tx. I hope that's the case tonight. I'm tired enough; now I just have to turn off my brain.
otter
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otter -- we have so many of the same worries! But the blood test, blood pressure, infusion all in the same arm went fine today. And I didn't have any reaction to the taxotere. They did it on an hour drip which I have no idea whether is fast or slow.
Home now and trying to get all the laundry/food/kids stuff done while the steriods are still keeping me active. I really wish they would taper them a bit, last time I felt like I hit a wall the day after they were done, but the "offical" medical response is that we are not on them long enough to make a taper necessary.
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Oh, yay, revkat, it's good to hear from you! So, everything went OK today? I will use you as my role model (no offense, Evie) so as to avoid any Taxotere reactions tomorrow.
Everybody talks about being hyper on the Decadron, but I don't think it affected me that much with tx #1. Either that, or I'm just inherently lazy and nothing would motivate me to clean house at night. I'd much rather sit here in my recliner watching reruns of Law & Order on TNT or whatever channel is showing them at the time. (My dh thinks all the cable channels show Law & Order at night.)
Let's hope for a night with minimal SE's for those of you who are just out from your tx, and maybe just a good night's sleep for the rest of us.
otter
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If you're a Decadron person, I think you get it day before, day of ,and YES in the IV, and day after. That's what I get. But I take 2 pills twice a day before and after. I think some may take one. I also get the antiemetic in the premeds and luckily have had no nausea.
Thankfully, round #2 was uneventful and pretty smooth except for some difficulty with vein access, but the nurses were able to work their magic and make it happen. Nuelasta tomorrow - can't wait. I am counting out my percocets to make them last! I also expect to wake up with my Decadron "sunburn". I thought last time it was from the Taxotere, but today my onc said it's actually from the Decadron.
Who knows at this point?!
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Otter - I'm also not taking anything ahead of time. They did say I would be getting steriods in the iv that morning. I'll let you know what else, if anything, tomorrow
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revkat - glad to hear we both made it through round #2 w/o problems!
otter - I feel your anxiety. I was sweating it out last night and today a total nervous Nelly as my greatest fear is allergic reaction. I asked them to run it SLOWLY and they were happy to do just that. My chemo nurse said running taxotere any faster than half and hour will give you the sinus pain/headache. They ran it slowly over an hour and I felt nothing. Just ask for what you need and I think they will respect your wishes. I hope! And good luck, thinking good thoughts for you!
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I don't get any pre-meds in my IV. Just 3 zofran by mouth and the decadron by mouth the day before, day of, and day after. Then I take the zofran every 8 hours for the next 3-4 days. That seemed to keep the nausea at bay. (I also have compazine, but I haven't had to use it.) Oh, and I get the flush with the steriod right away, within hours of the first dose.
yea, we made it algw! I figure a week from now I can say I'm halfway done.
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Hello Wednesday Chemo Ladies...
Tomatojuice, bcs75, beachmom, kfalls, ellenoire, otter, swimangel.... I am thinking positive thoughts to all of you for your 1st, 2nd or 3rd treatments and wishing you the very best of feeling good and not SE's that cause you pain or stress.
with regard to steroids...I believe they are stronger in the IV then in a tablet form. So if you get them the day before you may or may not get them the day of in the iv. The iv would account for both days since it is stronger. Just my guess. Question the doc to rest your mind. Hopefully all our docs have a different path to get us all to the same result...SURVIVOR !!!!
GOOD LUCK WEDNESDAY !!!
MON, TUES LADIES...KEEP HYDRATING!! feel good.
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Wednesday Ladies - good luck!!
Woohoo!! I passed the support group "interview" today!!! You know what the sealed the deal - hanging out with you ladies. During the conversation I said "my friends are all great but going on the breast cancer board and being able to vent without having to explain why has probably helped me the most". So Dr. Nancy was like shocked and was like "so you're comfortable in a group setting and not feeling like you have to be the only one with cancer issues". I was like "are you kidding me, if I didn't have those other wonderful women going through the same hell I probably would have quit all this crap". So I'm in their group now!!! I guess there is some worries that single women who live alone pose to the group's dynamic. Silly Dr. Nancy, I didn't even tell her that I was a princess and this wasn't my real life -- she'll just have to figure it out the hard way like everyone else
So my rad onc. was also equally surprised about my reaction. Heck, my boob was still warm 12 hours after the rad tx. She thinks I have some kind of infection so I'm on antibiotics and tylenol for now. Not sure how I could have picked up something since I'm very careful about being around sick people. So I will try this antibiotic and see what the results are. Of course this means no dating Mr. Adams until I'm finished the drugs, but hey I barely knew him anyway
Mentally I feel better just knowing that my doctor is aware of the issue.Off to bed - it's way late here in the Atlanta.
Hope everyone has a good day and minimal s/e's.
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Good morning, all,
From the previous page, re: the Compazine - I have not noticed any kind of reaction. I don't take it too often, but if I feel like I need it, I don't hesitate to take it!
BD - way to pass that interview!! I'm sure you'll shake things up in that group.
Hope everyone is feeling decent at least today - or even better than decent. It's supposed to be sunny and warm (70's) here today, and I have a lunch date with a friend. Hope we'll find someplace nice to eat outside!
CHJ
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Good morning all! So, here I am 6 days post tx#2 and it is kicking my butt! I had the normal constipation and was taking the senekot, which btw .. I highly recommend. Works very smoothly and naturally without the cramping that normal laxatives cause. My blood pressure has been an issue since the first treatment, it went down after tx #1 and I landed in the hospital and had to adjust my meds. We thought we had it worked out, but as of lastnight, it is high, and I mean high enough to cause major headaches. I am achy and sore all over today and really regret coming into work. Fortunately I am only here until noon, if I can stand it that long. For those that have had the neuropathy, what did your doctor recommend for it? Mine started with vitamin B-6, which seemed to have helped. But once tx#2 was done, its back again and it isn't cutting it. I have a call into him to see what he recommends doing. I had the really itchy skin last time, and it is back again. And let me tell you, I am itching in places I can't scratch in public. And it is painful. I feel like I was run over by a truck this time, and last time I was dehydrated. None of that this time as I am drinking, drinking, drinking plenty of water, let me tell you.
Do ya'll find that you "bounce" between treatments? What I mean is, not so bad with one, the horrible the next, then back to not so bad? I've seen where some are kind of in between, but just wonder, is it normal? I keep thinking, I can do anything 4 times, but find myself wondering? Can I really? I mean, I always thought of myself as a strong person, but find myself waivering on that stance now. I have taken my meds regular as clockwork, have not cheated on the no alcohol and still feel like I am getting my butt kicked. I know I am not a wimp and believe me, am not getting down on myself. But I guess I am just having one of those days. I have to confess, its my first "doubt myself" day so far, so I figure I'm ahead of the game. Or maybe at least on a level playing field.
I wish a "no side effect" day to all and hope everyone is having the lovely weather we are here in Virginia.
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Morning sisters.
It seems as if there are several of us that are starting out with a rough day.
Tomorrow is my final tx. #4. Yip-peeee! Only thing is, I don't want to do it. Know that it is my last one, so I will. It is just that the side effects from #3 never stopped and here we go again. I am doing my best to stay strong. I know that tomorrow is the final one. Currently my side effects are my lower body pain. It hurts to walk, but I am still coming to work and not giving in to the pain. I am taking my pain meds as per the onc dr every 2 hrs. My left foot is still swollen and will need to address the "bloodclot" with the dr today when I see him. Of course, started the steroids this am and now have a throbbing headache, and inferno hot flashes.
I suppose the biggest factor is that the pain does not go away, at all. Just dulls a bit around 30 minutes after I take the meds.Ladybug: I am not a wimp either, but this seems to be more than a regular regimen..I know that the end of this mess is near, it's just getting the energy and air to push ahead. It is taking me even a bit of time to post, emotions are shot, plus everything else.....I normally let my pride and non-fussing stop me, but Sisters...I need your postive encouragement today.
Thanks in advance. Wishing everyone a se-free day, if possible.
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Otter..sorry I probably missed you before you left today. Hope all went well. I am given the same drugs as you have in the IV. Nothing before. Never had a reaction, except for that odd stomach pain in #2.
I have resined myself to the fact that it may have been a touch of the "FLU". I didn't have anything happen this time that was out of line with the normal happenings.
Question for Everyone...When do these Damn eye twitches end?? They are driving me bonkers!!!!
Try to have a good day.I will try as well.
Evie
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Artsee - I totally hear you on the eye-twitching! It's maddening. It always seems to happen to me when I am looking at someone & talking to them, and it's distracting. But as far as se's go, it could be worse...
Goldi - I am with you also. My last one is 2 weeks away, and I know I should be happier about it, but everyone around me wants it to be over, and I know it really won't be "over" until at least a few weeks past that last tx. See my other post that I titled "When chemo is (almost) over". I had a few meltdowns yesterday. People would try to encourage me (only 1 more, yippee!) and I would just start crying. Today is better for me, but I am still really, really tired... In the next 3 weeks I have no fewer that 6 doctor appointments. I know it will get better gradually, but I want it to be better NOW (dammit!!) Rant over. Thanks for letting me do that.
ladibugcyndi - you are saying a lot of the same kinds of things too. Everyone seems to have something that is driving them nuts. Hang in there girlfriend, and enjoy the sunshine.
CHJ
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Chj... check over in the 'starting chemo in Feb'. Did some more bellyaching over there. Can you tell i've had it?
Ev
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artsee, ladybug, chj, and goldilocks - you ladies can all do this. In all seriousness, if I did then you guys can do it. I'm a person with zero pain tolerance. Chemo doesn't care if you're a wimp or the strongest person on earth - the shit is going to kick your butt either way. It's some nasty stuff that they are putting in our bodies, but its only there to save us - to help us go on and have healthy and productive lives. I know my level of optimism is high today, but that's because I have faith in all you wonderful ladies that you will make it through this journey. You know I would never lie and be all cheery for no reason, but I KNOW you guys can do it!! It is the toughest, physically and mentally, thing I have (and many of you) ever endured but you can do this cause life is so much better with you in it!
Everyday that we suffer another s/e is another day that we are kicking this BC crap.
So here's a big virtual hug to all you ladies who are having a "doubt me" day. Don't worry, you will have more...just remember that you're doing all this crap so you can enjoy the rest of your life.
p.s. as someone who is 4 weeks out from the last tx - the eye twitching thing has finally stopped.
love you all and big hugs all around.
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Evie & bd - thanks for your support. I know I can do it, because I did it before. I just don't want to.
But the time will pass and life will get better. Yesterday (in particular) was National Pity Party Day, in my honor.LOL
CHJ0 -
Thanks BD...I think we all can do it when our attitudes change after all the crappy s/e's. Right now it's the stay of mind that's in a FUNK because we aren't feeling good enough...fast enough. What keeps me going is all of you who have to endure the same things and you are there to support us wissy- wooses.
Hugs, Evie...I'm going to attempt a walk outside. It's beautiful out. Talk to you latter.
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BD: Big Hug. I really needed that. Do you do housecalls? Better yet, come live with me till this mess is over.....oh yea, you aren't done.....
Chj: You and me both. It seems like last time was only a dream. This time is shorter, but Whew! Feels like this is years......my se are so miserable...my fingernails have also turned black. Last time it was both feet and hands. I had challenges then and had to have the toe nail completely removed, gone, never to grow back; off. It kept turning and not growing correctly. After it started hitting the bone, I couldn't take that...so guess with just my fingernails so far...that's a good thing. The bone pain is more than I ever remember, and dh says that it is far more intense than last time. I am having to use a cane occasionally.
I'm too young...Doing this again inside of 6 years is not fun. Yes, I understand that I will get through this. We will A-L-L get through this...It's when others tell you, you look great, I commend you, last one, ya-da, ya-da, ya-da........I'll trade them for a day...
Still grumbling.
Trying.0 -
Geez, I love all you ladies! Goldilocks, thanks for validating my feelings. One of my favorites is when people say, "you are such an inspiration." Which I take to mean, "I'm so glad it's you and not me."
Most of the time I just try to keep laughing. Because for real, people in general have been wonderful to me, and I'm blessed beyond belief. Sometimes you just have to vent!!
CHJ
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otter: I don't know if it's the best way, but when I have an immediate reaction to Taxotere, Benedryl is what they used. The last time they gave me a double-dose & finally the bad reactions didn't happen.
Beegirl - take as much compazine as you want - the minute I get queasy, I run for the bottle.
susan0 -
Just got back for my first tx. It was totally uneventful. I feel like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop.
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For all who have had an allergic reaction to the Taxotere - ask your onc about changing to Abraxane if your insurance will allow for that. It is higher cost than Taxotere yet made in a differnet manner that significantly reduces the potential for allergic reaction. I still take decadron but in a different manner (next time I will take 2 pills the night before Tx and then get an IV of it before the chemo drugs) and also get Aloxi.
Anyone care to adopt my slogan for chemo? "Every day is a surprise."
Hang in their ladies. Another treatment is behind us so we are that much closer to the finish line!
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How time critical is a specific start date for my chemo?
Diagnosis : early February
Lumpectomy: March 18, inadequate margins
Mastectomy/Port insertion: April 7
I have the prospect of a per diem job where contact with sick patients would be minimal. An ideal solution as it would permit me to work some while on chemo but also able to protect my health. The main problem is they want me to go through a 3 week orientation that would delay the start of my chemo treatments to mid May.
Given the fact that my nodes were negative, waiting for a late May or early June start date shouldn't be a problem....right?
Yeah - I know you all aren't my onc but I have come to value your opinions so I'm putting this out there for your comments.
Thanks!
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Robin...If it were me I'd want the chemo to start as soon as possible because the sooner it starts the sooner my life would be back to normal. No way could I wait till the middle of May. Sorry, that's what i'd do but you need to be comfortable with your decisions. I have made a new resolution since this started with me and that's 'ME 1st' and everything else falls into place after that.
Good Luck, Evie
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beachmom - I think I said those same words and felt exactly that way after my first tx. I am now one day out from tx #2 and have been lucky. No serious disabling side effects, just bone pain from the Neulasta. Hopefully, an uneventful infusion will mean manageable s/e's for you. It's nerve wracking to wait and see what happens. Just make sure you drink LOTS fluids, it really helps with everything and listen to your body. Rest when you feel tired, take support meds when you need them. Good luck! You can do it and will find your way like we all do.
bd- congrats on admittance to the support group! I'm happy here, being lazy and using you all as my support group! Hope your infection or whatever was causing the radiation warmth is getting better.
and to all of you having a rough time, here's another "you can do it!" cheer. I'm lucky and feeling strong today and am happy to cheerlead for you. I may need YOU tomorrow when my Neulasta pain kicks in.
Chj - I agree about people saying I'm an "inspiration". Like we have a choice??? We're all just doing what we HAVE to do to move on and get our lives back, didn't choose it and don't want to be here! I don't feel like an inspiration, I just think people don't know what to say
sometimes.
revkat - how are you feeling?
otter - how did it go? any allergic reaction?
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