Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
Comments
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otter - I would put in a call to your onc JUST in case. Better to be safe than sorry and they can note it for later. sorry,
try not to scratch ,dear. And snakes! Geez, what else do you need?! I guess that's Texas? We have snakes in North Jersey - different sort, just as scary
goldie - congrats on #4! even though it wasn't easy, it's behind you and you can keep moving forward! Is rads next?
Sarah, another WELCOME. But not an enthusiastic one, since none of us is too happy about showing up here. But, that being said, it is a great place to compare stories, vent, gripe, find solace and comfort. This thing seems to kick us all in it's own unique way and while there are many similarities, you will find what works for you, what affects you most and what helps you with it all, not just pharmacologically, but emotionally. You always have the best thoughts of everyone here!
CHJ - wow, having gone through a huge move just 4 years ago, I can commiserate! I can't imagine doing it along with chemo. But you are strong and WILL do it, just let others help. Good luck. I could go for a low-maintenance home right about now. My 1920's house kicks my butt on a regular basis, always something.
Well, I am on day#5 and most of you know what that means - I feel like CRAP! Interestingly enough, I seem to be having MUCH less bone pain from the Neulasta this time??? Glad about it, but strange considering I needed percocet to sleep last time. Maybe it's delayed?
Other than that, just feel like I've got wet concrete in veins and am moving s l o w and riding the couch - more tired this time. Plus, I am experiencing some GI upset that I didn't have last time. Not nausea, but crampy, some diarrhea and general blah feeling. Last time it was constipation - go figure. I guess I can back off the Senokot.
When someone figures this whole thing out....will you let me know?!
I am determined to not miss absolutely everything this weekend and I'm forcing myself out tonight to attend my son's ice hockey game - hey, at least no hot flashes!
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Otter - I've always used benadryl for hives, so I don't think it would hurt - they give it to us anyway. I'd also call the dr. and let him know what's going on.
CHJ - there is no way I would want to move NOW. I'm not really interested in moving at any time. I'm just too lazy to worry with the work involved. I started to when my dd graduated from highschool and I would be in the house by myself, then changed my mind.
Today apparently is my day. I got up, mopped up the floor a bit (the dashound still leaks), and hit a brick wall. Laid on the couch for a bit then went to bed. Kinda of achy and real sleepy. Diarrhea has hit - Angie think we could combine problems and then both be ok? My dh came in to check on me and Cody (the big black dog) was laying with me. He moved between us, put his big heavy paw on hubby and growled as if saying "leave her alone". Now, if I could just get him to bring me a drink when I want it!
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beachmom, hope you will feel better, aren't the dogs great, my 2 miniature schnauzers are by my side 24/7, they know when we feel bad, I have taken imodomium when I had the diarrhea and it really helped,just one dose, I have the eye twitching thing going on today. Rest yourself, hopefully tomorrow you will be feeling better
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Thanks lotodgs. I'm beginning to feel better. You are so right about the dogs. We have 4 and 3 cats. One of them is constantly with me. At night, they surround the bed and take turns sleeping with me (all but the dashounds, he's too short to get up). When I had my tx on Wednesday, they had a therapy dog there. It was really nice, especially since he looked almost exactly like one of ours.
Hope everyone has a good weekend.
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Beachmom...That's how i start out. I feel really good when I get up and then somewhere half-way through the morning I just run out of gas and the yucky stomach starts and you could not force me to eat. It seems with every TX the ickies stay around longer. Do you find that? It's confusing.
Otter...it's great that your having a seemingly better s/e's this time. I remember last tx we didn't see you on the threads as much.Keep it up. I hope everyone starts feeling yourself soon if you aren't already. Take care,
Evie
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Evie - this wa my first tx, so I can't say what'll happen next time, but I've heard that's what happens. I'm hoping not, since I wanted to go back to school the Monday after the next tx. I might need to revamp that schedule a bit. Eating isn't a problem. I did find that as the day went on, I could taste less and less, but it didn't stop me from trying to find something that might taste. The cold slurpee was good. Couldn't taste it, but the cold was nice.
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Artsee: I saw Nioxin at a salon today, then checked it on the internet. What system do you use/recommend, and how safe is it?
Thanks,
beegirl
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I took a Zyrtec at lunchtime, and it's been 7 hours and the hives aren't any worse. There aren't any more spots, and the ones I have aren't bigger. I also don't have any of the "bad" allergy symptoms like difficulty breathing or anything. So, I figured what is the on-call onco going to tell me, except to take a Benadryl and call if it gets worse.
If it does get worse, I'll call (I promise). And for sure on Monday morning I'm going to call my own onco's office and talk to her nurse to let her know this hive-thing happened.
Darn. Aside from this new little problem, my SE's are much milder than last time. Even the Neulasta seems to be kicking less this round. I sure would like it if this doesn't interfere with my 2 remaining treatments. I've had no reaction at all during my infusions themselves, so far.
otter
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Otter: I am so glad to see your comments because I'm experiencing the same thing and have not really found any other threads addressing this se. I'm on TC as well (4 sessions, 21 day intervals). Developed a mild and local rash in 2 places after Round 1, day 9/10 (no Neulasta shot). After Round 2 it started again on Day 9 (this time I did get a Neulasta shot). But this time it was hives/rash/swelling over my whole body. I was especially disappointed because I woke up (as much as you wake up after a sleepless night) on Day 10 with my left eye swollen shut, my lips puffy and my whole body boated. The itchiness nearly drove me insane! This also was the day I proposed my dissertation. I can't believe I went through with it (the proposal). I am still sort of resentful that I couldn't enjoy that day. It was something I have prepared for over 6 months. Ah well.
Anyway, I go for Round #3 on 4/28 and I'm pretty nervous about the hive-thing happening again. I don't know how much more of that I can take. This is the only se that has really disabled me and it truly did get worse from round 1 to round 2 . . . what's going to happen for round 3??? My onc just says it's unusual and doesn't really have a new plan for me at this point. Thanks for listening--I haven't posted before but have gained lots of support from this wonderful site. It's really quite amazing.0 -
Hello beachmomo13...Hope you are doing well would like to find out about your experience as you go along. I think i will be starting mid May shortly after the Oncotype comes back. Hang in there...
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beachmom13: I have my treatments on Wed. also, and usually by Mon. I feel well enough to get out of bed and go to work. During the weekend though it is pretty tough to get moving. The bad taste is the worst for me and lasts about 2 weeks.
Sarah: I am 42 years old, Stage 1, and no family history also. My faith in God definitely gets me through. It is hard, but not for the entire cycle and you will get through it. Just take it easy and don't expect the worst. Ask a lot of questions here so that you can compare notes and can be prepared for things to come. It honestly has not been as bad as I thought it would be. I do miss my hair but have learned to put it in perspective.
chj127: I will definitely say a prayer that your closing goes well! We sold a house last Dec. and it was so difficult in this market. Make sure you let your friends and family help, it makes people feel good to give to others and sometimes it is hard to know what to do. Let us know how your marriage conference went. I have been putting my poor dh on the back burner through all this stuff.
believer: Thank you for the advice!
otter: Please be careful with hives. They can be dangerous b/c sometimes you can get them in your respiratory track and have trouble breathing. The oncs are on call for a reason and don't mind getting back to you.
algw: I hope you are feeling better soon! Day 5 is never any fun. Maybe getting out to your son's hockey game will keep you distracted.
40somethingMom: I haven't seen you posted on here. I hope you are feeling great and are too busy to long on!
Minimal se weekend wishes for everyone!
Debbie
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debap - how did you feel from Wed. toFri? I've felt great during that time. I'm wondering if I should try to work those days, or stay home. It's easier to stay home than come home from school.
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Good Evening all - a stormy one here in Va
Otter - Last night I had some small hives on both of my hands....took 2 tylenol pm and they were gone this morning...however 2 pills caused me to sleep 11 hours...didn't even hear the dh go turkey hunting til he crawled back in bed at 10..
Skarem - Welcome...you will be fine now that you have found this group...hang in there
Handylady - Congrats on the dissertation proposal...what is your field...I have some credits toward my doctorate..but then the kids went to college and I didn't have enough money....maybe in a few years I will get back to it...
Believer - What stretches do you do...my arm and breast have definitely been more swollen after treatment 3
We did get in a nice motorcycle ride before the storm..went to a local vinyard, then came back on the blue ridge parkway. I did notice my right arm getting tired keeping the trottle going...but loved the ride...
Have a good night.
Sharon
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Just caught up on 3 pages of posts - and I've only been away less than two days! This post will be a long one ...
Abraxane update - just heard that even some of the insurance companies that previously were allowing it's use are tightening up their policies to only cover it with advanced stage BC (fortunately that is NOT what we all are dealing with). It looks like I slipped in under the wire as my last treatment is Wednesday, 4/30 and the policy change is effective. The next day!
Flying during/after chemo - just did it yesterday. (day 17 after Tx#3). Flew 1½ hours from NYC to Myrtle Beach. Wore a wig. No problems with security - even when my hair is completely different (color, length & style) than my ID. Chose the wig that used Velcro for adjustment rather than clips; went right through the metal detector without issue. Drank water on the plane. No arm swelling. Only had 3 lymph nodes removed and have not experienced swelling before. I have another trip planned for Day 12 after Tx#4 sine it's DH's company's annual conference which I almost always attend. That's going to be a bit more challenging with a 3 hour flight and being right at the low point for white blood cell (WBC) count. Onc said it was ok to go but did give me two antibiotics to take with me just in case. Told me if I don't feel well to call, describe symptoms, and they would tell me which antibiotic to take, how much of it and how frequently.
Nails - seem to be hanging in there. I'm keeping them manicured (go the day before chemo when WBC are back at their highest point) and also using Nailtique as extra protection. I do see some vertical ridges on my thumb on my treatment arm, have had some sensitivity on one big toenail and have something unusual on the other big toe but no real ridges/lines or discoloration. True confession time - I have been a nail biter my entire life but between not working and having all the chemo drugs ... I actually am growing out my nails. DH looked at me the other day and said "do you mean to tell me that going through chemo is less stressful than working?"
Nioxin - just found some on sale at a local salon as part of their "spring cleaning clearance". Figured it was meant to be there for me so bought it. Have not started using it yet, was thinking about starting after the last tx. My hair mostly came out but stayed with me around the edges. I had it buzzed recently so it would be the same length as it starts to grow again. Currently about ¼". Not sure what will happen after Tx#4. Appreciate hearing more about using Nioxin - which treatments and starting when?
Itchy, dry eyes - add me to the list of those experiencing this. I, too, was thinking it was allergies. Will start using some eye drops. Fortunately, I do not have the burning.
Tig - Myrtle Beach is really nice. Visiting my DH's mother for a few days. Managed to get to the Beach for a nice walk today.
Chj - congrats on the pending house sale. Take advantage of all the offers to help and get assistance with packing. Also, consider hiring the moving company to pack your kitchen - if it is anything like my kitchen, it would take you forever to pack it securely and with all the glass, it's nice to have the professionals handle that.
Sharon - are you doing anything special to celebrate your last chemo day on Wednesday?
Likely will be off-line for the next two days. Hoping everyone has stress and side effect free days.
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Evening all,
Just finally found my way to the computer. Sure was alot of posting today. I felt pretty good this morning. Our lawn mower died so had to go get a new one. A few weeks ago we had to have a tree taken down so dh had the stump ground down so I could plant some flowers. Had just enough energy to get them planted. Still have a bit of tastebuds and finally went out to dinner. It was nice to just relax and let someone else worry about the cooking and cleaning up. Dh has been doing a good job, but we all need a break. I mentioned that my truck AC went out. Well, just like me it's got to see the auto dr. I will be needing to invest a bit, but since it is paid off it sure is cheaper than a new vehicle. Go figure, they say when it rains it pours. That's enough for me right now.
Chj: Sounds great that you are getting to sell your place. Last time I went through this we refinanced and entered into entrepreneurship. Still have our day jobs. Each time I have gone through this wonderful bc/chemo dh has a new adventure. The first time we got into the vending business and this time a new fiber optic business. This one, we are working on the website and during this time also working vendor shows. Once the website is up I will share the .com for everyone to check out. So, I figure this...this time this business will go places and we won't be going through this "cocktail party" again. This helps dh get through this.
To all the new ones, welcome. I'm not good with names and with chemobrain, I have my moments.
This is not my first time around, as chj and a couple more of us we have learned somethings from the first time. My gain was to not try and tough it out without joining here. I missed this the first time, and am glad I looked into it this time. It has been a wonderful thing to have so many understanding sisters. Being bald is nothing to be ashamed of. Some of my male friends have said that at least mine will grow back. Each treatment can be a bit different, but the anticipation is the worse. Se are just part of what we have to deal with. I have finally finished all four rounds. My hair never really grew back much the entire time. That is of course for my entire body. Shaving was none-that was a perk. I have had minimal mouth sores, and minimal nail problems. My main pain has been due to the neupogen shots. I can not take the neulasta due to being extremely allergic. Either way, the bone pain keeps my down. All of us experience different things, but remember we are here to share, complain, fuss, scream and hold each other up. That is what helps us all keep our heads on straight. This is not an easy journey, but a journey that those have done before us and those that will be following behind. Rest assure, we do come out of this with a different attitude. How we choose to deal with it...tears, love, and building new friendships.Sweet
dreams all.0 -
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength"
This evening I had a revelation, a realization...I can do this! The chemo, the side effects - particularly the hair loss, the temporary separation from my job (being a nurse and taking care of others is such an integral part of who I am), the turning over of my 3&4th grade Sunday School class to someone else, the asking for and acceptance of help from others (I am self reliant almost to a fault)...and the list goes on and on
In my head I knew I could get through the journey with my buddies, Taxotere and Cytoxan, but only this evening did I believe in my heart, my soul. There was no lightening strike, no vision - simply the awareness that it would be OK.
Thank you God for walking with me during this trial! Thank you DH for loving me and accepting me, past present and future! Thank you BCO friends for understanding 1st hand and being willing to share from your hearts! Thank you DD for spending the day with me, helping me chose a fun wig and asking permission to chronicle these events with photographs and private scrapbook! and the list goes on and on...
Blessings to all of you and wishes for a peaceful Sunday
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beachmom13: Thurs. and Fri. are pretty good. I'm still on the decadron on Thurs. and the effects last through Friday. This schedule seems to work for me because my worst days are Sat. and Sun. I work in a school too (teaching assistant in high school).
SharonS: How swollen does your arm and breast get? I definitely don't want to deal with lymphedema on top of this. I have read that exercise helps and I know that you are very active. Any suggestions?
Happy Sunday!
Debbie
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BEWARE! Rachel's link is to a "tinyurl", which is a hidden web address. It is most likely spam or a commercial site. Don't click on the link.
otter
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Beegirl...Nioxin has starter kits for normal hair or for chemically treated hair. These have the "Bionutrient Rejuvenating" system in it.
This bottle, besides the shampoo and conditioner, is what's important for your scalp. This stays on and if the scalp gets a little pink, that is good. The blood coming to the surface, makes the hair grow. hope this helps you.
Now I have a QUESTION for EVERYONE. I noticed on the calendar that I have a dental cleaning appointment next week. Is it o.k. to go during TX's or should I wait because of all the poking and bleeding that happens sometimes??????
Thank you...Evie
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Evie,
During my chemo teaching last Thursday I was told NO routine cleanings during chemo due to the risk of infection. Fortunately, I had my teeth cleaned a week ago and my 1st treatment is May 1st.
Robin
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Robink, You message was very beautiful. I am glad you are finding some peace about all of this it can only help your recovery. I was at City of Hope for a surgery consult on Wednesday of this week and had time to go in the gift shop and I bought a bracelet which has the verse...
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength"
I was so happy to see the verse written by you!!! Amazing maybe God is reaching out to all of us in many different ways.
Artsee, I was told no dental or manicure appointments at all. I would run that by your Onc before you go. Good luck. Artsee you should write a book now that you are done painting.
I had a super night last night. I was able to meet 5 women who are done with treatment for dinner last night. They all meet during chemo treatments at my Ocn's office. It was such a great meeting of positive energy and kindness. They are all doing well and have brought me into their once a month dinners of laughing and chats. So honored to be able to share with all of you and my new friends.
Have a good sunday all.
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Thanks guys for the input on the dental cleaning.
Tigwig..speaking of writing a book, last night I went to see poet and author, Dr. Maya Angelou. now there is an awesome lady. She had quite a struggle she went through in her life.Here she is at 80 and still traveling in her big bus, speaking around the U.S.A.
What a great unit of lady's you have there. How lucky you are to have so much support and things in common right there in your town. No one by me has even brought up the subject of a chemo buddy.
Take care and hugs, Evie
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Evie, all the advice I read about oral hygiene and chemo said to schedule dental work before starting chemo. Just in case I would need chemo (!), that's what I did. There are two risks associated with cleaning--the risk of showering bacteria in your blood (with a low neutrophil count), and the risk of bleeding from gum damage (with a low platelet count).
OTOH, there is also a lot of evidence that flossing and daily dental care can cause those same things to happen, especially for people who don't floss regularly or who have bad gums.
If I were you, I would call my onco and my dentist to find out what to do. You are so close to being finished with your chemo--why don't you just reschedule your regular check-up and cleaning for later this spring?
otter
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Per my dentist, bs, ps, onc dr. just be patient and wait to do the regular dental checkups after all is said and done. Your body is going through stuff we don't even feel trying to keep up with the little things we are doing. Hydrating, and feeding for energy is the best to do at this time. My dr said that do what it takes to make it through. Don't stress, we'll all get through this together.
Artsee: you got the opportunity to speak w/Dr. Maya Angelou? What a wonderful experience. She seems like a beautiful person. How was she? Have you been doing you chemo treatments alone? Dh went with me every time except for when he had a bug. I'm there with you in spirit. What kinda stuff do you paint?
Today is a bit challenging for me. Still can't contribute in the bathroom. Bad thing is I'm hungry. Dh just headed out to the store for the wonderful: fleet, and magnesium nitrate. This is the worse it has been. Hope that I get some relief soon. Still drinking plenty of fluids, but no working....whew! Tomorrow I start the full week of neupogen shots. Not looking forward to it, but know that it is for my own good. I have read some of you say about having perky boobs and halters for the summer. Sounds like that is a major plan here. With all that I've been through, that seems absolutely wonderful.
Wishing all a happy Sunday.
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Hi girls, I've been lurking on an doff, and just wanted to pop in to say hello. lots of new names... I know the support will just continue for the newbies from you "experienced" gals now.
Evie" I concur about the dental exam... I'd put it off until chemo's all done. Even then, the immune system has taken a beating and needs recovery--- I'm 6 weeks out, and just developed an ear infection. Not something most adults get, and I had no real reason to develop it other than the immune system's still not up to par.
Also wanted to shout out to Goldilocks about the GI "issue": try Miralax. It works like a charm and is so easy on the system I use it with children all the time. For adults, I do 1-2 capfuls once a day (try in the evening) until "regular". Since you've been backed up for a while now, try 1 1/2 or 2 capfuls to clear yourself out.
Good luck to everyone doing txs this week.
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Thanks, Artsee -- so if I previously used semi-permanent color on my hair, I should look for the "chemically treated" kit? Great that you got to see Maya Angelou!
Now on day 5 after the final tx. The tastebuds are the worse ever. Yesterday I got myself some cut-up fresh pineapple and couldn't enjoy it. At least the B&R chocolate ice cream tasted okay. I even used mouthwash when I got up to pee last night.
Today has been the worst, too, for muscle pain in my left hip--guess the neulasta's finally making itself known. I did manage to go water walking at the pool, but going upstairs still hurts. But then I wonder if it has anything to do with the tick I found on my other hip yesterday morning in the shower. Probably too soon for any reaction to that, but really? No one else in the family gets ticks on them, and they spend more time in the yard, etc.
Goldilocks - hope you get some relief soon!
Hope you all can find ways to enjoy the day!
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Evie - I was going to ask about the dentist...I got my reminder that I have my appt on May 12th, which will be 13 days after....so I will ask onc on Wed...
Good weekend...my youngest just bopped in from school..he has finals coming up and said he couldn't study any more at school...he is outside playing with the dog...who was elated to see him!
Better run to the store and get some food for him to eat...we don't have too much...
Have a good week everyone...
Sharon
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Thanks all..I'm canceling my apt. in the morning.
goldilocks...No I don't go to tx's alone. With my dh and my brother and sister-in-law. We have a good time. The last time the nurses devoured the Morning Buns we brought to eat. Sometime the clinics give you a name of someone else going thru the same thing, and you can call one another, but they never did that at mine. I do have 3 BC survivors that call me every week to check in and give me support.
I'm sorry for you s/e's. They seem to be a little worse and a little longer every time. But soon the end is near.
Hugs, Evie
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ok, girls, need some cheering.
Tomorrow is my 45th birthday and it looks like it will be dismal. Still feel like crap (day#6) and have developed what seems like a chest cold, coughing, tight chest. My dh is out right now picking up the antibiotic my onc called in. I HOPE it will make me feel better and by tomorrow the S/E's will take a hike! I initially had plans to go on a beach trip with a few close friends - all celebrating our 45th - but alas, all those plans were shot to hell by my new friend BC!
I call dibs on the pity party for tomorrow!
I guess I'll make up for it next year-
Amy
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