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Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?

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  • beachmom13
    beachmom13 Member Posts: 85
    edited April 2008

    Happy Birthday Amy. I hope everything is better by tomorrow.  If not, pick a new birthday and celebrate then.

  • ladybugcyndi
    ladybugcyndi Member Posts: 35
    edited April 2008

    Hi everyone!  Have had a very good weekend... started feeling much better by Friday evening and getting better each day.  I had a single bad day after tx#2 vs. an entire bad week after #1. I would say that is an improvement!  My taste has slightly improved, so even better yet.

    The nail thing .. my nails have been peeling and cracking, and generally look gross.  I miss having my nails done and can't wait to finish in May so I can get a darn manicure! 

    My doc put me on vitamin b-6 after #1 for the neuropathy in my fingers and feet.  Took about a week, but it did help. I was hoping since I stayed on it that I wouldn't have problems  with it again, but it did come back with #2.  My fingers were super sensitive and the heels of my feet, but it only lasted for about 4-5 days and got better. 

    The rash, oh, yeah, I got that bad after the first one and again after this one.  My hands especially were hit hard by it.  Between my fingers itched so bad.  I used carmol 10 lotion and it helped a great deal.  This time, OMG .. my underarms, my hands and places I can't scratch in public .. it was dreadful!  The doctor was dumbfounded by it and thought I had a yeast infection .. but no, it was reaction to the taxotere.. thankfully, it has subsided.  I truly hope, no one gets it this bad or ever.

    So, as of today, I am baby sitting to teacup yorkie puppies for a friend.  I love it, although my little yorkie isn't too happy.  I hope he comes around, but it is for only a week, so it shouldn't be too bad.  Best to all .. hope everyone having tx tomorrow hasn't a smooth one and no side effects!

  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 757
    edited April 2008

    Amy, I agree with what Lee/beachmom said.  You can think of tomorrow as your "official" birthday, but pick a new one during a time when you feel better and celebrate then.

    My 56th birthday was 11 days after my mastectomy this past February.  Not a very good day, either.  All of this sucks.

    ladybugcyndi, have fun with the Yorkies!

    otter 

  • revkat
    revkat Member Posts: 122
    edited April 2008

    Amy, I think you get as many birthdays as you want this year! If I remember right we are on the same schedule, and there's no way I could go out to celebrate tomorrow. On the other hand, I'd be sure someone brought in whatever you thought might possibly taste good or be fun! And ok, you get dibs on tomorrrow's pity party.

  • lotodgs
    lotodgs Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2008

    AMY, Happy Birthday, but  as to what otter said, pick another day for you and your friends to celebrate after you feel better. This whole BC is the pits and will be glad when our treatments are over and the s/e subside. No one except us really understands what we go thru daily and our female feelings, hang in there.

    Ladybug, enjoy those precious pups,I know they are darling and so sweet.\

    Everyone, have a good Monday with minimum S/e and keep dry, the weather here in Va is rain every other day, this past weekend was the 7th weekend one day or other with RAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

  • chj127
    chj127 Member Posts: 146
    edited April 2008

    {{{Amy!}}}  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, girlfriend!  Yes, bc has a way of messing with your special events.  And today is dreary here in the NE. Think of this as your "birthday month" (well, you might have to add May as well) and celebrate when you have a good day and the sun is shining.  I can sympathize, though - in my first round of bc (1995) I lost my hair 9 days before my 40th birthday, and was in chemo fog on the actual day of my birthday.  I basically did not celebrate my birthday that year.  But this was really special: I joined a new work group not too long after I finished treatment, and when they found out that I didn't have a 40th birthday "celebration", they did it to me on my 41st - black balloons, the over-the-hill cake, and the whole works.  It was fun.  So you'll have lots of time to celebrate whatever you want when this crap is all over!!

    I'm 12 days out from my next-to-last tx, and I'm still dragging a bit.  Don't know what's up with that.  I go today for my blood check.  It will be interesting to see if my counts are down.   I've had a bit of a bloody nose pretty much all the time in the past month or so, but had a gusher yesterday.  That was awful!!  My enegy is so low.  I think I'll just ask the doc today if I can skip tx #6...  

    CHJ 

  • bethannew
    bethannew Member Posts: 2
    edited April 2008

    I just completed four rounds of T/C.  I, also, had a rash and hives that developed the day after the Neulasta shot.  My onc sent me to an allergist.  They found that I am highly allergic to the shot.  Don't mess around with the hives, because they can be dangerous.  I had to complete my chemo without the shots.  Good luck!

  • goldilocks
    goldilocks Member Posts: 106
    edited April 2008


    Algw: had my birthday during this also. Ya know what...we are here to get through it. Next year we will be so much healthier and happier, that this year is just to show us what we are made of.Kiss

    I have been taking the Miralax, and that did nothing. Good news, the magnesium nitrate did the trick.  Thing is I was exhausted and slept mostly all day yesterday.  This morning, my energy level is pretty low, but have managed to come to work.  I know that this will pass, and I will be better soon.  I feel like *&@*, but really don't have the time to spare staying at home in bed.  I figure that will possibly happen at the end of the week after the neupogen shots. Please keep my in your prayers today. My patience is pretty shot.

    Wishing all a wonderful Monday.Cool

  • algw
    algw Member Posts: 37
    edited April 2008

    to all my sisters: thanks for the birthday wishes.

    Today is really tough and I have (like goldie) little patience right now. I have felt so much worse with this round (#2) and have been barely able to crawl out of bed. It is very depressing. Throw in the birthday and a pouring rainy day and you have a perfectly miserable day! I have done my best to keep a smile on and pull myself together for my family - managed to get my kids up, out of bed, pack lunches, get them off to school and then collapse. My dh is swamped at his job and little help right now, so I am trying to hold up for them and suffer in silence. This sucks! I know it will pass, just having a low point right now. Know you all understand better than anyone else.

    Thanks,

    Amy

  • artsee
    artsee Member Posts: 701
    edited April 2008

    CHJ...I've been having trouble with the nose bleeding as well. All I can think of is that the chemo targets the skin. So we are prone to infections there, gums, finger cracks, vaginal area gets very thin and can tear as well. I put Niosporin in my nose all the time to keep it soft. Well, the road is getting shorter as we speak. We all have to put up with this a little while longer and it's back to normalcy.Kiss

    Hugs, Evie

    The way you guys are missing the B-Day, that's how I'll be on Mothers Day! (in bed or couch)

  • robink
    robink Member Posts: 60
    edited April 2008

    To anyone who cares to comment:

    1.   I've seen that a number of you receive Neulasta injections and if I've read your posts correctly the injections are to help prevent the dreaded drop in the WBC's.  When I asked the nurse at my onc's office she said it has been the doc's experience that Taxotere brings on enough joint/bone pain and the Neulasta can significantly worsen the pain.  Therefore he does not give Neulasta prophylacticly.  They keep a close eye in the CBC and if there is any indication of a drop the med will be started at that time.

    2.  How many of you dip your fingers in cold/ice water during the taxotere infusion?  I understand the reasoning but it sure sounds uncomfortable.  I have had a terrible time keeping warm since by last surgery ( 3 wk post-op)

    Thanks

  • chj127
    chj127 Member Posts: 146
    edited April 2008

    Robink - my doc did not immediately order Neulasta.  I think there are some doctors who do the wait-and-see because the shot is so expensive ($2-3K, I think). For my first tx, they watched, and my wbc's went into the toilet.  They were "dangerously low".  Thus, I have had Neulasta ever since.  But I don't get the bone pain (and I've had it 4 times) so don't assume you will get that.

    I have not heard about the fingers-in-the-ice.  No thanks, for me,I don't want to be cold.  There are other things you can do - many women use the tree tea oil.  I did that for a while but the smell is not the greatest.  (You can get it at GNC.)  I'm just taking my chances on the nails.  I have some discoloration and lines on my nails, but no black nails yet.

    Everyone reacts differently...

    CHJ 

  • sharons
    sharons Member Posts: 177
    edited April 2008

    Amy - Sorry to hear you are feeling bad on your bday...i hope you can celebrate soon. 

    Wed is my last tx...feeling great now...but as some have said there is a little dread about going under again....but it's just one more time right?  I have my last big athletic conference meeting on Monday in NC...so I hope I am up to making that.

    I noticed I have no eyelashes on the bottom of my right eye...so thta is new....I think all the hair may go with this last treatment...and then it can all start out new together right?

    The good thing about no hair is it is summer....Raining in my part of Virginia too....Everyone try to stay positive and have a good week.

    I am saving my celebration over the last treatment til I feel better - but we will celebrate...

    Sharon

  • revkat
    revkat Member Posts: 122
    edited April 2008

    If y'all with the rain would like to send it out to southern California, I'd be happy to take it. It was in the high 90s this weekend and with feeling so icky I just pumped out that air conditioning. I wonder if I can include the electric bill as a medical expense on my taxes?

    Speaking of neulasta stuff -- I get neupogen shots and this round am getting dizzy after them. Anyone know about that? I'm going to call in about it, it goes away after a few hours, but is really not very fun. (like anything about this is, EXCEPT meeting all of you!)

  • beachmom13
    beachmom13 Member Posts: 85
    edited April 2008

    robink - I don't automatically get the neulasta.  Wednesday was my first tx and my onoc said he would see me after a week to see how my counts were.  As a matter of fact, other than nausea meds, I don't get anything other than through the iv that day.  Then I start with aloxi and decadron, followed by benadryl, followed by tacotere and ending with cytoxan.  Having been on steroids in the past and seeing the problems that my bil is having, I've definately not going to ask for them.  I don't know what Wednesday will bring.  Quite frankly, I've felt so overwhelmed with all of this, I don't ask questions about what is happening right now.  I can't keep up with more.

    It's another lovely day in paradise here - cool and rainy with thunderstorms coming.  They are promising better weather by Wednesday.  Not feeling to bad so far.  A little achy in my hips and shoulders, but that's it.

  • Tigwin
    Tigwin Member Posts: 115
    edited April 2008

    Amy Happy Birthday to you!!!!  You can pull your self up and smile just for one minute to celebrate and pretend each one of us is giving you a big hug...we love you !!!!

    Goldilocks..hang in there...this too shall pass...you can do it.

     Artsee...I use a saline nasal spray whenever my nose starts to get dry it really helps keep the nasal area moist which really helps.  The one I use is called "ocean".  Good luck maybe that will help.

    Robink...I get the neulasta shot and take claritin the day of the shot and 6 following days...no bone pain so far on my second treatment. I do not do anything with the ice.

    Sharons...one more HURAAHHH!!!!

  • KathyL
    KathyL Member Posts: 109
    edited April 2008

    Robink:  Like CHJ, my onc also does the watch-and-see.  He explained that only 40% of Taxotere users will drop their WBC low enough to need Neulasta.  Unfortunately, I was one of those, so I got the shot for the remaining 3 rounds I did.  I had body aches with each round, maybe slightly worse with the neulasta shots, but I honestly think it was just the Taxotere since I had the aches the first time and no shot was given then.  I did try the Claritin with the last 2 rounds, and again-hard to say what made the difference-but it may have helped some.

    I have heard about the ice use (European thing I think), but did not do it.  I am already freezing all the time.  I did chew on ice during the cytoxan infusion as I heard it helped with not getting the bad taste during infusion and mouth sores.  I had no mouth sores whatsoever.  But I also was diligent using the Biotene rinse twice a day, and baking soda rinses 5-6 times a day.

    For nails, I used the TTO (also like CHJ!), and have no nail issues other than they break easily (I'm 6 weeks out from last chemo now).  NO blackness, no nails falling off.  I have noticed some faint horizontal lines-but you have to look real close to see them.  I did have some nailbed soreness that seemed to get worse with each round of chemo, but that has totally resolved by now.

    ALGW:  It's rainy and cold here in DE, too.  I'd like to pull the covers over my head and try again tomorrow!  I'm having a really crappy day, too.  I hope we both get some sunshine soon.  Hang in there! 

    P.S.  Happy B-day!  I say wait until a beautiful day when you feel great... and then go celebrate!

  • chj127
    chj127 Member Posts: 146
    edited April 2008

    Hi all,

    I had my 10-day bloodwork this afternoon.  I would have sworn my counts would be low.  I am just SO tired and fatigued feeling.  But my counts were fine.  I asked the doc, then why do I feel so tired? Um, because you're getting chemo? was essentially his answer.  Duh.  I said, well, do I really need that last treatment?  Shouldn't 5 be enough?  He said, can you convince me that you don't need it?  I said, can you convince me that I do need it?  He said, I'll get the study data...  OK, OK, OK!!  He's a good sport.  I was just in a crappy mood.  I'm tired of this.  I'm just plain tired.  It's one of those days.  I guess the gray skies and rain aren't helping.  Maybe tomorrow will be better.  

    Thanks for letting me say that!

    Hope everyone else is  doing OK today.

    CHJ 

  • Tigwin
    Tigwin Member Posts: 115
    edited April 2008

    Hi Chj, I am wiped out today day 5 for me.  I paid some co-pays on my medical bills, had to resubmit some incorrect bills and then passed out for three hours.  Just gotta let it happen. Hard to just go to sleep but I feel much better now.  Hang in there.

  • lotodgs
    lotodgs Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2008

    CHJ and tigwin, try to hang in there, this whole bc episode is the pits, maybe we could all go on a REAL reality show about it and make lots of $$$$$ to donate for a cure. The rain doesn't help and I am ready for some spring weather here in Virginia. Take care ladies and may tomorrow be a better one for us all xxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoox

  • debap
    debap Member Posts: 51
    edited April 2008

    chj127:  Through all the se's from tx#3 I kept telling everyone I was going to ask about skipping #4.  I mean, is ther really a big difference?  Now that I'm almost 2 weeks past #3 it doesn't seem so bad.  I'm sure I'll get #4, but with the whole low oncotype thing I sometimes hope I'm not just torturing myself.  Oh, for a crystal ball...

    artsee:  I was just thinking about Mother's Day.  I'll be on Day 4 after tx#4 (last treatment!!).  My mother-in-law is very sick and this will be her last Mother's Day so I better suck it up.  I have a couple hydrocodones left from my surgery, so maybe I'll pop one and keep smiling.

    SharonS:  Are you having 4 or 6 treatments?  I have been so happy to keep the eyelashes, I hope they don't fall out!!  Are you almost finished for the summer (work)? 

    otter:  Why otters?  I am just curious.

    Debbie

  • sharons
    sharons Member Posts: 177
    edited April 2008

    Debap - only 4 for me...then onto rads....

    the outside of my hands are itching again tonight...can't figure it out...it happened Friday and then tonight...

    I think we could call the reality show...guess what happened in the chemo science project today....or what I tell my dh almost daily the first week after treatment...guess what stupid thing I said or did today?

    2 days til the last chemo....I think I can....I think I can

    Good nite all

  • Tigwin
    Tigwin Member Posts: 115
    edited April 2008

    sharons...i love that you are almost done !!! YEAH

  • robink
    robink Member Posts: 60
    edited April 2008

    sharons-

    I know you can, I know you can!

    it's the courage that you and the other gals have shown that will bolster me as I begin my 1st treatment May 1.

    Robin K

  • chj127
    chj127 Member Posts: 146
    edited April 2008

    Yes, Sharon, wahoo for you!!!  I think there are a number of us finishing up in the next week or so.  I have #6, the final one on May 7.  I can't wait for it to be over!!

    For those getting 4 tx's, let me say that my tx #3 and #4 were not so bad, and I recovered after about a week.  My moaning and groaning has to do with tx #5, which was 2 weeks ago and is still pooping me out.  I imagine it will be the same with #6.  So be happy if you only have 4!!!!!!!  You will get through it!!

    This, too, shall pass, and I will look back and be amazed at the strength God gave me.

    Love you ladies!!

    CHJ

    P.S., bdatlanta, are you still out there??

  • chj127
    chj127 Member Posts: 146
    edited April 2008

    Whoops - I also meant to check in with beachmom - are you OK?  How close were the tornados to you???  Let us know.

    CHJ

  • sharons
    sharons Member Posts: 177
    edited April 2008

    Tigwin - Thanks for the encouragement

    robinK - I will be thinking about you on the 1st

    CHJ - I hope that you are feeling better today...and you are almost there also....

    bd - yes, we all want to hear about the support group

    oh yea...I decided to look up the closest look good feel good....I really have never been a make up girl...but decided that I might learn how since I won't have hair for sometime.  Also Robin Roberts looking so girly has inspired me too....Anyway I send an email and still have not heard a word...guess I will call them

    going for a run...to get my head wrapped around this last chemo....

  • kathys_hubby
    kathys_hubby Member Posts: 22
    edited April 2008

    Hi Ladies! I'm back after a brief intermission. Things at work and home have been crazy, and I haven't been able to check in. Let's see, I had two night meetings this past week, my son's junior prom to deal with (what a catastrophe that was!), then he took the train into NYC for some heavy metal concert, Kathy was sure he was going to get squashed in the mosh pit!, then little league games, and on and on...Kathy's doing everything she possibly can to help out, and thank God she is feeling very good two weeks out from tx#2, but geez, all the days seem to be blending together into one big blur. I don't have chemo brain myself, but I think I know what it feels like...

    Amy, I was sorry to hear that your birthday didn't go well, it is always a big deal for Kathy (she LOVES her birthday), but I have a suggestion. Kathy and I have birthdays that are exactly six months apart, so not only do we celebrate our birthdays, but we celebrate half-birthdays as well (my birthday is her half birthday, and hers mine, get it?). My guess is that by the time October 28th rolls around, you'll be feeling great, this will all be a fuzzy memory, and you'll be ready to celebrate. And it will also give your husband and kids time to plan a real special day for you!

    SharonS, CHJ and anyone else finishing up - Big high fives and fist bumps to you!

    A quick update on Kathy - She's two weeks past tx#2 (out of 6). This one has gone well, the usual Neulasta pain, dealt with by Advil, and the metallic taste in the mouth. The worst se is the exhaustion. She'll be feeling great, trying to do a little yard work or something, then pow, it hits her and she goes to take a two or three hour nap. We feel blessed so far that this is as bad as it's been, but we also know that she still has four to go so who knows what will happen next. Tuesday 5/6 is her next treatment. I hope she doesn't have the allergic reaction again, that frightened her last time.

    To everyone who's having down days - please try to keep your chin up! You didn't choose to be on this team, but you can let those of us on the sideline carry the ball for you every once in a while. Believe me, we want to help!

    God bless, and everyone have a great day!

    Steve

  • beachmom13
    beachmom13 Member Posts: 85
    edited April 2008

    Hi everyone.  We survived the tornados.  Actually, Suffolk is the next city to the west of us and we live on the southeast side of Chesapeake, so we were far enough away that we just got rain, and rain, and rain.  Last night wasn't a very good night, but I've got an LT appointment in 30 minutes, so I'll write about it when I get back.

  • goldilocks
    goldilocks Member Posts: 106
    edited April 2008

    Morning my sisters,

    Today is sunny here. So I am going to try and have the "sunshine" attitude.

    My neupogen shots started for the week yesterday.  By 8pm last night, they already started to kick in...the bone pain.  I do however this morning happen to have a relatively clear head. Ah, how long will it last???  My onc nurse asked me when I went for the shot if I was going to juice.  Definitely.  WE joked about different types of "juicing", at one point early on during treatment. "Juicing" is regarded as drinking.  My onc dr said that red wine can help me, so "juicing" was the preferred term.  Started out as a joke and now several patients are using the term juicing. My onc nurse said she loves to juice more so on Fridays.  Her juicing is the stronger version. I was just happy that I am able to juice.  Dr said that I could even with the scripts that I need to take, it should help reduce my pain.  It doesn't by much, but hey if it helps even a bit...I'm for it. Working on day 5 from tx #4, holding strong.Frown Taste has jumped ship. My head is very sensitive today, more than it has ever been. Can only wear a loose cap. I too have minimal eyelashes remaining, and only 1/2 my eyebrows. Guess this time is when I lose all the body hair. Getting ready for a fresh start.

    Remember, we are here to hold strong.  Sharon you can do this. I had the crap scared out of me during mine, but hey...here to share and fuss.

    So, have a sunny se-free(as best as possible)day.Cool

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