Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
Comments
-
I'm suppose to start my first treatment the second week of May. The port is suppose to be put in next week. I am to be on Taxotere and Cytoxan also. The onc said, I should keep my hair and that I could continue to work. But from what I'm reading I will more than likly loose my hair. Has anybody not lost there hair and been able to continue working?
Thank You
IDC, Stage 1, Grade 1, less than 1 cm, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+
0 -
clcady,
Both T/C can cause hair loss. My 1st treatment is May 1st, had my teaching last week and was warned of this side effect. It would be great if you can keep your hair! Best wishes for that. As for myself, last week I got a short cut as a premptive strike, and have already purchased a wig.
Take the time to read through the many posts on this thread. There is a wealth of information for you.
Keep in touch.
0 -
clcady:welcome to the group, even if it is not where you prefer to be. We are here to support you and each other. So far, Not a single person has kept there hair. There, I said it...reality. Take the time to try on wigs, hats, scarves, etc. With spring in the air, you have several choices. The hair, is just a bump, getting through the treatment is the hurdle. This is a tough road, and we have all been scared. That is why we try to share all that we go through.
Sorry, seem short. Need a cheer. Where is atlanta?
Have a great day.
No whining, no complaining, never give up fighting, just do the best you can and pull through it with all you got
0 -
Welcome, clcady,
Same answer here about the hair. I'm not sure why any oncologist would tell you that you might keep your hair, because that just won't happen. Now, I can say I didn't lose 100% of mine, because it's more like I lost 90% of it and I still have some little sprouts that haven't left. I don't know who would want to run around with hair that is only about 10% because it would look silly.
But like goldilocks said, it's a bump, and you'll get used to it. It's only temporary.
As far as working, a lot of us continue to work, but the 5 or so days after chemo can be pretty tough, so if you take that into consideration, it might help with your work schedule (like, get treatments on Wednesday or Thursday, call the rest of the week & the weekend a wash, then go back to work on Monday). But, as we always say, everyone is different and it can depend on what you do. Desk job, probably not a big problem. Job that is physically demanding or one that can expose you to a lot of germs might be more of a problem.
You'll figure out what's best for you. Feel free to ask any question in here, that's what we're here for, to help each other out!
CHJ
0 -
clcady - welcome. I'm sure there are millions of places you would rather be, but everyone here is very supportive and had lots of ideas. My onoc. said I would definately lose my hair. It's day six, and nothing, but I've been told it would be closer to day 14. I keep my hair super short, especially in the summer and I didn't think it would effect me, but as the times gets closer, I find myself more nervous about it.
I got back from my LT about 3 hours ago, and it absolutely wore me out. That's the first time it's happened, but then it's also the first time since I've started chemo. Last night has been my worst night. Felt like I really needed to go to the bathroom, but nothing was happening. Then, suddenly, just the opposite and I spend several hours, off and on in the there. On top of that I was freezing. I slept in a flannel nightgown, with 3 blankets, 2 dogs and a dh, and I STILL couldn't get warm. ....then the night sweats started and that solved that problem.
I hope everyone has a good day. The sun is shinning part time here today. Much better than my neighboring city suffered through yesterday.
0 -
beachmom - I'm drawing a blank - what is LT?
0 -
chj127 - it's lymphedema therapy. I don't have lymphedema, but my bs has his patients go through the therapy to improve range of motion with the affected side, as well as learn techniques to improve their changes of not developing it.
0 -
Wow, that's awesome, beachmom. So many of the surgeons discount lymphedema, and to do preventative measures is amazing. Good for you (but sorry it wore you out today). You should start feeling better soon, if this is day 6 for you. I started losing my hair at more like day 16...
CHJ
0 -
clcady - Sorry you have to join this group, but you will find a lot of help here. Re: working. I had my chemo on Wed. afternoon and my Neulasta shot late Thurs. afternoon. I took 4 steroids the day before, then 2 steroids and 1 Emend the next 3 days. I was able to work on Thurs. and Friday and then made few plans for days 4 & 5 (Sat & Sun.) when I was off the meds. I could usually do some things those days but I'm glad I didn't have to go to work. This last (4th) time I was really achy on Sunday and could barely go upstairs. As others will tell you, though, the side effects are very individual, so you have to play it by ear and see how you do with the regimen your onc sets up. We manage somehow and look for support with this group. Good
luck to you!
0 -
Hi All. Back again. Tomorrow is Tx #4 - last one! My DH couldn't be with me so my parents decided to come visit for the week. They last were here about 1 1/2 weeks after my surgery. Seems like it does them good to see that all-in-all I'm doing ok through this. And I certainly appreciate the company and pampering.
Losing some of the bottom eyelashes. Eyebrows are definitely thinning but so far mostly still there - guess it was good that they were a bit thick to start with.
Steve - We are almost neighbors. I'm in Brewster.
I was part of the group who lost about 90% of their hair. Eventually had it buzzed so it was all the same length. Have short lengths all over currently. Not sure if I will lose more after #4 if it will continue to grow. How's that for wishful thinking?
Cold and rainy here most of today. Yuck! Hoping some of you are having good days.
0 -
clcady, everybody else here has already told you the bad news I guess. The thing is, unless your onco has some secret potion that we don't know about, ... you will probably lose your hair. No, that's not true. You can keep your hair, but wash and dry it before you put it in the zip-lock baggie.
My onco told me she would guarantee that I would lose mine. She was right. Mine started to go on day 14 of my first TC cycle, when I could pull it out in small tufts. By day 15, the tufts were large (hands-full), and a big ball of hair came out in the shower. By day 16, there was still more coming out; until finally, I was left with just a wisp of bangs and some very thin strands around the edges and in back. The top of my head is almost completely bald--I look like a guy trying to hide the baldness by combing it over.
Unlike everybody else here, I didn't shave my head. My hair was chin-length and straight. I did trim it to about ear-length once most of it had fallen out. It quit falling out by day 20 of cycle #1 and I haven't lost much at all since then. I am now on day 7 of cycle #2, so I expect most of the rest will fall out in another week or so. In the meantime, I'm OK with what's left; because my head doesn't look shiny-bald, and I have a bit of hair sticking out under scarves and caps.
beachmom/Lee, it's great that you had an LT referral. I did, too, after fussing at my surgeon about swelling under my arm. Turns out, the swelling was ... my residual under-arm fat pad. Oops. The LE therapist said my healing, range-of-motion, lack of swelling, scar flexibility, etc., were "fabulous". She did a bunch of tests and measurements, and declared that I have no signs of LE; then she spent the rest of the 2-hour visit "educating" me about LE prevention, buying a sleeve and glove, etc. I wish that was part of the recovery plan for every woman post-mast/SNB.
I am still feeling blah today--a bit achy, slight diarrhea (as usual), just not "good". I'm hoping for better tomorrow. I did call my onco about the hives, and they are discussing it and will get back to me. It's no longer an issue for this cycle, since they're pretty much gone; but I want some planning done to make sure I'm not dealing with a worse reaction next cycle (whether it's the Taxotere or the Neulasta).
dabab, "why otters?" Why not?
I live in a rural area (southeastern U.S.) where there are lots of creeks and ponds; and we have river otters wandering in and out all the time. They are so happy and comical, and I love watching them. I thought having an otter as a screen name and avatar might help to cheer me up.
OTOH, this discussion board does a much better job. BTW, where is bdatlanta? She is soooo funny! I hope her rads are going OK.
otter
0 -
Hey Otter, I am on the same hair journey as you. Most of mine fell out after first round but the back and side stayed a tiny bit so I did not shave it since when wearing a scarf it gives the illusion that I have a full head of hair. It looks very odd without the scarf but good with the scarf.
0 -
Lotodgs: Where in VA are you located? Hope the tornadoes missed you!
Beachmom: Glad you missed them.
Debap: I think there are many (me included) who've fantasized about skipping the last round.
SharonS: Good luck with your last round! Doesn't that sound great???
Steve: Good to hear from you and that Kathy's hanging in there.
I also lost most of my hair from TC. I buzzed it on day 19 of first round. Most of the remaining ‘do came out with the second round. I'm 6 weeks post-chemo now... and the hair's coming back slowly. Sadly, my eyelashes and eyebrows are leaving now.
Gotta run, gals (and guy)! I'll check in later and write more.
0 -
Oh guys, I was so hoping that my eyelashes would not fall out! I have my last tx on May 7th and thought I made it through the "lose your eyelashes and eyebrow" period. Speaking of periods, does anyone else still get theirs? (sorry Steve) Somebody told me that they would stop once I started chemo, but I had very light spotting after tx#2 and 3. Menstruating or se?
otter: I love the otters, they are so cute!
clcady: As everyone else has said, you will lose your hair. I cut mine much shorter than I usually wear it and then shaved my head when it started falling out. I haven't missed any work so far except for the 1/2 day for chemo. I have TC on Wed. and my bad days are on Sat. and Sun. It is so different for everybody and it probably depends on the kind of work you do.
beachmom13: Are there any techniques that you can share with us to help prevent lymphedema? I have been going to PT to help with the expansion and reconstruction, but they don't know much about lymphedema.
bdatlanta and 40somethingMom: I hope everything is okay and you are just too busy have fun to log onto here.
SharonS: I am so happy that you are almost there!
Jisman: Good luck tomorrow!! Did you warn your parents about the after steroid effect?
Debbie
0 -
Hi everyone
Is anyone having problems with tender bumps on your head? I shaved my head almost 3 weeks ago when my hair started falling out in clumps. Since then I have been getting bumps - some look like zits - others are just bumps that are not red but really are tender. They are sore for about 2 days. Each day I get some new areas.
I haven't lost all of my hair. Actually some of it is growing back - but I am sure it will fall out later this week - just before round 3.
Never had this problem when I had hair!
Deb
0 -
gramadeb, I have the bumps. They're new--weren't there 2 days ago. They don't really itch; it's more like you describe as "tender". Mine aren't zits, either.
No end of surprises with this, are there?
otter
0 -
CHJ..I'm sorry you are taking longer this time to get to feeling better. I know what you mean. After #3 the ache in the thighs still is there. I try to walk every day and the weakness is there and before it wasn't before. I guess that's why we're supposed to keep exercising. I can only imagine what I'd feel like if I did not walk. Even at times the tummy just feels like
blah, blah, blah. Like it's too damn lazy to "digest" what's in there.Sorry, about the bumps girls, luckily it hasn't struck(yet). Still got the lashes....and the'd better stick tight if they know wha't good for them!!!! 1 1/2 weeks to go for the LAST torture.Yipee!
Stay and sleep well all,
Hugs, Evie
0 -
I had the bumps when my hair first came out...but the head is pretty slick and shiny now. I wash it everyday with antibacterial soap, don't know if that helped or not
Anxiously awaiting the LAST chemo....no steroids for me, but I am still wired....
Last time my liver enzymes were up and they had to do another blood test and wait an hour before we could start chemo....hopefully they will be ok this time. Anyone else have a problem with the liver test?
Jisman - good luck to you tomorrow. My symptoms and feel bad days have been different every time....so don't know what to expect.
0 -
Changed my pic to my running buddy and me after the half...she is also a survivor....13 years
0 -
gramadeb: I had red, itchy bumps all over my head after tx#2. I used hydrocortisone cream on my head and they went away in about 2 days. Haven't had them again.
SharonS: Love the new picture! Is after the half a half marathon?
Debbie
0 -
debap - after 5 treatments, I still have eyebrows and lashes. They are much sparser than "normal" (though it's getting harder and harder to remember normal...) but they are still there. So you may just hang onto them.
gramadeb - I had the red bumps early on, but I haven't had them lately. I'm thinking that I had them after the first 2 tx's, but I can't say I noticed when they went away.
Jisman - wahoo on your last tx today!! Go in there and kick some cancer butt.
Artsee - yes! What you said - thighs achey and weak. I feel most of the time like I just climbed 100 steps. And I love your comment about the stomach feeling like it's just too lazy to digest what's in there. It's interesting, though, my stomach has not felt quite as bad this time. I took Prilosec for 7 days after chemo, so that must have helped. I'm going to do the same thing this time also.
Only 1 more week to the last treatment! (counting, counting, counting) I'm still trying to mentally figure out how our house move will go. The home inspection is today (on the house we are selling) and if that all goes well, we'll be off to the races. I'll need to pack like crazy for the next week with the bit of energy I have. The good news is that we already own the house we are moving to (20 miles away) and can take stuff out there, which we have been doing all along. We are planning our move for May 19 and the house closing is May 21. In the time between now and then, I have chemo plus 3 other doctor's appointments, including a followup mammogram!! I meet with the radiation oncologist this Friday to find out what the plan is. This is nuts! I am definitely going to burn some vacation days at work. I don't know how I'll fit work into my schedule, even though I only work 3 days per week.
That's all, speaking of work, I need to get back to it!
CHJ
0 -
Good morning Ladies,
I'm looking for some insight to decide if chemo is the right choice for me.
Recently diagnosed (3/25/08) and a whirlwind ever since. Simple Mastectomy w/ sentinel node biopsy on 4/17/08. invasive component 5mm of 25mm DCIS no nodes involed. Yesterday was my first meeting with onc and now i need to decide to chemo or not. Doc said chance of reoccurance about 5% but some personal factors (mother W/breast cancer under50 in 70's, triple negative and ki-67 of 80%) increase reoccurance but couldn't say by how much. If I decide on chemo TC is recommended. With chemo only reducing reoccurance by a 1/3 I need to decide if all se are worth small gain against reoccurance. I am really concerned about finger numbness, being an artist by trade I need finger control. Any thoughts on how you arrived at you decisions or just thoughts in general would be greatly apreceiated.
This is my first ever chat room or on line discussion so please bare with me as I learn how this all works
Thanks
Tbirdkim
0 -
Good morning...just finished my workout before my LAST chemo...had to do the stationary bike..my running buddy in the pic has a knee issue...and I agree with CHJ and Artsee the legs just feel like lead...so we both decided to stay in this morning...plus it was 30 here...
Debbie - yes the picture is after the 1/2 in Virginia Beach
Tbirdkim - I know this is a big decision....my onc and I waffled back and forth also...but I decided if this thing ever came back...I didn't want myself saying "I should have done the chemo", I am a young 49 and always said I wanted to live to be 100....my experience with the chemo has not been as awful as I thought...although it does keep life interesting. I am sure that you will get lots of good insight from all of these wonderful ladies and Steve too. This is a good place to be while you are traveling the BC road..Good luck and prayers
Sharon
0 -
Yes I got those bumps all over my head it turned out to be follicuitis and have been treated my antiobiotics. One more TX to go then a two week break before I start radiation. Can't wait till all this is over but I trust my faith in God, that he will bring all of us thru this stuff.
0 -
Tbirdkim....I had an early detected tumor. You can view the dx on the bottom here. I also did not want to second guess myself and ever be sorry that I didn't do all I could do to get rid of this awful stuff. So the decision was to take the 4 rounds of chemo and rads, since I had a lumpectomy.
I am also an Artist and have never had so much as one tingle in my fingers. I realize every one is different, so to give you a positive answer for that is impossible. There are a few things that I never got that the other ladies experienced, but for the most part the fingers numbness isin't a really big 'happening'.
This decision is totally yours and I hope and pray that you are at peace with it.
Hugs to you, Evie
0 -
T/C minus 24 hours...
I've just take the first dose of my Decadron pre-med, 1st treatment scheduled for 9 am Thursday. Currently I don't feel nervous. What I feel is like I'm about to depart for a trip for which I have the itinerary and the tickets but exact details won't be revealed until arrival. So all I can do is pack a reasonable chemo bag, stock our shelves with the items I think I might like, then wait and see.
I'm wishing all of you a glorious day and those of you who aren't feeling well the strength to get through it.
Robin
0 -
Morning,
Everyone makes the decision as to whether or not grin and bare this chemo challenge, is up to each individual. I choose to go down this path so as not to be looking over my shoulder in the future. I didn't want to regret anything. Dh and I discussed the options, but ultimately the decision was mine. I've been down this chemo path before with a lumpectomy. This time a double mastectomy. Didn't want to risk any factors. I was adopted and this is my decision. I am also having flap reconstruction. They did the first part when I had the mastectomy and will hopefully complete all the cosmetics before fall.
Today, don't feel so great. My hips, legs and joints are starting to ache. Doing great if I am not walking around. The neupogen shots are doing their job. I did develop more mouth sores this time. Just glad that that was the last round. As for the red bumps, I have gotten them after each cycle. I have used bag balm, and it has worked great. Stops any itching, and has really helped keep my skin from drying out.
For those that are "cocktailing" wish you peace, patience and happy thoughts.
Have a sunny day.
0 -
TBird - I had (micrometastic) node involvement, so I didn't have to decide. But like Artsee said, though we complain about lots of stuff on this board, I haven't heard much at all about the tingling fingers. I felt a little in my toes when I went out barefoot onto a rough sidewalk the other day, but nothing to speak of in my fingers.
Swimmer - nice to see you again! You're one of a few of us who finish up next week, yahoo!
And as if I don't have enough going on (chemo next week, moving to a new house in 3 weeks) I just found out that my 76 year old mom, who lives 10 hours away, fell and broke her leg this morning. She will have surgery to set it and put a rod in it this afternoon. My dad is in rehab recovering from surgery last week. I'm usually the one who drops everything to run & help, and I feel powerless this time!! But my 3 brothers are ready to step up, and the folks have a great church support system. So if you are inclined, please say a prayer for my mom's surgery today!
Thanks, and hope everyone is feeling good today.
0 -
Oh, chj, what awful timing! It sure is a good thing you have other siblings nearby who can step in, and your family has a support network within their church.
I have been worrying since my dx in January that something similar would happen to my parents, who live 1000 miles away. They are in their 80's and are not in good health. Last year was their "bad" year. My dad, who has early- to mid-stage Alzheimers, fell and broke his hip. It was a clean break and only needed pinning, but the process was pretty traumatic because it wasn't dx'd right away and he ended up being transferred to a bigger hospital 90 miles from where they live. I hopped a plane and was there with my family for more than a week, until he was moved to a rehab facility.
I swear, the day before he was scheduled to leave rehab and go home, my mom had a heart attack and ended up in the hospital herself. Once again, it was mis-dx'd; and she had to be transferred to a larger hospital 60 miles from home for the angiogram and surgery. So I hopped a plane again to be with her.
Two elderly parents, in separate medical facilities more than an hour's drive apart, with no plans made for at-home care. Two adult offspring who rarely see each other, don't communicate very effectively, and didn't handle the back-to-back crises well at all. I am getting a headache just recalling what those next few weeks were like. And I shiver when I think that it could happen again, just as easily and unexpectedly, right now. Right when I'm in the middle of my own battle.
So, when my mom calls and I ask, "How are you?", I'm fearful of the answer. Sometimes you just need to let others take over, and put your energy into your own healing I think.
otter
0 -
Thank You guys very much. I go tommorrow to have my port put in. Then I go to the chemo class I think next week. They haven't scheduled it yet. But again I'm to start chemo (TC) the second week of May. I'm going to ask again am I going to lose my hair. To me 75% is losing your hair. At this point I just wanted to know if I'm going to lose it. Thank again.
0
