Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Thank you all for your concerns for my pup, Dollie Mae, she will stay at the vets tonight with Iv's, he thinks he is from stress from the dental surgey or a GI problem, but hopefully will come home on Tues. I will go for the Neutasla shot, go to dentist for my achy tooth and come home.
I pray everyone else has minimum side effects this week and feels better with all the issues we have with this cancer. Good luck with all those with the last treatement and to you CHJ, you have been such a inspiration to us all. I hope all goes well for you. Hang in there all my BC sisters and Steve, (where are you). This to shall pass!!!!!!!!!!!I keep telling myself that each day. Sleep well
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lotodgs -thinking about you and your pooch. They do become our family and it hurts to see them sick. You feel kind of helpless. I have 3 golden retrievers and a pomeranian and they are my furkids!
ladybug - I have had headaces with all treatments. After round 1 it was pretty constant - nothing would take it away. Round 2 - ended up being hospitalized with a headache, fever and rash - not trying to scare you!. I have seen 3 oncologists(2 that were on call while I was in hospital - and mine today) since this episode of fever and headache - and got three different answers as to what happened.
Today was round 3 - my onco decided that the headache was from Aloxi - so switched to Zofran and increased my decadron to 20 mg. So far doing OK - really wired from the increase in decadron - came home baked cookies, banana bread and worked out in my garden. Don't plan on sleeping tonight!
Here is hoping a good week for all and minimal se.
Deb
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Wow - lots to read and catch up on today. Just got back from the AD meeting in NC. I told my husband that I have felt the best this time. I think taking the lasix helped me....I have had bad nose bleeds the other times but none this time.
CHJ - good luck on Wed, Janicewa....I am so glad to be done with Chemo and know that this time I can just keep feeling good and they won't knock me down again...
I have bw on wed morning and then see the rads onc on wed afternoon....ready to get that statred and over with too...
Jisman thanks for the note about rads..
Everyone have a good night...
Sharon
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Hi all,
Welcome to the new members of our very special club here. Not the place you'd like to be I'm sure.
I hope everyone will get some calm spring weather soon. No more tornados! I live in Reno, NV where we have been 100's of small earthquakes the past 2 months. A little unnerving to say the least.
I think there are at least 4 of us having our last tx on Wednesday and looks like some others this week as well. Yeah!
Since I had my racey heart on my last taxotere IV (156 beats per minute) I went to my cardiologist to get checked out. She said my EKG was fine but just to make us feel better she would have me wear a Holter monitor during the infusion so it could record anything strange that might be happening then. I hope nothing does. I am going to ask for a slow drip even though it will take a long time. My onc has also cut my Dex dose in half for the day before, day of and day after. What will that affect somewhere else?
Overall my s/e's for tx 3 were less than 1 and 2, or maybe I know how to handle them better. This time, though, I have had the teary, itchy eyes from about week 2. Drives me nuts. I called into the onc nurse today and she said the Dr. and I would discuss it on Wednesday when he sees me. I have been using tears drops and trying to keep from touching them. The itch is bad. Also, my legs feel heavy and tired. Doesn't keep me from doing things but is just there. Didn't have too many nose problems this time either.
Hope everyone's s/e's are mild.
Joyce
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One day to go, one day to go, one day to go...
I'm going to enjoy one last day of feeling good before hitting the chemo bar tomorrow! JT - hope all goes well for you, too. I know exactly what you mean about the heavy and tired legs. I can't wait to be done with that! I'm so used to walking stairs at every opportunity for the exercise, and I find myself using the escalator and elevator lately. I just can't seem to make my legs go like I used to! Once my move is over in 2 weeks, I really want to make the time for long walks again.
lotodgs - I just love your dog's name, Dollie Mae. That's just so cute. I hope she recovers quickly!!
Gotta get to work. Wishing everyone a great day!!
CHJ
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lotodgs - how is Dollie Mae today?
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G'morning, everybody!
I gave up on keeping track of the "April chemo" calendar, and decided to focus on us TC gals. Here's what I have for tx's this week. Please correct me if I'm wrong:
Mon, May 5: gramadeb (#3), lotodgs (#4-done!), NurseLisa (#3), Lano (#2)
Tues, May 6:
Wed, May 7: debap (#4-done!), CHJ (#6-done!), jt1945 (#4-done!), swimmer60 (#4-done!)
Thurs, May 8: jas (#2), ladybugcyndi (#3), JaniceWA (#4-done!), Trii (CT*x4 dd, so #2?)
Fri, May 9: artsee (#4-done!)
Did I miss anybody? That's quite a string of completions this week. Congrats to all of you! I haven't combed the other threads to see if there are women getting TC that haven't checked in here. I think there are a few, because I remember suggesting that they join us. I'll try to find them.
Trii, are you reading this? Did I understand correctly that you are getting "CTx4, dose-dense"? Does the "C" stand for Cytoxan, or is it something else, like Carboplatin? I didn't know they were doing dose-dense Taxotere/Cytoxan. That would be wicked.
As for me, it's same old, same old. My appetite is back to normal, or maybe even in hyperdrive. What's with that? I haven't had any Decadron since day 3 of this round, and today is day 14 (tx #2). My scalp bumps are pretty much the same as yesterday; maybe a few more have "matured" to pustules. That word "pustules" sounds so gross. Well, they look pretty gross, too--I took photos yesterday to check the progress. Oh, hey, now that I've learned how to post pics, I can upload an image so y'all can see my bumps. Wanna see 'em???
I talked to my onco's nurse yesterday about the scalp bumps. Her reaction was basically, "<Sigh>, poor thing--what next?". She suggested I stop using Head & Shoulders, which I'd started using once the bumps appeared. I thought it felt better on my scalp than my regular shampoo, but my nurse says it's too harsh and drying. She said to use baby shampoo. I'll try it, but I don't think dry skin is my problem.
My onco's nurse also said my onco is mulling over what to do about all the skin reactions I'm having with the Taxotere (hives on days 3-4, scalp bumps now). She is working on changing some things, but I have no idea what she is planning to change and I probably won't find out until my next tx on May 14. This is nerve-wracking. I hate Taxotere, but I hate the alternatives even more I think. (What would they be, anyway? The "red devil"? Arghhh!).
Jisman, are you still here? You were switched from Taxotere to Abraxane, right? Why was that switch made? Did you do better on Abraxane? It is so #$%! expensive; I doubt even my "cadillac" insurance would cover it for my Stage I situation.
Anyway, here's to a good day for everyone. I don't see any names on the chemo list for today, so we're all just battling various SE's. Try to get outside--it's a beautiful day, here in the deep south. I hope it is where you are, too.
otter
[Edited to add Lano--#2 on 5/5. I found her over on the "permanent hair loss" thread.]
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otter - thanks for keeping track. I try to keep up with everyone, but haven't done a very good job of it. There really are a bunch of us finishing up this week, wowee!
In the meantime, I had scalp bumps terribly in the first 2 tx's. I'm not sure exactly when they went away, but they did - probably at least a month ago. So maybe my head started to adjust to whatever was causing it. There's hope for you... (But no, I'm not particularly interested in seeing pics of your pustules, thanks anyway LOL!!!) And I'm like you, once I get past the ookie feeling in the few days following chemo, my appetite has no end. I've been eating like a pig. Unfortunately what I crave is mostly chocolate & junk food.
Gorgeous day here, too. I'll probably go out & walk a bit at lunch time.
CHJ
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Morning all,
Reason for the major pain. Have had a reaction to the last "cocktail". Dr says it should start getting better in a few days. Need to take a round of benadryl/and my pain meds to get through it. Thank goodness it was my final chemo. I am making it, just feels like I am dragging my legs with 100lb. weights, and achy. Saving grace, no more chemo! Ya-Hoo!!!!! I really need to be feeling better by this weekend. It will be my 29th wedding anniversary.
Braving the storm. Have a se-free day.
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Humor is the way to get through this, w/o it, we would all go crazy! I laughed the entire time I shaved my head, and now? I'm obcessed with rubbing it. Not sure why really.
I go in 2 more days for #3 and will ask about the headaches. Standard protocol at the cancer center here is the neulasta shots, regardless of your counts. Not sure how I feel about that. Especially since the taxatere kicks my butt with bone pain already. Will have to discuss that and if I want to do it or not. Will also about the headaches. Oh, and lastnight, even with ambien, I didn't sleep for crap. I woke up at 2 and stayed awake until after 4:15. Less than an hour later, hubbys alarm went off. I really wanted to smash it!
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beachmom, thanks for asking about my baby, she will have to stay in tonight for another round of iv's, I will pick her up on wed, she does have the gasterional intentesional thing going on. I had to get a root canal today after the Neutalsa shot, rested all afternoon. found out last night my sister in law has cervical cancer. Always something. Take care . Everyone, please have minimum s/e this week, will check on everyone later.
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ltodgs - I'm so sorry you're getting nothing but bad news right now, but things will get better. We are praying for you daily.
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Hey Otter - I have my 2nd tx on May 14th, your third. I shaved my head yesterday and have several bumps that look like huge pimples and they hurt. Also have a yucky rash on my hands. I hope mine don't get as bad as yours. I went to an exercise class today that I do at the cancer rehab center and they sent me home because they thought my rash might be contagious. It didn't do much for my self-esteem to be kicked out of exercise class on my first day of being bald. Then got the mail and received my AARP card (turn 50 tomorrow.) I just have to laugh!
Karen0 -
ladybugcyndi, I haven't had headaches on TC, but you are ahead of me as far as timing of tx's. I don't know why I haven't had headaches, because this is major allergy season and ordinarily I would at least be having sinus headaches. Are you drinking enough fluids, or maybe too much? Electrolyte imbalance can cause a dull headache.
Oh, lotodgs, what a terrible time you've had! I can't imagine a root canal on Neulasta day, and worrying about your poor dog. What next??? And your S-I-L having cervical cancer. Sheesh. Someone tell me again why people think Gardasil is a bad idea.
Kfalls/Karen, you really need to go over to Traci's moan & groan thread on the "Moving Beyond Cancer" topic, and post what you posted here. That thread is for times that you would like to complain about something and not risk having someone pat you on the head and say, "Oh, hon, cheer up--it will be OK." The real value of Traci's thread is that after griping and moaning about each others' problems, we get to laugh with each other in shared misery. It really helps with morale.
Truth is, I had planned to do some serious wig-shopping yesterday and today, during my "good" interval. I chickened out, because I figured anyone looking down at my head would think for sure these bumps were contagious. BTW, my onco's office had no advice other than to switch to baby shampoo.
otter
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evening all---what a busy couple of days for us all!! So sorry to hear of sick pets...especially when you're feeling so sick. But, I know with my 2 lovable cats, they always seem to know if I'm feeling down and give me all the comfort they can, even if they are feeling under the weather themselves---lots to be said for animal instincts! Question: those with the red bumps...had you shaved your head completely down to the scalp? I know when my son shaved his for me when I cut mine, he says he gets them. Therefore, my daughter, who is a hair stylist, told me she didn't want to totally shave it, but to cut it close with a buzzer, so that's what she did...#1, I think. I've never had any problems with bumps; I also lotion my head everyday and use head and shoulders 2 in 1. The heavy legged thing is really becoming a drag!!!---literally
Good luck to all of you who are just starting out---this is the place to get good tips and comfort. and congrats to those who are finishing up---there is a light at the end of that tunnel, after all. Now, to get through radiation.... Anyone here on or are to go on Tomoxifen and know anything about se, etc??? 0 -
NurseLisa, no such luck on the shaving-as-cause-for-headbumps. Not for me, at least. I didn't shave my head. Almost all my hair pulled out between days 14 and 17 of tx #1 just from handling and washing it. The rest I trimmed to mid-ear length. So there hasn't been any scalp trauma that I know of except for the trauma of Taxotere.
My onco's nurse was worried that it was shingles, but there's no way. Nada. She also wondered if I had changed shampoos or somesuch before the bumps appeared, but no on that one, too. It's gotta be my skin's idiosyncratic reaction to the Taxotere. CHJ and others have said it will pass. <sigh>
otter
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Otter - Yep, I was switched to Abraxane after my allergic reaction to Taxotere. Looks like I slipped in under the wire before my insurance company changed there policy and now won't cover it for Stage I BC. Had no further allergic reactions and did not need the higher levels of other meds to allow the Taxotere to run. Some times we just get lucky.
Goldilocks - congrats on your wedding anniversary. 29 years is quite an accomplishment. Have a great time this weekend.
Ladybug - I know what you mean about rubbing your head. I've got fuzz that stands out straight. I think it is growing. Have to rub it every morning. BTW, I made it through all 4 TXs without Neulasta. Docs POV was that I was young and otherwise healthy and not mingling with lots of sick people so let's ride it out and see what happens. Had bw done on day 10 or so each cycle and never dropped into the "danger" zone, so no shots.
Lotodgs - sorry to hear your news. Best wished to all your family.
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Morning, everyone!
I'm headed out to the chemo bar in about 2 hours. Gotta make a run to Wal Mart for a couple things first. Hope everyone getting their tx today does fine! I'm pouting because it's going to be a gorgeous day, and I'll be in the no-window-chemo-room from about 10:00 to about 2:30. But at least it's the last time!!!
Just one comment about the hair - I initially had mine buzzed very short (that's the do in my avatar) but have shaved it with a Daisy shaver & shaving gel a number of times since. I have done this about once every 3 weeks for the past 2 months. The hair would just be so sparse, and it just felt itchy all the time. It's been about 3 weeks since I shaved it last (and I have almost no bumps anymore), but now it seems to be a bit thicker and darker, so i don't know what's up with that! I don't know if that will change after I get my last (6th) tx. I'm thinking I'll let it alone for now. When it does really start to grow, if it's all uneven, I'll go to the hairdresser to have it neatened up.
Hope everyone has a great day! Keep those side effects away!
CHJ
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Hi all and Happy Birthday Karen!
CHJ - Hoorah to you for finishing number 6 today....I also keep buzzing my hair b/c the ones that are there are not very hardy...I think I will do it a couple of more times and then just see what happens like you....From the looks of it mine might be coming back gray!....oh well at least it will be hair
Feeling a bit down today...I swear that is from the chemo too...seems to happen the week after..going for blood work on my way to work and then the rad guy after work
Told my dh last night I was nervous about the rad stuff...and then said nope, just tired of people messing with me and going to the hospital!!! He is off turkey hunting this morning and then will meet me this afternoon...
Brandon is home from college for a few weeks...he makes me laugh all the time...so I need to get him out of bed to get me out of this funk!
Sharon
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Changed my pic...me and my soldier at his wedding...he has 3 more months in Afghan...plus I forgot what I looked like with hair!
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Hi all,
Been away for about a week, but just cruising the thread -lots to catch up on. I am in my good week before #3 next week, so forgive me, but I decided I needed a break from all this cancer stuff for a few days. Feel good except for a nagging phlebitis in my chemo/IV hand. Veins irritated and shut down, IV site bright red, but not spreading or infected. Hoping to make it through the last 2 rounds - I think I have 2 good veins left.
CHJ- congrats on your LAST chemo! Don't despair too much about missing the beautiful day, more beautiful days to enjoy with summer coming. Hope your move is not adding too much to your stress?
SharonS - I have that down feeling this week as well. Although it's my good week, I think it's sometimes difficult to enjoy and really feel normal when you know that the following week you're going down again. My family kind of looks at me like,"you feel good now, why aren't you happier?" I try, but I just can't always sweep it under the rug so easily.
Where's bdatlanta?????
Best to all for a feel-good day!
Amy
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Yes last day of chemo today
I am so glad this part is over congraulations to all of you that are finishing up our last of our 4 rounds on chemo. I get a two week break then off to the raditation part on May 20th for the molds then 6 weeks of radiation this should not be as bad as the chemo less side effects, just some tiredness but what the heck I'v been thru alot worse that radation. If anyone has been thru radiation please let me know what to expect or things that I should do Thank you. Again congraulations to all of the the Wed gal's who are done with there 4 rounds of chemo. 0 -
Good morning to all and good luck to those of you having treatments today. My hair is quickly leaving - or maybe it just seems that way because it very coarse and thick. I can't every remember seeing my scalp, but it's shining through now. My black dog and I were having some quality time this morning and I guess I kept running my hand through my hair ( a bad habit). When I looked down at him it looked like he had become a salt and pepper dog. lotodgs -how is the baby today? I hope he's better and can come home. I know it will make you feel better.
It's beautiful here and the wind is blowing. Since the weather and my feeling hasn't been in synch since all of this started, we're heading to the boat in a bit . I'm so looking forward to not thinking about this for a day. (sorry chj, next time will be your turn)
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G'morning, all--
Jisman, thanks for reaffirming what I thought I remembered about your switch to Abraxane. Darn. I wish I knew what my onco was planning for my next tx. Maybe nothing more than lengthening my time on Decadron, which hasn't treated me badly this far. Or, maybe just Zyrtec or Benadryl for the first few days after my tx. I had no reaction at all--NONE--during my infusions thus far (#1 and 2), so that hasn't been a problem. It's just these darn skin reactions afterward that she wants to minimize. Especially the hives on day 4 I think.
Amy, what's with the phlebitis? Did some of the Taxotere leak out during your last infusion, or are your veins just extra-sensitive to the stuff? I have been soooo lucky, so far. I have 2 good veins in my right hand, and they used one for each of my first two tx's. (Chemo nurse #2 said they like to trade off each time, just so the veins can rest a bit longer.) I also have one or two nice veins on the back of my wrist, but they don't like to use those for their first try with a stick each session. (They're for back-up.) Oh, I have no end of good veins ... but I can't let them use my left arm for chemo because of the node thing (no LE yet, but I don't want to risk it). Do they figure your messed-up vein will heal by next week? It's good you bring along extras each time!
Sharon, love the new avatar! My stepson was regular Army for 4 years (enlisted in the fall of 2001) but was lucky enough to remain stateside. Boy, did that experience change him! I never liked the Army slogan, "Army of one," because it's not true. It's rarely just one person, working by and for him/herself. It's a team thing, isn't it? Now, they use "Army strong," and I have to say that's what is different about my stepson.
I think I saw bdatlanta over on the rads boards. Haven't checked there lately, though.
OK, we will be waiting at the finish line this afternoon, with hand-shakes and ribbons for the following:
debap (#4-done!)
CHJ (#6-done!)
jt1945 (#4-done!)
swimmer60 (#4-done!)
Then, tomorrow it will be:
JaniceWA (#4-done!)
jas (#2)
ladybugcyndi (#3)
And, on Friday, ta-da!:
artsee (#4-done!)
Refreshments will be available for all who attend today's ceremony.
otter
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Congratulations to all you lucky gals finishing your chemo this week. Hope all goes well and minimal side effects. Just finished 3 but counting the days until 4 is here. Just want to get this over with.
Had another reaction to round 3 - chills, headache, hives, weakness. Not as severe as round 2 (no fever) so didn't need to go to hospital. Now concerned about what they will do with round 4.
The bumps on my head are finally leaving - used baby shampoo and that seemed to help. I too have the little fuzzies on my head - and yes, I rub them. My dh laughs at me. I really need to shave them as they are not really healthy, but emotionally I like the thought of having some hair on my head!
lotogds - hope Dollie Mae is doing well - sorry to hear about your SIL.
Take care all
Deb
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My first chemo appointment is Monday the 12th at 10:00am. I am nervous as all get out...lol....
Chj127: I asked the nurse when they called to confirm the appointment why I was having chemo every week for three weeks with one week off for four months. She said they were going a little more aggresive. So Monday when I get there I'm going to ask if its dose dense. I didn't think to ask. Hell about 90% of what I do know is from this website.
Oh yeah not to long ago I posted the question if anybody thought I would lose my hair because the onc said it would just thin. Well I asked the nurse on the phone again "she said no it will more then likly just thin" I said well you know I've been on this website where theres some folks who will receive the same drugs as me and I've read ALL of there posts and they all lost there hair. She said well it effects everybody different and you really should'nt be believing everything you read on the internet because most of its not true. I thought to myself if I didn't read whats breastcancer.org I would'nt know very much....lol...
This is honestly a great web site.
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Congrats to all the graduates. Wish you all the best, and minimal side effects.
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Hi Laurie from Missoula,
I just completed my 4th TC treatment and my oncologist wants me to have 2 more. I too asked about stats on advisability of having 5th and 6th and she told me there were no stats at this time. I don't want to impair a possible cure, but I don't want to be overtreated and have bad side effects for possibility of no benefit. I had a large tumor, mastectomy and reconstruction and am stage IIIa. I had a consult with another oncologist and she told me not to have more than 4 treatments.
Did you have the 5th and 6th treatments? Are you having radiology?
Look forward to your input.
Suzi
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clcady - I believe they (medical establishment) think we're all a bunch of whiny, new-age, homeopathic, panic-stricken, bad-advice-giving loonies. I never met a doc yet (and I'm married to one) who said, "YES, cruise the internet for answers!" That being said, there are some crazies on the net - for sure! But, if any one of our docs bothered to visit HERE, they would see a group of smart, otherwise emotionally and physically healthy, strong women who support one another with real answers to tough questions and with the paramount goal being to help each other through this dreaded thing we all share.
Y'all come back and keep sharing the love!
Amy
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clcady, maybe you will be our test case. Seriously, if you are on a different TC schedule (3 weeks on, 1 week off), maybe the doses are lower each time and your hair follicles won't get sick and spit out those hairs.
Next time you talk to your onco, will you ask exactly what your chemo drugs and dosages and timing will be? (Which drugs at which dosages on which days?) I am really curious. Don't tell him/her why you want to know, though. They'll know you are snooping around on the internet again.
When I get very brave, I might just decide to post pics of my before-and-after hairstyles. I didn't shave my head, and I still have a thin fringe of hair left (day 15 of tx #2). I don't seem to be losing any more hair today, like I did on day 15 of tx #1. However, if what I am looking at in the mirror is considered "thinning" hair, I'd hate to see what "going bald" looks like!
otter
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