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Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?

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Comments

  • Kfalls
    Kfalls Member Posts: 67
    edited May 2008

    Hey Kathy's hubby - I am definitely going to have my ovaries removed - I am not a candidate for Tamoxifen because I have a family history of blood clots - a bad combination with Tamoxifen. They said they can remove them laproscopicly (spelling?) so I say why not? I certainly don't want them anymore.



    revkat - I have the same goopy watery eye thing and it is a pain. Mine lessens as the day goes on. Does yours? Seems worst in the morning. Sorry to hear you are not bouncing back like the first time. I go for round two next Wednesday and hope that I can get a couple of good weeks after it like this time, but I guess it is cummulative so we'll see.



    Sarah - I definitely agree with you on the exercise - been walking daily and it really makes me feel better.



    Hoping for a good week for everyone!

    Karen

  • sharons
    sharons Member Posts: 177
    edited May 2008

    Hi Gals - Went today for the markings and all...the techs were great.  It is the same place as my Chemo was, just down the hall.  The 7 tatoo sticks were a little painful....but it is over...it looks like my chest is a target....the marks are blue and green.  The rad teaching nurse goes to my church...so it was good to see a familiar face...and I know I can call her anytime....but she told me this should be cake compared to the chemo. 

    Next week I am going to see a lymphedema therapist...have to go to harrisonburg...they don't have one at the cancer center...I seem to have swelling whenever I use my right arm...and I am right handed...

    My simulation and start for rads will be the 21st...they want me to get a couple of more weeks past the chemo..

    My hematocrit yesterday was the lowest ever...and I am feeling it today...doing a Komen 5k on Sat with 3 great friends here...we leave for Richmond tomorrow and should have a great time....hope I can run but we will see...

    And yes they ALWAYS use my port for venipunctures....my dh asked when I would get it out and I said when people are done sticking me.  My onc nurses are always getting me to tell pts without ports how much I love my port - and I do.....

    My swelling is back tonight right leg is worse...took a Lasix when I got home from the markings...

    I must admit I am getting tired of people doing stuff to me...they have all been great...but sometimes...I think if I have to take a deep breath again for someone I am going to scream.  I am not glad to hear that these chemo SE seem to hang on for everyone a long time past the last one....oh well...we will all get through...sorry for the whining...hope all you great girls have a good night.

    Sharon

  • dminfl
    dminfl Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2008

    Joyce-

    I finished 4 rounds of TC in December 06 and rads in Jan/Feb 07.  I decided to check in since I visited with a friend going through rads right now.

    My 6 month post surgery mammo on my cancer breast was early in rads, schedule it as soon as you can.  I would have screamed if it were in week 3 or 4 on.

    TC went well for me, the neulasta and steroids drove me crazy.  Still have some chemobrain, maybe that's why I forget to check in.

    TC was still new when I went to my doctor and showed him Dr. Jones study.  He studied it, called me and switched me from AC to TC the day before round #1. 

    As for the other side effects - eat lots of prunes, use tea tree oil or peroxide on your nails, follow the mouth care instructions and have a friend with clippers ready for the day your hair starts falling.

    Good luck and God bless.

  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 757
    edited May 2008

    Hi, all--

    goldilocks, texrn, Sharon, and others who've had the leg swelling after TC:  I imagine it's because of the Taxotere, isn't it?  I haven't had any severe swelling, but I'm only 2+ wks out from tx #2.  The real fun is yet to come, huh?   One thing I did notice is that I am very, very sensitive to salt now.  Even a little bit of salty food, like some crackers or "regular" (not low-salt) soup, causes mild swelling of my ankles and hands.  That hasn't been a big deal yet, but I think I'm also getting edema (not lymphedema necessarily) on my chest wall and along my mast incision.  Because I have so little tissue under my mast incision, even very slight swelling there causes pressure and it's uncomfortable.  It seems to happen at the same time with each TC cycle, so I'll bet it's the Taxotere.  I told my onco about it at my last visit, but it was gone by then.  She said she wasn't worried as long as it went away after a few days.

    I guess there's something new for me to look up (unless one of you aready knows the explanation):  I've read that Taxotere (taxanes in general) can cause a type of edema that's called "capillary leak syndrome."  It's not just regular edema--it's worse.  There is something going on that involves leakage of small proteins (albumin?) through blood vessel walls, and fluids leak out too as a result.  It can be really bad--enough to lead to hospitalization if it involve the lungs, apparently.  I don't understand how it works, or how Taxotere does that, or whether there is anything we can do to prevent it from happening.

    I wonder if that's what your puffy/swollen ankles and feet are all about.  Wow--what next???  Oh, and the head bumps are getting better.  I did switch to baby shampoo, and my scalp seems to like that.  I do wish they made one that didn't contain so much perfume, though.  My skin prefers fragrance-free stuff whenever possible.

    otter

    P.S.:  I won't be able to hang around here as much as usual, for the next 3 days.  My dh and I are on our boat, and even though he told me I could "take it easy" and just loaf around, he didn't mean it.  There is always work to do on a boat; and although I was hoping I could just play, that won't be the case.  So I won't be able to reach out to my BCO lifeline as often as I'd like.

  • debap
    debap Member Posts: 51
    edited May 2008

    kathy's hubby:  I am definitely thinking about having my ovaries removed.  For one thing, ovarian cancer is hard to detect and I believe it can be linked to bc.  Also, my onco said that the hormone therapy that would then be used is better than tamoxifen.  I'm going to check with my gynecologist next week for her opinion.

    SharonS:  I had to see a lymphedema therapist for some slight swelling in my wrist.  I have been wearing compression bandages for the last 3 days and I am going to be fitted for a compression sleeve tomorrow.  I was thinking of you because my LT said that you should always wear a compression sleeve when exercising because of the swelling that can occur.  I hate to have to deal with lymphedema on top of everything else!  I am wondering if the capillary problems with taxotere add to this since the lymphatic system works with the capillary system in fluid exchange.

    otter:  That is true about taxotere and the capillary problems.  The steroids that we are given is supposed to help with the fluid retention.  My onco said that many women gain about 10 lbs. of fluid on taxotere that will go away a few weeks after treatment ends. 

    Have a good one ladies!

    Debbie

  • Kfalls
    Kfalls Member Posts: 67
    edited May 2008

    When Joyce refers to mouth care instructions, what is she referring to? Did I miss some instructions from my onc? He just said the floss and brush with a non-whitening toothpaste regularly. Appreciate any information. Karen

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited May 2008

    Karen,


    I had Taxotere & Cytoxan, and I didn't see the post you are referring to... but, I'll jump in here and say that I think you may be talking about what the oncs recommend for you, if you get mouth sores.  I didn't get them, but I switched to a different toothpaste & mouthwash... it is called Biotene and it is for dry mouth.  I used to get mouth sores alot, so I was worried that I would get them all through my tx.  But, I used the Biotene and didn't get ONE mouthsore!  So I'd try it. 
    If you DO get mouth sores, the onc will give you a Rx for something called "magic mouthwash", and it helps to get rid of the mouthsores.

    I hope this helped...

    Harley

  • Kfalls
    Kfalls Member Posts: 67
    edited May 2008

    Hey Harley - have missed talking to you as I haven't seen you on this thread. I have been using the magic mouthwash as I have had thrush, but it seems to be gone. I will look for the Biotene because my mouth is really dry and my tongue is a little sore. I am assuming you can just get it at the drugstore (no prescription needed?)

    Hope you are doing well.

    Karen

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited May 2008

    Karen,

    Yes, you can get it at over the counter, without a perscription.  I found it at CVS.  It's kind of pricey, $7.99, but it helped to ward off the mouthsores for me. 

    I don't go on this thread very much, but maybe I should, because I may be able to help someone who is currently getting tx with Taxotere & Cytoxan.

    Hope you are doing ok.  When is your next tx? 

    Hugs,

    Harley

  • Kfalls
    Kfalls Member Posts: 67
    edited May 2008

    My second tx is Wednesday (14th). I have had two really good weeks (after 6 slightly rough days) so fingers crossed for more of the same.

    It is always nice to talk to someone on the other side of things!

    Thanks,

    Karen

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited May 2008

    Karen,

    It is great to talk to you, too!  I know that while I was going thru my tx, it really felt good to talk with someone who was all finished, too.  It kind of re-inforced the idea in my mind, that I really COULD DO IT, and I'd get through it.  Well, I DID, and SO CAN YOU!! 

    I think of you often, and hope that your tx will go smoothly for you.  I guess your hair has started coming out??  I think that was the hardest part of all this for me... losing my hair.  But, it came back, I got the chemo curl and I'm loving it! 

    I'll try to keep in touch.

    Hugs

    Harley

  • Kfalls
    Kfalls Member Posts: 67
    edited May 2008

    Yes - I am bald (just a little fuzz) but have tried to find the humor in it! I am actually surprised that it hasn't bothered me as much as I thought - but I think my eyelashes will really kill me when they go. Talk to you soon.

    Karen

  • sharons
    sharons Member Posts: 177
    edited May 2008

    Debbie and Otter...after chemo 3, my onc gave me steroids for 4 days after to help with swelling...yes, he said it was the taxotere. 

    He gave me lasix this time....but I need to call for a refill...took last one this morning and have to ride in a car this weekend which makes it worse.

    Everyone have a great weekend....hopefully se free

    Sharon

  • Rosario
    Rosario Member Posts: 14
    edited May 2008

    Day one of first cycle of TC was yesterday.  Today I am still feeling well, pretty normal.  No symptoms except for a hic-up/burp sensation the king you get when you have stuffed your belly too much.  I am staying home today just in case.  The Doctor felt it was up to me since she thought I would do well at work. Wondering if this is because it is so early on in the tx and I am still strong.  So far my biggest fear is constipation and trying to prevent it.  Drank Benefiber last night. 

    Began 1st tx of TC yesterday.  Finally got the Oncotype results back.  Although the number was 28 the % for recurrence was 19%.

    Checked the wigs, hats and scarves.  I actually had some fun because it all looked so fashinable.  Wanted to cut my hair, but was not long enough to donate it to lock of luv (sp?).  I have decided to wait until it starts showing signs of falling. I have ordered a wig that resembles my style.  We will see hoew it looks whenit comes in.  It look very real, at least the one at the appearance center.  Hopefully I' ll be as excited when the hair does fall off.

    Artsee:  I will try the prune juice.  I just had such a bad experience after my bilat. mastectomy that I almost fainted.  Thought i was giving birth through the wrong end.  Don't remember much of a bad experience re ; the surgery but can't forget the constipation episode!    

  • artsee
    artsee Member Posts: 701
    edited May 2008

    Good Morning Everyone,

     I'm off to my 4th and final tx. WooHoo!!!!Surprised Seems like an eternity but it's here. I'll check in later. hope they take out the PICC line because I'm beginning to feel like I'm on a ' prison braclet'. I need some freedom after being consumed for the last few months.

    Have a good day,

    Evie

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited May 2008

    Evie,

    Congratulations on your LAST chemo!!!!  YAY!!!  I had the same tx you got, and my last tx was Oct 9th, 2007!  We went out to dinner that night with some friends, and we got a bottle of champagne, and I had a glass, to celebrate!!

    Harley

  • craftygal
    craftygal Member Posts: 6
    edited May 2008

    Hi All,

    1st T/C was Monday. BM prior but took colace anyway. Had red-face reaction but IV Benedryl fixed it. Rest went fine. MIL (2X BC Survivor) drove me, and we stopped for lunch. Good thing since Benedryl usually knocks me out. 

    Neulasta Tues ok. Nausea, aches, and short chills and 100.5 fever by 8pm Wedn. On-call doc advised I switch from Advil to Tylenol and stopped compazine. Fever ended and slept ok. Very achy and lead legs Thurs. Took colace again which worked this morning. Nausea seems fixed by small meals. Better than constipation.  

    No mouth sores yet but info here tells me they may come next week. Will get back with Biotene and hope to avoid them.

    Didn't sleep much last night. Most comfortable lately on my back, but can't last there all night. Bone aches hit before morning. Unsure about lying on side either. UniMast healing well but afraid to squish  expander or push it out of proper position. Am I worrywart on this? Will ask ps. 1st inflation visit is 5/15.

    My OB called last night to check on me. She's been a great friend for years, but I was still nicely surprised by her call. I see her again in October. Guess we'll be discussing Tamoxifen and night sweats by then!! Oh well, another way to stay warm this winter.  

    I kept 1 of wigs but it's alittle snug now with my full hair under it. Not sure how much I will lose next month, so I ordered next size too. Family wedding is late June, but wig should be fine by then. I plan to wear hats & scarfs mostly, other than special occasions. Who knows. If its real hot and I find one I like, I may debut hat/scarf for wedding too. Like a bonnet at the Easter parade!!    

    Dh & I are cyclists, so need scarf will be under bike helmet. We ride recumbent tandem, so no impact on arms and less energy needed to pedal. Better reclined position so less problems with back/neck too. Wicking shirts & sunblock are normal spring riding gear. Will double check with PS and Onc first. Hope they ok it. Weather is really nice early here. Want to get out and enjoy it!

    My Stepkids are not local but our 2 cats (shelter 4yrs ago) are our comforts. They do seem to know when we need a cuddle. Good luck to those with sick pets. Mine get their shots again this July. But I hope to be done txs by then.(??) 

    Congrats to all those who finished this week. You are more proof that we beginners can finish too.

    Followup with Onc is Monday. BW next Monday, and TX#2 5/27.

    Hope my luck holds with mouth sores and that hair loss goes ok. I'm ready, but know it will still be a shock. Great to have this source of optimism, support and advice as we all get thru this together. 

    Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's.

    Janice

          

  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 757
    edited May 2008

    craftygal (Janice)--Welcome to the TC club!

    Don't assume that you'll get mouth sores.  A sore mouth, yes, and maybe a swollen tongue ... but mouth sores are not a "given".  I've had 2 rounds of TC and I've not come even close to getting an actual sore.  I haven't been using Biotene mouthwash or toothpaste, either; but I have been brushing after every meal (even small "meals") with an extra-soft toothbrush and a relatively mild toothpaste. I use Colgate "total" all the time--it's not gritty or astringent, and it doesn't burn my mouth like other ones do.

    One thing you should be sure to do, Biotene or not, is rinse your mouth frequently (many times a day) and drink lots of water.  My onco and chemo nurse recommended a salt/soda water solution for routine use, especially once the sore mouth/swollen tongue begins.  For me, that has been around day 3 (with the infusion day being day 1).  Salt (1/2 tsp) + baking soda (1/4 to 1/2 tsp) in a glass of lukewarm water (8 oz or so)--make this up and swish with it several times each day.  That's what has helped me the most with the mouth stuff.  Plus, it's way cheaper than the pharmacy stuff.

    otter 

  • chj127
    chj127 Member Posts: 146
    edited May 2008

    Ditto what otter said about the mouth stuff.  I bought Biotene, but haven't used it.  6 tx's later, no mouth sores here.

    Artsee, congrats on finishing up!

    It's day 3 for me, I ran out this morning & did some errands, and now I'm fading, fading, fading...  Gonna lie down now.

    Hope you all are doing well today.

    CHJ 

  • sharons
    sharons Member Posts: 177
    edited May 2008

    Artsee - congrats on finishing...hope the weekend is not too bad...

    Sharon

  • goldilocks
    goldilocks Member Posts: 106
    edited May 2008

    Ladies/Sisters:

    Congrats to those of you finishing this week. It is a good feeling to be done. Thing that is a bit hard to deal with is the side effects that still follow. People say, "You're done, you should be getting better already." What they don't understand is that the "cocktail" is still in your system and it takes time to get through all of that. Others have said, "You did great, you should be feeling sick anymore." Some are without a clue.  I suppose after having done this for what seems a lifetime, my patience with others comments are Smile, Nod, and walk away slowly. Don't want to hurt anyone.

    Today, the lasix has helped. The nurse checked me this morning and said that I should only take it through tomorrow. It is doing its job. I lost 1.5lbs since yesterday in water weight.  Keep this up, I could be back to my regular weight in no time...ok, maybe a few weeks, but then we really need to add exercise in the mix.

    Tomorrow is my wedding anniversary. Today, dh came in with a box of 4 dozen roses. 3-Red, and 1-pink. Red for the anniversary, pink from my furry kids. He didn't say much cause he was on the fly, just dropping on the way to a job.  The fragrance is soooooo wonderful. I work in the "cubical" world, but the flowers have scented the entire office area. If nothing else makes me feel good, dh sure does know how to help cheer me up and make me smile.

    Hoping to have a se-free weekend. Wishing the same for all. Cool

  • lotodgs
    lotodgs Member Posts: 54
    edited May 2008

    Artsee,  congratulations on finishing up. Hope you have a good weekend.

    CHJ, Try to rest up, I have been on the sofa all day with little Dollie Mae,we have been relaxing.  Everyone have a nice Mother's Day and minimum s/e. 

     

  • Kfalls
    Kfalls Member Posts: 67
    edited May 2008



    Artsee - Wow - congrats!!! I can't wait until I can make that post. Hope all of your days are uphill. Karen

  • Tigwin
    Tigwin Member Posts: 115
    edited May 2008

    Artsee .....YEAH you are finished hip hip hurrayyy!!!

    Godlilocks....happy anniverary to youuuuuu !!!!

    To all the new members welcome we will take good care of you. 

    Happy Mothers day to all !!!

  • artsee
    artsee Member Posts: 701
    edited May 2008

    Thanks to all who are cheering. I can almost hear you. Well, it took 5 hours today. It seems there's always waiting to do. Doc gave me an exam, did labs and finally got hooked up at 11:20 (my apt was at10) I brought in ' morning buns for the nurses and my dh and brother and his wife. They in turn brought subs for lunch (after we had breakfast) so it was kind of a party.The best thing was my arm is FREE. Tomorrow is the Neulasta shot and I've got my apt with the Rads Dr. in two weeks. They are hurrying along a week early so I can make my vacation at the end of July.Next week I start the Hormone pill, of which the name escapes me at the moment. I do know its not Tomaxafin. I'd better go pick them up now while I'm able.

    Take care all,I don't think I'll do the wine thing for a week Harley,

    Don't want to cause anything to go wrong at this point.Frown

    Evie

    Baking soda + water (I make up a weeks worth) works great! Never got soars. Swish morning and night and any time you think of it. I have it nest to my toilet.

  • artsee
    artsee Member Posts: 701
    edited May 2008

    Just got back from Walgreen's to pick up my "Aromasine" prescription.

    I want to share the SHOCK I experienced, that could almost make BC come back. They had three month worth packaged up for me and can you believe the bill was $1112.00. Yup....and they said they called my insurance and said it's NOT covered. Oh my God! There is no way in #&%# that I'd take that, because I couldn't afford that. That's over 5 grand a year for 5 years?

    We chased home and it was 1 minute to 5 and my dh quickly called the insurance , hoping they hadn't left and a great woman answered.(thank you LORD). She told us it's all covered! Why do they do that? Are Walgreen's listening with half an ear? Now I can rest this weekend with that off my mind.

    Anyone experience something like this?????

    Evie

  • Rosario
    Rosario Member Posts: 14
    edited May 2008

    Craftygal...

    Seems you and I are kind of close in our tx.  You are a few days ahead.  No symptoms yet.  I will go get the Biotene just in case.  I ordered a wig and will see how it goes.  I feel the same way about the scarves and hats.  We'll see once I have to go to work with them.  Did not get the neulasta shot.  My Onco feels I will get it if I need it.  She'll check via lab work on the 10th day.  This worries me since most of the ladies here do get it profilacticly and not only if it is needed.  I think it is so cool your Onco called.  The thought crossed my mind of how nice that would feel for them to check on you...no such luck!

    Happy Mother's day everyone who is a MOM!  I am hoping to feel just as well on day 3 so that I can spend time tomorrow w/ Mother in law and on day 4 w/ my Mom.

  • lotodgs
    lotodgs Member Posts: 54
    edited May 2008

    Evie, poor thing, what is wrong with these people at the drug stores, you are right, it is enough to scare the living ??????out of you. i am glad you got it straight,so you can relax over the weekend. What is the name of your drug. I will be taking Fumura (?) after I have my consulation with my ocono, at the end of May. I rested all day today on the sofa and am drained and worn out from the shot, hopefully Sat, I will be feeling a little better. Take care, Evie and chat soon

  • artsee
    artsee Member Posts: 701
    edited May 2008

    Lotodogs...I have to take Aromasin for 5 years and then as more studies come out, I may have to take Fumura also for another 5 years. My onco said that there is an inkling out there that this is the future way to go because it's looking like this added to out present

    treatment, it will bring percentages down even further. So I learned something new today, YIPEE! More expensive drugs.Yell

    Rest well,

    Evie

  • gramadeb
    gramadeb Member Posts: 66
    edited May 2008

    Evie - Congratulations on your last chemo! I know there are a few of us who are a little jealous of you tonight! But we will all get there! I know I am counting the days till #4 is done.

    For #3, my onco changed from Aloxi to Zofran. Sure seems like it made a difference for me. Tuesday was rough with headace, rash, chills and spent all day in bed. But since then, I have felt better than the other 2 rounds. So am assuming it is from the med change. I even had some energy to work in my garden.

    Rosario - I have not needed Neulasta so far - my onco doesn't give it prophylactically. Fortunately my white blood count has stayed within normal range.

    Goldilocks - Happy Anniversary

    Happy Mom's day to all.

    Deb

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