Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Hi Girls, Geez all of you are amazing. I am still so scared and such a chicken about needles. Needless to say, I'm a weenie with the pain thing too. I will admit that I can talk with others about my bc now which I couldn't a month ago. Am I weird?? I think all of you have helped me face this thing.
I so wish I was almost done with the Chemo and I haven't even started yet. I don't know what is going to happen on my first treatment or what to expect. I haven't been told what exactly will be given to me other than the tc. The unknown is awful and the closer I get, again, the more scared I get. I would have been on my third day after my first chemo if it wasn't for these damn shingles and at least I would have found out what was going to happen to me. PLEASE....... someone tell me the wait is worse than the treatment. Guess I'm starting to freak out again, sorry. I just can't stand this wait, it's wearing on my nerves. I'm having trouble making myself work and can't concentrate for very long. My job is normally not stressful but there have been a few things that have come up since the first of the year that are about to get the best of me and they all want the issues resolved at the same time. I just want to tell them all to go to hell and leave me alone. But, I'm not in a position to be able to do that with my job. Guess I'm not handling the stress well right now and I guess I'm feeling a little sorry for myself tonight. Sorry to vent on all of you. I know some of you are feeling like crap and I should be greatful that I'm not, I'm just down tonight.
Love to all of you.
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Hi danismom - Yes - this is the worst part - the waiting and anticipation. The treatment is actually uneventful. Let them know how stressed you are and they will use an anti-anxiety in your pre-meds. Don't be afraid to ask for it. For that matter, ask for something now to help while you wait. I am not a big advocate of medications, but this is surely a time you need them. During your treatments they will draw blood through your iv line first to check your blood counts. Then they will give you pre-meds through that line (one stick and they put everrything through there) that will probably include steriods, anti-nausea and anti-anxiety meds. They will probably drip the taxotere first and then the cytoxin. It took me five hours my first time. Make sure to let them know if you feel anything unusual (my doctor gave me a list of things to let them know about) like itching, etc. Once you get through the first treatment, it gets better because you know what to expect. I think that the fear of the unknown is the hardest, but it is doable as anyone on this site can reassure you.
Hang in there,
Karen0 -
danismom - the wait is the absolute worst part. I also didn't discuss bc with anyone for a long time. The lump was found 12/26 and didn't tell anyone until just before my appointment with the surgeon on 2/ 25, the day before my biopsy. Then I only told my dh. And I waited for what seemed like forever. I had surgery on 3/24 and started chemo on 4/24. The months, I still feel was too long. I just wanted to get it over. STill feel that way. I thought I was good with all of the treatments until the week before I started chemo. I was a nervous wreck. I snapped at everyone, especially people trying to be nice, I couldn't concentrate, I couldn't sleep. When I went for the first tx, I felt calm. I had no problems during the infusion, and my nurse is great. I met with her when I had the first onc. appointment and she went over side effects, meds I take, etc. The day of the first infusion, she explained everything in detail - what I was getting, what it was for, what to expect. I felt calm. Dh and I played cards most of the time. He beat for a change - I still blame it on the benadryl. I was there the first time for about 5 hours, with the infusion lasting about 4. I didn't have many side effects, but I had read what others and said, so I tried to stay ahead of them - I began with a stool softener that night, etc. I was more at ease with the second, but still somewhat nervous, as I expect I will be each time. I told the nurse that I had no problems the first time and I would like to go slow again. They usually do the taxotere a bit faster the second time. She said sure. Today is day 4 and so far only a bit of bone pain last night (could be taxotere or neulasta) and that's it. Remember that you can be in control of part of this -take your meds, drink lots, rest, do something you enjoy that puts this in another part of your mind. That's the hard part. We have a boat. That's our sanctuary. You can do it. You will find you are much stronger than you think you are. And all of us are here to help carry you when you need it.
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danismom,
Yes, for most of us the waiting is way worse than the TC treatments themselves. I didn't get an orientation until the day I arrived for my first treatment, so I had no idea what was going to happen. I was literally in tears, especially when I told the infusion center receptionist how scared I was and she laughed at me. (Yes, really.)
But the chemo nurses are angels. They are calm, and cheerful, and upbeat. I've had a different chemo nurse for each of my 3 treatments, and they've all managed to put me at ease. It's hard to explain how they do that, but it seems like they are so comfortable with what they're doing, and so knowledgeable and confident that everything will go well. My first infusion was scary because I had heard about bad reactions to the Taxotere and I was worried that the nurse would not be able to get a good stick with the i.v. catheter...but I had no problems at all.
The way my treatments work is that I have an appt scheduled with my onco about an hour before each TC treatment. I have to get to the infusion center an hour before the onco appt to have blood drawn to check my CBC (mostly WBC, neutrophils, PCV, and Hct). Because I don't have a port, the blood sample is taken from the vein by my elbow on my "good" arm (the left side is off-limits because of my SNB). The nurses/veinipuncture folks have been using a butterfly needle each time, which is great because it's easier for them and less traumatic on my vein. They don't leave that butterfly needle in my vein--my chemo is through a small i.v. catheter the chemo nurse inserts in a vein in the back of my hand.
After the blood sample is taken, my dh and I go and have a light lunch at the deli downstairs. Usually I have something like a smoked turkey sandwich, which won't give me indigestion later. I always take a "chemo bag" with my own supply of juice, bottled water, and snacks (M&M's, Nutrigrain bars, etc.), and sometimes I save half my turkey sandwich for later in the day. The infusion center also provides little cans of juice and cups with crushed ice, and crackers; but I've found that if I don't eat anything salty, it helps reduce the fluid retention I get later that night.
So after the light lunch, I go for my appt with my onco, which is usually around noon or 12:30 p.m. She goes over the results of my blood work (which has been fine), looks at my list of SE's I've had and talks about them, reviews the plan for my pre-meds and prescriptions, and sends in the orders for that day's infusion. I also set up or confirm my appts for the next time. Then I go to the infusion center waiting area to wait for my chemo.
The waiting at the infusion center has been the longest. The first time, they were running way behind. This place has 27 chairs and 3 beds in one room, and another 8 or 10 chairs in another room, and they are very busy. So, on my first tx I had a 1:00 appt for my chemo but had to wait until about 2:30. The nurse got the i.v. started around 2:45, she gave me an "orientation" and I watched a video while she waited for the pharmacy to get my meds ready, and then she started the pre-meds. Mine were Zofran and Decadron at first, followed by Zyrtec (since then changed to Zantac), and then the Taxotere, and finally the Cytoxan. She ran the chemo drugs really slowly--especially the Taxotere; and I wasn't finished until around 6:15 p.m. that day. Then she gave me my Neulasta shot, and sent me on my way.
The past two tx's have gone more quickly, now that they know I am not reacting to anything. I think last week my i.v. was started around 2:30, and I was done by 5:15. Much of that time was spent waiting for the pharmacy to get the mixtures ready. This last time, the chemo nurse reversed the order of some of the meds. She gave me the Zantac first, and then the Zofran and Decadron, and then the Cytoxan, and finally the Taxotere. She said she liked to do it in that order because it gave more time for the anti-allergy premeds to work before the Taxotere went in. (The Taxotere is the most likely to cause an immediate reaction, but it never has for me.)
It is amazing that we can be so scared and intimidated by the chemo process, and yet the infusions themselves are usually uneventful. The nurses know what to watch for, and they are very careful to check to be sure we're doing OK as they move around the room. Once things were underway, I've never felt scared. Everyone is so friendly and makes all the chemo patients feel comfortable.
danismom, it will be OK. You will be surprised at how anticlimactic the infusions are. Very few of us have any problems from them.
Hugs,
otter
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Hi girls & Steve,
Day #5 (round#3) and feeling like DIRT. And my mouth tastes like dirt. haha. I am on the animal crackers and lime jello - nothing else tastes good?
No completely terrible side effects, mind you, but this one has me down in a way that I'm just sick of it and can't wait for the final #4 to be OVER. I agree with whoever said that 6 would be tough.
Otter: kinda glad to hear someone put credence to the fact that these se's for TC are nasty business! Now I feel better knowing I'm not just a big baby whiner.
CHJ - I live in NJ, but am not offended by that reference - NJ DOES have it's armpit of the world spots! I live in north Jersey in one of the prettiest spots (believe it or not) in the state - lots of lakes, mountains, etc. And I know Taneytown really well! I grew up 20 min. from there. Good luck and all best wishes in your new home!
Rosario - the hair loss will be ok. I thinked we've all been freaked out when it happens, but it will be ok. Everyone will get used to it easier than you think, including you. I hate my wig, but wear it anyway, outside the house, and it's not so bad.
Good weekend all -
Amy
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did i just say "thinked"
yikes - chemo brain strikes again.
A
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I'm on day 5 with Amy and yes, the dirt (I call it sewer) mouth thing is awful. I want to eat so badly, but nothing tastes good. Not even my limeade.
I'm also totally achy. Someone on another thread wrote about wanting their body back, not this alien one, and that is exactly how I feel. I hate chemo body!We are NOT wimps.
Only one more to go. . .
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Hi all.
I'll be starting TC on the 27th. I was wondering when I can expect my hair to start thinning after the first treatment. Also, how did you feel the first day of treatment (that evening).
Thanks for any info you can give me. I've been so anxious about it lately that my surgeon gave me some Valium to calm me down a bit. I hate feeling like this. I had three surgeries to finally get clear margins (and SNB-neg), and I was very calm during that time frame. My blood pressure right before all surgeries were around 110/78.
Karen
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algw: I am on day 10 of my last treatment, and I have to tell you that #3 was the worst. I kept thinking that I was not even going to do #4 (I did) but it was definitely the hardest. If it helps, the last one was almost a piece of cake. I hope it is that way for you too!
danismom: I think the wait is probably worse because at least with the treatments you know you are accomplishing something and working toward getting it over. Everyone is different, but the se's are doable and we all get through them. You will too. I keep thinking that "this too shall pass".
Debbie
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Welome Karebear43. I felt great the afternoon/evening of my tx and the next day. I tired a little bit more, but the longer I'm home it seems the lazier I get, so ... I began losing my hair on day 14 and neurotically sat on the couch and pull at it until it was almost gone. That was day 16. I wore it real short anyway,but had cut it even shorter before I started treatments. What was left on day 16 make me look like a baby bird with it's feathers starting to come in, so we buzzed it to about 1/4 in. I'm comfortable with it. I wear a ball cap when I go out, but at home, it's just my fuzz and me. I have 2 wigs, but don't feel comfortable with them yet. I'm going to give one a try tomorrow since I'm taking my parents to an anniversary party for their friends.
We were all anxious before we started and still are to some point, but at least for me, it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought. We're here to help you. Just holler.
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I take taxatear & carboplatin, and I did lose my hair. It started falling out about 2 days before the 2nd treatment. I thought I was going to really bad, but they have nice wigs out there. I bought my wig before I lost my hair.
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Steve - I have hives on the outside of my hands a couple times...looks like poison ivy...but usually goes away in a couple days...I did benedryl also.
The lymphedema has been there...but I felt as if it got worse when I exercised...so I wanted to try treating it...it is not bad and the therapist thinks it will be down soon and they can fit me for a sleeve to wear when I am active.
Today, day17 after last chemo...my feet are very swollen, and I have been unually tired all week...usually after day 14, I start feeling normal....guess it is the cumulative effect?
Took a lasix and trying to keep my feet up a bit...then off to bed...tomorrow is graduation ....so work will be on my hours now....
ladybugcyndi - hope you are feeling better this evening...we still need to get together...sorry your work is being so crazy....
Sharon
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Hi all,
I'm on dose dense TC every two weeks and have had 2 of 4 rounds. My question is about skin reactions to the taxotere. My cheeks are flaming red, and any where there was a scar is also red. A nurse said try cortisone -which doesn't seem to be doing it. I'm also developing neuropathy in my fingers and toes - any suggestions?
Trii
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Hi All - I develop hives and a rash about 16 hours after chemo. I also get the chills and headache - chills last a few hours, headache about 24. Then it all goes away and I feel pretty good. I take decadron for 3 days after chemo - helps with the rash.
danismom - waiting is the worst. I was near hysterics the night before my first chemo. I was so afraid of "poison" being put in my body. All went well - like others have said - infusion goes pretty well. Stay on top of any potential se -nausea meds, fluids etc..
Trii - is your neuropathy continuous or does it come and go. My onco said if it comes and goes that is ok - but if it is continuous then she would have to treat it. Mine comes and goes - so I don't know what the treatment would be. Maybe you should check with your onco.
Prior to being diagnosed with bc, I had pain in my left foot. Told it was an inflammation. So I tried to nurse it an dmake it go away. After each chemo and the steroids that go with it, my foot pain would go away. After the last 2 chemos - the pain went away but came back with a vengence after the steroids wore off. Then it started to swell. Finally went to foot doc - I have a stress fracture!! Says the steroids from chemo probably decreased by bone density enough in the smaller foot bones to fracture. So know I get an air cast to go along with my chemo, no hair!!
My hair is growing back in between treatments - falls out about day 17 after each treatment, then starts growing back again. Very thin - but still is fun to "rub".
I am 10 days away from last chemo - bring it on - I want this done with. If any of you hear about a crazed woman running and screaming through the halls of the cancer center in Mpls - that will be me celebrating - and high on steroids!!!
Minimal se's to all. Have a good Sunday.
Deb
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Hi guys! Is anybody having bladder problems? I have a bladder infection that they can't get rid of after one round of Batrim and another of Cipro. They are trying to get me in with a urologist. The frustrating part of all of this is the thrush and yeast that goes with the antibiotic. Everytime they do a treatment, it comes back. Think I probably had it before I started. Just wondered if anybody else was having this problem? Karen
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Amy and revkat, I'm a day behind you (today is my day 5 of tx #3). I felt like dirt on the day after my infusion this time, but since then I've just been tired. I'm keeping a calendar of SE's and meds to see whether things are happening at the same point each tx, and this time they aren't. So far, everything this round has been a bit milder or delayed.
I have been getting some Neulasta aches this time that were minimal during tx #2, but bad during tx #1. I've read that the ANC drops the most during the 1st treatment cycle; I wonder if that's why the pains were more severe that round than they have been since then. Has anyone else noticed a difference in the bone pain with each cycle, or is it pretty much the same?
Karebear, my hair started pulling out on day 14 and was coming out in big clumps by day 16. I trimmed it to ear-length, but I haven't shaved it. Like beachmom/Lee, I've left some because it sticks out under a cap or scarf and makes my head look "softer". My dh agrees, and since he's the one looking at it as I go around the house bare-headed, that's fine. It thinned some more around 2 wks into tx #2, and I suppose I could lose the rest this round.
My onco gave me Ativan along with the other scripts to take for the chemo SE's. She said the Ativan would help me sleep through the Decadron (dexamethasone), and would help with "stress" (she called it irritability) and even with some of the nausea. I haven't taken any, though--I think just having that vial in the cabinet to take if I need it has given me the peace of mind I needed.
Trii, if you'll tell us what your chemo dates are, I can put you on our TC calendar. I have the same flaming-red, hot face thing. It happens to me on the 2 days after my infusions, and it comes on right before I'm supposed to take my next dexamethasone. My onco mentioned it would happen, but she said it was caused by the dexamethasone. I have also noticed that my mast/SNB scar gets really red and angry-looking with each cycle, even though it is fully healed and healthy. My surgery was 3-1/2 months ago.
I had read that citrus juices (except maybe limeade!) were bad during the sore-mouth days; but I've been drinking Tropicana not-from-concentrate lemonade this round and it has tasted great. It's not too sweet/not too tart, and the tanginess cuts through that yuck in my mouth. My tongue is sore today, though, so we'll see if that holds up.
Kfalls/Karen, that's so awful about the bladder problems and subsequent thrush and yeasties. It's hard to get ahold on that stuff once you're cycling through these rounds of chemo. I wonder why some of us have problems like that, and others don't. So many women have had mouth sores and even thrush, but I must be very lucky to have avoided both. I was worried about bladder infections, so that's one reason for the DRINK DRINK DRINK advice, especially during the first few days after the infusion. Cytoxan can do nasty things to the bladder and urinary tract, even without bacteria being in there.
Well, as I'm typing this I'm realizing that I am more tired and achy than I thought. I might not make that WalMart run today after all. My dh has a list of goodies to buy--more lemonade, orange sherbet, graham crackers, tapioca pudding, etc. Comfort food.
otter
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otter, you are such a comfort. Thanks.
What I don't get is how some of you are able to do anything on about days 4-6. It's all I can do to get from the bed to the toilet, with maybe a stagger into the kitchen for something to drink. My legs just feel so rubbery and weak, so for about two days I'm mostly in bed (or the recliner). Then it starts to get better, but slowly. And I am "relatively young" (in bc speak) at 48. And not in horrible shape prior to this.
Karen, I hope they get the infections undercontrol. I had thrush the first round and now take diflucan for a few days to ward it off each time. A bladder infection sounds awful on top of everything else.
Trii, my onco nurse suggested B6 100mg/3xday for neuropathy. I think it helps, but who knows? Like Deb said, sometimes it comes and goes.
The good news for today, no hives and no boils. (I must be on the upswing to be thinking so positively!)
I also notice that my surgery scars hurt more, the area feels more swollen, and my affected arm is definitely more stiff during the days after treatment. I worry that the chemo is causing lymphadema to develop. But then, the last two times at least, it goes away.
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Good morning (or rather afternoon) all. It's day 5 and this was the second day of being absolutely exhausted last time. I'm not noticing that so far, but I did sleep for 12 hours last night. The pain for the neulasta last time was awful, but the dr. said he thought I was also coming down with an infection and the antibiotics he had prescribed "saved me" a trip to the hospital. It's no where as bad this time. I'm also wondering if there is a difference because last time I got it on day 8 and this time day 2.
I noticed the past couple of days that the lump. scar was really purple. I had barely been able to see it before. The node scar hurts along with the muscle over my shoulder blade. I thought I had gotten past that.
I've found that grape juice seems to keep its taste throughout all of this.
Hope everyone has a good day, with slight se. The weather is beautiful here, so I"m going to try to get outside, if just to sit.
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Hi all - Sorry to hear about the bladder infections...that is terrible! I too get the red cheeks...still have them and it has been almost 3 wks since my LAST chemo. I am still very tired and my legs are swelling and ache that last couple of days from my hips down...but I keep telling myself things will get better...
This week I have LT appts on Mon/Wed and Thurs and simulation on Wed...I guess all these appts will get me prepared for the daily rad trips....
Enjoy the rest of the weekend, and I hope all of our SE go away!!
Sharon
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Thanks for the bladder sympathy
I just wish it would go away. I drink 75 ounces of liquid daily following treatment so can't imagine what more I could possibly flush out. I just may have to wait until this is all over to get rid of it - we'll see what the urologist says. My scar gets really purple after treatment and my lumpectomy area hurts. The nurse told me that she hears that regularly from everyone. At first it scared me because I kept thinking it must be killing cancer cells in there that they missed. Funny what our mind does.
Beachmom - I think we're on the same schedule and I am also not so tired this time. Maybe it's just less emotional exhuastion because I was so scared the first time. They actually cut my neulasta shot in half this time because I had such terrible pain and when they drew my blood I have made too many white cells. Much more bearable this time.
Otter - has 3 been different? I keep hearing everyone (nurse included) say that 3 is the worst for side effects. Just wondering.
Great day to everyone.
Karen0 -
Hi all, I guess things are better today. At least I'm not in tears! Thanks to everyone for the support. I guess I had a little pitty party for myself. I am going to call the onc tomorrow and talk to them about med's, etc. I take ambien cr and it doesn't seem to be working like it should, maybe why my break down Friday night.
Karebear43, looks like you and I will be starting Chemo on the same day. I'll be thinking about you. I hope all goes well for you. I know I'm ready to get it started and over with.
I hope everyone is able to have a restful Sunday without any problems. Thank you again for all the words of encouragement.
Love to all of you.
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Hi all,
Checking in again. Had Chemo on Friday. It again was uneventful. Went to lunch w/ daughters afterward, all 3 of them:) The last 2 days were lazy. Today I'm really tearful for some reason. I think I got that way the last time. Now day 3-5 should be tiresome. Taste buds are gone again.
Karebear43- Good luck w/ your treatments, they're really not as bad as you'd expect. Its' the week or so afterwards that you'll probably feel tired. Try not to expose yourself to anyone w/ colds, infections, etc. Wipe down your work surfaces w/ Lysol wipes if you share w/ anyone. I starting losing my hair on Day 14 after my first treatment. I managed to hairspray it enough to ge through the work day then my daughter took me to the beauty shop after closing hours and my beatutician shaved it for me. It was traumatic but I took Xanax prior to, so that made it easier. I already had my wig and my hairdresser cut it to look like my own. Most people can not tell the difference. Just the people who know what I'm going through. I ordered it from TLC which specializes in chemotherapy wigs. I picked one that looked pretty natural to match my current style and my hairdresser picked the color to match. It was measured to fit my head. That is very important. If you decide to go that route, take a tape measure w/ you. Then she tweaked it some more that night.
Danismom- It's okay to have pity parties, I sure did and still do at times. Be strong and you can overcome this. Try to keep a good attitude and not let this get you down. I insisted on a tour of the chemotherapy unit/ cancer center. It helped lots on what to expect. It 's what you do w/ yourself after your diagnosis to keep your sanity. Keep your chin up and keep reading these posts which have been 90% of my support. These women are wonderful.
Otter- I know you just had a treatment and are probably pretty tired right now. Rest is the best thing. Do things in short intervals. How are your bumps and have you tried antibacterial soap and Neosporin Ointment? Just some ideas.
Kfalls- Have you tried Cranberry Juice? It sometimes is helpful. I had a bladder infection my first treatment. My onc prescribed Avelox which helped.
Hope this week gets better for all of us.
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I have learned so much from reading all of your comments. Thank you guys for gettin me prepared.
I had my first treatment 5 days ago and am feeling really yucky right now. I realize that much of what I am feeling is common. The aches, gas, and just feeling like throwing up are the worst. I cannot seem to even get comforortable in bed to sleep so tonight I might try the Tynol PM. I am going to try and work as much as possible as I mainly have a desk job but with lots of responsibiities. I told everyone I wanted to be treated with business as usual.
My onch said I had to have 6 treatments over 12 weeks. I am going to ask him why when I see him next week. Right now I don't know if I can handle 6 of these. It seems this will be a long summer.
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Hi all! I had my third tx this past Monday. It went fairly well. The following day I received my neulasta shot and then about two days later the bone pain appeared. It seemed to be worse this time around, but thankfully advil seemed to help. I teach and I had to drag myself to school on Friday to review for final exams with my kids. Yesterday I felt terrible, but thankfully today I have felt really well. Trii, I am also doing dose dense every two weeks and I too experience the red face. My nurses say that it is due to the steriod I have to take for a couple of days. I take decadron the day of chemo and then two days following. Usually by the fourth day out from my tx, the redness is gone. As far as the neuropathy, I take 100mg of B6 twice a day and thankfully this has helped me. I may get some numbness in my hands and feet the day of tx and the next day, but thankfully it disappears. I also get redness in my scar and radiation site. My oncologist said this is from the chemo. During radiation I was prescribed a cream which is called Biafine which really helps the redness. You have to have a prescription and it is rather expensive, but it might be worth asking about. I hope that all of you wonderul ladies will soon start feeling better. I have three more days of school left and then I am off to see my nephew graduate from high school!!! I certainly hope that I will continue to feel as well as I have today. I hope that you all have a wondeful week and all of the SE will continue to disappear.
You all take care.
Senora
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Revkat & all,
My 3rd and 4th chemo dates on 5/22 (my daughter's 16th birthday!) and 6/5.
Most difficult SE seems to be the skin - all my old scars on my hands are red, plus some new areas. My cheeks are red, like a bad sunburn (though it's not). I don't know if the neurothopy comes and goes - it seems fairly steady. The worst are my toes - it's like my old calluses are hurting - they feel like new blisters - though they aren't blisters - just similar acute pain. Very weird. I'm going to soak them tonight and try callus remover to soften them up.
I'll try the B6 - can't hurt - someone else mentioned L-Carnitine. Any testimonials?
Also a new mouth sore - I'm treating with the salt/soda I learned here.
I've always been big into exercise and I've pretty much kept the same schedule, just modified a bit. I consider it part of my medicine. I'm not sailing through without SE but it keeps me sane. Well, saner.
My best advice to newbies - go to a wig place that is also part of a hair salon before you lose your hair and have someone help match a wig to what you look like. Often they can order a few and let you chose. Then have someone style the wig - it makes a huge difference in results. Buzz cut your hair before it falls out and get used to wearing your wig early in the process before you feel too blecky. Check your insurance - many cover it.
I'm doing treatments every two weeks, and though it's tough - time is going by pretty fast. I'm half way through!
Peaceful Sunday eve to all
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Thanks RN Karen for the advice - I have actually been taking a cranberry supplement to help - supposed to be equal to drinking a glass of the juice. I will have to ask about the AVelox - is it an antibiotic?
I have to say that I am so in awe of those of you are are working during this. I must be a major wimp!!! I am just down for that 6 days following treatment so I really admire those of you who perservere.
Have a good week.
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Trii, I would love to hear your exercise routine. I go to the gym on average 6 days a week for Step classes or my own routine with treadmill and handweights, body bar and weight resistance machines. I'm certainly no hard body but over 20 years, I've derived a lot of MENTAL as well as physical benefits from my exercise. So what are you doing? I have my first T/C treatment tomorrow and am obsessing about whether there will be enough time to hit the gym before treatment. I now know how important my workout is to my emotional stability.
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Collector - I always made sure I had a run, step or rode the stationary cycle the morning before chemo...seemed to keep the edge off. After chemo the first time I ran the second day and had the worse bone pain with that chemo...for the next 3 I would just walk until about day 5 and then try running or cycling at least 30 minutes as many days as I could. This last chemo...number 4 I have had to scale back...my legs just seem like lead...so I go out for a run..but end up running and walking...I am like you exercise is medicine, and I think has made the SE a bit less. Good luck to you tomorrow...the first one is a bit scary b/c of the unknown...but after that I came to enjoy chemo days...they give you feel good drugs, they have great leather recliners, they fed me lunch and I always snuck in a good nap...
Sharon
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Still feeling well...thought I was out of the woods but noticed today I had blisters in my tongue
Also I started experiecing vaginal spotting on Friday and has not subsided. I'll be calling my onc. tomorrow. I am not sure if this is related to the chemo. I have not heard that symptom before here or anywhere...we will see. Still have all my hair....Have a good week everyone!
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Hi to everybody--this thread has been really active today!
revkat, I spoke too quickly--I am not feeling "normal" or anything close to that, today. You are right about days 4-6 being the worst, I think. I am pretty sure a dump truck rolled over me today, maybe even twice. I don't know yet whether this will be the worst cycle as far as SE's, though. It's just different.
Yes, Trii, the skin problems seemed to plague me more than anything else during cycle #2. Last time, I had hives on day 4, and they lasted 2-3 days. Today I felt some mild itchiness but no hives popped up. Last time, on day 9 I developed red, itchy bumps on my head. They became pustules, and I took photos for my onco to see at my next visit. She said it was probably folliculitis. Fortunately, they were all gone by my next tx. (Mine are every 3 wks--I don't know how anyone could do this every 2 wks, but they do it!) So I don't know if I'll be visited by scalp bumps again this time. All I did for them was switch to washing my head/hair with Johnson's baby shampoo. That seemed to make a big difference. My onco said she could prescribe an antibiotic, but it wouldn't make the folliculitis go away any faster than it did already.
I also get red, scaly spots on my hands and arms around day 8. Those spots are places where I have actinic keratosis I should have a dermatologist look at some time. One type of cancer at a time, thank you very much. My onco said chemo can sometimes cause those early skin lesions to peel and "cure". What a great SE, yes?
And I am so glad to hear that I'm not the only one whose mast scar turns purple during each chemo cycle. I am still worried that the Taxotere is causing swelling at my mast/SNB site and under my arm. My onco doesn't think it's anything to worry about as long as it goes away on its own (which it does). That doesn't calm me much, though, when I feel that pressure and those twinges of pain in there.
Oh, and one more thing (sorry this is so long)--I am also getting pain in the callouses of my feet. Mostly it's in my heels, and it happens midway through each cycle. Sometimes it hurts a lot just to walk. I can't see anything wrong there--no blisters or sores or redness--it just hurts. So I'm really hoping this isn't the neuropathy or the hand/foot syndrome people talk about.
I just finished a baked sweet potato with yoghurt/sugar/cinnamon on it. Now I need to find something for dessert that will make my tender mouth feel good. How about orange sherbet, anyone? Want some?
otter
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