Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
Comments
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Otter - I like your theory and yes it makes sense...I just returned from the simulation...all went well...First rad is tomorrow at 6 pm...
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Kfalls - my allergic reaction to Taxotere showed up as dizziness, sever abdominal pressure, hot flash that went all the way through to my ears, and I turned bright red. They put oxygen on me immediately so I never experienced shortness of breadth. Everything was pretty much settled down after 30 minutes. My onco suggested switching to Abraxane rather than pumping me up with additional meds to counter the allergic reaction.
SharonS - sounds like you may pull ahead of me with treatments. For some reason, my rad onc's office does the simulation (and 3 tattoos) separate from the mapping (drawing) and that may also be separate from the first radiation treatment. Did the simulation today. "They will call me in a few days to schedule the next session" - argh! Just want to be getting started since the sooner it starts, the sooner it ends!
I'm also feeling tired still after Tx#4 on April 30th . Granted I pushed things by traveling with my DH last week to his company's annual conference (it was in the Bahamas so how could I not go? Yes, I used SPF 50 instead of my pre-BC 15). Taking naps occasionally and still sleeping almost 9 hours every night.
Finally got my butt in gear beyond just walking up and down my street. A local fitness center offered a midweek afternoon special that was just too good to pass up so I attended the strength circuit training class today and am planning on going to the Aquatone class tomorrow. I have the extra 12 pounds from chemo to address and then the excess that I have been carrying for way too long.
Hope all are doing well.
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Thanks, Otter, I knew you would have an explanation/theory. What you say sounds logical since last time I didn't get the neulasta until day 8 and started the aches/fever on day 11. The timing would be right.
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Great theory Otter - better than anything I have heard - maybe you should publish it.
Karen0 -
Jisman - glad that you feel kinda of the same...yes I am sleeping 9-10 hours as well. They did my tatoos and markings - 7 two weeks ago...and then the simulation today...but that was only because my rad onc was on vacation.
Bahamas - that sounds great....I think that is what I need vacation...dh and I plan to ride the motorcycles or take a short plane trip....on Saturday...then we have a picnic with his family on Sunday...making boxes for our son in afghan and nephew at ranger school...
Otter are you a nurse?
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Hey, what a great idea! Can we have our next tx's in the Bahamas? Or, better yet, what if we all sneak off to the Bahamas and our oncos can't find us?
No, I'm not a nurse. (I don't even think I could play one on TV, 'cause I puke at the sight or sound of someone else retching.) I had to take a lot of medical-type classes for school, and then I worked in a "health professions" field as a teacher/researcher for 25 years. One of the things I really enjoyed about my job was being able to read articles that came out in medical journals each week. Now I guess it's a hobby, but it's way too focused on one particular medical subject!
otter
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Happy Wednesday to all!
I have my ticket to...not Hawaii or Mexico but for four courses at the infusion bar, arrival 9 am Thursday.
Appetizer: Benadryl
1st course: Taxotere
To Cleanse my palate: Zofran
Grand Finale: Cytoxin
Since this is my 2nd trip I'm not nearly as apprehensive and since the trip should be over by 1 pm perhaps my dh and I will see a movie (if the Benadryl doesn't have me too drowsy.
Wishing you all the best! See you on the other side.
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RobinK, you can change your ticket for a $75 fee, right? Maybe it's not too late.
otter
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Hi all,
I'm on day #6 of Tx#3. I'm feeling ok and have been able to work thru all the treatments so far. But I have to say, this 3rd one does having me feeling more tired than the first two. And I'm now dealing with the "sewer mouth" -- someone else used that expression...describes it perfectly! And also a slightly queasy belly, but otherwise I'm doing well.
However, I wanted to mention something that happened to me at the supermarket on Saturday (day #3). I was feeling ok when I got up; had a light breakfast and a glass of juice. Made myself a cup of tea to take along, and headed off to the supermarket with my older son, as is our usual routine. Well, we got thru the produce section fine and then we were waiting at the deli. That's when I started getting a nasty hot flash, so I took off my jacket. Then I got feeling really light-headed. I looked for a place to sit down, but there was none. So I squatted down (pretended I was tying my shoe) for about 30 sec or so. When I got up, I grabbed the handle of the shopping cart...and WENT RIGHT BACK DOWN! I passed out and took the cart down with me. Thankfully, I landed on my butt and came to quickly. The store personnel and some nearby shoppers were very kind and helpful. I was most worried about my son. He is autistic and was very confused by what happened, but he stayed near me and handled it well. We called my DH and he came to pick us up. When I got home, I slept for a couple of hours and felt much better afterward.
I talked to my onco nurses and they seemed to think that it was due to dehydration. I thought I was keeping myself well-hydrated, but maybe I wasn't drinking as much as I thought I was. I know there is already a lot of emphasis on these boards about drinking a lot, especially the days right before and right after a Tx. But I just want to add more emphasis to it. DRINK, DRINK, DRINK!
I know I'm gonna be extra vigilant in the future.My 4th and last T/C Tx is scheduled for June 5, also my 26th wedding anniversary. Even though my s.e.'s have been minimal (barring my little mishap at the supermarket
), I really can't wait for chemo to be over with. I have rads starting in July, but that shouldn't be too bad.Even though I don't post often, I want you all to know I try to keep up with this thread and I've been keeping everyone in my prayers. Otter, the amazing chart you made is so helpful!
Sue K.
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Hi, all--
Here's an updated tx calendar for those of us on Taxotere & Cytoxan (with Tigwin included 'cause we've adopted her). Dates with question marks or parentheses are those that I've calculated and don't know for sure. Please let me know if your dates or chemo regimen (x4, x6, dd, etc.) are wrong. I haven't projected very far ahead because I thought maybe some of the dates might change.
[Edited 10 years later to delete the blank box Photobucket inserted instead of our calendar, because my Photobucket account is no longer up-to-date. Really sorry about that...]
Hugs,
otter
[Note added in Edit: I've added beergirl (to whom I'll apologize for having to abbreviate her screen name to fit it in the column).]
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Did I tell you all how much I appreciate all your posts and thoughts!!! I get so much enjoyment reading and sharing with all of you. Thanks to each and everyone of you for being my support. You are wonderful ladies and I am so glad I have met you all.
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Otter,
You are something else, girl! All of this research and chart-making...how do you find the time? You have my tx dates correct.
Thanks for keeping track of everyone - it's interesting to see where we all are.
Sue, I'm glad you weren't hurt, especially by the cart. I almost passed out in Wal-Mart (day 5, tx 4) but the lady working the deli offered me some food and I felt better. Hadn't thought that it might be dehydration.
My hot flashes are subsiding a bit this week, so I'm sleeping a little more. I'm wondering how patient I will be this summer when the kids are home from school...
Hang in there everybody,
Michele
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I forgot to tell Sue K. how awful it was that she passed out in the grocery store.
Sue, it makes sense that you would be light-headed after a hot flash, 'cause that would cause all your little blood vessels to dilate and your blood pressure would drop. I have all kinds of trouble at stores like WalMart, where I'm repeatedly stooping down to look at something on a bottom shelf and then standing up. Be really careful.
You're right--we probably need to over-hydrate (not just hydrate), especially during those first few days. I know that my blood pressure is lower now on chemo than it typically is. I also think maybe I don't drink enough fluids after the first few days. Sometimes after week 1 I'll think I'm OK, but then I'll get to feeling kind of yucky--maybe weak, headachy, not quite right. Then I realize I haven't had as much to drink as I should, so I correct that...and in an hour or so I feel better.
So, drink drink drink, even after your early SE's are gone.
otter
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Looks like I will be joining you on Saturday. I will get TC then with 3 more TX to follow every 3 weeks. My oncotype DX score finally arrived at my onc's office. My score was 17. That did not make chemo required, but certainly made me uneasy. When my onc went over the whole report with me (found out I am PR+ not PR-) I opted to do the chemo. I have been taking Femara for 4 weeks. At least I can rest easier knowing that I have done everything I could to stop this and prevent a recurrence. Y'all wish me luck and think of me on Saturday!
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Looks like I will be joining you on Saturday. I will get TC then with 3 more TX to follow every 3 weeks. My oncotype DX score finally arrived at my onc's office. My score was 17. That did not make chemo required, but certainly made me uneasy. When my onc went over the whole report with me (found out I am PR+ not PR-) I opted to do the chemo. I have been taking Femara for 4 weeks. At least I can feel a bit more secure knowing that I have done everything I could to stop this and prevent a recurrence. Y'all wish me luck and think of me on Saturday!
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Otter, you have my projected dates correct. Thank you for doing this. My honeymoon with the first Tx lasted 36 hours and now I'm just hour to hour trying to figure out what is going on. It is so CONFUSING keeping track of the various meds and trying to keep a record of what I'm experiencing so I can communicate with the nurse. I think the worst right now is the chemobrain, can it really kick in so soon or is it the continued stress? I have so much awe and respect for those of you doing this with children at home and those of you working. This cancer is spoiling my retirement big time but at least I'm not dealing with job and dependent children.
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I feel so much better when I get up in the morning and read the posts and know that I am not alone. Thanks to all of you for sharing! welcome beergirl - your score was right around mine and i have been reassured I am doing the right thing. Is anyone having vein irritation at their iv site? one week to the day after my treatment, my vein swells up, gets hot and bruised looking, lasts for several days and then the skin peels off. I guess I should tell the nurse, but I don't want a port.
Hope you all have a good week.
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Karen, I'm with you on the port. At my first tx. I needed to give 4 viles of blood for a study I am in. Unfortunately, for some reason the lab didn't take it and the chemo nurses had to. It took 4 nurses and 5 needles to get through all the blood work and chemo infusion. Then they said I should get a port for the next time. I told them that I have only 3 more txs. I'll suffer. The problem was that the lab should have taken the blood they needed in the first place, but couldn't find me in the computer to confirm the chemo I was getting and they were afraid to stick me! Next time I'll know better. Luckily all the brusing is healed and my next tx. isn't till next Friday.
Otter, thanks for adding me to the list, I know I don't post often but I do read daily and I pray for you all. I have had many a laugh, and shed many a tear over everyone's ups and downs of this disease. The most present one being my impending hairloss. Tomorrow is day 14 for me. My dd makes her Communion on Sunday, so I am hoping it holds out till then. Otherwise I guess the wig will have to do.
Thanks everone for helping me get through this, I don't know how I could without this board.
Kim
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Hi everyone,
I'm new here...had a bilateral mastectomy on 4/30 and I am healing nicely. I have expanders and will go for my second fill tomorrow.
I'm starting on Taxotere and Cytoxan on June 3rd. I'm having a port inserted next week. My oncologist says I will need 4-6 treatments, every 2 weeks, but to "not count on 4." He says if I "cannot handle" more than 4, that, of course, we will stop. This makes me nervous. Just how bad will this be?!!! I know that this is voluntary, and I know that I can tell him that all I want is 4. I thought I read somewhere that even 2 treatments is sufficient for those who have a hard time with this combo.
I have questions about the Benadryl. I was told to have someone with me for the first treatment as the Benadryl might make me drowsy and unable to drive (DH was planning on being with me anyway). However, I was told that I should be able to drive myself back and forth for the other sessions. How can I do this if I am given Benadryl every time? This makes little sense. I have a 7-year-old DS and friends will provide coverage for him, but due to their schedules (and their kids), the only person available to go with me every 2 weeks is my DH (who will have to take off work). I was counting on being able to get back and forth on my own. Am I being unrealistic?
Thanks in advance!
Dawn
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Good morning, all...
I updated the TC chart and re-posted it on yesterday's page. I added beergirl (lookslikeyouneedabeergirl), whose screen name I love 'cause there is a sweet, sad story behind it ... but I had to shorten it to fit it in the column.
Please let me know if I ever post something that is so wide that it makes your computer screen go crazy. Sometimes people post web links or pics that are too wide and they run off the right side of the screen. A post like that makes the lines in every other post on that page lengthen to fit the "new" page width, so everybody's posts run off the side. Anyway, stuff like that (when it's a pic) is easily repaired, so just holler.
Michele--how do I have time to make charts etc.? The easy answer is that I'm retired. It's only my dh and I at home (not even any full-time pets), and I really really hate housework, and the deer eat everything I plant in the garden so we don't have one (plus we're in the "extraordinary drought" region or whatever), and this BC thing has me very preoccupied. That, plus the fact that I kind of like messing around on-line and reading medical articles, naturally takes me to where I am. Once I finish chemo in June, I will probably revert back to my "other" hobbies, if I can remember what they were.
beergirl, I'm not sure the rules allow chemo to be given on a Saturday. Isn't that supposed to be your day off? Gosh, what will they do if you need a Neulasta shot the day after your chemo? I guess they'll figure it all out. It is good (yet bad, of course) to see you here, after all this time. Let's each drop that first digit off our Oncotype scores (your 17 becomes 7, my 26 becomes 6) and get on with our lives, right?
I promise not to talk any more about how much better I feel, since some of you (notably collector) are in the worst of it. I do think tx #3 hit me a bit harder than the previous ones, although #1 is a devil because neither we nor our oncos know how it will go.
I hatehatehate i.v. needles. Kfalls, what the heck is going on with your veins? Mine have been so very forgiving, and it's not because my skin is not sensitive to chemicals. Put a dab of just the right "Bath and Body Works" lotion on me, and my skin goes crazy. But for some reason--maybe the small i.v. catheters they're using, maybe exquisite technique--my veins have withstood the trauma. I have two good veins on the back of my available hand, and the nurses alternate them. Anyway, I think my crew is so accustomed to using veins that it is easy for them. Somehow the nurses have even managed to 1) draw 2 tubes of blood for blood checks; 2) take my BP; and 3) insert and run my chemo i.v., all in my right hand/arm and all within about a 4-hr period, with no bruising. (Boy, have I jinxed that one for next time!)
lilwebb, if you don't comb your hair a lot between now and Sunday (your day 16?), you might be OK. Mine didn't "fall" out--it pulled out with combing and washing and fingers. I worked on it every day, pulling away the loose strands so they wouldn't end up in the food etc. By my 2nd tx ("day 22" of round 1), it was ball-cap bald; but that took a few days. So, maybe pick out a pretty scarf to wear to church that day (if you're lucky, you go to one of those churches where women cover their heads anyway!).
Oh, this is too long. When I feel good, I get really long-winded (as if that doesn't happen anyway). ...sorry...
Hugs,
otter
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Dawn, welcome to the club. Membership is free but not voluntary, I guess. Wow, so you're getting TC x 6 every 2 weeks? Some of the other women here are doing that--I see Senora and Lenny on the list; and Trii is getting dose-dense (every 2 wks) x 4; and quite a few women are getting 6 tx's but they're at 3-wk intervals. They'll chime in any time now, once they get through with lunch (assuming they aren't working their butts off while I'm goofing off at home).
I can't help with the Benadryl question, because I get a different antihistamine in my cocktail. At first I was getting Zyrtec (H1 blocker like Benadryl, but non-drowsy), but last time they changed it to Zantac (H2 blocker). Your onco might just want to see how you react this first time; and after that, it might be OK to drive. Some people (like me) get really sleepy on Benadryl and would be unsafe drivers. My cocktail doesn't make me sleepy, but I do get loopy--kind of "intoxicated", where things don't look or feel quite right. I'm sure my reaction time would be awful. Fortunately, my dh does the driving both ways; that's even more fortunate considering it's a 2-hour drive to where I get treated. Just try to keep things flexible until you find out how it goes on June 3rd.
Hugs...
otter
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Hi everyone,
Just finished my 3rd chemo with the Abraxane, they can drip it more quickly so it was a shorter session.
Deecsw - they'll probably give you a full dose of Benadryl the first time just to be safe, but if you tolerate the treatment you can ask them to do less the 2nd. I've driven myself to treatment everytime. The first time they dripped it in so slowly the Benadryl had worn off somewhat before I got back into my car. So I think you'll be fine. Today I went grocery shopping after treatment - so it's not a show stopper.
About ports. For people making decisons regarding ports - I decided not to, and am glad I didn't. I have good veins, and I'm only doing 4 - and I've been fine. I didn't want another "thing" in my body after surgery - so consider your situation before you agree to a port.
Sue K - my heart goes out to you with your passing out in the store. Glad you are okay.
Otter - thank you for the chart - amazing work.
Can I put in another plug for exercise as an additional way to ward off SE's? The day's I don't do "something" are always my worst days. Not moving begets feeling worse begets more not moving. I find if I just move, even when not feeling well - I just always feel better.
Also a plug for getting your hair buzzed before it starts to fall out. For me, that was a positive move. Got the wig fit and styled and I was ready - no waiting for the inevitable. A way of taking control where I can...
May you all have comfortable days.
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Otter--yes, 6 treatments every 2 weeks does seem quite "dense." I am meeting with my nurse to go over everything next week and to get my scripts for the anti-nausea meds, etc., so I will ask her more about this regimen. As I read along here, I do notice that most who are doing this TC combo every 2 weeks are having 4 treatments, not 6. I will ask again why 6 is my "magic" number.
Trii-thanks for your input. As far as a port is concerned, I did not want one, but due to the lymphedema risk on my right side (had 12 nodes removed), and due to the fact that the only place they will put the IV is in my hand, I have no other choice. I have always been told I have "great veins," and I do, but unfortunately, they are not on my hand :0( I'm really getting scared now...how bad is the port placement?
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Otter--yes, 6 treatments every 2 weeks does seem quite "dense." I am meeting with my nurse to go over everything next week and to get my scripts for the anti-nausea meds, etc., so I will ask her more about this regimen. As I read along here, I do notice that most who are doing this TC combo every 2 weeks are having 4 treatments, not 6. I will ask again why 6 is my "magic" number.
Trii-thanks for your input. As far as a port is concerned, I did not want one, but due to the lymphedema risk on my right side (had 12 nodes removed), and due to the fact that the only place they will put the IV is in my hand, I have no other choice. I have always been told I have "great veins," and I do, but unfortunately, they are not on my hand :0( I'm really getting scared now...how bad is the port placement?
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Otter--yes, 6 treatments every 2 weeks does seem quite "dense." I am meeting with my nurse to go over everything next week and to get my scripts for the anti-nausea meds, etc., so I will ask her more about this regimen. As I read along here, I do notice that most who are doing this TC combo every 2 weeks are having 4 treatments, not 6. I will ask again why 6 is my "magic" number.
Trii-thanks for your input. As far as a port is concerned, I did not want one, but due to the lymphedema risk on my right side (had 12 nodes removed), and due to the fact that the only place they will put the IV is in my hand, I have no other choice. I have always been told I have "great veins," and I do, but unfortunately, they are not on my hand :0( I'm really getting scared now...how bad is the port placement?
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Back again ladies! I'm glad to see that everyone who's been checking in seems to feel pretty good these last few days. Kathy's over the rash thanks to the prednisone, and is looking forward to tx#4 next Tuesday. I mean, I guess she's looking forward to it in the sense that she will be one treatment closer to being done. Other than the rash and the usual exhaustion, she's handling #3 pretty well.
Otter, You have #3 and #4 correct on the chart. #5 is 6/17, and #6 and final is 7/8. Thanks so much for the work you've put into it, it really helps Kathy mentally to know that she is not the only TC x6 out there, there are 9 other ladies in the same club.
Uh oh, boss just caught me typing again, better get back to work. Minimal se's to all!
Steve
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Deecsw - Hi, I had a port put in...same as you had 21 lymph nodes removed on right side...and surgeon suggested it. The outpt surgery was fine....I didn't have any problems....except for them trying to start the IV in my hand - 3 times...and it was the anesthesia guy doing it...I love my port...make sure they use it when they draw your liver and kidney panels too. I am done with chemo, but I am not getting it out til after radiation...as they continue to do some blood work. Good luck to you and all the other newcomers! I start radiation tonight...
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Hey All, writing from the chemo bar. On my last "drink". So far so good. DH brought me a less than healthy lunch before I lose my taste and appetite, hamburger and chocolate shake.
Sharon S - I'm with you on the vacation idea when all this is over for me. I have several weeks after final treatment before returning to work and am hoping to go some place peaceful and be pampered.
Beergirl - good to hear from you. Will you be having a port put in or going to pray that your veins hold out?
Otter - it would have ALMOST been worht the penalty fee for changing travel plans but my hair is now gone so I may as well finish. Earlier today I could see your chart containing all our names and treatment dates. This afternoon there is a white blank space where the chart used to be. Don't know if something happened after you editied the chart ot what.
Jisman - I haven't been in the Chemo life as long as you but have found the exercise does indeed help. On my own I use our treadmill or walk the dog almost every day. Yesterday I had a fitness test and got set up for the cancer exercise program, will go twice weekly x 4 wk then re-evaluated.
SQK - that was an unfortunate occurance in the grocery store. Glad you ended up OK and your son not shaken.
Steve - greetings to you and Kathy. Hurray for her and only one more treatment!!!
Lilwebb and Deecsw - Welcome!!
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Hi TC Girls! To answer some questions...
Otter - Saturday chemo this time because I got the results of the oncotype dx yesterday - exactly 8 weeks out from my surgery. Apparently there is a time frame within which chemo is effective. My onc said it could not wait until next week to start. The chemo lounge was booked solid today and tomorrow. That left Saturday. So OK. After I left I called back to ask about the inj. I would be getting the day after. She said I would get that Monday morning. I hope 48 hours in between won't matter. I think for the 2nd tx the day will be changed to Monday or Friday.
Robin - I got a port at the time of my surgery. My surgeon was certain I would need chemo. Then...viola! The malignant tumor was about 1/2 the size they thought. It was completely surrounded by dense DCIS and that altered the size of the tumor on the Mammo and MRI. I am glad I have the port now. I started getting Aredia (zometa) infusions on April 23 and that will be every 6 weeks for...maybe forever. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis about 4 years ago.
Trii - Yesterday my onc stressed the importance of some sort of exercise during chemo - told me to get into some sort of structured program so I would continue with it. I walk at the mall before stores open. Many people from this area do that and then several of us meet at the bookstore coffee shop when it first opens. We are usually gone before the rest of the stores open. Then I have one friend in a water walking class and another in a water aerobics class. Onc said any/all of that would be very good for me.
Rogam, Hope your 1st tx went well.
See y'all later here
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beergirl - waiting 48 hours for the neulasta shouldn't matter. My onc. does blood work on day 8 after the first treatment before he decides on it. I got mine that day. From what I understand, it works better if given earlier, but it still works if given later.
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