Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
Comments
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Oh, beergirl, that's awful! What a rough time for tx #1. I hope they found you the right drugs finally. It takes awhile sometimes, since we all seem to react a bit differently. I thought I would have trouble with nausea & vomiting, since I develop motion sickness in a rowboat on a lake (well, almost). I haven't, though. OTOH, I do get diarrhea with every single tx cycle.
I get Neulasta on the same day as my chemo, and I start aching around day 4 or 5. It lasts for about 3 full days. I've always blamed it on the Neulasta, because it feels like "bone pain"--sharp, stabbing pains in major bones. My onco nurse said it was common to feel that from Neulasta. Some women who aren't getting Neulasta or Neupogen still get aches and pains, though; so I've always wondered how much of it is from the Neulasta and how much is due to Taxotere. My onco said muscle and bone pain was common with Taxotere. So, who knows?
I hope you're feeling better tonight. My dh just got back from the pharmacy with my antibiotics. I think I'll take one and call it a night.
Hugs to everybody...
otter
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Otter -- they put me on Avelox for whatever was causing my fever too! And it was gone the next morning. I hope the same happens for you too.
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SE's stopped almost immediately with the new meds. I got yesterday afternoon.
Otter, hope your antibiotics work just as quickly.
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Beergirl---I think my Neulasta pain hit that night or the next day, at least. Advil helped...even if you predose. Glad you're feeling better with the nausea, etc. Don't forget to take Senekot-S or some kind of stool softener when taking anti-nausea meds. They're usually very constipating, and you don't want the cramping pain to add to everything else!
Otter---my 4th and final tx is tomorrow the 28th. thx for keeping track of everybody! You're so organized, your house must be immaculate!!
I see some of us are graduating this week---yay for us!! Good luck to all those who aren't quite done yet. Remember, there is an end to this...then there's radiation to look forward to!!
Keep the faith
Lisa
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Oh, Lisa, ha ha ha ha. An immaculate house? You should see my house. No, on second thought, you should not see my house. I can be obsessively focused on some things, but totally indifferent toward others. Housekeeping fits into the latter category. Chemo hasn't changed that.
I am noticing some timing issues. My computer clock says it's presently 9:45 a.m. CDT. The posts from beergirl and NurseLisa are both time-stamped "7 hours ago." Let's see ... that would have been around two forty-five in the morning (3:45 for Lisa)? Or were you posting from Afghanistan or something? Someone needs to keep an eye on you two, and make sure you are getting enough sleep.
I do hope the day goes well for all of you attending chemo camp today.
Hugs,
otter
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Lolololol Otter--- I'm a nurse and love working the night shift!! I was on a break from a very busy night in ICU and really enjoyed relaxing with all of you for a few minutes. Calgon, take me away.... I know, I'm dating myself, and for all you youngins, that was from a commercial, back in the day,about soothing bath salts (I think). And you're right about the house...it'll always be there. Make each moment count by spending it with family and friends. I know that's what's keeping me going through all these tough times. Remember, live each day to the fullest...because tomorrow you may be too sick to get outta bed!!
Well, it's off to chemo camp (lolol) tomorrow.
c ya, Lisa
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Hi all! I have been away for a few days and have just been able to finish reading all of your posts. I am supposed to have my 4th tx on 5/29, but they think that I have developed a problem with my port. I have had pain off and on around the port site and every time I have chemo my they have problems accessing the port. Tomorrow, I am having a dye test to determine if I have pinching syndrome. Has anyone else had this problem? They seem to think that my line may have a kink or a hole in it. If so, I will have to have my port removed. I have three more treatments left and I really don't know if I want to go through having another port put in. Due to my previous breast cancer on the right side, I only have the left side available for sticks. I had the port put in because they were concerned that my veins just wouldn't hold up, but now if there is a problem with the port, I just don't know what to do. I will keep you all posted. I just really want to get these next treatments over with and move on. If anyone has had problems like this with their port, I would appreciate hearing from you. Take care and I certainly hope that you are all feeling better soon.
Senora
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SusanDL - I too gave up coffee early on. I used to drink it all day long - definitely more than a pot a day all by myself. Just didn't taste right to me. Interestingly, that was the only food/beverage that I ended up giving up entirely.
JulieC - given that you are young and especially with the kids, do all you can to put BC in your past. There are lots of years ahead. The months of chemo will (eventually) pale in comparison.
Deb - hope you and your son's family's had minimal damage form the tornado.
Beergirl - sorry to hear about your SEs. The long-lasting anti-emetics they gave me before my chemo drugs (Aloxi, I think) worked great for me - had no nausea/vomiting issues at all throughout my four treatments. If they are not giving you something like that, ask them for it.
Senora - good luck with resolving the issues with your port. I did not have one so can't comment further.
Congrats to all who finish their treatments this week. We all know you have to go through the rest of the cycle but it is a great feeling to know that you won't be seeing the infusion chair again.
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Karen, Since we're a day apart, I wanted to let you know I think I turned the corner today. My legs didn't have that weak, wobbly feeling for a change. I did have to nap this afternoon - had no choice but to flop on the couch and I was out.
I have a red area the size of a quarter on the back of my hand. It looks like a burn but has never hurt. It just occurred to me (duh) that it's the iv site but it didn't appear until a week after infusion. Has anyone had a delayed reaction?
Have a good evening.
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Hi all,
I met with the nurse practitioner at my oncologist's office today and we have made some changes to my treatment plan. Instead of having 4-6 infusions/treatments, the decision has been made for me to have a DEFINITE 4! Plus, they will take place every THREE weeks, not every two weeks (I get a bit of a break!). The nurse and doctor discussed the "dense dose" and felt that every 2 weeks was just too much. Apparently, they know of some women who have developed pulmonary problems (!) from the 2-week regimen, so it's OUT!
I will now finish chemo EARLIER than I first thought (barring no complications), finishing on August 5th. However, there was a glitch today-I had blood drawn at the doc's office last week and for some reason my creatinine (sp?) number was high (kidney related) and so was my liver enzyme. This is VERY puzzling as I have never had a problem before this and even the doc says that it would have been odd for MSKCC to have agreed to do the surgery at all if there was a problem. I don't remember them taking blood from me the entire time I was hospitalized, however, I vaguely remember them taking some just before the surgery (same day). Is it possible that all they checked was my CBC and did not do panels?
Blood was drawn again today and hopefully this was a lab error. Doc and I cannot imagine how I could have developed a kidney problem "all of a sudden." Just what I need! If the numbers come back high again, he will have to send me to a nephrologist first before administering any chemo. So this wonderful new schedule could be KAPUT and chemo could end up being delayed!!!
I also talked them out of the port. This may be a mistake, but I figured I may be able to make it through the 4 treatments w/o one. We actually compromised. The first dose will be injected into my hand and if it causes problems or ends up not being a logical option, I have agreed to have the port inserted for the next three. So far the doctor and nurses have been great. I was reminded by them that "they work for me," and that they will do whatever is within reason, of course, to make this easier for me.
I ask for your positive thoughts for the test to come back within normal range!!!!!! At least I'll find out by tomorrow afternoon.
Dawn
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Sandy - Yes, I think today was my first good day this round and I really felt good. My iv site reaction appears exactly 7 days after my treatment ( at least it has both rounds). that is why I didn't know what it was the first time. However, this time it is really bad, about 3 inches long traveling down my vein, not painful, but swollen and purplish red. They are putting in the pic line on Monday because they said they don't want to damage my veins. You might want to let your doctor know. Mine lasts for about a week and then the skin on my hand peels.
Well, it took me 6 days to feel better after #1, and 13 days after #2 - hope this isn't a trend.
Dawn - I will keep you in my prayers tomorrow. Hopefully it was a mix up.
Keep smiling, or at least trying.
Karen0 -
Biopsy 3/11,Mastectomy 4/16, one positive node. Had my first cycle of Taxotere and Cy-toxin on 5/22. Had a severe reaction to the Tax and had to stop, receive benadryl and then could receive drug. Very scary! Got along ok first day, then felt like I was getting the flu, went to bed, forgot fluids, BIG mistake. Aches, pains, spasms, cramps. Hit the H20 again hard, got better. Actually expanders bothering me more than chemo side effects, but long way to go. 5 more, three weeks apart. From what I've researched this is the best chance for long term survival. If they tell you not everyone loses their hair don't believe it. Good luck
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Dawn - I went through 4 treatments without a port with no issues. Veins on the back of my hand are good so the nurses had no problem there.
Judianna - sorry you had to join us yet this is the right place to be for the best info on getting through TC. Sounds like you have the right attitude; that makes a huge difference. And yes, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Wishing everyone the best.
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Got a call about 10 minutes ago regarding the blood test--all is NORMAL, there was a definite lab error. The tests from 5/19 were run twice and the first set were normal, second set was not. The nurse thinks they may have retested someone else's vial. Nice, huh? In any case, my Creatinine level is 0.7, not 2.3 as they reported from last week. Big difference, eh?
Chemo will start as planned on 6/3.
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deecsw, I'll put your tx and dates on the next issue of the Taxotere/Cytoxan calendar. It will be coming out in another day or two.
I have some other names to add (Debbiem415, SusanDL123, JulieC, judianna) , and a few tx dates to change. I'm getting kind of worried that I will have to drop some names to keep it all on one page. (A single page makes it easier to scan.)
Here are some names I've been putting on the list because they said they were getting TC, but they haven't posted for awhile. I hope they're still reading, even if they haven't been posting:
Tonic (tx #1 approx. 4/14; last post 4/24)
annie39 (tx #1 approx. 4/24, tx #2 approx. 5/15; last post 5/11?)
Skarem (tx #1 5/2, tx #2 approx. 5/23; last post 5/8)
rogam (tx #1 5/22; last post 5/12)
I might put our "actives" and our "veterans" (graduates?) on separate lists. I'd like to keep including the veterans, because they hang around here and help us out a lot.
OK, that's enough housekeeping for now. Heh, that's about all the housekeeping I feel like doing today!
otter
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Hi Everyone...Hope all that have treatment today have a good day, and for those with SE, I hope they are minimal....
Went to see Onc today....good news is that both of my BRCA's came back no mutation detected...told him about the tiredness...did all my blood work again...RBC/hematocrit up a tad but still low....but my WBC went from 9.3 to 3.3....they have always been fine....so they did this last and the nurse said it was low but not too bad....but to me a drop of that much seems a bit strange...
Anyone want to chime in on the WBC who has had experience? Through all of this mine has been great and off the chart after the shots...Thanks for any info
Sharon
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Hi everyone,
I survived my first treatment (yesterday) and my first Neulast shot today. Now just sort of waiting around to see what happens next and trying to stay positive. My youngest dd asked if my hair came out yet today. It could be a long summer. I did take both dd's with me for my shot today so they can see where I will be spending a lot of the summer and to see what goes on there. My 12-yr old seems to understand. The 9-yr old turns information into "misinformation" on a regular basis. We have to straighten her out frequently.
Otter - I love how you have everything so neat and organized. That's my style, too. Thanks for putting me on your list. I know I will have the 4 tx 3 weeks apart - just don't have the exact dates yet. I go back next week to have WBC checked and we will go from there.
Jisman - thanks for the encouraging words about putting this behind me. I have pictures in my bag that I take to my appointments of me with the kids and me with my dh to remind me of why we are doing all of this. I'm 45 and seem old with only a 12-yr old and 9-yr old. My husband and I will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversay on 6/4. This wasn't how I thought we would be celebrating. But we will be celebrating everything positive that has happened so far.
My grandmother was diagnosed with bc in January at the age of 93! What's the point! I knew I wasn't current on my appointments so I got current. I had the basic mammogram and then was called to have a more focalized one along with a u/s. The day before my grandmother passed away, I received a call saying I needed to contact a surgeon about a biopsy. She didn't die from the bc, just other things that she had going on. These last few months have been crazy. Funeral for grandmother, consulation with surgeon, surgical biopsy/lumpectomy on 3/21, dx on 3/25, consult with onco, fired first surgeon, new consult with different surgeon, SNB on 4/22 and now chemo this week. The grandmother was my mom's mom and one of my mom's sister's had a mastectomy 8 years ago so it seems to run in the family. That's what my little one is afraid of. She already thought she had lung cancer (did chest x-ray, nothing there) while a few weeks later, 4 days before my SNB, older dd actually had pneumonia and had to be "quarantined" in her bedroom for a few days. Isn't life crazy?! I guess that's why we will conquer BC - so it doesn't take the crazies away. I wouldn't want it any other way.
Sorry to have rambled - still a little emotional about everything - oh, and don't get me started about the wig. Yes, I have one, I think for everyone elses's sake, not necessarily for me.
Thanks for the support. It's great.
Julie
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Veteran here
. Just wanted to wish all of you that are finishing up a minimal se week. For the newbies, this road is not as long as it seems. I am just over a month out, and finally starting to feel a bit better. I had se all along the way, and still have some issues. Great thing is I'm here to let you all know-You can do this.I took my "cocktail"without a port. This is my second time around, and only had one arm for sticks. It worked out, just make sure you hydrate-constantly. It really helps to have plump veins when you go.
My hair is finally starting to show a bit. A friend this morning said that my hair grew back faster the last time. Seems like this "cocktail" is a bit harder on the system. No longer look like a baby bird, now I look like a fuzzy worm. Go figure. Still wearing the caps, it's not me-it makes others uncomfortable. So, I'll wait till it thickens up a bit. I am using the nioxin, and maybe that is helping. Just started so really don't know.
I won't be doing radiation, but am going to the BS next week to get set up for the remaining reconstruction surgeries. Guess I won't be doing any swimming this year, but baby next year....
My sisters- It seems like this new group is concentrating extensively on blood work, counts, and really I believe you need to be concerned about your energy, hydrating and making sure you get the rest you need. The doctors are the ones that will worry about your counts. Taking care of yourself during this time should be your main focus. I understand it is hard. I did make it a point to do at least one thing a day, but my dh was my saving grace. He took over all the chores, and is still helping out bunches.
Wishing all minimal se, and I will be dropping in from time to time.
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Hi all! I wanted to let you know that I just got a call from my cancer center and the dye test done on my port showed no problems and my blood work is all normal, so it looks like my 4th tx will be tomorrow morning!! Thank goodness. I am so ready to get this over with and move on! You all take care and I sincerely hope that those of you not feeling well will soon be feeling better.
Senora
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Morning everyone! Welcome to all the newbies, wish you didn't have to be here, but welcome and share in the friendships we all share. This is a very good place to come, whethers its for information or just to chat. Lots of knowledgable people here. We have either been where you are, or are where your at.
I have my final TC tomorrow and can't wait to get it over with. It seems like #3 kicked my butt worse than the first 2 did. Not sure why that is. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that it was done at a new facility by a different group than #1 and #2. Not sure. They didn't do the same routine as my first treatment center did. Maybe that has something to do with it. I was just really tired with #3 and felty poopy a lot longer than I normally have been. My taste buds are normally back in full force by now, but they aren't. I made my favorite meal lastnight, country fried steak and gravy. And I didn't even enjoy it. It just didn't taste good to me. Tasted kind of funky to me. Although my dh assured me it was fine, just fine and tasted great. I really wanted to box his ears for that comment. Lets hope #4 is much easier and I'm just so glad to get it done and over with that I feel great. Cross our fingers! I will find out tomorrow when my appointment for my measurements for radiation will be, so I'll get that started soon. Hopefully I will have some time to recouperate from chemo before we rush headstrong into radiation.
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ladybug - Glad to hear you will finish tomorrow.....they waited 3 weeks before starting my rads...but went ahead and got the markings done before that....maybe when you feel better we can get together for lunch...my rad appt is usually in the late afternoon.
Sharon
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Hi all! I am usually a computer addict but I just haven't had the concentration to sit here. My friends are shocked I haven't been checking my e mail constantly. I am feeling okay but have no energy. I am a bit more achy today - is that normal to not feel achy the first few days and then it kicks in? As exhausted as I am I can't sleep, day or night. Talked to the dr's office today and my husband is out right now picking up sleeping pills. I worked part time yesterday and today. I am so lucky my office is being understanding.
Any good snack suggestions? I am trying to eat little bits throughout the day but everything seems to taste the same.
Not happy for the reason but it's nice to have you all as new friends
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Yeah, styrofoam and dirt seem to be the main flavors. I'm way out on day 15 of my 3rd tx, and this round I still don't have my appetite back. I'm trying to eat really healthy things (chicken, fish, lean beef, lots of veggies) but I don't look forward to mealtime anymore. My poor dh is being so sweet--he keeps asking, "But what do you think would taste good? I'll fix you anything you want." I don't know what I want.
I stockpiled snacks for each chemo cycle. We have those little, single-serving puddings and fruit jellos; and lots of sherbet and popsicles; Wheat Thins; and nice things like sweet potatoes I can pop in the microwave. We are over-supplied with chicken noodle soup. Unfortunately, none of those sounds good right now. I know that I should have a "Carnation Instant Breakfast" just to get some nutrients, but ... yuck (plus I think the carton of milk went sour).
It's hard to tell if the yuckiness is from the sinus infection, the antibiotic I'm on, or just some residual effects of tx #3. Doesn't much matter, I guess--it should be gone in a few days, just in time for tx #4!
If I don't get back here tonight, I am sending strong vibes to those of you who are headed for chemo camp tomorrow. ~~~~~~~
otter
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Hi All, Have not posted in a bit so I thought I would say Hello !! I am head out of town tomorrow and I am sooo excited !!! Going from So Cal to Myrtle Beach, SC. My three best friends and I are meeting up to celebrate my 1/2 way through chemo !! I hope it makes the next three rounds easier to have the memmories I am about to make. I will chat with you all when I return, next week.
Hope you all have a great weekend and it is SE Free !!!!
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Have a great time, Tigwin! Be sure to take photos.
otter
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Tigwin - good for you! Enjoy your vacation!
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Hi all,
Am 3 weeks out from my last TC tx. Started rads today. So much nicer than sitting in the 'chair'. I was more tired after this 4th tx. I had the itchy, watery eyes for about 10 days. Just today I think I may be getting over that. They really bothered me when I was using the computer. My hair is coming back so that is exciting. I'm tired of the bald look and the wig is hot now that the weather has turned warm! I feel fortunate that I lucked out and didn't have the neulasta pain. Just achy back and legs for a day. But I had that racy heart reaction to the taxotere so I'm soooo glad I don't have to deal with that in the near future.
Good luck to all of you. You will get thru it. Maybe I'll 'see' some of you on the rads board.
Joyce
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Yeah - I made it. I had my final chemo yesterday. My onco changed my pre-chemo meds and I had only a minimal reaction so only had to stay overnight at the hospital. Feel pretty good so far.
Have an appt to see onco next week and start AIs then off to rads.
Good luck to everyone having chemo this week. Hope everyone else has minimal ses.
Deb
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Senora and Ladybug: Good Luck tomorrow and congratulations!!! I don't know if it was just in my head b/c I knew it was the last one, but tx#4 was by far the easiest for me. I hope that it is for you both also.
SharonS: Maybe the WBC is a cumulative effect from TC?
Debbiem425: I think that the "bad taste" was almost the worst se. I stocked up on popsicles, fudgesicles, angel food cake, gingerale, lemonade, sherbert, sweet potatoes, asparagus, broccoli, baked potatoes, strawberries, oranges, melons, and junior mints.
gramadeb: Congratulations!!! It feels so good to finish up the chemo!
goldilocks: I am 3 weeks out. It is so good to hear that your hair is growing back. I can't wait to get rid of these hats. They were okay for a while but the new is definitely wearing off.
For all of you expander girls: I had my "switch out" today with my silicon implant. It feels so much better!!! This surgery was MUCH easier than the mastectomy.
Have a great night ladies!
Debbie
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Greetings from warmer and breezy Colorado Springs!
"Be a bridge of encouragement to someone today" "Sometimes we feel we must say something spiritual or insightful to a hurting friend. Perhaps what he or she needs most is simply our presence, showing that we care"
If you are in need of encouragement today please allow your friends and family to gift you with that opportunity.
I want to thank everyone who contributes to this thread for supporting fellow travelers and allowing others to support you!
Blessings!
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