Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Hi All,
It was a big day yesterday as I cut my curly, full, shoulder length hair into a very short "bob" to get ready for treatment. I feel better having let go of my hair and taking this interim step. I am hoping it will make loosing this now shorter hair less stressful! I have updated my profile so hopefully the new me is now visible with my posts!
Otter I am happy for you that you are almost done.....I am just beginning and I really appreciate all your posts!
I just hope my fills progress successfully during chemo so that I will be closer to my exchange when this is all done!
Valerie
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VBG... having had the shoulder length curly hair myself, I feel your pain. I have to say though, since I shaved mine at day 13 after tx#1, I have never felt so, well free. I don't have to worry about getting my hair wet at the pool .... and most of all, I'm a little devious mind you.. tonight my dh and I were down at the pool in our apartments. A group of 20 somethings came down, drinking beer and carrying on .. they were making out in the pool and such. I mean, thats fine but don't come all the way to the quiet end where I am and do it, please .. the other end was just as quiet and peaceful. I took my bandana off, bald head in all its glory .. they promptly got in the hot tub and left me alone. DH thinks I'm mean, I just think it of it as using the advantage...:)
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ladybugcyndi, that was a wonderful use of baldness to reinforce the rules of civility! Nothing like making the 20-somethings a bit uncomfortable themselves, eh?
Mostly I don't have anything to say--I just saw we were about to fall off the page so I thought I'd bump us back up.
This is day 4 of round #4, so I'm beginning to bog down just a little. Everything is going as usual--there really is a pattern to all this, after all. Day after chemo is "hangover day" for me; the next day (day 3 of the cycle) I feel completely normal but have a sense of forboding. Then there is day 4, with some tiredness coming on. By day 5, I expect to start feeling some of the aches and pains of the Neulasta and/or Taxotere. Time to take it easy then. My dh has been pampering me throughout my chemo, offering to cook whatever sounds tasty, bringing me snacks and things whenever I need them, driving to town on emergency grocery/pharmacy runs, etc. He has been so wonderful! My only fear is that he's saving up a whole list of things for me to do once I "get over" chemo. It will be my turn to cook meals for years to come....
otter
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Happy weekend ladies! This thread looks quiet and I am hoping two things 1) that those with recent treatments are feeling too good to mess around on the Internet and 2) everyone else is enjoying something wonderful about today.
DH and I planted some perennials, cleanup the yard, sat in the warmth of the sun but all this was after a lovely breakfast (cooked at a restaurant). Now I think I'll go rest, not because I am overly tired but because I feel delightfully lazy!
Later
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Hurray for your DH, Otter! Let's trust that he will take care of all the things you think he might put on that "Honey Do List". He'll just be thrilled to have you back and feeling better!
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Hope everyone is having a super weekend! I have a question: I had my 1st tx Wed. 6/4, and took Compazine every 6 hours until last night, when I popped a Phenergan to get some better sleep. Today I haven't taken anything, and I feel fine. I know the Compazine was making me draggy, but my question, which I'm sure has been answered elsewhere, is--Are s/e's generally something to worry about during week 1, and things get better from there? Meaning, am I going to feel pretty good one day and then get gobsmacked the next? Or can I rest easy that I'll feel OK until the next tx? Just curious....0
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Somehow I wasn't seeing the most recent posts when I posted my question--Otter, you kind of answered my question already I think! Don't know if it's my computer or what, but sometimes it takes me to the next-to-last page of posts rather than the end.
VBG, I did the same hair thing too--cut my longer-than-shoulder-length hair into a bob. Somehow the idea of strands wrapping themselves around our arms isn't very appealing, isn't it? And ladybugcyndi, your actions at the pool are hilarious! I can't stand people who feel entitled to every bit of space with no respect for anyone else--I'm sure the looks on their faces were priceless.0 -
Hi Ladies,
Today I went with my sister and niece for a garage sale they were having. They are walking the two day Avon Breast Cancer walk So Cal in my honor so I thought I would wear the scarf and pull the cancer card to help them raise money. Maybe helped a bit but they still have to raise a lot of money. All the sales are going to the $1800 they each need to earn to participate. It was very warm out in the sunshine. I was with them for about 3 hours and then came home and slept most of the day. I am a bit wiped out on this round of chemo. This is round #4 day 3 and super tired. Not fighting it jus resting. Hope eveyone one is having a great weekend SE FREE !!!!
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Today is day 6 of tx 1. Catlover, I think you are on the same schedule as I am, just a day behind me. I am so happy for Otter for being done. I hope you sail through this cylcle.
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Good Morning all,
Today is day eleven since 1st treatment. Other then very slight neuropathy I am feeling pre-chemo. Am I on an up-swing now? Will I continue to feel better until next treatment?
Since body is feeling so good I am now paying attention to the mental part and preparing for hair fall-out next week some time.
Otter - onco nurse agreed with you and seemed to think big toe thing was hand foot, started taking B6 and kept udder cream on them. Only lasted about 3 days.
Because of neuropathy onco nurse said Dr would reduce amount of taxotere on next treatment. Hope that does not reduce the effectiveness of the drug.
Question about grade 1: Just read some where that while it's good because it is a slow grower, it's bad in that it doesn't respond as well to chemo. Does anyone have any information backing that statement? Otter oh wise one what do you think?
Enjoy the rest of the weekend, Karin
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Hello All,
I have read some posts but not posted much. I am doing TC and started treatment on 6/3/08.
Feel so strange no energy, not to much nausea, some bone pain and aches from the Neulesta. Just a general lack of desire to do anything and like my emotions are frozen even sad.
Please tell me this will get better. Friday I slept a great deal and yesterday I took several naps...let me state this is not me I am a 100 miles an hour type of girl.
I have 4 total treatments 1 every 3 weeks. Does it get better or worse? My last treatment is August 05 , 2008. My DH,myself and my parents are planning an Alaskan Cruise on 8/29/2008 . Does anyone think this that is a bad idea?
I really don't want to complain to friends and family , I so glad you , or gals are here.0 -
Hello All,
I have read some posts but not posted much. I am doing TC and started treatment on 6/3/08.
Feel so strange no energy, not to much nausea, some bone pain and aches from the Neulesta. Just a general lack of desire to do anything and like my emotions are frozen even sad.
Please tell me this will get better. Friday I slept a great deal and yesterday I took several naps...let me state this is not me I am a 100 miles an hour type of girl.
I have 4 total treatments 1 every 3 weeks. Does it get better or worse? My last treatment is August 05 , 2008. My DH,myself and my parents are planning an Alaskan Cruise on 8/29/2008 . Does anyone think this that is a bad idea?
I really don't want to complain to friends and family , I so glad you , or gals are here.0 -
Liz,
Yes it will get better. You are about a week behind me. My first was 5/28. If I had to describe my first week I would ditto how you described it. But guess what, not frozen anymore, not sad, don't feel separated from others. It's me I'm back. I CAN do this.
As for the cruise, if there are no complications; set backs because of an infection etc. you should be fine. On the other hand if something does arise it will throw your schedule off and you might not be done by then. I wouldn't make definite plans unless you could get a refund if the later happens.
Karin
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Good morning! I hope everyone is feeling well today. This is day 5 of tx 3, the one I've worried about. Right now, I can't say it's been any worse, but it seems the ses have hit earlier. I had the "decadron drop" Thursday around 8pm. Cranky all Friday morning, and then slept. I slept yesterday except for bouts of waking up craving all sorts of things. These cravings are almost the same that I had when I was pregnant the first time (if I can remember 30 years ago) - chocolate milkshakes, pound cake, lime sherbet/gingerale floats, chinese food. I was achy and had that horrendous headache again. Today, so far, so good. I'm hoping it continues. DS is coming over this afternoon to replace the distributor on the jeep and eat.
Hope everyone has a good day, and tries to stay cool if the weather is like it is here. Yesterday was 100 and they're expecting the same today. That's August weather, not June. At least the ac is working this year.
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Hi Karin,
Thank you for the info. I plan to get out of the house today. Church then maybe a small boat ride. I just can't stay in the house , making me sad need to interact a bit at least try.
So glad to hear it gets better. Doctor seems to think the cruise will be fine. I really want to go, Alaska is melting want to see it up close . We cruise a good bit but I think out of all the Cruises Alsaka can be relaxing. Plus I want to take and thank my parents for all they have done for us since I've been ill.
I grow up in Bergen County, NJ little town called Wood -Ridge not far from Paramus if you know it.0 -
Liz
I just replied but it must have gotten lost in cyber space, lol. You must be feeling better already if you think your stomache can handle a boat ride. Just remember to take the anti-nausea meds along just incase.
We were almost neighbors. I grew up in Essex County, tiny town called Glen Ridge. A small sliver between Montclair and Bloomfield. Didn't we play football against one and other, lol?
Enjoy the day, Karin
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Not only did we play I am rather certain my team lost...lol We always had a terrible Football Team.
Feeling more alive today ..thank God.0 -
LizC and MsKarin, it sounds like you are right on track. With my first TC tx, I felt pretty bad for about a week, maybe 9 days, mostly because of severe indigestion that I didn't have under control. After that, everything turned around and I felt great! It was so weird--by day 10 I was full of energy, had a strong appetite, and felt completely normal ... until my hair began falling out of course. That started around day 12 or so with a few strands pulling out; by day 16, it was coming out in clumps. It wasn't so bad, though--I still felt really fine even though I was going bald. So for tx #1, I had one week that was bad and a little less than 2 weeks that were very good.
LizC, this is day 5 of my 4th and last TC round. Today is much better than the same day was in round #3, and I am not sure why. I am a bit anemic (hemoglobin was 11.1 last Wednesday), so I am a little more tired than in past rounds. Also, during round #3 I developed a fever on day 13 because of a mild sinus infection and had to be put on antibiotics, so that made things a bit tough for what should have been my "good" week. I am so hoping to avoid that this time. Unless you have a problem like that, you should be fine for your trip to Alaska at the end of August. I've never been on a cruise to Alaska, but my dh and I were there twice for meetings/vacations. One trip was toward the end of Labor Day week, when most of the tourists were gone and the weather had turned cool. The fall colors were unbelievable, and we saw lots of wildlife (moose, grizzlies, wolves) on the road trip through Denali. We went salmon fishing both times and had good luck with that, too. I'd love to go back, but dh wants to drive next time....from Alabama!
otter
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MsKarin, I remembered your question about grade 1 tumors and responsiveness to chemo.
It is true that a grade 1 tumor is likely to be slow-growing, and histologically it is more similar to normal breast tissue. Here's what the American Cancer Society website says about the grading of BC:
"Breast Cancer Grade
A pathologist also assigns a grade to the cancer, which is based on how closely the biopsy sample resembles normal breast tissue. The grade helps predict the patient's prognosis. In general, a lower grade number indicates a slower-growing cancer that is less likely to spread, while a higher number indicates a faster-growing cancer that is more likely to spread.
Histologic tumor grade (sometimes called the Bloom-Richardson grade, Scarff- Bloom-Richardson grade, or Elston-Ellis grade) is based on the arrangement of the cells in relation to each other: whether they form tubules; how closely they resemble normal breast cells (nuclear grade); and how many of the cancer cells are in the process of dividing (mitotic count). This system of grading is used for invasive cancers but not for in situ cancers.
- Grade 1 (well differentiated) cancers have relatively normal-looking cells that do not appear to be growing rapidly and are arranged in small tubules.
- Grade 2 (moderately differentiated) cancers have features between grades 1 and 3.
- Grade 3 (poorly differentiated) cancers, the highest grade, lack normal features and tend to grow and spread more aggressively.
The tumor grade is most important in patients with small tumors without lymph node involvement. Patients with small, well-differentiated tumors may require no further treatment after the tumor is removed, while patients with moderately or poorly differentiated tumors usually receive additional hormonal or chemotherapy."
I don't know "officially" whether a grade 1 tumor is less responsive to chemo, but generally chemo works better on tumor cells that are growing faster and are more "aggressive". Since the tumor grade is based entirely on the pathologist's judgment of the appearance of the cells, the grade doesn't say everything there is to say about the biological characteristics of the tumor. Something like an Oncotype DX test would give more precise information about whether the cells are likely to be dividing rapidly or are likely to be invasive. The Oncotype test tests the expression of genes associated with cell growth. So, it's possible that a tumor which looks slow-growing might end up being likely to recur; although I'll bet a lot of pathologists would still trust their eyes and the microscope first.
I wouldn't worry about that, though. With one positive node, you know your tumor was wanting to spread, regardless of what the pathologist said about its histologic grade. So chemo was probably inevitable and is a good idea.
otter
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LizC, you started the day before I did, and your description fits exactly--feeling like your emotions are "frozen". I felt like I was behind a smeary screen from everyone else. I found that as soon as I stopped taking the anti-nausea meds, I came back to myself, so don't know if they were the culprit or not. (Given a choice, I'll take being "off" for a few days rather than sick.) I notice most everyone here is having 4 treatments, but I've got 6. Maybe my dosage is a little lower each time? A question for my onc I guess.
My dd & her dh used to live in Beaufort, SC--are you close to that area? Very jealous of your dolphin-petting picture...I'd so love to do that.
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It's now 6-1/2 weeks since my 4th and last TC tx. Have a question about the nails for those who are farther along since chemo. Some of the white tips of my fingernails are extending down further into the nail. is this anything I should be worried about? Also, the thumbnails have horizontal ridges starting at the base. Does this indicate anything? I used tea tree oil sometimes on my fingernails but mainly relied on Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails.
On my toenails I used tea tree oil 2x a day. The big toenails have horizontal ridges and some of the white tips of otehr toenails are also deeper like the fingernails
About the eyebrows. I recall reading some time ago about continuing to lose eyebrow hair even 6-8 weeks after the last chemo. I've lost more from one brow (the other was sparse before chemo), but the white hairs that I tweeze are still growing (mostly below the brow area). What gives?
I'd appreciate any wisdom from those who're finished and still check in here now and then.
I started radiation May 21 and have had 12 of 36 txs so far. I can mainly say that it's uneventful, thank goodness!
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What's with this????????????????
Day 17 cycle 2, have really had it pretty easy this time then have been experiencing muscle aches past few days, woke with severe back pain last night and today arms and legs ache. Quite similar to significant muscle pains from taxotere cycle #1.
That happen to anyone else?
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Cat Lover nice to know i am not alone do feel better today though.
Beaufort is a few hours away I'm right next to Charlotte.
Love the Dolphins, my company sent us to Atlantis in February right before this all hit. It was the best , they also gave us the Dolphin Encounter. It was really a treat.0 -
I am wondering if we all get the same amount of TC, or is the dosage based on your weight, age, etc. I am getting 4 rounds of TC every 3 weeks - one down, 3 to go - Cytoxan 846mg. and Taxotere 106mg. My weight is 110 - 115, 4' 9", and 65. I am also taking Femara 2.5 mg. daily.
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lady bug: Good for you!! I have to remember that in case i run into someone annoying.
Susan0 -
catlover 44 After about day 5 or 6 when I had back & hip aching, I started to feel much much better. By day 9 or 10 I felt like my old self and have continued to feel great. Tx 2 tomorrow ----so here I go again. At least this time I will know it is because of the Decadron that I am wired and won't be able to sleep tonight. I didn't know for TX 1 and was up all night. I will take something for sleep tonight.
PS I am getting much more comfortable looking at my bald head!!! There is hope for all.0 -
Beergirl,
Got this from Chemocare website.
The amount of Taxotere that you will receive depends on many factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated. Your doctor will determine your dose and schedule.
Said the same thing about Cytoxin
If I remeber correctly think my taxotere was only 75.
Karin
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beergirl,
Chemotherapy dosages are usually based on body surface area, not simply on our height or weight. The body surface area is calculated with a formula that uses height and weight.
Here's a website with a calculator that you can use to figure your body surface area in meters-squared when you enter your height and weight: http://www.crab.org/ToolsBSA.asp
Here's another website with a chart that estimates body surface area (in meters-squared) for various heights and weights: http://oreilly.com/medical/lymphoma/news/nhl5.html
In my case, my Taxotere was administered at a dose of 75 mg per meter-squared. That's a fairly standard dosage. The Cytoxan dosage was 600 mg per meter-squared, which again is fairly standard. For my height and weight, that meant I got 135 mg of Taxotere and 1,080 mg of Cytoxan, at my first treatment. I was re-weighed before each treatment and the dosages were adjusted accordingly.
I think there might be adjustments in the dosage if we have medical problems that could affect our ability to metabolize or excrete the drugs, like kidney or liver disease. Also, sometimes if we develop serious SE's, our docs will reduce the dosage to try to limit the problems with the SE's.
otter
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OK, Thanks. I am getting pretty much the standard dose.
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Hi all - Glad everyone is hanging in there. For you first time treatment gals, I felt weird the first week, things got almost normal the second week and by week three I felt fine....
Beegirl - looks like we are on the same rad schedule...I have number 13 today. That is going fine. The rad that hits my scar from node removal is giving me a little problem, but I think it is just because it is under my arm and gets irritated more. My hair is growing and looks a bit different each day, how about yours?
Everyone have a great day and stay cool...
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