Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?
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Hello everyone,
I've been reading the posts daily. Friday will be treatment #6 of 6, I'm excited and so glad to be done. It's been rough and I know I have some side effects ahead of me yet.
For those just starting, be strong and take one day at a time. Push along steadily and you'll soon be at the halfway mark, then at the end.
Come to this site often, it is a wealth of knowledge, I don't know what I would have done without it. I thought I stumbled onto it accidentally- but now I'm convinced that I was LED to it by my God. I have found answers to all just about all of my questions here.
Prayers for all of you.
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Karen, congrats on Friday's #6!! I can't wait to get there myself...today was 3 of 6 for me. It seems there's no rhyme or reason to the s/e's--one person seems to say they were a little easier as they went along, another that they got progressively worse, another that a particular one was bad but not others........I so wish someone would tell us exactly what to expect (which ain't gonna happen). I feel the same way as you about God leading us to this site; there always seems to be someone who's gone through whatever you may be going through, and it's such a comfort.
On the hives thing I had all through week 2, onc didn't seem to think it was related to the chemo since it was so far out from tx date. Whatever...but several of you have had the same experience and we can't all be stumbling into heavy-duty allergens by coincidence! Another instance where this site is awesome!
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Day 7 after tx #1--and the bone pain has returned with a vengence!! It was bad on days 3 & 4, then eased up and was very livable with just Ibuprofen, then today it hit again and feels worse than before. Is this normal? I thought once you had it and it was over, it was over till the next Neulasta shot. Been a miserable day, especially since I felt so well yesterday I returned to work today! Onc app't tomorrow...
Sherri
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Hello All,
I AM DONE, DONE DONE WITH CHEMO HURRAH !!!! So glad to be done. I am soooo tired tonight but it is the last chemo YEAH. I cannot belive six treatments are done.
Kathy, I have TAC for 6 rounds one every three weeks. I was E+P+Her-. I had a much larger tumor 5cm and two different cancers turmors. One was a carcinoma and one was IDC. It worked very well for my. I had barely any side effects. Do worry about the long term damage on the heart down the line. But my heart is very strong now.
I had the Tamoxofin disscussion with my onc today. I do have the gene that does not allow you to metablolize Tamoxofin. This makes me a non candidate for it. We decided to remove my ovaries and then go on a different drug. I feel very good about the decsion. We are going to try and remove the ovaries when we do the Mastectomy and recon at the end of August.
So.... I will check in once in a while but head over to one of the surgery boards. You ladies and Men have been so wonderful. I could not have gone through all of this without your kind words and support. Thank you for a friendship I will hold in my heart. I wish you all wellness, love, peace and happiness !!!!
Shari
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High Five, Shari! You rock! (I am SO jealous, doing #2 tomorrow, but maybe I will only have to do 4?). Please check in now and then as we always enjoy your posts.
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Congratulations Shari and good luck with the surgery! Please check in and let us know how you are doing.
Rose
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Congrats and good luck to you Shari! Karen-I hope your 6th and last is your easiest!
Collector-right after I posted yesterday about how good I was feeling I felt like I was hit by a truck (again!!!). Sure enough my temp. was back to 100.1 and had the headache and sore throat again just like the first week after treatment. I feel better this a.m., but I have noticed that it always hits around noon for some reason. I'm nervous because tx is tomorrow and I'm afraid it may be postponed. If temp spikes again today, I'm not sure if I should call and get my bloodwork done today rather than in the a.m. before treatment. Luckily the cancer center is only 15 minutes away. I'll just put my car on auto-pilot!!!!
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Terri, I feel better knowing someone is also experiencing this. When I got up today I was 97.7 and now it's at 98.6 which is high compared to my usual normal. I'll wait a while before starting on tylenol for the day. Luckily I have nothing planned until 5PM so I can just put my feet up and eat whatever protein/ iron laden food I can stuff into myself. I might give my onco another call later this morning if things continue. The clinic is not close but it's not far from my 5PM class so it would be doable for me to stop for a blood draw. Let me know what happens with you.
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Thank you Ms Karin : ) I actually went out and found this pro biotic yogurt drink that I just love : ) So far the worst thing I had was a headache yesterday that made me wonder why I couldn't remember going to the party...ouch! 2 tylenol killed it and I've been ok since.
All of you ladies here are an incredible inspiration & I appreciate your posts - gives me extra courage to know I am not in this alone!
God Bless! Sherry
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I postoned my chemo for another 2 weeks (no firm date yet). I spoke to my surgeon and Oncologist and both agreed that it would be fine. My reason just too much going on the next couple of weeks. I am on the board of the directors of the Chamber of Commerce and we are hosting the Tall Ship Sail Parade with Maritime events, including a chowder festival (couldn't risk being sick from chemo and missing the chowder), that is this weekend. Next week we partner with a neighboring city for their Homecoming Festival. Two big events that I want to be actively involved with and enjoy. AFter the Homecoming Festival it's back to lazy beach days and I can do my chemo then.
Maria
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Collector- Sure enough on cue, my headache returned and temp was 99.6 around noon today. I called my onc nurse and she had me come in for blood work. Luckily my counts were fine and I'm good to go for tx tomorrow. I guess this fever is something that I'm going to have to live with. It isn't as bad today as yesterday. Hope you are feeling ok today and no fever. I feel like maybe I over-reacted, but at least my blood work is done and I can go an hour later in the a.m for treatment.
Take care all!!!
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Same here. I was fine until 1PM and then my temp was 99 again. I took some tylenol and it is down so I will just leave things as they are since I know the clinic will not want to see me any more today. I guess the fact that the fever seems to be for fewer and fewer hours each day, maybe it's going to disappear. Good luck with your treatment tomorrow.
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Terri,
Fever doesn't always mean infection, sometimes it just means inflammation, and heaven knows with all those drugs on board, there's plenty for our bodies to be angry about.
I went for Tx # 2 this morning, but because of a screw-up on Monday's blood draw (they neglected to take the metabolic panel), they wouldn't do it and I had to go back for another STAT blood draw instead (@$$%##). I had to re-schedule the infusion for tomorrow, and now I'm wondering how that's going to affect the day-after Neulesta shot and the rest of my treatment schedule. It's always something, is it not?
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Shari - Doesn't being finished feel great. I knew that I still had to deal with se, but it still felt good. I met with the plastic surgeon this week and we'll meet again in late Oct. early Nov. He said there is often more shrinkage after rads and he want to give it time to heal. He also suggested have the brac testing since I'm concerned about reoccurance. I had already planned to do that because of so many in my family with bc and a concern for my daughter. I may not ever be able to make up my mind.
Hope everyone has a good weekend.
Lee
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I am so far behind in this thread... I've read all the posts, but there is no way I can comment on everything that deserves comment, so I guess I won't. I do want to say how glad I am for those of you who are finishing up your chemo tx's this week.
For those of you who've had lingering, low-grade fevers: As you might remember, I had a fever > 100.5 around day 10 or 12 of my last 2 treatment cycles. It went away fairly quickly in tx #3 once I started on an antibiotic; but that wasn't the case in tx #4. Even after 5 (of 7) days of Levaquin, my temp was still hovering between 100.0 and 100.5 in the late afternoon and evening. I called my onco about it, but she wasn't worried. In fact, she said I should take ibuprofen to keep my temp down. It made sense--the fever was due to sinusitis, for which I would normally take ibuprofen. Sure enough, after 2 more days of Levaquin and a good course of ibuprofen and Mucinex-D, I was back to normal. Sandra/sloritz makes an important point--fever indicates inflammation; and heaven knows, we have a lot of inflammation going on with Taxotere.
It has been 6 wks since my last chemo tx, and mostly I am feeling normal. My big toe (left side) is still numb, so that might be a permanent gift from Taxotere. My nails are still firmly attached, and the only discoloration is the presence of 4 white bands on the fingernails, corresponding to each of my 4 TC infusions. Cute, eh? I think my hair follicles are reawakening, but darn, it's a slow process. Oh, and I have re-developed cording (a.k.a. axillary web syndrome) under my arm on the mast/SNB side. It hurts, and my range-of-motion is temporarily limited until I can fully stretch that arm. An hour later, it's tightened up again. Gotta talk to my surgeon about that, at my 6-month recheck in a few weeks.
Sandra, that would really aggravate me if my chemo needed to be rescheduled because of a lab/blood-drawing screw-up. My onco's nurse even suggested that I check the bloodwork orders each time, and be sure the tech drew enough of the right tubes of blood for the tests that were ordered. Apparently, that sort of mistake happens here, too.
Here's hoping things go smoothly for the remainder of the week, and y'all have a comfortable weekend with minimal SE's.
otter
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Tigwin- Congratulations on being done, I'm excited for you! Good luck with your surgeries too.
Otter- I was wondering about your taste buds. Are they back yet? Not that I need more food, I've gained about 10 pounds:(
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Thanks for all the finished congratulations !!! I really appreciate it. I will be back to check in on all of you.
Shari
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Sandra and Otter - Thanks for the info about the fever. I guess I freaked because the first time my counts were so low, now I know it's probably something to expect. That sucks Sandra about the screw up. We try so hard to keep on top of things on our end and we expect the same for them. Good luck!
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Karen, I am pleased to report that my taste buds have returned!
Seriously, I can't think of anything that tastes odd anymore. I did have a sip of Merlot the other day that was sort of acidy, but I think it was cheap wine rather than dysfunctional taste buds.
So, at least we can look forward to the complete restoration of one of life's real pleasures--food tasting good again. Unfortunately, the cravings I had during chemo for all-veggie meals, with minimal carbs and NO fats, are also gone. I regret to report that there's nothing unpalatable about a greasy burger and fries anymore.
otter
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Otter--Great to hear from you again. Congratulations on being finished. It does help to hear from you on what to expect after we finish.
I had tx#5 yesterday and the shot this morning. Still feeling pretty good. Be glad when the weekend is over then I can say I am through #5. can't believe many of you are eating mostly protein. Meat has made me feel worse. Go figure. I love the carbs and sweets but during the bad days mostly bread and baked potato. I have had indigestion and diarrhea really bad and protein just seemed to really not want to go down. Vegetables have been good through. Thanks goodness my weight has remained the same as I did not need to gain any.
For those of you just starting....everyone is really different. I think #1 and #2 was the hardest. #1 because I had no idea how I was going to react. #2 as the onc and I was still having to figure out what worked for me for my side effects. It did help to read the posts so I could get a head start on some of the less serious side effects.
My onc said I have been doing great with minimul side effects. I know God has given me the strength to endure and the peace to walk one day at a time with him. There were two ladies in the chairs next to me yesterday--both had previous bc but both have had the bc metastasides some where else. One in her hips and now has pins in her hips. The other in her abdomen. I just turned it over to God and said I would no worry about this stuff coming back. I know that I have fought it with everything I can and now it is up to what God has planned for me. I will enjoy one day at a time and pray for these two ladies that now will be going through more rounds of chemo. It really makes me admire those that go though endless rounds. I talked with a guy at work that has had 64 chemo treatments over the last few years. I can't imagine. 6txs don't seem like nothing at all compared to this. So ladies, we can see an end in sight and life back to normal. So many others cannot.
I am looking forward to my 54 birthday on November 1 as I should be through with chemo and radiation by then. I plan to start my work travels again as I am having cabin fever being in the office every day. Work has been good for me as it gets my mind off my problems and they talk about how great I am doing and how they have seen very little difference in me except my new wig or hat.
I have had an eye infection this week so thinks are getting a little blurry so off to rest the eyes.
Good luck and God bless. Have the attitude--what ever--What ever occurs God, family, and friends will be with you.
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Day 7 after 1st treatment and I'm feeling pretty good. I felt real good on the 2nd and 3rd day even went hiking in Denali National Park Alaska. Day 4 I had a headache set in and some constipation, so I took a couple ducolax pills. Boy, was that a mistake for me...sat in the bathroom for the night. Woke up the next morning with another bad headache that even the motrin 800 couldn't touch! I'm sure I was suffering from some dehydration. By the late afternoon on Day 5 I was feeling better and the headache was gone. Other than that, I'm doing pretty good. I got my prosthesis the other day, so now I can put away those old shoulder pads I'd been using. I'm hoping the next couple weeks will go well before my next treatment on July 31st. I think next time I'll just drink a little prune juice instead of taking the ducolax. I've enjoyed reading all the posts from everyone and wish you all continued success with your treatments!
Take care,
Kim
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Kim,
So glad to hear from you. Sounds like you did really well, all things considered. I was a little concerned at your plans to rough it camping during days 4 - 7, but you are one tough cookie. Think you are right about the likelihood that the headache was from dehydration, what with being outdoors and also suffering a bout of the runs. I think I'm going to rely more on prune juice next time around too. I have my second Tx tomorrow. It was supposed to be today but there was a screw up with the bloodwork (did I mention this above?) and it got postponed.
Is your prosthesis comfortable? I am SO happy with mine. I honestly never notice any discomfort at all and I look really good--a perfect match. I ended up buying 3 special mastectomy bras, but the prosthesis works fine with my other ordinary bras too. I bought a cheaper breast form to wear with swim suits ala eBay-$20 because I don't want to subject my $300 Amoena to the pool chlorine. I'm not too happy with the cheapie because it's too big and heavy and I am constantly fussing with it. I shouldn't have bought it but when it comes to eBay, reason sometimes goes out the door with me. Now I may invest in a little better swim one since we have a pool and it's a big part of our lifestyle. Anyone looking for a size 5-6 tear drop silicone breast form????? Free to a good home!!!
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Hi All, I'm here at the Ireland cancer center for tx2. Had some kind of reaction to the taxotere. It started like a gas pain in my stomach then started rising into my chest, it was hard to breath and felt like I was going to pass out. Called for the nurse and four of them came right away. My pulse and blood pressure were up there. I felt better as soon as she stopped the taxotere. She game me a steroid and benadryl in the IV and waited till things were normal to start the taxotere again, which she dripped slower at first. I'm fine now and about 1/2 way through the tax.
They all seem surprised because I had no reaction last time. They think it might be related to having some kind of virus or something since I was running a fever the last few days. They don't believe it will happen again. I hope not it was pretty scary. Just wanted to share in case anyone else experiences this. It was scary for a sec, but the feellings were quick to go away.
Well, I'm going to work now. Brought my laptop here to work during tx. It is making it go faster!!
Have a good day everyone!!!!
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Terri,
It's my understanding that it is uncommon to get a reaction with the first treatment because your body hasn't built up any antibodies to the chemo yet. If you are going to get a reaction, it typically is with the second treatment, and with subsequent treatments they know to prevent it from happening.
I'm off for my second treatment today, so I will be mindful of what you said happened to you. Hope the rest of your week is better.
Regards,
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I'm starting T/C on July 23. These posts are so helpful, and I have been staying very positive. But as the start date approaches, I'm getting nervous. So far, I have not really felt like having cancer is real, and I've been able to put it aside and live my life. Now I'm afraid that the treatment will make me feel sick, even though the disease has never made me feel sick, and then I will see myself as a sick person. Does this make sense? How do you cope with the reality of being sick?
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phillydee - welcome. I think your feelings are quite normal. In many ways, I still don't believe that I've had this diagnosis and am undergoing treatment. But you know, the disease really isn't our whole identity and for many of us, it hopefully is a "bump in the road". I have had one TC treatment so far (today is day 11 for me), and I've had an incredible number of bad side effects, but all in all, still not the worst days of my life, that's for sure. I've always been healthy and look at the chemo as being "insurance". After all, my surgeon pronounced me "cured" and we had very good margins. So what does it all mean? Means we found something, had it removed and now are adding the insurance element to reduce the chance of it coming back. (My husband keeps telling me "you don't have cancer - you did, but you don't now"). I still don't see myself as "sick". I've had backaches, toothaches, colds, etc. at various times in my life and look at the chemo side effects the same way. Don't change your view of yourself. You are strong, you will get through this (and you won't be alone) - just keep focusing on good health and you'll get there. The gals here are fantastic - they help with info about side effects, are there to provide the emotional support, etc. But if you look at so many of these posts, you'll also see that they are still living their regular lives - still taking a day at a time, still involved with family and friends, and most of all still POSITIVE. Welcome to the club no one wants to join, but at least we'll all be in this together. You will be 3 weeks behind me so we'll follow each other's progress.
Take care,
Gina_M
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Hi all,
Haven't read post in a while but caught up today.
Alcohol: I don't like wine either and have been enjoying a cocktail after maybe day 4 or 5 of tx. The thing I worry about is that they say alcohol is a contributing factor to bc and maybe that is why I got it in the first place. I hope it doesn't increase the chance of a recurrence.
My LAST tx is Monday. I am very happy about that.
Strangest thing: After tx 3, I did not have that horrible metallic taste and I was able to drink coffee throughout the first week. Maybe the bad taste of coffee went away or maybe I just got used to it!!!!!!!! Who knows.
Onco: I too had the test, but my onc told me about the cost etc. My score was 40. He said that he would have recommended chemo anyway but just wanted the test to confirm his thoughts. My insurance is still processing it. They damn well better pay.
Good luck to all and may your hair grow back quickly.
Susan
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May I join the annoying, persistent fever club? I had #3 Wed, Neulasta shot Thurs., and by last night was seriously chilling (and not in a good way), and stayed goosebumpy most of the night. I was stupid and didn't take my temp because it felt like it was up there and I did not want to be told to go to the ER! (What do they do there in this case anyway? I can imagine going in and saying, "I have a fever" and the nurse going, "OK, you big baby, go sit down for five hours and wait.") I've been stuck flirting just under 100 all day, headachy, blah blah blah. I waited to take Tylenol because I'm of the mind that if your body has a fever, it's trying to get rid of something, and I didn't want to immediately knock the fever down. Hopefully it will come down now that I have taken Tylenol. I didn't think about the fever being from inflammation (I've also had to pop a couple of Immodium). I was so irritated because my last fever happened during the nadir, so I understood that, but this was the DAY I got Neulasta! I'm just a little paranoid about the fevers because I think I've read too much about it.
Gina, I totally agree with your attitude--my hubby and I say the same thing, with clean margins and a clean PETscan, the cancer is past-tense, the chemo is clean-up. I got annoyed at a commercial I saw today that meant well, but said they were donating hair for women with cancer. You mean, women undergoing chemo!! Touchy, touchy.
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Well. after 12 straight days of temps hovering just under 100 I finally spent today in the 98 degree range which is a little high for my usual normal but not as worrisome. I STILL have the on and off cold/hot thing going on and the cough is so annoying. I have that hollow post fever feeling. Now 2 more days and I'm hopeful I'll be packing enough of the good cells to get my last Tx on Monday. I have a LOOONNNG typed list of questions for the onc regarding followup and the &*%$*(*& femara as well as radiation. Anybody else here going on to rads in August?
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collector, did your onc say much about you having the fever for such a long time? I talked to the nurse today and got the usual response--call us no matter what time if it's over 100.4. I guess if they're not concerned about temps under 100, we shouldn't be either? I usually run under 98 too, so this 99.whatever feels crappy!
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