Weekly Taxol group
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Hi again, back home now. Benedryl brain is a bit better.
Hi HappyAnyway! You are beautiful aand strong with or without lashes/brows/hair! Superheroes like BC women do not need hair to fly! Thank you for sending this message to your daughters. How many more treatments do you have?
Yay LaCombattante! Halfway there!
BAMR - I use a CBD oil and melatonin combo on treatment nights and then the next two nights. I just started it two weeks ago and it helps combat the steroid effect on sleep. My MO won't let me drop the steroids even though I have no reaction to the Taxol.
Everyone keep it up!! We are strong, beautiful and invincible.
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Hi BAMR, In my case the game plan was to take extra steroids before the 1st Taxol, halve the dose for the second and then only rely on IV premed that they give me. Of course, all this provided there is no reaction which, luckily was the case.
I can understand why your NP is playing it safe, since you had a bad reaction to the 1st Taxol, they don't want to take any risk. What does your MO think? Perhaps you can reduce the dose first and if it goes well 'forget' the extra steroids all together?
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Thanks to all for your opinions! They help.
I do have an appt with the MO tomorrow before chemo just to check in. I think she will hear me better than the NP did. I'll take my normal high dose today, then talk with MO about the sleeping issue. If she says I can't cut it down, I'll believe her. I'm a rule follower, too, and I do only have 4 more. Losing sleep is not the worst thing that could happen. I've tried Melatonin, which hasn't worked, but maybe I'll try it again and keep on it for a while. I have Xanax, too, but I hate being dependent on that to get me to sleep.
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BAMR, I had to do 40mg of prednisone for up to 3 days after chemo because of a red rash I developed the day after. I actually started to cut back several weeks ago to 2 days then I cut down by halving the dose on 2 days then down to a half dose for one day. My oncologist was fine with me cuttting back on steroids. Just did not want to increase them. This week I did not take any following chemo. Just took a Claritin to make sure rash stayed away. It seems that over time my body got used to the chemo being put into it. I know how you feel about the lack of sleep due to the steroids. I usually only got a couple of hours or less of sleep on chemo day due to the dexamethasone given. Maybe speak to your oncologist about cutting the dose back. Good luck with it all!!0
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Hi all, I feel a little out of place because I will be starting my chemo treatments with weekly Taxol. It seems like for many of you this is the second phase of your chemo treatment plan. Has anyone else started with Taxol? I am wondering if the experience and side effects are different based on the timing.
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Hi Woodlands, I started this past Tuesday with Taxol and Herceptin - for 12 weeks. Then I’ll take Herceptin every three weeks for a year. I Did great - no reactions or side effects from the first round. I’m hoping the next 11 are also uneventful.
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LaCombattante, once again you know just what to say to make me smile. Thank you.
Hello BAMR. My NP talked my MO into reducing my dexamethasone by half the night before infusion. She also slightly reduced the amount that I receive in my pre meds drip. I tried to convince my MO to completely wean me from them. He said no. I will take them through the remainder of my treatments.
DogMomRunner, I'm glad that you don't have to make up your snow day! I get much of my strength from all of you. Maybe someone on here can create a bald, no eyelashes, no eyebrows, ass kicking (nod to ipenelope) avatar. That would be amazing! I have 6 more treatments with a week off halfway. God willing, my last TC will be September 26th! I'm getting my second wind.
Welcome WoodlandsMommy! I know our treatment schedules are different, but you will receive support from the wonderful people on this thread. You may want to check out the August chemo group, too.
Positive thoughts to those who are just beginning, chin up to those who are in the midst of their treatments and gratitude for the wonderful people who continue to support us even though you are finished with this phase.
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Woodlands--many of us did Taxol only (no AC first). I believe it has to do with tumor size--Stage 1, no node involvement, less than 2 cm is often just Taxol. It's sometimes referred to as "chemo lite"--not a walk in the park but not as severe SEs as the other chemo drugs.
Re: timing, I scheduled mine on Fridays because typically the first few days aren't bad and I wanted to feel okay on the weekend. I work from home so feeling a little droopy the early part of the week wasn't a big deal.
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I also am receiving weekly infusions. Round 2 today. I lost my taste, was tired on day 4, lost my eyelashes. My mouth feels funny, I find the biotene throat lozenges helps. Not looking forward to today. But good news is that I want this done and overwith. Going for complete cure, I know that is a long shot, with triple neg, stage 3 breast cancer, but one can only hope
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Welcome to WoodlandsMommy, ChamberChick and Martaj!!
I also started off with Taxol (and Herceptin). My tumor was 1.4 and I had a lumpectomy (and node biopsy/removal) first because it was small. My 12th week is next week.
Martaj- my sense of taste is still gone. Everything tastes metallic. I would love to say that it comes back during Taxol but mine hasn't. I just work around it and try to keep hydrated and eat no matter the taste.
The ladies here are wonderfully supportive. And we get those who are finished with Taxol coming back to let us know what we can expect. Good luck to you ladies.
Yay HappyAnyway on the second wind. You are doing great. We need a BC ninja warrior emoticon!
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Welcome WoodlandsMommy, ChamberChick, & Martaj!! As you lovely ladies are starting Taxol I have just finished. I did 12 weekly treatments of Taxol and Herceptin. Will continue Herceptin every 3 weeks for a year. As for SE’s, I had some pretty normal ones, but also some strange ones. I have experienced the normal fatigue, body aches, nose bleeds on a daily basis, and decreased appetite. The strange ones have been vision changes, hemorrhoids and very angry varicose veins. Have had to start wearing support hose everyday, ugh! I did hand and feet icing with chiropractic gel packs 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off during Taxol. It really did help stave off the neuropathy. I also faithfully rinsed my mouth at least twice a day with 1 teaspoonful of baking soda mixed in a cup of water. That definitely helped keep away mouth sores. When I started losing my hair around week 4 I cut it into a pixie. Then as that continued to thin a couple of weeks later, I got my husband to buzz cut down to about a half inch or so. My hair has actually been growing the past few weeks. So I never lost all of it. Eyebrows did thin a little and eyelashes a little as well. I think the only reason my eyelashes have not completely fallen is I chose to stay home most days in which I did not put on makeup or mascara. I must say that I have experienced the emotional SE that can be associated with taxol. Usually around day 3 or 4 I was a total emotional mess. Everyone is different and will experience different SE’s. But you all will get lots of info from this site and the wonderful, courageous people on it! I will keep checking on each of you from time to time. I have become fond of reading each post and hearing the progress being made.
I was hoping to see if there will be a Forum for those of us who do and will continue to do Herceptin or even Herceptin and Perjeta...??
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Prayers and positive thoughts to all!!0 -
DogMomRunner, my new picture, just for you! The best I can do.
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Reporting in after getting Taxol #9. Just got up from a 2 1/2 hr nap and feeling good. Had a great talk with MO this morning before treatment with her very insightful comments, as usual. She won't let me reduce the steroids due to the life-threatening reaction on the first Taxol; about 9 out of 100 people have that. If not for that, she would have backed it off. Therefore, I need to continue on the high dose. It's only 3 more treatments, so I will just buck it up and do it. She said she would gladly give me something to sleep, but I don't want to take any more pills. I'll double up on the low dose Xanax I have if I decide it's unmanageable. We all know how important sleep is for recovery.
DogMomRunner, what brand of CBD do you use? There are a million of them!
We also talked about my poor diet because of taste. She's okay with the few things I eat, but said to try to have protein with every meal even if it's a protein bar or a protein drink. Getting enough protein is essential to having a better recovery after my pending surgery in October. I'm impressed with those of you who say you just eat the right foods, even though they taste nasty.
I am so grateful for the comments and knowledge from this group. Hope everyone has a comfortable, cool and calming weekend. It's HOT in Texas!
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HappyAnyway Badass BC Ninja Warrior - I love it!!
I had to edit that simple post 5 times - chemo brain
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ByUmom2 - there might be a Herceptin thread in HER-2 positive community. If not we should start one. I will be continuing also with it.
BAMR - the CBD oil I am using is Historical Remedy Hemp Flower Extract 250mg tincture Full Spectrum. It tastes kind of nasty. I use one dropper full and then take a melatonin. I got it at a pharmacy here. It’s hot in NC but not as bad as TX I’m sure. I hope the next 3 go fadt
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Hi everyone! Just checking in...
Congrats to those who have finished Taxol or are about to be finished!!👏 You are all such an inspiration! Thanks for sticking around and letting those of us still in treatment what to expect.
Welcome to all the new peeps! This is a great thread for information and inspiration. It’s so helpful to know what lies ahead, and what other people have done to alleviate side effects, hair/nail/lash issues, etc.
I am officially half way done with Taxol! Had my sixth infusion Tuesday. I got a free pass to a gym to try-out Zumba and whoa it is intense, and I can’t do the entire class, but it’s fun and I sleep so much better. Hopefully my energy will stay strong and allow me to continue for the rest of my six Taxol infusions. I know the side effects are cumulative. I’m just trying to move as my MO wants me active during chemo. I also joined weight watchers in an attempt to cleanup my eating habits and drop a few pounds. I’m really getting pretty heavy. Lost 3.6lbs last week, so hope the weight loss continues...even on steroids. Anyone else try to lose during Taxol?
Great news is the vaginal bleeding finally stopped! No more 24/7 maxi pads!!!💃🏻 Heavy bleeding for almost two months is not fun. I’m pale! Lol! I’m eating lots of lean protein to help combat that. Last night was hard, my sinuses were dry and totally stopped-up. I kept waking up to a dry mouth as I was mouth breathing. Finally took a Sudafed and got a couple hours sleep before my puppy woke me to be let outside. Have felt sorta achy and stuffy all day, like I’m coming down with the flu, but no temperature so I’m sure it’s just SE’s. I am also having some fairly bad bone pain on Friday and Saturday nights. Half a pain pill usually does the trick.
I know this sounds bizarre, but my skin is super soft and smooth. I haven’t lost any hair on my head due to cold-capping. I’m thinking that maybe I’m losing the hair on my arms and legs but there’s still some there, and my elbows are even smooth and soft. Does Taxol do this to everyone? My husband has even noticed it. Strange.
Have a good weekend everyone
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Second infusion went without a hitch, except I'm up at 3:30 am. I don't have to take the high dose steroids after for 3 days thank the lord, they made me crazy. Or should I say crazier than normal. Every 4th week Carboplatin, and either atezolizumab/placebo. This goes on for 12 week, then on to phase II, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide every 2 weeks for 4 doses, than 4 weeks after that surgery. then atezolizumab/placebo for 3 weeks for a year. In it for the long hall. I just pray and hope this works. I try to think of the chemo as "Pac Man" eating away the cancer. Eyelashes gone, Thinking about extensions? I had nice lashes, but now look naked without lashes and eyebrows. Eyebrows can pencil in, not lashes. Anyone know anything about lash extensions? Are they safe? Worth it? thanks all and have a great Saturday
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Wheatscapes—I feel like I *have* heard that some people think their skin looks good on chemo. No idea what that’s all about.
Martaj—I asked about lash extensions the last time I was at the brow place. My lashes have come back but are definitely not as long as they used to be. What I came away with is they would probably not work well (or for long) for me. The woman said you have to be pretty careful about rubbing your eyes and I seem to do that most of the year—either allergy eyes or dry eyes in the winter.
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Thank you for info
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Wheatscapes - Yay on the halfway point!! I have lost hair on my arms (and legs) and they feel smoother. My skin definitely doesn't look good though. Almost jaundiced with dark circles under my eyes from sleep loss/fatigue.
Martaj - I don't know about anything for lashes as I still have some. I'm like Ingerp and rub my eyes so it wouldn't work for me. I have read on some other threads that some sort of lash growth serum or something like that with some success but I don't know what was used
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Good Morning!
5 weeks post Taxol and if I hadn't had surgery to throw a curve ball into things I'd say I'm looking more normal. My hair is continuing to grow and fill in. My brows are growing and I may be able to use mascara on my new lashes next week.
To all you beautiful women still getting Taxol, I hope your side effects are minimal. To those finished, congratulations. You're past the hardest parts of treatment.
Have a great weekend!
🤗🤗
Dawn
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Wheatscapes! Glad the bleeding stopped for you. I can’t even imagine a 2 month period. You’re a trooper! And good for you on the Zumba! I’m a licensed instructor (but not currently teaching). That’s one of my favorite cardio sessions.
Martaj- I’m really starting to go crazy myself with no lashes or eyebrows. I think when I go in for #7 next week I’ll ask my MO for a prescription for latisse. I’ve read it works well for cancer patients even on chemo to start growing lashes again.
Yesterday was #6 for me. I’m officially on the downhill slope! I think I’ve figured out that infusion time is key for me. I usually go in around 1-2 for my treatment. I finish up with everything by 4:30-5, go home, take a nap, wake up for dinner and then go back to bed. I sleep fine, waking up on that steroid high the next morning. Yesterday, I had my infusion first thing in the morning. I slept after a late lunch and didn’t wake up until 7pm. Never ate dinner, watched some TV, then went to bed around midnight but my brain wouldn’t shut off. I don’t think I actually went to sleep until around 3am. So much for my swim this morning. I’m sooo tired.
Definitely nap time for me. Keep slaying, warriors
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I just started Taxol last Wednesday after having to stop Taxotere due to hand/foot syndrome. On Friday, I started having he muscle and bone pains. It got excruciatingly bad on Saturday and it continues today. It affects almost all my body, even my uterus and teeth. I've tried Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Valium, and Oxycodone. Nothing has helped. I finally got about an hour of sleep last night with a sleeping pill. I'm reading that it's called Taxol acute pain syndrome (TAPS)? Has anyone had this? If so, what helped for you? I'm again questioning if I will take the final two infusions. I really don't want long-term permanent nerve damage. I don't do pain very well and this is not something I want to repeat.
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Just finished up 6/12 Taxol on Thursday.. Feeling fatigue days 3 - 5 with some major anxiety attacks but working through it. Also, I am noticing a little neuropathy in my left toes. Is this something that will resolve when chemo is done? I do have hair starting to fill in on the top of my head. I hope everyone else is doing well and plowing through this treatment. Nice to have this group to refer to while going through this. 10 treatments done/6 to go.. Thank goodness.
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Hello everyone!! I hope everyone is doing good!
YAY!! for those who have finished since i last checked in or that continue the difficult weekly battle! You all are strong amazing women and you've got this!!
When taxol took my eyelashes, I used a dark brown to black eyeliner and lined my upper lid, where my lashes were supposed to be, and it did help give my eyes a more natural look. Thankfully once the eyelashes started coming back in they came back pretty fast.
Happy- lol LOVE your avatar!! Anyone going through this battle should automatically get one of those!!
I hope everyone has a great week and keep kicking cancer's ass!🥊🥊🥊
~Katie💗
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Hi and welcome Kamboka- I have not really had any bone pain with Taxol. I do get it though with the neupogen shots to boost my WBC. Many here have said that taking Claritin over the counter antihistamine helps(and my MO also suggested it) . I have taken it during my neupogen shots and still got some bone pain. I don't know if that means it works or not.
Yay MPV on the halfway mark! I have some mild neuropathy in my big toes. I am worried about those nails coming off. They don't look bruised but who knows if they will stay. I am still icing my hands and feet to try to help with that.
Hi ipenelope!! I'm glad you keep coming in here and offering encouragement
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Had 4 doses of AC. That went ok. Had just one dose of Taxol so far. I was told it would be milder, gentler than AC. It was at first & then it went badly. Bad bone pain, SE from pail meds for bone pain, horrible neuropathy started up, still with me. 2nd dose is Fri. Not looking forward to it at all.
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Dear Thisissonotfun,
Welcome to the BCO community. We are sorry for your breast cancer, its treatment and all that accompanies all of that. We are glad that you reached out to our members. We do hope that you find support and information here in the community that might be of help to you along the way. Don't hesitate to reach out to the moderators if you have any questions about navigating the site. Keep us all posted on how Friday goes. We will be sending you warm thoughts.
The Mods
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Hello all! I have been lurking for weeks. I am so inspired by all of you! I am humbled. I feel I didn't accept my diagnosis very well. I was so angry. Mad. Depressed. Said mean things to m y DH. Planned for our retirement years. Bought a snowbird house in Florida in May and routine mammogram caught my cancer IN JUNE.
So all the test are done. Now treatment plan. Weekly Taxol with Hercaptin. Then Hercaptin for one year. Before this diagnosis my DH and I played pickleball daily. Now I'm 4 weeks past double mastectomy and chemo starting 1st week of September. Makes me sad hearing today at chemo teach about neuropathy. Could that mean I'll never play pickleball again? Please explain about the icing and if you really feel it works as I so want to give a year to get well and get back to my active life.
Thank you dear ones in advice. I have already become so much more positive just hearing how tough you are. I want to be like you !
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DogMomRunner; I think I forgot to say that I was also trying Claritin along with all my other meds to stop the pain. Today is the fourth day out and it has gotten better. I think I'll ask for a reduced dose next time and give it one more shot. I'll start the Claritin before the infusion.
Thisisnotfun: Are you doing dose dense Taxol or weekly? I am dose dense but might change. The neuropathy was not as bad for me as the muscle/bone pain. I did ice my hands and feet the entire three hours. Today, I have some big toe and heel numbness. I can deal with this but just hope it's short-term.
LoveFlorida: Welcome and best wishes to you. This diagnosis does throw a wrench in our 'planned' lives. I, too, was thinking of buying a house in FL but now everything is on hold. I am just trying to keep my job at this point! What I've found from reading this site is that there are so many different reactions to chemo. Exercise seems to help, if one is able, so perhaps you will still be able to play the game that you love.
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