Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013
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Hi, SharonDe, I'm glad it didn't go that badly for you. Hopefully, the heartburn will get better; that's one of the SE I haven't had.
I had my third TC yesterday; was pretty tired; came home had soup and got sick all over the hotel. First time for that; nurse said she thought it was more from the soup than the chemo...maybe just too strong a soup or something right after chemo (cream of potato?). Anyway, was pretty miserable and had bad racing heart today. Got three bags of fluid and now feeling better~~!! Laying around drinking water like crazy....
ccduke, I guess I don't know the whole story of what to expect; so after the last chemo we have a blood test to tell us how we've done/some sort of cancer reading? I didn't know anything about that...!
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ccduke - I had chemo every 3 weeks most of last year. I had a blood test before every chemo. They wouldn't proceed w/the infusions if my counts were too low. Now I'm on Herceptin for the rest of the year. Blood tests are still taken every time but they don't hold up the infusions for the results. As for hair - I'm PFC 4 months. I have hair on my head that is just over 1/2". Longer on the top than the sides, which seems to be different from everyone else on the "hair" thread. The hair on my legs is sparse but long. Some hairs are over 1". Plenty of hair in the private area but no hair under my arms.
jmg - i was fortunate that I never had nausea. Pretty good meds I think. I did have the Big D for at least 2 weeks out of every three. Yuck.
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ccduke79- Congrats on being done with the chemo!!! I know that you may think it takes forever for the hair to make its mighty return but give it some time. Those little hair follicles will start to wake up and figure out that you are not longer receiving chemo. Hopefully you will start to feel some very soft and downy like hair on your head. Normally, hair grows on an average of 1/2 inch a month but that is assuming that one has not had chemo. You may ask your onco about taking OTC Biotin to help with the hair growth. Eating healthy will also help the hair growth and help the rest of your body recover from the chemo. Just to let you know, I haven't had a hair cut in 2 years. The last haircut which I gave myself ( a short boy hair cut) was in early May 2012, two weeks after my first infusion. Before diagnosis, I had long straight hair but now it is is a wavy and feels thinner. I've been extremely fortunate that my hair has grown back evenly and it looks like I have been to a hair salon to have my hair done. The longest hair at the nape of my neck is about 6 inches long and is below my shoulders. My hair growth has been a little slow because of the Herceptin infusions. Yes, I have had the opportunity to see my hair at different lengths and view these everchanging hair styles as part of my continuing hair experiement. You see, I never shaved my head after I started chemo because I wanted to see what the chemo would do to my hair. I have had people asked me where I get my hair done. I just smile and tell them that I have had the most expensive hair cuts that one can ever have. Hoping you "blossom" soon!!!!
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jmg58 - Some oncos have their patients' blood tested for cancer tumor markers while others do not. I asked my onco about those kind of blood tests and she did not order one for me since she did not think they are reliable. I did have blood work before each infusion and periodically while I was receiving Herceptin. It was helpful to see my blood counts so I could see if my counts were recovering. You may to talk to your onco about the blood testing he/she may do post chemo and what you should be looking for post chemo.
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So round three has been really bad so far; bedridden, low-grade fever, nausea...1 and 2 had problems, but were different and I didn't feel this "sick." Anyone else have a similar experience? It's making me really fear #4.
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jmg, everybody is different. In my case the third was the best of all.
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Hello Susan,
I know I am probably incredibly late in responding to this but I found that my first chemo and Neulasta was the worst. I didn't take the Claritan until my 2nd treatment and it did help quite a bit. I know you said you had to be in the office but I would take it very easy the 4 days following the chemo. I know not everyone has the same reaction but my first pretty much knocked me off my proverbial feet. I would also recommend lots of warm showers or baths. They will help with the aches. And yes your skin will get dry but my worst was a few weeks after my last treatment and I felt like I was peeling as if from a sunburn, me being me I was kind of disgusted by the peeling and enjoying the fact I could peel it off *hahaha* :}. I have been using the Cetaphil lotion for sensitive skin but for showering I used Johnson baby body wash, the one with lavender to help me sleep and the one with cocoa butter (I think) to keep my skin moisturized.
I truly wish you the best for some pain and nausea free treatments. :}
Another Susan
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Hello everyone,
I had a question about my hair growing back and I'm not sure if this is the right forum, if it isn't, I do apologize.
My hair started to fall out about a week after my first treatment and while at first I was just thinking about shaving my head but after a few days of just a little coming out it was like a switch was flipped and it was coming out in huge handfuls at a time so I chose to shave it all off and keep it shaven until I was done with my chemo.
I now find my hair is growing back but it is almost baby fine and while it's growing pretty quickly on the sides and back of my scalp, I noticed that at the top of my head the growth is still very short. I have been wearing some fitted caps/ bandanas and I'm just wondering if because the cap rubs at the top of my head more, could it be breaking off the growth or inhibiting the growth? I am very self conscious about the look of my scalp, so I really I don't want to go without wearing something in public but should I just get maybe something similar to a baseball cap or is there a shampoo to help hair grow faster and thicker?
I know this shouldn't be a worry for me, especially after my surgery and treatments but I just can't help the feeling of people staring at me already when I'm wearing my caps and the idea of perhaps being partially bald for good when I used to have a full head of overly thick hair leave me very anxious.
Thank you all,
Susan
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Melrose - I LOVE it. Yes, it's surely a super expensive hair cut & style.
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Not sure if I am in the correct place, but just had first round on Friday and starting feeling like crap later Friday night. Not really nausea, but I think the steroids are making me feel like a zombie on crack.
Indigestion, irritability, and just bad nerves in general. Stupid question, my dog seems very attached to me since chemo and after feeding him, he licked my hand and within minutes threw up. Any chance he can taste it through my skin? Told you it was a stupid question. 
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shantis, my dog gets very attached to me after treatment and acts very disturbed. I was wondering if she smells the chemo or is just bothered because I'm spending so much time in bed. She's not allowed on the furniture but keeps trying to get up on the bed.
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Susan0369- You are in the right chemo thread.... in fact ask any questions that you have. If someone on here doesn't know, you will pointed in the right direction so you can find your info. As for your hair situation, welcome to the hair club here. Yes, the growth pattern of your hair is similiar to what mine was. The sides and back grew back quicker than the top and crown. It was similiar to male balding hair pattern. My hair did come back baby fine and soft at first and seems a little thinner. As for wearing head coverings, I wore a loosely kniited slouchy hat, straw hats (Target) and baseball caps when I went out and didn't bother to wear anything on my head while at home. I wore the hats to prevent my head from getting sunburn and to keep my head from getting cold whenever I was out someplace with cold air conditioning. I also want you to know that I did myself a big favor by not looking in the mirror and staring at my head. I knew the amount of hair I had on my head by merely feeling my head without looking at myself in the mirror. I figured that my hair would not grow any faster with me staring at it plus no need to cause myself emotional distress. I have read on prior chemo discussion pages that hair grows faster in the summer; so let's up your hair makes a mighty return shortly. As for shampoos, that is just a personal thing. I use Nioxin shampoo and conditioner for thinning hair. I can't tell you if it really works or not. I purchased it at Marshalls and TJMaxx and love the smell of the shampoo. You may want to do a search on the Livestrong.com website " Foods for Hair Growth". It may give you an idea of what foods are necessary for hair growth. You may even ask your onco if you can take Biotin which can be purchased over the counter. I know with the finish and completion of chemo, one wants everything to feel physically good and also to look good. I also know being in public, the loss of hair is a giveaway to others that one is being treated for cancer. Just hold that head of yours high and never forget how strong you have been and are. It is a personal achievement and accomplishment to withstand the emotions and physical changes and transformations. As you can tell, I feel that life and things do get better as time goes on post active treatment. It just takes time to heal. HUGS......0 -
Susan, my hair is growing slower at the front too. I had my last chemo on 12/4 and in the back is almost two inches when the front of my head has only one inch hair. I am not wearing anything so it is not your hats.
Shanitis, not a stupid question at all. Doctors recommend not to share the bathrooms or to flush twice if sharing; after going to the bathroom wash parts and rinse that skin with warm water, so it makes sense if your dog got sick. Those chemicals are potent. Make him drink a lot of water, amd you too, to flush all that chemo.
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Thank you so much Melrosemelrose and Headeast for the information. I was honestly hoping that this was the case. I was dreading the idea of going without a cover so that the rest of my hair could grow back in. Prior to even being diagnosed I was using Garnier Fructis Lengthen and Strngthen and I could swear it made my hair grow faster! I have been looking for it around the stores and I have a feeling they don't make it anymore darn it. But thank you for the information about the shampoo and special foods and with the Biotin pills. I will ask my onco if I can take it. I love my Dad dearly and he has been supportive so very much but he just really doesn't understand when I broke down after my hair started falling out a little at a time and then when the whole hunks came out. He's always had cre cuts so he's never had much to loose.
Thank you so much also for the support. There are some very wonderful people here.
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Some information about foods for hair growth at WebMD:
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Side effects from hell. I have posted that I had my first treatment last Friday and thought things were getting better. I was wrong. My issues are facial and head pain, mostly jaw and teeth and I also feel like there is electrical pressure from my head down my neck, all the way to my back. Of course I sneezed yesterday and it almost made me jump out of my skin and now hurts 10 times as bad. Its almoat like my entire body is pulsating. Im very aware of my heart these days, either racing or flip flopping.
I had my neulasta shot on monday and have taken claritin every day. I called my onc and she said I could take ibuprofen, but nothing seems to help. Am I crazy or are these legit side effects?
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Hi Shanitis.Owwww.... I'm so sorry. I just had my first treatment on Tuesday & my Neulasta shot on Wed. I feel like I have had the flu. Bad body aches & neck pain.So I did go to bed last night at 9 & slept all night. I am feeling ok. Maybe just baby yourself & try to sleep some. Happy thoughts to you.
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shanitis- Sorry the side effects have literally hit you up the side of the head!!!! Unfortunately, your aches and pains are probably in the realm of chemo side effects and you are not crazy!!!! . If you want to, call your onco again and ask for something a little stronger other than OTC ibuprofen and let your onco know that you are feeling worse.
The first round of chemo can be difficult because it is the first and it is definitely a big shock to your body. With that being said, keep breathing and try to rest and keep hydrated. If you feel up to it, maybe a warm shower will help make you feel a little better. :et's keep our fingers crossed that your side effects calm down. Hugs.....
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Just finished my TC treatments yesterday. I'm glad it's over but for some reason I'm just really depressed. I think I cried all day yesterday. Maybe it's just the release and hope that I've done enough and fear of the future. Next is radiation for six weeks starting at the end of the month.
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AKJ, congrats on being done...!!! I will be done in two weeks and I understand how you feel; I am feeling a bit of that already. I know for me it is the fact that I will be done and now what? I understand and am giving you a huge virtual hug. I have been crying all week. I did visit an organic store today and got some info from them and my next step will be to eat a lot healthier, although I cannot imagine doing anything completely off-the-wall, I will switch to organic fruits and vegetables and be more plant based; use more spices. Maybe thinking along some sort of proactive line like this as the next step can help you? It is scary, no doubt about it, but just think, you've done all this--keep putting one foot in front of the other the best you can. You can do it!
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Thanks jmg! I'm going to try to move along and live a healthy life and hope for the best. I'm glad you're almost done too. You've had a bit of a rough go.
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Congrats to those who are close to completing chemo and just finishing!!! Yes, what you have has not been easy physically and emotionally on you but finding the words to put everything in perspective is hard. I know of the tears firsthand and recognize that this path through chemoland has been good, not so good, easy and not so easy at times. It is like finishing a hard physical marathon, the body aches, the mind aches and the tears just flow. It is okay..... you are not alone in your tears and feeling the letdown after completing a long difficult project. Those questions of "Now what?" and "What happens next?" do come rolling into your mind. I started chemo In April 2012 and finished August 2012 and finished Herceptin March 2013. So it has been 2 years ago when I had my first round. I am forever thankful and grateful for the wonder people who have been here for me, supporting unconditionally. Though the tears have lessened over time, picking up and moving forward has not been a lightening speed pace. I have taken my time and not rushed so that I could recover mentally and physically from the chemo. There is not right way or wrong way to feel right now. There is only the way that makes one feel comfortable with herself. Just have to keep moving forward and look forward to feeling better physically and emotionally. Continue to take care of yourselves.... eat well, sleep well, exercise regularly and most of all, love yourself and those around it. Slowly but surely, you will emerge from the haze of chemo and get on with living your lives. HUGS to all of you.
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Thanks Melrosemelrose. I can't stop being depressed about all this but maybe when the chemo wears off in a few weeks I'll feel more optimistic. It's all so scary to think that much of this is so out of our control. But that's everything, isn't it? I could be hit by a truck tomorrow. Sorry about my negativity. I feel like this should be a happy time but it's not so much.
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It's okay. I get it... so don't feel bad for saying what is on your mind. It takes time to reach the point where one feels okay about moving forward. A lot has happened since you started on this road. Sometimes I feel like the pause button has been pushed and I can't get things moving again. So rather than feel like there is something wrong with me, I just say okay.... tomorrow will be better and I will get moving again. If you are struggling with your feelings and how you feel, please consider talking to your onco and perhaps think about getting some counseling. It's okay to do that and may help you. As for control, I face a situation that happened despite taking care of myself and living a healthy lifestyle. It has and always will be in my control as to how to handle the situation. I've always felt like I had choices as to what to do although it may seem like I had no choices. One day, you will feel better but until then, hang in there. Ride out those feelings of being down and know that you are not alone. Life is bittersweet. There are times when others think we should be happy about certain things but yet, there can also be other things that are happening which bring great sadness. Again.... it's okay. Hugs to you.....
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Thanks for the support during my little meltdown. There's a counselor on my oncology team that I plan to call. Previously I was just focused on getting the medical stuff done and didn't really consider it too much. I normally try to be a pretty positive person so I think that part of me will come back. I also signed up for a Living Beyoynd Cancer workshop in June. Thanks again jmg and Melrosemelrose!
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akj, I felt the same way after my last chemo. Between the fatigue, having to go back to work and reaching 'the end' of the active treatment, I had a number of feelings. It will pass, and ask your MO about vitamins, B12 and D are helping me, plus multi vitamins.
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Glad to hear I'm not the only one. A friend recommended a naturopath who specializes in oncology patients and I'm thinking of going to him to get my nutrition back on track when I recover from this last round.
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I survived my first round of chemo!!!! My fears were far worse than reality so thank you to those you gave me those words of encouragement. I had it on Friday 4/25, felt great the rest of that day and pretty much all day Saturday. By the evening, I began to feel tired and then it hit me.... I was out all day Sunday and Monday. No nausea but stomach cramps with frequent runs to the bathroom, no pun intended.
Once that got under control, I began to feel better and felt 100% great by the following Friday. During the chemo, did get the 'sinus' headache everyone has mentioned so they are going to slow it down when I go in for round 2. I took a couple of doses of 12-hour sudafed and that was it. The SE I'm dealing with is the wierd sensation in my hands.... they itch and tingle and feel like they are swollen but are not. I know that's part of the process. Any suggestions to try that has helped minimize that sensation?
Also, is there anyone that has NOT lost their hair with this treatment? Just curious and wondering or how fast has hair been lost...
For any newcomers like myself....ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!!! Go into it with a positive attitude, I promise, it makes a difference!
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YES1924- Glad you have made it through the first round !!!! that weird sensation that you are feeling in your hands maybe the beginnings of neuropathy. I don't know if you are icing your finger nails and toe nails. Just keep those digits moving but try not to massage the fingers and toes since that may cause the blood vessels in your fingers/toes to break. You may also want to contact your onco about the itchiness that your experiencing since it could be sign that you are allergic to one of the chemos ( most likely the Taxotere). As for the hair, you may start seeing hair start to fall out after 14 days. You will know that there is something happening since your hair may feel more dry and it may be coming out more easily. I never shaved my head and was left with a very thin thin veil of hair on my head. To others, I was flat out bald but to me, I had those mighty hairs that I could still feel which seemed to give me comfort. When the hair starts to come out more frequently and especially in the shower, it can be hard to deal with. One has the choice to breakdown or just accept that it is part of the process. I chose the later. Just remember that you do not have to stand in front of the mirror and look at your head/hair. It is pretty normal to be emotional with the hair loss since it is probably one of the most outward physical signs that you are having chemo. You are okay........ Keep us posted....
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Thanks MELROSEMELROSE! I'm not sure I understand the 'icing' of the nails.... what is that and what does it do?
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