Come join others currently navigating treatment in our weekly Zoom Meetup! Register here: Tuesdays, 1pm ET.
Weigh in: What are the best and worst gifts for people with breast cancer?
Share with us: What are your proudest moments of 2024 and personal goals for 2025?
Take our poll: How are you feeling as we near the New Year?

Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013

1…104105107109110…160

Comments

  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 197
    edited June 2014

    yes...I did have neulesta shots from the beginning...only had a fever on 5th cycle...scary but cipro knocked it out...I guess my ignorance and not having the knowledge about possible hospitalization was a good thing for me!  I knew people may need fluids from my friends who were going through treatment...looking back, my WBC was always stable...until 5 th treatment...side effects of shot were handled well with 1 1/2 Claritin for a few days and Tylenol ...being exhausted and leg weakness got me! Now 5 days after last treatment...I am heading to our pool to do some light water aerobics...wish me luck!! Rosie

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited June 2014

    jmg58-  It does take longer than 3 weeks post final chemo to feel better.  Just remember, you are feeling the side effects that one may feel after having a round of chemo.  Unfortunately, there isn't a "Feel Good" switch.  It takes time for the body to heal from the chemo side effects.  I know that I did feel better as time has gone on.  As I recall, my fatigue got better, my little aches and pains started to disappear.  I finished chemo Aug. 7 2012 and by October 2012, I was feeling less tired and my hair was growing back slowly. (Probably slower because I was still receiving Herceptin).  I know that by January 2013, I definitely had more pep and my blood counts started their slow slow return to the low normal range.   Just have to be patient and keep taking good care of yourself, eat well, rest/sleep well and get regular exercise.  Give yourself some time. 

  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 197
    edited June 2014

    wow melrosemelrose...I just finished chemo June 2....will start radiation June 23....end aug. 4?...then just 2 weeks rest before I delve into a new school year with kindergarten!! I sure hope I have the energy for that!!  Guess I may need to set up a little rest mat for me!!  It's draining anyway the first few months of school WITHOUT cancer treatment!  Well I will hope for the best!! And pray...a lot. Lol. Rosie

  • jmg58
    jmg58 Member Posts: 104
    edited June 2014

    Yensmiles, your experience described above sounds EXACTLY what I went through re trips to the bathroom and flushed face.  I was exactly the same.

    Rosiesride, beautiful flowers and porch!  I'd love to have a porch like that to relax on!

    Thank you, Melrosemelrose.  I am a bit better today.  I have to say I went in for fluids again on Friday and they helped.  I also got mad at the nurse practitioner that wanted to see me (and only met me the first day I was there in March) who told me my shortness of breath, heavy legs and fast heart were from anxiety.  $@*)(.  I get SO ANGRY when they tell me that.  Granted, I was upset last week when I went in there but the rest of the time I think I handled things extremely well for anyone and this week have felt no anxiety at all. I tried to get out and enjoy the perfect weather here but had to cancel most plans because I can't walk far/lose my breath and heart pounds.  The reason I went to the Mayo Clinic in the first place was because I got sick and tired of being sick and tired and being told it was all in my head (obviously, it was not) and they found my tumor on day 2.  I have a mild autonomic nervous system disorder which I also went to the Mayo for and I've experienced in the past after strong drugs like Cipro and Flagyl or having something wrong with my body (diverticulitis) wherein my heart doesn't pump right for a while and today I noticed my ankles and feet are just a bit swollen.  Put on new sandals and it's really obvious from the strap marks. That explains part of the breathing problem for me--heart isn't pumping enough oxygen; last time had to wear orthopedic stockings for a year.  Why in the world does the medical profession assume you don't know your own body and recognize when there's a problem.  It just makes me postal.  On another note I may go in for the CT scan on Tuesday.  I'm hoping the node did not grow in my lung so I can try to go on with my life and make plans to try to go to Texas.  :-)  

    Tomorrow I'm supposed to go to work; it will be really interesting as I still, three weeks later, don't think I'm strong enough to work a full day and do what I need to do.  Doctor says I should be--well, I'm not.  So we'll see what happens.

    I hope everyone had a good weekend and the weather wherever you are has been as beautiful as it has been in Chicago.

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited June 2014

    jmg58- I know that I was short of breath and had a racing heart after the 3rd round of chemo.  My onco wasn't concerned but my internist was concerned enough that he did a blood panel to check my thyroid.  Fortunately, the blood panel came back fine.  The fast pulse and shortness of breath did remain for a while after I finished chemo.  And no.... no..... no...... what you are feeling is not in your head.  I know the infusion nurses. my onco and internist always asked about any swelling in my legs/feet since that is a side effect of either the steroids or the chemo itself and always told me to tell them if I had any kind of swelling like that.   You keep on doing what is best for you and listen to your body.  Some doctors just don't get it since they have never personally experienced surgery, chemo, numerous scans, tests, etc.  ..... they only prescribe the treatment plan but never have to go through it physically themselves.  Just remember you are okay and it will take time to get heal from the chemo.  Everyone heals at a different rate.  I'm hoping your CT scan is okay on Tuesday.   Keep us posted.    Sending you hugs and positive, calming and healing thoughts and energy.

  • AKJ
    AKJ Member Posts: 115
    edited June 2014

    jmg, I had my last chemo May 1st and felt sooooo tired for weeks after. Couldn't make it up stairs or hills without my muscles screaming and huffing and puffing. Almost more tired than I did during. I'm just now feeling stronger. I think it takes a lot of time.

  • yensmiles
    yensmiles Member Posts: 211
    edited June 2014

    Thanks SharonDe, hearing you share gives comfort knowing that you didn't require a shot! :) your oncologists sounds like mine too.. antibiotics first if needed.. 

    Thanks Melrosemelrose, glad you didn't have to take those neulesta shots until the second half of the treatments! and from what you and Sharon's shared, i'd be more vigilant with my temperature on these days.. 

    Rosiesride, you are one remarkable lady full of energy!!!! water aerobics just 5 days after?!?? is this the norm? or am i a real "baby"? I felt like dying while walking my dogs today (all 5 of them) as i felt disoriented, brain-heavy, and perspired till i soaked my clothes. Surprisingly, now I feel quite alert! Never been better since the day I started chemo! :) And it's my fifth day now! and I love kindy-kids.. they're so adorable at that age. 

  • yensmiles
    yensmiles Member Posts: 211
    edited June 2014

    by the way, anyone here experienced "neuropathy" from the first cycle? I'm quite certain i don't feel my two big toes (on both feet) the way i used to feel them. It even feels a bit "pinched/pressured" where the nail meets the skin of the toe. I do think it is the chemo's effect and wondering if i should be alarmed..because i really want all my neuro-sensations by the time the chemo ends.. and i've just started.. thankfully all other fingers and toes appear normal in sensation.

  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 197
    edited June 2014

    yensmiles....NO! Believe me, it was nowhere near water aerobics!  I drove to our community pool...gingerly walked down the steps into the pool and walked in a circle moving my arms in the shallow end while talking to my sister so my mouth got the most exercise!  It was my 6 th day after my final treatment....when I got out of the pool I felt like my legs were lead weight!!  It was really nice while doing it.  I felt normal again!  But at dinner my " chemo" body returned....very tired, achy and I went to bed!  I could not even walk around my big porch most days during treatment...walking one dog would have done me in!  So you are doing good compared to me...usually when I thought I was better, the next day was worse...that was frustrating.  I guess now that I am through I am determined to push myself a little more but still listen to my body.

    As for neuropathy ...I would mention any sensations to your doc early on so they can adjust dosage if necessary...by my last treatment I think my taxotere was lowered by 40%...I was worried about long term issues.  Always voice your concerns!  Laying around all day today!  No pool for me! Lol...Rosie 

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,398
    edited June 2014

    Neulasta - this shot is not for fever.  This shot is to keep your white blood cell level high enough to continue treatment.  I really didn't have any problems w/the Neulasta as long as I took the Claritin.  

    As for neuropathy - yes do talk to your doc early & often.  Since I'm ER/PR negative and HER2 positive, the only options for me were heavy duty chemo & Herceptin & rads.  Although my doc said I could make the decision to stop or lower the taxotere & carboplatin - he also said I should balance that decision w/the fact that I would lower my best shot at continuing NED.

  • yensmiles
    yensmiles Member Posts: 211
    edited June 2014

    LOL! Now I don't feel that bad, Rosie! :) Glad you had a nice time at the pool and felt normal again. Mouth exercise sounds fabulous since it goes hand in hand with brain exercise! :)

    And i shall definitely heed you, MinusTwo and Rosie on talking to my oncologist.. already emailed him on my toes..  Good that yours adjusted the final dose Rosie. 

    I'm starting to have quite an appetite yesterday and today! Still wish the brain fog would disappear.. 

    anyone knows if exercising will aggravate or alleviate neuropathy? I'd like to walk my dogs nightly now for the rest of the regime.. but do wonder if standing on my feet would actually make things worse.. 

  • angel443
    angel443 Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2014

    hi im due to start

    docetaxel./cyclophosphamide./herceptin chemo tomorrow .so any help would be great and possible side affects people have been getting thankyou x

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,398
    edited June 2014

    Angel:  The thread copied below "more tips for getting thru chemo" has tons of suggestions.  Also many of us joined one of the chemo threads composed of women going through tx at the same time - for example Chemo - Summer 2014.  There are many suggestions specific to this regime on these pages, but check the other threads too.  With taxotere one major consideration is icing your nails so hopefully you've already read about that.  Lots of good details on the preceding pages.  Good luck.

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/706846?page=52#idx_1531

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited June 2014

    angel443 - Wishing you an easy time in the chemo chair tomorrow.  I'm sure you are feeling a little anxious.  Just remember that you are not left alone during the infusion process and the infusion nurses will be watching you for any immediate side effects.  Make sure you eat a light breakfast before heading out tomorrow.  The infusion nurses usually prefer for patients to have eaten before they start the pre-chemo IV drugs since some of those drugs can cause nausea on an empty stomach.  There is still time for you to hydrate before tomorrow so make sure you drink enough fluids tonight and tomorrow morning so that your veins will be ready to go.  I hope you will have a significant other/spouse/good friend with you tomorrow since it does help pass the time.  Also be prepared for this first infusion to take a little longer than the future ones since the nurses want to watch for any immediate reaction you may have and so that you can also learn the infusion routine.

    I know there is a lot of information to take in before tomorrow.  Just keep breathing and try to stay calm.  Keep us posted.....

  • Debster
    Debster Member Posts: 42
    edited June 2014

    Hello everyone, I had my third treatment this week and I have noticed tonight my feet are swelling. Just wondered if any of you have had this SE from taxotere and if I should call my doc. or it is just something I have to deal with this time. I have had a rash problem with all the treatments but she adjusted the amount the last two treatments trying to get it to stop that but have it again so she may not even give it to me at the next one. This stuff has been rough on me for sure..... Only one more to go so trying to do the best I can to make it through the last one. Thanks for all your help and encouragement during all this. Makes a big difference for sure. Hugs to all

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited June 2014

    Debster- The feet swelling may be from the Decadron steroid.  You may want to call your onco tomorrow and just let them know about the swelling.  Does the swelling go down if you prop your feet up for a while or when you wake in the morning if they are swelling in the afternoon/evening?  You do want to make sure that you tell your onco and the infusion nurses before you have your next round of chemo.  As for the rash, does it itch and is the rash area getting larger?  Again, let your onco know about this since it may be a sign that you are allergic to the Taxotere.  Sometimes, the dosage is decreased and more Benedryl is administered as part of the pre-chemo IV drug cocktail.  I would definitely call to ask your onco if you need to take something for that rash.

    Hang in there..... you are almost done with only one more to go.  I know at times, it just seems so hard to get through chemoland but you can and you are doing just that!!!  Sending you hugs and lots of positive calming and healing thoughts and energy.  Keep us posted.....

  • yensmiles
    yensmiles Member Posts: 211
    edited June 2014

    Anyone here worked throughout part or the entire chemo regime? I am rather tempted to work.. sure beats boredom at home..and equally concern about energy and infections should i work. Have been offered a one month project and having mixed emotions about it. My dr did say i can if i want to, taking precautions about what i touch and disinfect regularly.. would love to hear if anyone here did manage to work and escape hospitalisation! :)

    Debster.. i had swelling from day 1 till about day 3. no idea what caused it too.. thought it was the chemo drugs or herceptin and even worried that when the steroids run out, i'd be in trouble..yet.. it went away automatically when i woke up on day 3.

  • mmtagirl
    mmtagirl Member Posts: 325
    edited June 2014

    yen smiles, I have been working throughout.  Some days more than others, especially the first week.  I leave if I don't feel well or am tired.  My doctor encouraged me to work, exercise and lead as normal a life as possible.  I won't say it is easy or I am as productive as I was pre-chemo but it has been doable for me.  I don't have a physically taxing job so that may help.

    Good luck to you.

  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 197
    edited June 2014

    yensmiles...my MO said I could work as long as I was careful and washed etc...he thought for peace of mind and he knew I loved my job...teaching kindergarten!!  I told him if I have to watch out for germs...those kids would end up neurotic!! Even without treatment, if I saw a finger up the nose I had a silent signal for them to go wash! Lol...needless to say I did not work, although when I was googling kindergarten teachers who worked through treatment, many did!  As a teacher there are days when you don't even have time to use the bathroom...the focus is definitely not on you!!  My "forced"  vacation came at a good time...I really focused on me, re evaluated my priorities, appreciated my time and I hope all the growth that happened for me just makes my life better...I focused on the blessings in my life throughout these last few months....so I didn't work at my normal job...just worked on being a better ME and took care of myself.  I wonder if there are any other teachers on here who worked throughout chemo...btw...I got into about 10 different hobbies...wrote a little book for my class during one chemo treatment and cooked...a lot!!  I also reconnected with many friends who I just neglected due to work schedule over the last 10 years...get so consumed with teaching...you forget who you are...good luck! Rosie

  • Debster
    Debster Member Posts: 42
    edited June 2014

    Thank you Melrosemelrose, I am still swollen this morning alot more in the face and around the eyes and some with my feet but seemed to go down there as I slept. I think I am going to call my doctor and just see what she has to say.Before my last treatment she said I may have a bad allergy to taxatere and she may stop it all together.  My rash is very itchy but I do have some meds to help with that so I am happy about that. I also know she told me that by my last treatment I could be very sick from the treatments so don't know if that is all part of this or not. Guess just a lot of questions in my mind. Thanks for your guidance and encouragement for me. Appreciate it so much. Hugs and happiness to all.

  • yensmiles
    yensmiles Member Posts: 211
    edited June 2014

    Wow, that's lovely to hear mmtagirl! Glad you're doing well at work! That certainly is encouraging to hear! I'm considering a teaching assignment at a university college that I occasionally do parrt time work. Not taxing, though I've to move through a busy mall to get to the office tower that houses the college and that part is scary for me since the mall is frequented by many tourists from all over.. Plus foreign students usually have some mild adjustment flu... :( 

    And Rosie, hmmm, good idea... I could take the opportunity to "spring clean and stock check" my life! Lol! If I'm teaching kindly I will freak out with the number of running nose, coughs and what's not that's always around!!! glad you're having a fabulous me time!

    Would love to hear more from others who worked.. So do keep it coming!

  • jmg58
    jmg58 Member Posts: 104
    edited June 2014

    I have to say I was not able to work much at all; a week after the first and second infusions, none after the third or fourth (well, it's the start of the fourth week after the fourth and I'm limping in now; could have used one more week).  I just was not well enough or strong enough!  Glad that some of you are/were feeling well enough to do it!  

    Oddly enough, Debster, my feet are just swelling now for the first time; will check with my doc tomorrow about it and let you know what she says.

  • sugar8
    sugar8 Member Posts: 27
    edited June 2014

    I will be starting on this regime in early July so will share my thoughts then. Winking

  • Debster
    Debster Member Posts: 42
    edited June 2014

    I just talked to my doctor and the swelling is from the taxotere she is going to call me in some meds. Very glad to get some answers. Thanks everbody!

  • Debster
    Debster Member Posts: 42
    edited June 2014

    Hi everone, I had to go in to see my doctor today for all this swelling and between all the steroids she has me on and the chemo meds that can cause swelling I am a mess. She has started me on two water pills and pottasium. We are going to see how I rect to the taxatere over the next two weeks and she will decide at that point if I will be allowed to take my last dose of it. She said my body is having a bad reaction to it and she needs to be very careful. I am somewhat dissapointed if I do have to quit cause I feel like I am coping out of my treatment and not giving my self the best chance I have but she said absoluetley not but she wants to be care ful cause it can hurt me. Lots of different feelings about all this.... I just have one more but I am glad she is being very careful with me and does not want to do anything to hurt me.... Any and all thoughts apprecitated! Hugs and love to all

  • Debster
    Debster Member Posts: 42
    edited June 2014

    Jmg, wondering how your swelling is now? and what you found out. Hope all is good.

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited June 2014

    Debster- Glad your onco is so responsive to you.  It helps a lot.  You may ask her if you can try taking Abraxene.  Sometimes, patients do not have the same reaction as they do with the Taxotere or Taxol ( solvents in the Taxotere and Taxol are sometimes not well tolerated by patients.... see http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/druglist/abraxane.  .  The reason that Abraxane is not the given in the first place instead of the Taxotere is because of the cost and your onco may have to justify to the insurance company the need for the Abraxane.  You may want to ask your onco if you are a candidate for the Abraxane.   Just have to keep moving forward and stay positive.  I know it is somewhat troublesome to you that you may not be able to get that last dose of Taxotere in; however, your onco is looking out for you the best way she can.   Hopefully you can have the last dose of Cytoxan for sure.  Keep us posted.....

  • jmg58
    jmg58 Member Posts: 104
    edited June 2014

    Debster, I went to the doctor today; she didn't do anything but say wow and told me I'm not getting anymore fluids.  I think the extra fluids in my body are what's helping me breathe, but I guess this is too much.  She only said to put my feet up and walk a lot.

    I also got my AI which I took for the first time tonight.  I sure hope I can tolerate it.

    Last, but best, I got my lung CT today for that 4mm nodule they found in March.  She called me tonight already to tell me my lungs are all clear.  I'm really happy and relieved to put it mildly!!

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited June 2014

    jmg58- YAY on the all clear on the lung CT scan!!!  Good luck on the Al and hope you have no/minimal minimal side effects.  As for the swelling, you may want to watch your salt intake.  If you were getting saline solution fluids, the reason that your onco said she was not letting you have fluids is because the saline solution contains salt.  Just hope you start feeling better soon.  

  • yensmiles
    yensmiles Member Posts: 211
    edited June 2014

    hi jmg, glad to hear the good news on the lungs! dunno whether you're allowed to continue drinking naturally, if you are, natural diuretics might help flush the water away eg celery, cucumber, parsley juice. i drink it everyday to start my mornings and more of to tone my liver and prevent sore throat.

    today is not a good day for me.. mild fever.. temperature of 37+ that occasionnally breaches 38. It is day 8 after chemo infusion. tomorrow morning would have to go the hospital to check my white blood if it doesnt go away.

Categories

Join Us on Zoom: Upcoming virtual meetups. Read more...
Give your account some personality! Add a profile photo.