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Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013

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Comments

  • tsugarek
    tsugarek Member Posts: 10
    edited June 2014


    Absolutely 100% correct...those little nausea pills have been my best friend! And you are so true..I know that I have learned so much through this first round...and have already told my Oncologist abut my little run in with nausea...they are ready to tackle that on round 2!

    As I mentioned in another post...I am so thankful for people like you....taking the time to help and support people like me!

  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 197
    edited June 2014

    tsugarek....so glad your onc hears you and will tackle round 2 for nausea!

    Until I started on here, about 1/2 way through chemo, I would think , " well this side effect must be normal"...then after reading posts I was more aware of things and would call my MO...he lowered my taxotere 2 x due to side effects!! So I know how you feel about the support here...we learn so much from eachother!  Hoping you have fewer side effects!  Hang in there!  Rosie

  • Debster
    Debster Member Posts: 42
    edited June 2014

    tsugarek, so glad you talked to your onc and they are on top of it for you for your next round.

    Rosiesride, I was very sick on taxotere too. That stuff can be something else. I will not have my 4th treatment due to how bad the side effects were with me. I am glad to be done with chemo and moving on with rads.

    Have a great weekend everyone! Hugs and love to all

  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 197
    edited June 2014

    debster...I realized I was starting to have some neuropathy , (didn't know what that was until I read about it here)...I was hoping he would eliminate taxotere from my final infusion but he lowered it  to about 40 % of original dosing...I have been PFC 4 weeks tomorrow...still have those heavy legs and stuff....hoping it eases up soon...5 rads down...31 to go....ugggg! Rosie

  • yensmiles
    yensmiles Member Posts: 211
    edited June 2014

    it feels good to know that i'm not the only one who actually celebrates lower dosage..or less chemo!!! 

    gosh..tsugarek, now i know what you mean by nausea.. i thought it'd not happen to me.. felt slightly nauseous at some points during my first round of chemo, and now i've felt nauseaous for the past 3 days.. :( today seems to be the worse.. not so bad that i can't eat.. am thankful i can eat, and i didn't take nausea pills, just gastric (rantinadine) for the last few days.. 

    for what it's worth, i actually smiled at myself at the mirror.. didn't expect to be amused at my einstein-mad scientist-twittybird look as my head goes bald and now after the initial shock, i think it's quite funny..and something new! :)

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited July 2014

    Just checking on everyone and hope all is well!!!!  Thinking of each of you no matter where you are in treatment.  Have a wonderful week and upcoming July 4th weekend!!

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited July 2014

    bump

  • sharonde
    sharonde Member Posts: 10
    edited July 2014

    I finished 4 cycles of Cytoxan/Taxotere 3 weeks ago. Thanks to all in this thread who posted about their experience - it helped a lot. 

    My experience was similar to what others have posted. The most annoying SEs were heartburn/reflux and extreme fatigue.  I did all 4 infusions with no port and no neulasta shots (in case others wonder if everyone has a port and neulasta). 

    I do have one question - regarding fatigue. How long did it take for your energy to come back?  Just getting up and doing dishes wears me out.  Tomorrow, I am going to start the walking program my husband used for rehab after open heart surgery. I start with walking for 6 minutes, 4 times a day. Then gradually increase for 30 days. Sounds ridiculous, but I'm not sure I can do 6 minutes!!!

  • 1-sided_girl
    1-sided_girl Member Posts: 2
    edited July 2014


    This is such a helpful discussion and site!  I wish I knew of it sooner.  I am heading into my 4th and last chemo tx before rad...I've had side effects of numbness/ neuropathy in my finger tips, some facial numbness or it could just be the drying out effect of the meds...or it could be that my fingers feel strange so in turn, my face feels strange too! It's the chicken or the egg conflict! I've had continual watery eyes and sensitive to painful finger nails or nail beds...at what point or what SE do they consider lowering your chemo dosing?  I've only had nausea this 3rd round, but my appetite is good.  Just curious if I should mention this to my onc?  I thought they said if things get really bad like buttoning a shirt or being unable to hold a pencil???

    I felt pretty good after my first 2 treatments, but agree it is very individual...my 1st round I felt great x 4 days then a new SE every day x 10!  2nd round much improved, 4th day after SE began - mostly joint and muscle pain and fatigue accumulating...3rd round nauseated the very next day and intermittently for a week or so and the other SE I mentioned above.  Motrin has been my best friend...but my platelets have been good.   My other huge SE was my irritated mouth, tongue and throat...painful, dry, difficult to swallow for about a week starting 2 days after tx...yuck - but one last one to go then I'm done...until radiation, and hormone therapy, and reconstruction!  Positive thoughts though, it could always be worse!!!!

  • Debster
    Debster Member Posts: 42
    edited July 2014

    Hi SharonDe and 1 sided girl, SharonDe very happy for you that your side effects were as little as they were. My fatigue hung around for a while but I made sure I got walking in and tried to keep it little as possible.

    1 sided girl I had mouth issues as well and my MO gave me a prescription for it and it helped so much. My chemo dose was lowered 50% the third dose and then my doc. made the decision to not give me the last dose due to the reactions I had to it. The most important thing is that you tell your MO how you are feeling and call them if you need to so they can give you something to help with the SEs. Glad you are almost done with chemo.

    Have a great day!!

  • yensmiles
    yensmiles Member Posts: 211
    edited July 2014

    1-sided-girl, hope your side effects get more manageable with the days. Am glad you're taking everything positively! :) Try icing your feet and hands during chemo, and if your face feel flushed or eyes teary, take an ice pack to it.. i know that helped me. I've had 3 sessions of chemo thus far, the worst effects were the first cycle though overall it's manageable. Don't wait till neuropathy gets worse..because then it's irreversible. I'm taking this herbal blend called Goshajinkigan (do google it, and you'd see the efficacy) to prevent or minimise neuropathy. 

    SharonDe, i've yet to complete my 4 cycles, though i do notice that on my first cycle, i'm really too tired to even stand by the sink to wash veggies, and if i've to do minimal food prep, i've to sit at the dining table and take my time, because i simply felt too tired. Somehow (really thankful) with an adjusted dosage on the second and third cycle, i don't experience that kind of fatigue. Am not 100% normal in terms of energy.. but about 70-80% most of the time. I could walk the dogs (slow leisurely walk) and cook now. I was planning to take "ginseng" to strengthen the "qi" as some friends recommended it, and already have some stock up in my fridge. Perhaps you can see if that would help speed up the recovery of energy for you. A good Chinese Medical Hall would be able to advise on what's best.

    Wishing everyone here a good day, speedy recovery, minimal side-effects and loads of sunshine and rainbows to keep the cheer! :)

  • 1-sided_girl
    1-sided_girl Member Posts: 2
    edited July 2014


    Thanks Debster and Yensmiles - I will research that herbal blend and contact my doctor before the last tx next Thursday to see if a dose adjustment is needed! How nice does that sound? Last treatment!!! 

    SharonDe - I have completed 3 cycles and have definitely felt times and days of extreme fatigue which is something I was NOT used to, but I found that a brief rest and distraction - including a walk, a shower, going to the store helped rejuvenate me a lot.  1 of my doctors told me the more you do the more you'll be able to do...without pushing yourself too much and of course - rest when you need it.  It's amazing how different we all are and how differently our bodies react to the same medicine.  Stay well and rest well! 

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited July 2014

    The fatigue is one of the cumulative side effects of chemo.  I know that at times I felt out of breath and could barely walk up stairs or walk a short distance.  This may be due to the decrease in red blood cells that help move oxygen through the blood.  You may want to check your blood counts and see if the RBC has dropped.  The fatigue and tiredness may be a sign that you are anemic.  Talk to your onco about the anemia to see what he/she suggests for you.  My RBC dropped through out my 6 rounds of Cytoxan/Taxotere but not quite to the point of requiring an iron infusion or iron supplements.  Instead, my onco advised me to eat more food that are iron enriched which may help the red blood count.  Those foods include but are not limited to iron enriched cereals (Cream of Wheat, Total, Quaker Oat Squares), lean beef such as steak, vegetables (spinach).  I was also told to keep walking even it was just a little.  The exercise helps the red blood cell cycle to keep producing new red blood cells.  

    As far as when the fatigue will subside, it takes time for the body to recover after completing all rounds of chemo.  Everyone is different.  The first 3 weeks after the final chemo, you may feel the same as you always have after having a round of chemo.  Hopefully, after that,  each of you will start to feel better a little more everyday.  Just listen to your bodies and if something doesn't seem right, call your onco and ask questions and get some help.

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited July 2014

    JUST WANTED TO LET READERS HERE KNOW THAT THIS THREAD IS STILL ALIVE AND KICKING!!!  So if you have questions, please post.  Yes, there are tips throughout this thread but if you need them to be placed currently, just say so and I can repost the tips.  It always helps to know there is someone else in this universe who is travelling down the same chemo path as you and that you are not alone.

  • yensmiles
    yensmiles Member Posts: 211
    edited July 2014

    Thanks Melrose for keeping this thread alive and helping us out! 

    In two days time, i will be seeing a cardiologist.. had two episodes of "heart attack symptoms", both a few days after infusion of TCH in the last two chemo cycles. I've a feeling it's the herceptin, and dismissed it when my oncologist said it's nothing to worry about. However, out of curiosity, i called the Roche to get details on the mechanisms of how herceptin might be influencing my heartrate and bp and the heart attack symptoms, and now it seems more serious, and they contacted my oncologist and he now recommends i visit a cardiologist. It's the muslim eid-mubarak festival where i am, and i'd have to wait till the drs start work on Wednesday! hoping all will go well...

    and to think i'm so worried about chemo side effects.. got that all nicely managed.. and now it's really the heart that is most worrying.. :(

    hope everyone is having a good weekend, minimal side effects, and speedy recovery!

  • Debster
    Debster Member Posts: 42
    edited July 2014

    Hi yensmiles, just to give you a little heads up and hopefully a little ease of your mind about the heart I had to go to the cardiologist after my chemo as well due to BP and heart rate increase. He was able to get it right back under control for me and I am doing good again with it.

    I was under his care before I had BC so I already had some things going on but I wanted you to know they can get it right back under control and hopefully yours will behave very quickly as well. Please try not to worry. { HUGS}

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited July 2014

    Yensmiles- The heart issues which may be from the Herceptin are important.  I am glad that you made the effort to call Roche and talked to them.  I am also very glad that they made the effort to call your oncologist.  I had Herceptin and had quarterly echocardiograms to monitor my heart function.  I was told that if my heart function dropped a certain percentage or dropped below a certain percentage, that I would be taking a break from the Herceptin infusions to see if my heart function would improve.  Fortunately, I did not have any heart side effects from the Herceptin.  Here is a link to the Roche website so you can read more about Herceptin ( you probably already have this info):  http://www.roche.com/products/product-details.htm... .

    Hoping all goes well with the cardiologist. Keep us posted.....

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

    yensmiles - I too am having an Echocardiogram every 3 months w/o exception to check how the Herceptin is effecting my heart.  And my oncologist sent me to a cardiologist for a consult since I had to stop Herceptin while I was having Andriamycin.  Both can damage your heart.  My LVEF has gone down a little, but MO says not enough to worry about.  Some ladies have MUGA tests instead of ECHOs.

    Good luck tomorrow with the cardiologist. 

  • sugar8
    sugar8 Member Posts: 27
    edited July 2014

    Hi  Guys

    I just completed my 2nd cycle of TC along side Herceptin. The first cycle was unpleasant. Flu like symptoms and bone pains from the Filigrastim 7 days of injection, Tiredness,and dependence on my poor husband, Neuropathy -couldn't feel hot plates from the microwave or sense the temperature of food!!, I was like pregnant mother craving specific foods -poor husband. I became a real  hormonal cow and just couldn't help myself. I didn't want to be around me. I became anaemic and only came up for air on Day 12. 

    Before my 2nd cycle my onc decided to lower my dose to 75%. Boy I am glad that he did. So far, I am a happy/normal woman. I have gained my independence so I am on the top of the world. I can cook, etc and I just listen to my body and do what it needs. I can deal with my slight SEs. Day 2 slight constipation which I resolved with diet esp the home made smoothie I made. :-). I am now looking forwards to onward and upwards and hoping th trend continues. Till next cycle . 

    BTW I am using the cold cap PAXMAN successfully so far, but don't know if I am just delaying the inevitable. Any opinions?

    All the best to all during their treatment x x

    sugar8

  • yensmiles
    yensmiles Member Posts: 211
    edited August 2014

    Thanks debster for the lovely hug, Melrose for the link and minustwo for the good luck! Indeed, feel very blessed.. heart cleared, my LVEF did drop a bit from 74% to 70% and the cardiologist ruled out heart attack and was a real gem in making sure i know what's a heart attack and what might be possible causes for my symptoms. He also asked me to check my pulse during chemo, especially after cyclophosphamide and before i leave the hospital, so that when the heart rate drops, to ask for an immediate ECG. I did a stress test too on Wednesday at the cardiologist and everything is okay. It was likely heartburn that i experienced.. and as strange as it was, can't quite explain why both times it happened only once, about 5 days after the chemo infusion and last about half hour! 

    On Friday, i had my check-up with my breast surgeon.. i detected either a new lump (or an ignored one) on my left breast, and had an ultrasound while there, it is likely to be benign and for now, can leave it till a follow-up in 6 months. Also, a cyst detected on my left fallopian had disappeared.. that's a huge relief! I went to do a pelvis scan when i realise it's all these hormones that can lead to breast cancer, and with my irregular and heavy bleedings.. my period went on for a month from shortly after tumour detection to two weeks after surgery!!! wanted to make sure all okay before i started chemo, and that was when the "water cyst" was detected. Now i'm glad i did the checks! phew! Also thankful for benign looking lump.

    Sugar8, i had a horrible first chemo session too.. practically in bed for two weeks.. disoriented the first week, fever the second.. and my oncologist adjusted the dose too, and now i feel so normal! :)  There's also a thread on cold-capping Sugar8, you might find more input there, though it seems to work well for the TC regime. Am so happy that you got yourself a cold-cap! :)

    hope everyone's havign a good weekend..and i am so sure i replied to this thread earlier.. but it's nowhere to be seen.. so this is actually the second time i'm writing pretty much the same thing! :)

  • sugar8
    sugar8 Member Posts: 27
    edited August 2014

    Glad to hear that all's going well yensmiles and thanks for telling me about the cold cap group. I will join them to compare notes.

    Look after yourself x x

  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 197
    edited August 2014

    hi melrosemelrose...I am just wondering about body aches , leg pain and forearms especially during the night in bed.  It is much better when I get up and start moving around...I am about 9 weeks out from last chemo.  I will finish rads august 13...  I wonder if this is still effects from TAC and if it will go away!  Slight neuropathy in feet and hands, but not unbearable just annoying.  thanks for any input! Rosie 

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited August 2014

    Rosieride-  I do remember having body aches for several months after I finished chemo.  I used to shuffle to the bathroom in the mornings... just hoping I would get there in time!!!!  It took a while for me to feel steady on my feet after sitting or getting out of bed or out of a car.  Yes, my feet did hurt when I first got up in the morning.  However, slowly but surely, the feet aches got better as the day progressed.  I can't tell you exactly when those aches and pains went away but they did start to diminish over time and one day, it just seemed like I wasn't hurting as much.  I"m almost 2 years out from my final chemo and I am very lucky that I don't have lingering aches and pains from the chemo.  Now, I do have aches and pains because I'm not a young gal.  Keep moving and exercising  and wiggling those fingers and toes.  Things to get better..... just takes time.  Since you are having rads, be on the lookout for LE after you finish rads.  I have gal pals that noticed the LE only after they finished the rads.  If you do notice that your right arm is swelling or sore, you may want to ask for a PT consult with a LE PT specialist.  You can ask your breast surgeon for a referral.  

    I do get leg and feet cramps because of the Tamoxifen.  That is one of the side effects of Tamoxifen.

    Always good to hear from you.....

  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 197
    edited August 2014

    thanks Melrose!  I already am established with pt/ LE specialist...I am almost done with rads but my chording has popped up again...doing stretches daily...legs feel heavy and tight some days but I will be starting back to teaching in a couple of weeks and I know I will get my exercise with the little ones!! 

    Thanks for your input...I guess I need to give it more time as I am still in rads too!  I will know which med MO will put me on in a few weeks...hoping for minimal side effects!!  Talk to you soon and thanks!! Rosie

  • sugar8
    sugar8 Member Posts: 27
    edited August 2014

    Melrosemelrose or any on else. Do you know the dosage of L-glutamine one should take to help the neuropathy during chemo?  Thanks

    Hope you are all coping as well as possible with your cycles. 

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

    Sugar - What i was told is to mix 10 grams (2 Tblsps) powder w/water & drink three times a day.  I just couldn't get it down - or much other liquid for that matter.

  • Cate88
    Cate88 Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2014

    Hi All

    I'm so happy to have found you!  I'm starting chemo next week.  Before June 28th, or shall i say BC, DH and 5yr old daughter had vacation plans that involved many others.  I have come to the realization that I can't do the big trip and have come to terms with letting people down and adjusting plans but in all your wisdom do you think I will be up for a 3 hr car drive and 4 days at hotel (i can rest and my sister her partner and my DH will be there for me and my daughter) 4 days post 1st chemo tx?  Basically having Chemo on Thurs, Neulasta on Friday, leave for San Diego on Sunday and return on Wednesday.  I don't know whether I should call it off or keep the plans as my MO said day 3 thru 7 I will feel terrible.  I really need advice so I can stop thinking about this and think about the many other new topics that need attention.  Many thanks and gratitude for you all.  

  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 197
    edited August 2014

    that is so hard to say as everyone is different...for me, I had treatment on Monday...neulesta on Tuesday ( make sure to take Claritin day before shot and I took it everyday anyway for allergies...even 1 1/2 tabs for bone pain from shot)...my first chemo, I felt bad Thursday, took nausea meds before it got too bad and slept...felt better by Sunday ...went shopping Monday (1 week after treatment)... Then felt super tired Tuesday.   But I had TAC... 3 drugs at once...it really depends on you and the drugs I think....the main thing with chemo for me and the first few treatments was how exhausted I felt ...like having the flu...but some ladies on here were up and about  a few days after...it's doable, but hard to say about traveling for you...this probably didn't help much....just sharing my experience! Good luck and I hope you can go!  Rosie

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited August 2014

    Cate88-  Your onco is right about the timing of the side effects.  I had chemo on Tuesdays, felt fine Wednesday and Thursday and then began my downhill slide on Fridays. I would rest Saturday and Sunday and feeling fine by Monday.   I took Decadron (steroids) the day before chemo, the day of chemo and the day following chemo.  One of the side effects of this steroid is to rev one up so that sleeping at night is not easy.  However, I usually felt very energetic the few days following chemo but then the side effects would show up for a few days after that.    As you have probably read, everyone reacts to chemo differently.  I know that the first evening that the chemo hit, I don't think I could have been or wanted to be anywhere but at home.  I felt like I had been hit with the flu ( just didn't feel well at all).  However, the other 5 rounds of chemo I had after that were easier on me physically because of what I learned after the first one.  You may want to talk with your onco about taking this trip.  If you are able to go, make sure you are able to be in contact with your onco in the event, you have difficulties with the possible side effects.   Make sure you take your antinausea meds on schedule and on time with plenty of fluids.  You need to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the chemo through ( which means plenty of potty breaks).  Try to eat small meals on schedule so that your tummy never is empty ( a fed tummy is a happy tummy when in chemoland).

    Here is something interesting that my onco asked me before I had the first round of Cytoxan/Taxotere.  She asked me if I had morning sickness while I was pregnant.  I told her that I might have felt a little nauseous when I first got up in the morning but got over that feeling after eating and moving around.  She said that it could be an indicator that I would not get nauseous from the chemo.  Thank goodness, it was that way.  

    If you have further questions, please ask.  Keep us posted.  Just remember if you decide to go and on the day of departure, you just don't feel well, it is okay to make a change in plans last minute.  One thing you may learn about being on this path is that you need to make yourself high on your priority list and take care of yourself.  

  • Cate88
    Cate88 Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2014

    Thank you Roseride and MelsroseMelrose!!  I need to figure it out and will absolutely let you know.  I'm going to talk to a DO about IV nutrition today.  My MO is very supportive of alternative and has many patients that do really well.  I will keep you posted!  

    MelroseMelrose he also asked me about morning sickness and said it is very correlated.  I was lucky and didn't have any so hopefully the same will be true with this.  

    The anxiety at night is unbelievable.  I am in awe of all of you that have gone before me.  It's quite a gut check.  

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