Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013
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Hope everyone is doing well this weekend!!!! I know that some of you will be finishing your time in chemoland shortly or already have!!! Wishing each of the best!!!!
I know it will time soon for each of you to try some new shampoo in hopes of getting hair to grow back. If you are looking to purchase the Nioxin and the price seems steep, just remember you won't need more than a few drops of shampoo to wash your hair and scalp. If you are very lucky, keep checking at Marshall's and TJMaxx to find some at a discounted price.
Enjoy your weekend and rest up!!!! HUGS!!!
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Thanks, Melrose. I just had my 4th and final TC yesterday- hooray! Tired and have lead legs and arms today- but otherwise feeling Ok. Getting my hair back has been on my mind and I do about an 1/8th of an inch of gray fuzz on about 75% of my head now. A friend gave me a present of some Wen cleansing conditioner last week. She had another friend who used it PFC and apparently swears by it for stimulating growth rate and keeping scalp moist. So far, I do like how it has kept my scalp moist and not itchy. I'll let you all know if I think it is increasing growth rate. Frankly, I'm surprised to see any hair coming back at this point. Brows and lashes are thin but still there. Bikini hair is 80% gone, no leg hair growth and only some sparse armpit growth.
On to rads in 3 weeks! The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter.
Wishing a restful weekend to al!0 -
TMM60- Yippee!!! Doing the happy dance for you!!! Now, rest and get ready for the rads!!! You may want to check out the Miaderm cream for the rads. (here is the info link for that: http://miaderm.com/ ) I've been told that plus Aquafor are two good things for the skin. You may want to ask your RO about the Miaderm (contains calendula which is supposed to be good). You can find it on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Miaderm-Cancer-Radiation-Treatment-Protects/dp/B004TB9SFE -- this is just one of the amazon links..) Wishing you the best!!!!
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Thanks for checking in with us Melrose. You know, I looked on Amazon for Nioxin, but was overwhemled by the choices: so many products! Do I want shampoo or scalp treatment or both?
In the meantime I picked up some shampoo with zinc, since I've heard that it might help too.
Of course I have three more treatments to go, but I'm halfway there now - had my third on Thursday and Neulasta shot on Friday. My red cell counts are down, so I'm taking a multivitamin with iron at my MO's suggestion. I normally eat very little meat, but I'll add more red meat to my diet for awhile.
I talked to my MO about the pain I've had that seemed like it might be ovarian. He was a little concerned and said that chemo will cause pain in tumors. The Metanx he prescribed after my second treatment seemed to help with my other sharp stabbing nerve pains, but not in that area. He stressed that I should go to my gyn soon after I finish my treatments. I've been wondering about having my ovaries out anyway, since I'm not a candidate for Tamoxifen and not post-menopausal enough for an AI yet. But like Scarlett O'Hara, "I'll think about that tomorrow."
For the next few tomorrows, I'll be thinking about my sweet granddaughter, of course. Her lumpectomy is Monday morning.
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I had my first infusion Wednesday. It was tough being back there again. I was OK until I almost passed out from the first stick (no port). That surge of physical discomfort and lack of control brought me to tears. I got through it by talking with the nurses, my sister and the social worker. My MO said I might feel the chemo a bit more since I had it before. Today has been tough. I had about 3 3-hour naps! I got a nice walk in, though, with my kids.
I'll be going to MD Anderson soon for a second opinion on treatment. So things might change. I couldn't bear waiting on starting any treatment.
I'm a bit weary to respond directly to the many kind comments. Thank you so very much. Big hugs to everyone.0 -
Cider8, than you for the update. I can only imagine how hard this is for you physically and emotionally and how weary you must be. Please feel free to update us when you can without feeling any pressure to reply to our responses. I'm glad you will be going to MD Anderson and hope you get the benefit of the best minds and the newest information they have to offer. I recently talked to a lady here in San Antonio who went to MD Anderson for her treatment and she was very glad she did. I will be praying for you, Dear Sister.
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AnnieLane- I use just the Nioxin cleanser (aka shampoo) and the conditioner for thin to medium hair. I use the conditioner once a week. I have the scalp treatment but don't use it since my hair seems to be growing back just fine. To help you figure out what kinds of foods to eat when you have a low red blood count, check the Livestrong.com website. Here the link to the search that I did: http://www.livestrong.com/search/?mode=standard&search=foods+to+help+your+red+blood+cell+count . You will find there are lots of foods to eat to help those red blood cells and those foods that can help absorption. Congrats on being half way now!!! As for the Tamox situation for you post chemo, you may want to do a little more search on the accuracy of those tests to see if your body absorbs Tamox. I asked my onco about that test and if I needed on. She told me that the results of that test are questionable and that I would not have that test. I'm taking the Tamox and have been since September. Thinking of you and your sweet granddaughter and wishing your family the best!!!
Cider8- Glad to hear that you got through that first round of chemo. Hang in there!!!! Hope you feel better soon!!!
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Hi... I had my 2nd cycle of tc last april 17... Now my skin on my hands are peeling, developed some rashes on my bald head
its very uncomfortable. I have these leg pains too and a slight sorethroat. Any suggestion will really help. Thanks a lot. God bless us all0 -
IF RASH ITCHES USE BENEDRL SPRAY OR CORTISONE CREAM. THE ABSOLUTE BEST PRODUCT FOR DRY SKIN IS BAG BALM WHICH IS USED ON IRRITATED COW UDDERS. I HAD MY FIRST TC CHEMO ALMOST 3 WEEKS AGO. ENDED UP IN HOSPITAL FOR 3 DAYS WITH SEVERE SHORTNESS OF BREATH. THEN WITHIN AN HOUR OF GETTING HOME HAD HORRIBLE BONE PAIN FOR 2 DAYS FROM NEULASTA. PAIN RELIEVED WITH CLARITAN AND PERCOCET. SO NO MORE TAXATERE WILL USE ABRAXANE INSTEAD AND TAKE SEVERAL NEUPAGEN SHOTS AFTER EACH CHEMO INSTEAD OF NEULASTA . ANYBODY ELSE HAD REALLY BAD SIDE EFFECTS? I AM USING ICE CAPS AND SO FAR HAVE MOST OF MY HAIR. BUT I AN STARTING TO SHED DAY 18 DAYS POST FIRST CHEMO. SOME SHEDDING IS EXPECTED WITH COLD CAPS. I PRAY FOR EVERYONE ON THIS TC LADIES SITE EVERY DAY.
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Hi Everyone,
I'm new on this site but started my chemo Feb. 27. (AC every two weeks x four sessions). I start Taxotere May 1 every three weeks x four. My Onc said I had tolerated the AC well. Some people end up in the hospital a couple of times. I'm not sure why exactly. I worked very hard to stay hydrated even waking up during the night to drink water from my bedside. At first I had absolutely no appetite. I had to force myself to eat and nothing tasted good. I've lost 25 lbs. since I started chemo. It was ok with me since I needed to lose weight. Lol. It seems the things I used to like I can't tolerate. I've found a few new things to eat. It seems I crave protein.
Energy level has been very poor. Onc found I was low in Potassium. Hard to take such large pills but I do feel better. Stamina is not great. I had Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Hypothyroidism, etc. before I started all this so I'm not surprised.
I was already on acid reflux med and stuff for my IBS. I always have a prob with diarrhea and this only made it worse. I took Reglan for nausea and only several times felt I might throw up but didn't. I would certainly recommend taking the Claritin like they say. After my first Newlasta shot I forgot and had bad bone pain, chills, etc. a few days after.
I have enjoyed and learned a lot from all your posts. It amazes me how many things we have in common. I pray for the best for you all. One other thing I noticed is that a lot of you are from TX. I am actually a TX girl myself just now find myself in LA married to my college sweetheart.
One question I do have is even though the Onc said I should sail right through Taxotere, one of the nurses said I could lose my fingernails. Now I've lost almost all the hair on my body but fingernails really!! Has anyone experienced this? I get a mani/pedi about once a month. I like gel lacquer and french manicures. Should I stop this or what? Yes call me vain but ...
Best to all,
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One other question. I have a port. It flushes well but very difficult to draw blood. They have had to use Cathflo each time and draw blood from my arm. They think it's a fibrin buildup. Anyone else have this problem? Did it resolve? Thanks.
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Deb-in-LA- Port--- My port had a mind of its own. It would always flush well but then the blood draw was another matter. Sometimes, there was blood flow and then other times, nothing. No matter what I did, change positions, moved my arms, laid down, etc.... that port just wasn't going to give blood. A few times, the nurses would adminster "TPA" which is used to dissolve clots for stroke patients.
As for the nails and Taxotere, I iced my fingernails and toe nails for 1 1/2 hours during the infusion--- 15 minutes before the infusion, 1 hour during the infusion and 15 minutes after the infusion. I did not have any major nail damage other than slight discoloration and horizontal dents. As for the gel lacquer and french manicures, you may want to ask your onco if those are okay. I just used Essie Top and Bottom Coat to help keep my nails strong and sometimes used a light transparent pink polish (Essie Mademoiselle). I wanted to be able to see my nails. As for nail damage, a few of my gal pals experienced nail damage- lifting plus very dark discoloration and loss of nails. I didn't do mani-pedis during my time in chemoland because of fear of getting an infection and not knowing how clean the salon tools are. If you need additional info about icing, I can post some info or send it to you by private message.
Forest-Welcome!!! Hang in there!!!! Hope the Abraxane works better for you with less side effects.
Wishing everyone a good week with minimal side effects!!!!
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Hello Everyone. Wanted to update you that my granddaughter's lumpectomy went well today and she is resting at home. Now we are praying for good (but accurate) news from her pathology report later this week. Although her core needle biopsy indicated a rare Phyllodes tumor with no malignancy, we are waiting for the complete path report on the whole tumor before we're 100% sure of either. Also hoping and praying the report will show clear margins, so she won't need a second surgery.
Meanwhile I'm cutting myself some slack and pre-scheduling a little FMLA/sick time from work after each remaining treatment, so I didn't work today. It's interesting how you learn your own pattern of what to expect in the week or so after an infusion and it's fairly predictable.
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I'm glad your granddaughter's lumpectomy went as well as expected. She's in my prayers, especially during the wait for results.
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Deb in LA - Just had my third treament of T/C on Friday. It has not effected my nails. I just cut them a little short. Always have had very dry rough cuticles. I just started using a very good organic goats milk lotion twice a day and it seemed to take care of the roughness. I also have IBS and its been giving me a fit. I take imodium during and after the treaments. It stops the diarreah but I still have the cramping. I wont get into alot of details with the IBS but was told the taxotere does give those with the IBS a fit. Private msg me if youd like for the icky details. lol I also have hypothyroidism and have had low low energy. Seems to lift about the 6th day after and Im able to take care of my two little grandbabies with no issues. Hope you do well with the taxotere !
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I quit with my regular mani/pedis but did break down and get a pedi two weeks ago. I just told my nail tech what was going on with me. They have a super clean shop and everyone gets sterilized instruments. You would have thought she was manicuring a baby she was so gentle. Just scrubbed my heals with a roughie and used no blade on them. If its somewhere you go often you should be fine. Just make them really spray/scrub down the foot bowl. Im not sure Id go for the gel, just my opinion. I dont know something about the uv light kinda makes me wonder if it would be good for the nails. Id think maybe "let them breathe"? Good luck.
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AnnieLane... I have had excellent WC results. I just had treatment three and no Neulasta injections since after the first one. Came close after treament two but was able to pull it out. Guess Im one of the lucky ones as I had HORRIFIC SE after the neulasta. I truly thought I was going to die. 500mg Oxycodone didnt even touch the pain I had. Told the doc I wanted to skip it and see how I did. Now for my diet...Im not a huge red meat eater but have not been able to eat or look at chicken. ICK ! Have been frequenting a nice little meat market that has great grain fed beef. Steaks, beef tips, big thick hamburger patties, roast. For sandwiches Ive been eating Boarshead roast beef on Pita. I eat the red meat everyday as its the only thing that tastes good. Veggies, salads, brown rice and sweet potatos and sweet potato fries. I have no idea if this is what is keeping my WCs up or not. But the doc said my numbers were better than good. BTW I still feel super tired, bone aches, frequent headaches and mild nausea
at least the counts are up.Angie
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TMM60...Congrats on getting that last treatment. My last one is coming on May 10 and I plan on doing the happy dance ! Just had #3 last Friday and its hitting me hard. Mild headache, good bit of nausea, heavy achy legs...oh geesh tired of this but do know come Friday I should feel like a different person. I also have about 75% of little white hairs coming in on my head. Dark ones are still stubble, whats up with that? Lashes and brows thin but there ! I think we are side effect twins ! I too am looking forward to getting started on the rads and hope its going to be a cakewalk.
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Thanks Angie! Sorry to hear your IBS is flaring- what a drag to have that on top of chemo SEs
I'm on day 4 post 4th TC and biggest SE this time is that I am super weak and tired- lead legs! Getting my butt up off the couch and up the stairs is a struggle. Thrush again- no surprise there. But I really have nothing much to complain about and am so happy to be hauling my tired bald butt out of chemo valley.
Strength to all you other TC sisters out there- you can do it! Post if you have the strength- I've been thinking about all of you and wonder how you are!
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WOW am I having pain from Neulasta. Day 7 from infusion. I've been taking Claritin every day since the shot. The regular aches all week. But this evening I started with this pulsating pain in my hips and lower back. A much higher intensity of pain, which surprises me. I took some ibuprofen and I'm hoping it kicks in soon. I have some leftover Percocet I may need to tap into! I don't recall having pain like this last time. I will call the nurse tomorrow.
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Cider8, I wonder if there's any possibility that could be nerve pain as opposed to bone pain, since you describe it as pulsating. My MO concluded that after my first treatment I was hit very hard by nerve pain- not peripheral neuropathy, but shooting, sharp, stabbing, pulsating pain just randomly all over. I had it at times in my legs and lower back, also in my head, ears, jaw... It seems to have been helped a lot by Vitamin B6 and B12 supplements. The B12 is a prescription called "Metanx" that is pretty expensive, but realy seems to have helped me.
I've only had mild to moderate bone pain that I could cleary relate to the Neulasta, but I know several people on this thread have really suffered with that.
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Interesting. I guess I shouldn't assume it's Neulasta pain this far out. Ibuprofen has diminished the pain! Not pulsating anymore. Thank goodness! I haven't taken my b-complex for a couple days, so I will make sure I take it.
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cider8 I had the same thing pulsing weird pain in the lower back and very weak knees and thigh muscles. The pulsing part only lasted a day or two. Just found out today that my MO's office is charging 8000 per neulasta shot. Anyone else experience the same?
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to Deb In La....
I just had my third round of TC on Tuesday and this has been the hardest week for me, mostly just exhausted for three days. BUT im back to my old self and went to the Giants game Sun, Mon and tonight..... SOOO fun. As far as the fingernails go, I have read all the reports of people having nail trouble... white lines, black spots, breakage, etc. From the beginning I have kept my french gel manicure going, with my oncologists permission, and have had ZERO nail problems. My cuticules are worse without the gel nails, so I just keep going and they are great. I also get regular pecicures without any problems. Maybe these help?? I dont know but at least my mani/pedi still look great!
Also, sidenote that I notice that while almost ALL of my scalp hair is gone, the GRAY strands seem to have stuck around and are actually GROWING, even during chemo. Im kinda laughing.... really, .... the gray has to stay.???? anyone else notice this?
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Milo5...
It so weird my hair is doing the same thing. Gray seems to be growing straight up..lol and the dark is little tiny dots not growing at all !
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Milo5 and Everyone,
Yes, the gray is resilient and is growing regardless of the number infusion I am on or the day. Strong suckers! One more T/C treatment to go (4 of 4) and then on to radiation. WOW!
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So I found this kinda late.. but I had 3 rounds of cytoxan and taxotere starting Feb 6th, ended March 20/27th.. I can't remember. But we did not do the 4th cycle to bad fluid retention and chest pain from the fluid retention. I did not have any side effects really, only from the nunasta they gave the first round then decided I didnt need it because it caused me more problems than good. ie back spasums.. it was like being in labor.
But my question is, have any of you had the crazy fuild retention with the taxo? Apparently its like 6-15% of ppls who get it. Consitered an adverse side effect, and one of the main reasons to stop treatment.. only supposed to have like 5 lbs of water weight I gained like 10+ it was scary. But still having random swelling up, now going on 6 weeks after last treatment. Read, it can last for 16............ not thrilled.
Andy
(Stage 1b bc, ductal carsinoma/ bilateral, nipple sparing masto (12/21/12) /Chemo: cytoxan/taxo /Tamoxafin: not yet. /4th gen w/ b.c.)
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Andymc- According to my onco, it takes a long time for the body to recover from chemo. Exactly how long, she would not say. Just keep taking good care of yourself-- eat healthy, get plenty of rest and exercise. My fluid retention lasted for about 4-5 weeks but I also have been taking a high blood pressure medication that has a diuretic component to it. Glad you still find this thread. I'm sure the gals here appreciate knowing about your experience.
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Just wanted to give you all an update on my 16 yr old granddaughter. As my daughter put it, we got happy crappy news from her pathology report. Her tumor was benign.
But it was confirmed as a rare Phyllodes tumor and the margins were not clear, which means she has to have a 2nd lumpectomy on Monday. Since they weren't initially 100% sure it was the extremely aggressive Phyllodes type tumor, the surgeon didn't want to take enough of a margin to risk disfigurement with the first surgury. This time they will have to take fairly wide margins, but the surgeon is still hopeful that since she is still developing she won't end up with too much disfigurement. If she did need / want reconstruction, that would be done later. What this does mean either way is that she is going to have to be closely monitored for the rest of her life and will be considered higher risk for bc.
She has two sisters, 15 and 9, and I have a 14 year old niece who is prone to anxiety and freaking out about all this. I've been thinking about getting the book, "Taking Care of Your Girls" written by the founder of this website and her daughter.
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Tomorrow is #4 for me. Only 2 more to go...I can't wait to get this over with. My nails sadly are turning grayish blue starting at the cuticle and going up in like a crescent shape with some nice ridge action, kind of forming a hump. It's my thumbs and the next 3 fingers of each hand so far the pinkies seem to have immunity. I wonder how many words a minute I can type with pinkies only?
Andymc: I'm so sorry that your having to deal with the fluid retention. That has to be hard and very uncomfortable. I hope your MO can get this under control for you.0
