Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013
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Cate88, We are happy that you found us as well. As you can see this community is a tremendous source of information and support. While everyone is an individual and will need to make the decisions that are right for them it can be so helpful to process these very important aspects of daily life while dealing with treatment. We wish you well and encourage you to stay in touch with us. The Mods
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Cate - welcome. I too had no problem with either pregnancy nausea or chemo nausea. I too didn't feel really horrible with the steroids in my body those first two days, but the third day after chemo it was like being hit with a train. I also had extreme diarrhea for 2 weeks every single time. I could not have been anywhere further than 10 feet from a potty. What a hard decision you have to make. We'll be thinking of you as you talk to your doc & your family and work it out.
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Thank you Minustwo that really gives me something to think about. I know this is a time to think about myself but there is some peace in knowing we're all under one roof and everybody's happy. However I definitely see how disastrous it could be…..will keep you posted. thank you for sharing your experience. I'm really so grateful you're all out there.
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Cate88.
Everyone is so different. My 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.
2nd cycle reduced TC to 75%. I was human and active with rest. Side effects were manageable so really you are in a difficult dilemma because until you go through the first cycle you won't know.
Either way, both times I definitely needed rest because I spent a lot of time dozing and recovering with regular mobilization. I would not have liked to be anywhere but home.
Good luck with your decision
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cate88...it just sucks how many fun things may be missed during this time...for me, I stuck around the house for the past 7 months! My dear friend, Daniel Baldwin the actor, even had tickets for me to go to manhattan for his premiere film and I couldn't go cause of chemo treatments... Then another premier of his film at my alma mater MOLLOY College on LI, ny and I couldn't go due to rads!! Special things that had to be missed because of treatment! so sucky! But now I have a bucket list since I am nearing the end of rads...just hope the drug I am on doesn't hold me back on doing things on my list! Good luck dear! Rosie
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Hi, I'm new. I just found out today that I need chemo. My oncotype score is 20, on the low end of the gray area, but I decided to do everything I can possibly do to make sure I never have to do this again! I'm 48 and newly married (just over a year). This is not the way we planned to spend this year. My BC was diagnosed a couple weeks before our 1st anniversary, the day after my husband left for a 3 week business trip. I spent the 1st 3 weeks of my life "AC" alone. That was no fun. On top of this, my husband was laid off from that job a month ago. It seems if we didn't have bad luck, we'd have no luck at all! So now we are faced with the prospect of a potential move in the middle of my treatment, which is not optimal. I am working full time, telecommuting, which helps minimize the time off I need, and am on intermittent FMLA, so my job, at least, should be reasonably secure. I am hoping that my side effects are minimal so I can continue to work. I am pretty much out of paid time off.
I started researching side effects today and found this forum. I started at the beginning and read several pages full of good info, then skipped to the end to see if there were still new posts, and here I am. I guess I'll continue reading backwards now, to get more recent info. As I said, I only found out today, and my doc said 4 rounds at 3 week intervals of TC. They want me to get a port, but will do the 1st round without, as soon as my insurance approves the treatment, maybe as soon as next week. After chemo, I'm scheduled for 7 weeks of radiation, which will probably take me into the new year (and into a new deductible and out-of-pocket max).
I'm sorry if this is sounding doom-and-gloom, I'm usually a lot more upbeat, but I guess I'm pretty freaked out and, as someone else said, scared spitless!
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Hello, StrongEnough13 ----- Welcome. We are here and if you need any info reposted so you don't have to look through the previous pages, don't hesitate to ask. You will find support here. This is the place to say what is on your mind. Yes, you and your husband have been hit with a lot all at once. Life just happens and it is how we handle these life challenges that let us know that we can get through the good times and not so good times. If you have questions about this chemo regimen or having chemo, please ask. Just remember that you are not alone here and never will be. Sending you many positive thoughts and energy and a few reassuring hugs.
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Welcome Strongenough13 to BCO, glad you found us but sorry you had to.
You certainly have had a bad run and we sympathise as will many others who have had similar happen.
We hope you find plenty of info here as you read back, and make new networks of members who know only too well what you are going through.
Our thoughts are with you.
The Mods
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Thanks so much, Melrose and Mods for the kind words of support and encouragement!
I just got a call from the oncology clinic; I am to go this afternoon for a blood draw, paper work, and to get a calendar of treatments, and my 1st treatment will be next Tues, 8/12. I will also be getting the Neulasta shot the following day. I already take generic Zyrtec daily for allergies, so thinking I will just switch to Claritin for the duration, just to head off possible side effects of the Neulasta. Will also try to schedule a haircut this weekend. My hair is long, and I've been reading that it's less of a shock when it starts falling out if it's already shorter. Haven't decided yet if I want to shave it all off, but the idea of a wig does not appeal to me, so will probably get some scarves/head wraps/buffs. Since I work from home, I don't have to go out much anyway, but do need protection from the Arizona sun.
So, here I go! Let the fun begin!
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StrongEnough13- Thanks for the update. Here is my quick hair story.... I had waist length hair at diagnosis Feb. 2012, a short bob March 2012 right before I had my UMX and May2012 I gave myself a short short boy hair about 2 1/2 weeks after my first round of chemo. I never shaved my head or had my hair all buzzed off. I decided to do a personal science experiment.... I wanted to see what the chemo would do to my hair and just let it fall out at it's own pace. It has been 2 years since my final chemo and I have yet to cut my hair. It is now below my shoulders and looks like a layered haircut because fortunately, it came back in evenly. There is no right way or wrong way here when it comes to the hair situation. It is a very personal thing and so you have to do what you think is best for you. When i went out, I usually wore a bandana or baseball cap or straw hats (Target). Sometimes i wore Buffs which is a tube of fabric that you can find at sporting goods stores ( REI or the Buffs usa website). If you are wanting scarves, you may want to get some cotton scarves since they breathe a little better and may not slide off of your head. Again, if you wanting to know how to tie the scarves, head to the American Cancer Society website.or put in a internet videa search for scarf tying. I usually took my hats off whenever I drove anywhere because my head would get hot. I did receive a free wig from the American Cancer Society through its Look Good, Feel Good program ( you may want to check that out locally) which I never wore. Just remember, you are beautiful no matter what physical changes you go through.
Just keep pushing forward......
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StrongEnough13 nice to meet you but hate it has to be here. I personally shaved my head on mothers day this year because when I woke up that day it was falling out and I couldn't stand having it fall on me all day and have to keep picking it up so I shaved it... I wore hats during chemo and part of my rads which I am about to finish up now and I no longer wear anything on my head because I have gotten to the point it doesn't bother me anymore. I have been through so much these past months my lack of hair has no effect on me now. I see it as I am literally fighting for my life and my hair does not matter. It has been amazing to me what changes I have experienced as far as what matters to me and what doesn't.
You have definetly had a hard time lately and for that I am sorry. I wish you the best as you begin all of this and please continue to update as you go. Hugs
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Thanks, Melrose. According to a coworker who is currently on oral chemo drugs for a kidney condition, our insurance will cover 1 wig. I may look I to it, just to cover all the options, but may end up like you, never wearing it. I would like to think there have been advances in wig-making, so maybe they look & feel better than I think they will...? I won't know unless I try one, I suppose. My oncology clinic has a little gift shop, maybe I will take a peek while I'm there this afternoon. I love REI, will check there for Buffs tonight!
This is all moving faster than I thought it would, which I think is a good thing! It seems like a lot of time has been spent waiting for results, waiting for healing, waiting for surgery... Time for action! Maybe I can get this all over with by Christmas! What a wonderful gift that would be...
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StrongEnough13- You are ready for next week. If you have a chance, take a look at the BCO Important Links for Newbies to Chemo thread.... they are extremely helpful. Here is the link: Important Links for Newbies About Chemotherapy
The main Breastcancer.org site has extensive information about Chemotherapy Treatment, including:
- How Chemotherapy Works
- Who Gets Chemotherapy?
- Chemotherapy: What to Expect
- Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects
There's also some great tips and practical advice on the following discussion board threads:
- Tips for getting through chemotherapy
- More Tips (and a Shopping List) for Getting Through Chemo
- PORT PLACEMENT: Detailed description of process
- Head Covering Options for Hair Loss
- wig advice
- Cold Cap Users Past and Present, to Save Hair
- Hair Hair Hair -- Another Question
- Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
I also wanted to tell you that I made an effort to not stare myself in a mirror while I was in chemoland. I knew I had very little sparse hair on my head and I also knew that staring at myself would not be a good thing for me to do emotionally. I took selfies with my phone throughout chemo and look back now in awe. I'm still me today .... there is just a little less of me physically but oh so much more emotionally and spiritually.
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Hi, Just returned from the oncologist. This is my second go with bc. The first time I didn't do chemo and now due to the recurrence in the same breast the doc says I should it. I have decided he was right. I am very scared. I wonder if you guys could give me advice about whether I should take off from work. I am scared of showing up with no hair and tired. I teach at a college so I am not required to go in every day and stay for half a day. I consider myself very fortunate for that. Any thoughts you could give would be appreciated.
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Sbower - Sorry you're here but glad to meet you. I'm a recurrence too. if you'll go to your profile page & post your details, it will be easier for us to comment - size, type, grade, ER/PR & HER2 readings, treatment plans, etc.
StrongEnough - welcome. I cut my hair short when I started and day 14 when it started falling, I cut it to 1/2" & used a lint roller. Houston has the same kind of sun as AZ, so you will need something on your head. And wigs are HOT. I wore some hats, but usually just Buffs. They do have an SPF rated selection. Although my hair is now 1-1/2" long, I still always tie a Buff to my purse strap because my ears & neck get cold with the summer air conditioning.
Melrose has posted some wonderful links. Do consider icing your nails - frozen peas seem to work best.
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Hi MinusTwo,
Thanks for welcoming me here. I added my info. I am also minus two as i did the mastectomy with reconstruction. I have the expanders in now. I see you did gummies. Is there a brand?
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SueB - try Breast Implant Sizing 101 & you'll see lots of brands and types. Read the entire header page then you can ask WhippetMom for her opinion. Also try Exchange City. Lots of good info on both.
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StrongEnough13- I agree with MinusTwo about the nail icing. I iced my fingernails and toe nails for all 6 rounds. I had minimal neuropathy and no significant nail damage. If you want some info on icing, I can repost it for you. Yes, one can use frozen peas or small cubes in ziploc bag. I opted for the ice bags because the frozen peas defrosted too quickly for me. Make sure you ask your onco if it is okay to ice. Some don't allow their patients to ice. I know some women who did not ice and wished they had. On the flip side, I also know some who did not and had no nail issues.
SueBe - Welcome !!! The decision to work is a personal choice. I know women who worked while in chemoland and some who did not. Those who did, on occasion opted to take a day or two off to recover from the chemo. You may want to consider the day of the week that you get your chemo. For me, I had chemo on Tuesdays. I was fine on Wednesday and Thursday but started to feel the downhill slide on Fridays. I usually spent Saturday and Sunday in bed and taking it easy. By Monday, I was just fine. Just be aware of when your nadir period is (this is when you are most susceptible to an infection which is usually starts the 1st week after chemo) so that you can be a little careful when around people. You may want to avoid hugs and hand shaking and kisses during that time and settle for an elbow bump instead. As for the absence of hair, that is a very personal situation and only you can make that decision as to what to do. Yes, you could get a wig or wear scarves/hats and just keep going and not worry that your absence of hair. No matter what, hold that head high and remember that you are beautiful.
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SueBe, I was in a similar position earlier.. planned to work (a bit) as i do training/part-time lecturing. However, my first dose of Taxotere-Cytoxan-Herceptin affected me quite strongly, and besides the fatigue of the first week, i had fever the entire second week, requiring a week of ciproflaxin and avoided hospitalisation. That however, got me scared, and i cancelled work plans.. looking back, i've completed my fourth and final chemo infusion on Thursday, i probably could've worked a bit, especially on the third week as i feel perfectly or almost perfectly normal on those weeks. My doctor adjusted my dosage after the first infusion, which probably explains why i handled it better, besides avoiding public places (pretty much house-arrest for me). However, i don't really like wearing a wig, especially since i live in a warm country and when i perspire, the scalp would itch. In that sense, i'm glad i didn't return to work, and will only start a couple of training sessions in September. Everyone is affected differently by the chemo drugs, so perhaps you might make better decisions after seeing how it goes on the first two infusions.
StrongEnough, prior to chemo, i did have a haircut, from long to a bit above the shoulder to minimise the shock of losing hair. Yet to shave it though i'm almost fully bald at the moment.. simply because i've yet to get a shaver for home use. Glad you're working from home and feeling positive!
Melrose, i just love your links!
and i'll echo MinusTwo on icing the nails.. my nails, thank God, look pretty normal, besides getting a bit brittle (more challenging when trimming it) after the 3rd cycle.
have a good weekend everyone!
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yensmiles...congrats on finishing chemo!! Rosie
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Thank you Rosie!
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Thanks Yensmiles!
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Debster, MinusTwo, yensmiles, nice to meet you all, and thanks for the info & feedback. I ordered 2 Buffs on line this evening. They have original and slim, so I got one of each, since I have sort of a pin-head
and if the original doesn't fit, my husband can use it. We ski, snowshoe, hike, camp, backpack & kayak, so I'm sure they will be useful to us both. Once I figure out which size works for me I will order more colors. Melrose, thanks for the list of links! I had already started reading the hair, hair, hair one. I'll spend much of the weekend studying up! I did ask the clinic about icing my nails & they said no one has done it yet, but I can if I want.
SueBe, my employer has an option for intermittent FMLA, as opposed to taking up to 12 weeks consecutive time off. I don't know if that's a federal thing they are required to offer as an option or not, but it has allowed me to take time off with little or no notice when I need it, and it is job protected up to the total hours equivalent to 12 weeks. It's definitely worth checking into with your HR department. But here's hoping neither of us need much time off!
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StrongEnough13 when are you starting your chemo? I see you just found out you had to do it the day before I heard. I am sorry that had to come at such a time for you but my view is that better to get things out and recover when things are still treatable.
I hope we can hold each other's hands virtually through this all. Thanks for you for the HR info. I'm going to talk to them on Monday.
Here's to no bad side effects and a smooth recovery.
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SueBe, I start on Tuesday. This is moving really fast. Virtual hand-holding would be great, thanks!
I took the plunge and got my pre-chemo haircut today. I've had long hair for a long time. This will take some getting used to, but it may only last a couple weeks anyway! It's not super-short around my face, but different enough that I will be accustomed to seeing something different in the mirror. It's a mind game, I know, but seems like it should work.
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suebe and strongenough...you are both on the start of this journey and you have an attitude that will help you through! It's hard to see that there is an end to this but there really is!
You are so right in thinking that you need to get this done while things are still treatable! Chemo is scary before you start, but after that first one, you get to know how you react and what to expect and it's very doable...with all the meds and with the docs wanting you to call for any side effects, you will be taken care of and watched very closely...especially during infusion as nurses are right there by your side...their eyes are glued to you and all the folks that are in there....DRINK A LOT DAYS BEFORE AND AFTER CHEMO!
As for the hair thing...for me, I had short hair to begin with and that probably helped me deal with it...I did get a " crew " cut before wig, which I only wore 4 times, and then ended up shaving with an electric shaver cause those little stubble hairs hurt and it was messy too! I had my signature caps and scarves and was made up every day, so I felt good and got to play around with new head gear and stuff...it was only temporary as now my black hair is growing back and I am 11 weeks from last chemo...I like the Jamie Curtis look! I will keep a short Emma Watson type pixie I think! Soooo much faster when getting ready for work and never a bad hair day....I love my scarves and headbands too...reminds me of my hippie days...lol!
So, just wanted to say that I feel like you both have a handle on this and that's good! Positive thoughts about things help and knowing all of this intervention will make you better....chemo..."liquid gold"...radiation..."positive ray of hope"...those thoughts helped me. Good luck! Rosie
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Wow StrongEnough that is fast. I am not going to start for another two weeks. I'll be thinking of you on Tuesday and sending good energy. I hope Rosiesride is correct in saying we will feel less scared after the first treatment.
Rosiesride, thanks for the positive visualization--"liquid gold". That really helps because I am really scared and have been having a lot of sad moments.
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SueBe and StrongEnough - just wanted to wish you well. If you haven't already, you may also want to check in with the monthly chemo group for,your start time (I assume that would be the August group). Even though people have different treatments, many of the side effects and emotions are the same. You can find a lot of support from others going through it at the same time.
I finished 4 cycles of T/C at the end of June. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, and other than fatigue and a little thing like being bald, I am feeling back to normal.
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