Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013
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Greenwichvillager I had bad skin issues that burnt and hurt to touch and then I got some kind of rash that itched. My MO gave me meds to help with all of it. Any thing like this please call your MO because he/she will help you. I hope you get to feeling better soon.
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yep, I had a totally horrible skin reaction to taxotere - like small open sores all over my body. Am on round 3, happens every round.
If you are willing, your MO may be able to prescribe an oral steroid which should clear it up. Otherwise for me we goes away in about a week...
Apparently it's not uncommon :-(
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Green: I would break out with pimples on my face and back and by the 2nd tx I broke out in hives about 10 days after my tx. The dr prescribed predisone and that helped greatly. My MO tried to tell me it wasn't the Taxotere because it was 10 days later, but then after the 3rd tx and the same thing, he had to agree that I was probably just getting a delayed reaction to the Taxotere. Good luck and don't be shy to call your MO with any problems/questions you have.
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I had my 2nd of 4 treatments today. Half way done -- YAY!!!! I told the doctor that I had my head shaved last weekend, because my hair was coming out in clumps, but now the left over stubble has grown about 1/8 of inch. I still have to shave my legs and my underarms. His answer was "hmmm". What kind of answer was that? Last treatment I lost my sense of taste, but gained my sense of smell back. I have developed a wart on my thumb. What kind of side effects are these?? I can't wait to see what happens this round. My husband just rolls his eyes. LOL
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Nomatterwhat - I'm with you on much of what you said. I had my 2nd of 4 treatments last week Wednesday), shot on Friday, fevers over the weekend and then by Tuesday I was a mess with thrush and weakness. Had a genetics appointment Tuesday so saw a nurse who took blood and said my WBC was really low. I got a new prescirption for thrush, this times its pills (Fluconazole I think) much better but quite powerful. And I too shaved my head last Thursday and feel like its coming back so I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do! I'm wondering if there will be a day over the next week when the stubble starts to fall out?? I hope it does, but how do you know?
I'm finally feeling back on the upswing so trying to get some normal stuff done today as I'm tired of being so tired. BTW - my mouth has been extra watery these last 2 tx. I read somewhere that Cyotaxan can affect the salivary glands...not sure if that's true, but in my case it makes sense. I had the thrush but my mouth was always watery, not cottony or dry. I'm still trying to understand why these 2 chemo meds and why every 3 weeks. So many others have chemo weekly or bi-weekly. Is it because TC is so powerful?
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jetgal23- The 3 week intervals for Cytoxan/Taxotere infusions may have to do with the fact that it takes 3 weeks for one to recover after each infusion. Neulasta/Neuopogen shots are not always autimatically administered with this Cytoxan/Taxotere. Some oncos wait and see how the patient reacts before prescribing the Neulasta/Neopogen shots while other onco automatically prescribe the shots to be given after each round of chemo. The other chemo regimens what you may have read about may be given under dense dose AC ( every two weeks) with weekly Taxol infusions to be received after the completion of the rounds of AC. Some oncos opt to give the AC and Taxotere every 3 weeks. You may want to talk to your onco so he/she can better explain the time period in between the infusions.
As for the hair fallout, you may start to notice that your scalp may be a little tender as your hair/hair stubble starts to fall out. I have to tell you that I never shaved my head but instead cut my hair in a short short boy cut and let the chemo do it's thing. After six rounds of Cytoxan/Taxotere, I still had a very very thin veil of sparse hair. I did lose my eyebrows and my bottom eyelashes towards the end of the chemo rounds. I also lost leg hair, arm hair, nose hair and hair down south. Fortunately, all of that hair that left did grow back.
Hope your thrush clears up soon.
A wonderful and restful weekend to all with minimal side effects.
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JetGal23 I hope you are feeling better now. The only side effect I had with the first treatment was "morning sickness", other than that I was fine. This time I have had nothing, but this weekend is just beginning. After reading some of the things other ladies have gone through, I am so thankful I am only doing 2 drugs and only for 4 times. Even though I have had a BMX, I still question why at all I am even doing chemo, but my MO says it is preventive maintenance. I do wish the stubble would fall out, it is painful laying down without a hat.
Melrose - thanks for the explanation, there is hope for my hair!!!!!
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Nomatterwhat- I know that stubble is not comfortable when one is laying down. You may want to try using a polyester satin pillow case if you can find one. It may help. I do understand your questioning as to why you are having chemo. Chemo is like the clean up crew and to help get those sneaky cancer cells that may have gone undetected after tests, scans and surgery. Hope your side effects stay minimal !!!
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Hi Everyone,
I've been around the Board for a little while, but am new to this topic.
I will have my port placed on 9/17 and will start chemo on 9/23. My hair is past my shoulders and I am considering cutting it short before it starts falling out. When do most people start losing their hair? My MO is not automatically ordering neulasta. She is going to see how I recover. We are both hoping I don't need it!
Glad to have found this topic.
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Melrose, you are a wealth of information and I wish I would have found you much earlier in my journey. You are so positive and helpful.
Poppy, You have to do what is right for you with your hair. My hair was short, but very thick. I could pull mine out by the handfuls by day 14 and I got tired of finding it everywhere and waking up with it in my mouth. I had it shaved off on day 17 and yes it was very traumatic for me, I cried the whole time it was being cut, but I still have stubble and it is still growing. But now that I have had round 2, I will probably lose the rest of it. Losing my hair has finally made me admit that I have something wrong with me for the first time in my life. But hair is not everything. My husband has told me throughout this journey that he is just glad I am alive and that all other things do not matter. Keep positive, we are here for you.
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Poppy - I cut my hair shorter before i started chemo. Then I was advised to cut to around 1/2 - 3/4" rather than shave to avoid the uncomfortable stubble, which I did when it started falling out around day 15. From then on I used a lint roller several times a day to clean off the falling pieces before they got everywhere. I also wore a "nightcap" so the bed stayed clear. We'll be thinking of you as you start the chemo journey.
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Poppy- It is a very personal decision as to how to handle the hair situation. There isn't really any right or wrong way .... only the way that you want to handle it. I had waist length hair at the time of my lumpectomy, a short bob at the time of my UMX and then 2 weeks after my first chemo, I cut my hair myself into a short short boy cut. I have always viewed my hair situation as my personal science experiment. I never shaved or buzzed my head after that short boy cut. I just wanted to see what my hair would do and what would stay and what would leave. No matter what, you are beautiful.... with or without hair. Hugs....
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Nomatterwhat, I wonder if the wart was caused by you contracting a virus due to lowered immunity caused by the chemo. Ask your onc if you can use an otc med to get rid of it.
Poppy, I started losing my hair by day 14 post first chemo. We ended up shaving it day 17. One thing I would recommend is to not shave it to the scalp. I did that and had horrible razor burn (yes, even with an electric shaver) for weeks!! I would leave it at least 1/4-1/2 inch and let it fall out.
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Melrose - I too look at the growing hair as an experiment. I've always had hair that was at least shoulder length & usually longer, so short it strange for me. But several people have said I look 10 years younger w/short hair. Hmmm. Was that just talking nice or for real?? It's not quite 3 inches & it's getting really bushy because of the waves but I really want to see where it will end up before I start trimming.
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Hi I am 1 week and 3 days into my first round of TC. I had the usual side effects and loose stools starting around day 4 and 5. Then I started to feel better and the diarrhea started. I have tried everything from the BRAT diet to imodium etc. But no matter what I eat I get stomach cramps and diarrhea, gas... pretty much everything goes straight through me. I ended up going in and getting IV fluids at the one week point. They told me to continue doing what I was doing and I started taking a probiotic 3 days ago. It has improved slightly but still no where near where I should be. I am going to do a stool test on monday as the lab is closed on the weekend. Has anyone had any serious diarrhea issues? I really am scared. I feel ok otherwise but I dropped 9 pounds the first week. That seems to have stabelized but how am I going to get through 3 more rounds if I can't eat?
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Eva - call your MO right away and get a script for the diarrhea. Dehydration is scary. There are several to try and sounds like you certainly need something stronger than OTC. Lomotil is one such drug.
I had diarrhea 2 weeks out of 3 every time and always went in for an extra liter of fluid between. Since I had two different chemo treatments, it was pretty much a 8 month process but I lost 60 lbs. During the worst times I drank Carnation Instant Breakfast and added protein powder since I couldn't stomach Ensure.
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Eva I had stomache issues as well and lost 9 lbs in 6 days but I was able to drink ensure and that helped me. I agree call your MO and get something stronger for sure. I called my MO for all my issues and she was more then happy to help me with any and all my troubles. Good luck
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Thank you. I did get a stronger medication but ended up not having to use it. The OTC worked good enough. I did start taking a strong probiotic...5 days in now and have semi forming stools. LOL Never thought poop could make me so happy. They did run a stool sample just in case but I think this is just how the chemo is going to affect me.
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you all are SO helpful!!!! I have my "education" session Friday. First round of 4. Next Friday. The 26th. Appointment with hairstylist next day to discuss hair....wigs. I work full time as a CEO. Choosing to keep this quiet. Am hoping to have minimal SE and work from home when fatigued. I am a wife, mom to boys in college, and full of faith
I really really appreciate your insight, and knowing I am not alone
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Hi Thanks. I started taking a strong probiotic and it really has helped so I didn't need the stronger script. I do have it on hand just in case. Seeing a Oncology nutritionist tomorrow and she is going to help try and minimize the problem next round. Kind of scary though. I don't want to get dehydrated. So I may end up having to go in and get fluids again. I did gain back 4 pounds this week since I have been eating normally. Praying that I can try and control the Diarrhea better this next round.
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Hi Poppy, The hair part is hard for everyone. Mine just started falling out day 14 last night. I had really long hair and cut it into a short bob before surgery so I got used to having it short first. This morning I had my hair stylist shave my head. We had fun with it and shaved it into a Mohawk first and took pictures. When would I ever do that again? LOL It really wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated and you know what? I sort of Rock My Bald Head! It's hot where I live right now and it's sort of freeing. I got some soft cotton hats to have if my head gets cold. I am going to look at wigs tomorrow just so I have one. But the way I feel now I don't care who sees my bald head. The hair will grow back.
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which probiotic? Started a list of things to get.
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Thanks for all of the feedback!
Eva- rock that bald head!
I think I will either get a short pixie cut or may a short faux hawk. My DH is encouraging the faux hawk because he knows it's a style I would never chose under other circumstances.
I visited the local support facility yesterday to check out their services. The have lovely wigs, hats and scarves. They also have camisoles and bras. Very interesting and informative experience.
Toby-there are so many choices. I hope you find the wig that will add to your confidence!
Had my port placed earlier today. Friday I have chemo education, then first infusion on Tuesday.
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Toby I started out keeping my situation to myself too. But when the hair started falling out, it was impossible to do. I was scared to go into work after I had my head shaved on day 17, but I put my expensive wig on and went to work. My attorneys absolutely loved the way I looked. I also went to the local cancer action store and got a free wig which was a little longer and took it to my hairdresser for help. She did a wonderful job on it and, I wear the free wig almost every day and my attorneys like it much more than the expensive one. I usually come home, take my boobs off, my hair off and get comfortable. My husband is as bald as I am, so we make quite the pair!!!! We rock our bald heads, don't we ladies!?!?!?!?!
Poppy, good luck on your chemo education class. I also got some really nice scarves from my local cancer store. When the chemo educator tells you to drink, she really means drink, drink and drink some more. The nausea medicine they give to you are wonderful. I have learned to take one about 15 minutes before I eat for about a week after chemo and I have yet to have bad nausea, just some "morning sickness" (that was years ago). LOL!!!! Keep us informed and BIG hugs to all you ladies!!!!
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Toby - good luck!
I am doing 4xTC - last one next week :-)
for professional reasons I also wanted to keep relatively quiet. Best tool in my arsenal for this has been Penguin Cold Caps - I will finish my chemo with a full head of hair, which has been super helpful for preserving my privacy at work.
If you are interested, check out the cold capping thread (past and present).
Best of luck,
Rain
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I have my "education class" tomorrow......any questions you all can think that you wish you had asked?
Hugs and love
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My education class is tomorrow, too! I echo Toby's question. Any info is appreciated.
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For your education classes, just get very clear feedback on who and when to call someone on off hours to check about side effects. Don't suffer when you don't have to. For example, I didn't realize heartburn / reflux was a potential bad side effect and waited a couple of days to find out how to deal with it. When in doubt, or uncomfortable, call someone!!!
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One thing I can think of and still wonder about is that I had a sentinel node removed on my right side and my occupational therapist has told me not to let anyone take blood pressure, give shots, or do anything with that arm, due to the possibility of lymphedema occurring. My nurses always ask which arm I prefer and I always use the left arm. I need to ask next time I am there, unless one of you ladies have been told the same thing and know the answer. The second thing is a flu shot. My work is bringing in people to give flu shots and they said "NO" to me, due to me stilling going through chemo. Will the MO decide if I get a flu shot or do I just not get one this year? I took my husband with me for a second set of ears and he took notes for me as well. Good luck ladies, keep us informed. WE can do this, together!!!!!!
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Nomatterwhat- I have been told the same as you have about the sentinel removed arm not being used for blood pressure, shots, etc because it may cause LE. In fact, I tell the nurses which arm they can take blood pressure measurements and blood draws from and don't wait for them to ask me. As for the flu shot, make sure you ask your MO as to whether you can have one or not. You may have to wait until after you finish chemo to get one. Are you planning to ice your fingernails and toe nails during the Taxotere portion of your chemo round? If you are thinking about it, you may want to talk to your MO to make sure it is okay to do so. I iced for all 6 rounds and did not have any significant nail damage or neuropathy.
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