Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013
Comments
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revup, I had severe intestinal cramps and diarrhea following my first treatment. I took Immodium, and started on bland diet and that helped quite a bit. Rest of the treatments, I took Immodium at first sign of diarrhea and ate bland right from the start and it was better
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You might want to ask your mo about taking a daily probiotic as well to help keep the intestines full of the good bacteria.
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I had my first infusion last week and had same stomach issues. Immodium and brat diet worked
Anyone else have a bad acne breakout ? I'm one week post first treatment and look like in 14 all broken out. Oh my face
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Interestingly, I had my period between my first and second infusions. Who knew? I thought the chemo was supposed to stop my period. Anyway, I don't know if it was the chemo or the period, but yes I did have a flare up of acne. More of the cyst type. It did go away after about a week.
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hello ladies!
I start this regimen on Thursday, and I wanted to say thanks for all the wonderful sharing, which has already helped calm some nerves. And thanks in advance for any help in the future!
Katy
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MIMomma - same here. Break out and period. Now that's something to celebrate ugh. Then I got my period again two weeks later. Now nothing and it's been 5 weeks. WTH! How are you doing otherwise (cold caps)?
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Goldenpaws--I think today, finally, fingers crossed, the shedding is starting to subside! Halilulah!! I know everyone says it will but I was getting seriously worried that it would never stop! I also flipped my part to the opposite side and that has helped cover the worst of the thinning spots. So two down, two more to go. I think you are a couple of weeks ahead of me. How are things going for you?
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Actualy I got my period too! And yes cyst type of acne.
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Crappy day today. Yes, acne is all over my face. Feel my head is in a cloud, and not in a good way
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ladies, my period happened to coincide with my first 3 treatments. Oh such fun. I didn't have a period after the third treatment (Dec 5), and haven't had one since. I've read of women whose period starts up again six months post tx. I personally don't miss it, but I was pretty regular, and I hate surprises, so I'm dreading that it will start one day and im not prepared
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Good Morning all,
Feeling much better today, enough so I could go to work at least, and keep myself focused on other things. Am setting up a cot in my office so I can rest when I need to. My boss who is 6 months pregnant, needs her rest too, so I offered to share. She was thrilled with the prospect of being able to take a nap. I found some pretty throw pillows and a cover, so it wasn't so obvious, when the students/staff stopped in. I count my blessings everyday for those who are here for me and all the love and support I am getting. I hope everyone is feeling great today!
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glad you feel better tody BikerBabe! I love the cot idea with the pretty throw pillows. Rest is important, and having pretty throw pillows around to cheer you up is also important.
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MIMomma - glad to hear shedding is slowing down. I was right with you and thought mine was NEVER going to stop either. I have my 4th and FINAL treatment next Thursday, the 12th. STILL HAVE LOTS OF HAIR so I think I'll get thru this with never looking sick which was my main goal
especially with 3 kids just makes things much easier. My hair was shedding a little bit around #3 but nothing like big shed. So glad things seem to be going well with you. Stay STRONG!! WE GOT THIS ♡ KIM0 -
great news GPKim! You surely have a lovely head of hair and I'm delighted you got to keep it. I don't have chilluns, but I can imagine it's much easier the less visible symptoms there are to frighten them, or simply not have to adress or explain at all. You are on the home stretch! You HAVE THIS TOO
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Hi,
I finished my chemo on Feb 18,( 2 weeks PFC after 4 TC) but I am still very very weak. I have no energy at all, just walking up and down a few stairs is making me breathless. Is that normal ? I have learnt so much from this board and thought of asking for your advice.
Hope everyone is doing well .
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blueflowers- Congrats on finishing chemo!!! As you are finding out about the cumulative effects of chemo. Unfortunately, after the final chemo, there isn't an "on/off" button that we get to push that lets our bodies know that one is finished with chemo. It does take time for the body to recover after the chemo. Be easy on yourself. As for the shortness of breath, I did have that happen while I was having chemo and after I had my final chemo. I used to just shuffle around and moved very slowly because of the muscle/joint aches and pains and because I just would get out breath. My internist had a thyroid blood panel test done because he was concerned with my red blood counts and being out of breath. Fortunately, that blood work came back normal. I do know that my red blood cell counts dropped during my 6 rounds of chemo and was told by my onco to start eating iron enriched foods to help the counts from dropping more and to continue to get some exercise. Exercise/Walking does help the body make red blood cells. I can't tell you when you will start to feel better since everyone reacts and recovers differently from the chemo. Just have to give your body time to recover and slowly but surely, you will start to feel a little better everyday. You may want to check your most recent labs for your red blood cell count. Low red blood cell counts may be a signal that you are low in iron and maybe anemic. You will probably have an appointment with your onco shortly to check to see how you are feeling which may be a good time to discuss this situation. Again, congrats.......... take good care of yourself.... eat well, sleep and rest and get a walk in.
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Thanks Melrosemelrose,
Thanks for your response. I have my blood test scheduled next week, and I am taking lots of rest and trying to take things easy. I have just joined a yoga class, so that I can gradually get my strength back. I know its a long journey that I have to take little steps at a time.
Take care all of you .
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blueflowers: I finished my last chemo 2/20, two days after you, and I am also totally exhausted, and achy all over. It sounds like this is the expected feeling, which is good to know, but of course we all wish we could be back to feeling like ourselves quickly. take good care and rest up.
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Trying to reach out to anyone who has gone.through this TC regimen. I'm so new to all of this. I have mixed emotions daily, constant fear of recurrence. ..feeling lost and like my treatment.plan isn't Enough. Are these.drugs strong enough to.ward off cancer? ! I've had one of four treatments and just feel like I need so much more to prevent recurrence.
My second treatment is on St. Patrick's day. My hair is coming out in clumps....feeling. overwhelmed.
Thanks,
BLS
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BLS, if this chemo regimen wasn't enough to kill the Cancer cells circulating in my body, I don't want to experience anything stronger. CT really took a toll on my body, two month after my last treatment, my fingernails started coming off. If you are overly worried about recurrance now while you are in the midst of treatment, I can't imagine what you'll be feeling when the treatments are finished. You might benefit from a talk with your social worker, or a therapist.
I am not surprised that you are overwhelmed, since the first of the year you've had a major surgery and now you're starting chemo. It's a lot to take in such a short period of time. This chemo regimen is quite common, so it must be effective. Try to focus on getting through what is happening now and not expend too much energy on what might come years from now.
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BLS, I went through the same thing you are going through, wondering whether it was the right choice. I was given choice of two chemo regimens, AC+T, TC. I researched both and was not comfortable with the heart problems that could come from the AC+T. I have very high blood pressure which is controlled with meds, leaky valve, and heart murmur. Were you given a choice by the MO? I worried during my entire treatment if had chosen the right regimen...Standard of Care vs. TC. Stage 2a, Grade 3, 11mm IDC, with DCIS, 1 lymph node positive with extra capsular invasion and lymphovascular invasion. I also had 10mm clean margins with the surgery. I had mastectomy with tissue expander. I searched everyone's profile to see if there were any diagnosis' like mine that were doing TC. I searched online to see I could find any info. Practically drove myself crazy. I was also told that if my MO thought TC was not right for me, he would not have given me the choice. Unfortunately I did not have the oncotype test to see what my number would be to assist me with my decision, MO said it would probably come back high and would take three weeks to get results. I still worry, but not as much. Are you seeing a counselor where you are going for your treatments. I found that to be a big help with accepting my decision for TC.
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My MO didn't really give me choices. She did say that she was going to stay away from one of the drugs because it is known to cause leukemia, but she didn't present me with options and ask me to choose. I did have the choice not to do chemo, but I knew that if I didn't and I had mets or recurrance I'd never forgive myself. I'm trying to use that same motivation to lose weight and exercise. I'll do anything to avoid chemo again
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My MO didn't give me a choice. She didn't give me another drug because of a family history of heart issues. We are getting a very potent combination so I wouldn't want anything more at this time.
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BLS- I know you are feeling very overwhelmed and it may seem like everything has been on fast forward since your treatment plan was determined. Keep breathing...
I know the loss of the hair can be undaunting.... it is the first outward sign to the rest of the world that you are probably having chemo. There is no right way or wrong way to handle this loss.... only your way. I can recall how I felt almost 3 years ago when my hair started to leave after my first round of chemo. My moment of truth was in the shower.... the hair was coming out in clumps..... I said to myself that I had a choice..... I could break down into a million pieces in the shower as I watched that hair accumluate in the shower drain or I could just say that my hair is leaving and I'm going to keep moving forward. I chose the later and opted to cut my hair into a short boy hair cut that I cut myself. The self cutting of my hair was my way to maintain my sense of control I have not cut my hair since May 2012. Try to remember that you are beautiful no matter what hair you have ...... who you are is still there......
My final chemo ( 6 rounds of Cytoxan/Taxotere) was August 2012. I only recently graduated from onco visits every 3 months to 6 months. If you are wondering how I feel...... I feel great. I have made every effort to eat well, sleep/rest well and get regular exercise. I can't say that I had the worst side effects while in chemoland because I didn't. However, I did have my moments of tears which were more or less from the chemo and wanting to get well. It's just a part of being in chemoland. There is life after chemoland and active treatment. I am there and waiting for those who are still making their way to the other side.
So if you need some extra hand holding and people to lean on, you have come to the right place. Hang in there....... keep us posted!!! Please feel free to private message me if you want.
Wishing minimal side effects and peace and calm to all.
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For all that have started on this journey I am so sorry you have to be here. For those that have completed it...yay! For the rest of us in the middle...keep on swimming!
I am 12 days past my third treatment. I've felt good which scares me because I feel like I should feel worse. I know, don't look a gift horse in the mouth but still.
My complaints have been constipation, which I've managed with Metamucil and a stool softener. The biggest issue has been my taste being kaput. I have to force myself to eat. So frustrating!
My face has been getting red and it looks like I have a sunburn. I keep it moisturized pretty well so it isn't dry or itchy.
That's it. Is that crazy? My final treatment is March 26th and I have been told that I will have a month off before I start radiation. I wonder how well I am going to feel post chemo as my body works towards getting back on track. I'm ready to feel normal!
Hugs to all...
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Twinkymom--My third round is this Thursday and so far my SEs have been very similar to yours...constipation, loss of taste/metallic taste, dry skin, a little fatigue on day 4 and 5. And like you, the taste thing is the most troublesome, both for my own eating process and for trying to cook for my family...I have to keep asking my husband to taste things for me to make sure I haven't over/under seasoned the meal. I keep counting my blessings that the SEs haven't been any worse. I also keep doing the things that seem to keep those SEs at bay...walking an hour every day, drinking lots of water (sparkling or club soda seems to taste better than plain when my taste buds are scorched), taking Clariton for the nuelesta shot, probiotics and yogurt to help keep the gut working and taking the anti-nausea drugs the week after treatment even if I'm not feeling sick. That's what has worked for me so far. Have you been doing anything special to help you get through chemo?
As for what's nect, my understanding is that radiation is a walk in the park compared to chemo so you should sail through it. Then it is on to what everyone calls the "new normal". That's where I start getting scared.
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BLS, I'll be having my 2nd treatment this Thursday, and I too wonder if it will be enough. Like Thinking Positive, I too have LVI and 1 positive node with extracapular extension, that's what scares me the most. I'll be meeting with my dr on Wednesday, and will be by myself, so I thought I would have the "prognosis" discussion with her. Without an oncotype score, I feel a bit in the dark. Just started seeing a counselor to help with the anxiety of it all. Find what works best for you and start doing it. I'm sure it will help, but as others have said, we are here for you and each other.
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MIMomma - glad to hear your side effects have been minimal. Mine too. I just finished my last treatment as you probably know last Thursday. This has been the toughest one so far with exhaustion but I'm still not going to complain. Ready to finally move on to radiation.. .. Then be done once and for all. Can't wait for that. Good luck on Thursday!!! .:) Kim
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Bless all you ladies that can still go to work through this. Didn't get up till 9. And just got home from the Y. Doing Livestrong program. Have had to cut back on treadmill from 30-15 min. Am ready for a nap literally! Totally exhausted. I worked 10 plus hour days doing heavy duty physical therapy with children before BC. 1 1/2 hours of activity and I'm done.
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Kim--Hope you get some rest and feel better soon. When I asked my MO if my SEs would be about the same each time, he said pretty much but say the tiredness would probably increase...just cumulative effect I guess. But you are done now, woohoo!! Are they giving you three weeks, a month before rads? Think of it this way, you'll be done with everything before the kids get done with school and then you can kick back and really enjoy summer vacation with them. That's the goal getting me through right now. --Bethany
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