Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013
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Sorry for my absence and not responding sooner!
ckmoss - I also am familiar with fatigue from before I got my Synthroid prescription, but taking it first thing in the morning has helped me to remember most days. At most, I've forgotton to take it a single day a few times, so I haven't had the hypothyroid fatigue return. I don't know about the price though. I also have to take the name brand since I had a mild allergic reaction when I took the generic (possibly to fillers in the tablet?) - I recently switched from a monthly refill to 90 day refill, so it definitely went up!
I also had back spasms my first cycle around day 8 and had to take Flexeril. My MO said that wasn't a side effect of TC, but I think it could be in a small number of people. To say it's not a side effect means it probably didn't pop up in the finite number of people in their clinical trial - that doesn't mean it's not an SE that's going to appear when administered to a larger group! My non-medical opinnion entirely, but I googled about the back spasms when I was suffering them and saw posts from other women on TC who also had them.
I also have had more arm fatigue this round. I sprung into action last week cleanin on Tuesday and painting some cupboards in my kitchen Wednesday and Friday. I figured painting was a good job to do since I could paint a bit and rest for an hour or two between coats. I started some on Friday and realized I had bitten off more than I could chew - fatigue hit me hard Thursday until today. I was way too fatigued to get through the job and finished yesterday.
I'm on a medical leave right now (today's the last day) and having a hard time giving myself a break and keep pushing to get things done. I won't be taking so much time off the next three rounds - this was a special thing I had to do because of the academic year contract I'm on. I needed to take a couple weeks off during the academic year in order to postpone submission of my tenure portforlio on October 1st since all the time I was down in the summer from surgery and my first couple of chemo rounds didn't count.
Does anyone else have the mental battle about feeling lazy sitting around doing nothing versus realizing that it's fatigue from chemo and we shouldn't feel guilty for not doing something productive with the time home from work?
KBeeee - your coworkers are amazing! My boyfriend and I redid our 1/4" shavings on Sunday. I have a few random hairs that have been growing among the maybe 1% of my hair that I still have left on my head. I had a number of drinks the first time we did it, but it was actually day 16 of round 1 and I felt okay from the chemo by then and was off all the meds for several days by then. Most of my stubble came out in the shower - I used an apricot face scrub on my head to try to get the loose ones out. I also used the lint roller right on my head after reading on these boards that some people did that! I really didn't see my pubic hair fall out - must have been in the shower too. Looked down one day and realized it was mostly gone.
How are everybody's eyebrows doing?
I was using the Brian Joseph's gel but got a little slack the last couple of weeks and I've lost some in the middle of the thick part near the bridge of the nose. I need to order more gel if I'm going to try to save them. I don't know if it's a lost cause. I need to sign up for one of those Look Good Feel Better sessions - I see one coming up October 7th here. I hope there's still room. If I lose my brows, I will be at a total loss for what to do. I don't normally wear makeup.
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Mellie I absolutely feel guilty doing nothing. I think it comes from working all my life and trying to manage home in between. I was pretty much on duty all the time. To take a whole day and accomplish nothing more than loading the dishwasher is weird.
My brows and lashes are thinner but not completely gone. It seems like the brows i lost may have been ones i plucked in the past. My wig has bangs so mostly I don't worry about the brows but eyeliner is my friend! My lashes have spots of no lashes. I find eyeliner pencil fills those in and then one coat of mascara and I'm OK.
Kbeee what a great group you work with. My workplace is good but I couldn't see them shaving their heads for sure. I miss working at a place where everyone was so close.0 -
Nocomp-
Hope you feel better-you have some packing to do!
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I was concerned about using mascara, thinking it would help the lashes fall faster. It's good to know that I can use it.
The lashes + brows are probably the last to fall because the are very slow growing. The chemo attacks the fast growing + dividing cells which is why the hair on our heads fall faster than the hair on our arms. I don't think Brian Joseph or even my Herbal Scalp + Hair Butter is helping to keep our lashes or brows. I continue to apply the butter daily but will focus more after my last chemo.
You may want to save your money + get the gel after you finish chemo. I wish I knew what is in the gel but they don't list ingredients (which is strange).
My brows + lashes are hanging in there strong. I'm ok with having to draw on eyebrows but it's the lashes I don't want to lose. I don't know how to put on false lashes. Maybe they'll teach this, too, at the Look Good Feel Better class on 9/27.
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I created a Herbal Scalp + Hair Butter. It contains many Ayurvedic herbs that are know to grow hair. It also contains KGF (a growth factor) and other natural scalp + hair loving herbs. Before + during chemo I still use it, even though I don't have hair on my head. Since creating it I put it on my lashes + brows and have seen growth.
I'd love for you to try it at a 15% discount. All I ask in return is that you give me honest feedback on my site.
If you're interested, go to my on-line store @ http://www.shop.jlexi.co/Herbal-Scalp-Hair-Butter-with-KGF-HSHBKGF.htm. Use the Code BCGROUP + get 15% off your entire order.
BE well!
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As for the eyelashes and eyebrows, those may not fall out totally until after you finish all rounds of chemo and can fall out several times during the first year or so that you have finished chemo. This is because the eyelashes and eyebrows are on a different growth cycle than your other hair. My eyebrows and top eyelashes fell out but my bottom eyelashes never fell out. At the end of 6 rounds, I had a few eyebrows on each side, a few top eyelashes and all of my bottom lashes. I have been fortunate that my eyebrows and eyelashes have not fallen out multiple times as it has for some. The thing I applied to the the eyebrows and eyelashes was some Rimmel Eyebrow/Eyelash Serum that I bought at Target for $8.00. Do I think it helped.... who really knows. I did have a prescription for Latisse that I never filled. Latisse is fairly expensive and I just really didn't care enough to get it.
As for fake eyelashes, I know I read someplace on the BCO that it is not advisable to do fake eyelashes because of the eyelash glue. One can end up unintentionally removing the few lashes one has left.
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Thanks Bikergirl
Definately on the up swing
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Nocompromise-LOL..and very good advice ref bowels! Mine move too much on chemo! My onc said it will be whichever way you are proned to normally- just magnified!
Well 3rd time-took 12 days before I was completely over all SE's. Mostly just fatigue and brain buzz left over last 4. One more...and done. I'm not sure how to act after living this for 6 months...but going to be GREAT finding out. The article in that link I posted above "What I wished I was told when diagnosed with cancer"...says that it stays with you for awhile and that you will think its going to come back. I think thats how it will be. But, like everything else, with time..feelings and worrys will fade.
FormyGrand-I think you had chemo Friday? If so, I hope SEs going easy for you...and yeaaa, too, for you -only one more!
Funny, one of the main things I dread each chemo-is that horrible taste that stays in your mouth. I can tell you, my mouth has never been so squeaky clean..I brush my teeth 4 or more times a day..swig on Biotene and listerine..but Mainly..Icebreakers Spearmint mints...for about hour afterwards..your mouth feels great! I've been icing, so haven't had any burning and am able to eat spicey food within days afterward of SE going. Fruit is wonderful too.
Twoknob-Are you still going through chemo? Hanging in there?
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CKmoss I am done! I hope and pray to never see chemo again. I started rads this week. Lets see I think I am about 25 days post chemo. I feel good except when I exercise and my nails are still a little sore. Been trying to walk more but its hard. Muscles feel weak as if you've lifted weights the 12th rep but no weights are being used. Then next day I'm exhausted and sore almost like during chemo. Not complaining overall because its a definite improvement but pointing out that full recovery is slow. I'm on hair watch but no signs.
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LOL..My hair stylist says that once it starts, its generally like a inch a month. I'm going to start with the biotin when I'm done. It always made my hair grow fast. I started taking it when I started chemo..then realized the chemo gods were probably laughing their butt off as they stomped the biotin down..so waste of money. My hair was shoulder length and I guess I will be wearing the wig until it grows out.
I'm glad you are through. I couldn't remember (as I don't remember a lot these days). What made you decide to do radiation? I'm still (sorta) debating it and noticed you didn't have any nodes positive. How has that been? Do you have a lot to do?
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ckmoss.... I wish my hair would have grown an inch a month since I finished chemo a year ago. The growth rate of my hair has been closer to 1/2 inch per month. The hair in the front (bang area and top of my head) have been the slowest to grow while the sides and back have grown back the fastest. I did not take any biotin or any kind of supplements to help with the hair growth. If you get on the livestrong.com website and put in a search for Foods to Help Hair Growth, there are several articles to help figure out what foods will help.
twohobbies- Congrats on finishing chemo. One of these days very soon, you will feel that wonderful velvety fuzz sprouting on your head. Although you may not be able to see it, you will be able to feel it. That new hair is very soft and maybe grey or translucent in color. No matter what, it's hair and you will know that it is making its mighty return.
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Just an update. Had my second infusion on 9/13. Started on neupogen shots on Sunday. Last time I had a bad reaction including joint pains, night sweats, flu like aches and sharp stabbing pains in my head. This time I am spiking fevers. I've been alternating hydrocodone and motrin which was keeping things in check but yesterday the fever climbed to 101.3 and I ended up in ER.
After a couple of hours and a bunch of testing I left with an rx for an antibiotic for a "possible" tonsilitis although my throat was only slightly red. There was no other explanation for the fever. My oncologist today says the fever could be a result of either the chemo or the neupogen shot. I still feel awful but he says I can take the shot for 3 days instead of the normal 5. We'll see if that has any effect.
Fevers are scary.
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Just an update. Had my second infusion on 9/13. Started on neupogen shots on Sunday. Last time I had a bad reaction including joint pains, night sweats, flu like aches and sharp stabbing pains in my head. This time I am spiking fevers. I've been alternating hydrocodone and motrin which was keeping things in check but yesterday the fever climbed to 101.3 and I ended up in ER.
After a couple of hours and a bunch of testing I left with an rx for an antibiotic for a "possible" tonsilitis although my throat was only slightly red. There was no other explanation for the fever. My oncologist today says the fever could be a result of either the chemo or the neupogen shot. I still feel awful but he says I can take the shot for 3 days instead of the normal 5. We'll see if that has any effect.
Fevers are scary.
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Brown the same thing happened to me after #4. Fever spiked the day after. They thought I was getting sick but I never did. The fever broke overnight and I'm sure it was a reaction to the chemo. I've had the same thing happen with an antibiotic reaction I had once.
Maltose I think I see that white fuzz starting but it could be my imagination. CK I think I'll ditch the wig once next summer comes. We will have to see what short hair looks like but I know I'll be too cold to ditch the wig in winter. I'm already suffering with the few cool days we had and this naked head.
I am doing 28 rads. Only had two so I can't weigh in much. I have a local recurrence after mastectomy so radiation is on the menu under those circumstances. It wouldn't have been and wasn't for a first tumor.0 -
Thanks hobbies. I guess you just never know how you're going to react from one treatment to the next. I know that I'm masking the fever taking tylenol and motrin to feel better because it's still over 100 while on the meds but I guess since everything was checked out last night I just need to relax and wait for it to go away. Relaxing is not really my specialty tho.
Hoping everyone else is doing well;)
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brown471- Are you taking any regular 24 hour Claritin the day that you start your Neupogen shots? The Claritin may help prevent the bone pain. There is an ongoing clinical trial where the protocal is to take the Claritin for 7 days starting the day that you receive the Neulasta shot or the first day of the Neupogen shots. Just keep an eye on those fevers.
Twohobbies- Sounds like the hair fairy has come to visit you!!!! I had a favorite knit hat that I wore most of last winter when I had very very very short hair. However, I definitely see how a wig could be a way to keep one's head warm when it's cool. Here is something funny.... I used some silly putty to take an impression of my head once the fuzz started to emerge. I just wanted see if there was really hair coming in!!! Lol.... of course I didn't see any hair impressions on the silly putty since the hair coming back in was superfine....
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Brown take your temp when the Motrin dose wears off just so you can report back to them. Of course call if any infection or hives or rash breaks out. My fever broke out before my shot so i know what caused It. Plus my chemo vein got very itchy and red all around it.
Melrose I only see the fuzz in my magnifying mirror so I don't know for sure if its new but I am hopeful.0 -
Yay, Two Hobbies-glad you are done with the chemo! Rads cannot be as bad as the chemo. Will be joining you-my#4 chemo is next Wednesday!
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Well Ladies, I did it last night and it was one of the most memorable night in my life in a good way. I showed up at the bar (ironically called he Clipper), and there were 20 of us there. We had a good time, had a couple drinks, and then headed back to my house. 20 of the guys I work with shaved their heads, and mine as well. It was awe inspiring to have that much support. I can barely describe it. We laughed, and had an absolute blast. My husband and even my 13 year old son even decided to shave theirs. My daughters had fun shaving everyone. That is incredible for a teen. He came home from school and said his friends all thought it was awesome! I am so glad that the head shaving ended up being so much fun, rather than stressful, and I am feeling like the most blessed person in the world. And...I love my wig, I like wearing skull caps around the house, and being bald does not bother me one bit. What an awesome night! If anyone wants to see pictures, send me a message and I will send you my name on caringbridge.
Chemo number one is tomorrow. I am hoping to do well.0 -
Kbeee- Wishing you an easy time tomorrow and hope you have minimal side effects. I know you are ready to get started and already know what to expect tomorrow. If you have any questions tonight, please post them asap so one of us can respond and help you.
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ckmoss, I have chemo on this Friday, September 20th. Thanks for your prayer on minimal to no side effects! My last infusion is October 11th!!!
KBeee, Sounds, like your shaving event was a blast. You must be so grateful for the show of love + support! When I asked my daughter about shaving her head in support she said, "one bald the house is enough."
Does any one have dark veins in the chemo arm? I do.
brown471, after reading your post, I'm wondering if my super hot fashes on the day of and two days after the Neulasta shot had anything to do with the shot itself.
TwoHobbies, congratulations on being done with chemo. That's a club I can't wait to join!
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Twohobbies, congrats on being done! Thrilled for you.
Biker girl, the light at the end of the tunnel is so bright...and it's nto a train...it's the finish line! You're almost there; so happy for you. I wish minimal side effects on your last treatment.
Melrosemelrose, thanks for the support. I am on the 6 treatment plan like you. I am sure I will have a lot of questions as time goes on since the effects seem to be cumulative and most people are on the 4 plan. We'll see. I pretty much just take things a day at the time, and try not to worry about the aspects I can't control...and I try to have a little fun with the pieces I can control.
Thanks everyone for the support and well wishes. We'll see how the first trip to the chemobar goes. My cousin came in from California for the weekend, so I am thrilled to have her here for support.
Wishing a side effect free weekend for everyone.
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Kbeee thanks for sharing your story. What a great idea to make it a fun event. Please tell your coworkers how we all enjoyed the event vicariously.
Biker girl so far rads are uneventful. Week one down. So I'm already rating it way way easier than chemo.0 -
TwoHobbies, I'm following your experience with rads and will probably be there in a few weeks. My last chemo is Monday and I can't wait to be done with this part. I'm so incredibly tired and every time I try to push myself, I get thrown back. I hope rads will be easier for me. I have to make a decision about working through that 6 weeks because I need to arrange for a sub. Everything I hear is about how the tiredness hits you after 2 or 3 weeks so I don't know what to do. I hate this constant drama about work. I feel awful for those of you whose employers are making it harder for you. I haven't ever expected people to make exceptions for me but by gosh if people can't show compassion when you have cancer then when can you get a break?
I'm kind of looking forward to Monday and my last infusion. My son and his new bride are coming from California to be with me for the week. And I can't wait to ring the heck out of that bell when I'm done with that infusion. I do feel guilty about only having 4 infusions when so many of you are fighting through your Taxol treatments now and others of you are back for a second time. I will continue to think of you and hope the best for you.
Have a good weekend, Firecrackers!0 -
JeriG. We never had a bell here I told the nurses they should get one. But what about all the sleepy people ??
2hobs - wow a week of rads down already. So glad it's easier than chemo so far for you .....
KBee hope all is going well for you
Rambo great news that the BC gene stops with you
Have a great weekend warriors
Only 6 sleeps till Europe)))
(And no bikergirl, no packing done yet !!!).0 -
Kbeee-
What wonderful support and what a positive way to handle the hair loss. Hope everything went well today and hoping for minimal SE's.
((hugs))
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Nocomp-
So how are the SE's with this last treatment. My last one is next Wednesday. Same or worse?
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Bikergirl Same same.
Had usual bad blah day #4 all other days as per your normal pattern have been pretty physical with painting and stuff but given myself a couple of lazy days too - was not the best idea as I don't think the fumes have helped my lungs !!!!!!!
Worryingly???/ Interestingly. I noticed a swollen lymph node under my left armpit at day 7 after round 3 then after about 7 days it disappeared and exactly the same has happened this cycle too - long as the swelling goes down again in a few days I will be happy. I reckon it's all those poor dead WBC's congregating And causing a bottleneck or the neulasta jab making millions of little new ones.
Apart from that let the upswing continue .... Don't see my onc till 10/18 no pills to take, no bloods ,
Good luck for next wed sincerely hope it all goes smoothly and RING that BELL you are on the homeward stretch ...I think it is still sinking in for me that chemo is done.0 -
Well ladies, so far so good. I made it through the first treatment with no problems thus far. I did ice my hands and feet the whole time, and I also chewed ice. I am sure the IV antinausea meds are still working, so we will see what tomrrow brings. I will probably take some Compazine before bed to make sure I stay on top of it, but on the other hand, I don't like to use things if I don't need to. I had a brief headache and weird feeling in my sinuses during the Cytoxin, but the nurse had warned me that it could happen. It was short lived. I am hoping my good luck continues tomorrow. It just feels soooooooo good to have one treatment under my belt. I can now start to countdown...5 more to go!
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Nocomp-As long as the swelling went down, that's good. I often wonder if we all will still "look over our shoulder" a bit.
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