Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013
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KBeee-
I am having my 4th (and final) chemo tomorrow and have not had a Neulasta injection yet. My counts have been good, so far (knock on wood). I joke it is my robot cells from working in the ED for over 30 years!
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Curly-
Did you do the Oncotype or Mammaprint? Maybe that's why you didn't do chemo.
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KBeee, you rock!!! Glad you're feeling good and are up + about!
I feel pretty great, myself. I'm looking for my last nfusion on 10/11!!!
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Melrose-I just read your info..it looks like you and I had lumpectomy /MX month apart....question..how has the tamoxifen been for you? Can you tell no estrogen ? Sorry, was about to go to bed..and typing on my phone..
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Bikergirl - I am sure your years in the ER did prepare your immune system well! I am hoping my 4 years of teaching and 20+on the ambulance have gotten mine in gear too. My youngest daughter has been fighting bronchitis/pneumonia, so I am definitely hoping to avoid that! I am so thrilled for you that your infusions will be done tomorrow. I hope the days that follow have minimal side effects so that you can recover quickly.
CKMoss- I am relieved to know I am not the only one having those crazy pains. Luckily they are not so bad that I have needed to call. I will take ibuprofen before bed and call it good. Hopefully with tomorrow being day 6, they'll decrease a bit. I hope all of your scans go well and that the results are all great news.
FMG -I'll be getting #2 and will be 1/3 done with infusions on your last one, so we'll be there at the same time!0 -
So happy to join the DONE club and will be ready for that party in about 10 days! I meet with my RO in 3 weeks to set up radiation. Hope to be finished with that by the end of the year and head into 2014 with a clean slate.
There were many times I didn't think I could make it through chemo, but I did. And if I can, I know you can too! Just roll with it and soon you'll be joining the club and ready to party at NC's place. : )0 -
Yay - well done JeriG. Glad you rang the ........ Out of that bell ( rang it for me too )
Get those pesky SEs out the way and you are DONE !!! Congrats
Bikergirl u are next - good luck hope all goes well.
Still no packing happening here. Maybe tmrw !!!
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Woo hoo JeriG. I didn't have a bell either. Ring it for me too. I think that's a cool idea. One of the hospitals I go to plays a tone over the intercom when a baby is born and I just love to hear that, even when I am not there for so joyous an occasion.
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Jerri-Yeaaaaa! Congrats on graduating from ChemoHell !!!!!! Hoping the SE are min with this last one!
TwoHobbies-Being nosey...how did you come by your username?
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ckmoss- I've been on Tamox for a little over a year now. I get hot flashes (about the same as when I had chemo) and do get leg and foot cramps. I take it in the morning with breakfast. I think for the most part, I am doing fine with the Tamox. I haven't gained a lot of weight as some gals do and have been lucky that it hasn't affected me emotionally. If you have side effects from the Tamox, note them and let your onco know what side effects you are experiencing. It is a very powerful little pill so if you are hesistant about starting, just remember why you are taking that little pill. I don't think of the time period that I will be on it but rather think that I am taking this pill for myself, my family and my friends, and in honor of those triple negative women who do not have a bc hormone therapy available. I think of it more as a maintenance drug in my arsenal against bc.
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I'm starting TC on October 4, 2013. Any advice? I'm a little nervous!
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Girls, I am DONE!!! (with chemo,that is). No bell to ring, but alot of "congratulations, you are done" from the staff.
Now I do the recovery phase and it is on to radiation for 6 weeks.
Booked a trip for Cabo San Lucas in January.
Nocomp-you packed yet?Remember girls-YOLO (you only live once).
I will still be stalking this discussion board to offer words of encouragement.
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Bondsy-
We can give you TONS of advice. Most important-take care of yourself-rest. Brush your teeth 4 times a day and rinse with Biotene. I was advised to avoid dairy and sweets for the first 3 days after treatment. Small, frequent meals are tolerated better than larger meals.
We have all been in shoes-it is nerve-racking!!!
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JeriGrace-
Woohoo! It is great to be part of the DONE club-radiation can't be as bad as chemo. Are you going to be on the rads discussion board?
RING THAT BELL!!!!
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Bondsy--
I am right behind you, starting TC October 11. I also feel nervous, and so thankful for all that I have read here. I suspected this would be my chemo protocol, so I have been hanging out on this thread for a couple of weeks -- so much good info, inspirational women and caring wisdom! Got it confirmed on Monday: 4 x, three week intervals. Decided not to do the cold caps -- I just think I would get a dreadful headache from the cold, so I will be sporting the wig by Halloween. Hoping my MO is right that they manage the nausea VERY well.... I am starting to get nervous, but trying to just keep busy and be prepared and not freak out. One foot in front of the other......
--Kim0 -
Thank you for all the great advice and good wishes. I think I'm going to like all you guys!!
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Teamkim, did you get a chest port? I just got mine yesterday and it's very painful today. But my veins are very hard to find so I think I'll be glad I went through it in the long run.
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Yahoo Bikergirl!!!!!!!!! I hope you are feeling good enough to celebrate!!!!!!!
Bondsy - I had my first TC chemo last Friday, October 20. It was not nearly as bad as I imagined! I felt fine that day, and honestly pretty much have felt really good since then. My energy level has been good and I have been able to walk several miles each day. I have had no nausea or vomiting. My side effects have been manageable. I have had a sore throat since immediately after the infusion. It is red and raw, but I am able to eat, which is good! I also have had abdominal pain and back pain, days 4-today (6). It was less today than the other days. I have taken ibuprofen for it a couple times, but have needed nothing more, and have not taken anything today. The only other irritating thing is arash that appeared yesterday under both arms. Hydrocortisone has not touched it, so I am goign to try Benadryl cream and see if that does anything. Those side effects are honestly more annyonces than anything...nothing that affects my daily life. We will be traveling the majority of this road together; depending how many cyles you have, you will likely finish before me. I did ice my hands and feet and am taking B6, B12, and L Glutamine to help ward off neuropathy. If you have questions, ask away; the ladies here are fabulous at answering them and are so supportive!
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Bikergirl---Yeaaaaaaaa! Congrats to you too!! Well done! I am very very happy for you! Totally get vacation. We are going to Myrtle Beach 2nd weekend after chemo..I'm sure I'll still be dragged out and tired..but can be dragged out and tired at the beach as good as here! Better loveee the ocean!
Kbee-Have you tried Eucerin calming creme?
Welcome Teamkim and Bonday! Wish it wasn't for this reason but you will find loads of support here as I guess you have already seen!
Bondsy-When I had my port put in was excruciating painful for me (no veins either!)..but was told by a lot that it would only hurt for 3 days or so. I took lortabs and percocets and on the 3rd day pain was less. I think the port hurt worse than my MX.
Teamkim-I considered the cold caps, but thought the trouble and expense you would have to really like your hair. I am looking forward to the thicker and maybe wavy (my hair had gotten thinner and straight) hair that I am considering my consolation prize for going through this...lol..I didn't ice my mouth the first time and had burning in my throat and mouth..never got any sores..but just felt like someone had cut my mouth. I wasn't able to eat spicy food either. So 2nd and 3rd time..kept a popsickle or ice cube in my mouth entire time through taxotere (1 1/2 hrs)..its hard but ohhh so worth it..haven't had any difficulty with that at all. Still get the crappy taste but no burning and I can eat spicy food. I don't however eat spicy first 4 days because of stomach. Main tips...HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE! My onc RN said that she didn't care if I ate..to make sure I drank at least 3-4 quarts of water, juice or gatorade type drinks a day as your kidneys will shut down. I used Eucerin calming creme every 3 days all over and haven't had any dry skin. I took a B supplement too.
I hope all goes well for you guys.
Tomorrow is my last one
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Fwiw, I didn't chew/suck on ice during my 1st infusion & didn't have any mouth sores, but I had thrush & my tounge felt a bit burnt, like when you drink too-hot coffee. That wore off after the first week or 10 days. For the 2nd infusion, I did suck on ice during the infusion, but I'm at day 7 & my mouth has been the same as round 1. Both times, I've been brushing my teeth 4-5x a day & rinsing w/salt & baking soda, & that seems to help more than anything.
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Bondsy-
The discomfort with the port does improve as it heals. I was told not to do any significant lifting for a month. So be careful!
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KBeee-
You should touch base with your Onc MD regarding the sore throat and the rash. Hopefully no fever.
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No port for me, Bondsy. MO said my veins are good and they would rather not do a port for just 4 infusions. So sorry yours is painful -- hugs to you...hang in there.
Ckmoss - Thanks for the tip on the ice/Popsicles. There is no freezer in my MO's office, so may bring a cooler with some bags of crushed ice that I can eat. I have allergies and have a frequent postnasal drip that gives me a scratchy throat. I am guessing that is a weakness the TC will irritate. Batcatlady, I have the baking soda and salt set up by the sink for frequent rinsing. I also got Biotene. Any other ideas? What is this magic mouthwash I have read about on these boards?
I tend to have a dry mouth, so constantly drink water (and pee) all the time. Hydration will come naturally -- have already started stocking the house with all kinds of juice, vitamin water, Gatorade, protein drinks, etc.. Not sure what will taste best to me, so I thought I would cover all the bases, lol. Knowing me, I expect not to have much appetite -- what kinds of things should I have on hand to eat and drink?
I love Eucerin calming cream -- good to know that worked well for you, ck. Kbeee, maybe oral Benadryl would help the rash -- did you shave underarms day of infusion?0 -
Woohoo Bikergirl is all done. Love to see all of us joining the Done Club.
Welcome Bondsy and Teamkim. I think the biggest advice I would give is don't expect a lot from yourself. You may feel bad for a few days or many. Just ride it out. It is what it is and if you can't do everything you wanted to or others wanted you to, just accept that. If there's anything you know you need to do, try to get it out of the way before you start.
CKmoss my son has Crohn's disease so I always joked that's my hobby. When I got BC I thought oh great now I have two hobbies! Of course I do have other hobbies too but that's what it refers to.0 -
TwoHobbes- I love that! My cousin has Crohn's disease as well. She got it when she was 15. She's 19 now. So understand that becomes a hobby.
Well, I have just finished up my last round of poison! I still can't wrap my mind around..other than the next week or so of hell...I'm done...well tamoxifen..but I've read a lot that its not horrible. Melrose what you said was very helpful. I will be soo glad to get back to work..RIGHT AFTER my beach trip to celebrate..!! Then on to NoCom party.
This is my new ringtone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqUtEXmSHfA!!!
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ckmoss - I love the ring tone! I hope the side effects are few so that you can celebrate!!!!!
I cannot remember i I shaved my armpits on the day of chemo. I have not shaved them since!!! I won't be in a swimsuit anytime soon anyway. My wrinkley, lumpy TEs are definitely not swimsuit material. I am glad winteris coming. My rash just started 2 days ago. It is oozing today. Tomorrow I need to go to the MO's office to get a shingles vaccine as part of a clinical trial. I will need to report any rashes, so I will mention my rash while I am there. I will also see if they have any suggestions for the darn sore throat. I have not had any fevers, so I am not concerned, I just am pretty thin to begin with and really do not need to lose any weight due to an annoying raw throat.0 -
Welcome Bondsy And TeamKim,
From my perspective, after 2 injections, it is never as bad as you expect it to be. All advices given here are good advices, and you will probably experience only some of the expected SE. Everybody is different. For me, the major SEs came from the Neulasta shots, and the Neupogen shots, not the chemo. Make sure you drink A LOT, and take probiotics religiously and regularly. I have been taking Bio-K.
Also constipation is always a problem with chemo, prepare your body ahead of time with soaked prunes, and prune juice, and some magnesium supplements, you will not be sorry.
Good luck!
Colette0 -
Welcome Bondsy and TeamKim....
Glad you found us here and hope we can help and support you through your time in chemoland. As everyone has told you, everyone reacts differently to the chemo. No one ( not even your onco ) really knows how your body will react but no matter hang in there. What Colette64 told you is true about staying on top of things when it comes to management of the side effects. It is not easy to get pass some of them if you wait too long.
Constipation can be a problem with the chemo because of the anti-nausea drugs and/or pre-chemo IV drugs that you may be taking. I ate a few of those Sunsweet Ones (individually wrapped prunes that you can get at Target or grocery store) helped me; I ate one or two after every meal.
Wishing each of the best and if you have questions, please post them.
For those gals who are in the middle of chemo.... HANG IN THERE!!!! You are definitely doing this and will be out of chemoland before you know it. Wishing you minimal side effects.
For those gals who are finished..... Wishing you the best as you move forward.
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Has anyone had blood in your urine? I know it can be a side effect from the Cytoxan. I had pain in the area of my bladder earlier this week and had called, and they just said to call back if it got worse. Today I was headed in for a vaccine for a clinical trial and noticed when I stopped at the restroom on the way in there was some blood in my urine; not bright red, but obvious none-the-less when I wiped (sorry about TMI!!!). Since ti was there anyway, I let them know and they tested me for a UTI. The nurse called and said it came back negative. I asked about bladder damage from the Cytoxan, because I have read that there is a medication they can give if you are vleeding to help reduce the damage. She said what I expected...call back if it gets worse this weekend. That's so annoying. I will call back if it gets a ton worse, but really, I just want to know if there is something I can or should be doign that will prevent permanent damage. I am not sure if I should call Monday to ask more about it or just bring it up for discussion when I meet with the doctor before the next chemo. If anyone has experience with the issue, I'm all ears! Other than that, I'm feeling great!!! I went to a "survivors" brunch today put on by the local Susan B. Komen foundation and I won a free gift certifiate from a local restaurant. Yahoo! Maybe I'll get a lottery ticket if I'm out later!
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KBeee-
Are you drinking alot of fluids. Chemo can crystallize in the urinary tract if you don't drink alot, especially the first two days. I would push the issue a little with the staff. You should be drinking at least 2 Liters a day first two days.
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