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Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013

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Comments

  • marley2
    marley2 Member Posts: 38
    edited December 2013


    I was told, if they have you take steroids before blood work that raises the wbc. Mine is also higher now than it was before 1st tx.

  • Bluegrassharp
    Bluegrassharp Member Posts: 73
    edited December 2013


    Marley2 -- I don't take any meds right before chemo, so that isn't an immediate factor with my blood work. But I'm happy to know your WBCs are high before treatment, too. How many treatments have you had? How many left? How are you feeling? Just curious if having higher WBC during treatment has been a plus for you with SEs.

  • Bluegrassharp
    Bluegrassharp Member Posts: 73
    edited December 2013


    Since I'm getting chemo3 right now, I asked the onco nurse about steroids and WBC. She said that the steroid that Is given along with each chemo infusion can help boost WBC before the next chemo. Seems to be working for both of us. I am SO thankful we are getting treatments today, when so much more is known about managing SEs.

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited December 2013

    Audra- Sorry to hear about your allergy to the surgical tape adhesive.  I ask for paper tape whenever I need to have something taped down.  I have the same probblem as you do.  I also used the Glad Press N Seal plastic wrap that helps when taken a shower.  You want to try to remove as much of that adhesive around that port area.  You can use some rubbing alcohol and q tips to gently remove traces of the adhesive from your skin.  Yes, it may sting but you need to get that adhesive off of you.  If the area is not raw and itchy, you may try using some benedryl cream or Cortzone 10 cortisone cream to help with the itchiness.  If you are needing to keep the port area covered, you may want to use a gauze pad and wrap prewrap over it so that the gauze pad doesn't slip out of place.

    Joan- Glad to hear from you while you are in the chair!!!!

    Blueharp, Virginia and SchoolCounselor-  One more down!!!!  Yippee!!!

  • marley2
    marley2 Member Posts: 38
    edited December 2013


    Bluegrassha..I am just a few days ahead of you..had my 3rd TC on Dec 5th. One more to go! I am not feeling too bad. My worst day is the night of the chemo, get bad stomach pains. Other than that, not unmanageable. Hope you are feeling well.

  • joanmj58
    joanmj58 Member Posts: 16
    edited December 2013


    Hey Melrose! I am home now. Took 6 hours for my first TC treatment. Feel a little tired but otherwise uneventful. Will post as SE hits me. IF.

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited December 2013

    Yahoo Joan!!!  You did it!!!  Keep hydrated, eat your small meals and take your meds on time.  Hopefully, the side effects will be minimal.

  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 314
    edited December 2013


    Audra- TY for the kind words :) I have the same sensitivity to bandaids and tape often.... melrose is spot on they can give u paper tape :). Nice to know too that the implants are better than the TE's. The nurse told me that my PS places the TE's low and that the implants will be higher and closer together. I have such indents at the top bc the TE's are so low - looks so ugly and I can see/feel my ribs. Will need fat put in there I'm guessing lol.


    Joan- yay you for one down. I have my next on he 30 as well :)


    Blue- I had my finger prick blood checked last Thursday and all my counts were also up. The MO said I didn't need a vial of blood taken, but the onc nurse wouldn't give me chemo without doing a vial... Got the chemo so I guess all was well lol. Never an option for me NOT to get Neulasta- it has been a given for me no matter what- they won't even check my blood again til who knows when!!!


    Melrose- thank you as always for your kind words of encouragement. They are much appreciated :)


    Didn't start my infusion until nearly 9 - but it was totally uneventful.....ok except for the time I spilled my full cup of hot tea all over the floor and my sister hollered and the chemo nurse came flying into the room bc she thought something happened to me lol oops. Chemo nurse found my vein on the first jab - YAY!!!! Had a pink face when I woke up his am from the steroid. Got sleepy from the Benadryl - but after chemo my sis and I went to best buy, bed bath and beyond, Christmas tree shop, target, H&M, lunch ... We were out from 8:00 am to 6:00... Aside from the sucky chemo it was nice to spend the day with sis. Oh, and I got a beautiful hand knit hat at my infusion place Made by a volunteer :) so nice that people do that......


    Hope everyone who was treated today has minimal SE's and that those who are on a different schedule are also okay!!!!


    Thanks for the support - means the world to come here and "see" you all :)

  • schoolcounselor
    schoolcounselor Member Posts: 229
    edited December 2013


    image


    Sorry the pic is sideways. A dear friend made this for me for chemo. It is so warm. 3 down one to go yeah!!! I saw the PS today he wants to do the exchange in February. Then I should be healed and back to work I believe by April. Not sure I am looking forward to it, I work in a high stress school. I'm going to have to learn how to manage my stress. I plan on doing a mid day walk. We will see. I can't believe I am almost done.


    Neulasta shot tomorrow. I will take Claritin starting tonight. More snow on the way tomorrow. I can tolerate it as long as there is no ice. Today was a hard drive in. I was 30 minutes late for my PS appointment and infusion was backed up an hour!!!


    Glad to hear everyone did well. Don't forget to drink drink drink!!!! Flush the toilet twice with the seat down. If possible use your own private toilet for the next 48 hours.

  • audra67
    audra67 Member Posts: 127
    edited December 2013

    Thanks Minus Two and Melrose!  I didn't think that wrap would hold..but I will try it and good idea to get it all off my skin, it is HUGELY red and swollen and looks awful...must still be on the skin...duh..don't know why I didn't think of that...?

    Yay for School Counselor- darling blanket!  And you must be a saint to work in a high school

    Virginia = Can't BELIEVE you went shopping all day!  How fun!  I was tired after this last chemo.../ drugged probably...

    Joanmj and Bluegrass, Marley2- Yay for you all, and hoping no side effects!

    I finally got neulasta shot today and hoping no effects from it...taking the Claritin..and drinking still....feel stuffed and waterlogged daily the first week or so...

  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 314
    edited December 2013


    I got a homemade blankie tooooooo!!!! :). Sorry my pic is sideways too lol. I will have my exchange in March - 8 weeks post chemo - actually need to call my ps to get on his calendar......new boobies for my birthday :). I am very tired after shopping all day - hoping I sleep and don't have the SE's I had last time. Tomorrow is an oil change on the car at 8:30, then a bit more Xmas shopping, then Neulasta at 1:00. SC - glad u were able to get ur fill...


    image

  • Bluegrassharp
    Bluegrassharp Member Posts: 73
    edited December 2013


    SC and VirginiaNJ: So pleased that your infusions were as uneventful as mine wasThumbsUp But the weather prediction for your area doesn't sound very promising -- I hope your local meteorologists are just doing their "drama queen" thing and your nelasta trips tomorrow are uneventful. Before retiring to Colorado, we lived north of Syracuse on Lake Ontario for 40 years in lake effect country, and know exactly how miserable a winter storm can be in the northeast!

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited December 2013

    SchoolCounselor and VirginiaNJ---I am loving these pics with the blankies!!!!!   Thanks for posting those!!! <3

  • Headeast
    Headeast Member Posts: 393
    edited December 2013


    I am so happy for all the ladies that had their chemo treatment today! One more down and closer to the finish line!


    TC4 day 5: uneventful, just small cramps after I eat and stomach moves, but no bad diarrhea. Eating bread to calm down my stomach and it works. Less swollen today but still with pumpkin face.


    Answering the question about WBC higher than base line: mine was higher on TC2 and TC3, without Neulasta (never got it). My blood test was done same day of chemo, just before infusion.


    And yes, Ativan is the best medicine they can give you before infusion.


    Nice blankets! I got a hat made by a friend. I use it to sleep.


    Fluids include soups and juices!

  • ailurophile
    ailurophile Member Posts: 124
    edited December 2013


    Melrosemelrose- Thank you so much for your answers! Wish you Happy Holidays.

  • Bluegrassharp
    Bluegrassharp Member Posts: 73
    edited December 2013


    NICE SURPRISE: One of the minor annoyances of this journey has been that my lumpectomy and node dissection sites are so close to my armpit that I can no longer lie comfortably on the couch on that side to read at night. (My port placement makes it impossible to sleep on my other side -- I'm sideless!) So my DH let me take over his recliner until we could find, order and get a recliner that fit me. (I'm a 5ft shrimp.) While I was having chemo today, LazyBoy called my DH that the chair had arrived. When I got home, he had it all set up and ready for me to plop into. It feels so good -- the chair, and having my (sometimes oblivious) DH come through with such a sweet gesture!

  • Headeast
    Headeast Member Posts: 393
    edited December 2013


    Bluegrassharp, that is a very nice surprise! I know what you mean with not being able to be on your sides. I have been up since 4 because of the same reason.

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited December 2013

    I thought I would do a little research about the precautions one may want to take post chemo at home.  I found this info on the American Cancer Society website http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/treatmenttypes/chemotherapy/understandingchemotherapyaguideforpatientsandfamilies/understanding-chemotherapy-chemo-safety-for-those-around-me

    Chemo safety

    Can I be around my family and friends while I’m getting chemo?

    Very few treatments require you to avoid close contact with loved ones for a short amount of time. If this is something you will have to do, your doctor will tell you about it when going over treatment options.

    Most chemo drugs do make you less able to fight infection. It’s very important that you stay away from anyone who is sick. The best way to prevent infection is by washing your hands often, especially before touching your face, nose, mouth, or eyes. Ask your family and friends to do the same when they are with you. For more information, see “How will chemo affect my blood cell counts?” in the section called “Increased chance of bruising, bleeding, and infection.”

    For more information on being at home with family and friends during treatment, please see Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer: Dealing With Treatment and Caring for the Patient With Cancer at Home: A Guide for Patients and Families. They can be read online, or call us to have free copies sent to you.

    How can I protect myself and those I live with while I’m getting chemo?

    There are many things you can do during and after chemo to keep yourself and your loved ones from being affected by the drugs while your body is getting rid of them. It takes about 48 hours for your body to break down and/or get rid of most chemo drugs.

    Most of the waste comes out in your body fluids – urine, stool, tears, and vomit. The drugs are also found in your blood. When these drugs get outside your body, they can harm or irritate skin – yours or even other people’s. Keep in mind that this means toilets can be a hazard for children and pets, and it’s important to be careful. Talk to your doctor about these and any other precautions you should follow.

    During – and for 48 hours after – chemo:

    • Flush the toilet twice after you use it. Put the lid down before flushing to avoid splashing. If possible, you may want to use a separate toilet during this time. If this is not possible, wear gloves to clean the toilet seat after each use.
    • Both men and women should sit on the toilet to use it. This cuts down on splashing.
    • Always wash your hands with warm water and soap after using the toilet. Dry your hands with paper towels and throw them away.
    • If you vomit into the toilet, clean off all splashes and flush twice. If you vomit into a bucket or basin, carefully empty it into the toilet without splashing the contents and flush twice. Wash out the bucket with hot, soapy water and rinse it, emptying the wash and rinse water into the toilet, then flushing it. Dry the bucket with paper towels and throw them away.
    • Caregivers should wear 2 pairs of throw-away gloves if they need to touch any of your body fluids. (These can be bought in most drug stores.) They should always wash their hands with warm water and soap afterward – even if they had gloves on.
    • If a caregiver does come in contact with any of your body fluids, they should wash the area very well with warm water and soap. It’s not likely to cause any harm, but try to take extra care to avoid this. At your next visit, let your doctor know this happened. Being exposed often may lead to problems, and extra care should be taken to avoid this.
    • Any clothes or sheets that have body fluids on them should be washed in your washing machine – not by hand. Wash them in warm water with regular laundry detergent. Do not wash them with other clothes. If they cannot be washed right away, seal them in a plastic bag.
    • If using throw-away adult diapers, underwear, or sanitary pads, seal them in 2 plastic bags and throw them away with your regular trash.


    Last Medical Review: 03/07/2013
    Last Revised: 03/07/2013


  • audra67
    audra67 Member Posts: 127
    edited December 2013

    image

    Just thought to try to add photo, I am computer challenged and that is my last chemo photo....my blankey is my own from home and I bring it every time. The blue bag has my stuff and this shows the large room with 90 million others in their with me...you lucky private room girls!
  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 856
    edited December 2013

    beautiful pic, audra! you go, girl!

  • Headeast
    Headeast Member Posts: 393
    edited December 2013


    Audra, the first time I saw the large room with so many recliner chairs I thought it was a factory. Then I thought, OK, I guess this is now a common illness, so I shouldn't worry too much. I still cried, but now is over! You look beautiful!

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited December 2013

    Looking good Audra!!!!!  Love that smile and your sparkling eyes!!!

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,402
    edited December 2013


    Re: the tape problems, there's a great thread called Adhesive Tape.... Lots of ideas that have worked for other folks and a good place to read if you have sensitive skin. I can't even use paper tape for more than 15 minutes w/o my skin tearing off. Luckily I can use Medipore or Hypafix tape.

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 695
    edited December 2013


    Great picture Audra; the scarf is awesome. I am not coordinated enough to tie one!


    I love those blanket pictures! The blankets are warm and cozy, and you ladies are looking great. One step closer for so many this week. Hoping those side effects take the holiday month off.

  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 314
    edited December 2013


    Audra, you look so gorgeous!!! I am jealous... i look ridiculous in my hats, scarves, etc. :( I am thinking i need the fringe "hair" - lol oh and your comment about having a "white" scalp cracked me up... I had that the last time, and I think I have it now (though I still have a bit of stubble up there).


    We are having a snowstorm.... so i called the doc and said i wasn't coming today for the neulasta... The girl at the desk (who i have had issues with) called me back and said, you are lucky we are able to "squeeze" you in for 11:30 tomorrow...i was like, 'really? it's for a shot that takes 5 seconds..." I was pissed at the attitude....


    Guess I have a fancy infusion place......have my own cubby. And actually yesterday, I could have had a private room with a private bathroom, but the tv only had CNN so we said no to that room lollllll


    Bluegrassharp- yayyyyyyyyy for the la-z-boy! I bought one pre- surgery b/c initially i was going to have the DIEP recon surgery, and a friend had said she had to sleep in the recliner for better than a month!!! I didn't end up with that type of recon, but got the recliner anyway, b/c i was going to be staying home recuperating this time. Best...investment...ever... And I totally sympathize with not being able to sleep on your side :( I am a side sleeper as well and only NOW after 6-7 weeks post surgery am I finally able to almost totally sleep on my side (albeit not totally comfortably yet...still hoping that gets better)


    Headeast- my sister and i always think that as we are walking through the infusion area....how soooooooooooooooo many people are affected by this horrible disease :( so sad......


    hugs to all!!! i feel awesome today and I'm really pissed that it's snowing and preventing me from taking advantage of feeling great - no christmas shopping :( bummer. guess i should clean....lol

  • Bluegrassharp
    Bluegrassharp Member Posts: 73
    edited December 2013


    I, too, am also surprised at the number of people in the infusion center when I go. But a more positive way to look at it is to be consciously joyful that we have such good treatments for so many kinds of cancers today! In the bad old days, many of those people -- us, too! -- would have had much less hope for many, many good days ahead.

  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 856
    edited December 2013

    Todays' Dr visit went well. Heard " something" in my lung; got  a chest x-ray, but I think I am fine...blood counts were all good!  YAY!! Got a RX for thrush. bleh

    I think today I am feeling back to normal:) I said that yesterday, but feel even better today. whoo-hoo! I am trying not to think about my next treatments and focus on how good I am feeling right now.

    Have a wonderful week ladies with few SE's please!

    ((HUGS))

     


     

  • audra67
    audra67 Member Posts: 127
    edited December 2013

    You all are SO nice!  I feel sad today and maybe it's my lowering wbc?  Go to get blood tested tomorrow..

    When is the nadir of TC???  I thought 5-7 days??? or 5-10??  today is 5...but got the neulasta so that should compensate right?

    Hoping I get no period this month! That about threw me over the ledge last month!  YUCK!  And I still am growing leg and underarm hair while my top hair is baby soft and fine and almost all gone...this is so UNFAIR! I'm also noticing lots of facial hair that I never saw before...nice.

    Yes that infusion room is an awful place to see.  Reminded me of psych wards in nursing school...it was scary.

    But like HeadEast said it is amazing how many people have cancer.  It just seems unreal that is it so common.  My place is ALWAYS packed every time I have gone, the waiting room, the infusion room, it is like a starbucks...just amazing.  and sad...why do so many get cancer? 

    At least I am happy with my Dr, and the nurse is OK too, it is new facility hooked onto a hospital, it is close to home (15 minutes) and I am getting to kill any little cells that might have thought about being cancerous...so I am thankful.

    Wearing little burglar caps around the house, feel like a catburglar !  :) 

  • schoolcounselor
    schoolcounselor Member Posts: 229
    edited December 2013


    You look great Audra!! I has chemo in the hospital instead of my usual place. It was like a factory. Thank heavens I return to my regular place. Spacious, friendly and a lot of laughter. Went today for my neulasta shot. Also got Ativan. I also scheduled my exchange surgery for February 21st!!!


    Just tired today after chemo. Hoping for minimal muscle aches and no fever this time around!

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited December 2013

    FYI:  The website referenced below is a website that was founded by Scott Hamilton, the former Olympic ice skater who is a cancer survivor.  I found this website easy to understand in its descriptions of the chemotherapy and helpful.

    Nadir: Meaning low point, nadir is the point in time between chemotherapy cycles in which you experience low blood counts.

    According to chemocare.com,  ( link: http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/cytoxan.aspx ) the nadir period for Cytoxan is

    Onset: 7 days
    Nadir: 10-14 days
    Recovery: 21 days

     

    According to the same website, ( link: http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/Taxotere.aspx ) the nadir period for Taxotere is

    Onset: 4-7 days
    Nadir: 5-9 days
    Recovery: 21 days

     

     

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