Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013
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Fairy- I'm with everyone else.... get a new MO. The mere fact that he hasn't had a patient before that has an allergic reaction to Taxotere makes me a little suspicious of his experience and how much he knows about his patients. I would think that the infusion nurses would be a little hesistant to administer Taxotere to you after the reaction you had after Chemo #1. If you have time, you may want to use a calendar to write down your side effects and symptoms after each round of chemo so you will have that info when you go see a new MO. I know you may be a little scared to get a new MO but it appears that your body cannot tolerate the Taxotere and you need to find an MO that is there for you .... one that is working with you rather than one that tells you that you need to find someone else to handle a medical situation.
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http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/edema-overview
This are the allegic reactions to Taxotere, from WebMd amd the ones below from Mayo Clinic .com. Both mention swelling...
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Some side effects will have signs or symptoms that you can see or feel. Your doctor may watch for others by doing certain tests.
Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
- Black, tarry stools
- Blood in urine or stools
- Cough or hoarseness (accompanied by fever or chills)
- Difficult or labored breathing
- Difficult or painful urination (accompanied by fever or chills)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
- Fever or chills
- Heart problems
- Hives
- Itching, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- Lower back or side pain (accompanied by fever or chills)
- Noisy, rattling breathing
- Pinpoint red spots on skin
- Shortness of breath
- Skin rash
- Tightness in chest
- Troubled breathing while at rest
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Wheezing
Rare
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
Docetaxel sometimes causes allergic reactions, especially during the first few treatments. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you notice back pain or itching during an injection. Your doctor or nurse will be watching out for other signs of an allergic reaction while you are receiving this medicine, and will be ready to treat any serious effects right away.
A kind of leukemia called acute myeloid leukemia [AML] can occur if you are taking a combination of docetaxel and cyclophosphamide to treat your breast cancer. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a lot of infections, experience bone or joint pain, or have a fever.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
- Swelling of abdomen, face, fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Weight gain
Less common
- Red, scaly, swollen, or peeling areas of skin (severe)
Rare
- Decrease in blood pressure, sometimes with dizziness or fainting
- Increase in blood pressure, sometimes with dizziness or headaches
This medicine may also cause the following side effects that your doctor will watch out for:
More common
- Anemia
- Low white blood cell count
Less common
- High or low blood pressure
- Low platelet count in blood
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Burning, numbness, tingling, or pain in arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Congestion
- Diarrhea
- Dryness or soreness of throat
- Nausea
- Skin rash or redness (mild)
- Sores or ulcers on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth
- Weakness in arms, hands, legs, or feet
Less common
- Bloody nose
- Body aches or pain
- Change in color of fingernails or toenails
- Congestion
- Dry, red, hot, or irritated skin at place of injection
- Headache
- Hoarseness
- Loosening or loss of fingernails or toenails, sometimes painful
- Pain in joints or muscles
- Pain, swelling, or lump under the skin at place of injection
- Runny nose
- Tender, swollen glands in neck
- Trouble in swallowing
- Voice changes
- Vomiting
incidence not known
- Burning, dry or itching eyes
- Burning upper abdominal pain
- Confusion
- Difficulty having a bowel movement [stool]
- Discharge from eyes
- Excessive tearing
- Mood or mental changes
- Pain all over body
- Pain and redness of skin at place of earlier radiation treatment
- Rapid breathing
- Redness, pain, swelling of eye, eyelid, or inner lining of eyelid
- Stomach pain
- Sunken eyes
- Tearing of the eyes
- Wrinkled skin
This medicine usually causes a temporary loss of hair. After treatment with docetaxel has ended, normal hair growth should return.
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
DR601849Portions of this document last updated: Dec. 1, 2012
Source: Drug Information provided by: Micromedex
Copyright © 2013 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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FDM -- Allergic reaction is nothing to mess around with, as the reaction usually gets worse each time you are exposed, and can be life threatening. Absolutely get a new MO who will listen to you. And YOU should not have to ask the nurses to respond in any certain way -- they should be monitoring you for reaction during the infusion and watching you closely. Allergic reactions during infusion often call for administration of Benedryl via the IV.
As Headeast mentioned above, my skin rash/hives reaction has caused my MO to change my regimen for the last infusion. Since my reaction was delayed, there was no way to know for certain whether it was Cytoxan or Taxotere to blame, but Taxotere was the LIKELY culprit, he felt. Just to be sure, I was given the Cytoxan by itself last week and I was also told to call the onc nurse each day to check in with my SEs. He said that a 4th infusion after having the allergic reaction could be dangerous for me, so I urge you to listen to your own body and be proactive in finding an MO who will help you figure out your reaction.
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Pat, turned out my platelets were very low; consequently, nose bleeds and bruising. Nurse said these symptoms very typical for low platelets. If nose bleeds become uncontrollable, then dr needs to be called asap. Maybe you want to have your platelets checked too? Good luck, Amy
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SchoolCounselor, haven't seen you post recently -- hope you are okay!
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Thank you all for the advice. I have printed tons of information out the last couple of days. I'm meeting with my MO tomorrow. My ears are feeling clogged and ringing and my throat is still sore. I know these are SE. I'm just frustrated by the responds I got from the MO. If I need Benedryl that is fine. Next Chemo#3 is Jan2nd. I even had a lawyer draft a letter regarding my SE issues. That at least go my MO to call me about it. I appreciate all the support.
momat97- hope the platelets come up.
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Will be thinking of you tomorrow FDM......best of luck with your MO!
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hi bluegrass. I'm here slipping into a funk I think. The constant fatigue is getting to me and I am using the Ativan to regulate my mood and sleep.
Developed back pain such that it hurts if I stand for too long. Next and last chemo in January 2nd. I'm so ready to be done with this.
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Schoolcounselor -- hang in there -- can you take Motrin or Advil (check with MO)? Lower back pain is a common SE from Neulasta -- I can't remember if you are getting that, but if so, it may be the culprit. I took Ativan quite a bit after tx 2, and I found it seemed to depress me, and create a moodiness that I didn't need, so I tried not to take as much (or break the pills in half) after 3rd tx. I understand you being in a funk -- I cannot believe the way this chemo has aged me. I feel like I am 78, not 58!
By the way, SC, you were exactly correct when you suggested that my hives after last tx were precursor to a life threatening allergic reaction. Been going through a lot in the past week with possible chemo changes, etc. I have finally decided that I am done -- the risk outweighs any minuscule benefit I might get from another half treatment tomorrow with either Taxotere or Gemzar. I meet with the MO tomorrow, and unless he makes some really compelling argument, I will tell him I am done.
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I am now on day 13 of chemo #4 and feeling really good. I'm surprised at how quickly I'm rebounding this time. The first 7 days were pretty bad, with a new SE - extreme dizziness, which lasted two or three days and was intense. But now I'm feeling remarkably normal. I can eat anything and am not sensitive to smells as I was after the previous chemos. The only remaining SE is some fatigue. I really feel like the worst is behind me! Hang in there everyone, it does get better.
Also today I had a bone density test to see if I can handle arimidex, and the results came back normal. That was a pleasant surprise since I am 60. So it looks like I'll start arimidex in late January after radiation. Tomorrow's my CT/simulation for the radiation. A little nervous about that.
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bondsy- don't worry about the rads simulation - after chemo it's def easier. I imagine they will make the pillow form for you and give you your tattoos (I got 2 - one between my breasts and one on the side...small dots). They do all this so they can position you on the table the exact same place every day. Anyhow - I'm sure I'm just telling you everything you already know!!!! Sorry for the insomniac rambling.
SC - hugs........feel better soon!!!!!
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FairieDoggie, please let us know the outcome
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SchoolCounselor, I developed horrible back pain on round 1: it started at day 7 and went through day 14. I was in the hospital and the Dr there felt my back and said it was in a complete spasm. She prescribed a muscle relaxant to take with the pain pills my MO had already prescribed for what she had thought was bone pain. Shows the difference between a Dr who actually touches you and one who just talks. Sigh, I wish the hospitalist was my MO. This round, my 2nd, had the same exact pain, exact same timing. It's debilitating. My MO said I'm probably in the minority of women Claritin doesn't help. Oh well. Just wanted to let you know you're not alone!
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School counselor-
I had it too this time and it was neulasta I think...I used Valium for spasms that I had left over from surgery. can't use with Ativan but instead and it relaxes muscles...
AND OMG- ONE MORE??!!! That has to be exciting! Get rested and strong and then just ONE MORE! YOu can do it!!!
Team KIm-
That sounds like a good decision - let us know what mO has to say...
Bondsy- LUCKY you! So happy for you and you give us hope and encouragement that this will end someday in our near future and we will feel better!
PatAlameda- I'm in that minority also as I took Claritin like they said also a week before, then I actually got chest pain and palpitations so I am going to try NOT to use neulasta this time...scared to get low wbc though....damned if I do damned if I don't isn't it???
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Ladies you have no idea how much you mean to me. Thank you. I was isolating myself and the pain was unbearable. I asked the infusion nurse and she said it was unlikely. Today I called my MO. He said to keep taking the Claritin, I had stopped and to use Motrin/Tylenol for the pain.
Team Kim I'm glad they stopped that chemo with you, you had all the pre signs on anaphylaxis.
Pat and Audra thank you. Thank all of you, virginia, head.
This is truly a process and I have one more!!!!!!
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SC - I truly believe the Neulasta shot is evil lol. It gave me incredibly achy bones... That is what lays me up for a week I'm convinced - not the chemo.
Pat - I feel like the Claritin does NOTHING for me..... I still get crazy bone pain..... Is the Claritin supposed to help with the bone pain?
I basically have decided to just live with that bone pain as I believe the benefits of the Neulasta prob outweigh the discomfort I get from the bone pain...
FDM - anxiously waiting for word on how you make out with your MO.
Kim - sounds like the best decision for you!!! You are practically at the finish line anyway!!!
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SC, I hope you can get some relief. if the Claritan and motrin are not cutting it, call and let them know that...call more than once if necessary. You should not have to suffer like that. The taxotere is bad enough, but when you add the neulasta, it is torture. I hope you get some relief.
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SC, like KBee said, get relief if the Motrin doesn't cut it. My MO gave me norco.
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TC Sisters -- Thanks for the pocket party!!! I felt your strength standing behind me as I made my case to my MO. He made a halfhearted attempt to spin one infusion of Gemzar as a good thing, but said he was completely OK with my decision to be D O N E with chemo! I gave my holiday treats and thank you cards to the gals in the infusion room, and I am home doing the happy dance, wrapping presents, prepping for DS to be home from college tomorrow and blasting Christmas Carols -- my feet are barely touching the ground!!!!!!
SC -- Hope you are getting some relief from the Tylenol/Motrin, but if not, don't hesitate to get something stronger (if it is Norco, be aware that constipation is a side effect and take measures for that). Hang in there! Almost done! Xoxo
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Thanks Wrenn -- yes, I am quite euphoric! BTW, my MO said, much as yours did, that my chemo was just in case there was a cancer cell floating around somewhere that was not removed in surgery, but even assuming that a cell or two were around, probably the first chemo tx killed it. And you are right, he didn't push me at all, and when I asked him to quantify the benefit from one more tx with Gemzar, he said the only small benefit would be if there was a rogue cell that was resistant to TC, then maybe it would be killed by Gemzar.
Happy holidays to you as well -- hope you are continuing to feel stronger with each day and can enjoy festivities with loved ones!
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TeamKim, Yahoooooo for you! Here's hoping for speedy healing as your body recovers...and doesn't have to be hit by the chemo bus again.
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FYI: One can have bone pain and muscle aches/pains from the chemo. The Neulasta is not the only culprit for pain. Claritin may not work for everyone but it was worth a try for those who did.
TeamKim- glad you talked to your MO and told him you were done. So happy that you are done and will have a little time to recover before the rads.
Wrenn- Happy that you are still here!!!!
Schoolcounselor- Sorry you have been in so much pain..... We are here for you. So wonderful to know that you have just one more round left!!! Hang in there!!!!
Hoping all are doing well and moving forward. I know that it gets hard sometimes and you don't think you can do this but the truth is that each of you can and are doing your best. Wishing each of you some peace and calm and many positive healing thoughts and energy. HUGS!!!
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Woohoo TeamKim!!!! Enjoy every moment!
SC - my bone Bain was overwhelming and the MO on call gave me Percocet. Overlapping that with 800 mg of ibuprofen finally gave me relief.
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MinusTwo- I had full surgical mastectomy and many lymph nodes removed then has 6 months of chemo ACT. That was 7 years back and then this year a new area was found behind my right collor bone, so had 6 weeks of RADS over the summer. Arm-hand pain, neuropathy in thumb and fingers. They claim it may get better but may not. I had no symptoms first time just a breast lump. Second time actually hand and arm pain which I thought may have been lymphedema- alas biopsy proved ERpos BC back. CT chest again next month as there are a couple areas of concern in the lungs they will be watching. Luckily no pain now and just trying to prepare for the holidays as grandkids get so excited about it. I try to get to church as much as can,
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wohoo TeamKim!
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good for you Teamkim! I know that will make your holidays so much brighter this year!
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Cograts TeamKim! We began this trip at the same time, but you're well ahead of me now. Blaze the rads trail for us. You're done with chemo!!!! Enjoy your Christmas and your son's homecoming, you truly earned it.
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Just checking in. Had my first round of TC chemo on the 9th of December. Rough couple of weeks but feeling better. So, what did I do? Buzzed me hair with the number 4 cutter. I am hanging in there. I have 5 more rounds--next on the 30th! Have been keeping up on everyone but don't post much. Happy Holidays to all!!!
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joan, Sorry you have to be here, but welcome! Please post any questions, comments, and feel free to vent when necessary. We are all here to see you through it. I just finished 4 weeks ago today. there will be bad days, there will be worse days, but there will be plenty of good days too. The things that helped me the most were: 1. keeping a journal every day of how i felt...specific symptoms, and even writing when i felt good. It really helped to refer back to it about what happened when ...both for myself in later rounds, and also for my MO. 2. Walking; 3. drinking a ton of fluids; 4. trying to get out to do something each day.......more for the mental distraction.
Hoping everyone has a weekend with minimal to no side effects.
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SC so excited for the last chemo on Jan 2nd!
Pat- nothing cut the pain from the Neulasta shot for me, but I started taking Clartin-D two days before the second shot and my pain is minimal.
Wrenn- I hope things are going well with you.
TeamKim-I'm happy you have a supporting MO.
Well, I was dreading the meeting with the MO, in fact I call an oncologist who I interview in the beginning and went ahead and set-up treatment appointments with her just in case. The nurse I talked with at the other MO told me I was having SEs and could be getting an allergic reaction. That my current MO should have been giving me steroids before the chemo, during, and after. I was only getting a bag of steroids.
Hubby and I were heading to see the MO. Hubby mention to me that the MO is young and probably hasn't had that many patients. He would support my decision. As I went to the infusion room to give my blood work, WBC is high and Liver Enzyme Phosphate keeps rising, I felt guilty. I love the infusion room staff, the nurses, secretaries, and custodial staff. I told them today might be the last time they see me. We went to see my MO and guess who was not there...My MO.
MO had fellowship and they were trying to move my appointment and I told them "No" because I have an hour drive and I had blood work, MO, and OS (oncology surgeon) appointments all schedule so 1) I didn't have to drive more 2) hubby didn't have to miss too work. If I knew MO wasn't going to be there I would have changed. Hence the first complain: Doesn't listen to me or respond to questions.
I met with the PA. She answered all my questions and told me that she has seen this in other patients. They are worried about at what point do the SE become the allergic reaction and hence why I'm going to a throat doctor the day after Chemo #3. I should be able to take B6. They are concern about my liver enzymes going up. I got more information from the PA then I did my MO. Of course the questions I had for my MO the PA could not answer. They are now going to give me steroids, before, during, and after chemo. I typed up all my SE from Chemo#1 and Chemo#2 to give them. Chemo#2 I'm doing better on except for the whole throat, tongue, lymph nodes, ear things, but I got antibiotics and steroids for it. I told the PA that I have another oncologist I'm thinking of switching too, since my MO doesn't believe my SEs. She understands and didn't know why they would schedule me when my MO is in fellowship.
After this meeting my OS (oncology surgeon) came in and we talked about the oncologist issue. I told him I really like the staff, but I feel like my MO doesn't answer questions and won't let me take more than 25-50 mg of B6. He told me I can take more and other things. He doesn't know why the MO wouldn't allow it. He told me that other oncologist I thought about switching to was a great doctor. He would understand. He also told me to the infusion nurse can be my advocate and he would be my consultant on oncology issues. We discuss radiation, because I have been looking at articles regarding secondary cancer in women under 40 from radiation. I'm now looking at partial breast radiation (balloon). I really like this doctor.
After leaving the office, my hubby and I discussed where or not I should leave the MO. I told him as long as I don't have to deal with her or if I can just deal with the PA I would stay there and finish my chemo there. I'm still schedule for Chemo#3 there. I was going to see if the other oncologist could by my consultant. I am a creature of habit and I don't like change. I also don't like not being taken seriously either. We will see what happens after the next chemo.
Thank you for the advice. I hope all are doing well.
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