Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013
Comments
-
Joanmj58 -- I'm doing 6x TC, and I'm in the chair getting treatment #4 right now. I haven't had neulasta -- my blood work so far has been okay except for borderline anemia. From what I hear about the neulasta SEs, I'm glad to have avoided it so far!
My main SE is upper body muscle aches -- worse on days 3-5 of each treatment so far, but pretty constant and increasing with each treatment. But I have to say that it's not debilitating -- I've been able to get out for walks most of the time, and to the gym to lift (reduced) weights and swim in the 10 days or so before a new treatment. Also have some (so far) more minor SEs -- fingertip skin thickened with some possible finger neuropathy; a little nausea/diarrhea and a "sandy" feeling mouth in the week after treatment.
I think I've been really been lucky so far, but I am a little scared about increased SEs after this next treatment. Let's keep in touch -- I can be your "canary in the mine" since I'll always be 2 treatments ahead of you
0 -
so sorry the picture is upside down
not sure why that happened.... My infusion was fine today - had the BEST nurse so far! She avoided my hand and got a vein in the arm the first time! No pain with the Benadryl (which burns in the hand). Had the weirdest feeling when they were infusing the taxotere - so restless and uncomfortable but not in pain or nauseous. WEIRD weird feeling....like I wanted to jump out of my skin....Kim - the new quilted blanket is hand made. My nice was talking to a mom in her town telling her about me....she brought the quilt to my sister to give to me... It's a long narrow blanket that is meant to "give you a hug" when you need it. I've never even met the woman and for her to give me such a gorgeous hand made quilt.......she is ALSO a breast cancer survivor...... So so sooooo thoughtful and special!
Was able to do a bit of shopping after chemo but I am super tired now.........
Hope everyone else did ok today!!!!!!! Hugs to all
0 -
Joan and BlueGrassHarp- I had 6 rounds and made it through to the other side. I know I was more fatigued after each round and dealt with RBC that were continuing to drop. Fortunately, the RBC never dropped so low as to require a blood transfusion. As those RBC counts dropped, I noticed I was a little short of breath and sometimes a little dizzy if I got up too fast from laying down. Although I asked my onco about taking some iron supplements, she said no and that I just needed to increase foods that are iron enriched since the body absorbs the iron better through foods than through supplements. That meant I had a great excuse to lean beef steak and also ate beans, iron enriched cereals ( Cream of Wheat, Total, Quaker Oats Oatmeal Squares), etc. The one vegetable that has lots of iron in it is spinach but I can't eat that because it contributes to my kidney stone problem. I don't think my other side effects got worse; I just felt more tired and a little more winded. Do your best to keep eating well, sleep and rest whenever you can and get a little walk in everyday. Hang in there, gals!!!! Once you have gotten past the 3rd round, just take comfort in knowing that you are at least half way done and the final Round 6 will be there soon!!!!
0 -
Had a good day in the window alcove bed getting my second TC. When we were leaving the building someone was playing the grand piano in the lobby. And after dinner tonight we walked out into a laser light and firework show! Great day, no significant SE effects yet. Those should start on Day 4. Loving the posts and photos.
0 -
Melrose, you are a wonderful resource for all of us!
So of course, I have a question for you. At my 4th infusion today, my MO and clinical trial coordinator were concerned that my fingernails are turning yellow; and the skin on my fingertips has thickened, dried and peeled a few times, which makes it look like the nails on my thumbs are lifting up off the fingertip.
My MO didn't think there was much that could be done to increase my chances of keeping the nails. But the oncology nurse suggested using tea tree oil. When I searched BC.org about it, I found someone who thought tea oil might have estrogenic properties, which might not be good for ER+ women. Your thoughts?
And if tea tree oil is good for nails, do you use 100% tea tree oil! and how often do you apply it?
0 -
Bluegrass -- I don't know if this helps, but I iced my fingertips during the T part of the infusion, and (on the advice of my MO) kept my nails very short and painted my nails with dark polish. The ends of my nails turned yellow/orange, but it has faded since treatments ended and is growing out. I am still keeping the dark polish on and keeping them short. Somewhere on one of the BCO threads (maybe SpecialK on the Oct Chemo thread) I read that the reason for keeping nails painted was to keep out light during tx. Now that tx are over, I am taking Biotin to help skin, hair and nails, also a hint I found on these threads. I will be interested to see what Melrose says as well.
0 -
Thanks, TeamKim -- I missed the boat on icing this afternoon. Grrrr! I had read about this some time ago, and just forgot it until you mentioned it. I haven't seen anyone doing this in the Fort Collins treatment center, but I think I'm the only one doing TC when I'm there.
I have been very careful not to do anything with my nails since I started treatment -- no fiddling with cuticles, no polish, I just keep them clipped straight across and short enough to remind me not to use my thumbs to pry anything open! As a result, my nails look like h*ll, but they don't hurt and are intact with no fluid or infection or anything. They are just yellowish at the ends and striped near the cuticles (one stripe for each treatment) -- and what a fashion statement that is!
Good luck with rads this month -- keep us posted on your progress there, TK.
0 -
Bluegrassharp- I iced my finger nails and toe nails during the Taxotere portion of my 6 infusions. That meant 1 1/2 hours of icing . I had read about icing on the BCO chemo threads and asked my onco about icing. My onco told me to use clear nail polish (Sally Hansen Hard As Nails) and suggested that I ice. My nails did have a yellow tinge to them plus there were horizontal lines/dents. Those lines seem to coincide with the number of chemo rounds I had. I used Essie All in One Base and a pink color called Mademoiselle. The reason that I didn't use a dark polish is because my onco wanted to check my nails at every infusion. I can't say whether the icing helped or not. I had pretty good strong nails prior to having chemo. However, the icing may have helped prevent the neuropathy since I had a very mild neuropathy. I never used any tea tree oil but I do know some who did because it helped the nail fungus. I also kept my nails short and always used ( and still use) rubber gloves when washing dishes or doing household cleaning. Try not to use finger nails as tools for opening cardboard boxes and for staple removal. You may want to try icing for the final two rounds of the chemo. It may help. I remember that my hands and feet as well as the rest of my skin got very dry from the chemo. I made an extra effort to put Cetaphil cream ( not lotion) on my hands and feet and then put cotton gloves on my hands and socks on my feet. I also wiggled my fingers and toes often in an effort to keep them flexible. I sometimes got trigger finger if I held a large mixing spoon in one position too long. When it happen, I would just straighten my fingers out and wiggle and bend them. I know it sounds like I was a little obsessive about taking care of my hands and feet but it was one way for me to have some control and to help take care of me. My nails seem to have recovered..... the yellow and indentions are now grown out and gone..... my nails are not chipping as much as they did for the first year post chemo.
0 -
Melrose, many thanks for the thoughtful answer -- you have given me/us a lot to think about!
For one thing, I haven't been careful about using gloves for cleaning -- I hate 'em, but I can see how keeping dry might decrease the chance of fungal infection. An infection would be awful! The good news/bad news about the Colorado Front range is that it's dry dry dry here -- so maybe that (and a DH who is in charge of loading the dishwasher) has compensated for my no gloves behavior.
I, too, had wonderful strong nails before taxotere, so maybe that will save them in the end
(Can you see the nice thumbnail on the emoticon?!?)0 -
Wrenn, I will ask about cold mitts for my last 2 treatments. They sound evil, but losing fingernails sounds even worse!
0 -
Bluegrass: I iced for all 6 taxotere tx but I used frozen peas. They are more flexible than ice. I was the only one at my center who iced so no cold mitts, but I got the tip from Special K. Unfortunately I didn't ice my toenails correctly the first time & I'm going to lose both big toe nails. It does need to be the full taxotere infusion time + 15 min before & 15 min after. My infusions were 90 minutes so that meant 2 hours of icing. I used Sally Hansen clear Hard as Nails, but put dark polish on just for the infusion day - to keep out the light. Nails are brittle & sort of soft but otherwise OK.
As for the thick skin on fingers, I have that now with the Adriamycin/Cytoxan but did not have it with the 6 tx of Taxotere/Carboplatin. Maybe it's a Cytoxan SE? Fingertips & thumb are sore & peeling just like you describe. Using CeraVe cream (not lotion) & when it gets too bad I'm using Neosporin & bandaids.
0 -
MinusTwo -- thanks for describing your experience. I hadn't even thought about my toenails!
Okay, I got my slippers back on -- my toenails look fine and no weird skin thickening either. Speaking of weird, how weird will I look during chemo with both hands and feet cozying up to all those peas?
I'm so sorry about your toenails! hope it doesn't hurt too much, but it sure sounds uncomfortable at best!
0 -
Bluegrass - After wrapping in towels the first time, I went to WalMart and got some of those soft sided coolers. I just kept my hands stuck inside those with the peas. My infusion center let me put the peas in their freezer and brought out my 2nd batch half-way through.
0 -
MinusTwo -- I am amazed at your resourcefulness and the kindness of the people who care for us! Thanks again for taking the time to help me.
0 -
Bluegrassharp- I used the frozen peas at the first infusion which didn't work so great for me. They defrosted a little sooner than I wanted. I found a cheap ice tray that would make small balls of ice. I put those small ice balls ( about the size of moth balls) in ziploc bags. I bought 4 Neoprene wine bags from Target at $6.99 each. I would put an ice bag at the bottom of the bag and then slide my feet in and position the ice bags so that they were on the top of my toe tails. My husband helped me put my hands in the wine bags with the ziploc ice bag in the bottom of the bag. Then I would position the ice so that the ice was on the top of my fingernails. I usually wore some very thin short athletic socks on my feet to help keep the rest of my foot warm and some fingerless gloves on my hands to help keep the rest of my fingers/hands warm. Target sells a set of fingerless gloves with some regular gloves for about $3.00. I just used the fingerless gloves only from the set. The infusion nurses always asked me why I didn't use the ice from the infusion center patient snack bar. I told them that the ice melted faster because of its shard shape. I didn't have to replace the ice during the infusion since the wine bags help prevented the ice from melting too quickly. The wine bags worked great since they kept the ice where I wanted it and also help keep the rest of my feet and hands warm enough.
0 -
Here is an interesting thought on icing. My MO said NOT to and that I could have cancerous cells that wouldn't be reached if I iced??? So I have not done it, also because I usually am freezing to death and the thought of ice on any part of me sounds awful...Also I asked about eating/drinking cold/iced things during infusion to cut down on mouth sores and he said same thing...weird?? I do know someone else that iced though and it helped all of her nails. I also know someone that did the 'cold cap' on her head so as not to lose her hair!!! VERY painful and ridiculous if you ask me...it was dry ice to the head hour before and after infusions..!!!!
But I have used the Sally Hansen hard as nails each day before infusion. I have one thumbnail with discoloration that I got after 1st infusion and some lines under it...but otherwise my nails are hanging in there. Haven't done one dish as my husband has been on all of that and I have housekeepers for cleaning...so that has helped as well with dishpan hands..
MinousTwo-
Did they tell you why reoccurrence? Any ideas? You had bmx in 2011 and then lymph nodes found in 2013?? How did you find it?? Were you on Tamoxifen? Do you have your ovaries?
Of course, I am hoping for NO reoccurrence as everyone does, but wondering how to tell if it ever happens...
Seems like a lot of MO's do NOT do a lot of screening and some do...I am not sure what mine will order but I know I will want checked every 3 or 6 months at first...
Bluegrass- Wishing you feel better and nails hang in there...
Happy almost NEW YEAR and NEW Beginnings and LIFE to us all!
0 -
Praying that you all have a Happy, and above all, HEALTHY 2014! We can do it!!!
((HUGS))
0 -
Hi ladies,
MY MO also said no to icing. My nail beds are discolored but I do not think I will lose and nails. I, like Audra. am always cold so it was a relief to me to hear that! With regard to cleaning I do have a cleaner that comes in and dishes are done by someone else at home or by me with gloves because I a concerned about infection.
0 -
Melrose: Yes, I forgot to mention that I put the peas in zip loc bags. And yes they started to get mushy so I used two bags per appendage during the infusion.
Audra - my infusion center brought me ice chips for both taxotere & adriamycin. Apparently it helps keep away mouth sores - and it worked.
As for recurrence, I found a swelling below my collar bone. I went in for two year check up & they found IDC w/a ULS biopsy. All of my docs were shocked since margins & nodes were all clear w/DCIS & BMX in 2011. I'm ER/PR negative, so no hormonals. And while my ovaries may still exist, I'm past menopause so no action there. Luckily (?) I'm HER2 positive so I will continue to get Herceptin.
0 -
I drink ice water during infusions too and have had no mouth sores...and I'm wearing dental trays every night with fluoride that irritate my gums...so that must work!
Minus two- Glad you are getting Herceptin...how long is that? Is that a pill or chemo infusion? I have no idea...as negative for that and hormonally raging apparently...God Bless you , you are strong!
Keep the faith- how are you feeling?
I am having a couch and no shower day...yuck...somehow my mind is awake but body just exhausted so can't sleep either...yuck.
0 -
If you are wondering if I froze while I iced my fingers and toes.... here is how I stayed warm. I had shortie athletic thin socks on my feet and fingerless gloves on my hands. I wore the same outfit to every chemo..... leggings, a men's under shirt and a pull over sweater hoodie. When it was time to ice, I put on a pair of fleece pants over my leggings and had a warm blanket from the infusion center blanket warmer. I did drink/sip on icy cold water and always had a cup of ice to suck on during the infusions. I can't say that it was uncomfortable the entire 1 1/2 hours of icing because it wasn't. I got used to the cold after a few minutes and just watched tv while the Taxotere infusion just continued to drip. I did not do the cold caps but I was willing to do the finger and toe nail icing. I was more interested and concerned about having the chemo get to my brain than about my hair. It has grown back and I would do it again.... give up my hair so I could minimize possible brain mets. I do remember reading someplace in all of my researching that the likelihood of mets in the fingers and toes was minimal. I guess we all pick and choose our battles and risks we are willing to take during chemo. There isn't a right way or wrong way; just each person's own way that each chooses according to her medical team and how she feels about herself.
0 -
Melrose, you are so right about picking and choosing what makes sense for each of us. I am often amazed at how differently we each respond to the "same" chemo regimen -- I guess that's why they say medicine is an art as well as a science.
I emailed my MO about the tea tree oil and icing options last night and just got back this information, which she gave me permission to post here. She's a smart cookie and fresh from a fellowship at Sloan-Kettering, so I think she's a reliable resource for our discussion board -- and I love her for her empathy.
-----------
Email RE: Fingernail Issues, 12/31/13 from Dr. Farah Datko, Front Range Cancer Center in Fort Collins, Colorado:
Sue, your nails did not look too bad today. It would be ok to do nothing for now, but it's true that there is a chance they can get worse.
I prefer tea tree oil. Never studied for Taxotere-induced nail changes to my knowledge, but there is little harm, so I don't mind you trying. Apply a thin coating to affected nails twice a day. Here are 2 references:
http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/tea-tree-oil
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8195735
Yes, there is a theoretical benefit to putting fingertips in ice during infusions, because cold should vasoconstrict the blood vessels in the fingertips, causing less Taxotere to reach the nails. Again, this is theoretical, never studied in a clinical trial (I've heard a "cold-glove" might be studied), but little harm in trying. Along the same lines, there is an ongoing clinical trial studying the "cold-cap", an ice cap on the head during chemotherapy to see if it reduces hair loss - I've heard rumors that unfortunately, it has been disappointing, but the final results have yet to be reported.
If your nails do separate from the nailbed with liquid discharge, or if they become painful, please let me know. The dermatologist who specialized in chemotherapy side effects at Memorial Sloan-Kettering recommends an antiseptic vinegar soak for this (soak hands and feet for 15min every evening in a 1:5 solution of white vinegar and water), and a topical steroid (needs a prescription).
----------0 -
BGH, thanks for the info/link on the nails and tea tree oil. I have been using the oil every few days since my first TX. They seem to be dryer than usual and breaking easier, but no discoloration, ridges or lifting as of yet. Keeping my fingers crossed! Have not used it on my toes, so maybe there will be a difference...?
audra, hope you are feeling better for the New Year! I am doing very well today, thanks for asking. I took down my Christmas decorations and am thinking of taking the dog for a walk in a bit while the sun is shining! My achiness was on and off last night, but seems to have ended this morning and I think the only SE I am fighting at the moment is thrush...well, and sleeplessness, but that's not that uncommon for me on a good day anyway! I am waiting for the fatigue to set in, but going to enjoy each good day as it comes!
((HUGS))
0 -
Glad to hear you are hanging in there keep.Melrose so true! Bluegrass thanks for the links, I make my own body lotion and add tea tree to it, but I have never used it on its own. interesting.
Here's to a happier and healthier New Year for us all!
0 -
Hello Sisters. I have a question. Chemo was Friday. I seem to have a urine infection. I just called my MO & he sounded a bit annoyed I didn't call when office was open for culture. ( difficult for me to keep calling drs). Has anyone had or know of chemo induced bladder infections? He is giving me antibiotics which I usually shun, but will take now I think I wanted to check with you. Thanks
0 -
Momat - I currently have an e-coli bladder infection. Symptoms started 7 or 8 days after last tx. One of my friends ask if I'd been eating raw hamburger (ha ha). MO didn't think the Cytoxan caused the infection but agreed that Cytotaxan effects the bladder & certainly aggravated it. I tried cranberry juice for several days w/no results then went in & had a culture done. One course of Ampicillin didn't kill it so I started a 2nd course today.
Happy new year everyone.
0 -
Momat -- I had bladder urgency after tx 2, 3 & 4. Got tested twice for UTI, but it was negative. I found that taking cranberry pills and drinking LOTS and LOTS of water helped. I also took Uricalm (OTC available at CVS) a couple times, which eases the irritation. Of course, ask your MO to make sure it is OK for you -- Ugh, these SEs! (((Hugs)))
0 -
For what it's worth... I have been struggling with SUPER dry hands and feet since chemo. Tried all kinds of creams -- Eucerin, Aquaphor, Vaseline intensive care, etc. Today I was cleaning out a drawer and found a tube of something that is finally helping: L'Occitane Creme Mains Dry Skin Hand Cream, It contains 20% Shea Butter, plus honey, almonds extracts and coconut oil, per the label. Just an FYI in case any of you are having this problem too.
0 -
I use pure shea butter ( you can get it on amazon) and i mix it with coconut oil, and a few other oils and it has been great for my skin. That is at least one side effect I have been able to avoid.
0 -
Well, I was nervous about TC #4 yesterday, but so far it's better than the last time. I spent the day cleaning up after the holidays like a mad woman, with lots of energy. I'm tired now, but still feel good, or at least no worse than last week. Maybe tomorrow I'll crash and burn, but I'm hopeful that won't happen.
Here's a photo from Christmas Day of DH, DD and DS -- and our happy dogs. In spite of all the challenges posed by BC this year, we had a good holiday. (You might notice that our tree has lights but no ornaments -- we did cut some corners!)
Let's all have a Happier New Year!
0
