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Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013

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Comments

  • AKJ
    AKJ Member Posts: 115
    edited February 2014

    Thanks Momat. It sounds like it's certainly not an exact science and there are differing points of view. I'm feeling better about my plan of action now.

    Bondsy, that sucks about the fingernails. I have so much to look forward to.

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited February 2014

    AKJ- Are you icing your fingernails and toe nails?  It may help prevent some of the nail damage and neuropathy.  Make sure you talk to your onco before you ice the nails during the Taxotere.  I iced for all 6 rounds and had minimal nail damage and neuropathy.

  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 856
    edited February 2014

    akj, welcome! I hope your treatment goes well for you. Come back often if you need advice and encouragement..or just need to vent!

    bondsy, good to hear from you. Wow, that must have been a surprise! The fun never ends...

    I'm still feeling fatigued, but hoping I will wake up soon and have some real energy! Thankfully, no fast heart rate.

    Have a good week-end, ladies!

  • AKJ
    AKJ Member Posts: 115
    edited February 2014

    Thanks for the welcome everybody!  And thanks for help navigating through this confusing process.

  • ailurophile
    ailurophile Member Posts: 124
    edited February 2014


    RunningfromcancerThanks for reply.I think u have a very caring MO.sounds great.Good luck with every thing.

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 695
    edited February 2014

    AKJ, My MO is a big research-type.  Tghere are no studies comparing 4 TC vs 6 TC.  There is a very large study goign on now comparing 6 TC to AC-T for larger tumors such as yours.  The results aren't in, but my MO said that they are quite confident that they will find that only a very small subset of women benefit from the "A."  It will be interesting to folow, but he is very confident that TC 6 for big tumors is very appropriate.

    Bondsy, Bummer about the nails; how frustrating.  I lost one toenail.  My fingernails look a little different, but are holding on so far.

    SC, We all need to cry now and then; I don't think anyone understands all that is involved if they haven't been there.

    I am 3 months PFC and am back to work doing my crazy shifts as a firefighter/paramedic.  I am a bit more tired than I'd like, but so far, so good.  It's good to have some normalcy back, and though I've always been compassionate towards my patients, I have a whole different level of compassion now.

  • QuirkyGirl
    QuirkyGirl Member Posts: 67
    edited March 2014

    Bondsy, thanks for the update.  Did you have Beau's lines on your nails due to chemo?  Hope they grow back soon!

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited March 2014

    QuirkyGirl- I had those indentions aka Beau's lines.  I had a new indention a few weeks after each chemo.    I notice that they had yellow tinge when they were growing out post chemo.  I also noticed that my nails seem to chip a little easier than before chemo.  Of course, they always seem to chip when I'm out and about.  I now keep a small Revlon manicure set in my car now.  Other than the chipping, my nails have all returned and do not appear to be lifting.  Maybe the icing helped.... who really knows.

  • bondsy
    bondsy Member Posts: 49
    edited March 2014

    QuirkyGirl - No, I didn't have Beau's nails. (I had to look that one up online - the photos aren't pretty.) My nails just started separating from the skin, then turned white, then started chipping away. Several nails are gone, and several more are on their way. But, there are little new nails starting to grow underneath, so that's encouraging. It doesn't hurt, it just looks bad. I didn't ice my nails, now wish I had.

    KBee - I know what you mean about having a whole different level of compassion now. I also find myself being so much more understanding and empathetic to what others are going through.

  • AKJ
    AKJ Member Posts: 115
    edited March 2014

    Thanks KBeee. I emailed my MO and he pretty much said that same thing about the AC/T. We'll talk more about the TCx6 at my next visit.  He did say that the biggest benefit I'll be getting will be from the hormone therapy.

    Congratulations on finishing up and getting back to a full schedule.  I hope your full energy returns soon!

  • Headeast
    Headeast Member Posts: 393
    edited March 2014

    AKJ, my tumor was idc 4.1 and the other was dcis 1.3cm, plus one positive sentinel lymph node. I did 4tcs.

    Kbeee and I followed similar dates and spoke about the same question in this thread. You can search the conversation.

    I am grade 2, you have not included your grade. I am pleased I decided to take the TC chemo and not the other one. Heart issues are something to think about with the Adryamicin.

    You are here in a good place and keep asking more questions. All of us do!

  • AKJ
    AKJ Member Posts: 115
    edited March 2014

    Thanks Headeast. I just looked up the grade, it was grade 3. These side effects with the TC are bad enough without having to worry about my heart. I guess it all depends on point of view. It's fascinating to read about all the different surgery and chemo decisions being made.

  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 856
    edited March 2014

    Hi ladies! I told my MO that with my family history of heart problems, I didn't want to take Adriamycin unless absolutely  necessary. I am glad I didn't. My Dad died of heart attack at 78 and my Mom had triple bypass at 55. I know their lifestyles had something to do with it, also.

    It is nice that we have choices, but then again, it would also be nice if it were more black and white! I don't think anything about BC is black and white, though!:).

    My energy and stamina are slowy starting to return. My 3wks PFC follow up with MO is tomorrow. Hoping she will give me the okay to start rads soon.

    Thanks for sharing all of your experiences! I hope you all have a great week!

    ((HUGS))

     


     

  • AKJ
    AKJ Member Posts: 115
    edited March 2014

    yes, keepthefaith! I wish the answers were more clear cut. It's all based on statistics, theory, and philosophy. 

  • audra67
    audra67 Member Posts: 127
    edited March 2014

    AKJ-

    I think icing sounds good for nails.  I DID NOT do it as my MO said no to it...who knows why?  And I am  weeks PFC and they are lifting from nailbeds now!  They have the ridges from after each chemo and are yellowish and awful looking.  I am taking Biotin for hair growth and nails now, not seeing a HUGE help. 

    The thing I did get after 4th TC was hand and foot syndrome and my feet are still peeling, raw and sore!  I am seeing a dermatologist this week, and I do walk, have them in shoes daily, so probably not helpful.

    The decisions about which treatment are always going to be hard and I think they all just don't know it all as they don't know CAUSE of cancer still...so they try their best options.

    I think the biggest things I've learned from this site are that:

    1.  you have to be your own advocate and research and ask questions of your MO,

    2.  and have someone go with you to each visit as you don't retain what they say when you are anxious, ill, worried, or getting infusions. 

    3.  use the meds. for side effects, anxiety, sleep, it is easier to cope when you get sleep...I know that the hard way.

    4. All Dr's say different things...different views toward icing, vitamins, foods, treatments, scans...

    5.  EVERYONE on here is in your shoes and understands and feels what you feel, we get it and are here for you!

    And I can say - 7 weeks pfc, It really does get better and I 'almost' feel normal again :)


  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 856
    edited March 2014

    I am so not happy with my bone density results. Will be anxious to see what MO has to say tomorrow. Osteoporosis in my lumbar spine...osteopenia in my neck and hip. Anyone else being treated for Osteoporosis? Never in a million years thought I would get that for a DX. Wondering how it will affect my hormone therapy...

    audra, did your nails have a half-moon shaped whitish halo on the base before they lifted? I have that on mine and also ridges, but not really yellowing. My toenails seem to be fine. Wondering if losing nails is next. I'm glad your energy is returning! I can't wait for that to happen.

     

     

     


     

  • capricornchrissy
    capricornchrissy Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2014

    Keepthefaith: I had a diagnosis of osteopenia and I take Femara for hormone therapy.  My doc did not mention that one affects the other.  I have a prolia injection every 6 months to prevent additional bone loss.  It is expensive but I have not had any negative side effects that I know of.  

  • AKJ
    AKJ Member Posts: 115
    edited March 2014

    Thanks Audra for the encouraging words.  I'm a bit strung out right now.  My partner goes with me to the appointments and we're not afraid to ask a lot of questions and advocate.  I'm also not afraid to take the meds for nausea and anxiety.  I have a prescription for lorazepam which usually makes me sleep really well but isn't working quite as well as I'd like.  I think I'd feel better if I could get a full night's sleep.  I'm so tired that I go to bed really early then wake up during the night or super early and miss out on hours and hours...

  • FairyDogMother
    FairyDogMother Member Posts: 154
    edited March 2014

    Well I ran a 5K Feb 22nd between
    treatments. I was four week PFC and my
    legs and the foot neuropathy were a pain.
    I had my worst time, but I did it. I needed it because I meet with my RO
    that week and he didn’t think he had clearance to do the Xoft rads (1 day rads
    during my reexision) and then Friday I got a call that my CA27.29 was
    elevated. So the run was good, because
    it cleared my mind of stuff.

    This weekend I hosted and did
    demos for the K9 Nose Work Instructor program. It was great to see my friends
    from all over the US. Mental health
    breaks is what I call them. Yesterday I went in for my reexision and I am out
    with having my Xoft. I am the first
    patient under 40 to get this type of radiation.
    My boob is hurting, feels like it is on fire, a little heavy, but other
    than that I feel like I’m getting back to “normal.” I’m trying to figure out how to wear a bra
    for my classes this evening since clothing hurts.

    RO told my DH that he had 2 cm
    clearness. I had 15 minutes of radiation, and all looks great. I love my OS in
    fact I’m getting him a Thank you gift. I
    am on cloud nine. My DH told me, “I’m
    glad you are a scientist and read all those peer review journals and fought for
    treatment.” Now this week I meet with
    the OB/GYN and we discuss ovary removal and/or ‘full spay with hysterectomy
    removal too.” I’m not looking forward to 10 years on Tamoxifin or
    Aromasin. Since I can barely remember to
    take my B6 for the neuropathy.

    I want to thank you gals for
    sharing your journey and answering questions.
    Chemo side effects are still in me and I heard from a nurse for every
    month you are on chemo your body needs another month to heal. I can say that through my journey I educated
    myself on treatments and I made choses that I felt were right for me. I didn’t second-guess, which is what I would
    normally do. I just kept moving forward. I encourage you gals to keep fighting
    for what you believe in and take mental health days. Keep moving forward.

    Schoolcounselor-- Age 50 is standard for colonoscopy, but I got
    one when I was 29 years old due to some issues with my GI. Have you tried Deep Breathing or Yoga for the
    stress? I know it isn’t for everyone.
    The breathing techniques get me through some needle pokes. Yeah for last chemo.

    mapgirl12- Besides the Benadryl in the IV, the nurses told
    me to go home and take Children’s Benadryl.
    Happy Dance for Last Chemo! Embrace the good days. The last chemo was a killer for me. I didn’t
    get out of bed much for 7 days.

    Carren-LB-at-2-0-clock-
    Wow you went through some toughness with TC.
    I did too I’m over a month from last chemo my throat is still having
    some damage.

    TeamKim- You are one strong woman! Way to keep moving and
    helping others.

    keepthefait…Happy Dance for last
    chemo! I will be taking aromasin for 10
    years or tamoxifen. I’m going to push for the Aromasin because it has less hot
    flashes, weight gain, and night sweets. Your energy will return took me about 4 weeks
    post chemo.

    QuirkyGirl- We are all different
    when it comes to the drugs. Your story
    of your boss’s mom is scary, but maybe you can learn from it in some good way.
    My sweat smelled awful still trying out different deodorants. Way to go no more chemo!

    Bluegrassha… Happy Dance for last
    chemo! Glad you are going to be visiting
    your 94yo mother. Give her a big hug for
    raising an awesome daughter.

    Warrior_Wom… You made the right
    choice for you. You are still out there running and doing things that make you
    feel awesome. Keep up the good work.

    Msguera5 – I was on nexium at night, and two Zantac (1
    am and 1 pm). That seemed to help. Also, sleep at a 45-degree angle with a
    pillows.

    sas-schatzi – Thanks for the information, but you could
    fire your MO and get one that would pay attention. I had to do that mid course,
    because mine didn’t believe that I was having the analphlic allergic reactions
    to TC. The new one did and took care of
    the issue.

    audra67- Friend visits are the
    best. I got to see some friends this
    last weekend from LA just for dinner a couple of times. It revitalizes the
    soul.

    MinusTwo-What are you using on your
    skin? That is awesome news about the precancerous
    lesions.

    momat927- The fatigue will go away eventually. Hope the eyed
    doctor gives you some good news.
    Congratulations on making through the obstacle of chemo.

    AKJ- I know with AC my doctors
    didn’t want to give it to me, because of heart risk later on. I have heard of other patients going from 4
    to 6 round of TC. I hope you get your
    questions answer and you find peace in your decision. You could get a second or
    third opinion. I saw three MO because I knew chemo was the one thing I didn’t
    want to do. Then I ended up firing my MO midway through chemo. Best of luck. Don’t stress about nagging
    questions, ask them. I didn’t do the
    icing thing it drove me made, but I made sure to use Auqaphor lotion daily and
    after every shower.

    bondsy- 3 months past last chemo and
    losing fingernails. I was hoping not to have any lose of fingernails. The eyebrows too. Chemo the gift that keeps
    on giving. I’m finding 300 mg of B6 helps with the foot neuropathy and the
    cream from Cancer Centers of America called ArNew Gold.

    KBeee- Way to go with getting over
    the chemo. I’m impressed with your
    strength of working the crazy shifts. I
    hope all goes well. 

  • lgoldie
    lgoldie Member Posts: 18
    edited March 2014

    I know exactly what you mean about the 2nd guessing from other people.  It is hard enough to make these decisions without that kind of help.   I think you are on the right path.  I am trying to live through the overwhelming fatigue of day 6.   Man, this is not for wimps

  • FairyDogMother
    FairyDogMother Member Posts: 154
    edited March 2014

    My last chemo the fatigue was horrible.  I got all the other side effects that i didn't get the first time.  Rest when you need to rest and try to do 10 minutes of walking 3 times a day helped me.  It is hard, but I would just be like CHEMO you are not winning today.  Took me almost 4 weeks to get over the fatigue. 

  • momat927
    momat927 Member Posts: 88
    edited March 2014

    Dear Team, Hello.  I wanted to share some good news.  I do not have the BRCA gene and the Cat Scan came out fine.  In about an hour, I am off to my first Radiation.  

    RE: PFC- Over three weeks PFC, I very slowly feel myself coming back.  I am still somewhat weepy, but less furious.  I note many of you report ongoing fatigue and breathlessness.  I do continue to experience both, but am told this will subside over time.  Also, cognitively I am still slower and concentration is not good, but the good news is the definite slow return of myself, or who I will be after this experience..  

    It is my hope that this information will give those of you still in the middle of the chemo hope.  I know what it is to feel hopeless and feel powerless.  I will say that this site helped to empower me and become my own best advocate.

    I will be reading posts about Radiation now, I suspect. 

    How can I possibly thank all of you?  I don't think the words Thank You says nearly enough.  

    With deep gratitude and affection, momat927

  • AKJ
    AKJ Member Posts: 115
    edited March 2014

    Good luck with the radiation momat927. It's good to know that it's not going to be like this forever. I'll be joining you in the radiation forum in a few months!

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited March 2014

    Momat927-  So happy that you are truly on the other side of chemoland.  Hoping that the rads will be easy on you.  Check into the Miaderm Radiation Cream... it may help your skin through rads.  It was recommended by several people to me, including a radiation nurse.  Yes, it does take a while to recover from the chemo;  it is sometimes a slow process.  Keep taking good care yourself---eat well, sleep well, exercise --- since these are the things that will help your body to heal.  Just glad you found this site and are able to connect with the gals who are here.  Wishing you the best ..... and please come back here.  There will be someone here who is just starting and will need to read your words of encouragement and hope.  HUGS!!!!! 

  • Headeast
    Headeast Member Posts: 393
    edited March 2014

    Momat, this is great news! Yay! Good luck with the rads!

    Tomorrow i have my colonoscopy to have a base line, like i did with the pap and pelvic sonogram, blood work, etc etc

    I just took the prep and waiting...i managed to not to eat solids all day.

    Next week is my follow up with my ps after my exchange and hopefully he will let me move and exercise. I also have my MO three month follow up after chemo next week, another poke.

    Definitely now crossing the finishing line!

    About the fatigue, yes, it took me a month or more to not to feel fatigued. Still not back to normal...I am giving my body all the time to heal. No rush...

  • momat927
    momat927 Member Posts: 88
    edited March 2014

    Thank you AKJ.  

    Melrose, I will come back here!  I know I wasn't as consistent as some (my hermit gene often kicks in) but I really want to lend a hand to others through this terrible march.    I will also ask the radiology nurse tomorrow about that cream, especially if it is a prescription.  

    Headeast, you are wise.  I was supposed to have some baseline tests due to my history of stomach issues, but did not get all of them.  I somehow became test overwhelmed.  Just beginning to call some drs to touch base now.  Good luck!  

    Best, momat

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 607
    edited March 2014

    Momat927- The Miaderm radiation cream is non-precription.  Here is the link to the website so you can read the info on it  ... http://miaderm.com/.  I know you can order it on Amazon.  http://www.amazon.com/Miaderm-Radiation-Relief-Lotion-SPECIAL/dp/B008QXOVK8/ref=pd_sim_hpc_9?ie=UTF8&refRID=08N18072W22WDMAAE7WE .  As always, so happy that you have finished your time in chemoland and moving forward!!!!  HUGS!!

  • cchilders79
    cchilders79 Member Posts: 38
    edited March 2014

    Hi everyone. I just started in January with my treatments I am doing four but if I do well or respond well I will do two more. I have been having a rough go especially with my second one. My third one which has slowly crept up on me a lot quicker than my last one is next week. Just wondering if everyone had different symptoms than the last and was it gradual or dramatic difference from say the first treatment to the second and so on? Still just trying to get the hang of it all especially since I still work (my job is super understanding and doesn't want me there if I am not feeling well). So that is one less stress of not having to deal with while going through this. Plus has anyone done the look good feel better event? If so did you like it? Sorry for all the questions but its good to have people that have been through it and are going through it just like I am. I have been having a ton of fevers with mine thought I was going to doge that this last time but I haven't yet. My fatigue is bad plus I am anemic which doesn't help. The joint pain was bad the first time but this time wasn't as bad. Getting the neuropathy too after this second one. 

  • Headeast
    Headeast Member Posts: 393
    edited March 2014

    ccduke, my second and fourth were the worst. The third one was a breeze. Everybody handles chemo differently and i guess it is also what we eat.

    I bought blood builder vegetable iron for the anemia.

    I went to the lgfb program and it was good, but not great. If you don't go you won't miss anything important, just some freebies.

  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 856
    edited March 2014

    ccduke, welcome!

    My first and second were about the same; on the third, the fatigue started hitting me and also the fourth. My SE's were about the same each time, except for the fatigue and I also had heartburn the 3rd round which I didn't have the first two. By the third, I didn't seem to have the body aches as bad. You should mention to your MO about any SE's that you have. They may want to change your dose. Are you getting the Neulasta shot? I never had a fever. I agree with Headeast on the LGFB class. It was fun, but mine wasn't super informative. Freebies were nice and it was nice to meet others.

    Good luck on your next TX! Keep us posted. There is someone here that has had any SE that you might have and can help you through it.

     


     

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