Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?

Jisman

Hi All

Well, started losing body hair on day 17 after Tx 1 and started losing hair from my head on day 19.  I already had gotten my hair cut short though not a buzz cut.  Also had chosen three wigs (one curly & short like my normal self, and two short and more straight - in different colors) and started a small hat collection so I guess I'm fairly ready.  Scalp has been a bit sensitive.  Doing the ACS "Look good, feel better" program today.

Tx 2 is Wednesday.  Will have to prep to better handle the "waste management system" since I had some challenges with constipation.  Got a recipe for an all natural mix that's supposed to help.  Haven't yet tried it but here it is for anyone that's interested:

Mix together 1 1/4 cup unprocessed bran, 1 cup prune juice, 1 cup applesauce, and 1 tablespoon molasses or honey.  Take 2 to 4 tablespoons each night followed by water.

For hand cream, I find Ahava to work well.  Also enjoy Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Orange Ginger.

Wishing all a comfortable day!

goldilocks

So getting interested in trying on bras was not for me. I had a mini-melt down yesterday at the mall. I was happy that dh was there to comfort me. Great thing was he then suggested to go to bath and bodyworks.  That really picked up my spirits. I still have a couple of more surgeries for the reconstruction, so I really just need to slow down. My stomach and taste buds are no longer on the same wave. This was only 2tx, half way done, but gosh I am wiped. I did come to work today because we are short handed, but my energy and attitude is pretty shot. I am so glad that I found a moment to catch up with all of you. Food has no flavor, and my nausea meds are just barely working.  Am I at least taking in fluids.

Yes the purple gloves are great. It saves on having to apply antiseptic or washing so often. I also can keep my lotion on a bit longer.  One of the best moisturizers I have gotten at Walmart; Bag Balm. You can locate it in 2 separate areas. The pet isle and the shampoo/moisture isle. I found it to be around $1.00 cheaper in the pet isle for the same exact product. So that is where I get it from. It works great and stays moist. My dh loves the stuff. He's the one that found it.  Doesn't smell bad either.

Don't want to fuss, but today has been a bit challenging. Went and got my neupogen shot and they were 30 minutes behind. They scheduled me during my lunch hour, so this was stressful as well.  I now have red spots/soars and some slick spots on my entire head. My head is tender, but the scarf that I have under my hat today is a bit of relief.  Hope everyone's day is better than mine. Just want to make it through and get home. Is spoke with dh earlier and he said "hang in there". Yea, I'm hang'in.  Thanks for listening.

40somethingMom

just a quick note --day 6 of tx#3 pretty bad, headaches, lower back & cheek bone pain, anyone else feel their port also? mine seems to have a hollow throbbing pain comes and goes, slept all morning--I'm starting to get around this afternoon but back and head still bothering me-- very much like my last round --I'm use to it & I know it will pass -look forward to feeling well so I can get the shopping done around the house

trumpet84

Patricia - Keep an eye on the port.  Recall, I developed a blood clot in my port arm; watch for swelling, redness, etc.  Has your incision healed completely?  Be sure to let your doc know of any pain or discomfort you are having with it.

goldilocks - Hope your day gets better by the minute!

I had tx2 today...feeling tired all day long and hoping to go to bed soon. 

Everyone - Welcome to those that found this great conversation - it does not get any better than this under these circumstances; wonderful ladies with great wisdom, advice, ability to make you laugh, smile, and make you say hum and amen!!

KathyL

40somethingmom and Goldilocks:  Hope you 2 start to get over the hump soon with the SEs.  I hate the bone aches.  I get them too on the back of my head and my rib area/back.  This last time my knees also hurt pretty bad.  I'll be feeling like h*ll by Staurday, so I'm right behind you gals.  Goldi, sorry the bra shopping was not successful.  I waited a few weeks after my exchange surgery once everything had "settled".  Not sure what point you're at.

Well, tomorrow I go for my day-before-chemo check-up and bloodwork.  I'm hoping I'm not too anemic.  It goes down a little bit more each time.  My onc is not there tomorrow (just found this out today when the offcie called to confirm the appt)-- not happy about this!  I have a ton of questions and this person doesn't know me.  See you all tomorrow.

SharonS

Hi All - Welcome to the newcomers, sorry you had to join the club...but this is a great place to be!

So wanted all of you to know that we finished the 1/2 marathon yesterday in 2:37...I wanted to be under 3:00 and run the first 6.  I ran the first 7 then alternated btwn walk and run...So ended up running 10 and walking 3.  It was a great time....and remember you were all with me - had all the names on a card in my pocket....I feel great...not even that sore.

My son was on spring break...so we spent the night...took a walk on the beach and went out for a great dinner...Came home today and made a good dinner...might be my last one to make for the week...Chemo #2 is Wednesday....going to pick up the steroids tomorrow...

Have a great Tuesday...Thanks for going on the run with me...

Sharon

Believer0711

Goldi and Patty, hope you're feeling better. You would think the side effects will be more predictable each time, right? Aarrgh - why aren't they?! I'm having my 3rd on Thursday, so I'm trying to stay healthy and strong. Doctor said it will be like the last time, we'll see.

SharonS, congratulations on your marathon, and you're not even sore -- wow, I'm impressed!!!

KathyL, I pray your appointment and bloodwork goes well tomorrow. I always get a copy of my blood report so I can monitor it myself.

Hope everyone else is feeling better. Remember there is light at the end of the tunnel....

God bless us all,

Aurora

KathyL

SharonS:  Congrats on your great finish in the run.  You're an inspiration running during chemo!  I'll be thinking of you today and tomorrow as we both do chemo this week together and start the steroids the same time. Good luck!

Aurora:  I, too, get copies of my bloodwork (CBC) each time.  Good luck Thursday with your infusion.  I've found there are some SEs that are the same each time (or at least predictable).  But each round I've also found some new things pop up.  So annoying!

Have a good day, all.  I'm headed to the onc's this morning and then lunch with a friend.

beegirl

SharonS - Congrats on the marathon and for taking us along!

Hope you and KathyL have minimal se's from this week's chemo. I'm now on day 7 after 2nd tx--I was out of commission on day 5 but, knock on wood, otherwise seem to have manageable se's-dry mouth, gassiness. I'm trying a calendula cream for the redness on my right thumb.

Hang in there! 

goldilocks

Morning all,

SharonS thank you so much for taking us with you on your journey. I am proud to be a sister! You are an inspiration.

My se's are still looming. Have no taste, nausea and my head is tender. Parts of my head are completely bare and then the parts that are not, really hurt. I am not going to allow myself to lose ground, so I come to work and do the best possible. The weather here is a bit crazy so it doesn't help my arthritis. I am so looking forward to feeling better. I think I am low blood because I barely have any energy. My patience are shot so we'll see if I can last the day here at work.

Sorry all, this is wearing me out. Send some sunshine my way!

jt1945

Good morning all.

Sharon, congratuations on your great accomplishment of the 1/2 marathon.  If you can do that you will surely beat this BC.

Those of you going thru you s/e's right now I wish you a fast recovery.  One thing about this journey, every day is a new day; sometimes good, sometimes not so good.  Good luck to those of you have tx's this week.  Remember that it is one more closer to the end of chemo treatments.

I am on day 14 of TC-1 and am waiting for my hair to fall out anytime now.   I am signed up for the Look Good, Feel Better program tomorrow and was thinking it would be better to be bald so I can try on stuff in the 'nude'.  Pretty pathetic when I am now actually wanting to lose my hair sooner rather than later.  The rest of the s/e's seem to have subsided except for that nasty constipation.  Can't get that under control.  2 days ago I was so hungry; I just kept eating and eating and now I get to pay for it.  I feel pretty good and am trying to walk a mile on my treadmill everyday. 

Take care.

WellWater

Sharon:  A big pat on the back for you and thanks for taking us along - it was wonderful!!!

JT:  Everyone is different when it comes to hair loss - after 15th day post 1st tx I was not happy waking up every morning and looking for more hair on the pillow or in the drain so I just had it buzzed....when that started itching, I had it shaved and it felt great.  It's a good thing to take control of something that you CAN control.  I love the time I save not having to mess with my hair - and now that's it's getting warmer, I'm in a baseball cap most of the time.  Stay in some sort of exercise program...it's important.

Goldilocks:  If we had some sunshine here I'd send it down but all we have is a chilly, rainy, cloudy hazy day and that's kind of how I feel today but it WILL get better....it has to.

Take care all......

40somethingMom

I hope everyone had a good Tuesday! 

I feel much better today-- for anyone new that is how it seems to go, you can feel good one day and get hit the next.  I am day #7 tx3 and the worse thing I can complain about is that I have a throbbing lower back--feels like a bladder infection---but I felt this way with 1st and 2nd tx and asked to be checked for bladder infection both times clear.  Of course the same annoying SE like no taste, twitching eye... and oh yes the hot flashes I had at target today--not so bad though.

I skipped my bloodwork today since I was feeling so well to shop--I'll go tomorrow.  I know my WBC should be OK with the way I felt on Monday, neulasta working, but I need to check the liver since last time it was high. 

KathyL- Thanks for the reply-Yes you described all the same SE head, rib, back,knees & cheekbone for me, amazing I think, since TC is on the new side for TX many ONCS do not know as much as we are all are sharing on this site--- I'm cheering you on, you will beat me to the finish line - I pray SE are minimal for you

Aurora- Good Luck Thursday! I like your new picture

Atlanta-  you look beautiful in your new picture too, much better than that Orphan Annie look ha ha Glad you are feeling better in spirit!

Trumpet-  I think my port is OK, I'm thin and I tell ya it sticks out an inch on me, and it does throb, my Onc. has looked at it every time I see her she says it looks fine--I hope you are feeling well

goldilocks-- So sorry to hear how you are feeling-- hang in there--good days will come!

chris- Michigan accent?  Never heard of such a thing--that's funny

Jt1945- Yes, I felt same about losing my hair, just could not wait to just get rid of it--- I only had the constipation the 1st tx and have been using stool softeners ever since and all is better, but very gassy

SharonS-  What a perfect day that Marathon turned out for you, end of 1st tx, I wish you luck this week!

Artsee, Lady, Barb, Guggerty,beegirl anyone I missed -  how are you all doing?

artsee

Hey 40 somthing....Thanks for asking. I am so happy you are feeling better today. I was beginning to get worried, long time no hear.

I'm finally free of pain today after the shot from last Friday. Took longer than I thought. Maybe it took longer because it had so much work to do on the 100 count on the WBC.The hair is beginning to ache a little bit. Day 14 tomorrow so I'd better get ready. Second wig came today. It's not bad but didn't try it on yet. Procratinating!!!! My bladder was feeling funny too, but today it's gone. They gave me antibiotics for the low wbc so maybe they are doing a secound job as well.

Well, gotta get my beauty sleep. Talk to you all tomorrow. Pleasant dreams.

Artsee

TennesseeMichele

I've been reading everyone's great advice to Barb and wish I had read it before my first tx.   I'm on day 9 so se's are quite minimal now, just looking forward to the hair coming out.  Ha.  Thanks all for sharing so much advice.

Sharon W - have you made a decision about radiation yet?  Congrats on finishing chemo!

C-Babe

Hello all,



Heading in for tx #3 (of 6) today.... wish me luck.... I'm armed with all the meds/tips/tricks that you all (and my onco nurse) have shared with me... this will be the halfway mark for me....



Have a great day, all....





C-Babe

artsee

C-Babe...GOOD LUCK and let us know how everything went!!!

Artsee

chj127

Yes - C-Babe, go get 'em!  Sounds like you are armed for battle and ready to go.  I had my 3rd (of 6) two weeks ago.  I've heard other women say that the 3rd treatment was rough for them, but I didn't have that experience - mine went pretty smoothly, with minimal se's.  So I hope the same will be true for you.

Sharon - I'm late saying this, but congrats on the 1/2 marathon.  That is such an amazing accomplishment for you where you are right now.  Obviously you were in good shape going into treatment, but doing that in the middle of chemo is amazing.  Looks like you are also going in for treatment today, so I hope it goes well for you too!

And for anyone else getting treatments this week - best wishes to you for a (relatively) easy time of it.

CHJ

goldilocks

C-babe, sounds like you are prepared. Hope everyone is better today. I still have muscle pain, feels like my ribs caught fire and my right side is sore, but my energy level is doing better.  Dh made tuna and noodles for dinner last night. I actually was able to taste and enjoy it. My most favorite food is string cheese and cuties(mini-oranges). Think I can kinda stick my head out of the fog.

Thanks all for your support. Hope everyone has a se-free day.

Cynthia

goldilocks

Oh, does anyone think that I need to contact my onc because of the rib pain? Not sure, that's why asking.

KathyL

Hi everybody!  I'm here at my cancer center, sitting in my chair.  Almost done with my last round!  Very happy to report NO taxotere reaction today-- so all the extra pre-meds did the trick.  Yea!  So I have about 48 hrs. before the fog will descend.  I'll probably be lurking over the weekend since that's my worst time, but had to write today and share my news.  After this last drug is done, I'm off with the dh and my friend for a late lunch to celebrate. See you later!

WellWater

KathyL - CONGRATULATIONS!....ain't it a great feeling to know that you made it to the end in one (or maybe more than one) piece.!!!  I'm very happy for you and hope that your s/e's are minimal.

Goldliocks:  I would call the oncologist or at least your chemo nurses and let them know about the rib.....I called mine no matter what and they always were helpful.

C-Babe:  Good luck.........

((hugs)) Trina

trumpet84

KathyL - CONGRATS!!  Praying for no se's

C-Babe - Good luck!

ladybugcyndi

Glad I found this topic!  I just went to the oncologist last week and finally know what treatment they plan for me.  I will start a 4 cycle treatment of TC.  I go next week on 3/24 to have my port put in, then start chemo the following week.  They opted to not do the adriamyacin, although my echo looked good, they didn't get 1 picture they wanted.  Since I am on blood pressure meds, they would rather error on the side of caution and forego the adriamyacin.  Fine with me.  They told me I will take dexamethasone the night before, night of and night after, chemo.  I haven't heard anything about neublastin.  From what I am gathering, it has something to do with helping out low blood counts?  Is that correct? 

Where as I am sickened at the thought of losing my long curly hair, losing my nails scares me more.  Not sure why really, but it does.  I plan on going wig shopping this weekend, they say its best to be prepared going into treatment.  From what I'm gathering, most hair loss occurs about 2 weeks into treatment, is that right?  So, how have you all dealt with it, the hair loss.  And has anyone lost any finger or toenails? 

The more I read about the bone pain and flu symptoms, the more nervous I get.  I see one person has none of these side effects, then 5 more have horrible ones.  Makes me wonder how in the world I will fair.  Any words of wisdom?  Oh and the port.  How sore is the area afterwards and how bad is it when they do the first treatment?  They told me the first time they access it, it can be painful.

chj127

Hi ladybug - You can go back through all the posts and there are lots of answers to your questions...  But I think you are on the right track!  Neulasta does boost the white blood counts.  I didn't have it for my first treatment, and my white count was in the toilet, so I've had it for the past 2 tx's.  Lots of us get the shot, some have aches and pains (particularly in the back) but others have few side effects from it.  I haven't experienced any of the pain that others have, and I am grateful for that.  About the nails - many here swear by tree tea oil.  I've had 3 out of 6 treatments, and my nails are starting to get just a tiny bit dark, so I went out & got some of the tree tea oil (got it at GNC) just the other day and am starting to use it (it stinks!!).  I don't know if it's too late to prevent any problems.  Guess I'll see.

When I got my port, yes, my chest area was sore for about a week, but not debilitating.  I would not trade my port for anything - it is my Easy Button.  I had chemo 13 years ago via IV, and the port is so much better for me, particularly because my veins are not in such good shape.  There is a whole thread on "port vs. IV" that you might want to check out.  Also - you should get Emlacream for your port - it numbs the area so you don't feel the needle when they access it. 

It's a recurring theme here that "everyone's experience is different" and "the anticipation is worse than the experience" when it comes to chemo.  So try not to worry going in (yeah, right!) and hope for the best.

KathyL - congrats on finishing up!!!  Someday I'll get there.... <sigh>.

CHJ

KathyL

Thanks for all the congrats!  It feels great to have the TC infusions done.  I'll start herceptin alone April 8.

Ladybug:  you are definitely on the right track.  CHJ did a nice job of answering your questions.  I, too, did not get neulasta the first round and ended up in the hospital with neutropenic fever and a non-existant WBC/ANC.  Only about 40% of TC patients will experience a low WBC count that renders neulasta, and of that 40% only 10% will have happen what I had-- so do not panic if you don't get neulasta.  They'll be checking your labs closely and frequently.

Hair loss:  Most of us buzzed our hair when it started coming out.  I found the falling out part was definitely worse than the being bald-- at least for me.  You are on track with the time frame, too. 

Bone pain/aches:  I've found that Motrin works best for this; 400 mg every 6 hours.  Heat also feels good.  Some others have taken pain meds that are stronger (leftovers from surgery); if you don't have anything stronger, ask for it-- no sence in suffering.

 Hope this helps.

lynn770

Hi all!  I'm new to the board.  I just started 4 rounds of Cytoxin & Taxotere 1 week ago today followed by a Neulasta shot the next day.  I felt sore in the shoulders the first day after but went to work, then I had problems focussing on letters on the 2nd day which was immensely frustrating since I sit at a computer all day.  Thank goodness for the weekend because it cleared up after 3 days.  I see lots of worse symptoms than I have so I'm very grateful that this is all that's bothering me so far.  I did have some small quickly passing lower back spasms on Monday but my seat warmers in the car were a miracle for making those stop! 

I cut my hair after my lumpectomy (I had nodes taken and a port put in all at once and am glad that I did it all at once!).  I had long, thick curly hair and I couldn't wash, rinse and blowdry it with only one tired functioning arm.  Having hubby wash and dry it was funny but made me feel too dependent on him.  Now I have this really cute short cut (that probably won't last long) but I never would have gone this short of my own volition.  I'm thinking about keeping it but don't tell hubby.  Anyway, it's nice to meet you all.  I've learned a lot reading your stories.

beegirl

KathyL - congrats for getting through the last tx! Hope your se's are minimal!

C-babe - Hope you're doing well!

Ladybug and Lynn - You'll find a lot of good advice on this forum. For the nails, the onc nurse recommended Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails which I have on both my hands and feet. It's time to redo it this weekend. I had my hair buzzed to one inch on day 18 because I wanted to wear my wig to work. My head is shedding a lot, but now that we got some more batteries for the camera, I hope to go ahead and remove a lot more (with tape!).

I have my tx on Wed. afternoon and get the neulasta shot the next day. Day 5, Sunday, was my lowest/weakest, and this round I'm doing better with the waste management and other se's. I'm gonna take tylenol/PM tonight to be sure to get some sleep.

SharonS

Hi all - Welcome to the newcomers...this is a great place to land if you are going through this..

Thanks for all the congrats...I really feel great...also I raised over 1200.00 for the ACS and for our relay team at school.  The oncologist and NP were impressed..I wore my shirt to chemo today.

Chemo went fine...a great nap thanks to the benedryll....and I love those cushy chairs...tonight feeling ok...will take the shot and emend, steroids tomorrow.  Then the emend and steroids on Friday....oh yea today they did the first emend through my IV's...

Last time bad SE didn't start til day 4...so will see what happens this time...have the hiccups so far and that is not a bad one...

Good luck to everyone having treatments and congrats to those who have finished.

As far as the hair...we buzzed it to 1/4 in on Wed and it looked pretty good...after the race Sunday...I had lots of patches...so the hubby shaved it with no guard...just keep rolling it now with the lint roller to get out the rest....I am just going with hats and having a lot of fun...also funky girly jewelry which is also fun.  Today my hat said - GROW....

I am growing through this experience...would never have asked for it, but can already see it will make me a better person....

Nite

lotodgs

beegirl, I too have had my hair buzzed, and it now starting to shed, should we wait for it all to fall and then go bald, my hair is thick and course, what do you think, this is day 16 of tx 1. thanks, lotodgs