Starting Zometa and Taxol Tommorow

Pure

Any advice on preparing?

I am most nervous about Zometa-do get that flu like thing the next day and how long does it last?

I am so scared-I feel like I am starting chemo for the first time.

Claire_in_Seattle

Pure...

Make sure you have someone take you there and back as I was in no way fit to drive from all the Benadryl they gave me.  I was even a bit unsteady on my feet when I went out in the early evening for my walk.  Didn't need this with AC, but a different story with Taxol. 

I am not getting Zometa but the Benadryl was no joke.  I am going to ask them to halve the dose next time, but needed the full amount to make sure I didn't get a bad reaction to Taxol.

Good luck with everything, Jen.  BTW - feel relatively normal this AM, but then I get Neulasta later so don't know how this will inter-react with Taxol.  It always knocked me out even more after AC. - Claire

KerryMac

You know, just take it as it comes. There was nothing Tylenol wouldn't take care of with the Zometa for me - I didn't feel 100%, but I looked after the kids all day, and just went off to bed once my husband came home. It wasn't disabling. You are going to do great!!

Pure

Thats good to hear:) Tks! I am preparing my body today with wheatgrass, juice, vegetables, meat and lots of water.

I am scared though-I feel like I am starting all over....

lexislove

Ya, my first infusion I had achey bones and felt congested...like I was coming down with a cold. I took a Tylenol....and voila! Good as new.

Ive had 4 infusions to date, my last 3 infusions...nothing. Felt fine. You will be fine. Zometa is an easy infusion for most.

everyminute

I had no issues with Taxol - worked every day but the actual day of treatment (cuz I was in the chemo chair!), some bone pain days 3-6 but able to work through it.

First zometa shot did make me sick.  Was fine day of but felt funny the next morning - worked about half day and by that evening had a fever - was better by the next day but felt a little off for a few more days.

Next infusion was fine and not expecting any issues with this one in March

krcll

Really, don't worry. I didn't do Zometa so I can't help you there, but the first Taxol I hardly felt anything. I joked that maybe they gave me the wrong bag!

I am very tired the first afternoon (which I hadn't been on FEC) so I make sure I can go home to sleep, The first 4 times they gave me extra drugs in case of an allergic reaction and these drugs made it impossible to sleep that first night. At my second infusion I asked for sleeping pills, so then it was no longer a problem. I generally feel great the evening of day 1 and all day 2. Day 3 I feel kind of funky and "flu-like" then I gradually get better. After 5 of 12 Taxols, I am experiencing that I am getting more tired.

That said, it really is much easier than FEC and, I assume, A/C. After one or two times, you will know what to expect when and you'll get into the routine. But I know how scary it is the first time....

Rhonda1966

Good luck with the Zometa and Taxol. I understand that feeling of nervousness. I go for my first Zometa next Thursday. I feel like I'm starting over again too! Let us know how you get along.

lkc

Hey Jen, The fear is the worst, but I  beleive you've been through the worst. I did Taxotere

( sister rx to taxol ) side effects basically the same, and am still doing Zometa.

I had some numbness ( nothing bad)  which resolved fater I finished the T.

The achiness in my chest I experienced after 2 days got progressively better as each day went by.

I only get  some mild leg pain from Zometa, which also resolves the further out from my infusion.

Try to relax, Drink lots of water.

You're on the home stretch.

YATCOMW

Just like the others.....had a high fever that evening when I went to bed...stayed in bed the next day...by afternoon I was up and running errands.....the ladies are all right....nothing tylenol couldn't handle.....

By the second Zometa nothing happened...quick infusion and outta there.

Jacqueline 

Pure

The best part of chemo today was the benadryl. That was the most fun I have had in a long time-who hoo what  a great drug:) lol

I did it-I survived-I feel fine.

1 done 11 more to go.

Claire_in_Seattle

Pure - I had a bad reaction to the benadryl.  Think I am super-sensitive to it.  Went home and slept in a drugged stupor.  All I could think was: what a great drug for date rape!!!  I wouldn't have cared what someone did to me.  I would have known what was going on, but I wouldn't have cared.

Glad you survived.  Sounds like you will do just fine with the remaining 11 doses..

Convinced I will be just fine as well, but hopefully will get less benadryl the next time.  I am doing 6 over 12 weeks, so 5 more to go.  Really feel like I am on the home stretch now.

everyminute

Yah, Benedryl was good.  There is a picture of me at my last chemo with balloons, flowers and a cake - sound asleep in the chemo chair with my mouth open and drooling.  Very nice.

Beverly11

Jen - The clinical trial I am on is "Phase III Trial of Bisphosphonates as Adjuvant Therapy for Primary Breast Cancer. There are 3 possible drugs that you can get.  I felt very fortunate to get the zometa (zoledronic acid)  There is a deadline as to how long after chemo you can enter the trial.  (can't remember & it doesn't say anywhere on my info)  I had my 1st treatment 3 weeks after my last chemo so I was still pretty weak.  I was fine at first but a few hours after treatment I got feverish and achy.  The next day was pretty weak and slept for quite a bit of it.  Still, nothing like a chemo treatment!  Also, the mental aspect was different.  I am doing zometa as a preventative.  I am taking control. 

 Thanks for the wheatgrass info.  I have been taking powder with juice and it seems to help with my energy.  

Bev

Lindaip

I had my first Zometa treatment last year and had no side effects.

Linda,  8 years out - Stage IIIB

Purdue98

I have my first Taxol infusion tomorrow as well, but feel much better about it based on all of your feedback! Thanks!  The last few AC tx were rough so I wasn't sure what to expect.

Has nausea been an issue for anyone with the Taxol?

AnacortesGirl

I didn't take to the benadryl IV too well.  So they switched me to taking it orally.  Just wanted to mention that in case you get overwhelmed like I did.

Pure

well i can tell you the tax is nothing like the aux.I feel totally fine.

fighting4mykids

I go the mega-dose of Benadryl the 1st taxol which knocked me for a huge loop. The next time,they cut it in half and then each time after that I did not get any benadryl.