just finished TCH chemo Treatment--a few thoughts . . .

windchimes58

I had 6 treatments of TCH (taxotere, carboplatin, herceptin), and I wanted to share a few thoughts. At  first, my onc wanted to use adriamycin, cytoxan,taxol and herceptin(AC/TH).  I did my own research on the internet and discovered how dangerous adriamycin can be to the heart.  Also, herceptin can harm the heart--so I found other women on this site were using the TCH TX and I started researching that.  If you explore deeply, you can even find research articles .  Anyway, a lot of Onc Drs were using TCH and had concluded it was as effective as A/CTH and a lot less lethal to the heart!!  So at the next appt. I was prepared to tell my Onc that I wanted to do the TCH and I had research to prove it was just as good.  Ironically, he came in to that appt with the same conclusion--recent research was concluding that TCH was considered effective and much safer.  So the moral of this story is to do your own research--don't just go blindly down the path!! 

Nausea--someone said on this site--NO ONE should be nauseous after TX.  Here's what I had--Decadron 10 mg as an IV during chemo, Zofran 8 mg pills,  to be used for the day of and several days following chemo.  The label says 3 times a day--but  a Dr friend told me I could take it every 4 hrs, and I did, especially the first 4 days.  THe key is to take it before you feel really sick.  I was also given 3 transdermal patches, called Sancuso--to be worn on the skin for a week after chemo.  I saved these for my last 3 chemo TXs, knowing that chemo is cumulative and you will feel worse toward the end of TX.  And these patches helped a lot!  I also discovered that eating small amts of bland food frequently (cheese and pretzels, baked pototoes, ice sorbet, yogurt, watermelon, ginger snaps) helped keep my stomach from feeling like it was grinding on itself (kinda like what an ulcer patient feels).  I also used a ginger hard candy, called Gin-Gin (found in health food or specialty grocery stores).  And it goes without saying that YOU MUST DRINK TONS OF WATER--shoot for 100 oz/day. Think, FLUSH this S### OUT OF YOUR BODY!! Which brings us to the next topic . . .

Constipation/diarrhea--I was terribly constipated after the first TX--so I said never again. I ate lots of fiber the day before chemo and lots of water. I took Milk of Magnesia the first morning after chemo, just to make sure I wouldn't be constipated--and it worked.  Then you will tend to have diarrhea for several days post TX.  I started taking a probiotic every day and it helped.  If you have really watery stools, call your Dr.

Hair loss--I lost my hair after 2nd TX and that was one of the most traumatic things i experienced. You can be prepared (or think you are) and it is still very hard to see this fuzzy head in the mirror.  But the main point I want to make is you don't have to shave your head if you don't want to!!!  I had read about everyone shaving their head on this site--but when I lost my hair, I could not face that, and so I didn't.  I have this soft fuzz and it does not interfere with scarves or wigs!!

Scarves/wigs--I have found I enjoy wearing scarves more than I expected to!!  But you do have to match your outfit to the scarve!! Since I sew, I enjoyed finding fabrics to make scarves.  Try to find drapable lightweight fabrics-gauze, rayons, challis.  And the shape can be very basic and it works the best--a 28 inch square, hemmed on all sides. Fold in half and tie it in the back.  I found the best wig place to buy from is TLC--Tender loving care from the American Cancer Society.  They have a generous return policy--so I bought several wigs and then kept one and returned the rest.  The basic synthethic hair looks quite real and it is very comfortable!!  I do wear it on special outings.

Well, just wanted to share my experience with everyone and good luck to all who are going down the chemo road. The side effects can be managed!!

jan 

   

christina0001

Congrats on finishing chemo!!!

cgesq

Hi Jan,

Thanks for the advice.  Its nice to hear from someone who has completed this, and emerged victorious on the other side!!.  Congrats!!

I have just finished my 2nd TCH treatment, and have been dealing with some of the side effects you mention.  Balancing the constipation/big D has been challenging! Also, the sour stomach has not been pleasent.  Other than that, I agree that the TCH regimen is a good choice. 

Did you find the effects to be cumulative?  How much worse did your body react to the last few treatments?  I am hopeful that the last few will not be significantly worse than the first 2.

Best of luck,

Cheryl 

JRyan

Jan,

Thanks for posting this for others! I had many of the same SE's that you mentioned. I was getting the Neulasta shot the day after tx - which gave me the worst bone pain, but that too was tolerable in the grand scheme of things.

Cheryl,

It is definitely cumulative. I had 6 tx. The first couple were icky, but not too bad. The second 2 were pretty crappy - a step up on all the SE's. The last 2 down-right sucked for a few days. Usually within a week though, I was feeling better and on the mend.

It goes by quickly, and before you know it, you will be done with that step. Keep your head up, get your rest, drink LOTS of water, and come here often for support   Good luck to you.

Jane

windchimes58

Cheryl,

Yes, chemo is cumulative--so the last 3 treatments will be worse.  However, it was not nearly as bad as I imagined it would be.  I did use the anti-nausea skin patches, called Sancuso for the last 3 TXs PLUS continued taking the zofran--and the nausea was controlled.  And I found it really helped to eat cheese and pretzels every few hours to keep your stomach from feeling like it was eating itself!  Potatoes or rice was about the only thing I could tolerate right after the chemo.  Good luck and it will be over pretty soon!!

Jan

Adavisart

Thanks for the info. I completed my first chemo and they gave me a bit too much. I am still having diarreah on day 12 post chemo. I got thrush and other side effects that made me feel really weakened. But now that we know I need a smaller dose I am hoping the next five will be more tolerable. After the first one I am not sure how people work while going through this!

LeslieVilla

Hi Jan, thank you so much for posting this. I did someresearch and cam to the same conclusion Doc was pushing for AC/TH and I found an article that said there was only a 2 to 3%  better outcome and it was way less toxic to do the TCH only.  I start May 23 and I'm absolutely petrified.  I was dx 2 yrs ago so scared of chemo i jsut did 2 lumpectomies and now I find its been growing a new lump in the same breast so going for the chemo and praying for a good outcome.  I'm also going to try the penquin caps I hear its horrible freezing your head suring chemo, but keeping my hair somehow will make me feel less vulnerable and my little boy wont be so scared of my appearance.   I read somewhere that icing the hands and feet can help prevent numbing in toes and fingers?  Has any one tried any of icing treatments? You're so brave and strong!

jc254

LeslieVilla, I am currently using cold caps- just finished my second TC treatment today and still have my hair.  There is a very active forum called "cold cap users past and present" with wonderful success stories, pictures and tips from very supportive women who have completed treatment and saved their hair. Search for the "cold cap users past and present" forum under held me get through treatment.

LeslieVilla

Thank you  JC.. how are the caps are they very painful?  I checked out the other forum too thanks!

jc254

The first cap hurts for about 5-10 minutes, but it's not unbearable.  After that, your scalp gets kind of numb and they really didn't bother me. I took an ativan and two aleve before each treatment and it did the trick. 

Adavisart

Wish I did the cold cap. I hate wearing a wig to work it is so hot! I have been icing my fingernails and toe nails and sucking on ice. It really helps my mouth so much! I highly reccomend it. So far my nails are doing great. Have a little pale discoloration in the nail bed but that is all.

Overcome

Hi! I started TCH on Monday and the worst so far is that my arm still aches from the infusion. I don't have a PICC or port. Is this common for others? I asked my oncologist before starting and he said that I have good veins so we should use them. One chemo down, 5 to go . Then 12 more herceptin infusions to follow:)

GrandmaV

Overcome - My breast surgeon, and my oncologist both recommended a port and I am so glad I had it.

CancerKickin

Overcome, you may want to discuss a port option with your onc.  I am now on my second TCH treatment and the port seems to be a bit easier.  I was against it at first since it meant another surgery but I am so glad for it now.  

Nara19

wow !!!! Thank you! 

Is it possible to get pregnant after chemotherapy treatment ? And why do I still have my periods? My onc said that I would not have it while on treatment.

Thank you

Chelseah555

Hello all. This is my first post ever on any site. Although I have read numerous posts like this before I never imagined joining in. However I find myself more desperate than ever for answers but unable to get them from medical professionals. I myself am a nurse and am used to being able to have answers. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 29. I had just celebrated my 1 year wedding anniversary and was looking forward to starting a family. Fast forward almost 3 years later after 6 TCHP treatments, surgery, radiation, and almost 2 years of tamoxifen I find myself frustrated, scared, and anxious to conceive. I stopped my tamoxifen 5 months ago and have been trying to conceive the last 2 months with no success. I know it takes time to get pregnant but time is not in my favor. I have only been given a short window to conceivebefore needing to start more aggressive options to get pregnant. Here's the kicker chemo killed a lot of my eggs and no one knows exactly what to expect because of the lack of research. So I find myself here looking for answers from people who may have been through my current situation. I am looking for hope because I am struggling to find it on my own. Desperately wanting to be a mommy..........