anyone starting TC or have just gone through it?

LaLaP

I am about to start TC on Feb 25th. I am freaked out but want to get it over with. I am to have 4 cycles so I am ready to start the count down. Can anyone tell me their most common side effects?

LaLaP

Thanks rose50. I wasn't told that.

home4lreb

Mouth Sores were my biggest problem.  My onco had me try Glutamine powder.  It seemed to make them heal faster.  You can find it at the grocery store by the body building powders. 

TeriMP

Hi LaLaP,

I just finished my 2nd round if TC in Feb 5th, the second injection went smoother than the first in regards to side effects. After my first round my side effects were:

1) extreme bone/joint pain in lower body (Tylenol, baths, etc did not work fir the pain, I ended up getting pain meds for the second round but luckily the pain was no where as bad).

2)not so much mouth sores but my mouth was very tender (use biotene and baking soda/salt rinses; took it away with first week).

3) rash on hand (only got the first round not second), but it was so bad my knuckles turned purple, I had to get a topical steroid for it. But I didn't get it the 2nd time.

4) blurry vision (only second round, apparent is normal and eye drops help)

5) heart burn ( was worse the second round but only lasted about 3-4 days); tums/ Zantac worked for me

6) "flu-like symptoms (mild fever, runny nose, etc), usually around 2nd week

7) ACNE!! They don't tell you about this symptom (but many ladies on another thread Also said they got acne); usually only within first week and it goes away but it's all upper body even on your scalp making it a but I comfy to sleep, but it does clear up

8) the usual hair loss, not all i still have some (kinda looking like friar tuck)

8) slight neuropathy but I started taking a multivitamin high in all vitamin b's and it stopped it.

9) fatigue, I find it to cumulative meaning I was much tired the 2nd time around and am expecting it to get worse as treatment goes in. But just listen to your body and rest as you can!

10) this one is very dependant on your veins ( I have very small veins and it took the nurses 40 min to find a vein on the first injection). I found the taxotere to be painful about an inch up from the injection site. The drug is mixed with alcohol (I think for it to be injected) and it can cause the vein to constrict hence the pain. We put a heated blanket in my arm during the injection and pain stopped. The 2nd time I had a PICC line (less invasive than a port/central line) inserted so I could forgo be poked for the rest of my treatments and I felt no pain at all!

I have been very fortunate in that I have had absolutely no nausea/vomiting and my appetite has remained the same. I don't want to scare you with the symptoms these are just what I've experienced. Everyone is different and some people breeze through with little to no side effects.

My oncologist thinks I am very sensitive to the drug cocktail hence all the side effects I have had. I can't say they are terrible just not very pleasant but they are usually gone by beginning if 3rd week (for me). I think the first round was so intense because it was very foreign to my body, the second round was much easier and I'm hoping the same for the 3rd and 4th rounds.

I just tell myself if it causing these SE it is definitely killing any cancer cells that may be left in my body!!

Before your treatment the nurses will explain everything, they are very helpful and will answer any questions you may have. I know it's hard but don't be nervous you will get through this!!

Teri

LaLaP

Terri

Thank you so much for your indepth response. I know thateveryone is different so the reactions will be different. I will be having a port put in my chest because my veins are really tinY and they are not in abundance in my arms either. This is from having chemo at 16 years for Hodgkins Lymphoma. Thank you for sharing your experience and I wish you the best with your last 2 treatments. I cant wait to start the countdown.

KillTheCancer

For mouth sores, I was prescribed Nystatin (as a preventative measure). I'm not sure if I would have gotten mouth sores as a side effect, but I'm on my 4th round and never had any mouth sores at all. I'll do the nasty Nystatin swishes and swallows to avoid them.

-Christine

backtohealth

for preventing mouth sores just keep some ice in your mouth during infusion-- it works!

Bikerbabe17

lala, I'm starting my first round of TC on the 26th. Getting my port this Thursday, because of my tiny veins. There is a February 2015 chemo DB, you might want join us, there are at least 2 others starting chemo the same time. Also, there is a DB just for those of us on TC, which you may find helpful, or scary...I haven't decided yet how I feel about it. Got a wig today, and ordering some hats. Cut my hair short and went bleach blonde with pink highlights, went to the store today and everyone was looking at me, not sure how I felt about it.

LaLaP

Thank you. Is there anyway we can stay in touch throughout this?

TortyLass

Hi LaLaP, I've just completed TC #2 (of 4) this past Thursday. TeriMP really nailed it with her response. Biggest advice I would give is to be very proactive about your meds, especially the nausea meds and also hydrate.

My biggest SE has been nasty bone/joint pain from the Neupogen shots. I am now taking Claritin and Tramadol for that.

Also, never hesitate to call your MO or the after hours number no matter what the time if you are suffering. They are here to support you, and ensure you have the meds/tools you need to manage the various SE's as they raise their ugly heads.

speechmom22

LaLaP.....I had my 1st on one 2/3. Everyone is different. I didn't get the mouth sores. I had mild heartburn but I took Prilosec every morning to help combat that SE. I also took Reglan the first week the minute I felt anything that remotely felt like nausea. It worked like a charm for me. I also was taking a Dulcolax stool softener each morning for the first 7-8 days. I am definitely tired and it takes me longer in the morning to get moving about my day. My job is flexible so I have been working 1/2 days starting around 10.

One thing to remember is to eat the morning if your treatment. Im not a big breakfast person but managed an egg and piece of toast. Also drink plenty of fluids that week. I have a port and got a prescription for emla cream. I applied it over my port about 45 minutes before my appointment and never felt a thing while the nurse accessed it.

I did not have the Neulasta shot the next day but will have it next time. I spiked a fever on day 11 and ended up in the ER with neutropenia. Released after a neupogen shot and antibiotic. Will be going for repeat bloodwork today.

We are all in this together and there us great support on these boards!

Nomatterwhat

LaLaP, I had 4 rounds of TC beginning August 2014 and ending October 2014.  The best advise I got was to keep on top of your nausea meds.  If you take Zofran, take it as prescribed.  I took mine about 15 minutes before I ate and every six hours with crackers.  Even during the night, I had crackers, water and Zofran by my bed and when I got up to go to the bathroom I would eat a couple of crackers and take a Zofran.  I usually ate oatmeal in the morning before going to work, but I never really got sick and only had a mild case of nausea on Saturday.  I had chemo on Thursday, Neulasta shot on my lunch hour on Friday, usually laid around on S/S and back to work on Monday.  Remember to drink, drink and when you don't think you can drink anymore, drink some more.  This will definitely run those drugs through your body and help with the nausea. 

For bone and joint pain, I started Claritin and Aleve about three days before chemo and took them all the way through the next week. 

Start a high protein diet about three days before you start the steroids and continue through the Neulasta shot for the WBC.  Make sure to eat a good breakfast before the chemo and suck on ice during Taxotere.  I carried mints with me for that push of saline through the lines. 

I kept my nails polished with Sally Hansen hard as nails and only had one discolor and get infected.  I did not take such good care of my toenails and have had two turn black and have been visiting my podiatrist. 

My husband went with me to every infusion.  We took crackers to snack on, nuts, chocolate (lots), water, laptop, books and whatever else helped us get through the day.  You can do this.  I send you big hugs. 

NSierra

Hi Lala, I just finished my second TC and had pretty much the same experience as Terri--minus the neuropathy and the vein issue but with a bit of nausea. The first treatment was worse by far. The second treatment I took sleeping pills for the first three days since the steriods I was prescribed kept me awake and also took a prescription painkiller which made all the difference. Tylenol just didn't cut it. Instead of being in pain, it just felt like having the flu for a week. Two little tricks that seemed to help me--using honey on mouth sore (actually tongue sore in my case.) I ran across a research study on this and it actually worked for me. Use a q-tip or popsicle stick to apply it several times a day. I also relieved a lot of leg pain by rolling a tennis ball under my foot. Surprising how much this helped. Good luck!

Moderators

LaLaP, stick on the boards, and you'll have the most amazing guidance throughout your treatment and beyond!

NSierra, welcome as well, and thanks so much for sharing your experience! It is so helpful!

Warm hugs to you All,

The Mods

Cherioo

honey I went through it in 2012 .I remember that I felt better doing TC . you will get through this

Lorbgoo

the onlything that happened when I did TC besides hair loss was I was just tired one day. I took Claritin and the rest of the drugs they prescribed and it wasnt bad at all Good luck now it's been 10 months and I have a head full of hair

Lorbgoo

I chewed on ice during t and didn't get sores

LaLaP

Since I have posted here I have recieved such encouraging and warm words. I thank God for all of you women that took time to share past and present experiences. I know I will get through this with your help. I will be forever grateful.

I will be doing my second of four rounds of chemo tomorrow (March 18). I have sucked on ice chips while getting Taxotere and I did not get any mouth sores. I was also brushing often and rinsed with baking soda and water about 4 times a day. I have Claritin ready. I have used Tylenol for the pain from the Nuepogen injection. With God's help and all you warm hugs and encouraging words and every prayer with my name in it I will make it.

migrantt

i'm on TC- had my first treatment last monday (neulasta the second day). i've had the full array of side effects- bone pain, muscle pain, abdominal cramps, constipation, diarreah, taste / smell changes, fatigue, emotional highs/lows, insomina, sweating, low fever, hives, sore throat, headaches, nausea, burning sensation from when i poop and some beginning hair loss -- i met with my MO yesterday and he said that all of these are normal and that they should get better the next time around. fingers crossed. i really don't want to go through another week like that..

helpful hints that i've gathered this time: flushable wipes and desitin are you friends (seriously best friends). brushing and gargling are super helpful, dead sea minerals moisturizer are great for the skin. natural calm is great for helping with the constipation. vitamin d, b complex vitamins, acerola cherry vitamin c, biotin and lysine are your friends.

do anything you can to keep the nausea at bay. it's murder.

cheers!

michele

LaLaP

migrantt,

You got it bad. I just got bone pain real bad. I brush after each meal and rinse with baking soda water at the same time. No mouth sores the first time around. I used Zofran for anti nausea and those work lovely for me. I was prescribed as needed anti nausea pills also but have not touched them. I just did my 2nd treatment today. So I am now halfway. So excited.

Lorbgoo

congrats LaLa

FrannieS

hi LaLaP

I just finished my 3rd cycle on Mon, 3/23. Since the start of treatment my biggest issues have been fatigue and mouth sores. The hair loss is a given. For mouth sores Prevention I suck on ice pops durin Adramycin infusion, and after use magic mouthwash when needed. I've become the queen of smoothies! Cool, tasty, and filling. My sores extend to my throat.

I take Omerperazole daily for heartburn. My steroid response was pretty severe so my doses have been cut back and I'm doing better. I've had to go on disability due to the fatigue. I can barely walk up the steps in my home without exhaustion and shortness of breath. I'm very disappointed because I thought I would work through this.

I'm quite surprised that nausea and vomiting have been so minimal. I take Meds as ordered and keep crackers nearby. My worst day is immediately after infusion. Not much appetite but I force crackers and water.

I too have a port for infusion. My last AC is in 2 weeks. Then I start Taxol weekly for 12 weeks. I'm reading and preparing for a whole new set of side effects.

Good luck to you.

neverthought

Why am I up at 4am? Started having hot flashes after not having them for years, I can't remember when. What's with that?