Starting Cytoxan / Taxotere / Neulasta this week

GonnaBePoz

Hello. New to this site. Diagnosed with stage 1 triple negative in July and had surgery July 18. The cancer did not get in the lymph nodes, so I know I'm very lucky. My chemo treatment begins this week and is to consist of Cytoxan, Taxotere, and Neulasta. Can anyone who has had this treatment let me know what to expect as far as hair loss, nauseua, fatigue, etc.?

doxie

I worked throughout chemo. As rounds progressed, I needed more time to recover, but I never was down more than a couple of days. I'd not like to have to go through it again, though.

There is a Chemo Forum. I'd suggest joining a thread of women going through chemo at the same time. I found it very helpful.

Jackster51

My hair never came back after Taxotere. There is a 6-10% chance of that happening. Visit www.aheadofourtime.org for more info.. Don't want to freak you out, but I sure wish I had been warned 5 years ago, before I started treatment.

keepthefaith

GBP, We all react differently to treatments. Just make sure you let your MO know of any SE's as soon as they pop up, even though you may think they are minor. I was never nauseated, but had heartburn toward the end. Lost most of my hair after about 17 days. Lost my sense of taste right away, had thrush also. Fatigue was bad after the 3rd and 4th round, but overall, SE's weren't as bad as I had anticipated. I am self-employed, so it was easy for me to work around the TX's and SE's. The American cancer society has resources available, if you need them. Free wigs, rides to appts, etc. I would suggest taking 24 hr Claritin a couple of days before starting and a day or so after to help with bone pain you may experience from the Neulasta. Just listen to your body, rest when you need to, walk when you can, and HYDRATE! Best wishes moving forward. You've got this!

ocmdcat

I just finished my third infusion scheduled for my last 9/26. Thank God. My mother was diagnosed in 2013, she has been a great help. I can offer my journey for whatever it's worth. Two weeks after 1st treatment my hair fell in clumps, and I mean clumps. It had been suggested that I cut my hair short which I did to minimize trauma. After a few days, I had large bald areas with a few long strands and I shaved it. Very difficult time....prepare its not an if it's a when. I did not have any major issues with the actually infusion it was the Neulasta that created bone and muscle pain. It goes off 27 hours after your infusion. They can't tell you but I did my research and was told to take Claritan for three days before chemo and three days after. It make the pain bearable was on a steroid for three days starting the day before. Take Benadryl sleeping is impossible.

I felt after the first infusion that I sat around like a deer in headlights waiting to see what was going to happen. Chemo sucks, but it's doable. I have had some great days in between and lots of joy as well. I still believe in the goodness of God and am anxiously awaiting my last infusion 12 days from now. I have radiation to follow but think it will be a breeze compared to this.

I have four wigs, they are all different I wear what I want depending on my mood. Funny how people feel comfortable offering lots of unsolicited opinions, but I'm getting use to it. I am a live and I will survive this. God bless

GonnaBePoz

Great attitude! I, too, believe that God is good all the time. Thanks for the advice.