Anyone on just Taxotere and Cytoxan?

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  • bookgirl
    bookgirl Member Posts: 128
    edited March 2009

    Thanks swest. Well then, that is a side effect I don't mind! I'll be 50 this week. Never thought I be bald at 50 but got to say I'm kinda liking the feel of a naked head....

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  • webwriter
    webwriter Member Posts: 535
    edited March 2009

    Vascular invasion came back on my biopsy report, so I've known since before surgery. I had totally clear margins, meaning the edges of the tumor were not close to the edges of the tissue they took out during surgery. Vascular invasion, as explained by my surgeon, means that the cells have grown into the blood vessels, tapping in for a supply of their own, and may have begun moving through the blood. It's scary because it means it may skip the nodes and set up shop elsewhere. PET came back clear so we don't think it has happened, YET.

    I don't know why that aspect isn't talked about more. My surgeon doesn't like to deliver bad news and he played it down. My google searches weren't all that helpful. But breaking down the terms made the picture pretty clear.

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited March 2009

    Hi,

    Ladies thks for all your good wishes. The chemo went well.I am having a little diarhea .I just sent my husband for imodium. Hopefully I will make it thru the night without nausea . I have meds here just in case. The day was long but pleasant. I ate and talked.

    I go back tomorrow for the Neulasta shot. Hope that goes well.

    Francine

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  • Genie2
    Genie2 Member Posts: 38
    edited March 2009

    Francine, sleep well.  Genie

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  • Mamie2
    Mamie2 Member Posts: 108
    edited March 2009

    lymphovascular invasion was on my path too. I'm trying to decide what protocol I will take since I'm a 22 Oncotype.

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited March 2009

    Genie,and fellow members..

    I slept well with the help of some bendryl.

    Today I have a slight headache and stomach ache. Not really complaing...

    Francine

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited March 2009

    Hi,

    I  am interested in the cocktail  to  prevent mouth scores. I believe you use baking soda etc.

    Who has this recipe. I got a new toothbrush yesterday..

    Thanks ,

    Francine

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  • babyc
    babyc Member Posts: 58
    edited March 2009

    Hey Everybody,

    Last week I had round 3 of T/C.  Originally, I was set up for 4 treatments but was told that, "since I was tolerating chemo so well", I'll be having 6.  I'm okay with this since I want to throw everything possible at this now.  All my blood work is good including that for the cancer markers so I'm choosing to believe the increase is fine.  One strange thing has happened concerning hair.  About 14 days after treatment 1, my hair was falling out in fistfulls and I had it buzzed.  I truly thought every hair would then proceed to drop out as I went through more treatments.  Now, I still have a fine, wispy, slowly growing fuzz on my head.  I just assumed after 3 treatments, all body hair would be gone.  Has anyone had either of these experiences (incr. in tx or hair situation)?

    Sending all of you my best wishes............

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  • plakatakr
    plakatakr Member Posts: 188
    edited March 2009

    babyc-I also did not lose every hair. I did start to have some regrowth of the hair that I never lost (I buzzed it all) after #3. New hair didn't start to grow until after Chemo was over.

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  • sama710
    sama710 Member Posts: 28
    edited March 2009

    Francine -

    The mouthwash I used through 6 rounds was 1 1/2 - 2 cups of water mixed with 1/2 tsp of baking soda and 1/2 tsp of salt.  I tried to remember to rinse at least 4 times per day, and after eating (and brushing). I replaced it ever 3 days.  I never got any mouth sores, for which I am very grateful. Others might have other "cocktail" recipes, but this worked for me and I hope it works for you!  

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  • flmomof3
    flmomof3 Member Posts: 28
    edited March 2009

    BabyC,

    I had the same situation with my hair...still shaving a good amount but Im sure it looks better than if I didn't...You are being extremely mature about 6 treatments...i think that would push me over the edge...i am going to ask prior to tx3 just to have a heads up in case my onc is thinking the same thing.

    Have a good day everyone!!! Sue from fl

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  • birdsong
    birdsong Member Posts: 63
    edited March 2009

    Hi Kmmd,

    I am a graduate so to speak, just finised my radiation. Got 36 treatments since one margin was clear but narrower. I am reading some posts, having taken time off and was inerested in the study you mentioned of the women who did tc v. ac. Where do I find that information. Thanks a bunch, love, Birdsong

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited March 2009

    Hi,

    Thks Sama 710 for the recipe. I will make it. Who wants mouth sores..

    I had my Neulasta shot yesterday and am feeling fine. I took some benedryl last night. Maybe that helped.

    I also went and got my two wigs. I don't know when my hair will fall out but I want to be prepared..

    I go for my blood next Monday. Hope all will be fine.

    BabyC  My onco also said that if I tolerated the chemo well she would give me six treatments. In my case my tumor was pretty small and stage one. I am having this chemo just because of my oncotype number. Is that the reason you are also having the chemo. I see your size and stage was a little larger than mine.

    Hope all are feeling fine.

    Hugs to all,

    Francine

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  • spooky
    spooky Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2009

    Crusader1- What was your Oncotype number?  This is the reaon my onco is giving me chemo, too.  Mine is 23 and in that 'middle" area that they don't know what to do with.  I had my 2nd treatment on Feb. 16th and it was harder that the first one.  I'm not looking forward to #3.  I still have some hair, although, I feel better with a hat on because of all the thinning on top.  I got a wig, however, I have not had to use it yet.  My head is not sore anymore.....I'm thankful for that. 

    I hope everyone is feeling well this week.

    J 

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited March 2009

    Spooky

    My oncotype score was 27. Not borderline at all. Too bad about your second treatment being harder. My first was real easy. Now you are making me scared. Only kidding..Whatever will be ...We just have to get thru these treatments and try to put this behind us.

    That is funny about not loosing your hair. First time I have heard that..

    Francine

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  • spooky
    spooky Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2009

    BABYC

    My hair hasn't all fallen out yet.  I still have some hair sticking out from under my hat.  I chose not to shave my head........guess I was just a chicken.  It's been 5 weeks since my first treatment, so I don't know about my hair.  I do know, however, that the soreness has stopped.  I hope you do well.

    J 

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  • babyc
    babyc Member Posts: 58
    edited March 2009

    Crusader 1 and Spooky, my tumor was 2.5cm and my oncotype score was 27.  During the bilateral mastectomy surgery (my choice), the surgeon installed the port due to size of tumor.  Of course the score came later and I definitely would have opted for the chemo.  I'm sixty-one and in fairly good health at the moment so would have chosen chemo due to the score only.  With a wide of assortments of cancer in my family history and years of 32 years of constant breast scares, I always knew I would choose aggressive treatment if the time came.  So here I am.....not having fun but feeling like I'm doing something about it.  Wishing you all a good week!

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  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited March 2009

    I still have some fuzz on my head after 4 Tx.  I shaved it down and it hasn't grown at all since I shaved it.  I've had to shave my legs and armpits twice since the beginning of Dec.

    My oncotype came back 39 so there was no question that I would do chemo and it would be 6 rounds.  I just had Tx 5 today.  Besides all the "normal" SEs I'm having some edema and the worst and most disturbing to me is that my fingernails started coming loose last week.  I put Hard as Nails on them and cut my nails short.  This seems to have slowed things down but not stopped it.  Any one out there have any other ideas before my nails actually fall off?  Gross! 

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited March 2009

    BabyC,

    That is funny  that I am also 61. When will you be 62? Most on this board are a lot younger. We both had the same oncotype score. We also had similar stats. ER+ PR- HER-.(unusual) But my tumor was a lot smaller 1.2cm. I agree that chemo would have been in your picture due to size not oncotype. My tumor was ILC ..Mine was also stage 1. I do hope my oncologist doesn't push me to have 6..

    Good luck with your last treatments and with your hair.Yes I do agree that in your case do get the big guns out. As my oncologist said to me ..you are still young ..go for it..

    Hugs to all..

    Francine

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  • babyc
    babyc Member Posts: 58
    edited March 2009

    Crusader 1, 62 coming in April.  I see you are ILC and are on T/C.  My sister-in-law (60) just had bilateral Masectomy for ILC.  We haven't gotten all the path. back but were told she had some node involvement so will be doing chemo.  We were hoping beyond hope she could avoid chemo since she will have to go off of much needed rheumotoid arthritis meds.  I do realize the number of those so much younger than we are going through this process and it breaks my heart--- to deal with this cancer and balance all the priorities and responsibilities of those in the 20-50 year range has got to be unbelievably difficult.  I truly have very little to whine about.  Oh, your doctor is right, we are still young and yow, we're going for it!  Take care all of you out there.

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited March 2009

    BabyC. My birthday is also in april. April 19th is the date.

    Oh yes I tell all my friends that I have nothing to complain about with my cancer given my age etc. I also marvel at all these young women with their busy lives and families and how well they manage with their BC.

    Stay well all.

    BTW I felt real crappy today.Day 4 out of my first chemo..

    Francine

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  • laurie41
    laurie41 Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2009

    It's only day 3 since my first chemo and I feel like someone has ran me over with a BIG truck. They say to drink lots of fluids but that's really hard when even water tastes nasty and water doesn't have a taste. Sorry for the complaining but I figured everyone here would understand. I just need to get the whinning out. The first day out of chemo was a teaser because I felt good, but now, what a major trick my body has played on me. I hurt all over. How long before I should feel better? Thanks to everyone for letting me get away with my complaining.

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  • Alo123
    Alo123 Member Posts: 308
    edited March 2009

    you WILL feel better in a day or so....max!!! 

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited March 2009

    To whomever above asked about my resource on the TC vs. AC timex 4.  Sorry, been in the hospital and  can't give you the source.. It was a European study

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited March 2009

    Well group, looks like I'll be leaving you.  The good news is I'm alive to write this entry.  Since January I've struggled with this TC business.   Yes, muscles aches, bad days, fatigue, abdominal cramping, some will get these symptomes, but with a good attitude we all get through it and its doable.  So, I kept wondering what was wrong with me, each cycle the SE's were worse, lasted longer, and the fallout and residual weakness worse and worse.  Everytime I asked if anyone else was having such a hard time the answer was no, just stay positive, we can all get through this, and all I could think was this stuff is slowly killing me.  Well, it was.  This last cycle the symptoms hit harder faster and the pace accelerated.  At the core of the symptoms was the usual first week severe abdominal pain and multiple runs to the bathroom with loose stools  I went into the ED Monday admitted to the ICU in septic shock and ATN (acture tubular necrosis) came close to losing all my kidney function. For those of you non medical that a pretty critical situation to be in.  The only reason things weren't worse was I had a team of very on top of it docs  who worked very hard to get me back.  Most of it is a blur to me.  I'm a lucky one, and am now out of the ICU and on the floor and although the shock is resolved we're working ongetting my kidney function back.  Turns out this is a known phenomenon.  Rare, but known.  MD Anderson published a serous of patietns admited with GI issues after Taxol based therapy of some type.  In 2 years, a little less then 7% had severe abdominal symptoms and admission for diarrhea with or without fever. 1%  went into sepsis and died.

    I posted this not to scare those going through treatment,  as you can see the majority of people on taxotere do just fine and all the above advice on call you onc get your meds  changed, all will be better, there will be good and bad days but we'll do it together and it is doable is correct and excellent advice and support. 

    I do it because statistically some day someone like me will come along again.  I know I poured over these boards at times.   When you find yourself wondering why none of the adivice helps you and you begin thinking, this stuff is slowly killing me.  It might be.  Don't take the next dose.  Take this as a warning and get in and talk to your onc.  A positive attitude is not a preventive measure for sepsis.  

    So, my onc says we're done.  I'm on to the next phase.  I've met some wonderful people on this board so I'll continue to check in on you and see how you are doing.

    Wishing all of you a SE free day. 

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  • kt57
    kt57 Member Posts: 425
    edited March 2009

    kmmd- what a horrifying experince.  I sincerely hope all your adverse reactions are transient and you will feel well as the last dose exits your system.  What is you next phase?  Stay in touch. 

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  • crusader1
    crusader1 Member Posts: 1,222
    edited March 2009

    Wow,

    KMMD that is some story. I guess it tells us that we have to be our own advocate if we really feel that something is so wrong with us. I am so glad that you are recovereing after this terrible ordeal.

    I don't think you have scared us but you have made us aware that we must monitor ourselves more carefully..

    Stay Well..Please do come back at times to visit. We are all here for you...

    Francine

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited March 2009

    KMMD,

    wow is right!  i'm so glad that you got help before it was too late.  that is so scary!!!!  i can't believe you weren't warned of some potential bad SE's......i was!  thank goodness i haven't had them.

     wishing you the best on your next phase! pop in and let us know how it goes!

    i hope you heal fast and regain all kidney function.  that is so so scary!

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  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited March 2009

    KMMD--I wish the best for you. 

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  • unique
    unique Member Posts: 554
    edited March 2009

    birdsong ~ try here! This is an excerpt, there is much more and I especially liked the photos of angles they use to avoid heart and lungs. Link at bottom.

    Randomized clinical trials studying radiation treatments for women with stage II or III breast cancer have shown that the addition of radiation after mastectomy can reduce local-regional recurrence rates, which then improves survival. However, other data have indicated that the risk of local-regional recurrence after mastectomy and chemotherapy is low for patients with small tumors and one to three positive lymph nodes, leading some to question whether postmastectomy radiation is useful for this group.

    http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/cgi/content/full/7/6/539

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