Starting Chemo April 2009

Hi Annadou,

Glad to hear that you finished round #2.  With the dry mouth, I just kept drinking water or chewing on ice chips even when I got home from the infusion.  I also sucked on some peppermint candy for a few days.  I read that some of the other gals used a nasal saline spray for the nose.

I did get flushing on of the face on day 2 after the first infusion last time.  It went away on day 3.  I am going to ask my oncologist about when I go for my #2 tomorrow.

 Take care.

I just had my 2nd tx yesterday of (TAC). Also experience dry mouth, drink lots of water, I put a lemon wedge in it to help give it a better taste not enough to create mouth sores. Woke up with a sunburn effect same as the first time. Oncologist said combination from decadron and can't remember if she said taxitere or cytoxin also causes the flushing effect. It does go away.  

mariemarie

Welcomet to the group.  You and see to be on the same schedule as I had my first treatment last week. Your case is a little differnt to mine...I have IDC.  What drugs are you taking and how often?

thisisme

I'm so sorry about your hair.  I'm not sure how long it will take for it to fall out.   The first time I had chemo 12 years ago, I shaved my head when mine started coming out in clumps (14 days after treatment 1) .  I started wearing my wig at that point.  It is a personal choice how you handle it, but just know it will be ok and it will grow back when all this is over.  I had my first treatment last week and today is day 9 so I have about 5-7 days before mine starts falling out again.  It's one of the most humbling parts of chemo, but remember it's short term and it will grow back.  Last time I was hoping for red curls, but mine came back exactly the same as before so I figured the good Lord knew I couldn't handle a style change...Good luck with your hair and your treatment.

I also have the pink flush for a couple of days after chemo - onc says it is the decadron - but also be careful of the sun - you need to wear sunscreen all the time!

I was told that with taxotere or taxol, there is no chance of keeping your hair.  No idea if the cold caps would change that, but the remote possibility of scalp mets is something I won't go for...

As for TAC vs. A/C followed by T - my onc recommended the TAC as I'm triple neg and it gives a higher overall dose, I think. Also it is less total treatments, though the SEs can be worse. So far, so good, I am coping OK.

Good luck to everyone with your upcoming treatments. Lou.

Well I just finfished breakfast scambled eggs and toast, that's pretty much what I surived off of after last treatment. Going to take my meds and include the claritin and extra strength tylenol before giving myself the Neulasta shot. Let you all know if it decreases the bone pain side effects that I had so bad after the 1st treatment.   Love to all----Paula

Believe1 - that is wonderful if you and your doc agree no more chemo.  Best of luck with your hormone treatment - and I am praying that you stay cancer free forever!  Especially if the side effects are so terrible - I pray that I don't have as hard a time as the first time, maybe with the dropped dosages it will be more tolerable.  We'll see, they'll start kicking in tomorrow, I think.  But, that is great news that you both came to the conclusion it just isn't right for you.  I hope you start feeling better soon.  Thinking of you!

have my diagnosis in my signature but diagnosed 3/27/09 Power Port installed 4/14 first chem 4/23

Neo Adjuvant (due to 5+ nodes on PET scan and tumor size) chemo dose dense Adriamyacin and Cytoxan every other thurs afternoon 4 cycles followed by 4 cycles taxol Last chemo all goes to plan July 30!!! 1 down 7 to go.  Feel good so far Neulasta shot today at 3 but I can do it at home whew. 

2-3 week break followed by bilateral mastectomy.

2-3 week break followed by approx 5-6 weeks radiation post mastectomy.

Can see my full story on profile.  Formerly had submuscular breast implants for 11 years only recon will be swapping implants so I already have the "pocket" between chest wall and rib cage should be less painful than initial augmentation.  SO no expanders and suface recon for me.

Thanks for listening

Lesley

Hi,
I had TC #2 (of 4) today. Was fine, although I had an allergic reaction to the taxotere even though I was pre-medicated with Benadryl. I didn't have that reaction the first time. But they quickly stopped the drip, I recovered, and then they gave me more benadryl and some pepcid and were able to continue without a problem. I hope I"ll be able to keep doing this regimen because I'm used to it. Kind of puffy faced now because they gave me a lot of fluids with the treatment. I'm trying to drink a lot to help flush out everything.

 Hope everyone is doing well and that side effects are minimal!
A

Annadou - I recommend Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste for dry mouth. It really helps - I did not get any mouth sores during first AC and so far so good on second.

 I had my second AC on Wednesday. As I had a bad reaction to the Emend on day 2 of first treatment (major heart palpitations, fainting, night in intensive care - arghhh!) I could not have it this time and I really noticed the difference - lots of nausea and vomiting the first day, though none since then and today (day 4 - very early) I feel pretty good.  Anyone who is able to take Emend - do - it is definitely the best drug around. If only my damn body didn't hate it!

I shaved my head to the skin last Monday and find that it is not really growing back, though there is still plenty of tiny stubble along with the bald patches. The headaches have totally gone since I shaved, though.

Much warmth and strength to you all.

pdlc436--

I've seen postings from people who are on TCx4 and from those on TCx6. I'm not sure what reasons the oncologists use for advising 4 or 6 treatments, but both appear to be used commonly--at least by people on this board. I wonder if they space the dosing differently, or if the dose is the same each time but on 6 you just get more. It also is possible that since you are HER2+, that may affect how many rounds you get (but I know nothing about that for sure -- do others here?).

Dry mouth and bad taste stuff -- I found that Oasis mouth spray (can get at CVS) was great to carry with me througout the day--really helpful (I think I saw that tip on these boards). My oncologist suggested zinc lozenges, although I haven't tried that yet.  

A

I had my surgery today for the Power Port implant. Had two other surgeries & they were a breeze compared to the pain I'm feeling with this port. I know my bs didn't give me the same meds as for the other two surgeries, but I wasn't expecting this! We both thought it would be the easiest one!.

It's not really bad, don't get me wrong. But I had plans for tonight & I am sick enough not to go! Bummer. I'm achy all over & the port area hurts. I am taking pain meds, tho.

Question: I didn't know til I got home I actually have two bandages. One for the port & another one down further. I don't remember discussing this w/my bs.

Hi pdlc436,

I just had #2 of my TC (4-6).  I opted for the TC even though my onco wanted me to do the ATC.  But I got a few other opinions and they said that I should be OK with the TC.  I didn't want to add the Adriamycin since it was going to benefit me only 1% of non-recurrence yet have more side effects.  So my onco suggested that we can try to do 6 cycles to boost the percentage up.  We will see how I am at the end of 4 cycles before going to 6.  So far, I'm just a bit more tired.  He also said I can halve my dexamethasone that I take twice a day for 3 days so I may sleep better.  I just don't want to add a sleeping aid if I have to.

Well, I had surgery for my port placement yesterday. I had 2 other surgeries, lumpectamy & re-incision. But this hurts worse than both of them. I know they didn't give me the same amount of meds b/4 this surgery, but I'm in alot of pain & have a burning sensation as well.

Is this normal? Anyone else have this?

Chelev:

Thanks so much. Guess I just wanted to know that it's normal! (if we can even say that word concerning us! lol)

Sounds like you have a handle on your chemo. Having found this board & reading everything, is a wonderful way to be prepared! I start my chemo on Tuesday!

Sisters ~ Chant for the day....................... FLUIDS! FLUIDS! FLUIDS! The sooner you flush the chemo out of your body, the sooner you will feel better. You are all handling this so well! Keep up the good work!

Nico

Never give up. Never Surrender.