Starting chemo Sept 05

Thanks lisa, now i dont feel alone. I finally called the onc on call (Sunday) and they said this pain and weakness was totally normal for Taxol! Great!

They advised taking pain meds every 4 hours. It would be 3 advil, or one Vicodin, or even an Oxycodone. With stool softeners so you dont get constipated. They said keep ahead of the pain and that it is not permanent....

At night i will be taking one or two Vicoden, and an Ativan so i can sleep.

I tried a hot pad that plugs in and that felt good on my feet, they were cold and achey earlier today. Also this morning i took a warm bubble bath. Helps for a few minutes anyway.

I am going to talk to my onc about Taxol dose reduction but maybe this is just par for the course on TAxol. Maybe i need to get some percocet or some stronger pain meds and plan to just laze in bed for three days.!

My experiance with Taxol was surprising. I expected the aches and pains on the third day to the 6th day. I just did not expect them to be constant and so severe.

Recieved the Taxol injection on Wed afternoon. No problem.
On Friday afternoon the leg pains started. Leg weakness also. There was no getting up or down our stairs unless i held tightly to the railing.

I took Advil. Kept taking the L-Glutamine also, this did help. The pains continued until Sunday afternoon and then got a little better. Medication is needed to get thru the day and night. Had to call onc and ask what to take.

You can take 600 MG Advil three times a day or 500MG Vicoden with a stool softener. At night i took the Vicoden plus Ativan so I could sleep. I tried 5 MG of oxycontin with Advil plus Ativan with stool softeners and that worked pretty well.....the idea is to keep the level of pain meds in your system up there, take them regularly to cover the pain. Then, after a few days the pain is mysteriously gone.

I am going to ask for some percocet next time. Since the pain is severe. But it is only for a few days, you brave women who have given birth have more trouble than i had.

Hi guys

just a quick hello from me. I just realised it had been a while since my last post- time flies (kind of) when you are in a chemo fog.

I have been having a horrendous time of it all this round. I have finally finished AC and number 4 was awful. I felt like a complete insane woman, screaming, crying, sick, tired, the works. My breast care nurse sent around a BC counsellor yesterday and organised for me to see my GP last night which was helpful. I have spoken to my onc 3 times as well so as far as they all go, the support has been wonderful. Ever feel like even though there are people everywhere you are so alone??

The general consensus is that I haven't "dealt" with my diagnosis fully. I began to but then switched targets by concentrating on Herceptin fundraising, etc and now that is coming to a close, I am falling down in a big heap. That does make sense on some level but not helpful when I am a raving lunatic! I have been very depressed (have a history of that anyway) and on top of the menopausal symptoms I have not been a pretty site! (Through in some delayed post natal depression and wow!!) Today is a better day though and I think once I come out of my chemo fog I will be okay.

I am pretty anxious about Taxol/Herceptin despite the lack of sickness usually associated with it. At my hospital it takes a total of 7.5 hours and I am terrifed. How do you girls get through that first one? Bubbles, you aren't alone with the paranoia of coma/dying/allergic reaction- I am completely freaking out about that and it isn't for another 2 weeks! Yikes.

We are moving house next week as well.....

Oh I am so sorry I am being a whinger! I told you I was bad! Will try harder next time guys.

xoxox

Hello Ladies,
I realized it has been a while since I last posted. So I thought I better get it in before My Taxol Neulasta pain started. Wednesday and Thursday I will feel horrible but I am not too worried as now I know what to expect. My first Taxol I ended up with a urinary tract infection that sent my fever sky rocketing. And you know what, I was worried that my next Taxol might be delayed. Well the onc was't worried, I was on antibiotics for it and I got #2Taxol on time.

Bubbles and others who are experiencing the achey, ouchies.
I was told this time to take tylenol before my neulasta and then more Tylenol PM that evening, and try to stay ahead of the pain. HOwever I talked to my onc about lack of sleep and asked if I could try benedryl to sleep and he said certainly. I know it knocks me out in the chair. I will also try the Glutamine regiment this time. I too get the foot pain and wobbles. I especially have to watch steps. I also spill everything for a few days as my hands and arms feel weak. You will get over these problems but just be careful so you don't fall.

For all you women who are nervous about your taxol, well one good thing about the treatment plan is that you will get Benedryl previous to the taxol and WooHoo it will relax you beyond belief. It relaxed me so much the first time I actually enjoyed myself until I was conked out. This last time I was able to stay awake for the whole treatment but fell asleep mid-sentence on the way home. I was told by my friend the next day how I fell asleep. So I would highly recommend someone driving you to and from treatment.

Tina
I am sorry you are having the finacial woes. Did you try calling the American Cancer Society? They have great resources and will help you as much as possible. This is their whole purpose so please think about calling them. You should not have to worry about paying for all this crap they are putting into you.

Lastly, Many of you are talking about how down you are on your last treatments. It is not you it is all the drugs. Many may have a side effect of depression. I am now on Cipro for my urinary tract infection and it says if I have thoughts of suicide I should call the doctor immediatiely. So I want you to realize that with the build up of toxins and the vast combination of other drugs it is inevitable that we get depressed. Add to this being in pain, weak, exhausted and still completing our duties as human beings we are intitiled to be depressed. I take time to wallow in depression when I need. I allow 2 hours of being mad and sad and no one can stop me. Then I take a deep breath and force myself to do an activity and get over it. Just realizes that depression for us is normal.

Well it is time for the dreaded Nuelasta
Love and faithful prayers

I've done 4 AC and the first of the Taxol and not to scare anyone but, I have felt worse with the Taxol! I haven't felt nausous at all but on day 4 and 5 I had bad joint pain. I got neulasta with both of them and had bone sensitivity when I had the AC (from the neulasta.) With the taxol the pain was completely different, must worse, but doable. My main problem has been severe fatigue and fevers. I had them on days 5, 10, 11 and 12. I went to the ER and my WBC count was normal(4, barely) but was found to be anemic (explaining the fatigue). Now today I went in for my second taxol and was told my WBC count was too low (2.5) and was sent home. But I feel fine now!! The onc was baffled, she thinks it could still be a delayed reaction from the AC, because Taxol does not usually effect counts but AC does and my counts were fine with AC. So wondering has anyone had trouble with fevers or reduced RBC and /or WBC counts on Taxol???

Hi everyone

Sorry its so long since i posted.

Sandra
I'm doing ok thanks, but getting very very tired. I'm sleeping about 10 - 12 hours a day, I fugure my body needs it so i am going with the flow.

My hubby had the flu on Sunday and Monday, so we had to sleep seperately...I didnt like that at all.

I'm halfway through FEC now, 4 down 4 to go.

Take care all

Maxine

Had my first Taxol yesterday and was sick like a dog BEFORE the Taxol drip due to Decadron (5 the night before and 5 more at 3:00 am and the drip at chemo) thank you very much.....(I actually had to vomit there, that didn't even happen with A/C)

I won't take that next time, I was sicker than with A/C but I feel good today, no weird smells etc, had an apple for breakfast, never happened before, always needed carbs etc.

Hopefully bone pain stays at bay, doc said to take L glutamine and Vit. B6 100mg a day for neuropathy, that is 5000 % of the daily allowance in Vit. B6, seems like a lot????

But boy I am Decadronworn, just the word makes me SICK!!!
Lord knows, I might not have been that nauseated with A/c if I didn't have to take it. I read the description on D and it said side effect: Nausea - helloooo....

Arrrrggghhh.....

Hope you have a SUPER Thanksgiving, you are in my prayers daily!!!


God Bless

I am off for my first Taxol tomorrow and have to take a mountain of dexmethesone tonight and again in the morning like Calico.

I am very nervous hope the meds don't keep me awake tonight I am still very tired too.

will check back and let you all know how I got on.
Best wishes
Nicole

Hi guys

Today is abetter day however yesterday was a shocker. Ended up in the ER with an infection in my EYE of all places... Now I am a treat to look at with my right eye almost swollen shut. Nice. Temp is still highish but WBC is okay apprarently hence why I was sent home. I was so exhausted and depressed that I started bawling as soon as they released me! The idea of the tea lady bringing me a biscuit and a cup of tea in bed for 24 hours appealed so much I just didn't want to come home! Today was okay though and Riley and I just spend the day in our pj's lolling around. It was nice. Today was the first day I was okay to be left alone and it felt okay.

I have been in close contact with the breast care nurse, BC counsellor and my GP and they have been fantastic. They are wanting to look into me 'staying' in hospital for my depression for a few days but we will see- not totally convinced yet. There is a house to be moved, chemo, etc.

Interesting to read about everyone's experience with Taxol. Do you think that if you are sensitive to bone pain with nuelasta you are more likely to get it with taxol? My bone pain has been getting progressively worse with each shot so now I am a bit stressed.

love to you all
xoxo

hi ladies
was just wondering if any of you ladies on taxol had rapid pulse rate while on tax 2nd day after 1st treatment,also this time my mouth and throat have been affecred differently,my tatse has gone and the back of my mouth and throat are very tender and swollen like i have burnt it,no other signs for it being a throat infection no temp no runny nose just reall sore to swollow and eat and i cant really taste hat or cold so dont know if i have burnt it while eating.
love carol

I had my first Taxol on Oct 27th. I then spent probably 7 days or so in bed, very week, some leg pain. In the first cycle, I started to get numbness in the toes. After second cycle of Taxol, I also had the leg pains, controlled by oxycodene. Yesterday, my onocologist was on vacation, so my replacement was concerned about the numbness showing up so soon and switched me to taxotere. Much better results so far. I'm not nearly as tired. Some leg pain last night but won't get neulastra until tomorrow, which might increase it.

Some comments:
I do the decodron too for the taxol (night before and morning) but then they don't inject any during the treatment.

The benedryl gives me a sinus headache and they give me tylenol for that.

So far the Taxotere seems better for me. Keeping my fingers crossed and only one more treatment on Dec 8th.

Hope this helps someone.

Hi Michelle - sorry you have had the need to visit this board. I haven't got inflammatory, triple negative - mine is invasive ductal (3) - not sure if HER2 + or - yet. 'Inflammatory' is a new one on me?? At the end of the day we are all sharing a common element whatever the name and are here for each other. I like Calico’s quote: When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!

I am beginning to wonder why I haven't been offered Taxol or Taxotere - really confused with all the different treatments. Has Herceptin been trialled alongside Taxol and Taxotere?? So if I am offered it will it be as effective with Epirubicin and CMF?? Lots of questions, lots of concerns, lots of worries.

I met up with an auntie of mine today – she had BC 16 years ago (no chemo or radiotherapy – just mastectomy). She informed me that my mother’s, mother’s sister also had BC. I will never know if my mother or her mother did because they both died early. I am just completing a Family History Form to help me decide whether to take the genetic information route.

I met up with some work colleagues last night – had a good meal and the company was fun. I was ‘normal’ for a few hours (didn’t discuss BC) and I enjoyed myself. When I got home I found myself tearful as I wanted sooooooo much to return to the ‘normal’ I was before BC – as we all do of course. I am the one who does the workroom up at Christmas – I have threatened to go in and do that anyway !!

Well enough said – try and enjoy the weekend ladies.

Speak soon.

Sandra from the UK

Ahhh,
I didn't think the bone aches would be so severe...I didn't sleep at all last night. My ovaries are hurting very much too, I wonder if I finally go into chemo pause now.
I started Motrin 800 mg today, but pain is still there.
Good to know that the pain "might" go away, still better than nausea, isn't it?

God Bless

hi all....

I read this forum daily, but haven't had much energy to respond. Here I am, six weeks post chemo and my stomach is giving me more trouble now than then. Out of the past seven days, I have had extreme cramping, nausea and vomiting four nights. Trust me, after being up until 4am, my quality of life the next day isn't so great. Of course this has all flaired up during a major holiday. Yes, I know I should go to the hospital but the idea of going at 3am the night before Thanksgiving seemed more dangerous than simply vomiting at home.

Radiation has already degraded my skin, and I am trying desperately to find some mechanism to keep the aquafour on my skin without any rubbing from clothing. To date I haven't found the right method. For the first time, I wish I was in OZ where it is warm enough to simply not wear a top!

I think my husband, who has been the best support system you could hope for, is becoming exhausted. He hates seeing me sick, and he hates not being able to make it better. Oh he isn't going to bag out on me, but I really dislike knowing that my illness is running him down.

And even though this sounds like whining, in actual fact, when I am not hunched over in pain from my stomach woes, life is going well. We had 14 people to T-day dinner and it was a ton of fun. The food was good, the sun was shining, and the conversation was brilliant.

My daughter is home for a few days and though she spends a fair amount of time 'holed' up in her room, we have had some wonderful conversations about school and her life in general.

I am working again, though my clients do feel I should be all-back already. In actual fact, after two hours devoted to registration and my daily nap, the number of good hours I have in a day isn't that large. Regaining my energy is clearly going to take some time.

And so, I remain optimistic that all of my active treatment will be done in 2005 and that on New Year's Eve I can say good-bye to this chapter of my life.

I am so sorry that the Taxol/Taxotere protocol is so difficult for so many of you. I read your stories and wish I could be more helpful with the discomfort, the depression, all the emotions that each of us are undergoing.

Take care,

*susan*