Taxotere is a nightmare

Hi ladies.. It's only been 13 days after last tax...and having a hard time walking up the stairs my muscles feel tight and they hurt I can't walk on treadmill for more than 5 min cause I need to sit...my face also look chubby... I'm Hoping the tightness is just water retention I did gain 12 lbs in chemo...as for hair is getting thicker on sides but not so much on top which is worrying me... Also I have this other issue I bit my cheeck like 5 days ago now is so painful...but also I think some of my gums in that side is swollen.. Anyone experiencing gum issues??

Biotin is hair, skin and nail multi-vitamin. Works very well. My hair is growing and growing. I can go topless pretty soon. This is truly crazy but I am more worried about my hair than my BREAST. Right after treatment I was so scared I wasn't going to get hair back. Lago, yes I plan on taking biotin for a pretty long time.

Now I have a question anyone experiencing red eyes after chemo?? My eyes are slightly red and they are not irritated nor watery. Any answers?? Called the chemo nurse she said I must have allergies but I don't, and I feel crazy buying claritin and I don't have allergy symptoms.

Let me do some research as well. And follow up w/ another nurse for her opinion.

I just found this thread last night, and it has been very helpful to me! I have two treatments left and I am miserable! On the other thread I visit most of the gals are on taxol. The last few weeks my mouth has been incerdibly dry and sore and my nail pain has increased. Exhaustion is unbelievable. I thought AC was bad, but for me I have barely any 'up' days. I can't open pop cans for example. I know you have all been there, but to read the advice and solutions and knowing I am not alone really helps. With a little humor- I think the nurses lie when they say the next chemo treatment drug will not be as bad!

Hopefortomorrow, my MO told me chemo is cumulative, and that SEs get worse with each one, not better, so I was prepared for that.  The last round of exhaustion was the worst, and I am nearly 4 months out from last treatment, still have problems with fatigue, but am finally slowly and steadily gaining strength, energy, and positive attitude. 

My eyes have been bothering me the last few weeks, very similar to the dry eyes I had for about 10-14 days after treatment, but they always got better; then became very dry and red about 2 weeks ago.  I have ophthalmology appointment tomorrow.  I also have never had allergies and don't believe that is what is going on, but also realize I blame every little symptom on the chemo, which may or may not have anything to do with them in reality!

My teeth issues continue to plague me and I avoid eating as this seems to trigger it.  Really hard to describe, MO thought maybe I have gingivitis so I am seeing my dentist in a couple of weeks, but again, I just don't think this is it.  The timing and symptoms seem to similar to what I experience with my fingers with tapping on keyboard, they just seem to tingle and vibrate, but the gums do also, so who knows....

One of the worst things right now is that the hot flashes have become nearly unbearable - about 12-15 a day, some of them so bad I nearly faint, and in between I am so cold and chilled to the bone, my fingers painfully cold.  And I went off tamoxifen after 6 weeks of hell, so I can't blame that!

I have been trying to practice more mindfulness-based approach to improve my overall mood, attitude, and distress, and am having some success except near the end of the day when I get really exhausted.   I am just trying to practice "loving kindness" toward myself and others and to quit "fighting reality".  I am changing my name to "Abigail Towanda" just for kicks as I don't feel like "Linda" some days.  But the good news is that I have now had enough energy to work relatively full days for the past week!  My students and colleagues are so great and they really energize me!  Hooray!

Coni, those horrible muscle pains will go away, and I think it is kind of like labor pains.  I had forgotten how badly I felt for about 10 days of every cycle with the aches and pains, so I want to thank you for reminding me that indeed I AM healing!!  Hang in there, come here to ask questions, ventilate, support, etc.  The advice and support I have received from these women that I have never met have been a tremendous help to me!! Thanks to all of you, and I keep you all in my meditations for healing.

Abigail Towanda (AKA Linda)

n3ypb...I noticed the redness yesterday. Taxotere was 13 days ago ( first round). No numbness or tingling and no port. There is no redness anywhere near the chemo infusion site and the rash is symmetrical on both hands. I'll give the doc a call tomorrow...

Oh. And do u think I am asking for it to do the treadmill (walking) at the gym withhis germs at the gym.

Oh and Cynthia.. I went to St John for 10 days between tx 3 and 4... don't pysch yourself out... they tell you a lot of things but I work in a school and have had no health issues... just be smart... wipe down the machines at the gym before you use them... that will be fine.

I should also add Cynthia that I agree with Emily... take care of yourself and do what is right for you... I just wanted to say not to be scared of the treatment because you don; know whether you will be like my co-worker with no SE at all or if you will have a lot of problems, but don't borrow trouble before you know...

 There are lots of women here with great advice and support... TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME

I agree-I've said many times that it is a personal decision as to whether you work or not during chemo. There are so many days that I have struggled and it's definitely not easy. I personally have found that it helps me to have a routine and to be around my colleagues because otherwise I would be completely isolated. My situation is different than others...my husband is gone frequently (he's a pilot) and I have absolutely no family in my area. That makes a difference. You have to do what's right for you but I definitely think it is possible to work. 

Cyborg, I decided to stay home during chemo. I work with the public and have to stand on my feet all day, maintaining an upbeat attitude. For me going into the unknown (Chemo treatment, then radiation) and then having the pressure to always be at my best was just too stressful. I am one of the few that have had side effect problems. Everyone is different, Do what is best for you. I just told one of the women at the living well center that I am very annoyed that some of my coworkers at work have the impression I am at home having a great time. It has not been fun! I had Adrimicin, cytoxin first, now I am finishing taxotere. For me it has been a difficult ride. I do agree though, once you learn what works for you, the side effects do become managable. I have extreme fatigue. I have a hard time pushing a full grocery cart through the store and I am breathless, I can't imagine standing on my feet all day and lifting things.

Thank you, all. I appreciate you being here.

I would call your oncologists office, they might have to give you something stronger. Nurses there always told me not to be afraid to call, they did not want to see anyone suffering during treatment.  

They might adjust what they give you on your next treatment.

kar12 - did you also get Neulasta?  If so, you may be having bone pain from that as well as the Taxotere.  If it was your first Neulasta the pain can be quite uncomfortable as your bones are undergoing expansion to produce white blood cells.  If you are getting Neulasta try taking Claritin an hour before the injection and for a couple of days afterward.  A lot of people have had good relief from Aleve.  It is longer acting so you have to take fewer pills, but definitely move to something stronger if you need to.  Check with your onc about the Claritin if you haven't tried it yet.  Definitely tell them about your degree of pain.

cyborg - I chose to take a leave of absence from work.  My situation was complicated by a number of surgeries close together and then starting chemo, but my job is physical and stressful so I couldn't fathom going back.  During the 10 days following a tx I know it would be challenging to work, then the next 10 days I think I could do it.  I am nervous about my ability to go back when I am done because of cumulative weakness - they are giving me 30 days after chemo is complete and then I have to return.  I think exercise is good and if you are sensible about what you touch/hand washing/wiping down at the gym - and watch your blood counts, you should be fine.

bdavis - exactly right on the first expansion from Neulasta.  Subsequent bone pain is more likely to be from the Taxotere with less contribution from the Neulasta.  Also the bigger the bone the more the expansion, thus more pain.  More white cells are produced in the larger bones like femur, hip and pelvic girdle.