Is There A September 2011 Chemo Group?

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  • rjbaby69
    rjbaby69 Member Posts: 349
    edited November 2011

    CCJJ:  I hate that for you.  I sure hope I don't have any of those surprises!  I am so ready for this to be over.  I'm so tired of feeling like dookey.  And I am so tired of running to doctors every few days.  It just all blows!

    Kimberly:  Girl I got me some coolwhip (the pie didn't have the white stuff on top) to put on that pie and yum, yum!  It is so good!  And I can still taste a little right now so it is really good.  The quilt was such a surprise and it is absolutely beautiful.  Now you got me wanting french fries or tater tots!  That sounds so good right now!

    Sheypres:  Sorry you have been feeling down a bit. Glad to see you in more positive spirits today.  Hope everything else is a walk in the park for you!

    Hope everyone has a great rest of the evening.  I will check on everyone tomorrow.

    HUGS!

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  • Kimberly1961
    Kimberly1961 Member Posts: 407
    edited November 2011

    Evening ladies,

    I hit on an interesting article on chemotherapy drug shortage and some kind of explanation why it occurs.  I have seen some sad stories in the news of places where chemotherapeutics aren't available to patients.  Of course the subject hits very close to home for all of us.  What if they called you to postpone your appointment because they did not have the drugs?  I also wondered about insurance companies mandating whether patients receive therapy in the hospital versus a private practice, stories on this thread.  I wondered why the chemo nurse told me after my first Neulasta injection, that my insurance wanted me to obtain the rest through my pharmacy and inject myself.  After all, it was a pretty expensive medication and let's face it, I knew squat about injecting myself with anything at that point.  This article opened my eyes a little bit about the different profit motives and politics in play regarding the current drug shortage.  It was  published in New England Journal of Medicine last week.  I read the article and said, okay, this is making a little more sense about what's going on and driving the shortage.  If you have time to read it, let me know what you think.

    http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1109772

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  • ccjj
    ccjj Member Posts: 128
    edited November 2011

    Hi Ladies, Thanks for the support.  PinkShirtNow...I did not realize you had to follow up your weekly taxol/carbo with AC.  I thought you were almost done. Ugh. Hang in there and thanks for all the info. I will just see how it goes regarding work.  I know this will come to pass and it will be done. My first round of the taxol went fine on Friday, although my eyes were really blood shot yesterday and today. Not sure if from the Taxol or some other allergy. But have never had that problem before. Did you ice your hands and feet during treatment? I have read about it, but sounds painful.

    Kimberly1961....I read the article. It is very interesting. I did ask my clinic when I started treatment if the shortage was affecting them and therefore me.  They told me basically what the article said about saving the drugs for those they are treating with intent to cure. What strikes me about this whole deal is how big of business cancer really is. When I go in to get treated the place is unfortunately packed with patients. It takes a lot of Dr.s, nurses, staff, pharmacy, etc to take care of all of us. The expense of all the drugs, scans, Dr. visits, surgeries, is crazy. 

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  • Kimberly1961
    Kimberly1961 Member Posts: 407
    edited November 2011

    CCJJ - Your chemotherapy is packed?  That's weird because at mine 75% of the chairs are empty, way below capacity, not crowded at all.  Ratio of nurses to patients seems to be 1:2 in chemo room every time I am there.  I guess I have it a lot better than I realized. 

    Belle - Hope you are getting through the worst of it soon for this round.  I had dry eyes for a few days earlier on, then weeks later the watering eyes started.  Funny how you say you were prepared with drops.  So was I, but only needed them for a few days.  As soon as I got the Alveeno in case my scalp itched, it stopped itching.  I bought Imodium just in case, but diarrhea never got so bad that I needed it.  I requested and picked up the Zofran and used it a few times but found I did not need it. Once I bought the Milk of Magnesia for constipation, I was never constipated again and the bottle is still unopened.

    The saline nasal spray has been getting a lot of use, got to say that.

    Wonder if I bought the Jobst stockings, would my water retention back way off?  With that kind of reverse logic, I'm wondering if my hair will grow back slower because I never ordered the wig.  I had a certificate for freebie from cancer society, but I just put if off because I had a feeling I wouldn't wear it anyway, and now I'm nearing the end of therapy anyway.  I do truly look like that silly ostrich right now with wild hairs growing this way and that.

    Rae - What did MO say about your shortness of breath?

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  • bluejay58
    bluejay58 Member Posts: 62
    edited November 2011

    Kimberly, thanks for the link to that fascinating article.  Even though I know cancer is a big business, it was still eye-opening.  I remember when we got my insurance statement for my first treatment, I was aghast at how much the total cost was, and all I could say was "We're paying this much to make me feel this bad?"  Oy.

    On a side note, our treatment center is almost always six of one, half-dozen of the other.  When I've been there in the early mornings, there are very few patients.  When I've been there in the afternoons, it's packed.  And for some reason, Tuesdays are always the worst afternoons.

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  • Rockym
    Rockym Member Posts: 1,261
    edited November 2011

    My MO's office is a zoo when I go on Mondays.  When I first checked out the guy on Health Grades, it did say his office sees something like 90 patients in a day whereas the other MO only had 50.  There are around 15 chairs and they are all full.  It's a little creepy that so many people are sick.

    As for the shortness of breath, you can count me in.  I'm always sighing.  I recall reading about walking, exercising, etc. when all this started and to try not to let the fatigue get the best of you.  I suppose I am lucky in that I do keep moving with housework, kids, volunteering, etc., but I still sound like a pervert from time to time with my heavy breathing :-).

    I'm 14 days out from my last TC and it still feels like someone cut up small pieces of cardboard and gave them to me to swallow each time I eat anything with texture.  Boy I hope when I get my taste and throat back I don't end up eating everything in sight :-).

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  • Kelliregi
    Kelliregi Member Posts: 138
    edited November 2011

    UGH!! What a week. My blood pressure seem to be spiraling out of control and my Onc finally said, through her PA, that she wasn't comfortable trying to control it and I should see my GP. So, here I sit, waiting until Thursday to see my GP, and hoping I don't stroke out before then. To top things off, I woke up with my right eye swollen and sore - maybe a stye? At least I love my eye doctor. She is also a BC survivor. 

    I'm so ready to be done with all of this. 

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  • belleeast
    belleeast Member Posts: 653
    edited November 2011

    hi all, uggghh has not been good. would like to respond to everyone but my head is too fogged up with meds. to top it all off think i've got UTI last nite was terrible , pain, going to bathroom every frigging 5 mins. took 2 tylenol,sleeping pill, few hrs later 2 tylenol#3, another sleeping pill and later ativan trying to knock myself out. drank a ton of water, slept with heating pad on my belly , and this morning have red marks on my belly,light burns!

    going to dr this afternoon, pain is better so maybe all the water or pain pills did the trick.picking up cranberry juice today!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2011

    Hi Ladies,

    Sounds like the se are really getting the best of us. I am thinking the cumulative affect must be adding to them.  Seems like some se get easier then some other gets worse, as well as new ones popping up.  I now have added swollen ankles (kankles as my son calls them!) and shriveling skin, especially around my mouth.

    This is week three since last tx and I hope to feel alright and am hoping to get some things done.  People keep saying "you are halfway now", like its a good thing.  In a way it is, but I can't imagine what will happen to my body after three more.  I think I will be like a toxic waste dump.

    I went to acupuncturist again last Friday.  Seems to help with stomach and nausea.  I haven't gone yet when SE are worst.  My next appointment is the Wed after next Mondays tx.  That will be interesting to see if I get any relief. 

    Hope everyone has nice day and your SE not getting too much worse! (bad grammar I know!)

    My thought for the day:   Everyon's there when you succeed, but who's there when you fail? 

    Sara ♥

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  • cooka
    cooka Member Posts: 278
    edited November 2011

    hello all, just checking in to say hi.  i agree with many of you that the cardiovascular stuff is getting really rough. In july I had just turned 42 and completed 30 days of Bikram yoga in 30 days and half a dozen long marathon canoe races and felt like I was in tip top condition (then I felt that damn lump). now I get out of breath going up one flight of stairs, my quads get tired super easily, and my heart rate is much higher:(  good thing is I have my last tx on friday and i can start to try to slowly rebuild myself. Hang in here everyone, we made it this far and we are going to make it the rest of the way, no matter what they throw at us! have a good week:)

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  • Kimberly1961
    Kimberly1961 Member Posts: 407
    edited November 2011

    Robo - Diuretic, yes.  I had asked MO for one earlier and he gave me Dyazide but told me only to take it if I gained 5 pounds, not to just keep using it.  (I am already on different blood pressure pill.)  The MO's nurse called me this morning to suggest I take the Dyazide every day and not just occasionally.  I think I am up 14 pounds from surgery.  My weight has really bounced around with this, big ups and downs depending on the water.  Right now the water retention is up and I'm due for steroids starting tomorrow and treatment on Wednesday (more swelling coming my way).  I got nervous and bought a home blood pressure cuff.

    Cooka - Thanks for letting us know that even someone in good shape ends up with symptoms.

    Belle - I don't what sounds worse, the UTI or the burns.  Ewww, not a good time to get either.  Hopefully the doc will give you something for UTI.

    Last appointment with the BS today except to get my port removed later.  He is such a sweetheart.  I feel bad I only get to see him once a year from now on.  I had my sister with me at one appointment with him and she said afterward "Wow, that was the most fun I ever had at a doctor's appointment!"

    RJ - Were you able to polish off that pie before your tastebuds died?  I remember after my first chemo my neighbor friend bringing me a big piece of chocolate beet cake.  It looked so good.  I could only eat part of it and by the next day my tastebuds were gone.  I just kept looking at that cake and thinking, damn. Tasted like sawdust the next day.

    Sara - I was thinking that I may try accupuncture later if I get joint pain when the aromatase-inhibitors start.  Glad to hear it seems to work.

    Kelli - Don't stroke.  How high is your blood pressure going?  You'd think your GP could get you in sooner, wouldn't you? 

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  • cooka
    cooka Member Posts: 278
    edited November 2011

    @ Kimberly I bet there are alot of people on here a heckuva lot more fit me! I just meant that I am amazed at how far down and how fast this toxic stuff can take you. I think was in denial about it all, really. Latest fun SE is that both eyes twitch unontrollably. I look deranged:(

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  • Rockym
    Rockym Member Posts: 1,261
    edited November 2011

    Hey Sara, SEs stink big time!  I'm just getting my taste back only to know that come Monday I'm back to slime mouth.  Thanksgiving is going to be the pits, but maybe I can get some yams and pumpkin pie in before the big down.

    Liquid band aid on the fingertips helps with whatever is happening with the tips.  Still don't know if it is "true" neuropathy or just way dry and cracked fingertips that now have paper-cut like cuts on them.  I only have them on the right hand, not the left.  Too bad I'm right handed :-).

    Halfway is good, but finished would be better ;-).  I would like my life back.  I warmed up a hot dog and beans today in the microwave and actually THOUGHT TWICE before putting the plastic container in.  I dumped the stuff into a regular bowl and thought, "Wow, I guess this cancer is getting me to think a bit."

    I used to love going to my acupuncturist.  I guess I just don't have the patience to lay there these days so instead I garden, clean house and do chores.  For some reason, these things help.  I know not everyone has the energy to move their asses, but I've noticed the more I move, the better I feel and the better I sleep.  Hope all your SE diminish quickly!

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  • Kelliregi
    Kelliregi Member Posts: 138
    edited November 2011

    Kimberly -  My BP is running Systolic in the 150-170 and diastolic in the 90-106 range. My pulse is finally coming down from the mid 90's at rest down to the mid 60's at rest. I'm doing my best to say calm,and when I can't I pop an Ativan. Ativan is my friend right now!

    I got meds for the stye in my eye. My eye doc is concerned because the stye is so firm. If it's not better in a week, I get to go see see another eye doc for a steroid shot in my eyelid. 

    Last, but most scary. I picked up my last 2 Echo reports today, and the last note on the first echo says "multiple echodense leisions in the liver seen on the subcostal views..." WHT!!! This is from 3 months ago and no one ever told me!! Waiting to hear from my Onc. She is off today, so I won't know anything until tomorrow. 

    Not feeling so WINNING this week, NEED MORE ATIVAN!!!

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  • CJRT
    CJRT Member Posts: 524
    edited November 2011

    Kelli- So sorry that you have to wait on the onco about the echo report. That is terrible! I would hope that it is easily explained away, but I know I would panic seeing that. It is like a cruel joke too that you have to wait until tomorrow. I have had the same issue with the rapid heart rate and high blood pressure. It doesn't make me feel better when one of the MA's who takes the vitals always looks at me with terror when she sees mine. I also can't wait til we are all to the point when we have these other annoying symptoms/problems and can just go to a doctor without running stuff by the oncologist and wondering if it is related to our treatment or is going to interfere with our treatment. Hope your week gets better and you get reassurance about the echo first thing in the morning. 

    Cooka- Totally impressed with your fitness regimen before this. Wish I would've been in better cardio shape going into this because it is sure kicking my butt. I had the same eye twitch thing was just thinking it was lack of sleep til I read it was a side effect. Good thing I am not wearing eyeliner or anything- could be an injury! So awesome that you will be done this Friday. What a wonderful thing you have to be thankful for next week! Can't wait until I am there.

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  • Kelliregi
    Kelliregi Member Posts: 138
    edited November 2011

    Thanks CJRT - I could kick myself for not getting the report 3 months ago. I'm hoping it's something my Onc saw, compared with my PET scan and dismissed. I still think I should have been told about the leisons and had them explained to me. I don't like the feeling of second guessing my Onc.  

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  • rjbaby69
    rjbaby69 Member Posts: 349
    edited November 2011

    Hello Ladies.  This weekend has not been kind to me either.  I also believe in the cumulative effect.  Bone pain is almost unbearable and I even did my claritin and tylenol.  I have just felt so crappy yesterday and today.

    Kimberly:  No, unfortunately I didn't get the pie eaten before my taste buds went.  Now I don't even want to look at it!  UGH!

    Sarasowise:  Add swollen ankles (kankles) to my list too.  Can't seem to drink enough water.  Even thing else tastes like, well you know, sewer!  I can't decide if tx #3 or this tx #4 has been the worst.  I think they are tied.  And I still have my part-time job tonight!  Done told em I'm putting the stool by the cash register and that's all they are getting out of me!

    I keep trying to tell myself just two more and the last one will be during Christmas break so I won't have to worry about ANY jobs!  WooHoo!

    Will check in later if I'm able after working tonight.

    HUGS to all of us!

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  • mags20487
    mags20487 Member Posts: 1,591
    edited November 2011

    Sorry to all my sistas that are suffering such horrible side effects..I kinda feel like I am cheating sometimes. 

    Kelli--hope your onc says nothing to worry about...will be thinking of you...more waiting..sucks

    Starting the Ac portion this Wed--will be #5 for me total and better than halfway...woot woot!!  Glad I am doing dose dense.  Scared of AC as so many of you are really suffering on it.  Hoping to be "special" and avoid the nausea.  Do you not take the day b4 day of day after steroid on AC??  Docs office said not to take and was suprised.  Thought AC was worse for the nausea.  Have been getting myself into a tizzy thinking about it.  Seeing an old friend tomorrow and cannot wait then home to prepare for the next go round. 

    Take it easy all and have a good SE free week!!

    Maggie

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2011

    Hello All,

    Kelli:  that really sucks to have to "wait" for more answers.  Seems like so much of this entire ordeal involves waiting and more waiting.  Hopefully a good explanation very soon!!

    Rocky:  Thanks for encouragement!!  I love pumpkin pie, but now that I think about it, seems like it will taste terrible now.   Quaker instant brown sugar oatmeal!!!!  And finished will be an awesome day!!  Jan 4th for me, feels like a long time away.  It will be great to look back when it is over!

    It is amazing how long and hard we work to get somewhat fit, then gone in a flash.  I went on long walk with a girlfriend today. (and my dogs!).  Felt great to be out!

    Nighty night ♥♥

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  • mags20487
    mags20487 Member Posts: 1,591
    edited November 2011

    Sorry to all my sistas that are suffering such horrible side effects..I kinda feel like I am cheating sometimes. 

    Kelli--hope your onc says nothing to worry about...will be thinking of you...more waiting..sucks

    Starting the Ac portion this Wed--will be #5 for me total and better than halfway...woot woot!!  Glad I am doing dose dense.  Scared of AC as so many of you are really suffering on it.  Hoping to be "special" and avoid the nausea.  Do you not take the day b4 day of day after steroid on AC??  Docs office said not to take and was suprised.  Thought AC was worse for the nausea.  Have been getting myself into a tizzy thinking about it.  Seeing an old friend tomorrow and cannot wait then home to prepare for the next go round. 

    Take it easy all and have a good SE free week!!

    Maggie

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  • belleeast
    belleeast Member Posts: 653
    edited November 2011

    hi all, have uti more meds added to mix. the antibiotic also causes upset stomach,thanks a lot. lol

    kelli, that is terrible, i think the onc should have said something. hopefully you are right and pet scan is why and it is nothing.

    hoping i turn the corner tomorrow,but the way last treatment was not counting on it but there's always hope.

    hope everyone is doing better.

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  • belleeast
    belleeast Member Posts: 653
    edited November 2011

    maggie, i didn't take steroids except for premeds in bag. my mo first prescribed them for nausea for 2 days after but just 1 dose made it worse. so she stopped them.

    i dread taking the steroids the day before,day of,day after taxol.

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  • Rockym
    Rockym Member Posts: 1,261
    edited November 2011

    Sara, the muscles have great memory and once the walking/exercising is more regular again, it will all come back.  Of course I ate a bunch of Jelly Bellys this evening since I had a small window of taste buds and I think I just canceled out the exercise I did today.

    Oh well, there is always tomorrow.  I'm hoping I can get out this week because once Monday comes... ugh... back to the world of SEs again.  Hope you sleep well from your walk :-)

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  • PinkShirtNow
    PinkShirtNow Member Posts: 134
    edited November 2011

    ccjj - Thanks for the encouragement.  I had my taxol #11 treatment today so I only have one more to go.  I would be more excited about that if I weren't so worried about the AC.  Celebrate every milestone, i guess.  And, no, I didn't ice my fingers etc.  I have been crocheting up a storm and I think that helps my dexterity a bit. 

    belleeast - I have picked up a UTI infection too.  In the past few days, the pain at urination started but it was only mild and I don't have a fever so I figured it was just a SE.  They tested my urine in the chemo room and it showed a "slight infection."  My doctor wanted it tested further up in the hospital lab but I don't have those results yet because it was late in the day.  I figure they will put me on antibiotics tomorrow when they call me. As if my pile of medicines isn't large enough already...

    Maggie -  I'll be thinking of you on Wednesday as you start your AC.  I'm a bit more scared than I care to admit about starting mine in a few weeks.

    Hope everyone is hanging in there.  I have trouble keeping up with everyone but you are all in my thoughts.  We can do this!

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  • ccjj
    ccjj Member Posts: 128
    edited November 2011

    Maggie... for my AC rounds, as Belleeast states, I did not take premeds either.  They gave me a bunch of pills when I got there, then a bag of fluid and then the A & C. The 3 days following treatment I had drugs to take.  Day 1 and day 2 were the Emend.  Day 3 was Prochlorperazine. Then they also had me take the prochlorperazine as a rescue med for nausea.  The drugs worked and I was fortunate and didn't have any nausea or vomiting.  The steroids made me eat something fierce though.  All I wanted was carbohydrates.  If it wasn't nailed down, I was eating it. I've noticed that with the taxol, only one round in, that the eating issue hasn't been as bad so far. They are giving me a lot less steroids with the taxol though.  I was so afraid to start the AC and my fears ended up being worse than reality.  I was also so afraid to start the taxol once the AC ended and am still afraid of the cumulative SEs down the road, but you and Pinkshirtnow have helped to ease the fear. I just have to do it and get it done. Man I cant wait until this is over for all of us.   Good luck!

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  • Kelliregi
    Kelliregi Member Posts: 138
    edited November 2011

    Thank you all for your support. I used to love rollercoasters, but this is one I can do without!!! The spots that showed up on my liver with the ECHO didn't light up on my PET scan, so they were dismissed. We agreed that It might be a good idea to do a liver ultrasound just for my peace-of-mind. Phew! I feel better already!

    On the other hand, this stupid stye in my eye may be enough of an infection to postpone my big chemo next week. I'm not sure if I should be sad that it may be being postponed or happy I might be able to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. Oh well, what will be.....and thank goodness for Ativan!!

    It sounds like so many of us are having progressively worse nausea. I had a 2nd round of IV Aloxi the week after my 3rd TCH because it was still so bad. I'm not looking forward to #4.

    Sending gentle hugs to all =) 

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  • lwarstler
    lwarstler Member Posts: 341
    edited November 2011

    Kelli: so glad the doc doesn't think it is an issue but peace of mind is priceless, so I'm glad your onc is going to do the US. My onc only has sometimes only shared what hethought was necessary and then I felt worried about whether he was missing stuff so we made an agreement he would tell me everything and give me all reports so I would feel better.

    Sara: the "halfway" thing is just not encouraging is it? I thought I would feel better, but with all these worsening SE's, I am scared to death and totally dreading the next 2 months.

    New, rediculous SE...vaginal sores after my 2 week long period!! OK, I am starting to wonder if there is just one SE that I could be spared from! I can relate to the soreness belle!

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  • mags20487
    mags20487 Member Posts: 1,591
    edited November 2011

    So glad Kelli that it was nothing...happy dancing for you!

    tomorrow is my big day...trying not to be consumed with fear of the red devil.  I am telling myself that even if I do get sick it is just a little time on the sidelines of what I hope will be a long life. 

    Lee Ann--I am so sorry about your SE's ...this sux and we just never know how any of these meds will affect us!

    maggie

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  • belleeast
    belleeast Member Posts: 653
    edited November 2011

    maggie,suck on ice when they give you the A, at my place they give premeds,then A it is in a big syringe. the ice helps prevent mouth sores,it worked for me. hoping for no side effects for you. take your nausea meds.

    kelli, glad they are doing the us to verify.

    went to lunch with my sister sue today,spent afternoon visiting. when i got home, upchucked lunch,gosh dang it ,my throat is sore. didn't take any nausea meds today cause i didn't have any nausea.

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  • Kimberly1961
    Kimberly1961 Member Posts: 407
    edited November 2011

    Kelli - Great news about the discussion with your MO, rock beats scissors and PET beats ultrasound. I really wish my insurance and MO would cough up an okay for a PET so I felt some of that reassurance as to my stage. When I get jealous of PET scans, I keep thinking how I had pain in that breast for 4 years off and on where the cancer was eventually found.  I think of how the mammograms and ultrasounds and radiologists let me down with false-negative results.  MRI was like rock beats scissors for diagnosis, but it was a long time before someone sent me for MRI (love you OB and BS)  Glad you are having the liver US also.  What is that car commercial?  "Peace of mind, priceless." 

    I know that some of you hate the steroids, but for me they are a saving grace the day before chemo such that today I can hang the curtains back up, albeit wrinkled, that I washed and dried 1-1/2  weeks ago.  They were sitting on top of the backed-up mail on the kitchen table.  The table mess has been reduced to under 6 inches, mostly just mail and dust, Achoo.  Ran the dishwasher so I have an empty ready before treatment, along with clean sheets and comforter.  I pre-cooked some hamburgers for greasy pan-free eating of some protein post chemo SE period so the stove mess doesn't happen. I am as ready as I can be.  For some reason, I think of "You've Got Mail" and his advice to go to the mattresses.  This is war. Getting prepared to take one on the chin again and get knocked out, OK, not so optimistic, but is how I prepare.

    Robo - I tried the Dyazide diuretic yesterday and did pass more urine, but the feet/legs did not have great response.  It seemed like whatever excess there was still wanted to slide down to the feet.  I got headache, got dizziness sitting down (which scared me), and my BP was 90/50 with pulse of 111.  I am skipping the diuretic today even though chemo is tomorrow.  I definitely can't use mine daily.  Biggest help is 3 pillows under the legs at nighttime (which unfortunately I kick out) and periodically propping them up during the day for relief.

    RJ - Hugs.  Can't believe you make it to the second job.  I have to cut hours more and more with each round. Glad you can look forward to the Christmas break at least for a longer rest.  I hope your friend with colon cancer is recovering well.  My mom and maternal grandmother both had colon cancer.  Funny, even though my sister had breast cancer, I thought for sure it would be colon cancer that would rear its head in my life.  I was very proactive and asked for and had colon cancer screening early, a little over age 40.  Yep, major polyps when I thought I was just being careful, right from initial screening. I just wish I had known that I had to ask for MRI of dense breasts earlier also. Saved from the colon cancer but caught by the breast cancer.  Shit.  I never heard before of cancer insurance that your friend has  but glad she has it.

    Belle and Pinkshirt and LeeAnn - I hope your genitourinary stuff clears up soon.  As I felt on the day with the incontinence.....WTF.  What next?  Same with Kelli with the stye on her eye.  Acne was not bad enough.  Now this?  I don't say I am afraid to wake up and face the day because I don't know what's coming next, but there always seems to be a new SE prize.  I want to change my address.  Quit sending this crap.

    Who is puking?  I have been so lucky at not for the most part.  Young collie left me a mess on hardwood floor.  She is trained but she is a garbage surfer and picked out a chicken styrofoam for licking.  Got what she deserved.  Unfortunately, I lost it too when the smell hit.  Better than my older dog who used to choose bed and comforters to get sick on and over.  I had to throw out 3 beds from the older one in her younger days. No not dog beds. Three mattresses had to go to the curb, and 1 headboard that she chewed out of nerves.  I do not know how the ladies with youngsters do it, baby diapers.  God bless you.

    Cooka - Sorry you are looking deranged.  I have one eye twitch and one big toe wiggle.  I also lost ability to read one night, but I think that was the Dyazide SE on top of eye light sensitivity from Taxotere.  I could only focus on 3 words at a time.  Everything else on the page was shimmering with lightning streaks,gone the next morning thank goodness.  I am going to be more liberal with leftover pain meds this round.  I may need to turn off my computer completely. I had a bad Percocet experience where I included the VP of my organization on a rant about insurance, radiologists, dense breasts, so on and so forth, along with my family members.  Family members, OK.  VP, not so much OK.  Which is worse, being reduced to a sniveling mess after a few days or more days of ongoing pain, or going off the deep end on drugs.  I'm picking drugs this round.  Hopefully I just sleep.

    Someone mentioned to me that they wished there were a way of knowing when you have had enough treatment and don't need anymore.  Like why do the overkill if you could avoid it?  Good question..  I worry a little bit about the opposite.  Is this enough?  I still have hairs growing on what's left of my head hair.  It didn't kill all my fast growing hair cells.  Maybe just 10% of hair left but it is now 1 inch long, some curly, some straight, but part of me wonders if it is like the birdie in the mine shaft.  You sure it's killing all the cancer?  I wish we had thermometers that popped out like Thanksgiving turkeys.  It's cooked.  You're done now.  Feel some emotional relief of fear.

    Rocky - I found something that might explain why you have had escalating doses of chemo.  This was from Quck Look Electronic Drug Reference.  I think your initial doses were lower than average and they were just checking that you could tolerate it, maybe because you are so petite and you made a lot of noise that you really did not want chemotherapy at all  Perhaps they thought if SE were too bad you would quit.  Every time I see my MO, he says "So, are you going to do another one?"  I think thats because I balked at the Adriamycin.  I didn't want that, couldn't see the purpose in my case.  I think they eye us up and judge who is at risk for jumping the chemo ship.  At heart, I think that might have been why your MO started you on a lighter dose to begin with, to see what you could tolerate. See the dosage instructions below.  I think you understand the body surface area (m2) now.  Sorry I did not explain it better earlier.

    docetaxel
    (doe se TAKS el)

    Sound-Alike/Look-Alike Issues

    • docetaxel may be confused with paclitaxel
    • Taxotere® may be confused with Taxol®

    Synonyms

    • NSC-628503
    • RP-6976

    U.S./Canadian Brand Names

    • Taxotere® [US/Can]

    Therapeutic Category

    • Antineoplastic Agent

    Use

    Second-line treatment of locally-advanced or metastatic breast cancer; adjuvant treatment of operable node-positive breast cancer (in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide); treatment of locally-advanced or metastatic nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (single agent for failure of platinum based regimen; in combination with cisplatin in treatment of patients who have not previously received chemotherapy for unresected NSCLC); treatment of hormone refractory, metastatic prostate cancer; treatment (in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil) for chemo-naïve advanced gastric adenocarcinoma

    Usual Dosage

    Children ≥16 years and Adults: I.V. infusion: Refer to individual protocols:
    Breast cancer:
    Locally-advanced or metastatic: 60-100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks; patients initially started at 60 mg/m2 who do not develop toxicity may tolerate higher doses
    Operable, node-positive (adjuvant treatment): 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for 6 courses
    Nonsmall-cell lung cancer: 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks
    Prostate cancer: 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks; prednisone (5 mg twice daily) is administered continuously
    Gastric adenocarcinoma: 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks (in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil)

    Dosage Forms


    Injection, solution [concentrate]:
    Taxotere®: 20 mg/0.5 mL (0.5 mL, 2 mL) [contains Polysorbate 80®; diluent contains ethanol 13%]

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