For those starting TAC in March/April 2006....

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kburns
kburns Member Posts: 37
edited March 2015 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
Hi everyone. I will be starting TAC on 3/29 and have a hard time finding fellowing TAC travelers within the threads. Do we have enough folks starting TAC in March/April time frame who would be interested in a separate thread?
thanks, Karen
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  • mindyk
    mindyk Member Posts: 87
    edited March 2006

    That would be fine with me! Count me in! Mindyk

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  • ogirl
    ogirl Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2006

    I started TAC on March 15 , 5 more to go. Count me in.

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  • svans
    svans Member Posts: 32
    edited March 2006
    I start my first one on March 27, 1 of 6!! Count me in
    Sylvie
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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited March 2006
    I am on TAC X6 3wks apart. Just took my 2nd TAC on 3/23/06. Tough protocol...count me in.
    MarciaA.
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  • jpsgirl96
    jpsgirl96 Member Posts: 240
    edited March 2006
    Hi Karen,
    Just started TAC Thursday the 23rd - count me in, too. Not having too bad a time yet - feel a little 'post flu' tired today but otherwise okay so far. Walked, swam and went for the Neulasta shot (2 hr round trip at rush hour) yesterday.

    Got Zofran, Compazine, Benedryl and Zantac in the drip before the three chemo drugs, took Compazine Thursday night before bed, Zofran am and pm yesterday and am today, Zantac 75 1/2 hr before breakfast and dinner and tummy is holding up well. Also using solution of baking soda and salt water at my onc nurse's suggestion.

    Oh - first day was LONG - arrived for 130 appt, got the blood work and was in by 2, hooked up by 230 but not out until after 7. They go slow with everything at first. Future visits s/b around 3 hours with the TAC regimen incl the blood work.

    Thanks for doing this. Leigh
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  • midoubi
    midoubi Member Posts: 16
    edited March 2006
    Hi ladies,

    I started TAC on Jan 27th. Have had done 3 and 3 more to go. Hope you don't mind I join you too.

    If you have any question jsut ask away.

    This is surely a hard protocol. But together WE CAN DO THIS!!

    Love,
    Sylvia
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  • kburns
    kburns Member Posts: 37
    edited March 2006
    Hi everyone. 7 of us so far. Here's a little intro on me.

    I am 47 and found a lump Jan 20. Mammogram did not pick it up, but ultrasound did. Biopsy Jan 31 revealed IDC. Went for lumectomy Feb 13...results showed dirty margins, EIC, one node positive, ER/PR+, HER-. At that point I decided to go ahead with bilaterl mastectomy. We had to go back in anyway, the EIC indicated higher risk of recurrence, and I had microcalcifications in the other breast. I also had very large breasts all my life (34DD) and I decided I was going to get some new, perky, smaller breasts that I did not have to worry about anymore!

    Bi-lat mastectomy with expander insertion was March 9. I am doing OK, although I feel a bit like Frankenstein with the current scars. My PS assures me my new breasts will look great when it is all over.

    Last week was ECHO (anyone know the difference between ECHO and MUGA?), bone scan, port instertion, and followup appts with PS and regular surgeon. Three days in a row at the local hospital! And the prescriptions--OMG--I know we all have a counter somewhere in our houses that looks like a pharmacy! I start my first TAC on Wed....

    I have not been working much since my lumpectomy. I have very good STD and am approved through 4/12 with monthly extensions possible through the end of chemo. My goal is to work 1/2 time, but I am just going to wait and see how I am doing. Have heard such mixed input from the boards, many on TAC have not been able to work at all, others work all the way through. I am not going to kill myself and look forward to a bit of time off to heal.

    I have two kids, son in college and daughter in high school, a VERY supportive husband who like smaller boobs (!),and 2 dogs. I live in Raleigh, NC and am a learning consultant for a large company.

    I am so glad we will be together on this journey. Sylvia, I think you answered my question on TAC and working in another post, but can you tell us all how you are doing?

    Karen
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  • jpsgirl96
    jpsgirl96 Member Posts: 240
    edited March 2006

    I don't want to sound like Pollyanna but I'm feeling good again today, Day 4 of TAC#1, ready to walk and have an outing. Yesterday was the down day; tired and achy. No nausea, no heartburn, 'fluttery' tummy from time to time but able to eat and drink no problem. Flying to DC for my consulting work on Tuesday, barring any change or deterioration in condition. Seeing my DC oncologist for the first time Wednesday so I have someone to do the CBC's and take care of me if there's a problem. Back to FL on the 12th for TAC#2 on the 13th. I am feeling very, very lucky so far. Leigh

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  • peejay
    peejay Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2006
    Hello! I had my first TAC on March 8th, second one coming up next week. Shaved my head last night, because it was coming out a LOT!

    -Paula
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  • svans
    svans Member Posts: 32
    edited March 2006
    Round one of six is this afternoon, Im a little nervous but more about the after effects than anything else!! My oncologist told me the names of the 3 drugs but I cannot remember them, I will write them down today. I will try to post later tonight or in the morning and let you all know how it went. Keep you rfingers crossed that all goes well.

    I am 35 years old, diagnosed Dec 6/05, lumpectomy and snb on Dec 20/05, did not get clear margins so had mastectomy and auxillary node on January 23/06. I have been at the hospital for so many tests its crazy but at last the day has come to start....not that I am counting but if all stays on schedule than my last round will be on July 11/06!!! Sad that I know that.. he he

    Sylvie
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  • kburns
    kburns Member Posts: 37
    edited March 2006

    Hi Sylvie, I start Wednesday and feel the same about the hospital and the tests! Will be thinking about you today. Hope all goes well. Karen

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  • kburns
    kburns Member Posts: 37
    edited March 2006
    Hi everyone.

    Leigh, so glad your are feeling well!

    Paula/Marcia, How have your experiences been so far?

    Mindy/Ogirl--you guys doing ok? I know I am a bit nervous about what's to come.

    Sylvia--If you have any tips, please let us know!

    I start my Dexamethasone (Decadron) tomorrow and wondering if I will get the jitters. Tyring to decide what to take to Wed for first TAC session....Made appointments today for "Look Good, Feel Better" (May 1) class and a Nutrition workshop (4/18) at our hospital. I feel like I want to "nest" like a new Mom does right before she goes into labor...wanting to get everything ready before the "big" day.

    Talk to everyone later, Karen
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  • peejay
    peejay Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2006
    For me, the decadron was the worst part of the whole thing. But I've had an anxiety problem for over 20 years to begin with, so my psychiatrist and I worked out a new dosage for my medications, and I expect the second round to be better that way. Other than that, the first night home I had ver little nausea, ate some crackers, drank some water, went back to sleep. THey told me to go pee every 3 hours for the first 48 hours ( no problem for me!! ) I took a whole bag full of stuff to my first session, and the only thing I "used" was all the water I had brought with me, the peanut butter cups, and the applesauce. I was there a total of almost 4 hours because they had to do everything slow to see if I was going to react. Days 3-5 afterward I was a basketcase as far as being tired. The blood test the week after was disappointing for me since my counts were low and the neulasta shot hadn't kicked in yet, so I couldnt' bowl. Yes, I was feeling well enough to do that! Taxotere caused some achiness in my legs and knees. Neulasta shot supposed to cause bone pain, but I never got that, maybe next time I will?

    All in all, I guess I had it pretty easy (except for the anxiety!) Hair fell out on day 17, stubborn like me! No matter what they tell you about keeping a normal routine, etc. I would definitely listen to my body next time around, and if it wants sleep, it's going to get sleep! As in a nap here and there. I think I took what they said the wrong way, and tried to do too much. Sitting there was easy for me, my sister came with and we watched tv the whole time. what else..
    Bring a little blanket! The place was freezing, at least where I was. LOL Was so glad to have something from home to curl up in there. I know Marcia had a totally different time than I did.

    Oh yes, I am 38, was Dx with IDC stage 2 sentinel node postive, surrounding ones they took out were negative. Tumor was 1.2 cm. I have a daughter who is 12, and that's been a bit tough at first. If I think of anything else, I'll be back. I see my new oncologist tomorrow, the old one I couldnt' get along with the treatment nurses, they were.. cold it seemed. But that's a whole nother thread!

    -Paula
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  • jpsgirl96
    jpsgirl96 Member Posts: 240
    edited March 2006
    Hi Karen,
    Just to say thinking good thoughts and maybe you could ask why the decadron and whether you can taper it off? I had a pre-chemo dose of steroid in the drip, no steroid post. the first night I was seriously zinged from the steroid they gave me, but it wore off by the next day. Leigh
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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited March 2006
    Hi Ladies, I hate to be the downer of the group. Seems like everyone breezes through their treatments. I did better handling the nausea with Emend this time but I am still having difficult days 4-6 of tiredness, some moderate nausea and bone pain from neulasta. I guess I am a whimp. I have been active all my life and I never realized how hard this was going to be. I have stage 1 grade3, neg lymph nodes, clear margins, lumpectomy,her2++. I am doing TAC because it is supposed to provide best survival stats for my type cancer. I sometimes wonder if I will survive the chemo. Then there's the radiation. I am glad those that are doing A/C are able to function pretty much at a normal level. I wonder if they were on taxotere too if they would handle the effects as well. Oh well, I have made my choice and have commmitted to the protocol. I intend to hang in there, I just hope others are doing better than they expected.
    MarciaA.
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  • kburns
    kburns Member Posts: 37
    edited March 2006
    Hey Marcia! Sorry you are having a rough time. You are not the only one from what I have seen on some of the other threads. Just hang on. You are 1/3 of the way through!

    Do you have disability time or are you having to work?
    I hope that you are letting your friends and family take care of you. You are not a whimp. This is not easy!

    I have always had a terrible time with nausea in general (terrible motions sickness) and am really hoping the meds are going to take care of it. I think I can deal with the fatigue and pain as long as I am not throwing up. I am just praying for that.

    Talk later.

    Karen
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  • gerri55loons
    gerri55loons Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2006

    i am started chemo in april , gerri

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  • mindyk
    mindyk Member Posts: 87
    edited March 2006
    Hi everyone! Haven't been on lately. Last few days have been rough for me. My neck started feeling a little better(From having my port put in)till yesterday! Threw up a few times. I think it is my nerves. Worrying about the 1st chemo treatment on (4/4), whether my wig is going to look okay, if I am going to be able to go to my 16 yr old son's baseball games and how I am going to take care of my 7 yr old daughter since my husband works 2nd shift and my closest family member is 1hr and a half away? Just alot goign through my mind! I am wondering if I should ask my doc to put me on some kind of anti depressant or something to help!


    Talk to you guys later!

    Mindy
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  • mindyk
    mindyk Member Posts: 87
    edited March 2006
    Went today for check up to make sure everything was ok with my port. Is anyone had the Neulasta shot! I was wondering if there is any side effects from it that I should be aware of! Having a better today than last post!
    Only thinking of positive thoughts and telling myself that I am a fighter and I will beat this and be a survivor!

    Talk Later

    Hugs

    Mindy
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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited March 2006
    Hi Mindy, I have had two TAC treatments with neulasta shots the following day. I had my treatments on thursday, shot of friday and by sunday and monday I experienced pain in my knees and thighs and back (mostly long bones) Kinda like getting the flu. It is now tuesday night and I am just now turning the corner again from my second treatment on 3/23. I have my blood checked 10 days after the TAC for the nadar check and the neulasta is working because my wbc count was elevated. I tend to have low grade temps from day 8-12 so I keep checking for infection and temp over 100.5.I have heard some people take claritin for the bone pain but I am reluctant to take too many meds. I take tylenol pm (has benedryl) and it helps me rest. I have also heard some people take vicodin for the bone pain so if you have any left from your port surgery you may want to reserve some for the more severe pain days. I am having pretty intense effects but maybe you will be one of the lucky ones who can breeze through. Good Luck!
    MarciaA.
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  • ogirl
    ogirl Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2006
    Hi Ladies,
    Sounds like everyone reacts somewhat individually to all the many and possible Side Effects of TAC, nulesta, steroids, etc.
    Here is a little about me: I am 46, IDC Stage II, 2/13 + lymphs, although sentinel node was -, est+, bil. mast. on 2/15/06. lump on right was 4.0 cm, one of the two pos. nodes was 4.5 cm. so, that sorta qualified me for the whole chemo/rad regime. my surgeon was great, she left me a little cleavage if you can believe it and sweetly positioned that implanted mediport. my first chemo was 3/16 and I'm gearing up for the second next week. I have a pharmacy I carry along with me now in a zip loc baggie (large size). Before this all started I was feeling very healthy, funny how things can change so quickly. Zantac, Kytril, Phenergan, ativan, prunes, water, lomotil, a percocet here and there for the mild nuelesta bone/joint pain seemed to get me through and keep me mostly ahead of any probs. magic mouthwash has been a big help, the bakingsoda salt water treatment good also but, my poor tongue was on fire which the magic soothed. I was a nurse for 20 years (hospice nurse for 14), so I'm familiar with meds.I just never had to take them. I Retired from nursing last May to work full time with my husband, which is going amazingly well. Especially now because if I don't feel like going in to work I just tell him. Mostly I've been working half days so if I need a nap I can catch one after I pick up my 12 year old daughter from school. We have a 17 year old son as well. Fortunately his heavy metal band has relocated practise due to my illness. One of the many blessings to have come out of this so far. I've rambled too long, but I wanted to tell a little about me. Good luck to you all and let me know how things go along. Thinking of all you sisters getting through this empowers me to forge ahead. Peace. Dawn
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  • kburns
    kburns Member Posts: 37
    edited March 2006
    First two decadrons today and just a little tired (no jitters!) and a few hot flashes (didn't know they caused them). Hope I sleep OK tonight. A little nervous about chemo tomorrow. Will let you know how it goes.

    Sylvie, let us know how you are doing when you are up to it. Hope all is well!!!

    Karen
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  • ogirl
    ogirl Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2006
    good luck Karen. I will be thinking of you tomorrow.
    Dawn
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  • mindyk
    mindyk Member Posts: 87
    edited March 2006
    MarciaA,
    Thanks for the info, it was very helpful. Now I know what to expect. First chemo treatment coming up next Tuesday!! Neulasta shot the day afte

    ogirl,
    What is magic mouthwash?

    Karen, I will be thinking of you as well.

    Mindy


    ogirl,
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  • mindyk
    mindyk Member Posts: 87
    edited March 2006
    MarciaA,
    Thanks for the info, it was very helpful. Now I know what to expect. First chemo treatment coming up next Tuesday!! Neulasta shot the day after.

    ogirl,
    What is magic mouthwash?

    Karen, I will be thinking of you as well.

    Mindy
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  • midoubi
    midoubi Member Posts: 16
    edited March 2006
    Hi Karen and all,



    2 months ago before I started chemo, I had a thread asking about TAC. Lots ladies who did this protocol replied to me and gave me some good information. Here is the link:

    http://www.breastcancer.org/ubbthreads/s...true#Post235652

    (hope it works)



    I am 33. I was dx at 32 on Dec 01 last year. Had LB mast, 2/6 node positive, er/pr+, her2-, started chemo on Jan 27th. I have a port.



    My meds are emend, ativan, and decadron, anzement as needed. Also Aloxi in IV and oral benedryl during chemo. I took decadron the night before chemo and then 3 days following chemo. decadron didn't give me too much trouble. Some jitters but not too bad. But I think it makes me want to eat more. I take emend 1 hour before chemo after blood work shows a GO. Then 2 days following chemo. Emend works well. I think Ativan works more like a "comfort" drug. I pop one when I start feeling queasy. I also get Neulasta shot the day after chemo. I think my meds work pretty well. I got nauceous but never actually threw up (knock on wood).



    First treatment was pretty easy. A little nauceous but not too bad. The worst part is the back pains from Neulasta shot. It happened a few days after treatment. It was so bad I had to take pain killers. The other annoying thing was I got pimples (white head) all over my face 2 weeks after 1st chemo. My Onc prescribed me some antibiotics ointment and it worked very well. Hair started falling out 2 weeks after first chemo. I also had some hot flashes. Also had diarrhea and constipation, you know, the usual stuff.



    Second chemo - started feeling more nauceous. Bone pain was less, however. Less pimples too. More fatigue. More tummy problem. I found myself laying on bed more than the first time. Nails started turning darker. Had acid reflex so Onc prescribe Nexium.



    Third chemo - a little harder again. For me, chemo is really cumulative. The nurse said it is mostly because of 'A' - the red stuff. More nauceous. Felt dizzy most of the time. Didn't want to do anything. More bone pains than the second.



    Generally, I would feel bad in the first week after treatment. Then second week I'd feel better. Third week, I'd feel wonderful almost normal. Then need to get myself sick again.



    Tips:

    - drink TONS of water on the day of treatment and at least 2 days following. Drinking is very important.

    - stay on top all of your meds and take them on schedule.

    - watch out for diarrhea and constipation.

    - when I started feeling nauceous, I'd eat something small. It usually helps.

    - ice cream helps.

    - be careful of gaining weight though. Most women gain weight during chemo.

    - excercise while you feel up to it. (yeah like I actually do it myself)

    - eat lots of fruits and veggie. I found them more tolerable. Avoid citrus when you feel nauceous tho, I found it similar to chemo taste. But it might be just me.



    I had 2 normal periods after started chemo. I should have my 3rd one now but it is not here. Maybe it is gone. My appetite is okay though my taste bud is off.



    Hm....I can't think of anything else now. Please let me know if you have any question.



    I am having my 4th treatment this Friday. I don't want to do it. Thinking of getting me sick makes me sick. But on the bright side, I am half done!! YAY!



    You can do this. We will beat this!

    Sylvia
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  • peejay
    peejay Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2006
    Hey all, I went to my new oncologist yesterday (Tuesday) and all went very well. I didn't realize how hard it was going on me to have gotten a "bad" one for my first treatment, and then have to go thru the stress of changing docs! I still can't sleep lol.
    I really like the new doc and the whole attitude of the place if that makes any sense? And my chemo schedule will only be off by one day. I'll have my second treatment Thursday instead of umm today! SOrry my sense of time is off because I'm up so late.
    People who have that back pain, where is it exactly? I have one that just started about 6-7 days ago, it's on my right side mostly right down that whole muscle there, starting below my shoulder bone.. well part of it is the botom of that bone. I wonder if that ole neulasta bone pain is kicking in finally?
    My hubby will actually be taking me to this treatment. He really wants (and needs I think) to see what I do (or go throught) while I am there. He wasn't able to take me to either surgery due to work before this and I think he feels bad about that too. I feel so bad that he has to go through this whole thing, he is so wonderful. ANyone else feel like that? Almost guilty even.
    I think as I reread this that I'm starting to "chemotype" That's what I'm blaming any typos on from now on!
    So good, happy thoughts and hug to those going today. I can't stress enough getting enough to drink Like Sylvia said. I'm rambling now lol so I'm going to go bore myself with a word search and try to fall asleep.

    -Paula
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  • ogirl
    ogirl Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2006
    Hi Mindy- Magic Mouthwash is a swish and swallow concoction made up by the pharmacist. It includes nystantin (for oral thrush, those sores or sometimes white spots on tongue or if the tongue is like beefy red and painful) and there is usually some viscous xylocaine that numbs it a little as well. mine is made up in a bubble gum flavor. Different pharmacists may make it differently. My onc. just wrote the RX "magic mouthwash". I can use it every 2 hours if needed but usually once or twice a day takes care of it. My mouth is much better now, but if it get's icky again after the next rounds, I have it on hand. Hope your day is good and all goes well for you.
    Paula - I felt like I was "putting my husband through this" for a few days. guilt, sad, etc. He's been a big help and his reply was that I wouldn't want to have to go through it alone, which is true. He has had to step it up a notch since I had surgery and started treatments but it doesn't seem to be causing him too much discomfort. He feels helpful and I think that's important. Take care.
    Dawn
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  • svans
    svans Member Posts: 32
    edited March 2006
    Good morning ladies, they cancelled my first chemo on Monday because I have a really bad cold. They said they would rebook it and call me but they have not called me yet. I am going there this morning to find out. I try calling but Im on the phone on hold for almost half an hour at a time, so Im heading in. I feel like crap and its not because of anything other than a head cold.

    I will be thinking of all of you as you go through your treatments and hope that we all get the most minor side effects possible and that we can breeze through this!!

    Sending angels to watch over all of you.

    Sylvie

    PS Hi Sylvia-havent chatted in a long time!!
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  • peejay
    peejay Member Posts: 131
    edited March 2006
    Sylvie - get better soon! /hugs

    Started taking the evil decadron today. LOL Second treatment is tomorrow morning at 10am. Oh man, I hope I'm more comfortable in the new office! I really like the doc and his staff a lot. I'll probably be lurking here all evening hehehe

    -Paula
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