Taxotere/Cytoxan starting February 2012.

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  • momof3boys
    momof3boys Member Posts: 896
    edited February 2012

    A Fighter- no, I didn't ask her. I didn't realize that some of us were getting steroids to take orally at home before and after chemo until I read their posts. I believe everyone is getting it in their infusions though? I did get prescriptions filled for my first tx for two nausea medications (Zofran and Copazine?) haven't had to use them, thankfully.



    Neli- I did not shave my head. My hairdresser said she would do it if I wanted her to, but with 4 TC treatments, I may not lose all of my hair and may have a head start for hair growth after treatment. I did lose a lot of hair, (got it cut into a pixie style before tx) but still have hair on my head. If you saw me without a hat or my wig, you'd definitely know I'm doing chemo, but I'd compare the hair I have to the hair you see some older ladies (I'm only 43) that have hair loss issues and go out in public and couldn't care less what people think... Hope that makes sense. I've also had to shave my legs and underarms about once a week. I'm very careful and use the razor only once.

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  • Kim48
    Kim48 Member Posts: 73
    edited February 2012

    To add to comments about hair! My hair started to fall out on day 14 and got worse each day until day 17. I then had it cut with clippers set on 1 I think. My hairdresser/ wig lady did it. I couldn't stand it falling out. Felt better to just get rid of it.



    Steroids - some of the decision about steroids is just the individual person, and how the MO feels. I get the home and I've steroids, but I'm allergic to many meds and to CT scan dye, so they were very proactive with me.



    Those of you waiting, I'm sorry for your long wait. It is truly the worst part of this whole journey. The reality of surgery and chemo were both better than what I imagined them to be.



    Happy Valentine's Day!



    Round 2 for me tomorrow! Will be glad to put it behind me!

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  • Neli143727
    Neli143727 Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2012

    Bonnie, I did not see the picture :( for some reason. I found the Bootcamp website thou.

    I was told that the steroids will keep us awake at night the night after treatment but then we will "crash".

    Silviazara, thanks! I thought I will beat it to it, hence the early hair cut

    ColdenMom, I can relate.

    Kim48 and MomOf3Boys Thank you for the hair info. Maybe I will just cut it short then.

    Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!

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  • Gayle56
    Gayle56 Member Posts: 277
    edited February 2012

    I am not going to shave my scalp.  I cut it short when it started to fall out.  Now there is still some hair on my scalp.  If it stays it stays, if not it will fall but it isn't in the way of anything so I am choosing to leave it.  I have been wearing cool scarves.  I have one wig but haven't dealt with it yet.  I think I want my hairdresser to fix it up a bit before I wear it out.

    Just wanted to catch up - welcome to all the new people but sorry you have to be here.  My second treatment has been more challenging than the first.  I am on day 7 and I am not feeling great.  I have been able to work this week but wish I had the time so I could just stay home and rest.  My stomach is bothering me all the time.  I have this awful taste in my mouth.  My eyes are twitiching and I am getting ankle cramps when I sleep at night. It seems every day there is something else that is going on that is not normal.  The hair is practically all gone.  My scalp is sore and itchy all the time.  Anyone have a solution for that???

    For those whose insurance doesn't cover a wig there is an organization Crickett's Answer for Cancer.  They will purchase one wig for you that you pick out on wigs.com up to $100.

    Here is the link:  http://crickettsanswer.startlogic.com/ 

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  • AnnTop
    AnnTop Member Posts: 70
    edited February 2012

    Bonnie: I'm glad things have gone well for your so far. The waiting was almost worse, don't you think?

    I'm on day 6 post second TX, and my main SEs are restlessness sleeping and my taste buds being a little off -- sweet things don't quite taste right. If things go like round 1, I'll be sleeping better in a few days. For some reason, my night sweats are worse this time around too. But not as much problem with constipation.

    Thanks for those of you who shared that you weren't told you had to take the anti-nausea meds art home -- my MO had presribed compazine for 24 hours after TX and then as needed. I hate how doped up it makes me feel, so next time I might see if I really need so much.

    Best wishes to everyone, and Happy Valentines Day!

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  • Kim48
    Kim48 Member Posts: 73
    edited February 2012

    Gayle and others losing hair,



    I have found that the hair is uncomfortable, too. My hairdresser used clippers and cut it very short. I know this sounds crazy, but I saw on a link that a lint roller works to get rid of the loose hair that is stuck! I got one at CVS and it has like 50 layers on it. I go through about 7 or 8 layers a day, each layer loses the stickiness and i just peel it off and begin again. it totally works and doesn't hurt. I'm slowly losing my GI Jane look and getting more and more bald. However, I think the loose hair is what is so sore. It seems to help.



    I'm slowly getting used to my wig. In fact, I've gotten compliments from people who don't know. I am beginning to realize that people aren't looking for a wig unless they are your friends.



    Take care. I'm ready to get treatment #2 behind me tomorrow. Actually, more ready to get SE days behind me!!!!



    Hope you all had a great Valentine's Day". Kim :)

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  • Kim48
    Kim48 Member Posts: 73
    edited February 2012

    Neil, for some reason I can sleep through the steroids. I take 2nd dose by 5 pm. I did experience the fatigue the day after they ended. They kept up my energy on day2, but was very tired the day they ended.

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  • JoanQuilts
    JoanQuilts Member Posts: 633
    edited February 2012

    I am on day 11 after my first treatment.  Waiting for my hair to fall out feels like I am waiting to get a lethal injection.

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  • sidekick
    sidekick Member Posts: 19
    edited February 2012

    Ladies,

    I know this is for those of you starting Taxotere in Feb. but this Thursday is my LAST round of it.  I wanted to give you hope and encouragement.  It is tough but I teach 2nd grade and I have worked the whole time since chemo began in Sept. 2011. Not to say that I haven't been very tired and missed some school here and there but it is doable.   I am 50 years and in good health or at least I thought so before this!! I have had chemo every 3 wks.  You can do it!!!!!  I haven't had low blood counts except for one time so no Neulasta shots.  God Bless each of you!!!

    Carlynn

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  • sidekick
    sidekick Member Posts: 19
    edited February 2012

    Joan,

    Get a cute wig you like now before you lose your hair. It will ease your mind some.  tlc.org has great wigs of very reasonable prices.  I have 2 from them and they are great, very to true to color and style that you see in their catalog or online. 

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  • silviazara
    silviazara Member Posts: 111
    edited February 2012

    Joan - yes this is how I feel too! Today day 13 and nothing yet. Every day I wake up and pull on it if it's still holding on. I get to the shower and feel for loose hair... horrible & yucky.

    Neli you are right shaving it off would be beating it to it, I just wanted to encourage you that definitely you can enjoy your hair a week longer than what you planning on. I mean, we have weeks and weeks of bald head ahead of us anyway, right?

    Carlynn  - so HAPPY for you!!! Congrats on finishing!!! Let the last one be as easy as the ones before.

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  • Kim48
    Kim48 Member Posts: 73
    edited February 2012

    Silviazara and Joan,



    I hope you'll find that getting it over with will be somewhat of a relief. I did. I'm even beginning to feel okay in my wig. I pulled on it, too. It's a crazy life we're all dealing with!

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  • Neli143727
    Neli143727 Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2012

    Sidekick, Thank you so much for the encouragement! Nice of you to pop in!

    Joan, hope you will feel a relief that it is over and done when your hair is gone...:/

    Kim48, Thank you for the lint roller and steroid @5 pm tips! I am glad you found a good wig. I am still searching. Tried many, got two and returned them. Where did you get yours? I hope your treatment goes well tomorrow! Let us know when you can.

    AnnTop, tell me about the night sweats. This is new to me. Are they very common? Sorry, yours are worse this time!

    Gayle56, I hope your second week post treatment will be better! Wondering if some type of natural oil may help the itchy scalp. I use jojoba pure oil for my son's face and lips (you know how dry and red kid's skin can get) and it helps.

    Anyone icing toes and fingers? Do you use hospital icepacks? Special icepacks?

    There is a cruise for "Breast Cancer Club members"

     http://thriverscruise.com/

    I thought maybe we can meet there next year...all of us with hair, free of aches, sweats, metal taste, etc.

    Doesn't hurt to dream. Right?

    Good night everyone!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2012

    Hello all

    Had chemo school today - interesting and actually made me slightly calmer after seeing the treatment area.  

    Got two tips from my girlfriend who is a month ahead of me with treatments.  She said the swishing of the EVOO in her mouth made her gag, so she soaks a cottonball and then swabs her entire mouth and gum area twice a day, so far no sores.

    Second, she said her chemo nurse recommended tylenol every 6 hours for 4 days following the nulesta shot.  She has been diong that with the Claritan and little to no bone pain.

    Hugs to all - off to bed.  Think I'll take the sleeping pill as don't know when I will sleep well again.

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  • Mom2JJ
    Mom2JJ Member Posts: 77
    edited February 2012

    Neli, I am icing fingers and toes. I am also eating popsicles and sucking on ice cubes during treatment to try to prevent mouth sores. I am also freezing my scalp with cold caps -- no hair loss so far but my MO said the hair loss would not come until after my second chemo. No neuropathy so far and only a slight metallic taste 12 days post first chemo. One treatment so far; the second on February 23rd.



    Mthrdee, I took Claritin with my first Neulasta shot but stopped too soon and had severe back pain the fourth day post-chemo. I have since been advised to take Claritin for five days post-chemo (as well as the day before chemo).



    I am taking steroids the day before chemo, with the chemo infusion by iv, and two days post-chemo. The steroids actually make me nauseated, so I have to take other anti-nausea medications at the same time.



    I'm not sleeping well but that seems to go with the territory. I'm exercising and drinking about 100 ounces of liquid a day to flush my system. Miralax and colace for constipation also works. I feel about 95% since about the 10th day post chemo. I'm hoping for the same on the second round, but I have been warned that the second round may not be as easy. I guess we don't know until each chemo cycle how we will fare.



    Good night, everyone.

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  • Gayle56
    Gayle56 Member Posts: 277
    edited February 2012

    Neli  -  The cruise looks nice.  It would be such fun to meet when our treatments are over.

    Kim48 - good luck today and hope you have easy SE's this time.

     Joan - the hair started to come out on day 14 and once it started it went fast.  My scalp itched for a few days prior so I knew something was up.  When it got uncomfortable I just cut it shorter which eased it somewhat.   

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  • AnnTop
    AnnTop Member Posts: 70
    edited February 2012

    Neli, some people complain about night sweats, some don't. It might also be affected by where a person was re menopause at the time of treatment. I'm 56 and have had a pretty light time with menopause, except for occasional night sweats (I guess we only call them hot flashes if we're awake.) The first days after TX seem to make mine worse, but now that I'm about a week post TX, it's getting better.

    As someone else said, few people get all the SEs, but it's good to be prepared just in case.

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  • Kim48
    Kim48 Member Posts: 73
    edited February 2012

    Hi my friends!



    Got through 2nd treatment today. Walked 2 miles after I finished. Last time I didn't feel bad until Friday. I'll keep you posted.



    Neil, I got my wigs in a nice shop in Atlanta. They are Rachel Welch wigs. One is real and permed to match my curly hair. The other looks like my hair when I flat iron it. They are nice.



    Hope everybody has a great night.

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  • Neli143727
    Neli143727 Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2012

    Mom2JJ, thank you for the icing tip! I am glad you are 95 % back!

    AnnTop, thanks for the night sweats info!

    Kim48 I am glad you feel well post 2d treatment. 2 miles!!! Impressive.Thanks for the wig info!

    Fighter, I hope you are holding up!

    My husband had a knee surgery today :( . His ACL was torn and had to be replaced with a piece of his hamstring. Surgery was 2 ½ hrs. I did not sleep last night. I was so worried. Everything went well.

    Good night to everyone!

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  • Neli143727
    Neli143727 Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2012

    Can't sleep again Undecided

    Just finished reading about chemo induced neuropathy.

    Few supplements recommended:

    Vitamin B complex or Vit. B6  and B12

    Alpha Lipoic Acid 600-1200 mg

    L glutamine 15 mg twice a day for 5 days @ treatment and after.

    I have not checked with my MO yet but thought maybe some of you ladies may know more about it?

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  • A_FIGHTER
    A_FIGHTER Member Posts: 109
    edited February 2012

    Hi Ladies,

    Ulightup: How are you doing?

    ColdenMom: Thanks for checking out the picture Laughing

    momof3boys: I haven't had to use nausea meds. either.

    Kim48: Two Down!

    Gayle 56:  Thank you for your update after round 2.

    AnnTop: Yes, the waiting was the worst. Thank you for updates after round 2 as well.

    sidekick: Yeah! Last Day Today! Wahoo!!!  Laughing

    Mom2JJ: I was told the same thing that each Chemo session builds up making SE possibly worse after each round. Basically, it becomes harder & harder.

    Neli: Ahh, you saw the Boot Camp page...LOL...Glad to hear everything went well with your husband. As for Vitamins, I do take some...I plan on adding Calcium. A friend who just got done with 6 Rounds of Chemo, still doing Herceptin, and just started Arimidex went to have a bone density test. She is now in the Osteopenia Stage. She isn't sure if Adjuvant Therapy caused this. Her last bone density was 5 years ago and she was fine. However, there is research as some therapies can cause issues from some meds. and in some people. I questioned having a bone density test. I was told since I am not post-menopausal and I'm not taking an Aromatase Inhibitor I didn't need one. To me, it makes sense to have a baseline before starting Adjuvant Therapy for everyone, but who am I to say...LOL

    So it's Day 3 and I have been feeling pretty good! I did my TRX workout yesterday. Just like waiting to have first TX, waiting to see what my body will do is stressful. I don't want to focus on it, but yet I don't want to do too much either. I was told if I do too much on the good days it will catch up to me and be worse. My thought is to do whatever I normally do, I guess.

    I did notice (or is it in my head) a loss of appetite. I didn't feel like eating lunch (I made myself) and then at dinner I wasn't hungry, but I made myself have one of my Isagenix Shakes (I was able to drink half of it). I've never had to throw out my shake before! Also, as I mentioned above, I haven't had to take nausea med. However, around 5:45 pm before having my shake around 7:30 pm I was feeling off. I guess it could be described as nausea (not really sure).

    I plan on running today. I'm also going to call a salon so I can make an appt. to have my hair cut shorter too (for next week). I was told with long hair the weight of it can cause some pain in scalp. I need to find a cute short haircut that I normally wouldn't have as a style.

    Enjoy your Day...Hugs

    Bonnie 

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  • lmlola59
    lmlola59 Member Posts: 146
    edited February 2012

    Hello to all,

    I am new to this thread and not due for my 1st TX till Feb 28th.I have been reading and taking in all the great information from others experience thus far.It still boggles my mind at how many are in this diagnosis,something you would never realize till you are there.

    First want to say Yippee to Carlynn on getting close to her last treatment you are an inspiration.

    Also impressed with Carlynn and Afighter not getting the Nalasta shot and doing well with that.

    i have been struggling a bit with this because I decided with my ONC to try without it and see how it goes ,but I am also afraid of delaying any of my treatments.Just wondering if you have any tips on foods or say Whey protein (without any soy of course) that may have helped with your good progress with this.

    Afighter also looking to go into this continuing with my usual intense workout if feel ok but I am afraid I will be thinking as you about doing to much will I be sorry ETC. I am 52 but other than the BC in very good health and I contribute this inpart to how I exercise now and don't want to give this up. Not going to lie also don't want to gain weight,this is a huge part of who I am and this and the hair loss will put me over the edge I am sure.Guess with all this we want to think we still have some control over our lives.

    I did go to a local boutique for a wig and a halo,I really recommend trying them before you buy.What I thought on line I would like was completely different than what I purchsed.They even ordered 3 different styles for me in colors like my own hair and I chose one.I know it is cheaper on line but I would have been devestated to get it in the mail and have to start over.Plus when I actually loose the hair I go back and they will make it smaller by removing and sewing ,thin and style for me as part of the sale,plus gave me the stand and cleaning products for free.Can't get this on line and I am fairly sure I will need all of this when I lose my hair.I apparently don't have an exact size head as the wigs come.

    Kudos to all of you that have managed to continue to work very impressive.I was laid off in Dec and now am somewhat thankfull for that.Was suppose to go back in March but the hubby who also works at the same place had sit down with the boss and he has agreed to wait and give me time to see when I will be ready.This is another great releif for me.

    Nell very interesting list of vitamins I now take some of these i but beleive I was told only calcium and vitamin D.Hate to give up the Bcomplex with B12 as that is for energy and brain funtion.I am going to ask again next week when I go to the Chemo training.

    Wondefull day to you all 

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  • silviazara
    silviazara Member Posts: 111
    edited February 2012

    Neli  - thanks for all the info. I am seeing my onco in few hours and will ask him about this, even though last time he said he doesn't recommend too many vitamins, just vit D. Possibly Calcium (but again, at young age he doesn't think I need it)

    Imlola - welcome. I also didn't get Neulasta shot, I am curious about what my blood work will be like next week. So far, I didn't get sick even though my 4 year old came down with fever and my hubby with sore throat. 

    So anyway, I think my hair is nearing it's end any day now. My scalp does not hurt or itch or anything... I braided it and when I pull on it the few hair is coming out. There is a party to go to on Saturday, would it hold up till then? If not I guess Friday will be head shaving party for me. :-(

    I agree with buying wigs in person, I looked online and definitely can't do it. The wigs I tried on at the store I would not choose online and I was surprised how well they fit me. However, I haven't bought any yet. I got like 7 free wigs from friends so I am waiting to go shopping bald headed as they may fit it and style it.

    Bonnie - great, you don't feel nauseous. I had a hard time with eating first few days. The taste was little off but I didn't do olive oil more than for 2 days since it made me gag. The taste is back to normal now.

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  • lmlola59
    lmlola59 Member Posts: 146
    edited February 2012

    Silviazara just curious do you feel very fatigued,my Onc said that the only difference I would have would be fatigue for 5-6 days as opposed to 3.Of course they try to down grade the symptoms I think.Great you have not been catching any of the germs in your home,I have already become a bit of a germaphobic which is definitely not me.Funny how this effects the mind.

    Just curios on th olive oil do you have to swallow it or can you just swish,not sure if there is something extra you get from actually ingesting 

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  • silviazara
    silviazara Member Posts: 111
    edited February 2012

    Imlola - when should fatigue kick in? Second week after chemo? Well, I feel more tired these days. I guess my sleep is not great either. But otherwise it is definitely doable.

    You don't have to swallow the olive oil.

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  • AnnTop
    AnnTop Member Posts: 70
    edited February 2012

    Bonnie, when I had my hair cut short, my stylist took me through about 4 cuts, each shorter than the other. he did it so I;d see what cuts would look good as my hair grows back out -- even took pictures. It actually was kind of fun. I had a shoulder length bob at DX, had it cut to chin length before surgery, and then on to a very short cut the day before chemo started. I lost about 80% by day 14, and my DH clipped what was left to about 1/4 inch. I know I'll lose some of that, but other hair will be growing back. And the stubble helps hold scarves on, although I wear a short bob wig to the office. I was at an event today and lots of people said they liked my haircut and color :-) They didn't know about the BC. I ordered my wigs from TLC.org -- same cut, but three colors. DH calls is my mood wig. I got a halo too.

    Lola, I swish and swallow my olive oil, but I've been an olive oil fan for years. Be aware that most store-brand (inexpensive) olive oil is actually partly canola or sunflower oil and/or so processed/refined that the healiing qualities have all been removed. If you can, look for extra virgin olive oil with a "best used by date" or even better a "pressed on" date. This means you'll have to buy a more expensive oil, but it should taste more of olives. It may also have a peppery taste at the end -- that's the oleic acid that makes olive oil so healthful. Swallow if you can so you can get full benefit. 4 weeks into my TX, I still have most of my taste, although my mouth feels a little raw a few days after each TX.

    Re vitamins, the MO community is really divided on this. I saw a recommendation on DrWeil.com from an MO to not take the vitamins/supplements the day before, of, and after TX, but no evidence of harm on the other days. Seemed like a good compromise to me,

    Re bone density, most insurance will cover your test once you reach 50, so I was fortunate to have a base line. Unfortunately, I had osteopenia before my BC diagnosis, so now I'm freaked out about my MOs recommendation to take an AI for my hormonal therapy. With the new study that clearly links aromatase inhibitors to bone loss, I want him to talk to me about a SERm (tamoxifen) instead.

    Best to you all.

    Ann

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  • Neli143727
    Neli143727 Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2012

    Bonnie, I am so glad to hear you are well!

    Hi Imola! Let me know what they say about the vitamins.

    Silviazara, what did your MO say? I love your profile photo. Looks artsy.

    AnnTop, I am sending a message with some books I found re: osteopenia. Hope you will find one that is helpful.

    My husband spent the day in bed. He still can't use the leg they operated on. We had few dates: going to the bathroom :). My son woke up with a cold so he joined dad in bed. I had a busy day trying to keep a fresh supply of drinks, fruits and soups going to the bedroom.

    Got a call from Interventional Radiology today re: my port placement on Monday. I got so stressed out just thinking about it and the 1st treatment coming up on Monday as well that I needed a fresh T-shirt after I was done talking.

    Went to CVS and dropped the dreaded scripts - steroids and anti nausea meds. My MO spelled my 1st name incorrectly. I told the pharmacist that I am starting chemo on Monday and that the name on the scripts is incorrect and asked if this will be a problem. He was overly helpful and nice. In the end he corrected the scripts him self. This is the 1st time I pulled the "cancer card" in public. And I was treated with exceptional kindness. What happened did not make me feel sad...not today anyway. Can't make any promises about tomorrow...

    Good night Ladies!

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  • silviazara
    silviazara Member Posts: 111
    edited February 2012

    Neli - Thanks ;-)  And hope your hubby feels better soon! I will be thinking about you on Monday.

    MO said I should not worry about neuropathy especially with 4 treatments of chemo. Also, he doesn't recommend taking too many vitamins. Vit D, fish oil and such is OK, but no multi vitamins or extra antioxidants, so that we make sure chemo works at its best.. He said I can start with all the vitamins again after chemo.

    I am such a chicken, I can't cut that hair off! I wanted to do so tonight and I am not going to.. When it's braided and when I don't touch it it stays on... help! I need somebody to kick my butt!

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  • WaveWhisperer
    WaveWhisperer Member Posts: 898
    edited February 2012
    Silviazara, just thought I'd add that I have had neuropathy ever since my 3rd T/C infusion, so it is indeed possible. My MO knows about it and we will discuss it before my 4th and final infusion next week. It's likely that she may reduce the amount of Taxotere.
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  • Neli143727
    Neli143727 Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2012

    Silviazara,

    Thanks for sharing your MO recommendation!

    Regarding your hair: I will just give you a big virtual HUG and leave it at that...HUG!!!

    My hubby did not want to wake me up last night and hopped to the bathroom by him self. Next thing there was a big boom and I woke up; jumped to the bathroom and there was a pile of pale hubby, crutches, towels and bathroom rug. It is a pretty amazing that he was not hurt. Boys think they have powers even after the teen years I guess...

    WaveWhisperer,

    Thanks for sharing!

     I will check with my MO and post what he says about the supplements (they help with neuropathy).

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