Taxotere is a nightmare

#4 down... I think it hit me less than #3, but I am heading to the couch to curl up with tea. I am a little concerned about the fingers - I made the mistake of imitating (to demonstrate what she had done) a fit a coworker had the other day by banging her hands on her desk... I think I shook up a few nerves that had been very happy before. My fingers are more sensitive this time, so I'm watching carefully.

Also sending my thoughts to anyone else with tx's this week. 

Fran, I so sorry that #5 has been so hard. I had my first on wednesday so far no side effects. I hope you can warm up and have a good weekend.    Eileen

eileenohio - Glad no SEs yet!

OneToughCookie - My PT was adamant about staying active during chemo - even if it's only a very short walk around the block. Especially right after your tx, since it helps metabolize the drugs out of your system more quickly. Stay warm and hang in there. 

Had my first tx on thursday- 5 more to go!  but now I can say I am on my way to finish.  Have Herceptin next two weeks, then my next big Tx.  So far, so good, a bit queasy, but I took my pill and am taking ginger capsules daily.  I was almost worried because I didn't have too many side effects.  I didn't get much sleep because of the steroids, and even after two benedryls, slept only 4 hours.  Got a slight headach though.  That might be the biggest SE - I hope that will be all.  I know it might be worse next time, but we shall see.  I can feel myself winding down today, though, we did a lot around the house while on the steroids!  LOL

To everyone- Much Love and less SEs!

Kellogs, that is wonderful news. Cancer begone, and good riddance!



Eileen, I know it is scary. When they put in the needle for my first chemo I started sobbing uncontrollably. But I got through it, and for the first 4 treatments I actually felt pretty good most of the time. The last 4 were more challenging, but I still managed a pleasant trip to Paris during that. What I want to say is that although it is scary and sometimes quite miserable, life still goes on. My mom had chemo when she was about 70 and went to the gym regularly all the way through. My aunt is on her second round of chemo right now, at 74, and rides her bike to and from the hospital for the chemo.



As for the hair, I shaved it, because I didn't want to deal with the trauma of having handfuls come out. But it is such an individual thing how you manage that part. I also bought a wig, because everyone told me I would need one. I wore it once, to a movie premiere. The rest of the time, I have worn hats, turbans and scarves.

Moon, glad to hear that you are OK. The headache is most likely fom the anti-puke pills.

Had 1st chemo wednesday- only side effect so far slight night sweats ( not to bad) and a little constipation this morning. I still feel good. Gonna change the sheets,shower and go shopping.

Fran, Thinking of you hope you feel better today.

Moon, Happy to hear that your 1st is over an SE's are not to bad.  We only have 5 more to go.. UGH

Have a great sunday everyone.   Hugs  Eileen

Just wondering- I smell!  I smell like chemo- Its not in my head, I relly smell this weird smell around me.  At first I though it was the cats, or the soap, but nope its me!  very weird.  I also haveslight tremors in my hands- geeze didn't expect those.  Still didn't not sleep yesterday much, maybe tonite.  I will call for some sleeping pills tomorrow.  Benedryl did not help. at . all.

To everyone, have a great day.

I don't mean to be vulgar, but my urine smelled strange for a long time.

Hi ladies

Remember to drink lots of water!!!  Before during and well after chemo.

Also be careful not to cut yourself when clipping nails or toes...infection can be a booger around this time.  The smallest nick or cut can turn nasty so just be cautious.

And I remember a strange smell as well in my pee, it was also darker than normal.

As for tremors, I recall having a tic around my eye that bugged me for awhile.  Weird things come and go.  Hang in there!

tucker

My daughters have commented on my odor as well. The scent was particularly strong the first ten days or so post-chemo, but has abated a bit. (I am just a few days away from second chemo.) I was very careful the first week or so post-chemo about wiping off the toilet and cleaning off the counter after use because I didn't want to share the toxic chemicals with the rest of my family. I thought that if we could smell them, they must be coming out my pores as well as from everywhere else.

So far so good. I had my first chemo 5 days ago, The only side effect was constipation yesterday and this morning. Finally got things moving,feeling good now. I really feel blessed,I pray I can continue to do this well for the next 5 (UGH). This is such a long process and then herceptin for a year.Seems like there is no end in sight. 

Hope everyone is having a great day.  Eileen

eileen - you will be surprised how fast it will go, in the not too distant future you will be done with chemo, then the Herceptin is easy and then it is done too!  You are doing great and I am so very glad!

All, I'm scheduled for my second chemo on Thursday. I felt terrific all last week, but ended the week with two long days (a business trip to New York on Friday and then a gymnastics meet for my daughters on Saturday). I took it very easy on Sunday, but I am sitting here at work feeling really weary. I don't have that awful fatigue that we get after chemo, but I just feel soooooo tired. Has anyone else had this experience? I exercised yesterday but am wondering whether I should not push today. Any advice?



(I cross-posted on the December TC group as well as the February TC group.)