Taxotere/Cytoxan starting February 2012.

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  • A_FIGHTER
    A_FIGHTER Member Posts: 109
    edited February 2012

    Morning,

    I can't sleep...I've been up since 1:00 am...Tonight I will be sure to take something so I am able to sleep.

    Neli: Thank you for sharing where you went! It looks very peaceful. You are ready! I'll be thinking of you Laughing

    ColdenMom: Hi, everything popped up after. It was Day 4 & 5.

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  • WaveWhisperer
    WaveWhisperer Member Posts: 898
    edited February 2012

    Mom2JJ, I am confident that the Emend and Zofran will eliminate or greatly reduce your nausea. Did your MO also give you anti-nausea meds to take orally for a few days after treatment? After my first T/C, I was a little queasy, even with Zofran in the pre-med IV, so for round #2 they added Emend, and I didn't have any problems. I take Zofran pills for 2 days after treatment, and I also have compazine if I need it, but I never have. So good luck this round!!

    Bonnie, do you have a prescription sleep aid? My MO gave me one, which I use frequently. On the first two nights after chemo, when the steroids are still active and keeping me awake, I even have to boost the sleeping pill with an Ativan or two, which my MO says is OK. That usually knocks me out, although it's often between 2-3 AM. 

    I guess the underlying suggestion is to take whatever is available to help you with your side effects. The doctors usually are quite generous in writing scripts for whatever SE we're dealing with. We have to be our own advocates. The SE vary so much from patient to patient, and many of the SE aren't visible to our docs. My MO says we patients have to lead the way and tell them what we need, and they will respond. 

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  • lmlola59
    lmlola59 Member Posts: 146
    edited February 2012

    Nell will be thinking of you today hope all goes well

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  • momof3boys
    momof3boys Member Posts: 896
    edited February 2012

    Neli- good luck today! You've come a long way... Thinking of you today...

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  • Mom2JJ
    Mom2JJ Member Posts: 77
    edited February 2012

    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 or am I too out in front (since my first chemo was February 2nd)? I'll also post on the December chemo board to see if they have any insight.

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  • Kim48
    Kim48 Member Posts: 73
    edited February 2012

    Hi Mom2JJ.



    I think that even though you feel pretty much like yourself a couple of weeks after chemo, your body is still not really itself again! We spent the weekend before last in the mountains with friends. We had a fabulous time, but I was worn out. You had a very busy few days. You probably would have been a bit tired from this normally. I think our side effects mostly go away, but I think I was a bit more tired than normal for the whole 3 weeks.



    I'm on round 2 (last Wed) and I still have no energy today. They say the fatigue takes longer to go away each time. I think it just might be that we'll be more tired than normal for these months of our lives! Hang in there and good luck this week. So far, round 2 has been a bit easier than round one for me!!! Yeah! I think this is because I got extra meds for SE last time and predicted ahead of time and avoided some issues! Hope it lasts!



    Kim :)

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  • Kim48
    Kim48 Member Posts: 73
    edited February 2012

    Note to all: don't eat a taco on day 6 even if you don't feel nauseous! I am fine, but that wasn't good!!!! :)

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  • AEM47
    AEM47 Member Posts: 297
    edited February 2012

    Hello to everyone,  This board has been the most helpfull resource I've found :-)  I too started Taxotere and Cytoxin on the 16th.  One down, three to go.  Chemo seemed to go well, and side effects have been minimal.  No real nausea and stopped taking compazine after 3 days I figured the less in my system the better.  I did however get terrible SE's from the Neulasta shot and found yesterday, 2 days after shot, to be almost unbearable.  Thank god for left over Vicoden from surgery :-)  Today was better and I was able to get back on the treadmill and altho still sore from the shot, I didn't feel too bad.  Hoping the rest of treatment goes smoothly, but we will see.   

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  • Mom2JJ
    Mom2JJ Member Posts: 77
    edited February 2012

    AEM47 -- Claritin helps many of us with Neulasta. 24 hours before Neulasta and for five days after.

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  • Mom2JJ
    Mom2JJ Member Posts: 77
    edited February 2012

    Kim48, I know it's not funny to be sick, but your taco post gave me a good laugh!

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  • Neli143727
    Neli143727 Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2012

    Dear beautiful ladies,

    Thank you for thinking of me and for the nice whishes! I could feel them coming my way and they did the job...

    Here is how it went:

    My friend Jane was my "port, chemo buddy".

    Port placement:  Jane came with me inside the OR because she is a nurse and also friends with the OR nurses Smile. She waved at me through the observation window before they started the procedure and then I was out. When I woke up I said:" O, I fell asleep" I was told that we are all done and the port is in. Jane waved again from the observation window. And this is the end of my port placement experience. The meds they gave me were Verset and Fentanyl

    My nurses: Susan - pre op nurse: Outstandingly caring, friendly and helpful. Got my IV started on the 1st try. Yip-pee!

    OR Nurse:  Mark - Funny and personable. I am very cold natured so he kept wrapping me with warm blankets until I looked like mount Everest. He had  a pity on me and broke the no eating and drinking rule prior to port placement and fed me ice chips.

    Physician assistant placing the port - David explained everything in great detail and my friend Jane said that he was quite skillful.

    Then back to Susan RN for observation and to take the IV out since I was the lucky owner of a brand new port.

    Then we walked to the Infusion center. I felt a little oozy, but walked. Met with MO.

    My infusion RN was great. She is a breast cancer survivor her self. I thought it was very nice of her to share this. Kept checking on me.

     Jane made a big cup of tea for me and got lots of ice from the ice machine. She filled all the ice packs for toes and hands. I even had ice pack on my head - Modified version of a Penguin cold cap Smile. There was lots of laughter when attaching the ice packs to my head with Co band. I insisted on having it color coordinated so the nurse provided me with lots of colors (she thought I meant it.)

    My IV pre meds: Steroids and Emend. Then T and C. No allergic reaction. No Neulasta.

    During my treatment the chaplain came and she did a guided meditation. Very helpful especially because the mediation took place at the beach. I was freezing with all this ice all over me.

    Then the nurse educator stopped by to see me and we had a nice chat.

    The lady from Bridge between the Worlds and few friends checked on me.

    And then it was over and done.

    Jane drove me back home and I got nauseous. Zofran came to the rescue. Now my belly is bloated and I feel very tired. I though that the tiredness does not start until later...

    Took Tylenol to help with port ache.

    For sleep I was told to take Lorazepam to counteract the steroids effect. It also works for nausea.

    Hugs to all!

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  • Kim48
    Kim48 Member Posts: 73
    edited February 2012

    Neil, whoo hoo! One round down. And don't be surprised that you're tired! You had a HUGE day!!!



    mom2JJ, it's okay! I meant for you to laugh! We all need to laugh! : ). It's good for us.



    ***Hugs to all and goodnight!******

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  • ColdenMom
    ColdenMom Member Posts: 114
    edited February 2012

    Neli - I'm glad you had a decent day! Sleep well!



    Kelly

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  • Ulightup
    Ulightup Member Posts: 57
    edited February 2012

    Great job Neli--the countdown is on.

    Day 5 post 1st chemo and finally feeling better. Took 15 min walk and attended YIN YOGA which was awesome. Aches and pains are less, but I do have a rash and itchy skin around my neck. Hoping benadryl and hydrocorizone help.

    Sending lots of love and hope to all of you.We are in this together!

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  • Gayle56
    Gayle56 Member Posts: 277
    edited February 2012

    Neli  -  You had some day but it sounds like you came through like a trooper.  Hope you are able to get some rest tonight.

    Gayle

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  • lmlola59
    lmlola59 Member Posts: 146
    edited February 2012

    Nell,

    Glad to hear it went well for you yesterday,hope sleep was good last night.

    Kim48 will definetly keep the Taco in mind very funny Cool 

    Off to the Look Good Feel Better and then our Chemo training. 

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  • Neli143727
    Neli143727 Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2012

    Imola, is your 1st chemo on Thursday?

    Kim, ColdenMom, Ulightup, Gayle56, Imola THANK you!

    Anybody else starting chemo this or next week?

    Last night I had nausea, more nausea, and then some more through the night. The Ativan helped me sleep but I woke up many times and felt loopy on my way to the bathroom (drunk lots of water). My feet were swollen. Very tired. This morning woke up with a head ache and feeling weak an unmotivated. My 10 years old son made me a breakfast - oat bran with strawberries. My husband was off to a post op doc's appointment with sister in law. Now I am finally getting some life juices mixed with thoughts of taking a shower and a little walk in the neighborhood.

    Hugs!

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  • Neli143727
    Neli143727 Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2012

    Question

    Ladies how long time did you take steroids post chemo infusion. Also what dose?

    I am taking 8 mg twice a day- the day before the day of and the day after the infusion.

    Thanks!

    PS

    Thought I will make you laugh with my improvisation of Penguin cold cap photo shoot

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  • silviazara
    silviazara Member Posts: 111
    edited February 2012

    Neli :-) If it wasn't for chemo, I would say you had a fun day! Cute with your Penguin too haha

    How are you feeling today? You weren't tired from chemo, that fatigue from chemo comes in second week after ..

    I am taking Decadron 8mg the night before, and 8 mg the morning of chemo. That's all the steroids I take.

    So I went for my blood work today, 2nd chemo is coming this Thursday! I know it's more of us here with this date. I am feeling nervous and can't sleep already. Btw, I still haven't shaved my hair. ;-)))) It's still on!

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  • lmlola59
    lmlola59 Member Posts: 146
    edited February 2012

    Hi all,

    Nell my 1st Chemo is Tuesday the 28th seems like a long time coming just want to get the show started. Sorry you are not feeling well today,and what a great little boy you have there how sweet of him to make you breakfast.

    Not sure of the dosage yet I will be making my drugstore run tomorrow but I do not have to take anything the day before.I will just get the steroids before the transfusion then take them Am and PM for 3 days after I think.I am glad as I know they will keep me up can't even do any caffeine after noon if I want to sleep at night.

    Also asked about the vitamins and they told me that I can continue to take whatever I am doing now which is B complex,Calcium,Vitamins D,C and primrose.

    Also inquired about food as on some of the threads they talk of no veggies and fruits or none without peels.

    They told me to do this only on the 4 days that you are most susceptible I think its 9-12 ? 

    Also enjoyed the Look Good Feel Better, met some wonderful people that are ahead of me in treatment.They were a true inspiration ,2 of them were receiving their Infusions during the class like it was no big deal at all.

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  • A_FIGHTER
    A_FIGHTER Member Posts: 109
    edited February 2012

    Hi Everyone,

    wavewhisperer: I do have a script for Ativan, but I just don't want to take it.

    Kim48: I had Mexican Day 6,, but NO taco...LOLGlad to hear second round has been easier thus far.

    Aem47: Welcome!

    Neli: Yippee, Round 1 in your pocket! Thank you for telling us about your experience. As for the steroids, I take Decadron, Hexadrol - day before, day of, & day after (4mg each tablet - in the mronging and around 3 PM). I receive NONE the day of through IV.

    Ulightup: How are you doing today?

    Since Sunday I've been feeling better. Boot Camp started back this week. So far so good! I think what helps is it's first thing in the morning. I have found later in the afternoon I become tired. Yet, I don't want to take a nap as I will be up in the middle of the night. However, I did today. I could definitely feel I needed the sleep. My mouth is still a little bothersome. Has anyone had their face breakout? I am OVER that! My chin is a mess!! Also, my nose is very dry. Is anyone taking anything for allergies and/or having a problem with allergies? I guess I could take the Claritin.

    Well, I'm off to Girls on the Run...

    Bonnie 

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  • Kim48
    Kim48 Member Posts: 73
    edited February 2012

    Hi My Friends!!!!



    She trimmed my curly wig and rewet it and rescrunched it and it looks just like my hair!!!! I am so excited! I have to let it dry, but I am looking forward to going out to lunch tomorrow looking like myself.



    Neli,

    I felt sick a few days into chemo one and they called in something new. They will help you to find the right thing. I also get 3 anti nausea drugs before chemo ( takes an hour) because they knew I am so prone to nausea. I was on IV's when pregnant and get very carsick easily. They can prevent it next time. Don't be afraid to call. Also, I take steroids like you. I didn't take more in port. I am allergic to meds/CT scan dye so they are proactive. Remember, the way you feel now will improve. You will not feel like this for too long.



    Welcome to our new friends! I am so happy to see new messages here. You are all so comforting to me.



    Imlola, it is a relief to get first chemo behind you. Hang in there the next few days.



    Happy evening to all! I couldn't sleep last night. Hopefully tonight will be better. I'm so tired!



    Kim :)

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  • Ulightup
    Ulightup Member Posts: 57
    edited February 2012

    I'm doing really good. Joint aches and pains gone just like you guys said. Did yoga yesterday and pilates today. The only problem I'm having is skin rash around neck which I now have to take steroids for. Oh well, this too shall pass.

    Afighter- I have sore mouth and tongue which could be thrush. Taking magic mouthwash which is helping with the discomfort.



    Kim 48 --glad you are happy with your wig. I pick mine up tomorrow then they will cut it for free at

    A salon fundraiser Sunday. Hope it looks good.

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  • Neli143727
    Neli143727 Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2012

    Hi to the new friends!

    Silviazara, Fighter and Kim thanks for answering my questions and for the tips!

    Silviazara, we did have fun and laughed a lot. Crazy isn't it?

    Fighter, I had a red rash last night on my face but it is gone now. I used Vit. E on it.

    Silviazara and Kim I hope you can sleep tonight!

    Imola, hang in there! If there is anything special you want to do - get a massage, go to a spa, retreat, shopping, and show. Try something you have never tried before or just do something that makes you very happy. This is what I filled my days with before treatment and it helped me.

    My son had to fix me a small lunch too. Then miraculously the nausea went away and my energy bubbled up. Dog, son and I walked in the neighborhood. Then I took a shower. Husband and sister in low came home and I went to a cancer support group meeting in the hospital. Very interesting development...I am still fine, puzzled and thankful.

    Hugs!

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  • DonnaDS
    DonnaDS Member Posts: 32
    edited February 2012
    Had tx#2 today.  A step closer.  My MO made some changes; no dex day before, no Emend, no nausea meds in IV, slightly lower dose of taxotere (because my WBC went so low) and with all that NO HEADACHE.  Took Zofran when I got home and comp.  an hour ago.  Very little nausea.  Took nap and DH made me mac & cheese for dinner.  Feeling good right now Laughing
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  • Mom2JJ
    Mom2JJ Member Posts: 77
    edited February 2012

    Silviazara, my second chemo is on Thursday too. Steroids and anti-nausea drugs tomorrow and chemo Thursday morning at 9. I am anxious, particularly because I was so ill last time during chemo. We are hoping for a better round this time. Thursday is also my daughters' 8th birthday, and I am hoping to go to their gym that night for their birthday. I am thinking positive thoughts, but the days right before chemo are certainly difficult from a psychological perspective. Good luck with yours on Thursday.



    Anyone else with Thursday the 23rd TC treatments?

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  • ColdenMom
    ColdenMom Member Posts: 114
    edited February 2012

    Neli - how sweet is your son! Hope you are doing well tonight. My first chemo is on Thursday. I start Dexamethasone 8mg 2x a day, the day before, day of and day after. I do not believe I'll be receiving any other steroids via IV the day of. I did for warn my doctor that I am very prone to nausea and he said he's got me covered. He also told me to continue my vitamin regime as is (C, D, Calcium, B, & Multi).



    I had my last PT appointment today too - full range of motion yea! I am going to get back to yoga this week. I think that will help with my spirits a bit. For the last four weeks I just have not been as active as I am use to and am ready to get to it again. I am also considering heading back to work next week, part time to see how I do during treatments.



    So, those of you who have treatment this week good luck and for everyone on Thursday I'll be right there with you ;)



    Good Night.

    Kelly

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  • firstcall
    firstcall Member Posts: 499
    edited February 2012

    Day 3 of treatment #1.  (Day of treatment = day0).  

    Awake at 4 am.  Feeling ok....just awake...

    Rested a while, then went to the gym and rode 60 minutes on the recumbent bike.  Then back home, then another nap, and then to work.   Lunchtime, I picked up a piece of roasted chicken breast.  Finished half of it.  When I arrived home, I napped in front of the fire for awhile.  Eating didnt seem very inviting.  Had a half bowl of rice before bed.  I had aches and pains through the day, but they were manageable.  A couple of people brought me gifts today.   One brought me a hand knitted hat, and another brought me treats.  I love treats, but this time I'm sharing them with others.    I am grateful for the kindnesses that I continue to receive as I go through this.  

    I hope everyone is doing well, and weathering the storm.   

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  • WaveWhisperer
    WaveWhisperer Member Posts: 898
    edited February 2012

    Hi, ladies. Just wanted you to know I had my fourth and final T/C infusion yesterday. It seems like just yesterday that I was where you are. The chemo ride was bumpy, and I had a full array of side effects -- imsomnia, hot flashes and night sweats, severe diarrhea, itchy palms, bad acid reflux, rapid heartbeat, extreme fatigue, neuropathy, dry skin, pimples, body aches, burning muscles, depression. I had more than one meltdown, crying on my husband's shoulder, telling him I wasn't sure I could keep going, that this was harder than I had expected. 

    But you know what? I did get through it. I learned what to expect through each cycle, and I was physically and mentally prepared. I had to stay in bed for 2-3 days each cycle, but I took my Kindle, IPad and laptop and watched hours of movies and played lots of apps, between naps. I knew that those dark days would pass and I would have 7-10 days of feeling almost like normal before my next cycle. I would plan things to do on those good days, especially getting out of the house, walking, massages, acupuncture.

    Today is my LAST Day#1 after my FINAL treatment. I can't tell you how good it feels. Like the pain of childbirth, this agony I've been through will fade in my memory.

    If I can do it, so can you. The thing that gave me the single greatest comfort was the wonderful group of ladies who went through this with me on the December 2011 T/C thread. We checked in with each other the last thing at night and first thing in the morning. We added to our profiles when our treatments would be, so we could keep track of who had treatments when. We griped and groaned, vented and ranted because it was a safe place to do that. And NO ONE, not even our husbands or partners, siblings, children or best friends really, really understood what we were going through. They became my best friends. You can do that for each other. It will make this ride so much easier on you.

    Good luck, and I'll be watching you. 

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  • Neli143727
    Neli143727 Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2012

    Dear WaveWhisper,

    THANK you so much for your beautiful words of encouragement and honest sharing!

    Congratulations on being on the finish line!

    I am so HAPPY for you!

    Lots of Love

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