Taxotere/Cytoxan starting February 2012.

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  • shera
    shera Member Posts: 184
    edited February 2012
    True Neli.... I'll try that technique for staying in ' the now' . I'm alternating between dealing well in the present moment and feeling impending doom weigh down on me like a brick house.

    coldenmom - Flavored aloe.. never heard of it! I've acquired a taste for the plain, slightly bitter juice... but had been wondering how that might 'change' when the tastebuds get hit with TC.

    I may order some, as well as some manuka honey -- has big anti-bacterial quality and helps with mouth sores. It's about 3times as expensive as regular raw honey, but still manageable.

    Speaking of sores --- anyone else get this? Over the past few days, I've developed what looks like a blister type sore near the area of my port that attaches to vein in neck. I've had port in for 8 weeks, had a port flush 4 weeks ago. See my regular doc today- but sure hope this wont delay infusion scheduled for tomorrow.

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  • Neli143727
    Neli143727 Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2012

    ColdenMom, Thank you so much! Just ordered it. How many times a day do you use it? Do you just take a little bit?

    I am hoping to prevent in the future what happened to me this time. Right now I can only drink my food and it is so painful. It has to be bland too. For breakfast this morning I made tapioca custard with egg, vanilla, maple syrup. For lunch I am making a smoothie: steamed soy beans, petit peas, ricotta cheese, olive oil, pinch of salt in a blender.

    I also have difficulties talking.

    Undecided

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  • Neli143727
    Neli143727 Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2012

    Shera, I felt a sense of impending doom prior to my treatment also. The afternoon before my treatment I even called all the special people in my life to tell them that I love them and how much they mean to me.

    I am still here complaining (8 days post 1st treatment)...Wink

    Thanks for the manuka honey info!

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  • ColdenMom
    ColdenMom Member Posts: 114
    edited February 2012

    Neli - they say recommended dosage is a capful a day BUT it is okay to take as needed. I have been swishing a couple times a day (morning and night) then swallowing. I also add a capful to my water and just drink it through the day. I hope it works for you! And... That you can end the liquid diet :/



    Shera - yes, it's great. My very good friend is a nutritionist and got me hooked on it (among all my other supplements as well.) I'm going to look into the honey too. About the blisters, i don't have a port currently, i did have one with my last diagnosis but never dealt with blisters/sores. What I did have at my neck where the port attached was raised scar tissue, like a keloid. It was never bothersome and went away on it's own following treatments and removal of the port. Good luck and I hope it turns out okay!



    Kelly



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  • Bern51
    Bern51 Member Posts: 13
    edited February 2012

    @silvia, the wig is a little annoying because it's longer than my hair was, it just fit the best...I am going to wear a lot of scarves but I need the wig for work, work with the public (am a CPS investigator) and don't wan them to know about my personal life, I think the scarves will be a giveaway...I'm like this with my clients in all areas of my life...the less the angry people know about me, the better.



    I have chemo Thursday and I can honestly say this is the first day I've felt "okay." I really think the menopause /chemo/Nuelasta combo is why I'm feeling so bad most of the time...taking advantage of this good day, shopping to prepare for 3rd round and taking my dog for a well deserved long walk...hope everyoneis doing well today! Thanks all for the compliments on my "hair"

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  • Gayle56
    Gayle56 Member Posts: 277
    edited February 2012

    Back from TX#3, last one is March 20th.  I feel a little loopy but other than that fine. White Count was great so no Neulasta again.

    Had a nice lunch at IHop with my daughter and sister - had our free pancakes and contributed to the Childrens Miracle Network.  Drinking my water and going to take my daughter for a special hip hop dance class with a Choreographer who has done videos with Jay Z and Shakira - should be fun - then I will come home and collapse lol

    Gayle

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  • lmlola59
    lmlola59 Member Posts: 146
    edited February 2012

    Hi all,

    Gayle56 sounds like you are doing just fine glad to hear it.

    My first TX went very well only hitch was find a vein to use seems like they are very deep,but we did get it going and after that it was smooth sailing.Started the first drug slow but after a short time we were up to normal flow so it didn't take to long.Walked in the door at 9:45 and was out by 2.I did put I fingers in the ice during the treatment to see if this does work for the nerves.They kept asking me why I am surprised it wasn't done regularly as I think I have seen it many places maybe I will try to do the toes next time if they give me any trouble

    We then went to Petco to kill a little time to find my youngest cat a new harness as she has gotten a bit porky.I know a cat on a harness? Well the 2 cats we have now are my daughters and where we live we are woodsy and have to watch out for other critters.We have had 2 cats that didn't return home they were older and one had diabeties and may have just gone off to die but don't really know.This way we can monitor them and keep them closer to the house and they are not out after dark.

    Then I was able to make it to the dentist and get that done so very happy about that.

    I still feel great except taste not bad but off and I didn't follow eating really plain as I had started the crock pot before I left and could,t ignore it it smelled so good.Also notice my sense of smell is heightened and the sinus problems I have always had seem to be gone away for the moment.I guess the biggest thing is I am just waiting a round for the SEs. I surprising slept well by taking an over the counter sleep aid we will see how tonight goes I May take the anxiety stuff tonight and of course the colace to head off the constipation.

    Well going to watch the Bruins and relax for a while.

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  • lmlola59
    lmlola59 Member Posts: 146
    edited February 2012

    Sorry almost forgot please forgive me I guess I am a little slower mentally as I thought.

    Shera good luck tommorrow hope it goes as well for you as it did for me. 

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  • Neli143727
    Neli143727 Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2012

    Dear Shera, I hope it goes well tomorrow! Let us know when you can! Hugs!

    Imola and Gayle So GLAD you are doing well!

    ColdenMom, Thank you!

    Anyone with SE: vaginal bleeding? I have it today. MO said to watch it and if it increases or does not stop by Thursday to call. 

    Good night!

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  • Ulightup
    Ulightup Member Posts: 57
    edited February 2012

    Hi everyone. I had mouth sore and the magic mouthwash ordered by my onc really helped along with biotine mouthwash. Metal taste improved 10 days after chemo..now my appetite is back.

    Just wondering if anyone experience skin darkening and itchiness over iv site.

    Thanks

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  • Myleftboob
    Myleftboob Member Posts: 1,469
    edited February 2012

    Ulightup

    When read your post I checked my port side.  Its not itchy but it is darker.  Never really noticed until now.

    Bern51

    I love the wig!  Since I don't know you I have nothing to compare it to but I would not have known it was not yours.  Looks very natural.

    Hope everyones having a SE free night!!

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  • NikkEliz
    NikkEliz Member Posts: 38
    edited February 2012

    Hi! My name is Nikki. I just found this discussion board and figured I'd join up and say Hi. I just had my second of 4 TC treatments last week. So far it hasn't been as bad as I was expecting, other than lots of bone and muscle pain. Well, and hair loss but I decided to make that part fun and had all my friend come over and chop off my hair and then got a bunch of crazy fun coloured wigs, and such and did a photoshoot. Haha.  I've been having trouble finding places/people to talk to about everything that's been going on. It's nice to hear the stories of some people who know what this is all like. 

    Oh, a bit about me I guess. I was diagnosed in Nov, had a lumpectomy in Dec, started Chemo Jan 30. I'm a 27 y/o, single, Early Childhood Education student, though that's on hold for now. 

    so ya.. umm Hi! 

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  • Neli143727
    Neli143727 Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2012

    Welcome NikkEliz! Love the photo!

    Ulightup, my port site is darker too.

    I must be a SE magnet: vaginal bleed increasing with moderate cramping now; tooth infected: woke up with a bad tooth ache and realized me face is swollen; and fever 100.8. I guess I will have some hospital fun today....

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  • A_FIGHTER
    A_FIGHTER Member Posts: 109
    edited February 2012

    Morning Ladies,

    Shera: Positvie thoughts and prayers are with you today! You are going to do just fine Laughing

    NikkEliz: Welcome! So glad you found us! 

    Gayle56 & lmlola59: Yeah, it is done for new! Thanks you for letting us know how it went. Both of you sounsd great!

    Neli: I'm wishing you the best! Hangin there...this too shall pass!

    Bern51: You look awesome!

    Ulightup: Love having the magic mouthwash! Thank goodness for that! 

    Yesterday was the day, Day 14! I had to shave my head. I couldn't take it any longer! It was a great time. Two friends also shaved their heads. I was so blessed that Joni could come over at the very last mintue to do the shaving. She is my friend's hairstylist. We had her ready to come over Fri. or Sat., but I just couldn't wait that long, thought I could. We ended up calling here just after 6pm and she was over by 7 pm. I sent my husband and another friend pictures and I got that I look like Sigourney Weaver from Alien (my husband)...LOL and Sinead O'Connor (friend). 

    It will be interesting today at Boot Camp and Girls on the Run Thursday. Of course, everyone noticed my short haircut yesterday and now they will see this! LOL...I had to tell a lady at Boot Camp careful not to touch/pull too hard when she was admiring the short cut.

    Today my dear friend (one who shaved her head as well) and I have a Health Fitness Fair at a High School. We are going to ROCK the place! LOL...A lady from camp, who hasn't seen us yet (will this morning), is the one who asked us to participate. So we got our clearance and all.She hasn't had enough time to fore warn the staff...LOL...Wait until they see us...Boot Camp Girls and shaved heads...They must really be hard core!  

    Have a great day ladies...TODAY MATTERS!! Laughing

    Hugs,

    Bonnie 

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  • kat2nich
    kat2nich Member Posts: 11
    edited February 2012

    Today is my first TC treatment and I hardly slept last night.  Crying and scared, dammit !!!  Also going thru divorce at same time.  THis hasn't been a good year for me.  I kept thinking about all the SEs, but after reading your posts, it doesn't sound like it will hit right away today.  That makes me feel better.

    Thanks !

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  • Myleftboob
    Myleftboob Member Posts: 1,469
    edited February 2012

    kat2nich

    Once you have today under your belt you will feel far less scared. Everyone's SE are varied and I pray they are minimal for you.  Crappy that you have to go this AND a divorce   You'll be well supported here.  Hugs to you xx

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  • lmlola59
    lmlola59 Member Posts: 146
    edited February 2012

    Morning everyone,

    kat2nich hang in there and good luck I am a bit relieved to have one under my belt.

    Welcome Nikki it helps to have a place to share with others that can relate. 

    Bonnie how incredibly that you had friends that joined you in shaving her head,I can't imagine doing this if I didn't have tothat is true friendship and you are very blessed. You really amaze me what you are able to accomplished and are becoming my role model of how I hope to be through this all.

    Well of course i didn't sleep great last night as expected between the steroids and I got heart burn as soon as I laid down.This is something I never get so it took me a while to realize it was heartburn and not nausea creeping in.I got up and took a Zantec as that is what I bought but didn't work that great.So I just propped up my pillows and slept on my back which is not a usual position so I think I was up every 1 to 2 hours and of course then I had to Pee.Other than that still doing well I did my usual exercise this am and it it was not bad and now I am having a whey protein drink to recoup.

    All and all as of now I still can't complain. 

    Time to jump in thr shower but i am already worried about how to treat my hair,though i know it will fall out wondering if there is anything I can do to be gentler. 

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  • Ulightup
    Ulightup Member Posts: 57
    edited February 2012

    Neli n myleftboob- I guess I'm not alone with skin darkening.



    Day 14 and I'm expecting myhair to fall out. The anticipation is awful. Ulightup- awesome that your friends are so supportive and shaved their hair. Wow!



    Celebrating my 44 bday this weekend. Going to improv comedy club with girlfriends...I want to LAUGH!



    I'm back to lifting weights, elliptical, stair stepper and treadmill almost daily. Also taking yoga or pilates 6x/week. My energy is the same as before chemo. My advise to all...there will be 3 - 5 days when you feel like shit ..no energy and aches/pain. I know it's hard to move on those days, but as soon as you are up to it take walks and try to exercise. You will feel better and be ale to counter the cancer related fatigue associated with chemo.

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  • Kim48
    Kim48 Member Posts: 73
    edited February 2012

    Hi Ladies!



    Imlola, I had terrible heartburn the first time. MO said to take the OTC type of heartburn meds, the type that you use in 14 day increments. He said to take it throughout chemo and I did much better the second time.



    Kat2nich and Sheri. Thinking of you today. Hang in there.



    Neli, You have been through so much. Hang in there. My second tx was easier than first. You can be proactive to prevent to treat things more quickly when you are prepared.



    Welcome Nikki. You are so young to be dealing with this. You will find this group very comforting.



    Imlola and Gayle, glad you put a tx behind you,



    I also have a Rachel Welch lace front wig. If you need a wig, they are really realistic. I teach first grade and have taught in my community for 25 years. I see kids everywhere and am more comfortable in a wig when I'm out. At home, no wits for me!



    Bonnie, So nice of your friends to support you with hair. Very cool.



    Everybody! One day at a time!



    I agree that moving helps. I walk 2+ miles a day. However, I am so sleepy this time around. My tx was 2 weeks ago today. It isn't like I feel achey like I did after chemo. Just sleepy. My RBC was a little bit low on Friday. I'm concerned I might be getting anemic. Anyone else?



    Have a nice day.



    Kim. :)













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  • lmlola59
    lmlola59 Member Posts: 146
    edited February 2012

    Kim 48 what OTC are you referring to you use in 14 day increments.When i originnally went to get one for possable SE iI beleive they seemed to have different active ingredient so maybe i just need to find the one that works for me.It only seemed to bother me when I tried to lay down and sleep i am fine today. 

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  • Bern51
    Bern51 Member Posts: 13
    edited February 2012

    Btw Silvia, the wig does get tangled, I think it will be better when I don't have to wear a coat, my "hair" gets tangled in the hood...i carry a little wig brush with me. The scarf is so much easier.

    There's a blog online called Eyeline Her by a woman with alopecia, she shows a great way to tie a head scarf with a hair elastic, so much easier...she also has good makeup tips for brows and lashes

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  • shera
    shera Member Posts: 184
    edited February 2012

    Hooked up to my first taxol drip right now... so far so good... about an hour into it. Good God this ain't for the faint of heart!!!!!

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  • shera
    shera Member Posts: 184
    edited February 2012
    to elaborate... physically things are ok so far... its my imagination coupled with the reality of possibilities that is mental torture right now. Ive got a few more hours of taxotere, then an hour of cytoxin... should be done by 5pm. I'm glad they're going super slow though..since I have allergies and asthma and sensitivities.

    So far so good.

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  • Neli143727
    Neli143727 Member Posts: 86
    edited February 2012

    Hi everyone!

    Shera, I am so glad you are doing well!!!



    I ended up in the hospital. My counts are very low. I can't eat or drink swollen face, oral cavity infected,fever, vaginal bleeding. So here I am getting lots of fluids and antibiotics. My hospital is very nice. I have a beautiful view from my window. All rooms are private. And the bathroom is spa like. :)

    Hugs!

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  • Kim48
    Kim48 Member Posts: 73
    edited February 2012

    Imlola, sorry I put half the name. It's Prilosec OTC. I take the CVS brand, it's cheaper. I had trouble off and on for several days first tx. Now that I'm taking this regularly, I've pretty much had no heartburn this round.



    Neli, so sorry you're in the hospital, but glad they're taking such good care of you.



    Shera, glad all is going smoothly.

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  • lmlola59
    lmlola59 Member Posts: 146
    edited February 2012

    Nell so sorry you have ended up in the hospital a fear for all of us hope you feel better soon and can go home.

    Shera before you know it it will be over hang in there

    Thanks Kim48 so do you take this every day ? 

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  • Ulightup
    Ulightup Member Posts: 57
    edited February 2012

    Neli sorry to hear that you have to go through this. They will take good care of you in the hospital and this will allow you to heal instead of trying to manage at home. Praying for a speedy recovery.

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  • Kim48
    Kim48 Member Posts: 73
    edited February 2012

    Imlola, they told me I could take it every day throughout chemo, so I take it every morning.

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  • A_FIGHTER
    A_FIGHTER Member Posts: 109
    edited March 2012

    Hi Everyone,

    katznich: Welcome! How did it go? We are here for you!

    lmlola59: Glad you were able to exercise still! It's very important to try and keep moving. I found that after showering and then combing my hair was NOT a good idea...So much would come out while washing and then even more when combing.

    Ulightup: For me, when it started coming out it really moved along quickly! It started Day 12 and by yestrerday (Day 15) I needed  it to be shaved. Looking back, I would have cut my hair shorter before it started falling out. I didn't cut it short until Monday and I actually should have just shaved it then too. I feel so much better! I really feel GREAT with no hair!

    shera: Thank you for keeping us posted on how it was going for you today! One down, YIPPEE!!

    neli: I'm so sorry you are having to go through all these SE's! Try and keep your spirits up. You WILL get through this. Hopefully, after all this, the next infusion will work out better since you and your MO are aware of all the SE's from this one. 

    Today was the first day out in public. My girlfriend and I wore bandanas with our Boot Camp tank tops on...as we were attending the high school Health Fair today for staff members. We had a table set up for our Boot Camp. I felt VERY confident with my orange bandana. Only one person out of over 100 asked us about our heads. She happened to have a friend going through BC.  I was actually surprised by this! 

    Before going to the Health Fair we stopped at Starbucks. A gentleman behind us started a conversation with us and it had NOTHING to do with our heads! It had to do with the writing on the back of my Boot Camp Tank Laughing 

    I've added a new picture...I'm in the middle with my two dear friends! 

    Enjoy the rest of your day/evening,

    Hugs -

    Bonnie 

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

    Hi ladies - Just checking in and wanted to say hello.  

    Neli - - So sorry for all your troubles.  wishing you a quick recovery and less SE next time

    As for all those ladies in the midst of losing hair or already lost it - we are beautiful woman and our hair does not define us.  we are defined by our goodness, kindness and the love we put out everyday.  Unfortunately it is a tough loss but I have noticed when I read back to chemo pages from 2010 and 2011, all those wonderful women before us tell how the hair loss passes and when they look back it is easily forgotten  .......   I put it in the perspective of childbirth, hurts like a bitch when it happens but soon enough it is forgotten....only difference is that instead of that cute little baby, when this is over we will be cancer free!!!

    (((Hugs))) and peaceful sleep to all

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