January 2012 chemo
Comments
-
I noticed everyone's SEs are so different. I am doing TCH and haven't had any problems with nausea and my onc did not give me anything extra to take for nausea other than Lorazepam, which he said helps nausea even though it's an antianxiety. But I feel like there is some sort of beast high up in my abdomen. Like a giant knot or hole and the only thing that seems to help it sometimes is to feed it. I'm pretty sure a lot of this is from the Dexamethasone. I've gained 10lbs since I started chemo. I'm developing neuropathy in the bottoms of my feet. I hope this isn't permanent. Also, I'm not sure if anyone else is having this and it's a little embarrassing, but I am having rectal bleeding with every bowel movement. Kind of freaks me out even though onc. says it's probably just hemorhoids. I plan on bringing it up again in my next appt. I'd hate to go through all this and then have colon cancer. I have one more tx (other than Herceptin) and I'm hoping my body can hold out for one last round of poison. I can't wait until this time next year when we are on the other side of this.
Riceandbeans, sorry this is such a late response, but this tx round I drank a lot of the Crystal Light Strawberry Lemonade and was able to drink so much more this time.
-
kristen - Welcome!! Glad those tumors are shrinking!! I had a lumpectomy in the fall to remove DCIS and they found 2 invasive tumors that did not show up on MAMMO or MRI. I knew DCIS and invasive could be different Her2 status but did not realize you could have 2 different her2 in the invasive. As far as I know I had only one tissue sample biopsied. Strange.....I am going to speak to me MO about it this Thursday....Anyway I wound up with 12taxol/herceptin. Another MO wanted TCH but this one thought that was overkill.
Judy - they told me my weight gain is probably from the dex too but I am up about15!!! Yikes. I have however been eating a lot of carbs. It sounds like the beast in reflux burn...??? I have not had much nauseu.....vomitted my first few treatments......but LOTS of bad reflux...yuck
I just discovered the natural crystal light(no artificial sweeteners!!) and I am very excited about that!!!
Hugs all
-
kristen - Welcome!! Glad those tumors are shrinking!! I had a lumpectomy in the fall to remove DCIS and they found 2 invasive tumors that did not show up on MAMMO or MRI. I knew DCIS and invasive could be different Her2 status but did not realize you could have 2 different her2 in the invasive. As far as I know I had only one tissue sample biopsied. Strange.....I am going to speak to me MO about it this Thursday....Anyway I wound up with 12taxol/herceptin. Another MO wanted TCH but this one thought that was overkill.
Judy - they told me my weight gain is probably from the dex too but I am up about15!!! Yikes. I have however been eating a lot of carbs. It sounds like the beast in reflux burn...??? I have not had much nauseu.....vomitted my first few treatments......but LOTS of bad reflux...yuck
I just discovered the natural crystal light(no artificial sweeteners!!) and I am very excited about that!!!
Hugs all
-
Nancy and Grateful - Glad you are both feeling better!!!
Got a little sun today and look so much better!!! My hair really looks like shit now but I am not ready to buzz it!!! I can handle feeling like a cancer patient but not looking like one ): Now I understand why old guys do comb-overs...lol
-
Hello all, and welcome Kristin (sorry for what brings you here)
Had my last FU treatment yesterday, then will start taxotere. So far not too bad, I had a long talk with MO re: SEs, there's nothing more that he can give me that I haven't taken already for nausea. However, he told me to take the Ativan more consistantly. I'm going to try that and eat much smaller meals. *fingers crossed*
-
KristinFro - happy to have you here. I am going to Private Message you if you don't mind.
You are the first person I have read to have severe sinus problems on Taxol. That is the only
side effect I have had and it is severe. Mucus, phlegm, constant coughing, bleeding nose, etc.
I have been trying to find someone with the sinus side effect. My MO said it is kind of rare.
The other effects I don't have much - some minor minor neuropathy and bone pain.
-
Judy-I also have rectal bleeding from previous constipation. My MO treated for hemorrhoids and told me to increase fiber intake. I increased the fiber and am no longer constipated but still have the bleeding after a BM. I went to my GI doc and was diagnosed with anal fissures. Ouch! He gave me an RX for a compounded version of Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker. It has helped tremendously! I still have the bleeding but it's not as bad. I've also be using flushable moist wipes, Balneol from time to time, and coconut oil front to back. The vaginal tissue is also starting to crack as well. Good luck.
Angie -
Hey everyone. I'm a little nervous on this eve of my first Taxol treatment. I'll be doing dose dense every two weeks, four treatments. I'm also going to be in a clinical trial where I'll wear cold gloves and socks on one side to see if it helps with neuropathy.
As I read about our group moving into Taxol treatments, I'm really surprised by the number and severity of the side effects (hence the nervousness). I kept hearing from some of these boards as well as my oncologists office that it is so much easier than AC. I think the fact is that no one knows how anyone's going to react to any of these chemical cocktails. Taxol is a powerful one. After reading more about it I'm not surprised that some people's side effects are pretty severe.
So, I'll find out this week whether I get the bone and muscle pain, which is my immediate concern. I'm scheduled to do a reading in front of a bunch of people on Thursday night, the day after my treatment, and all sorts of disastourous scenarios are racing through my mind.
Being halfway through treatment is great, but the next two months look pretty long to me right now. I can only imagine how it seems to those who have had the severe SEs.
Annie
-
Annie-I had #2 of 4 DD taxol today. Last time the steroids had me flying the day after treatment and the aches crept in the following day and hung round for a few days. My plan for tomorrow is to have a perfectly "normal" day and night and then expect to be achey and blah for two to three days.
I hope your experience is similar and your reading will be " better on steroids". Good luck. I was terrified of Taxol but found it manageable and easier to bounce back from than AC. When the pain goes away and you start to feel good, you start to feel really good-almost normal. That was my experience after number 1. I'm hoping number 2 is similar or easier since my acupuncturist changed up his treatment last session. My MO also said the neulasta shot wasn't necessary this week, so no pain from that this week. I hope that isn't a chemo-delaying decision. Again, good luck.
Angie -
Denjak,
Will be thinking about you tomorrow and sending you lots of positive thoughts. You are getting closer tonthe end of treatment.... You can almost see the finish line now. I know that's what I will tell yself on Friday, when my next tx is.
Annie,
Best wishes for you tomorrow as well!!! Don't be scared - remember why you are doing this, but also remember that many, if not most, people's SE are very tolerable!!! Moreover, the onset of SE is not until at least 2 or 3 days afterwards, so you should definitely be ok for your reading the day after dx!!!
Kristin,
I took Ativan (a few times) for nausea while I was on AC, and that was all I needed (for nausea, anyway).
Nancy,
Well said, "my biggest fear in the world is mets, so I like to think that all this sh*t right now may be taking care of or curing something I don't know exists!" - I soooo second that! :-) -
NCbeachgal,
What were your blood counts like, do you know? My MO automatically gives me the Neulasta shot (the day of dx) and I had severe bone pain with AC also, not just with my first Taxol (although with my first Taxol it was waaaaay worse). I have been thinking about asking to not get the Neulasta shot (if my bloodwork is Ok), but on the other hand that worries me, as my kids are constantly sneezing and have runny noses.... -
SleeplessinSeattle -- Ativan has become my new best friend. That, and Ambien. Although not at the same time :-)
DianeNMil -- I have 2 distinct tumors in the same duct. They are 5 cm apart. One is HER2+ and the other is HER2-. My onc said it was not common at all, and one of those "who knows" why it happened that way. I'm coming to realize that answer applies to a lot about cancer. Frustrating, to say the least. Thanks for the warm welcome!
-
Denjak and annie - Good luck on your treatments tomorrow! And Annie, that clinical trial sounds super - I've been icing my fingers and toes, but if they can come up with something more comfortable, that would be great!
Kristin - Welcome. Glad you found us. And it's always good to hear when someone knows their chemo is working!
Grateful - Glad you're starting to feel better.
Judy - You're certainly not alone in the hemarrhoid department. One more thing to drive us nuts. Did you mention the neuropathy to your MO? I had some constant but low-level tingling in my left hand through about day 7 after my 5th treatment, and last night my heels started feeling sort of numb. They're better now, but the sooner you mention the problem to your dr, hopefully they can adjust your dose or help find something to deal with it.
Denise - I haven't had sinus issues, but I've definitely had a constant runny nose and occasional nose bleed. I wish I could find something to deal with it; even benadryl seems unable to do a thing (other than help me sleep).
I'm returned to my close-to-normal state after a really tough go at #5. Last one is 3/29. I can't wait, but I'm not looking forward to even one more ride on this roller coaster. At least my taste buds seem to have reappared.
-
Diane - I've had the bad acid reflux but I've mostly got it controlled with Omerprazole. That could certainly be part of this beastly knot.
Denise - I got a horrible headache that felt sinus related after the first 3 tx's. My onc. said one of the delivery mechanisms for taxotere was known to sometimes cause sinusitis.
Rachel - I did tell the Onc about the neuropathy. He said if it is in my fingertips and lasts more than a few days then he will probably not do the last Taxotere tx, mostly because he doesn't want it affecting my job (dental hygienist). I plan on letting him know how it's going tomorrow. I think it is barely in my fingertips and a lot in the bottoms of my feet. I will give him all that info tomorrow when I go in for labs and let him make the call I guess. My thought is that I only have 1 tx left so maybe I should take my chances and just do it and hope for the best.
Thanks Angie, I may try the coconut oil.
-
Judy - Glad you and your MO are on top of that. Neuropathy is the scariest possibility for me. I'm glad it's been moderate and, like you, hope that whatever comes with the last one clears up. Good luck!
-
Sleepless-you asked about my blood counts. WBC 16.9 neutrophils 15.3. The MOs PA says the neutrophils would have to reach a 1 on treatment day in the next two weeks to delay chemo. My hemoglobin remains a little low at 10.7. That's not too bad. Not bad enough to consider liver and/or smoked oysters from a can.
Thoughts anyone? Should I call my MO this am and request the Neulasta shot? I do not want to delay this treatment by even one day. My last treatment is scheduled for April 17. Very special family members are visiting for 10 days beginning April 19 and I would like a vacation the week of May 7 before radiation, heceptin (every 3 wks) and back to work begins on May 21. The May 7 vacation will delay hercetin by one week and I hope that's ok.
Anyway, it's 1:25 am on the east coast. Taxol steroids are a delight.
Angie -
Kirstin. YOu may not need to take it. I took one pill and it gave me diarrea so I didn't take any more. I had very little nausea by just taking the Emend and the Dext.... (steroid). I still have 2 boxes of Zoftran and Pramin (Metoc.)
Judy. Don't fret the rectal bleeding. I think it was Jenn. that coined the phrase "toxic poop" that many have experienced during AC. My hemmoroids had been gone (I thought) for years until now and they are back with a vengance.
Denise I've had terrible sinus drainage on TX but it started before my first treatment and I think it is more spring allergies but perhaps the TX makes it worse.
Peggy
-
Annie3310:
Even with all my SE complaints with Taxol, I would go through Taxol again rather than AC. My experience with a Wednesday Taxol infusion was that I was OK Wednesday, Thursday and a little slower on Friday. Saturday I was bed ridden with bone pain and not up for any public appearances. My experience was the day after was OK....NCBeachGal..Just came from my infusion: Abraxane... WBC is a 16...I am NOT getting a Neulasta shot..I think. We are checking. Better to ask and hold off in my book.
Still cannot feel the bottom of my feet from #1 Taxol. Fingers getting better. Hugs to all. We can get through this...STAY STRONG.
-
Denjak - thanks for your input, especially since we both have Taxol on Wednesday. If I also am like you in side effects, my Saturday bookstore appearance will be . . . Interesting.
I just got back from my first Taxol treatment. Everything went smoothly, and the only thing I feel is the Benadryl. I had signed up for a clinical trial to wear the ice glove and slipper on one side during the infusion. I didn't last an hour. It was too damn uncomfortable. I am concerned about neuropathy, but apparently not concerned enough to put up with more discomfort. We have plenty of that already.
Even before taxol a couple of my fingernails have started to lift a bit on one side. I imagine this means taxol will do a number on them. My NP suggested the clear, hardening nail polish
Annie -
Taxol #3 today. Looks like there were a few of us hooked up to infusion pumps today. I was able to convince onc to reduce steroids today. He knows how much I hate them as I tell him every time I see him.
yay!!! He would only reduce it by 2mg to see how I did and then another 2mg decrease next week. I am still wired as the benadryl that I got at 9am wore off hours ago and I fully expect to be pacing and twiddling my thumbs at 2am. Also got up to full speed with the T/H and was in and out in 4 hours. I started having a little neuropathy in my left hand yesterday. Not painful, just annoying, and it only lasted about an hour. MO set up my RO consult for next week so my type A personality will feel better having the next plan in place. Anyone else having radiation and have had their consults yet? Been doing a little reading and I must say there is alot more finesse to radiation than I expected.
I also abruptly realized just how much of a strong front my DH has been putting up. He joined the "I forgot my son at daycare today" club. He felt horrible. He thought it was Thursday and picked up our daughter at preschool (our son only goes 2 days/week) and drove right by daycare. No harm done as we've been going there for almost 4 years and they are well aware what is going on with our family. At least he was only 1/2 way home when the teacher called me. DH says to me when he gets home "Well, my 37 year old wife has stage 3 breast cancer and I'm a little stressed sometimes". My heart melted and a little guilt crept in on me for having this crap cancer. It completely put into perspective how much I haven't noticed HIS stress levels. Actually made for a good heart to heart and I am hoping he feels less weighted now that we talked. He works 50 hours a week, we have 2 kids under 5, and I have cancer. If he were a girl I'd send him for a spa day..........
I hope everyone is having a good week with little side effects. I think of you all often knowing we are all trucking along getting through this together.
{{{HUGS}}}
Brooke
-
Momof2 - Your DH does deserve a good reward after this. It's good that you were able to have that type of talk. It is hard sometimes to figure out how others we depend on are dealing with it. Sending {{hugs}} back and hoping that your remaining treatments fly by. And keep an eye on that neuropathy.
Annie - Sorry the gloves were so uncomfortable. I've been using bags filled with crushed ice. You might find them more adjustable, and while maybe you won't get the 'full' effect, it could still help.
-
Annie.. Like Rachel, I too have been icing through the past 3 taxols. I ues frozen bags of peas. I put the bag of peas in a feezer bag. I cut out the toes of some cheap hopsital socks and cut the tips of fingers off thin cheap gloves from Target. I then slip my hands/toes underneath the bags of peas. The sock and gloves prevent my fingers and toes from freezing and the ice just gets to my nails. The hour+ of Taxol is doable for me like that. Just another thought that may help. Good luck with your next treatment....
Brooke
-
Off to the chemo room again this afternoon. This will be the first one without my Tony (my DH) sitting with me. My BFF (known each other since we were 10!) is coming with me. She talks a lot (i'm the quiet one in the relationship) so we'lll see if I still end up snoozing this week ;-)
I iced my hands and feet for my first Taxol last week. My centre have the gloves etc in their freezer for taxotere patients and were happy for me to use them as they don't get use very often. They also gave me my own cotton gloves and socks to wear under the ice ones.
Jenn -
I wish my ceneter had the gloves. That would make it a lot easier than my bags of frozen peas. Good luck today Jenn!!
-
My center has the ice gloves and offers them happily and freely - to Taxotere patients, not those using Taxol. They swear they don't work with Taxol patients, so I have not tried them yet. Maybe I'll ask next week. So far I'm not having a problem with my nails but I don't want to risk anything going wrong.
So, funny story: My fever spiked again last night - 100.1 at its highest - not high enough to call, but enough to piss me off. Still feeling flu-ish today so I took my temp - in half an hour it went from 99.5 to 100.8. Called the office and they had me come in immediately. Did a CBC; said my WBC had spiked and was "in the 40's", probably a SE of the Neulasta, which could also be causing my pain and flu-ish symptoms still. But my temp was normal. So I pulled out my two thermometers, and one right after another, both came back at 100.4. I don't know what happened, but I threw them away right then and there and went out and bought an expensive one (these were like $3 each). I just have to laugh - I'm all freaked out about my fever and apparently my thermometers just didn't work right. And the doctor says all my counts look "very good" so as awful as I feel, I'm in a good place I guess.
Oh, and the pain in my lower left quadrant is likely an ovarian cyst (I've been prone to them over the years) so if it's not better next week they'll want to check it out.
-
I had my last TC 14 days ago last of hair gone, and it is official I love my old bald head, dislike scarves, dislike hats hate wigs. Topless 99% of time now. Amazing how many strangers walk up and say you are beautiful give hugs and wish me luck. Most all are survivors and tell me they wish they had been brave enough to just be bald.
-
Good for you Deb. I'm still holding on to some stubble which is annoying. I'll be glad when it is all gone. Since I am an Othodox married Jewish woman I will still have to cover my head but I'm used to that but I would definitely go bald otherwise.
I had my second TX/Herceptin in fusion yesterday and the steroids are making me feel good today. I'm hoping I'll have more energy this coming week than last because two of my girls from the USA will be here and I want to do a few excursions with them without bogging them down.
Peggy
-
Momof2inMe - Brooke, I wanted to give your husband a hug and invite all of you over for dinner! So much to deal with - very, very, very challenging!
Had Taxol #4 of 12 weekly Taxols this week. Had some minor bone pain (Advil handled it), and some neuropathy yesterday, but it seems better today. I am most tired on Day #3. But overall, no major complaints.
I'm doing the icing - just stick my hands and feet in dishpans of ice. I believe it really helps as I do have some nail pain, but it does go away and no discoloration. My Chemo Nurse said it definitely helps from her experience.
Just starting to get the info for Rads. My Oncologist is 60 miles away. They said I can do Rads in my hometown, so starting to organize that - will probably start 2nd or 3rd week of June. Brooke, keep us posted on your Rad progress. I don't know what to look for or what to ask.
Any ideas would be helpful. Thanks!
-
Had my first Taxol on Monday and hit the wall yesterday (day 3). I was SO fatigued and had pains especially in my pelvis and legs. All I could do was lay on the couch. Pain med's helped and I slept good last night. It is a little better today. This is the worst SE I've had since starting chemo. A/C never hit me like this. My insurance also denied the Neulasta shot, saying I don't need them after Taxol, so I found that out after sitting 2 hours on Tuesday waiting to get the shot. My MO said that my WBC is okay for now so we'll see how it goes without the Nuelasta. I'm wondering if that is why I am so much more fatigued. Hope everyone has a nice weekend.
-
Hello, First timer here, hope this site is ok for my questions. My diagnosis of BC with 1/11 sentinel node positive apparently is a game changer. I do not want to go thru chemo if at all avoidable. I am 66 yrs old, first time BC diagnosis, Onke score of 20, grade IIa, ER PR pos, Herz2 neg, tumor was 1.3 cm and node tumor was 0.7 cm, My MO is recommending, chemo 4 cycles 3 wks apart, (taxotere and cytoxan), radiation to follow (whole breast) and hormone therapy to follow. I am otherwise in good health and no major illnesses prior to DX. My concerns are that this is overkill, but then what do I know, except for researching what others have written about their experiences. At my age, doing chemo might limit my choices if recurrence happens. Also the complications from chemo is of great concern. Then the haunting memory of friend who had a very difficult cell type, went thu everything possible and after 6/7 yrs had what was suspected as chemo fog. He passed away not knowing anyone much like dementia. The studies for this are still in process. If anyone has the same anxiety over chemo as I am having, please write what your experience was like and how did you make an informed decision to do it or not. I am just shy of 2 wks until my first chemo treatment. I have a second opinion appt next week hoping for another choice of treatment. Thanks, Mary
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team