taxotere side effects

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited July 2012

    kltb - Sephora also has the brow kits - Japonesque and Anastasia make them.  I used (and continue to use) Anastasia colored brow gel, I did not lose all brows or lashes. When my brows came back they were lighter in color so I have continued with the colored gel.  Smashbox also makes one.  I also wore lashes on occasion - usually if I was meeting people I didn't know, otherwise I wore extra eyeliner and darker eyeshadow.

  • rn4babies
    rn4babies Member Posts: 409
    edited July 2012
    kitb04....At the LGFB class they showed us eyebrow stencil kits from Sally Beauty Supply.
  • PaEaglesFan
    PaEaglesFan Member Posts: 277
    edited July 2012

    Reading all of your comments really helped me feel 'normal' in such an abnormal time. I had my first TC last Tuesday and I'm happy to say it was a non-eventful treatment.

    9 days out and my tastebuds are slowly coming back but I find some things really taste awful yet. Great diet plan!

    I ordered some hats from TLC that came today so I thInk I'm going to have my hairdresser shave my head instead of my normal trim tomorrow night. From everything I've read, it's pretty much a given that this Monday or Tuesday is going to be the end of it anyway.

    For those veterans out there, is it normal to feel 'ok' in just a weeks time? If it weren't for the weird taste, I don't think I would feel any different. Am I just lucky or will I feel worse as time goes on?

  • kltb04
    kltb04 Member Posts: 1,051
    edited July 2012

    The only way I don't feel "normal" is just the exhaustion and to me that has seemed cumulative and worse with time.  Even with my rough SE during the A/C phase of my chemo, I was over the nausea and sickness feeling usually by one week after and had a couple of normal weeks (except for the second week after each A/C cycle I had really low WBC). 

    I keep thinking that the SE such as nail problems and nueoropathy might be cumulative with Taxotere - I am halfway done (2 out of 4) and haven't had those yet thankfully.  I think, as you said, I have been lucky, so far with Tax...

  • kltb04
    kltb04 Member Posts: 1,051
    edited July 2012

    Oh and thanks for all the input on brow kits!  I may just try something local - they have a Sally's here or even just a kit from the cosmetics dept at Target.  I don't really go out much, don't work outside the home, but I do put on my face for drs appts and the like plus with school starting back up next month, I will be going to meet teachers, etc...and don't want any more "poor you" looks than necessary.

  • luvBngGma
    luvBngGma Member Posts: 73
    edited July 2012

    kltb: thanks for your input. I'll be back next week, after treatment. Minimal SE's to all of you, going for treatment this week.

  • Tazzy
    Tazzy Member Posts: 2,546
    edited July 2012

    Kltb: it is wild how chemo works...but it does work.    Hair on my head, 20 days PFC, is growing way quicker than any other hair..... I just want brows and lashes to return.   Like
    you I would not be seen in public without some eye make up on... I have now got used to how I look without it...although always pencil in eyebrows.  And with the taxo-tears eyemake up is a total waste of time as it just runs off.  

    I know what you mean though about pitying looks - at first I found it really hurtful and annoying and thought to myself I don't want your pity.  Now I look back smiling and think to myself..yeah I may not have hair...but I`m fighting cancer on a daily basis... what are you
    doing.    I have become very used to my `look` and am now OK with it.   Don't like it, but ok with it.

    Luvbnggma:   I remember rubbing my head when I first got it shaved Laughing   Make sure you drink lots of water (or some fluids) days before, during and after tx.    If you think you'll suffer with constipation start taking a stool softener couple of days before tx and after too... add plenty of fibre to your diet.

    PAEaglesfan:  Welcome to the group - you`ll find the support, comfort and laughter you need here.   Some people just sail through tx with very minimal SE`s.   Wonderful if that is you.   Chemo is accumulative so you may feel a little worse with each tx - but then again, maybe not.

    Hope you are all managing to have a minimal SE day.

  • lisa2012
    lisa2012 Member Posts: 652
    edited July 2012

    tazzy, you are so right about makeup and taxo-tears.I decided to stop mascara since I didn't want to dtress eyelashes into falling off.  It just washes off, I even tried the undereye concealer stick instead of my creamy-with-wand stuff. No luck. Some eyeliner pencil seems to cling unevenly to the top. Thank god I wear glasses, it kind of screens my watery plain eyes. Whatever.

    I did notice that the tearing seemed rapid and worse outside yesterday, where it was more damp and fewer tears inside. Maybe  the eyes are more sensitive to light and allergens outside. I sure hope this starts to wane soon. Small effect really but the constantness of it is impactful. I use my sleeve a lot,sigh.

  • Tazzy
    Tazzy Member Posts: 2,546
    edited July 2012
    Hey Lisa... eyes are definitely light sensitive - way worse as soon as outside.  I am 20 days PFC and still they are watering Cry
  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited July 2012

    The "Taxo-tears" will most likely continue for about 6-8 weeks PFC - sorry to be the bearer of bad news!

  • Hikergal
    Hikergal Member Posts: 74
    edited July 2012

    Hi luvBingGma, I highly suggest icing the mouth and toes and fingers.  I have not had any mouth issues nor tingling in fingers and toes.  Did 2nd Taxotere tx yesterday and am hopeful it will continue working.  I suggest ginger caps in lieu of antinausea meds.

    What does Latisse do and when should we begin taking it?  

  • Tazzy
    Tazzy Member Posts: 2,546
    edited July 2012
    Thanks SpecialK Tongue out..... still I can put up with them for at least another 3 weeks.... I just dont have to return to the BGC tomorrow...happy dancing.
  • GatorGal
    GatorGal Member Posts: 2,550
    edited July 2012

    Just want to say hi to all you taxotere girls. I finished it last July and it was doable. SE's were minimal other than the toenails and fingernails and neuropathy that got so bad I had to discontinue treatment. The reason I'm writing is that I want you to know that it kicked cancer's butt .... I was NED and didn't even get to have all the treatments. So, for those of you suffering from terrible SE's .... hang in there! Taxotere is terribly good stuff.

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited July 2012

    Glenna_E- Wonderful news to hear that you are NED after the Taxotere treatments which translates to me--- there is always hope!!!!!  HUGS to you for sharing your experience here!!!

    Hikergal- Latisse is a prescription drug that you apply directly to your eyelash area to help make the eye lashes grow.  I haven't filled my prescription yet and just waiting until after my chemo is done before I start using it.  I may start using it sooner if my onco says to go ahead and start before my last chemo in August.

  • dgcote
    dgcote Member Posts: 28
    edited July 2012

    Don't know how long it will last ,I just started July 6th,on taxotere and cytoxen waitint to see when my hair will fall out, Hope these side effects don't last all the way through. I had a melt down today the first since it all started. All better now, needed to cry I guess.

  • ljhm
    ljhm Member Posts: 60
    edited July 2012

    dgcote

    My side effects usually start on the 2nd or 3rd day and last up to 10 days.  I am on day 8 after 2 treatments and am starting to feel human.  Hang in there, ask for pain killers if you need them.  I have them and they make it better.  My hair fell out at the end of the second week after my first treatment but still have a slight covering.  Hang in there  from the results I've read on here it's worth it!.  That's why its only every 3 weeks we wouldn't be able to stand every other week.  Your third week will feel great, so look forward to that. 

    laurie

  • bcbarbie10
    bcbarbie10 Member Posts: 319
    edited July 2012

    Has anyone ever had botox on the face while on taxotere or herceptin? Having a lot of issues right now and i need to feel good about something.

  • ljhm
    ljhm Member Posts: 60
    edited July 2012

    doesn't sound like a good idea to me since taxotere devastates your white count.

  • PaEaglesFan
    PaEaglesFan Member Posts: 277
    edited July 2012



    Hang in there dgcote, it does get better. I had a melt-down last Friday (on day 4 after first TC). After a weekend of rest, I started feeling normal again. I wonder if the "I can't do this" breakdown is a normal part of the process?

    The past few days I've noticed an increase in acne. I am chalking it up to fluctuating hormones, but I REALLY HATE having teenage skin again!

    Co-workers were very supportive of the new look today. Love how much free time I have in the morning now that I don't have to do my hair! I don't regret getting it buzzed at all, it was nice to feel like I had some control over something for a change.

    Had my Nadir CBC done yesterday and my numbers were all good. WC was even a little high so my neulasta shot must have worked.

  • PaEaglesFan
    PaEaglesFan Member Posts: 277
    edited July 2012



    Hang in there dgcote, it does get better. I had a melt-down last Friday (on day 4 after first TC). After a weekend of rest, I started feeling normal again. I wonder if the "I can't do this" breakdown is a normal part of the process?

    The past few days I've noticed an increase in acne. I am chalking it up to fluctuating hormones, but I REALLY HATE having teenage skin again!

    Co-workers were very supportive of the new look today. Love how much free time I have in the morning now that I don't have to do my hair! I don't regret getting it buzzed at all, it was nice to feel like I had some control over something for a change.

    Had my Nadir CBC done yesterday and my numbers were all good. WC was even a little high so my neulasta shot must have worked.

  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited July 2012

    PAeaglesFan- Congrats on getting through your first TC round.  Yes, the emotional part you are experiencing comes with the chemo.  It's just part of the package from the chemo, the anti-nausea drugs and changes in your hormones.  As for the acne, it's from the same things, especially if you are taking Decadron which is a steroid.  Sounds like you are doing welll! 

    Wishing minimal side effects for all this weekend!!!

  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited July 2012

    bcbarbie - not a good idea to inject a toxin into your face while reciving toxins intravenously.  No medical professional worth their salt would consider it.

  • kltb04
    kltb04 Member Posts: 1,051
    edited July 2012

    Hi fellow "Taxoteers" (ala Muskateers).

    Glenna - thanks for letting us know that it DOES kick butt and got you to NED :)

    bcbarbie - have to agree w/Special K, don't think that would be the best idea now.

    PAEagles and dgcote - I had an awful week emotionally after my first Taxotere that I never had with A/C.  I was better after the second round.   

    I would be feeling ok if it wasn't for just sheer exhaustion - I can sleep 12 hours a night easy - and my blasted "weird rib pain" that has resurfaced.  My port is bugging the hell out of me too lately, I have had it since the middle of March and it hasn't bothered me before.  Maybe cause I am lying/sleeping so much :)

    About the "taxo-tears" - is that SE cumulative or do you think I would be having it by now if it were going to be an issue? (finished 2 of the 4) I have a little watering in the mornings but nothing excessive.

    Got some brow makeup and lashes that I am going to try Monday when I go out - have to go to dr for labs and then SIL and I are going out to dinner and to see Magic Mike.

  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited July 2012

    kltb - I don't think the tears are necessarily cumulative, but it could come on suddenly or never get worse than what you are experiencing now.  If you are having it rather intensely just expect that 6 -8 week period PFC before it goes away.

  • bcbarbie10
    bcbarbie10 Member Posts: 319
    edited July 2012

    Thank you specialk and kitb04 for the wise advise. I will just have to find something else to cheer me up. Probably go out shopping for tops that button up front (for easy port access). Well, if that's not an excuse to go shopping!



    Our small dog is making her trip back to the vet today to start her treatment with heartworm infection. Vet says her prognosis is guarded. I have read the meds, like chemo, may poison her, too. She's been a fighter all her 4 years of life. I pray she makes it out of this one, too.



    Will be having my firsts next week. Taxotere and Herceptin, 24th and 25th. I dont know why my MO made them on separate days. To separate the se's, maybe? I pray all will be well for all.

  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited July 2012

    bcbarbie - shopping is a great idea - the only SE is to one's wallet, lol!

    Often for the first infusion of different drugs docs have you do it at separate times so they know what immediate reaction belongs to which drug.  Often on subsequent infusions they will do them one after the other.

    Hope your doggie does well on its treatment too!

  • kltb04
    kltb04 Member Posts: 1,051
    edited July 2012

    SpecialK - thx...right now it isn't bad at all except in the mornings a little.  I just keep waiting for the other shoe to drop with the Taxotere.  Guess I should just consider myself lucky!

    barbie - awww, poor doggy.  Hope that everything goes ok.  We nearly had a vet emergency last week when one of our cats came down the hall having swallowed the string of a helium balloon!  (he had to have surgery in the past for blockage after eating a toy)  luckily, he threw it back up!

    That would be a bit of a pain to have to go for 2 separate days - hopefully in the future they will combine them.  I know that for my first one they just stretched it out (like 90 minutes for Herceptin instead of 30) but they did them back to back.  Let us know how it goes!

  • Hikergal
    Hikergal Member Posts: 74
    edited July 2012

    PAeaglesFan I like your logo about the chemo brain.  The chemo fogginess is yet another lovely SE isn't it?  I also had the horrific acne breakout about  1 1/2 weeks after my first tx, worst I'd had since I was 17.  

    I am 4 days out from my 2nd tx and hope to feel better today!  Looking forward to getting out this week and look forward to my good week. All I can say is chemo has to make us stronger women for all we go thru......

    lltb04 is it good you that can sleep and probably good for you to get all the rest.  I have to resort to sleeping pills due to  the hot flashes and pain from the Neulasta.  Enjoy your day out and have fun with your lashes and brow makeup!  I think I will be making a trip to Ulta this week to stock up. Noticed that the brow hairs are coming out easily and are itchy.  

  • kltb04
    kltb04 Member Posts: 1,051
    edited July 2012

    Hikergal - glad you are feeling better.  I have a hard time falling asleep and take Restoril but then once I am asleep, I just have a really hard time getting up in the mornings since I don't have anything I have to do or anywhere to go most days - my girls sleep soooo late too since it is summer.  Once school starts again, we'll have to get over that!  On the bad Nuelasta shot days, I skip the Restoril and take Percocet...it is my bestest friend.

  • Tazzy
    Tazzy Member Posts: 2,546
    edited July 2012

    Glenna - thanks for posting. I had my last tx on June 22 and yes, taxotere is rough, but it works. My cancer has gone from a 8+cm solid mass to nothing but a granular mass now. Hang in there ladies - just remember if its making you feel so crap imagine what its doing to the cancer.

    PAEagles - meltdowns I believe are all part of the process - better out than in. Happy you are comfortable with your buzzed look. And yes the shots work too.

    Bcbarbie... shopping therapy normally works. Hope doggie was ok after hits visit to the vets.

    As for my taxo-tears - just over 4 weeks PFC and they are not continually streaming... it is only every now and again... making me very happy about that. And the hair on my head is growing too. Now just waiting for the brows and lashes.   The fatigue is still a bi*ch but I know I am lucky and can rest when I need to.

    Hope you are all managing to have minimal SE's and had happy wonderful weekends.

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