For those starting TAC in March/April 2006....
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Hooray for hydrocodone! I just had my onc appointment yesterday. He told me to go ahead and take that if the pain is that bad, which it is. Right across the back of my neck and shoulders. Then the next day or 2 it seems to be in my knees and shins. As for eating, I don't have a taste for sweets, which is really odd for me, but good for my weight. I was also told that on TAC I could take a multi vitamin. He said that some regiments you can't take any supplements at all, but with TAC you can take vitamins. Another interesting thing is he told me to take an extra 500-1000 mgs of vitamin C to help with allergies.
It was a good visit for me, made me feel much better. Blood pressure is good, blood counts were good. I hate when he pokes me in the armpit though LOL. I'm not looking forward to next week and number 4, but I feel a lot better about it now. Oh, and I'm not taking any extra decadron, just in the drip.
Well, that's my update... supposed to rain here tonight, so I'm going to go get a walk in now. Love my dog, he pulls me along lol
Paula -
Molly - I have 3 kids - my oldest is 20 and a sophomore in college out of state - my son is 17 on friday and having a tough time and my younger daughter is 8. My 8 year old and I read "The Year MY Mother Was Bald" a great book for 8-14 year olds. It is written by a women who is a bc survivor and it is written like her young daughter is telling the story. There is also factual info regarding surgery, drains etc. Miriam read the story to meand I read the factual stuff aloud to her - we read the book after surgery, but I don't remember if I had started chemo or not. Regarding weight - I am loosing - my onc wants me to drink ensure/boost but I think the stuff is gross so I figure smoothies and how ever else I can get in calories. It is hard to eat the first few days after chemo when I am so nauseated and then with no taste buds, hard to eat/enjoy food - but I do try to make myself eat. Karen in Denver
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Good to hear that the TAC women are coping. It has been 8 days since my 4th TAC. I notice an increased level of fatigue and things still taste wierd. I think I am the only one experiencing the numbness from Taxotere. Even though I am taking neruontin I notice my toes tingle and my fingers and tongue are numb at times. I had a decrease in taxotere by 15% and my onc said I could reduce it by as much as 25%. I want the meds to work but I am a little afraid of permanent nerve damage. I wish I could find out how many past TAC people have experienced this numbness and if it goes away. Well thats my update, I go in for my nadar test tomorrow. Hope everyone has a good weekend.
MarciaA. -
Hi Marcia, You've probably seen this and it probably doesn't help much, but from the drug maker:
"Odd Sensations About half of patients getting Taxotere will feel numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in their hands and feet. If you do experience this, tell your doctor or nurse. Generally, these go away within a few weeks or months after your treatments are completed. About 14% of patients may also develop weakness in their hands and feet."
The encouraging part to me is that it says the SE goes away after treatment (let's hope for WEEKS!) so maybe there's reason to stick with the higher reduced dose? So sorry you're having this - but it sounds like just a fluke that you're the only one on the board with it, sounds more common than that would suggest. Sending good thoughts - hey, PAST the halfway mark!!! Hooray for that. Leigh -
Karen, thanks for the 'book idea'. I think I will pick that up. As far as my four boys are concerned, my 11 year old is having a tough time...internalizes everything and has a hard time see mom 'bald.' Maybe some stories would help.
I have tingling in my feet periodically but it always goes away. Doesn't seem as severe as some of you get it.
Anybody have any ideas of other diet 'guidelines' while on chemo. leigh, i think i am going to start the weight watchers, unless anyone else has any other suggestions. If only I had the 'losing too much weight' problem. Oh well.
Molly -
Thanks Leigh, Of course I am the odd one out most of the time so if figures I would get the wierd side effects. I am really glad that nobody else has it cause it sucks! Can't tell if my feet are cold or not and my nail beds are starting to hurt a bit. I am supposed to take Herceptin when I start radiation after I finish TAC, I hope Herceptin won't be any worse. But I guess I need to get over it and get psyched up for #5. Leigh I am so glad you are doing ok.
About the weight Gain...I have heard from the onc nurses that with TAC you will most likely gain weight in the abdominal area especially but that is most likely due to the taxotere. The nurses say it usually comes right off after you finish the TAC. They usually know what they are talking about. I have trouble just dealing with the chemo side effects so I doubt I could force myself to eat what weight watchers suggests but I hope it works for everyone that can try it.
And for all the moms out there...You are doing a great job of being there for your kids with what you are going through. This disease causes all of our loved ones to worry and all of them have their own ways of coping or trying to cope. I will keep you all in my prayers because I know you are more worried about others then yourself. That's what makes you a great mom.
MarciaA. -
Trust me, I'm not recommending a diet plan or any specific foods! I suggested WW online because it's really just a place to get some support (if you want it), post your weight (when you want to), log what you ARE eating (when you want to) - going on a diet per se just isn't in the cards right now, for most of us!
As for being okay, well - I'm back to Georgetown tomorrow because the xray they took this morning is showing an "artifact" that they can't ID and they want more pictures. I've been having lower back something since Sunday morning - a burning sensation now tapered off to sort of tugging. I'll let you know what they find out - they want me to stick around for the onc and the radiologist to read the films. Think good thoughts, please.
Leigh -
I was just looking for a way to keep my weight in check...from gaining too much. WW seems like a healthy plan. Not that I wanted to actually 'diet'...a diet plan to eat healthy. I thought cancer patients might have a different nutritional need and there might be a specific plan for people undergoing chemotherapy. I will ask my doctor.
Good luck leigh. Hope all goes well. Let us know what happens. -
Hello everyone,
I was wonering if any of you didn't do the decadron pills,(but still had the decadron drip) and had alot of nausea. I didn't have any nausea the first treatment, but I did the pills and I had severe nausea the second time and did not take the pills. I am wondering if I should try the pills this time but maybe a lower dose! I don't think that I can do the 10 days of nausea again.
Molly, I have a daughter that is 7. She is having a hard time. She doesn't like me not having any hair. She is supposed to go spend the night with my in-laws and doesn't want to go because she doesn't want to leave me even though I tell her that I will be ok without her here.
Karen the ambien doesn't work for me either. I am going to ask for something different on my next appt which is Tuesday. Also #3 is Tuesday also (5/16) Then it will be half way through TAC for me.
Take care and I think of you guys often!
Mindy -
Mindy
My onc told me the decadron was for side effects of the TAC as well as for nausea. She cut mine in 1/2 to 4mg 2x day for 3 days.
Maybe the decrease would work for you.
I am in day 3 from TAC 2 and the metal nouth has already struck. Oh well, maybe I won't eat too much if it doesn't taste good. Still have terrible cramps in my intestines. Anyone else get this? Any ideas of what to do about it?
Jeannette -
I am starting TAC on May 25th. Any advice. Why did you choose this option over ac/taxol or taxotere. I still have the option to change.
What might I expect from my first treatment? -
TAC and AC followed by T are both considered "third generation" regimens because they include the Taxanes, Taxotere or Taxol. There apparently are some trials right now comparing them head to head but no results yet, and I'm darned if I can sort out why one gets recommended vs. the other in general. The three week regimen times 6 was a better gamble for me if I could take it b/c as it turns out it allows me sufficient recovery time to go back to work between - this is NOT always the case. I'm doing pretty well, side effects on the light end. Treatment took about 5 plus hours with all the preparatory stuff the first time, now down to 3 and a half; they start with pre drugs for side effects, then administer the three chemo drugs. I have a port, which I am REALLY glad I have. Happy to answer any other questions; feel free to PM if you like. Leigh
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I chose it because it cut down my risk of recurrence by 3% than just AC alone. It may not sound like much, but if it did recurr and I didn't do the best treatment, I would always wonder about that extra 3%.
Mindy- My next chemo is on the 16th also. It's my 4th one. (yay) I only get decadron in the drip while I am there. I was way too jittery with the oral and the drip. I had some nausea on number 3, but we will see how it goes this time. At least this will put me at the 2/3rds done mark!
Paula -
Went back for second xrays; radiologist and onc in Gtown both say - it was nothing. "Artifiact" from yesterday is gone, no other problems. Lower back pain probably = human walking upright (plus maybe Neulasta leftovers). HOORAY! Leigh
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Congrats Leigh, One less thing to have to worry about. Have a great Mother's Day!
MarciaA. -
OK, I admit this is a shameless attempt at moving our post to a higher level but while I am at it I want to wish all the mothers out there a Happy Mother's Day. Let yourself be pampered without feeling guilty. I know there are some of our TAC sisters that had chemo this week cause this thread has been a little quiet so I hope you all are doing well. Everyone take care!
MarciaA. -
Marcia, how was number 4 compared to the others for you? I know we're all different, but I'm kinda curious! I'm going for 4 on Tuesday. I don't want to go, but I will. I mean, I really dont' want to go! lol At least my mom will be in from out of town all week to baby me.
Oh and Happy Mother's Day to all! hehe
Paula -
Hi Paula, Thank you for asking me about my experience with TAC #4. SO far it has been my easiest one. Maybe because I have learned how to deal with the side effects better by now. I do get tired easier and I still have numbness in my fingers and toes even though I had my taxotere reduced by 15%. I have a small black spot appearing under my nail on my right big toe.I am about to lose all my eyebrows with this last chemo. I have gained between 8 to 10 pounds since I started chemo. My hgb is 11.9 and drops a little with each session. The depression is a little less too this time. SO I hope I have sounded encouraging. I want you to go in with a vengence for your next treatment. I will be your cheerleader this time since you have been so encouraging to so many of us here. RAH RAH kick Cancer butt!
Paula with your mom here you are sure to get some old fashioned TLC from your mom and you won't have to worry about your daughter. Take advantage of it
And finally, I wanted to recommend a book I got from a stranger, (friend of my sister) It is called Love, Medicine, & Miracles by Bernie Siegel, MD. It stresses the importance of attitude in healing and how sometimes we don't realize our negative thoughts are hurting us. I am so guilty of having a defeatist attitude then this book was sent to me out of the blue and opened my eyes a bit. Essentially it says you can think yourself sick or well... I believe that nothing happens by coincidence and getting this book was a sign that I needed to change my attitude. Maybe someone can get you a copy if you feel you are up to reading.
Take Care Rah Rah Go Paula!!
MarciaA. -
Hi ladies, I am suppose to go for #3 on MOnday but my white blood count is really low and I still have my cold from 6 weeks ago. I cannot shake the cold. So we are waiting till the following week to do #3. At this very moment they can stick it where the sun dont shine. im so tired of feeling like poop that I am so ready to throw in the towel with chemo..anyways thats my venting for the day.
Thanks for listening
Sylvie -
Karen,
I had the crazy itchy scalp thing after treatment #1. After treament #2 it was much worse. It hit about 1 week after the treatment and it feels like a bunch of bites. It is most definitely uncomfortable and quite difficult to wear anything with it. Couple that with the onslaught of flash floods (most women call them hot flashes) and it was awful! I call them flash floods, because that's really is what it is like. I'm standing there minding my own business and am suddenly covered with rivers of water pouring out of my body. Anyway, I'm rambling. Back to the nasty scratchies. I've found that if I leave my head completely uncovered and washing it with a mild astringent it helps some.
What have you been using?
I just had chemo #3 on Friday so I'll let you know next Friday if the itch is back.
Regards,
Julie -
Marcia:
I had taxotere numbness after treatment #1 that was so bad in my fingers that I couldn't really feel where they ended. I cut my finger and then made a rule no knives while numb. After that treatment I ended up in the hospital with low wc and so for treament #2 they reduced my taxotere by 25%. After that treatment I noticed a twinge of numbness but nothing like the first time. I just had my third treat two days ago and so far no tingling, but it could still show up. My onc said the reduction would defintely help with that and that was my experience. Let us know if yours gets better.
Regards,
Julie -
Hey Julie, My onc said that it was ok to reduce up to 25% but I am currently holding at 15% so I am glad that both our reductions have helped. But ya know I was put on Neruontin (gabapentin) 300 mg. two times a day and it has really helped with the numbness and pinprick feeling and also helped with the hot flashes as well. I can relate to the finger numbness, I avoided knives but got burned trying to cook. Sorry about the wbc bottoming out...are you taking neulasta? That shot has really saved me from having low wbcs, it is really expensive but does the job for me.
Regarding the taxotere..it has been 12 days out from my #4 and the taxotere is causing some numbness/burning in my nose and eyes watering. The numbness is not as bad as last time. I also have numbness in my gums and tongue. The nurses at the office are watching my fingernail beds for discoloration..have you noticed any of that yet? I was reassured at the onc office friday when I got my nadar checked that neuropathy and nerve damage from taxotere is almost always reversible but it takes weeks or sometimes months before it goes away. Lets just hope we can tolerate it. I appreciate your posting your symptoms. I thought I was the only one having the numbness.
Congrats on your third treatment...half way there Yea!!
Hope your week goes well for you.
Take Care
MarciaA. -
julie,
i use a special shampoo for chemotherapy/radiation patients suffering from hair loss. It is from 'Brian Joseph'. I use it everyday... you leave it on your head for 3 minutes each use. Leaves my head very comfortable. I forgot to use it one day last week and was miserable.
molly -
Marcia did your onc say the eyes watering was from taxotere? I've been having that problem for about 4 days now, and I thought it was allergies! They just do it for no reason. I hate it. Well I hate everything about chemo actually lol.
Counting down until Tuesday.. number 4
Paula -
My eyes have been watering also. They water so much that my face (under my eyes) is sore. (it is like my face is chapped)I haven't asked the onc yet but will today. Hope everyone had a good Mothers Day!
I will sometimes put a little vasoline under my eyes and it helps with the soreness.
Mindy -
Hey Julie and all. Here an update since TAC 3...
Julie--Re: scalp. After TAC 2 I got about 150 sores that looked just like chicekn pox all over my head. It was not just itchy, but painful when they were puss filled. Absolutely HORRIBLE!
I was put on an antibiotic cream prescribed by my onc and it started clearning up after a week or so. Today most of the scabs are off and I am still just a little itchy. My onc said she had never seen anything like it before (Oh great!)
I just had TAC 3 Wed and so far no bumps.....I sooo hope I don't get those things again....will probably know more by end of the week.
As far as side effects, #3 had been a really bad session. More nausea (and such a KNOT in my stomach), totaly exhausted (could not get off the couch or do anything for at least two days). Today is day 6 and finally feeling a bit more alive.
It would be good to know if #3 is really the worst --Marcia, Paula and all who are recently going through #4 and 5--please let us know! (Marcia--glad to hear #4 is easiest so far!)
I have not had much eye watering-- more dry eyes and sinuses. The weight gain is all in my stomach area, frustrating and making it difficult to find clothes. Usually I get weight gain in lower belly, but this is up higher...very strange. Along with the crazy implant expanders, scars and being bald, I just feel a bit like Frankenstein. Luckily I have a wonderful husband who actually like scars and bald women (but does miss the nipples...) Just trying to deal.
And my libido has been almost non existent since this. Vaginal dryness, feeling ugly, and just exhaustion as well as those wonderful hot flashes have about turned everything off.
Hope you are all hanging in there. Take care.
Karen -
I am so gla to be able to read what you ladies are going through - before I get there. Not that I want all of the bad news, but it is better to know what may be expected. I am 6 days out from TAC #2 and spent the weekend worn out and brain dead. I went to work for an all-day meeting on Friday and that was probably a bad mistake - was worn out by the end. I figured out that it is not just the tiredness but the lack of bounce - it just takes longer to get energy back - and I guess that won't let up till this TAC is done.
So with tiredness comes the down feeling as well./ So now the challenge is how to stay out of the pits! I have no desire to be a vegetable for 6 months but don't want the fatigue either.
Best I could think of yesterday was that after next time I will be 1/2 done. That must count for something.
Marcia, Molly, I re4ad that the watering eyes are from the chemo. It lets up when chemo is done. I had a mild case for the last 4 days of cycle 1, then it went away. I am sure it will come back. Just another thing to deal with.
The interesting thing I am finding with the weight gain - mostly distention, is that it hits my abdomen and my new bood (had a TRAM in Feb.), but not the old boob. Now that is weird. You can really see the before and after1
jeannette -
Paula - Good luck tomorrow. I hope your #4 goes as well as mine has. Being 2/3 the way thru feels good.
Karen - Hopefully #3 will be the worst for you as it was for me. And I can relate to the weight thing.. I feel like a barrel belly. I hope you are feeling better soon. I am actually having more energy than I have had in a while.
Mindy- I have to use refresh eye drops to keep the burning from irritating my eyes. I also use the saline nasal spray because the chemo hits my nose and eyes about the 6 to 9th day out from chemo but they do help.
Jeannette- I think after you make it through #3 you can better see the finish line. Please feel free to vent. I sure have done my share on here. Hope you will be feeling better soon...gotta look forward to those third weeks after chemo
Take care TAC ladies
MarciaA. -
Hello Jeannette, Karen, Marcia, Mindy, Paula, Sylvie...etal
Just Leigh checking in, emerging from #3. Felt more sick with this one, more tired, and maybe one additional day to get to "normal", not helped by the lower back pain scare. Hoping this is the nadir as it seems to have been for Marcia and others. Today (Day 12)if I wasn't bald I wouldn't even know I was having chemo at all. I hope my posts aren't too annoying - I am really feeling for everyone with the various symptoms. BTW - how many of our March/April TAC womean are going to be doing radiation after? Leigh -
Hi Leigh, I was concerned you may be having a bad day...But now you have #3 behind you! Congrats for that! Your posts have never been annoying!
RADIATION..Yes I will be having 6-7 weeks of radiation to begin about 3 weeks after my 6th TAC scheduled for June 14. First I will be getting another digital mammogram and ultrasound (first since diagnosis) and another muga scan (prior to herceptin). I will be starting Herceptin when I begin Radiation since I am er/pr negative but Her2 +++
You gonna be getting nuked too?
Best Wishes to all!
MarciaA.
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