Sept 2012 chemo

Magic potion #2.  Bring on the cancer scrubbing bubbles!   

Good evening my sisters! AC#2 went well. it was almost peaceful this time and sooooooo less stressful. I was actually very hungry when finished and got a burger and milkshake. Took a 2 hour nap then the old feelings returned, queasiness, fatigue, headache, and of course that crappy taste n my mouth.



Saw my MO prior and have only lost 2 lbs, my bp was low today 96/54 not sure why, but the best news was my tumor has shrunk already! Prior to chemo it was 7.6x6 cm's, today was 6x4.4 cm's. What a mind booster that is! I am to get my flu shot soon and I asked if a glass of wine is ok in the off week. My MO said Jo of course, please treat yourself. :-) hugs to all

Foreverchanged & everyone -- Spoke to soon, had to go to the ER for 7 hours...my vision went extremely blurry out of nowhere and apparently that's not a common side effect of Taxol. They did a bunch of tests and think it may be medication issue from yesterday with all the medications but narrowing it to each one is difficult. Has this happened to anyone else -- not being able to drive during all of this will really make it tough.

Sugarland: what a day for you! I had so many different things happen all at once to me when they started the Taxol. By far the one that stands out most is seeing shiny spots appearing in front of me like tiny fireworks. That was the only thing that happened to my vision and it happened within 5 min. But you're right, you have had more than just the Taxol so narrowing it down may be an issue. When you said blurry vision the benadryl is what I immediately thought of. That was one of the pre-meds they gave me.

 Jojo: How exciting to hear about a shrinking tumor! Fantastic!!!

Hi all

Feeling a bit woozy this morning.  I hope it doesnt get worse as the day goes on. 

Sorry hawk i am too still in bed. Took my steroid, compazine, water and crackers. Waiting to feel better.



Regarding my tumor shrinkage, my MO said she typically sees shrinkage AC treatments 1&2, then less with #3, then usually no more with #4. Then with the start of Taxol it repeats, early treatment shrinkage then a stabilization. She said anything other than enlargement is a success!

Good to hear JoJo! So pleased for you!

Jojo.. ever sice you said your is shrinking I have been feeling myself up like crazy lmao! I think it might be smaller I even asked my hubby to cop a fell lol. I cant wait to go and see now. Wasnt really looking forward to wednesday but this kinda changed it for me since I will be seeing the Doc before hand. Did they just feel you and tell or did they do an MRI

Btw ladies I plan to ask my MO if I can use latisee through out chemo... I wanna do my best to save the brows and lashes.. So i will fill you all in on Wednesday about that.

Hi everyone! Just found this group last night and spent hours reading everyone's posts. So glad to have such an amazing resource for information and support!

I'm coming off my first round (9/6) and glad to be feeling human again. Took my first long walk this morning in a looooong time.

Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself. I've already learned so much from this group that will help me in the future....thank you all for putting yourselves "out there" for others,

Have a great day!

Jojo....im so happy that your 2 AC was less stressful...and defenetly i will have a glass wine with you..... 

welcome Frannygirl. It is nice to find a place where people can share your experience. The ladies here are all so lovely.

Patricia- Here is some info about the Neulasta shot and regular 24 hour Claritin I had previously posted.  This info is addition to what Donna told you.

FOR THOSE GETTING A NEULASTA SHOT AFTER YOUR ROUND OF CHEMO:  You may want to try taking regular 24 hour Claritin to help with the bone pain that may accompany the Neulasta shot.  There is an ongoing clinical trial evaluating Claritin to prevent the bone pain.  Here is the link:  (clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NC...). According to the clinical trial, one takes the Claritin (10 mg) once a day for 7 days beginning the day of the Neulasta treatment.

I had my first Neulasta shot with my 3rd round of Cytoxan/Taxotere and took the Claritin.  I did not experience any bone pain.  The Claritin doesn't help everyone but it is worth a try since from my understanding the bone pain may be intense.    I took the Claritin for 9 days starting the day I had the Neulasta shot.  I would take the Claritin in the morning and would get my Neulasta shot in the afternoon.  Just remember to ask your onco about trying the Claritin before you take it.

I get my Neulasta shot in the tummy where there is some tummy fat.  In fact, I ask the nurse to give it to me there rather than in my arm.  It hurts less going in and I don't seem to have any post injection pain.  The nurse gives the shot to hold in my hand to warm it up before I receive the injection.  She then, slowly injects the shot which to help with injection pain.  Some nurses will not give the shot in your tummy but in the arm.  If so, make sure you get it in the fat of your arm so you won't have any pain  for the injection itself.

I've also read on the boards that you can take one Tylenol and one Motrin combo every 4-6 hours to help with the bone pain.  I do not take any Tylenol or Motrin or Advil after I get my chemo but I am cleared to take Tylenol or Advil by my onco.  Again, always ask your onco about what OTC pain meds you can take before you take any.

Cheryl,

I am sorry you are feeling crappy today .

cgesq- I'm not sure exactly how many days the pain from the Neulasta shot lasts.  i read someplace that the pain may peak at 3 days.  The other thing is that it is sometimes to hard to tell the origin of the pain since  one can also experience the muscle/bone/jt pain from the Taxotere.  You may want to call your onco ( it doesn't matter if it is the weekend--- just call because there is a doctor on call) to ask if the headache is from the chemo or Neulasta and what OTC you can take. 

I've attached the link and info from the chemocare.com ( website founded by Scott Hamilton, former Olympic ice skater and cancer survivor) about some of the side effects of Taxotere.    Here is the link:

http://www.chemocare.com/BIO/taxotere.asp

The following Taxotere side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking Taxotere:

• Low white blood cell count (this can increase your risk for infection)
• Low red blood cell count (anemia)

Nadir: Meaning low point, nadir is the point in time between chemotherapy cycles in which you experience low blood counts.

Onset: 4-7 days
Nadir: 5-9 days
Recovery: 21 days

• Fluid retention with weight gain, swelling of the ankles or abdominal area.
• Peripheral neuropathy (numbness in your fingers and toes) may occur with repeated doses. This should be reported to your healthcare provider.
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Mouth sores
• Hair loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Infection
• Nail changes (color changes to your fingernails or toenails may occur while taking Taxotere. In extreme, but rare, cases nails may fall off. After you have finished Taxotere treatments, your nails will generally grow back.)

These Taxotere side effects are less common, meaning they occur in 10-29 percent of patients receiving Taxotere:

• Vomiting
• Muscle/bone/joint pain (myalgias and arthralgias)
• Low platelet count (This can increase your risk of bleeding)
• Increases in blood tests measuring liver function.  These return to normal once treatment is discontinued. (see liver problems)

Infusion-related Taxotere side effects (symptoms which may occur during the actual treatment) include:

• Allergic reactions (rash, flushing, fever, lowered blood pressure).  Happens rarely, usually occurs in the first or second infusion.  Frequency is reduced by premedication with corticosteroid starting one day before infusion.  You will be monitored closely during the infusion for any signs of allergic reaction.
• Infusion site reactions (uncommon and generally mild, consist of darkening of the vein, inflammation, redness or dryness of the skin, or swelling of the vein).

Not all Taxotere side effects are listed above, some that are rare (occurring in less than 10% of patients) are not listed here.  However, you should always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms