For those starting TAC in March/April 2006....

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  • baldeagle
    baldeagle Member Posts: 199
    edited May 2006
    I am so glad to have this psecial TAC line - we are all experiencing things differently than those on dose dense and the other regimes. It is so good for me to come here and be part of what others in the same boat are going thru.
    Had #3 yesterday and felt fine until about 6 hrs. later when the intetinal cramping started up again. It has gone away - may return? Anyway today is starting out ok - but I am sure, given what you all have been thru - that the next few days will not be the best. Meanwhile, my daughter sent me a great thing about women and stress. I shall post it in a separate thread. It's long but well worth the read.
    Jeannette
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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited May 2006
    Leigh and Paula, Thanks for the checking in on me and the advice.I really appreciate you especially on my down days... Leigh you are probably right, for what this TAC has done to me it probably has killed the cancer and a lot of my Normal cells.

    Paula, you go girl!!!! Good luck on #5. I have to admit that since I got that one behind me the end of the tunnel looks much closer...and I am not going into the light just yet!
    Take care!
    Marcia
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  • peejay
    peejay Member Posts: 131
    edited June 2006
    Marcia, sorry taxotere sucked so bad for you. On my last treatment I actually almost fell asleep in the chair. I never do that because I'm too nervous. I wouldn't be surprised if I sleep thru 5 and 6. I had that pressure this last time, I figured it was just gas or water gain. I'll have to ask about it when I go in next week. This has really felt like a long haul, hasn't it? but for me, in 4 weeks it will be my last one finally. sigh. I've been so tired with the last one, never really recovered, but they found out that I am anemic. I'm getting not only neulasta this time, but ... I forgot what it's called exactly... something to boost up my red cell count too. Hopefully that will help! Time to try to get some sleep at night for once! lol

    Paula
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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited June 2006
    Paula, Sorry you are having a rough time. I haven't had to get the PROCRIT shot but my hgb has dropped to 11.7. BEWARE the pressure. It can get really bad. It got worse each time with me. I felt almost like I was gonna explode. Maybe lasix would help relieve the fluid build up but I was miserable. Funny thing is I didn't have much pain with the neulasta shot this last time. Hope it is still working. I go in for my nadir check tomorrow. Hang in there Paula. We can't let our guard down and let this chemo kick our butt..just the cancer part of it. Eat some red meat!!!! get some rest and pamper yourself...celebrate your last four and get mad for #5 but just be careful of the taxotere.
    Take care and thanks for the encouragement.
    MarciaA.
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  • jpsgirl96
    jpsgirl96 Member Posts: 240
    edited June 2006

    I am so TIRED!!! I'm seeing the Gtown oncology team today, and having my blood drawn (but they send it out so I don't get the results right away). Otherwise the SE's are abating from #4. I get very lightheaded at one point (from the Zofran, I think she said) and then sleepy (from the Benedryl). This last time I chatted with a couple of older women who are having recurrence/metastasis, and they were so upbeat and cheerful it really gave me a lift. Leigh

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  • kburns
    kburns Member Posts: 37
    edited June 2006
    Marcia, So sorry you are going through this. I just had TAC #4 yesterday and she lowered my dosage 20% due to the chest pressure/pain from my last two as well as extreme fatigue and fever. The last session I ended up in the hospital because of 102 fever and they did a ton of tests (chest xray, blood work, ekg, etc) to try to figure out what the chest pain was from and the fever. Never did find anything. My onc assistant thought it might be sternum pain due to the the neulasta shot. Did you ever find out what exactly causes that pressure? I have gained some weight and it is almost all in upper abdomen. I am wondering if the fever could be a reaction to the taxotere???

    I am also on the anemia shot. So far I feel pretty good today, but usually it seems to get much worse after the neulasta and a couple of days.

    Paula, Leigh, Jeanette and everyone--take care!
    Karen
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  • baldeagle
    baldeagle Member Posts: 199
    edited June 2006
    Well Leigh, I may be joining the anemia club. My counts are low - just about borderline for getting a shot. Meanwhile I started irn supplements - and increased the colace to counteract the inevitable constipation. Seems like I need one thing to address a problem and another for the SE's, and then another?
    I used to love red meat- and now when it is most important, it doesn't appeal to me. And Alberat beef is about as good as it gets. Groan. The day 3 fatigue has begun to set in. I shall stay quietly at home and try to work via computer when I can.
    Hang in everyone - were are marching towards the end of chemo!
    Jeannette
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  • mindyk
    mindyk Member Posts: 87
    edited June 2006
    I went back to my surgeon yesterday with some concerns about my arm (bc side). He said that I have lymphadema. I will be starting therapy on Monday. What else is going to go wrong!! I just want to get back to normal or close to it since my bc diagnoses!
    Hope everyone else is doing ok!
    Mindy
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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited June 2006
    Karen if you read the taxotere insert materials you will find that chest pressure and abdominal distention are side effects of taxotere...
    "Severe fluid retention occurred in 6.5% (6/92) of patients despite use of a 3-day dexamethasone premedication regimen. It was characterized by one or more of the following events: poorly tolerated peripheral edema, generalized edema, pleural effusion requiring urgent drainage, dyspnea at rest, cardiac tamponade, or pronounced abdominal distention (due to ascites) (see PRECAUTIONS section of the prescribing information) "

    I think it has overworked my liver and I have gained all the weight in my upper abdomen which the chemo nurses say is a characteristic of fluid retention in TAC patients.. FYI. I hope your next treatment goes better for you Karen..

    For all of us on TAC lately....When I read our TAC thread it sounds like we all are having a little down time but in a few days lets all try to rally behind each other again and cheer us through this last few treatments.
    Take care all and keep in touch.
    MarciaA
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  • baldeagle
    baldeagle Member Posts: 199
    edited June 2006
    Well, I finally asked why I couldn't have neulastra (1 shot) rather than neupogen (10 daily shots). I thought it had to do with the clinical trial I am in. Turns out not to be the case - it's just more expensive and no-one told me I could request the insurance to cover it.
    Now can you believe that one shot ($2595) costs more than 10? And both made by the same company?
    Hows that for the great pharmaceutical industry!
    Anyway, got my syringe and shot myself up - no big deal. And am good to go till next time. Hurrah, no pin cushion.
    Jeannette
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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited June 2006
    Hi TAC Ladies! I had my post #5 chemo nadir check and for the first time my wbc count was not elevated by the nuelasta but my wbc count was within normal limits. My RBC count continues to drop each time.. today my hgb was 11.4. I still haven't been low enough for a procrit shot but I do get tired easily.
    I really want to talk my doc into stopping the taxotere as I still feel distention in my abdomen.I plan to email him and give him time to think about it before my visit on June 14.
    SO is everybody else out there doing ok? Karen how are you doing with the chest pressure? Leigh are you getting any more energy as the days go on? Paula are you getting psyched up for #5. I will be thinking of you!
    Everyone have a good weekend...Keep in touch!
    MarciaA.
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  • jpsgirl96
    jpsgirl96 Member Posts: 240
    edited June 2006

    Hi, Feeling energetic enough today to at least start the Komen walk in DC tomorrow. Not sure I have the stamina for 5K, but I want to be there and start at least. We'll go down to the boat and chill out after. Just got my blood work back so I checked my hgb too - 11.7. Saw the Gtown oncologist yesterday and got my Radiation Oncologist referral so I'll be calling his office to set up the first appointment. I have gotten so accustomed to the chemo routine (1 down week, 2 good weeks) that this daily thing seems a little daunting. Probably just because it's another new step in the journey. I don't even VISIT the Radiation thread!! Leigh PS I'll be walking with ALL of you here as the wind in my back!

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  • MollyK
    MollyK Member Posts: 70
    edited June 2006
    Well, I have joined the gross eye club too now. Seems like I have the same symptoms that some of you guys have had with the blocked tear ducts and burning. It is really annoying. My doc gave me a prescription today called Neotricin HC...it is a cream you put in your eyes. Hopefully that will work. Anyone else try that?

    Leigh, that is so awesome that you are up to doing a 5K! Goodluck.

    My wbc's were 1.7 today. I was wondering what the lowest wbc's that you all have seen??? I'm not feeling very good today.

    Jeanette, my neulasta shot costs $8500.00 for a single shot. I was shocked at how expensive!

    Molly
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  • peejay
    peejay Member Posts: 131
    edited June 2006
    My lowest wbc was about 1.9 I think, that was after my first chemo.

    Yes, I'm psyched about getting number 5 out of the way!!! LOL

    I've been taking my iron for about a week now, and I will get the shot for rbc's Tuesday and neulasta too. Gosh I should be feeling totally normal after that... not.

    AS for the gross eyes, dont' freak if you wake up and can't open your eyes. That happened to me once lol. I made my way to the bathroom and just rinsed, then used saline eyedrops. Haven't had too much of a problem with them this time.

    Hope everyone has a good weekend!

    Paula
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  • baldeagle
    baldeagle Member Posts: 199
    edited June 2006
    Well my eyes just run like faucets for a few days. Can't say I want the blocked up version.
    Leigh, I shall be walking with you in spirit (my body is still too tired from #3 to do much more). Have a great day!

    Molly,
    How in the world can the same drug cost $2595 for me at $8500 for you? There is something very wrong here. Mine is in canadian dollars and the neulastra comes from the states. You would think it would cost me more. I actually think this is outrageously expensive. Can you imgine the amount of profit that Amgen (the drug company) is making from breast cancer! I would love to know what others are paying (or having paid for) theirs).
    jeannette
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  • fd411
    fd411 Member Posts: 398
    edited June 2006

    I think mine runs about $4000 to $4500 in Western New York State.

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  • baldeagle
    baldeagle Member Posts: 199
    edited June 2006
    A couple of us have been comparing neulestra prices and we can't believe what Amgen is charging - and how much the price seems to vary. Who is making the profit - the drug company, the docs.?

    I am curious about what others have experienced. Mine is $2595 a shot (CDN dollars). Others have said $8500 Maine) and $4000 to $4500 (Western New York). Anyone else know what their shots are costing? And also who gives them? I give my own - a no brainer and saves a trip into the doc.

    Jeannette
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  • caaclark
    caaclark Member Posts: 936
    edited June 2006
    My insurance covers Neulasta but if it was not covered it would be $2900. I have my daughters' school nurse give it to me. I am too wimpy to give it to myself.

    Carol
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  • Oneita
    Oneita Member Posts: 198
    edited June 2006

    Mine was 2,800.00 and they charged 38.00 to give it to me. I am in Michigan.

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  • crazy2kayak
    crazy2kayak Member Posts: 6
    edited June 2006

    Molly, I found that if I opted to do the shot myself, I paid out of pocket (20%) which is still alot. I'm a nurse, so no big deal. If I went in and had the nurse do it, it was charged as an office visit (and I've met my deductible, so I am not charged at all). Interesting, huh?

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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited June 2006
    Neulasta Shot Cost in North Carolina- $2865.
    Per the office protocol I go to the oncology office the day after chemo and get the shot administered by an RN. The amount charged to my insurance company is $2865. The nurses said Neulasta used to be almost $4000 last year. It is not only given to breast cancer patients but anyone taking chemotherapy. The doctors office told me that the FDA approved drugs but the drug companies can charge anything they want for chemo drugs when the have a patent.

    Wanna compare chemo charges? My TAC treatments are $5000 each....of course that would be multiplied times 6 before it is over and this doesn't include the neulasta shot or the Nadir checks at $35.00 each.

    And for those to get Herceptin....plan on shelling out $35K a year. But Ladies I guess we are all worth it right?
    Dealing with Cancer is bad enough, I hate the thought of someone not able to afford the treatments they need.
    thanks for the venting....Maybe one day we will see a day where people won't profit from others fighting life threating diseases.
    Take care all
    MarciaA.
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  • jpsgirl96
    jpsgirl96 Member Posts: 240
    edited June 2006

    Just wanted to tell you all that I got there, I walked about 2.5 miles, and I felt just great! JP did it with me (with tens of thousands of survivors and supporters), the weather cooperated (it cooled off and the rain stayed away, mostly) and now we're down on Solomons on the boat. Hope EVERYONE is having a good, peaceful, between chemo weekend. I thought of you all every step of the way today. Leigh

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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited June 2006
    Leigh, Thank you for your support on behalf of all of us. 2.5 miles is great. Enjoy your weekend as well!
    MarciaA.
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  • TerryJill
    TerryJill Member Posts: 19
    edited June 2006
    Hi everybody:

    I just got out of the hospital. My counts went to .7 and I had a fever. There was known cause...just general blah!!! Today is day 10 and I finally feel better. I am soooo happy to be feeling better that I just don't know what to do to celebrate.
    I figure I have 10 days to feel good now. I am not sure if this was just too rough on me and if I should switch to AC/taxatere or taxol. I can't imagine how hard it will be if it gets rougher each time. Maybe I will just be brave and forge on
    I hope that all of you are okay. I only have one under my belt but soooooon it will be over and then off to radiology which I haven't even thought about yet.
    You guys sound like you are coping well.
    Terry
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  • MollyK
    MollyK Member Posts: 70
    edited June 2006
    wow...i really can't believe the price difference of the neulasta shot! i double checked thinking i must be wrong and sure enough... mine is 8347.78 per shot. maybe mine is more because i go to the hospital to get it rather than giving it to myself? i don't know. seems really odd that there is such a gap. but yes marcia, you are right, we are worth it. luckily for me, my insurance is pretty good.

    congratulations leigh! that is wonderful that you were able to do that.

    molly
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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited June 2006
    Terry, So sorry you have had such a rough time. I remember my first TAC and it was a nightmare so maybe if you rest and take good care of yourself the next one won't be so bad. I hope not. I can't advise you about switching from TAC, make your doctor convince you what to do. TAC is so hard but it does have significant survival stats. See how you feel in a few more days. We will all be pulling for you here on the thread now matter what.
    Feel better soon!
    MarciaA.
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  • MollyK
    MollyK Member Posts: 70
    edited June 2006
    terry,
    .7 sounds scary. i'm sorry. were you in there (the hospital) overnight?are you on strict guidelines for food, etc...? when i went in yesterday and was at 1.7, they gave me a list of things to 'not' do. i'm not to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, dried fruit, etc.. because of the bacteria - also told me to stay away from fresh flowers and soil because of the potential for bacteria there as well. i had never heard that before. well, the good thing is that you made it through the first tac and you know that eventually you will feel better.
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  • peejay
    peejay Member Posts: 131
    edited June 2006
    Leigh good for you! And thanks from all of us for walking

    I think my neulasta shot rings in at close to $2500 a shot. And my TAC was around the same price. Eh, it's a small price to pay to stay alive. Can't wait to see what the rbc shot comes in at lol.

    Paula
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  • MarciaA
    MarciaA Member Posts: 178
    edited June 2006
    Ever read the insert for Neulasta? It is made from E coli. Who knew bacteria could cost so much!
    FYI-
    MarciaA.
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  • baldeagle
    baldeagle Member Posts: 199
    edited June 2006

    I casn't believe the range in neulasta prices! Somebody is making a killing. Anybody into buying Amgen stock?

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