Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013

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  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited November 2013


    Melrose-thanks for the link! I did not even think about looking about drugs it might interact with. I did see on most common side effects..hair thinning. Have you noticed this? By the way, Im 5 weeks out from chemo..and can see hair starting to grow (starting key word!) on my head..and have stubble on my legs..the first hair to start coming back..2 on my chin!!!!! Sooooo not fair!! LOL.


    Kbee--I'm so sorry!! I totally missed the part about you in the hospital! I guess I saw what I wanted to see about you getting to just have 4! I hope tomorrow finds you home and feeling better! Prayers and hugs sent your way!

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited November 2013

    ckmoss--- Wow.... your hair follicles have woken up and realized that you are not receiving any more chemo!!!  Lucky me had to get my driver's license renewed with a new pic after I had just finished chemo.  Yes, I have a driver's license with a pic of me with very little hair and smiling.  It is a friendly reminder to me of where I have been and I am not embarassed to show my driver's license to anyone.  I call it my diva look since many of my friends told me that I had a beautiful shaped head and looked just fine with minimal hair.  I have noticed that my hair is a different texture ( a little wavy)  and a little thinner.  Fortunately, it has come back evenly and I haven't had to get a hair cut or hair trim at all!!!  I use Nioxin cleanser and conditioner that I got from Marshalls/TJMaxx.  It is cheaper there than at ULTA.   As your hair starts coming back, don't be surpised if you start touching your head more and more.  That soft fuzz that comes in at first feels like a stuffed toy Velveteen Rabbit.   Sorry about the chin hair.... bummer.  You may also notice that your face may feel a little fuzzier too.  It happens.  It's just another sign that your body is making a comeback.

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  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited November 2013


    Melrose- Thanks for the tips. As for touching my head...I've been doing that since I first buzzed..then lost all of it. Like its some kind of stress ball. LOL..Its just all so weird. I, unfortunately, look like a troll with no hair. No other way around it. I have a wig so can deal with the hair..I kept my eyelashes and eyebrows..till the 3rd one, started getting some thinning...4th really took the toll. I don't use the eyebrow pencil...they aren't all the way gone and I am not a good artist..so it is what it is. Hoping eyebrows will hurry though!

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited November 2013

    I remember the no brow look made me look like an alien from outer space.  I never have been much of a make up kind of girl so when the eyebrows left, I didn't bother to pencil anything in.  I had eye brow pencils that came in my ACS Look Good Feel Good make up bag and even went to Sephora to check out the Anastasia eyebrow kit but just didn't want to part with the $$$ to buy the kit.  I've read on some other threads here that people get that Brian Joseph's eyelash serum.  The only growth serum I bought and used for a short time was this $8 tube of Rimmel eyebrow/eyelash serum that I got at Target.  Who knows if any of that stuff really works.  Just do yourself a favor and eat healthy.  Your body will do the rest if you fuel it with good foods.


     

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  • SeattleTwinMama
    SeattleTwinMama Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2013


    Wow, sorry to hear about all the hospital visits! Honestly that is what gives me the most anxiety, the possibility of infection. Glad everyone is ok.


    SC - I get the big C every time. I just start taking stool softeners and laxatives day one and keep them up until everything normalizes. Sucks, but if you know it makes it easier.


    I do a neulasta shot too, and I'm really glad of it. Did a half shot last time and my counts were good, so I guess it works ok for me. Everyone is so different, it's strange. You'd think medicine is medicine and it does the same thing for everyone, but not so at all.


    Audra67 - I try to take one day at a time, and make no assumptions. I'm grateful for the good days, and just try to get through the bad ones. Exercise helps for me, but I was too tired the first round. This rounds seems much better and I've been to the gym almost every day. But again, no assumptions. I hope the next round is good, but will get through it if not.


    Wishing everyone a good day tomorrow!!

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited November 2013


    Melrose & CKMoss: I completed 6 rounds of Taxotere/Carboplatin/Herceptin & Perjeta in August. I used a prescription from my MO & approved by my optholomogist for Latisse. I put it on brows & lashes at bedtime. I never lost either, although they thinned some. My head is indeed covered like the Velveteen Rabbit. Now I've had one round of Cytoxan & Adriamycin so I'm continuing the Latisse. It's expensive but it sure did work. Oh yes - & I'll lose what head hair I've gained in the last 3 months.

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited November 2013

    MinusTwo- Oh my.... I didn't know you were back in the chemo chair with a different chemoSad.  I also had a prescription for Latisse but never filled it.  I decided to see what would happen with my chemo.  BTW: If you are having chemo in Houston Medical Center area, private message me.  I'd be happy to come and sit with you if you need a chemo buddy.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited November 2013


    Melrose: Thanks for the note. I've started reading this thread in addition to the Taxotere/Carboplatin thread and hope that I pick up more knowledge about the Cytoxan.


    Yes, I'm at the Med Center - Baylor Clinic for infusions. I'll PM you.

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited November 2013

    MinusTwo- I drank lots of icy cold water and sucked on ice during the Cytoxan part of my infusions.  That was to help keep mouth issues to a minimum.  You may want to start rinsing your mouth several times with the 1/4 teaspoon baking soda + 1/4 teaspoon salt + 1 cup of warm water solution which may also help.  Just make a new batch every time you do a rinsing session.  I also know that you are getting the Adriamycin aka the Red Devil.  If you need a little more info about the side effects of Cytoxan, here is another website you may want to check out...http://chemocare.com/.  It may give you a little more info in addition to the information that the BCO.org main website has.  Wishing you the best!!!!!  Keep us posted.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited November 2013


    Uuuuuuugghhhh!!!! My neutrophils rose from 0.27 to 0.29. They need to be 0.5. Come on bone marrow. Get to work and do your job!!!!! It apparently did not get the memo that I want to go home!!!!!!!!!!

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  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited November 2013


    Kbee-Know how you feel! I hate being in the hospital! Yes they are all nice..but not happy unless in my own bed when I'm sick! Praying they rise for you quick! How many chemo treatments do you have left now?

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  • Headeast
    Headeast Member Posts: 619
    edited November 2013


    Kbeee,


    Somebody mentioned about Blood Builder, I asked my MO and he approved. It is iron and doesn't hurt the stomach. I am taking it. I ordered it via Amazon. Brussel sprouts, broccoli, Vegan-soy free-dairy-free protein shake and tons of bananas.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited November 2013


    Headeast, I have blood builder at home. It has worked to keep my hemoglobin up which is what it is intended for. Unfortunately, it does not make more neutrophils. My bone marrow just needs to realize that I have things to do, places to go, and people to see...besides nurses. Hopefully the Neupogen will kick in soon!


    ckmoss, I have either 1 more or 3 more. I will not know until I get my oncotype results. If low, we will stop at 4. If high, we will do 6. We'll see if this changes things. It will change the fact that he did not think I needed neulasta or neupogen!

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  • Headeast
    Headeast Member Posts: 619
    edited November 2013


    Kbeee, I didn't know about that. Just knew to take Blood Builder. I will see if it works this Wednesday. They do my blood work minutes before my infusion. I am not taking Neulasta nor Neupogen.


    Are you still in the hospital?

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  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited November 2013


    Kbee-Did you have any lymphs positive?

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited November 2013


    I am still in the hospital. My,neutrophils went from 0.27 to 0.29. They need to be 0.50 for me to,go home.


    Has anyone gotten a racing heart and nausea from neupogen?


    Ckmoss, I had no positive nodes.

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  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited November 2013


    Kbee-It seems you should have only 4 chemos..your stats are all better than mine..way better. But then again..maybe I should have gotten 6? I don't know. One thing Ive seen..from surgery to each chemo..every Dr or surgeon is different..I didn't have the neupogen..but racing heart I got. I was told it is side effect of one of the chemo drugs..can't remember C or T. I got that on my 3rd and 4th time around. Aggravation.

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  • SchoolCounselor
    SchoolCounselor Member Posts: 452
    edited November 2013


    Kbeee hang in there. Sending positive thoughts!!!

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  • Nocompromises2013
    Nocompromises2013 Member Posts: 292
    edited November 2013


    I agree with ck. You should only need 4 cycles with your Dx and no rads :))))

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited November 2013

    KBeee- Bummer you are still at the hospital.  The racing heart is a common side effect of the chemo plus being a little winded and feeling fatigued.  I had a rapid pulse and was winded and just tired after several rounds of chemo.  It does get better once you have completed all of your chemo rounds. 

    FYI:  For those who don't know about the Neulasta shot and Neupogen shots, both are drugs used to help the bone marrow produce white blood cells since the number of blood cells decrease because of the chemo.  The Neulasta shot is usually administered 24 hours after the chemo infusion and administered in a one time shot.  The reason why some oncos do not order it automatically after the 1st round of chemo is because it is expensive and must be approved by the insurance and the patient needs to demonstrate a true need for the shot ( ie high fever, extremely low white blood count, etc.)   Here is a link to the chemocare.com website (founded by Scott Hamilton, the former Olympic ice skater who is a cancer survivor) where you can read more about the Neulasta   http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/Neulasta.aspx . The Neupogen shots are a series of shots with the same chemical that that is administered over a several day period post chemo infusion.  Here is the link for more info: http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/Neupogen.aspx .

    I had Neulasta shots after chemo rounds 3, 4 ,5 & 6 since I developed a very high spiking fever and chills at the end of the nadir period after Round 2.  The nurse would have me hold the shot in my hand to warm it up before she administered it.  I had the shots injected in my tummy area since for once... having some body fat there was a good thing.  The nurse would also inject it slowly so that it would not sting or hurt.  I also took regular 24 hour Claritin ( NOT Claritin D) for 7 days beginning the morning that I would receive my afternoon Neulasta shot to help prevent bone pain.  This is the drug protocol that is being followed by an on going clinical trial investigating whether the Claritin does help prevent the bone pain from the Neulasta and Neupogen.  Fortunately I did not have any bone pain. 

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  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited November 2013


    Headeast-I see you are about to have your 3rd chemo..by the time I was at my 3rd one..the day or two before was like I was fixing to leave on a trip. Got all housework done..food (especially things I had craved previously)..and the very last thing...washed the sheets on the bed so I would have a soft clean bed to live in for 3-4 days..lol.. Do you do this?

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  • Headeast
    Headeast Member Posts: 619
    edited November 2013


    ckmoss, that is too funny! I vacuumed today, cleaned the kitchen and cooked, something I never do. I felt I needed to have a few things ready to eat for the chemo day and after.


    I haven't thought about the sheets but it is actually a good idea.


    My head is itching and have things that resemble pimples. Inflamed.


    Has anybody had that?

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  • indenial
    indenial Member Posts: 504
    edited November 2013


    Headeast, yes to the itchy scalp pimple thing... I think it was after my second round? I found rubbing my head with peroxide and/or vinegar helped clear it up. No idea what caused it but sure wasn't comfy (and I thought it would last all through chemo and I would be the ugliest bald person ever LOL, but it didn't, and never returned after the other rounds!!)

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited November 2013


    Headeast, I had the pimple thing on my head after rounds 1 and 2. I used acne medicine for a few days, and it cleared up.


    I got a racing heart after Neupogen #2 yesterday too. It lasted for a few hours. That was followed by a lot of nausea, and then awful back pain...about like labor...yikes! It was not a fun few hours. Thankfully, I feel much better this morning, and am ready to eat! They drew labs an hour ago. My white count has risen nicely. My neutrophil count is not in yet. Think good numbers!!!!!

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  • SchoolCounselor
    SchoolCounselor Member Posts: 452
    edited November 2013


    Good Numbers Kbee!!!!!


    Sendong positive thoughts...thinking about you!

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited November 2013


    Woohoo!!!!!! my numbers just made it! I get to go home today!!!!!! Yahoo!

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  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited November 2013


    Yeaaaaa Kbee!!!! Home will never feel so good!!


    Headeast- My stylist said to use a natural bristle brush (back brushes are good) and brush your scalp once a week or use a gentle exfoliating scrub like Oil of Olay..or really whatever you have so your pores won't get clogged. You can actually get "cradle cap" if you aren't careful..ICK! So I was pretty religious about that and mine went away after 1-2 washings. I only did the brush thing twice..mainly because it was just weird ..and did the exfoliating gel then washed with a tea tree oil shampoo I got from stylist (sell at Ulta too). I think, though, really any of the ideas prev posted are good. I have read one lady used witch hazel. I think you just want to keep the pores from getting clogged. When the hot flashes start (mine after round4), I'm more careful because the hats and wigs get reallll hot then.

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  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited November 2013

    KBeee-- YIPPEE!!!  Going home ..... that is wonderful!!!

    Head bumpsSad- I had the head bumps too after the hair started falling out.  I used Neutrogena TGel shampoo which seemed to help.  The hair follicles can get clogged and irritated.   You may also try getting some Sea Breeze Astringent at CVS/Walgreens.  The rest of the time I used Aveeno Baby Natural Conditioning shampoo to help keep my scalp clean.

    Wishing for a good week for all and minimal side effects!!!

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  • Headeast
    Headeast Member Posts: 619
    edited November 2013


    Kbeee, yeeeh! Home!!

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  • Headeast
    Headeast Member Posts: 619
    edited November 2013


    Thank you for all the suggestions about the head bumps. Never thought the pores could get clogged, hum... I have used oxigen peroxide and seemed to do the trick.


    TC chemo tomorrow! Who else?

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