Starting Chemo in December 2013

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  • Brioche78
    Brioche78 Member Posts: 37
    edited January 2014

    Mikesgirl17,

    I just had taxotere on Wednesday and so far so good. My mo double my steroids for this round to prevent allergic reaction. Seems to be working! Gave myself the neulasta shot yesterday and I do have a bit of bone pain in my top ribs, jaw and sternum but its more bearable then the 2 first times I did it.

    Hope this helps!

    Take care

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  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited January 2014

    i had some wrist pain yesterday, almost like a tendonitis.  much better today after 10 mg of dexamethasone but had hot slushes and woe up every 2-3 hours overnight.  I am sure more Hot flushes to come later.

    Sounds like most did well with their treatments this week. The others hope you feel better soon

    Funny story I went to  continuing medial education program this AM at the local hospital, the Radiation On was giving a talk on RT in primary care. I though I would go to hear what he would say about breast cancer. Ended sitting next to my MO who looked at my breakfast tray.  I had gotten a breakfast sandwich, english muffin fried egg, provolone cheese and bacon.  My favorite breakfast the the hospital, had not had on in over 2 months.  He said " you are going to eat that the day after your chemo"   I only ate about 5 bites of it but it was still good Had a big glass of OJ and a big coffee.  Hope I never lose my taste for coffee with the taxol.

     My breast surgeon was sitting just in front of me.  Talked to her afterwards a bit.

    going in about half an hour for neulasta shot. Last one of those today also

    Barbara

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  • Mikesgirl17
    Mikesgirl17 Member Posts: 260
    edited January 2014

    Thanks Brioche.  Oh, your wig is adorable :)

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  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited January 2014

    Crazzywabbit - Thanks for the dosage info.  I wasn't sure how much to take.

    Mikesgirl- Hoping that rash responds to the steroids and that you have a fun time this weekend.

    Count it all joy - I loved hearing about your day yesterday.  You needed that, sounds like you have great family and friends.  My MO said that their is nothing that I could do for the anemia, as it was from the chemo.  However, I eat greens and protein as much as possible and I rest a lot.  She did say that with the Taxol my red count might improve, here is to hoping.

    Regarding the benedryl for sleeping, I just take one over the counter tablet at night when needed.  I don't take it if I am taking the Claritin, I don't think that you can mix them.  I don't notice it drying out my mouth, but it helps my runny nose.

    RobinLK - I am having more and more hot flashes as the chemo progresses.  Didn't have my period in January either.

    Lorreymom - Never heard anything about coffee being bad for you.  If I don't drink it in the AM I will get a migraine. Maybe I will make sure that I do not drink more than 2 cups on chemo days.  Thanks for sharing that info.  I will check out your link.  

    I would like to let everyone know that so far the Taxol is not bothering my stomach.  I did take another compazine late last night just to be safe. I do not have that constant sick to my stomach feeling like I did with the AC.  

    Kim

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  • jackieak
    jackieak Member Posts: 169
    edited January 2014

    crazywabbit, odd your mo said that about eating, I find the day after my appetite was pretty good, and to me I wanted to eat good and drink the day after to get all that chemo out.  It's the following 3-4 days I wanted smooth things only.  Except this last round I had the metal mouth, today it seems to be gone, and my coffee is my coffee again!  I hope taxol doesn't bring the metal mouth, that was the worst, even my smell was very messed up.

    Sounds like allot of steroids involved with taxol, which i dread because I look like a blow fish. And my weight is up about 5-6 pounds, of course I haven't been doing much walking, just stretches and toning exercises.  Anxious to hear how everyone does the next few days after taxol, please tell me it's better than that red devil!  Happy Super Bowl weekend everyone, wish I was headed to vegas today for it, but I'm headed there next week for 4 days, and so excited to be going somewhere for awhile.

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  • lorreymom
    lorreymom Member Posts: 149
    edited January 2014

    No Taxol for me today!  My liver tests are up, so I go for abdominal ultrasound next. What's next??  Sigh.  Oh well, at least I get 1 more week of feeling good.  Mixed feelings about yet another delay.  

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  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited January 2014

    Jackieck, I took the comment he said was in jest.  He was not being critical. Like when he says older women tolerate chemo better then younger ones. I said "gee thanks I am only 59 and do not consider myself old"  he clarified to to mean women in their 30’s and 40 being younger tended to be bothered by the side effects more. 

    Barbara

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  • kimie06
    kimie06 Member Posts: 215
    edited January 2014

    mikesgirl ... ENJOY! ENJOY! you deserve a great getaway. 

    well ladies I am so overwhelmed by peoples generousity, countless cards, food at my door, quilts,  there is a huge benefit dance and silent auction tomorrow nite in my honour, and I don't even know what to say or where to start.  How do you ever thank the people enough that have impacted your life in such a way.  I ordered my "Hey Cancer *uck you" t shirt just in time, hope I don't offend anyone.  maybe I will wear something over it for the early part of the evening. LOL  .. My brother that just passed would have got a big kick out of the shirt..miss him terribly.

    Lorreymom.. hoping all gets sorted out for you, delays suck.

    Like I said earlier I start taxol on Tuesday.  part of me is scared for the "new" drug.  Everyone says its easier, God I hope so .. I cant wait to just feel normal again, will we ever.. I'm sick of the sweats, the shitty feeling, the overall exhaustion, the feeling of not knowing my body anymore. We've come this far right....

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  • Mikesgirl17
    Mikesgirl17 Member Posts: 260
    edited January 2014

    Thank you Kimie.  That is so wonderful that you have so many people supporting you.  I can feel the love radiating from your post.  Enjoy tomorrow.  Not everyone gets the "honor" of people coming together to show how much they love them.  That is one thing that cancer does.  It lets you know that you matter to so many. Oh, I am also happy to report that the steroids have all but cleared up this horrible rash.  It's like a miracle.  It's still there, but almost flat instead of bubbly and very little itch.  I took 1 dexa last night and 1 this morning.  Thank you Jesus!

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  • Carol99
    Carol99 Member Posts: 116
    edited January 2014

    enjoy your night away Mikesgirl, Boston is so fun, glad your rash is clearing.  It's so lousy feeling this way, my lashes started falling out & I feel like I look sick:(  I  just had my 3rd AC on Monday, I have been wiped out!  I'm still nauseous.

    I agree Kimmie, how do you thank everyone?  I have been shown so much love & support from my family, friends & co workers.  Have a wonderful night tomorrow!

    Hoping for less nausea,

    Carol

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  • Brioche78
    Brioche78 Member Posts: 37
    edited January 2014

    Mikesgirl,

    Im glad you are felling better!! enjoy your weekend in Boston. You deserve it :)


    Alexandra

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  • count_it_all_joy
    count_it_all_joy Member Posts: 130
    edited January 2014

    Lorreymom - really sorry for your liver counts and the delay in treatment.  And just what we always need, another exam.  :P   I'm curious what you do find out.  This keeps being a rough road for you.  How are you hanging in there today?

    Mikesgirl - So glad that Boston's a GO!  We lived in CT for 9 years, and never made it to Boston.  Big regret.  Loved Maine, tho!  Our best vaca was Kennebunkport and up the coast to see the lighthouses.  Have a great time, and forget all this C stuff as much as you can!

    Kim - weird that there is no real way to combat the anemia.  I hope it doesn't interfere too horribly much with your energy.  It's always nice to have some strength for something fun now and again.  :)

    Kimmie - I hope tomorrow night is a very special night for you.  There is nothing like being loved on these days, so good for the heart and spirit!

    I'm finding with all the special things being done for me, the best I can hope for is to get out a quick email.  It seems like not enough, but one of these days I'll have the extra oomph to actually write some letters of gratitude.  

    One day out from TAC #3, and the first time nausea really hit in public.  Fortunately I was at my MO's for neulasta, and they were able to give me some sublingual nausea strip and a barf bag, and I made it home without a mess in the car.  Thank God for those mercies!

    Here's to a good weekend all around, 

    Mary

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  • DJJ
    DJJ Member Posts: 229
    edited February 2014

    I had my first round of Taxol today, including Perjeta and Herceptin.  I was in the chair for 4 1/2 hours, ugh! But they gave me lots of Benadryl in case of allergic reactions.  I didn't have any, woohoo!  But because the Benadryl I slept the whole time, ahhhhhh...I could even feel my mouth hanging open, but I didn't care. it was sleep!

    So Far I'm feeling way better then I did after a round of AC.  We went grocery shopping after and now getting ready to watch a movie.  No nauseous, yet, no foggy feeling.  Just feeling normal and I never felt normal with the AC.  I'll let you know how I feel as the days go on. 

    Mikesgirl, Have fun on your trip with no rash!!!!

    Kim, I'm a little anemic too....sigh

    Kimmie, Enjoy your night tomorrow.  You deserve it. 

    Lorreymom, I'm sorry, I hope all goes well with your tests and you can march on next week!

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  • count_it_all_joy
    count_it_all_joy Member Posts: 130
    edited February 2014

    DJJ - yay for you!! So happy this first round has started out well.  I caught myself sleeping with my mouth open too yesterday - probably snored, too, but my sister is too sweet to tell me!   ;)   

    Sore, sore throat/thrush keeping me awake tonight.  bummed!  didn't get this until several days in the last 2 times.  calling for those pills first thing in the morning.  magic mouthwash is good for symptoms, but has never worked to actually clear this up yet.  

    hope there's a lot of good sleeping going on out there tonight!  

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  • Leealice
    Leealice Member Posts: 87
    edited February 2014

    Day 5 of chemo 3 and I'm already starting to feel better. Luckily I haven't caught my son's virus and I hope it stays that way. Still feel achey and my tongue feels like I burned it on something and is kind of numb.

    I too have been overwhelmed by love and support from friends and family. One of the blessings that has come out of this cancer bs.

    I hope everyone can enjoy the weekend. It's 75 in Austin today!

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  • kimie06
    kimie06 Member Posts: 215
    edited February 2014

    DJJ .. you are one of the leaders in starting the "T"  so I cant wait to hear your experiences.  Im also so envious of you and being able to work, I am a hairstylist and just haven't had enough "good" days to feel strong enough to do clients.

    count itall- my throat is super sore too wonder if I should use the magic mouthwash. I have some just haven't thought to use it.

    Leealice - happy to hear you are feeling good on day 5 .. 6-7 and usually my down days.

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  • jackieak
    jackieak Member Posts: 169
    edited February 2014

    DJJ, so glad to hear no foggy head, that usually happens the day of and a few days it stays on AC.  And no Nausea sound awesome, I hope it stays good and you report to us all feeling much better than on AC.  Will the treatment last that long each time, or once no reaction does it go faster?

    I've been getting canker and mouth sores a week after each AC, only thing seems to help is putting vitamin E directly on them.  The thrush isn't as bad this time, but Apple cider vinegar and yogurt usually clear it for me in a day.

    Kim, so great to hear of all your support, you have been through so much on top of all of this.  I have friends making me some special brownies for my first taxol round in two weeks, people really don't know what to do for you, but it is so nice with all the offers...I can only tell my family and friends to forgive my grouchiness when it happens and poke me when they need to.

    Three months from today is my last chemo, May 1st is circled in big red stars on my calendar...we can do this!

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  • lorreymom
    lorreymom Member Posts: 149
    edited February 2014

    i seem to be complaining a lot these days. Not like me to be so negative.  But I am getting tired of trying to find the bright side in all this.  Gave my injection today and it stung like a SOB.  It is getting harder and harder to psych myself up for giving it.  10 injections down, 20 more in my current box...how do I do 3 months of this????  

    So glad to hear those starting Taxol have had an easier time of it.  Something to look forward to!!  :)

    I was also thinking & researching that my blood clot, and not necessarily my liver, caused the elevation in my AST & ALT.  All my other results were good.  Here's hoping!!  

    My arm is getting better...no sharp pains, just aches & gets tired with use now.  Good thing, as I am not allowed to have any OTC pain meds now...no aspirin, no ibuprofen & no tylenol.  

    Have a good weekend! 

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  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited February 2014

    Jackieck , may first is also circled on my calendar.  We are still on the same schedules.  Unfortunately I will have to follow that with 5 weeks of RT.   I hope to get back to work at least 2-3 days a week if I tolerate taxol without dropping my WBC. I work in a busy medical office with lots of sick patients coming in. I have stayed away so far but I am getting stir crazy and feel the need to get back to work and a normal life. 

    Good to hear DJJ is tolerating the taxol. Hope we all follow suite.   I was told to expect to be at the infusion center for 5 hours with the first dose.  

    Barbara. 

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  • ADJ
    ADJ Member Posts: 226
    edited February 2014

    lorreymom,

    I am thinking about your injections.  What about numbing the area with an ice cube, or scrub scrub scrub the intended site with your alcohol pad first .  Sometimes we can fool those nerve endings.

    Anita

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  • Amazonwarrior
    Amazonwarrior Member Posts: 485
    edited February 2014

    crazywabbit: Thanks for the dosage information. I also checked the dosage with a pharmacist at the cancer centre. She was rather sceptical about both B6 and L -Glutamine. She said that the latest studies don't support the belief that they work, but she said that if I really want to take them that the dose for B6 would be 50 mg and L -Glutamine 500mg a day. She even mentioned that apparently L-Glutamine is a mild antioxidant, so she would not advise it during chemo.

    All: Do you take B6 and L-Glutamine to prevent neuropathy? Do you take it on your own or with your MO's blessing? 

    For those already doing Taxotere: Are you icing your fingers and toes to preserve nails and cut down on neuropathy? Is your centre providing ice? What else do you do to prepare for the infussion?

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  • Amazonwarrior
    Amazonwarrior Member Posts: 485
    edited February 2014

    lorreymom: Have you tried to numb the area with Emla cream? What site do you usually inject into? How often? 

    When I do any self injections I always inject into my lower abdomen. Injecting into a fatty tissue seems less painful than injecting into a muscle. 

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  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited February 2014

    I may have asked this before... Forgive me if I have (darn chemo brain) - but what's the difference between Taxol and Taxotere?  My MO said we would decide once we got closer (I have 2 more AC left).  Why would one be chosen over the other?

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  • jackieak
    jackieak Member Posts: 169
    edited February 2014

    RE: neulasta shot.  My 4th one last week stung, the only one that hurt going in.  I have always had it injected in my belly fat , plenty there, I hold the skin and a retired nurse in my office injects it.  She thinks maybe she injected it faster, but wasn't sure...but that last one burned and stung.  Glad I won't be getting it on weekly Taxol.

    I asked my MO about the vitamins and L glutamine, she said she hadn't seen it written about by MDs and wasn't sure it worked, didn't tell me not to do it...so I don't know.   My vitamins have both B6 and b12 in them so I won't take additional.  It would be nice to have a definite answer with clinical data to back it up, where all oncology professionals agree...seems we are our own guinea pigs at times.  MO was adamant not to do cold caps, I only asked about it in the beginning, she said it would make you more miserable than losing hair, and that the chemo needs to go through your entire system.  

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  • Jodi040812
    Jodi040812 Member Posts: 383
    edited February 2014

    count it all- I hope you feel better!!

    DJJ- glad taxol is easier for you!!

    I had #7 Taxol yesterday.  I have had no ulcers, sickness, or numbness.  I paint my fingernails clear (Sally's hard as nails) and I hope that helps that part.  I am counting down my taxols 5 more to go.  Now, I am nervous to get off of it since it seems everyone else had a rough go with the other treatments.  

    One thing about Taxol- it builds up in your system.  I was solid weeks 1-4 had my hair and all.  I still have hair but I shave it real short.  I normally do not get tired until 3rd day or 4th.  I was pretty tired today on day 2.  But- really that is nothing.  I just wanted to tell y'all do not think something is wrong if you get a little zapped on mid week.  When the steroids wear off- rest.  I have a rough time at that one;). 

    Is there anybody on this thread that is taking or going to FAC??  I know many did AC, anyone had the F part too?  I am pretty scared about getting sickish.  I have 6 more weeks and should just stop worrying.  I have to get a port too for the FAC.  Wish they would have told me that before:(. Tired of a black and blue left forearm each week.  

    Last thing- lymphedema anyone suffering?  I just got dx and have to start physical therapy.  They said I caught it early, so I guess that's good.  

    My post sounds down sorry!!  I just had a lot of questions tonight.  I am doing well and I know y'all will do better on Taxol!  So when I come on here in 6 weeks moaning about FAC, remember some good advice for me!!:)

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  • RobinLK
    RobinLK Member Posts: 840
    edited February 2014

    I don't have active lymphedema but am going to physical therapy with an LE specialist. I wear a sleeve and have exercises specifically geared toward prevention. 

    Taxol SE's are pretty much fatigue for me. I am more tired, sleep less at night and more during the day. Increases hot flashes and night sweats are what is interfering at night. 

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  • lorreymom
    lorreymom Member Posts: 149
    edited February 2014

    Hi, 

    Just got back from my liver ultrasound...yes, on Sunday morning!  

    Thanks for the tips on self injections.  I will try the ice first, as I have no emla cream.  It isn't the needle stick, but the actual liquid injection that bothers me.  It stings.  They told me to inject it slowly to prevent the sting...but it still stings. 

    On another note....I was wondering about coffee & Taxol.  I was told coffee was ok.  But I came across a research article that suggested caffeic acid (in coffee) prevented Taxol from killing cancer cells.  I don't want to give up coffee for 12 weeks, so I wondered how long the caffeic acid stayed in our bodies after 1 cup of coffee. Lots of conflicting information...but what I can determine is it is gone from our bodies anywhere from 2 hours to 48 hours...the most convincing paper said 12 hours.  So I figure if I skip my coffee on the morning of & day after the taxol dose, I should be ok.  Other research papers suggest coffee (2 cups per day) is good & can boost effects of tamoxifen.  Woot!  I love my morning coffee...just so warm & comforting! 

    Jodi.....I had FEC.  Overall I was told I handled it fairly well.  The E part (Epirubicin) was the worst part, which you won't be getting, as yours is FAC.  I had moderate nausea, no vomiting, no mouth sores, my white cells stayed high with the neulasta, never lost all my hair (but definitely thin...to point of shaving my head).  I did have a blood clot (Epirubicin's fault), and elevated ALT & AST liver tests after 3rd dose.  I also had the unusual & RARE side effect of skin boils & abscess of my mastectomy incision.  Overall it is do-able.  Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions or concerns. 

    Well, enjoy the Superbowl, if you are into football!  I like the commercials!  LOL

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  • Amazonwarrior
    Amazonwarrior Member Posts: 485
    edited February 2014

    jodi: I did FEC for 3 cycles so far. You are doing FAC. Well, the only difference between the two is the middle part. One is Epirubicin and the other Adriamycin. They are similair in nature being that they are both cardio toxic. However, studies have shown that Adriamycin is a lot more cardio toxic than Epirubicin. Adriamycin still seems to be the choice of treatment in the US, however in Canada, Europe and Australia and New Zeland prefere Epirubicin that is just as effective. Could it be connected to the cost of the drug? Because Epiribicin is a lot more expensive.

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  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited February 2014

    Hello ladies, I had a pretty rough night, I think there must still be steriods in my system.  Woke up at 1AM and couldn't go back to sleep.  Hot flashes all of the time, cramps, back ache.  I think that it is a combo of the Neulasta and the Taxol.  Wears you down.... and my nose is still running.

    Amazonwarrior - I am not taking any vitamins with the chemo.  I am interested, but haven't emailed my MO yet to get the ok.

    Lorreymom - I hope your ultrasound went well.  I am really going to have to research this coffee and Taxol info.  I would never have even known about it if you didn't mention it.  Thank you.  Coffee is a must for me.  

    Kim

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  • Jodi040812
    Jodi040812 Member Posts: 383
    edited February 2014

    lorreymom-

    I don't drink coffee, but no one told me NOT to before I started taxol.  If it was a big deal I think they would have:)

    Thanks for the FAC advise!  Nervous, but that will come in March and end in May!

    My taxol SE's if this helps:

    Dose 1 and 2-  bad tummy cramps until I used the potty.  Each time one potty trip with D and that was it.  Head ache on day 3 and 4. Achy legs and knees.  This was before I knew the Claritin thing!  Sore throat, but I had a lot of tears those first weeks guess realizing I had cancer.  Seems like that was forever ago!  Weird huh!

    Dose 3-5. Insomnia on days 1-3.  Day 4 achy but I swear taking a Claritin a day helps y'all!  Headache day 3 and 4.  Red blood count barely low, but started taking low dose daily vitamin just in case I can help.  Bone aches way better- Claritin seems to work there.  Face flushed once. And dose 4, I got itchy palms after like 30 minutes after. Put lotion on it and it stopped.

    Dose 6-7. Holy hot flashes and cold sweats to follow.  Love those headaches (had them last year when pregnant so it must be hormone related),  scratchy throat and kind of raspy voice day 1-3.  Little cough and everytime after I cough- I hiccup!  Really lol!  A little more tired now, I am hyper, so this means I really rest for maybe a half a day day 3 or 4 usually.  Watch tv.  I am very raspy right now.  But, I never take my nausea meds and never have a problem there!! 

    Hope this makes you less anxious! The first dose they give the most pre meds to make sure no reaction.  After that, they slowly start lower that.  They started cutting back the steroid in mine. Not bald, eyebrows and lashes here.  Still able to mom 3 girls, coach cheer on Mondays and drive 6 hours there and back every Thursday and Friday!   You got this ladies!! Taxol is not bad- wish I was heading into that instead of the red devil next;). 

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