Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013

Tbayer,  My best friends became my crackers, my ginger ale and my Zofran.  As Melrose said, don't let yourself get hungry, always have something in your stomach, preferably something bland.  Spicy food was my worst enemy and even now after I eat spicy food, I follow it with a milk shake or some form of ice cream. 

Redhead, I hope you are feeling better.  Hugs to you!!!!!

I am getting mine out today - woohoo! My MO said I could have it out 2 weeks after my last infusion - today is actually about 2 1/2 weeks.

KiLin, How did the port removal go? Hope it was easy for you!

Midlife, I know there are women here who have had reactions. Hope they speak up to share their experiences with you. Do you have a port? My first infusion was without a port and was difficult (unbearable, burning pain). They stopped it, changed the dilution and so on and I continued. Not as severe a reaction as yours. My port was used with the next two chemo days.... no problem.

Final chemo day tomorrow! Not looking forward to it.... but I'm going to kick cancer's ass tomorrow anyway!

I'll join the rads board once I hear from my RO! Usually my docs are responsive, but I haven't received a call back. At my last appt with the RO, she said to call her office prior to my last infusion to set the rads appts. I'm going to enlist my MO to help me get a call back. I don't know what the issue is... unusual for my treatment center.

PoppyK: Just wanted to say congratulations! on your last day of chemo. Hope all goes smoothly.

Poppy, I am so happy for you!!!!  Welcome to the other side!!!  When you go for your sim and tattoos, a tip -- take a Xanax.  I didn't and laid there, not being able to move, with my arms above my head in a criss-cross position on a hard as cement table for about an hour.  By the time I was done, the tech had to help me move my arms and get help to get me up off that table.  Also, wear an old shirt and bra, so the sharpie drawings don't ruin your clothes.  Congrats again, I hope you celebrate and enjoy your time off!!!!  Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

Congrats Poppy! I saw you on Winter Rad forum. It's nice you get to take a break from treatments for the holidays. Happy Thanksgiving!

Congratulations Poppy! The best feeling ever! So happy for you...Rosie

MidLife - I had the same type of reaction to the chemo drugs as you did - but after my second infusion started. I thought I would hit the roof when the pain in my back started to esculate. Within seconds of hitting the button, they were there with the benedryl and flushing out the system. Once the benedryl kicked in - I was in happyland. Anyways, from then on, with the following infusions I would get my happy drug (benedryl) before any chemo drugs, worked like a charm. All that to say, I did not have any of those problems between the infusions. So, I do not think you will either. Now, keep in mind or should say keep OUT OF your mind - do not over think things; just leads to worry and anxiety when neither is worth it. So, take each day as it comes. Some will be good, some you sleep a lot. REST - let your body heal between infusions. I am telling you my 'hindsights'; one year later and I am still trying to learn to rest. LOL Drink lots of water, eat whatever you can stomach. I lost my tastebuds to most foods and could only taste vinegary stuff. So ate a lot of bruschetta, saurkraut and pickles. I think everyone is different. Do you have a local Cancer Support Group - where someone could come and visit you, encourage you like we do on here. Sometimes it is nice to visit with someone with 'flesh on', who has been down this road. In the meantime, stay strong and of good courage. Many have gone before you and we are here to tell you that in the blink of an eye - it will be over and a year later.

Ratherbecooking - Welcome to the group.  I had 4 rounds of TC every three weeks.  I am sure you have read lots of things on this board to help you.  The two most important things are to drink, drink and drink some more, so the chemo drugs run through your body faster, and make sure you take your nausea meds as prescribed and before each heavy meal you eat.  For me, taking my Zofran and keeping ahead of the nausea, even at night, helped me function during the next week at work.  I took Claritin and Aleve for about one week after chemo day to ease the aches and pains.  I had my chemo on Thursday, Neulasta shot on Friday, felt icky on Saturday and Sunday and was good to go back to work on Monday morning.  

When you go to the center take things that can entertain you.  I took my laptop, crossword puzzles, blanket, husband and they had TV's to watch, people to talk with and volunteers to get you whatever you needed.  I made sure I had mints, lots of ice to suck on during the Taxotere and also made sure my nails had polish on them.  I did not use the frozen mitts or booties.  I wear my wig to work and hats when I go out, otherwise, I pretty much go bald here at home.  Please take care of yourself first and foremost, but we are here when you need us. 

Nomatterwhat:

Thank you for the quick reply and all of the information - much appreciated! Did you have problems with your nails?

I have not had any problems with my fingernails.  My MO suggested that I use Sallly Hansen Hard as Nails.  I would put a coat on every night starting about two nights before chemo and for a week after chemo.  I took it off when it started to curl up and peel off.  I let my nails rest for about two nights and started putting it on again.  My toenails, a different story.  I have so many foot problems to begin with that the toenails on the toes next to the big toes do not grow correctly and those two toenails did turn black.  My podiatrist told me they were bleeding underneath due to the chemo and I should have polished them.  NO KIDDING!!!!!  He filed the nails off and they have been growing like normal.  If you do polish, my suggestion is to polish both fingernails and toenails.  My DH took over washing dishes, because he didn't want me to get my hands wet and take any chances on my fingernails turning black. Maybe someday I should tell him I am through that part of our journey, or maybe not.  LOL!!!!   

hi there - can anyone tell me the reason for putting nail polish on? i see some are doing it and some aren't and i don't know why...

Thank you to all for the information - so helpful!

I will certainly get the polish thinking I will try the cold mitts/booties the first round and see how it feels. Round one (of four) scheduled for this Monday 12/8/14.

Anyone else starting on 12/8? Any other thoughts about starting round one will be appreciated!