Chemo in June 2015

Hey there all! Brief post, as I'm tuckered out. We got back yesterday from a beach vacation that we snuck in between two chemo treatments. Went pretty well, though I got a fever partway and got to visit the local ER for a few hours. For a while there I thought they would admit me, but my white counts were good and they found no sign on bacterial infection, so they sent me off again.

Today was session #6 of 8 total chemo treatments, #2 of 4 for the DD Taxol. Last time around was really rough pain-wise -- I ended up with lots of weird pain that my doc suspects is neuropathic. It was like popcorn or fireworks, dancing from one spot to another! So this time around, she wants me to take Gabapentin. We'll have to see how that goes.

To ward against neuropathy, I am also taking B6 vitamins, L- Glutamine (the Glutasolve brand by Nestle was reccommended to me as reputable and easy to use, it's been okay if a bit chalky so far), and have been attempting to ice my hands and feet with only some success. My cancer center has cold packs, but no handy insulated mitts, so we shove the cold packs into pillowcases instead. They get warm in about half an hour. Today I also tried frozen corn packages instead, but that only lasted maybe an hour? The taxol infusion goes for several hours!

At least I feel like I'm doing *something*, but I'm sure I could be doing this better...well, I have two more infusions to figure it out, heh. So far, I've only noticed a tiny bit of numbness in my heel -- the rest of the odd sensations seem to be connected to the changes to my nails

Hope everyone is doing well and taking it easy!

Take care,

Sherri, (aka EnigmaticFox, who feels like she needs a vacation to recover from her vacation!)

AGerl, The doctor gave me a cream to put on the sores on my scalp and they are much better but still there. My blood work was all good, but thank you for advice.

I've only posted once so far, way back when I started chemo at the beginning of June. I very thankfully finished #6 of 8 chemos on Thurs. It is quite a rollercoaster ride. Just when I think I know what to expect, something else comes along.

I had 4 dose dense (every 2 weeks) of A & C and the last 4 treatments (2 of 4 done) are taxol only. Thought I would escape without neuropathy on Taxol, but nope- foot pain yesterday (heel esp) and today foot pain and mild numbness on bottom of both feet Took a vit B6 supplement.

I will tell you- for those of you asking- yes Taxol is MUCH better than A+C! I have even experienced severe joint/bone shooting spasms of pain with Taxol and it is still a million times better than A&C. Very little to no nausea, stlll extremely tired, but a million times better than A+C. As a matter of fact - if I say or think about A+C I gag. If I see a red/pink liquid, I gag. I felt so poisoned on A+C and feel none of that with Taxol.

I hope you are all doing well, keep your spirits up- cry when you need to, but then think positive thoughts. We will be looking at the backside of this before long.

http://ginakarasek.wordpress.com

Tamkay - that's awesome! Here's to shrinking tumors!!

I got really sick from the first benadryl with Taxol treatment. They said they dose people up (50mg) in case of an allergic reaction, but they gave it to me using a syringe into my IV and I about passed out- it made my head swim, I could barely talk- it was like I was completely drugged. Almost vomited a few times. Then I slept! It was the worst part of my 1st Taxol.

With my 2nd Taxol- they said since I didn't have an allergic reaction they reduced the dose to 20 mg - and I asked that they give it in an IV drip rather than so quickly with a syringe, and it was much better. It still hit me after a bit, but not so badly. I hate taking benadryl unless I absolutely have to. They said next time they would look into reducing it to 12.5 mg.

Hi all,

I'm sure hoping that Taxol is better than AC. But, then, i didn't have nausea with AC, but i had terrible headaches, that chemical drugged feeling and exhaustion.

For those of you who are following my treatment plan (see below) and have had at least two treatments of Taxol already, after having AC first, do you remember how you felt the days after the second treatment? I have my second treatment of Taxol on September 2nd. I will be flying across the country the day after and "running" (walking) in a 10k on day four. I know we are all different, but i thought i would get your input on how you guys felt. Thanks!

AGerl wrote: "Another mental struggle I am having is the baldness - I am fine during the bad weeks because it reflects how I feel, but when I have my good weeks, it is another story. It is a constant reminder, and sometimes I just want to take a break from it all and not have it thrown in my face. When I feel good, I want to look like the old me..."

AGerl, I totally understand what you are saying!!! This is SO, so true. I feel the exact same way. I just never thought about it that way.

I have noticed more effects from Taxol then I did A/C but I'm sure some of that could be the cumulative effect.

Yesterday (day 3), I felt like I was getting the flu. I ended up going home from work a few hours early to lay down before I picked up my son from preschool.

Today I feel much better but I am definitely achy. My legs keep getting these twinges of pain and I've noticed today that I feel like I have menstrual cramps...and pretty strong ones at that!

J3nn4

Hope you are hanging in there! I know about the bone pain! Thank goodness for the Hydros - although I'm going to try to avoid them as much as I can - They cause intense lower ab pains (constipation? ug) And yea, I've got drugs for that too! Blessings to you!

hello

yeah KarenAus and good luck with the next batch.

Nataleejordi - sorry you had to be on antibiotics as well, i just did #2/3 of taxol and they reduced it from the first due to neuropathy in my feet, this time its is less awful.

zzlady, my neuropathy was better after 14 days. it was scary . wishing you a good recovery from it too.

i have been a grumpy, mess and im lucky to have good helpful friends and family. thought i was tougher than i seem to be at this point in time. rant rant .. thank you for this place to be understood.

hugs to all

zzlady-are you taking l-glutamine?

Tresjoli2-i was talking to someone who had the electric current thing after her taxol and she said acupuncture helps.... Just a suggestion for after you are done. I haven't tried it yet, I have 3 more DD taxols to finish first.

I'm so happy this part of the journey is coming to an end.

question for the group. I had my last tc on 8/17. Been having some real issues with ankles and feet swelling. I'm getting a little concerned. Any body else had this side effect?

Starting DD Taxol # 3 of 4 tomorrow. My experience with Taxol #1 was awful. Severe bone pain on Days 4-7 and Dr had to double my pain meds. I couldn't walk! I had to use a wheelchair. The pain in my knees and hips was excrutiating to the point I called MO and asked to stop chemo altogether, this is the first time I considered stopping. My main complaint on A/C was acid reflux. On Taxol, my knees felt like basketballs filled with broken glass that was rubbing together. For dose #2, he dropped my Neulasta shot from 6mg to 4mg. This helped so much! I had some bone pain from Neulasta on A/C #1-4 but nothing like that. They were just achy sore feeling then but I could walk at least. So lesson learned was don't give up, call your MO! I should have done that on day 4 and not suffered like that. Dose 2 I felt better, no nausea on Taxol at all for me but also no appetite, even with the steroids. I lose 8 lbs in 2 weeks, which I am kind of happy about..Buddha belly is shrinking! With the dropped Neulasta, my WBC did not drop much as I was worried it would. It went from 10 to 6. He told me yesterday I was borderline ready for a blood transfusion if I didn't eat more red meat. Ick I hate most red meat. A burger is ok.. Guess I'm eating at Red Robin tomorrow.

My finger neuropathy has become worse on Taxol. MO asked if it was bad at beginning and tapers off, no mine is gradually worse. During the first treatment I didn't have any problems until about a week later. Started in left hand pinky and now is all fingers and thumbs. Sometimes feet go to sleep or get really cold for no reason. MO said take B complex to help with fatigue and nerve function. I found some chewable gummies on Amazon that are good made by Nutrition Now and have strawberry flavor for $8.80 for 70.

Good luck to all the chemo-sabe sisters in the chair this week! I have my coloring books and Kindle ready for tomorrow. xoxo

KickinBootay - I am also neoadjuvant therapy. I have 2 more sessions of dense dose Taxol expecting my last to be on 9/28 and then I'll meet with the surgeon.

I have an appt on the 25th with the plastic surgeon. I'm having bmx and we will discuss reconstruction options.

I am DONE DONE DONE with taxanes as of today! Woo Hoo! I also had my 3 week loading dose of Herceptin. But no more CHEMO!

Hi all.... I am actually an August chemo starter, but I don't seem to get many answers on the other board. I am on 4 rounds of DD A/C and am going in to do number three on Thursday. My question is this.... I have had a sore throat since I started, the dr said it was not infected, or any thing to worry about. But seriously it hurts. Has any one had this and did you find any relief. Is this just a SE to deal with for four more weeks....?