Anyone else Starting 4 rounds TC chemo November 2015

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    yes He does! I'll check in tomorrow ladies! I'm actually exhausted going to bed soon!

    ๐Ÿ˜‡๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ’–๐ŸŒˆ blessings!

    Sandy!

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  • Petula
    Petula Member Posts: 33
    edited November 2015

    Hi Susan,

    Yes, they gave me 2 different anti-nausea scripts.. Generic Zofran and compazine. I was given a schedule to take the Zofran 3 times/day and compazine once/day for three days regardless. Right now, they are being used prophylactictly to prevent n/ v. On the 4th day I take every 4 hours as needed. So far, have been a good girl and taking as instructed and no nausea at all.

    Hope that answers your questions.

    Smurfette, my Oncotype score was 35.

    Good night ladies / Sweet Dreams, we will get through this!!!

    Petula


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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited November 2015

    Petula thank you so much for your caring and support.

    Means so much. Hugs Donna.

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  • zayb
    zayb Member Posts: 83
    edited November 2015

    I am scheduled to start 4 cycles of TC tomorrow. I noticed that everyone here is hormone positive, her2 negative. How did your oncologist decide to recommend chemo. I have read some stuff about chemo not being effective in hormone positive BC. Mine is 95%er and 50%pr, her2negative. I had a mastectomy on the right side 5 years ago (scattered dcis), so I have no local or primary tumor, only one pretty large tumor (3 cm) in a single lymph node, but no extra capsular extension. I am not sure what tests they did besides er/PR/her2. I didn't see any additional tests on the pathology report. I have had chemo before AC +T dose dense for triple negative cancer on the other, left side. This current cancer is completely different, though they are not sure where it came from...missed microinvasioin? An occult cancer? I had a tiny bit of breast-like tissue found at pathology, but no other cancer was found apart from the one lymph node. In the mastectomy revision they removed a section 18.5cm x 23cm x 1.8 cm, this included a 14.5 cm x 5.5 cm piece of skin on the anterior and there was no cancer in any of that tissue. I had loose skin from expanders that were removed years ago. As far as I know I didn't get an oncotype test or mammoprint, perhaps because it was node positive cancer. MO quoted 5% benefit. How does this sound?

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  • Guavaberry75
    Guavaberry75 Member Posts: 20
    edited November 2015

    I am beginning 6 rounds on Monday the 9th. I haven't been able to find anyone young (I'm 40) who has had TC. Seems like everyone young has done the AC + T.

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    image

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited November 2015

    Go, Freakedout4sure!! We're here for you! You can do it!!!

    Guavaberry75, welcome to BCO, and sorry you joined the club nobody wants to join.

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    thank you moderators and all for support!

    It went pretty well actually! I had an IV of antibausea Meds first and that will last for 5 days - I'll get the name of it soon for all - prescription given for compazine for next week if nausea is present - so far so good! I ate early breakfast but had chemo later than spot time so had some stomach gas issue - make sure you eat before TC.

    We westbound for dinner after treatment, cane home and finished laundry and walked the dog.

    Tired now, going to bed soon. Running my fingers thru my hair and wishing it never falls out! That will be the worst for me!

    1 down - 3 to go - 25% done

    We can do this!!!!

    Sandy

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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited November 2015

    Freakedout4sure so glad it went well.

    I have been thinking of you.

    Hugs Donna.

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    Hi Donna,

    1st 24 hours down and doing quite well; started Prevacid from some acidic reflux going on but nothing major intestinal wise - yet! No nausea after my IV med holds that for 5 days then I gave compazine as needed. Drinking lots of water. A little tired today but nothing unmanageable - washed laundry, baked a cake, showered, made dinner for family, and watched TV. Nice day over all. A perk my skin looks amazing - probably all the water! Lol! If our hair didn't fall out this might not be that bad - but I'm only 24 hrs in... Do you never know... I do not get white cell shot only if my count drops in ten days - insurance doesn't automatically pay for it.. A non perk! Hang in there! I know you can do this!

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    hi guava berry! I'm 51 getting TC since yesterday. My mamaprint score indicated I would benefit from chemo to reduce recurrence odds in 5 years - my onc did not feel adding A wound be more of benefit. I will also give hormone Meds post chemo. I think age and tumor characteristic with onc or mamaprint score determine types of chemo all together. If you are concerned check again with your oncologist. Not the party we wanted to be invited to you - you don't need to be brave- you just need to show up. Hang in there!

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  • Guavaberry75
    Guavaberry75 Member Posts: 20
    edited November 2015

    yes, I have 5 medical opinions and 3 say TC is sufficient; 2 say AC plus T. I started my hormone therapy (Lupron and Aromicin) right before my lastsurgery 4 weeks ago. Since my cancer is highly hormone positive, the hormone therapy is supposed to be my biggest advantage. My Oncotype was a 20. And chemo actually only gave me a 1% reduced risk than hormone therapy, but with 1 node positive I'm not comfortable doing no chemo.

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  • zayb
    zayb Member Posts: 83
    edited November 2015

    I just completed my first TC on Friday. I administered my neulasta shot last night before bed because as I remember on my first go around it came with some side effects. I had dose dense AC +T 6.5 years ago for another cancer. My need for chemo this time around was not clear since I only have cancer in a single lymph node. There is very little information about treatment options for occult cancers or atypical recurrences of in situ cancers. I have what is considered a new cancer, one that I have never been diagnosed with, but it doesn',t easily correspond with the in situ cancers I had removed 5 years ago during my second mastectomy. And, interestingly enough, even though I had some small high grade with comedo dcis, this is not what was in my lymph node. Nor does this cancer from the lymph node appear aggressive as seems common with cancers that manifest in the nodes without a local. I was told after the mastectomy to look for a local recurrence that would be obvious, but it turned out I had one of the most unobvious regional recurrences of a level one node that was never palpable because although it was long (3 cm) it was also flat (1cm). It doesn't seem like an aggressive cancer, the node didn't really change size over the course of months I waited for surgery and there is no extra capsular extension, but none of the standard tests can be used, E.g., oncotyping, because the presence of lymphocytes in the tumor makes an accurate score impossible, drives the score way up! It also makes grading difficulty. I am not sure whether it is ductal or lobular and when I asked they said it would be difficult to tell given its involvement with what is in the node already. Of course on a positive note, there was no cancer anywhere else, not a single bit outside the node or in any other node or tissue. But, under the circumstances chemo seems the prudnet thing. The oncologist recommended it even though he could not give me a clear indication of what it's benefit may be. The node caner was 95er+/50pr+/her2 neg). My old cancer was triple negative 000. I was having a hard time finding information in the efficacy of chemo for hormone positive cancer since I can not have the standard oncotype or mammoprint, but haven't got much feed back. Any good news about TC for highly hormone + BC?? Thanks. Sorry about the rambling. There isn't much on this site about breast cancers that present in a node without presenting anywhere else, though I have seen this happen to other women who post here). It is rare either as an occult cancer or as a long term outcome of some dcis, and treatment options are not so clear cut in the absence of a primary. But on with the TC. So far I am feeling pretty fine, assuming the neulasta pain will come today!

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  • Guavaberry75
    Guavaberry75 Member Posts: 20
    edited November 2015

    my oncologist has led me to believe they just don't know the benefit of chemo as the hormone therapy is the greatest and most important part of treatment for hormone positive BC. since I have one node involved and am young, I'm just not comfortable NOT doing chemo. If I had zero nodes positive i'd likely skip the chemo and do aggressive hormone therapy only.


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  • jonep
    jonep Member Posts: 8
    edited November 2015

    Hi! This is the group for me, too! I'll be having my first round of TC this Friday. The doctor said I'll be doing hormone therapy after chemo. Not really sure about the sched.

    I asked him about getting Zoladex shots but he wasn't for it, though he said we could talk about it if I really want it, after chemo. This got me a little confused: I thought that Zoladex was for protecting your ovaries DURING chemo.

    It's just a little hard to talk with my doctor: he only speaks Japanese and I can only speak in English. My manager from work acts as my translator, but I can't really say I understand 100% of what's actually going on...

    @Guavaberry75: Me, I'm 28 years old!! :)

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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited November 2015

    Yikes. My Oncologist never mentioned permanent hair loss rose50. So sorry you have had to suffer with this.

    Have just been doing some reading on here and now hoping my thick hair grows back.

    Had my first infusion on the 10th and feeling pretty yucky this afternoon.

    Everything tastes SO bad. Even water tastes salty.

    No real issues with nausea or diarrhoea as yet.

    Temp was a bit elevated this afternoon so monitoring that.

    Hope everyone else is travelling ok.

    Hugs Donna.

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  • kano
    kano Member Posts: 1
    edited November 2015

    I'm starting 4 rounds also the 18th, worried very much about feeling sick and side effects, as well as having to take steroids prior. Anyone to shed some light on this.

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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited November 2015

    Welcome kano. You will be about a week behind me.

    So far it has been doable. Not great but doable.

    Taste is still very off but I have not allowed myself to get hungry. Seems to be working for me as no nausea or vomiting yet.

    Grazing all day. Think I have gained weight not lost any. I have not suffered with post steroid headaches that others have mentioned yet; though my ears have felt blocked and achey today. My temperature was good this afternoon.

    Storming and cooler here this afternoon which is a nice relief from the heat of the past few days.

    Enjoy the weekend all.

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    HI ALL, checking in I'm day 9 post my chemo treatment TC.

    I have had a hard week with gastritis it took time for Prevacid to kick in and they added carafate - thank God for relief! I have always had issues like these so this made it worse. My take is that whatever your health weakness is it will surface during this time. If u are a diarrhea person, expect it, if you have nausea issues you'll get that, I have gastritis in my past history I can't imagine it surfaced but it did. I stayed home all week because of it. I did drive out once to surgeon to check my healing post mastectomies 9/9/15. That is healed well and I got 6 month clearance see him in late spring. I also have a sore throat where u swallow. It is common so lozenges help. I dare say I still have all my hair - legs too! It is day 9. I think it will thin day 10-17 from what I've read. I have no nausea or vomit. Day 7 I got a small mouth sore. Rinse with biotene several times a day! And I use vitamin e lip balm on dry lips. Also, please have Tux available. As you go to the bathroom the area on your bottom will get very sore because if the acids and chemo coming out. Tux pads have relieved that very much tender skin.

    Look no one wants to do this.

    We are all here to get the best outcome. I'm counting down and can't believe I am 9 days post infusion! I was a wreck before I started! I pray everyday and grateful to the Lord for helping me. He is listening and ready to help you too. No one can do this alone. Try to breath, listen to music, pray, start a craft, something to pass this awful time.

    I did not get the white cell shot - yet! I go Monday for my blood draw to check my count. Update u ladies then.

    Hang in there! Look for blessings in your days and nights!

    Hugs! Sandy,

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  • Guavaberry75
    Guavaberry75 Member Posts: 20
    edited November 2015

    I went to my first chemo infusion Monday and had such a severe allergic reaction (i.e.: absolutely scary!) that they stopped the infusion and immediately administered more Benadryl and steroids. They waited an hour and half and tried again. I told the nurse to stop it. It was going to happen again. I left.

    The next day, Tuesday I took 40 mg of steroids and 50 mg Benadryl.

    Returned Wednesday to try the infusion again. They did a slow drip and it went smoothly. I was prepared to pinch off the line and stop it immediately if I started feeling anything.

    Thursday I took 20 mg more of steroids.

    Friday I noticed a rash so I was told to take 8 mg of steroids next few days then drop to 4 for a few days.

    I'm extremely nervous about a stronger reaction the next time to the Taxatore. I will discuss options with oncologist.

    So I'm day 4 and the only real side effects (besides the rash/allergy) is frequent hot flashes at night. They have been nearly every hour. But outside that I have felt 'fine'. A little off, but nothing I can pinpoint.

    Anyone doing 6 rounds or are you all doing 4

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    guava berry! I'm sorry you had to experience that, I agree talk to your doctor - did u have an oncotyoe or mamaprint? Maybe hormones is the best option.

    I'm getting 4 rounds - 3 to go - my problem is horrible gastritis esophagitis and my throat is fried. I'm dreading thinking about Nov 30

    The steroids help mask all other symptoms - you've definitely been through enough! Lifting up prayers for all of us today!

    Hugs my friend,

    Sandy,

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  • AG3
    AG3 Member Posts: 80
    edited November 2015

    hi ladies. Hope you don't mind my jumping in. I was in the September chemo group. I finished four cycles of cytoxan/taxotere last week.

    This board has been helpful. Lots of tips and info, horror and encouraging stories alike.

    I am here to encourage.

    I suffered mild SE'S mainly:

    heartburn, bloating- from steroids, managed by prescription Prilosec

    flu like symptoms, hives- leukine shots (wbc booster), managed by Tylenol/Claritin/Benadryl.

    close to nausea - one Zofran a day(day 3 and 4)

    Like others it was one week of blah and next two weeks of normal.

    Things that helped tremendously.

    1. Don't ride out se's! Report everything to your onco and nurses. And take the meds to manage them.

    2. Exercise daily. I walked 30 minutes daily (indoor - walking dvds or outdoor) On some days I would break it up to two walks. 10-15 minutes in the morning and night time.

    3. Hydrate- when water tasted blah on chemo week I bought the flavor enhancers.

    4. Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste. I did not have mouth sores but it was so much gentler in the mouth.

    5. I kept a pocket size notebook that I kept with my chemo meds toiletry bag. I recorded all se's, meds, food, water intake, bm :)...

    6. Prayer does help. Main thing for getting me all through this;)))

    Hope this helps. Chemo is not a walk in the park but doable.


    Forgot to mention the main se- hair loss:(

    I had shoulder length hair and had a chin length bob cut week before chemo. Hair started shedding on day 14. Thinned and balding on top for a few days. Then lost most of it on day 18. I looked like Linus. I did not shave. I felt better to see some hair than none at all. I bought a halo which uou need a wig cap for sweat and itching (tlc.com) ,baseball cap with hair, and a couple of human hair wigs (found some under $100 at a local wig shop). I bought them all before chemo and used them as soon as I lost my hair. I was and am not brave enough to go outside without a wig -wearing one just makes me feel "normal"...



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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited November 2015

    Reading your posts brings back the feelings I had 2 yrs ago. AG gave you great advice. For me, the fear, thankfully, ended up being worse than reality. It wasn't a walk in the park and I wouldn't want to do it again, but it was manageable. I had a dear friend go with me to every appt and was thankful for the support and company along the way. Wishing you all minimal SE's. You've got this! ((HUGS))

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    thanks AG and keep the faith! Really appreciate your advice! I'm finding that if I didn't have the first week of painful gastritis esophagitis I would haven't been so bad - it's day 10 post chemo and those symptoms on Prevacid and carafate help a lot! Staying in them. Sore throat helped by tea and honey, finally not so tired. The hairs aren't falling yet, dare I say it, but I'm like you AG, I'll be Linus and I'll be okay if any of it wants to hang around.

    Thanks to all warriors! Your sisterhood of support is my blessings!

    Hugs, sandy,

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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited November 2015

    Nice to see a post from you Sandy.

    How are you doing with food? I have managed 4 water crackers and 4 almonds this morning. Oh and about 200ml of fluid.

    Keep thinking I should be doing a little better. Yesterday was my worst day so far.

    Sun is shining today and I'm doing my best to shine too. Hugs All. Donna.

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    hi Donna it's okay - don't worry fret over of the food - you will eat more it will come -it doesn't feel like it but it will - it's like having the flu, days and days one long day after snother and soon the day is shorter - just drink a lot! Even if you don't want to! stay in the sun even thru the window - this stuff and steroids messes w your emotions I think and sunshine helps - day 10 I'm tired - I ate oatmeal w raisins - green tea and honey / 2 multigrain waffles - / half blue berry muffin / and rice with lentils for later afternoon / biggest feast yet! Can u believe it?!!! I had that white tongue first week 7 day it was gross looking! but it is normal now. I can't taste too much but heard stomach growl first time this morning! wish my throat wasn't sore but, no complaints as there is always something else to complain about on this stuff! LLOL!! Right? I get my blood draw tomorrow check whites - I did not get that white cell shot yet, don't automatically get it here - has to be justified. Hang in there Donna!! I'm hanging in there too! Hugs!! Sandy,


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  • Guavaberry75
    Guavaberry75 Member Posts: 20
    edited November 2015

    sandy--did you do anything for the white tongue? I woke up this morning with it. Have a call in to the doctor to see about a prescription for thrush. Don't want it traveling down my throat.

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  • Freakedout4sure
    Freakedout4sure Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2015

    no, it went totally away! Give it another day you'll see it will go away!

    But today my white count dropped and I had to get the shot for that

    More later, hang in there!

    Sandy

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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited November 2015

    Thanks for the encouragement Sandy. I'm feeling a little better.

    Managed a piece of toast for brekkie and a cup of tea. Some noodles for lunch and drinking more today.

    Almonds have been great for me.

    The Neulasta shot isn't automatically given here either. I'm having my blood draw tomorrow to check my cell count.

    How's your hair doing?

    Guavaberry75 sorry you had such a hard time with your infusion. How are you feeling now?

    I haven't used a "commercial" mouthwash. My breast nurse gave me a recipe to make my own and it has been working very well.

    I make a fresh batch up every 24 hours in a clean 600ml bottle and just discard what's left.

    It's just 1 and 1/4 teaspoons of salt.

    5 teaspoons of Bicarbonate of Soda.

    Then fill the bottle with cool, boiled water.

    Shake well before each use. I used it at least 4 times a day as well as after meals.


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  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 730
    edited November 2015

    Oh Sandy. What is a Tux Pad please?

    It's not a term I'm familiar with here in Australia?

    I use a Chap Stik on my lips and am using Sorbolene all over my body twice a day.

    Only 4 rounds for me Guava.


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