Who has started herceptin and taxol regemin in October 2016?

I finished September 22. I did fairly well UNTIL week 10. I had been complaining about the tingling in my fingers and toes. By week 11 I was so tired and the numbness in my feet increased to the point I could not feel my left foot. I called the doctor and spoke to her nurse. I have a feeling he doctor never received the message. I was going to stop treatment and then decided to finish with the thought that IF it came back it would always be in the back of my mind that I should have finished. Well, the neuropathy is awful in my feet. I wish I would have quit. My doctor said I should see some improvement by the middle of December. My fingers are also numb. I am probably a little older then most of you..I'm 69. Oh yea...my eyelashes started falling out last week and my eyebrows are getting pretty thin. I am doing six weeks of radiation. Depression is setting in pretty good. I had 12 rounds of Taxol and Herceptin.

I had the same treatment, but started December 17th 2015, and finished in march 2016. I am near the completion of Herceptin with 3 more treatments. I had a healthy head of hair, and it didn't all fall out. In fact, it didn't really thin visually out until after week 8 or 9. I just cut it into a bob and didn't shave my head. I chose to wear scarves and beanie caps, as it was winter. I wore a cotton sleep cap as it thinned out more. I had hair at the sides. crown and back, so I never felt bald. My hair started growing back 2 weeks after I finished the Taxol. I bought a wig, bur never wore it. Now my hair is growing in thick and wavy.

For scalp pain, I used an oil from Aveda which was very soothing. http://www.aveda.com/product/5197/17180/body/beautifying-composition-oil

As for side effects, my worst symptom was a bloody nose in the morning. I got a humidifier, and some moisturizing gels. Saline tends to dry out the mucus membranes. I also took an Ayruvedic supplement towards the end which helped a lot http://www.mapi.com/protectionplus_sinus#gsc.tab=0. And the health food store had a saline with xyletol which was helpful and soothing. I also took a multivitamin and probiotics.

It's important to take walks every day to keep your blood oxygenated and try to eat a very healthy diet of lean protein and green vegetables. My blood stayed pretty stable.

My worst weeks were the last, and 2 weeks after the last Taxol/herceptin treatment with great fatigue and aches. Evereeeything is cumulative. IT is very important to drink a lot of water ` more than you can imagine.

Good luck with your treatment. This is a great support group. The heavy chemo is now a memory and the cancer is gone!!

I started perjeta,herceptin and taxol two weeks ago. My third infusion is tomorrow,. Taxol every week, the other two added every third week. I just had a port put in yesterday. I had hoped to go without, but it was too difficult to go through trying to get a viable IV each week.

My symptoms so far have been an irritatingly runny nose, an irritating sensation when I pee ( being treated for a UTI but I really think it's all this poison going through me that's causing that havoc), loose stools, a little tiredness.

The port area is uncomfortable, but it's only been one day. I really hope the port proves to be wonderful. Soon

I just had my 3rd treatment today. I am receiving Taxol 12 weeks with Herceptin that continues for 9 more months . I have felt pretty good overall . I have had 2 days with nausea and diarrhea that I had to take medication to ease. I have managed to get through 36 hours at work for the first two weeks , hoping I can continue that way.

Hello all.... joining. On the triple ( Herceptin,Taxol,Perjeta ) every 3rd wk , with Taxol only the others for a 12 week straight run. @ 4th week, this Fri. so second Triple on the agenda.

Hair: Prechemo- cut long hair to bob, did Pixie 3 days ago, to prepare. Did a mix of warmed olive oil and some drops of tea tree oil for my itchy scalp. Left on 15 mins massaging in light and then shampoo. Will repeat as I got relief.

Skin: Also a friend survivor advised Aquaphor (per her dermatologist ) for the severe chapped places - lips, face,etc. it helps. Moisturize constantly.

2nd massage yesterday as okay'd for Swedish. (miss my deep tissue and stone, but it's temporary) Also using Bag Balm ( walgreens/green can ) on cuticles nails and toes. Tons of water ! ---- Always been a water drinker but really notice the relief no. Walking daily, at a subdued pace. Paying attention to exhaling as deeply as possible. ( Tip from survivor friend) . Recommend trying it.

Make it a good day ladies ! ( Terry aka whistlestop )

Germangirl1…I would say overdoing it might nail it. It's tricky when you feel "more normal" and want to go for it. I was wanting to mow the ayrd at my out of town place and knew better. Hired someone and enjoyed the hammock and butterflies. I conserved my energy for trick or treating with the 3 yr old grand daughter. Today is good day.... Enjoyed Adele concert last night. Did 6:45a Chamber of Commerce breakfast this, real estate work, walked, but when I felt the little lull, I opted to conserve energy. Tomorrow's my 4th chemo with 2nd P,H, T..... The good news is this is temporary. Where are you in your journey ? Rest up . Terry ( aka Whistlestop)

Germangirl1… Journey - pretty manageable and accustomed to this temporary subdued version of myself and the ebb and flow of energy. . The trick part for me during the triple infusion day, Benadryl kicks me more when it follows the Herceptin. On the Taxol only days...no trouble with the Benadryl. Triple day - Herceptin (1st) , then premeds w/ Benadryl, I get shaky legs, hands, chills, for about 30 mins. The rest, Perjeta then Taxol, goes easy and I usually stroll the infusion floor. Any thing for you during infusion? Thankful for my support team as I have visitors during these times. After chemo 4 - the triple, my beau & I traveled to my small town getaway - for Airing of the Quilts, family, porch and hammock time. My own therapy was cooking two meals and to actually make the drive home. Today more laid back as home officing allows. Just not sure if the energy slow down is plateauing on the cumulative or if I am more in tune to the ebb and flow. Hair shedding started day 21 (Fri @ 4th infusion) . Looking for timing to buzz cut the pixie and to get the free wig and fitting at the infusion center Methodist. Likely this week...

Love to hear more on you . Whistlestop

Germangirl1…Number 5 today. My HGB has been sliding, WBC holding fine. Been drinking a cup of bone broth may by a friend who has an auto immune disorder. So that is likely helping WBC. Working to increase HGB - juicing, lots of spinach, added beets ( not my favorite ) and sounds like steaks may be in order ( red meat ). My favorite juice - carrots, green apples, and ginger. A bit sluggish, but had a really full day yesterday action packed day yesterday. Cutting hair Monday PM w/ gathering with gal friends. Got free wig today at infusion center. The Benadryl item may be resolved..... the ifusion nurse today when I asked stated she pushes it slow. Last week infusion nurse pushed it in about 1/2 the time. So I will be kind yet firm on load it s l o w l y. Have a good weekend.... Terry ( aka Whistlestop )

.

Congrats Germangirl1…your on the other side of the hill with 5 more to go. Did my 5th last Friday and have this Fri off due to holiday. A little break and get to enjoy Barbara Streisand in concert with my sister, mom, and good friend all survivor / thrivers.

May your journey KB870 be an uneventful smooth one . I like Germangirl1 have been able to maintain a reasonable routine. As my onco said, even with the lower HGB, I might not be able to do climb a mountain or do a marathon, but all in that's okay.

Good news, per his in office measurement Monday there is shrinkage in the cyst / tumor area and the node has a very small granule, if any spot, vs. a very definite feel by touch at the first appt.

Happy Thanksgiving ladies.

Terry ( aka Whistlestop )

Hi ladies, thanks so much for sharing all your experiences. I'm newly diagnosed with IDC, HER2+ and I'm starting Taxol weekly and Herceptin in the next month, at least that's the plan pending further pathology from my upcoming repeat lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy this Wednesday. I was just curious how you guys are feeling. Is working a possibility? With an 8 yo and 5 yo at home. I'm trying to plan as much as I can. Although it seems my plan changes on a weekly basis as more information is available. Thanks so much!

Thank you Germangirl16! I will keep you all posted.

FiddlerI wish ease of treatments ahead. We are similar in our Hormone - HER + I find giving myself permission to not be the full version of my self as it's only temporary helps. I guess as a Realtor if you have to do Chemo and have surgery October to January is the best time to do it.

Germangirl1…for the face spots try Aquaphor. My spots were so raw I could not use wash clothes only blotting the area. I found Aquaphor to help. Also hope yours eases. My rash started clearing up about 4 wks and 3days after the start of my Chemo. Onco said it usually plains off after 4wks, boy he was right. Hope yours plains off soon.

kmk40work is possible. I am a Realtor and hitting the "slower "time of year.(November - January) so it I had to do chemo and surgery(i.e.Jan) timing was good. I have just adjusted and know now my ebb and flow times. One of the best things I saw before my start on another site was become aware of when higher energy levels area and schedule things then It has really helped me.

Continued journey to renewed health and vitality.

Terry ( aka Whistlestop )