Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013

Melrosemelrose - Thanks for the "first day" helpful hints. I've been drinking lots of water so I'm good there. My appointment is for 8:30 a.m. and I would most likely have skipped breakfast but for your heads up about eating. Much appreciated! My darling husband will be at my side (along with my Kindle and smartphone). I hope tomorrow is uneventful!

Laurie.........I understand your fear, I finished 4 rounds of TC just 2 mts ago and was horrible scared, still scared of this whole BC mess. Not sure where you are located but at my clinic the nurses are always there , never was there a time when there was not at least 2 nurses in the room and many more in the next room. They will watch you very closely and yes first time could take 6-7 hrs As mentioned above drink lots of water and when I say lots I mean at least 60 oz a day more if possible it will make a big difference. They should give you nausea and steroids medication in your IV before the actual chemo injection which helps

I also had nausea med to take once I got home, never had a issue . The steroids did keep me awake nights 2 and 3 until they adjusted how much they were giving me . If you will be taking the Neulasta shot then make sure you get Clairton or Zrytec to take starting the day before the injecting and for several days after, helps with the bone pain. If possible do take someone with you .My clinic had warm blankets for everyone but make sure you take a sweater just in case as they do keep it cool. I wish you well, I know it scary and nerve racking I was a total mess and always though I was pretty tough cookie.

Huggs

TC Cycle #1 went well - thanks in large part to the "lessons learned" that were shared with me. I have the Neulasta Onpro so I'll get a dose this afternoon. I took the Claritin and I'll take more tomorrow. Hopefully that will combat the achy bone symptoms. I know this first cycle will likely be as easy as it gets. I don't know how my body will respond to everything that getting pumped into it, but I'm glad I found this forum! One down, five to go.

Irwells50 -praying that all goes well for you!

3rd day after my first infusion. Well this morning I woke a bit shaky, and definitely not hungry, but as the day wore on I am much better. I had some scrambled eggs and coffee and feel more like myself. I am thinking of trying to do a mile on the treadmill, my PT told me I should exercise during chemo to limit the side effects, so as long as I can do it, I will try.

First day after my first infusion, and feeling pretty normal. 3 hours until the Neulasta injection, we'll see how that goes

MinusTwo,

I have been takin it all week anyway because of all the things blown in by the storms, so my MO said keep it going for at least a week.

Lynn

The Claritin is supposed to be the original 24 hour pills/tabs. Don't know about redi-tabs, but don't get the Claritin D. No one has ever given a good explanation of why to use this & not Zyrtec or other allergy meds, but it worked for me so I can't argue.

I didn't wear a mask except going into a hospital or clinic, or when I was around a bunch of little kids. But I kept some always near if someone started coughing or sneezing.

It's day 3 for me, and probably a little early to know about the bone pain, but I'm starting to feel the fatigue. Also my tongue feels funny, so probably things will start to taste differently

Melrosemelrose - Thanks for the feedback. I suspected that it was the Decadron that was interfering with my sleep. It's so helpful to get confirmation about what I'm thinking and feeling.

I might have spoken too soon about the apparent "ease" of the first round of infusions. Since I was on day 4, I figured any serious SE would have reared its ugly head by then. Late last night the bone pain became really intense. I suppose the Claritin was keeping the discomfort at bay up until then, but last night was kind of brutal. Since I had already taken the once daily dose of Claritin, I took some arthritis strength Tylenol and a Benedryl. That took the sting out of the pain and eventually I was able to get some sleep. I thought I'd only need the Claritin for a few days, but I think that, like you, I might need to take it a few more days.

I'm staying well hydrated. I've have almost 100 oz of water so far today (64 oz is my usual amount.) I am forcing myself to eat - even if it's only a little. I'm not terribly hungry.

I had six rounds of TCHP (c=carboplatin) and still did not have pCR. So after surgery & before rads & I had four rounds of AC (c=cytoxan).

Laurie - a friend suggested a slight change in the steroid dose & my doc approved. Six pills - original dose = am & pm the day before, am & pm the day of, am & pm the day after. I switched to take only one pill the third day & one pill on a fourth day. It wasn't such a heavy crash. Make sure your doc approves if you decide to try it.

MinusTwo - Thanks. I'll mention the steroid dosage to my MO when I see him this week.

Hi everyone, I'm now 13 days past my 1st infusion. I feel great and no SE. Still trying to get in my exercise daily, but not always successful. I go back next week on Wednesday for my 2nd infusion of 4. I am using the dignicap, and no hair loss yet. My eyelashes seem a bit itchy today and accidently pulled out a couple but not too many. I am not supposed to wash my hair very often, so once a week so far and Thursday is my day to wash again, but that will be day 15. If my hair starts to shed, I will put off the washing, anyone else know when the hair begins shedding for our treatment? I have read all kinds of different dates from 4 days to 21 days.