Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- May 2017

lauriellen: I think what you and I are experiencing is what they call "chemo brain" as I have that lately. Not sure if it's really entirely chemo because I notice some forgetfulness after my mastectomy because the weekly appointments I had with my plastic surgeon, I have to talk to my husband to either remind me or he should ask the question if I forget them and most of the time, I do forget and he gave me the cues lol...

GingerA: i too have lost hair and have bald spots on my crown but I manage to cover them with my front hair which is still there. My hair stopped shedding by a handful a week after my second chemo but on a daily basis, I will have your occasional hair loss which was my normal before chemo. I did speak to my oncologist this Wednesday and happy to see that I still have hair, she just advised that I have to have my husband push the cold cap closer to the crown area of my hair. So far I'm still using that organic bald spot cream which is working. I go for my third infusion this coming Friday and as far as body or joint pain from Neulasta, she told me to take Advil or Aleve the day before it hits me which is usually on Sunday and Monday. Fatigue comes and goes but I find that if I move around even with just walking, it helps a lot. I can tell that even with minimal walking, it is not my normal pace of walking but I just go ahead and do it anyway.

Liblib81: I'm glad that your found this group as I really enjoy reading everyone's post and being able to vent as well and just to know that I'm not the only one going through this. It is a lot of decision for you. I know how it feels as I was diagnosed as Stage 0 last July through routine mammo and then stereotactic biopsy. I was referred to an oncologist in our hospital since I work in the healthcare field and recommended for me to take Tamo and the oncologist declined for me to do a BRAC test. I refused the Tamo and there was a clinical trial of using olive oil in our Mother hospital in which I qualified so I ended up doing it instead of Tamo. So I was in that clinical trial and come January, since I was considered a high risk, I have to undergo a breast MRI and that's where they found I have more and it was on 1 lymphnode. I have to do a core needle biopsy and then stereotactic biopsy again and it came out with my current diagnosis. To put it plainly, I have a "cocktail" of them all, IDC, ILC and then ALH with 1 node involvement. The first onco I went to then ordered the BRAC test but I stayed with the principal investigator of the clinical trial which happens to be a High Risk Medical Oncologist as well. My case was discussed on both tumor boards with one recommending surgery first and the other chemo first. I ended up keeping the High Risk Medical Oncologist as I felt that she explained to me and my husband in details my disease, my treatments plus the breast and plastic surgeon that was referred to me where all in the same hospital which is in Houston Methodist. I was going to go to MD Anderson but I can tell that the MO knows what she is doing. So I skipped chemo and went for surgery. The first oncologist did not even told me about Oncotype and it was the High Risk MO that told me about it after my surgery. Three weeks after and I had my follow up with her, she had the Oncotype DX score which is 22 and told me with research back up why I'm taking the Taxotere and Cytoxan versus these 2 plus AC. I can tell you I did tell and ask her if I can just take Tamo which is what I'm trying to avoid before but now willing to take instead of chemo. But with her thorough explanation, my husband and I agreed to do the 4 infusions. I had a hard time on my first time and finding this group was very helpful because it gave me support. They also set me up with another breast cancer patient from my oncologist and one from my plastic surgeon and I gave them consent to contact me and I'm glad because one was ending her treatment as I was doing my first and she gave me the insights on cold caps and gave me the cheer that I can do this. The other one is currently undergoing her radiation treatment. I'am 46 when I was diagnosed with the mixed and I have 2 young children, 6 and 9 years old. In my department, I have 2 that are in their 20s that was diagnosed with breast cancer because I made them more awareness when I told them about my diagnosis and went through the chemo treatment earlier than me and they have the AC. They teased me that I have it easy because I don't have the AC or the "red devil"., I can tell it was hard on them because I have to be easy on them at work and give them day off during their AC treatment. They also serve as my reminder not to complain too much because I'm not taking the AC. I can tell you since I'm halfway through it and on my third one this coming Friday, would I do it again, yes I will. It did cross my mind after taking the first infusion, that I will call my oncologist and tell her that I'm stopping the treatment because it was hard on me. But then after a week, I started feeling back to my old self and on the second infusion, my body more or less have adapted to the temporary new norm. Hair will always come back as my 2 staff were on Taxol and then AC and now their hairs are coming back too fast and thick! As I was contemplating about hair loss and options for it, I found the cold caps just browsing through different groups and pretty much know what I want and my options. HM cancer center onco nurse, plastic surgeon and my MO knows about cold caps and offered me the different companies and also went to the Rapunzel Project website.They know it works and I'm not a wig person and work in administration position, plus meeting the other breast cancer patient who used the cold caps and kept her hair made me decide to use the cold caps. It is not that I'm being vain but I don't want cancer to define me it is the other way around, I will define it! So good luck on your decision, it is very hard but you have to choose what is right for you. It would help you and your husband if you seek a second opinion and maybe the second opinion can give you a better explanation as to why you need to be in chemo. But as I have researched around, Oncoscore of 18-20 is no chemo as I was told by my MO but anything beyond 20 leaning more to the 30's, you have to do the combo of Taxotere and Cytoxan only, Adding the AC is not beneficial at all and both resulted on the same outcome. There is an literature study/journal on that if you go to Google Scholar and research it and just type in the 2 versus 3 because my onco did show it to me,I just can't remember the author due to my brain..lol.. Good luck to you and we are here to give you support!

My first chemo infusion (Taxotere and Cytoxan) went smoothly this afternoon  Three more to go!  We arrived for my one o'clock appointment and the nurse drew blood.  After awhile Dr. Eakle. my oncologist, came in and said they needed to draw it again because my platelets were low  While they did that she called my surgeons office who is a part of the Intercoastal Group and so could access my primary care physicians records for the last 12 years.  It turns out that for all that time I have had  low platelet count, usually ranging between 90 and 100.  Normal platelet count is 140. The second time they too mine it came up to 92.  My white blood cell count (my immune system) was very good. So the doc said we would go ahead.  However, during this first cycle we will watch my platelet count carefully and if it gets too low we may have to adjust the dose or timing or future treatments

The funniest thing was that I was icing my hands and feet and the insulated lunch bags that I thought would be waterproof, weren't, so my DH had to clean with paper towels periodically and at the end we wiped the floor with one of their blankets.  They are the right size for my hands and stand up, so I think I will just add a large Ziploc baggie inside them next time and put my hands in that.  The booties I bought for my feet worked well.  

I feel fine this evening.  I had Varubbi, a very expensive anti-nausea drug and will take Zofran every twelve hours for the first three doses. I will save the Compazine for if I actually feel nauseous.  I will be taking measures to avoid constipation.  Now to make a baked potato for dinner!

Three down and one to go!! Had third treatment this past Tuesday. Third day after for me is always the worst day. Seem to have the timing down now. All three treatments have gone pretty much the same except first treatment I did not take Claritin and that was a big mistake as back spasms were unbearable. Have taken Claritin on day of Neulasta shot and for 3 or 4 after for second and third treatment and I never got the spasms again. Today I woke up feeling pretty normal. Once the nausea subsides then everything else is manageable. One more to go. Keep up the good work ladies! We got this! Hope all are doing ok!

Hi ladies, I had my 3rd last Tuesday. Just like before, I took Wednesday off and went back to work Thursday and Friday. I kind of push myself to keep moving. Feeling OK so far with Claritin to avoid Neulasta bone pain. I'll see how I feel this weekend when I stop taking steroids.

Just wanted to also let you know that a halo wig is great for hot weather with scarves or hats. It gives you hair but keeps you cooler than a full wig. It will be my summer look for sure. I will keep doing the Cold Cap, only because I have one more chemo to go, and I still have some hair left and looks like some roots are even growing. Just hoping CC will help my hair grow back properly and I won't have to suffer from the permanent hair loss. I have to wait and see about that.

Whatever the side effects I might encounter this time, I'd just have to keep telling myself "Just one more to go." At my hospital. they give you a reflexology foot massage every time during chemo and that is a heaven-sent. They also refer patients to another facility for free Oncology massages. I try to think about those great stuff to look forward to especially when I have to think about other stressful or challenging things that are going on in my life in addition to chemotherapy. Hope things are well with you all and have a restful holiday weekend.

Irwells I too have been very fortunate.  Some bone pain on days 3 and 4 and I am retired but could have worked if I had too.  Really very few other symptoms.  A little constipation the first few days.  Hope I continue to do as well as you.

rdsm,

I bought these synthetic halos online with the great discounts. I just mix them up with my scarves and hats and have fun with them. It is cooler than wearing a full wig.

http://www.wowwigs.com/halo-synthetic-hairpiece-re...

https://thewigcompany.com/hat-magic-halo-headband-...

Haven't bought from here but here's another one.

https://www.headcovers.com/bob-hair-halo-hats-with...

There are more if you search, more expensive and /or better quality ones but I'm happy with the cheap light ones I wear with my scarves and hats. I don't really like the ones that come already attached to the baseball caps or scarves.

I'll probably wear my full wigs in September or October.

I'm feeling OK today just my body feels numb in general and yes, I'm craving for sour food and drink again.

Hi everyone. Well my treatment had changed. No longer TC. I had 2 TC treatments and the SE were all amazingly tolerable. This time my new chemo is Taxotere, Carbaplatin, Heceptin, and Perjenta. It was the worst SE ever. I could not even get out of bed on Day 3. Day 4 was better, but still definitely not able to function well at all.. I slept a lot, could not eat day 3 at all. Able to eat day 4, and day 5 I am feeling much better. Constipation is bad too. The Dr. office called today to inform me each chemo the SE's get worse, I now have 3 more to go. Yeuck!!! I did not want to know that, but at least I can be prepared to have someone stop over to get me water when I can't get out of bed to get it myself.

I won't post here anymore since my treatment is no longer TC. Take care everyone and best of luck to you all! I envy you guys almost finished.....

rdsm, I have been having episodes of hot flashes after my mastectomy, however it is more whenever I started chemo. On the third infusion, it is affecting my sleep. I ended up buying a table personal or mini fan that I put at my bedside table and just have it on moving around to keep me cool at night and be able to sleep well. It is not helping at all when it is very hot and humid in Texas and I can't stand being out at all anymore in the heat. The heat also contributes to fatigue. My hemoglobin went down as well which does contribute to fatigue. I didn't have a good post third treatment as I have to take off an extra day because of stomach issues (nausea/vomit and diarrhea) and really hardly can't get out of bed. I felt like the symptoms is getting worst further along the treatment. Am I the only one thinking this way? I only have 1 more and if the post effect is worst, then I will have to take it since it will be the last one. Happy 4th everyone!

Hello Gentlewomen--

Happy 4th of July! My third treatment is coming up on Friday. I took the suggestion of a colleague and have been seeing an acupuncturist who specializes in treating chemo side effects. I think this is making a big difference. He also has me on two different types of Chinese herbal supplements (my oncologist knows about this). WBC was high before treatment 2, so avoided the nasty Neulasta shot. Hoping for the same this week. I have kept up a full work schedule so far, only taking off the day of infusion. Am also back to running (albeit slowly and not very far). I still feel like I am in someone else's body, but the acupuncture/exercise/normal schedule routine seems to be getting me through this. Also know that all the prayer support is making a difference, as is the support of my husband.

The end is in sight. WIth an oncotype score of 31, there really was no choice about the chemo. Sure hope it's doing its job!

Irwells50 - I thought I was the only one struggling with fatigue. I read about other women resuming their exercise/running routines and I'm amazed. We have a nice "river walk" along the Hudson River here in town. I can manage a couple of miles at a leisurely pace, but I good for nothing else when I'm done.

I think that besides the fatigue the thing I struggle with most is the unpredictability of the SEs. I've had three treatments and the SEs have been different every time. I never know which ones will show up, how intense they'll be or how long they'll last. This adds a little bit of anxiety to the mix.

So three down, three to go. It's not been fun, but it's been tolerable. And with the support of all the wonderful women in this forum, I know I can get through it.

Hi--

My cancer was a seconday primary in the opposite breast, so not a recurrence. The oncologist called the 6mm tumor small but aggressive, and so ordered the onctotype test. He said "you could choose no chemo, but the likelihood of recurrence is high and if it does come back, it will show up in another part of your body and you will have about three years." So really no choice! For yesterday's infusion, my white count was high again so no neulasta shot. Am definitely a convert to acupuncture and chinese herbs. Prayers are with all of you.

Last treatment this past Tuesday! Just want to get through these next couple of days of yuckiness and on to radiation. Stay strong ladies!!! You can do this!!

I have my 4th and final round of Chemo next Tuesday. Good luck to everyone who are finally finishing up Chemo like me and moving on to Radiation therapy next month.