Cytoxan Taxotere Chemo Ladies- February/March 2013

#3 is done. Other than having major issues getting my IV started, everything went well. I feel tired and woozy. I got the Neulasta On Pro this time. Jury is still out on whether this is easier/better than having to go back tomorrow for the injection. We'll see.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Morning ladies,

Completed my last TC treatment yesterday. First three had no issues pop up. The nurses were confident I'd go through without a hutch, me too. About half way thru taxotere, I felt pressure in my chest. Not bad, but something not right. So we stopped, they gave me benedryl. That's was immediate drowsy and sleepy.

Waited for a hour for all to subside and then started back slower. Made it through and on to the cytoxan. Not problems after.

Happy to be done and move on to next phase. I know I will be chemotose starting tomorrow thru Monday at least.

Power on friends!!! 💪🏻

Congrats and good luck to you

Tennis girl1You've got this-you go girl!

DebraC

I love your last day picture. You look fantastic. Strong and beautiful

MelroseMelrose,

Thank you for the encouragement and

Tennisgirl1

You’ve got it under control!

My hair started falling out big time yesterday. Today I bought a wig and some hats. Kind of made me sad, but what a mess! Clumps of hair all over the place. Going to get my head shaved tomorrow. Can’t wait!

Bumming - hair cutting is a debate. I cut mine less than shoulder length before I started chemo. Just as it started falling out, I had it cut very short - think buzz cut - but not shaved. I was told it would be more comfortable down the road.

It's a good idea to wear a cap while the short hair is falling. That way it doesn't get all over your pillow & furniture & clothes every time you move. I used a clothes lint roller on my head several times a day - as well as the inside of my caps. I bought a couple of soft caps at stores that sell wigs for chemo patients. Look for caps with few seams.

awe, bumming! This period will fly by and your hair will start filling in before you know it. Some days we feel uglier than others that's for sure. I wore a sleep cap at night and around the house. I did use argan oil on my head and also used a clarifying shampoo on my scalp. It helps to keep the follicles clear. I was where you are about this time last year and I'm feeling great now. You will too!! Hang in there and you are RIGHT ON. Tomorrow is a new day. Take care and a big hug to you.

I was at the Cancer Center today for an appointment with my oncologist. He had the ONCOTYPE DX test done and my number came back 27. The oncologist recommended I have Chemotherapy, Taxotere and Cytoxan. I have read about the nasty side effects from these drugs and I am honestly afraid and scared. I live 30 minutes one way from our Cancer Center and hospital and my husband has early dementia, Type 1 diabetes on 2 different insulins. I am 73 years old, had a mastectomy on May 20th and I had been thinking about getting a 2nd opinion, however, since I had my mastectomy on May 20, 2019, I thought I had better start with the chemotherapy. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, Stage 1, Grade 2, estrogen+, progesterone+ and HER+. We have no family in the area we live in Wisconsin to help us out. If anyone has any suggestions, advice, how to deal with the nasty side effects I did read about from the Cytoxan and Taxotere I would greatly appreciate this. Thank you so much for reading my post and also I will be getting a port in me for the Chemo drugs. beve.....

Beve, I’m sorry you are faced with this issue. The treatment is doable. I’m in my mid sixties, but I’ve finished 2 treatments, two to go! Besides losing most of my hair, I’ve been able to manage the rest of the side effects-some bowel issues, not much nausea(take the meds as needed), and increased tiredness. I had the surgery and didn’t want to wait to begin chemo either. If you can make up some meals ahead of time and put in the freezer that would be great. The whole experience is scary because you don’t really know what to expect. You’ll get through it. This blog is very helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and groups of which you belong. Take care of yourself. Hugs

I will be boarding the TC train tomorrow for 4 cycles. Glad to have this thread and support of those who are going/have gone through this.

So nice to find a place where I can get some comparative answers with what I am experiencing. I started chemo on June 25th (Tuesday). Sounds like it was typical of what others here have had. First two and a half days were great, busy and energetic. Wednesday went in for the Neulasta shot. Thursday evening began feeling achy, especially neck and back areas. Friday was miserable; no matter what I did, I could not get comfortable. I was up and down, sitting, standing, squirming, and basically self exhausting. I tried taking the recommended Tylenol, but that didn't touch the aching. No sleeping Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Burning pains I my stomach and groin areas. Felt like a Gremlin was randomly stabbing me with a screwdriver. Saturday afternoon I had teeth chattering chills (no high fever), heart palpitations, and just wanted to run screaming into the distance. Sunday morning I woke and told my husband, "I can't do this again". Monday I had an appointment at the clinic for a blood test. Everything was okay except my bone marrow count had tanked (as expected). I was exhausted and still angry at the weekend. My mouth was so sore I couldn't eat (not that I had much appetite anyway). Long story short, I was given Tramadol for the pain, Loraxepam for the anxiety, and some really horrendous liquid to swish in my mouth (for the Thrush). After 2 days, the symptoms and insomnia began to lessen. Mouth got better, congestion set in. Congestion got better, nosebleeds started. Nosebleeds lessened, hair has now begun to fall out.

I *have* agreed to do the next treatment. My hope is that with the meds on hand, and the time table of the last treatment, maybe I can anticipate some of the events and control them a bit better. I really want to get through all the treatments, as my doctor feels confident this is the cure, and not just a stepping stone. I will still have radiation when the chemo is over.

This whole process has humbled me in so many ways. My best friend went through this 8 years ago, and I will be the first to admit I wasn't there for her. I had absolutely NO clue what she was feeling. I failed her. I have hugged her so may times in the last few months, because she HAS been there for me and it is priceless. I also need to acknowledge all the brave ladies out there going/gone through chemo. You all have my utmost admiration I still don't know if I can make it through all 4 sessions, but I will try. Thank you all for your courage and support!

I was lucky to escape nausea since they put meds in my infusion. However I did not escape nearly constant diarrhea. No matter what I drank, I had to have at least one extra bag of saline between each round. And panty liners became a mandatory accessory - plus extra in my purse when I went out. Before the 6 rounds were over, I had lost 60 pounds that I really didn't need to lose. Keep on top of this one & don't get dehydrated.

hi Tultha, I completely know what you're going through. My first 2 T/C's were brutal. It was as you described. I told my hubby, can't do this again. Another person going through chemo suggested me asking MO for extra fluids during infusion and to cut chemo dosage. My MO gave me extra saline iv and cut by 10% my chemo. It made a world of difference. I had very minimal side effects. I also took steroids for 4 days after chemo as well as Claritin. The only issue I had after 3rd chemo was some insomnia for 2 nights. But, compared to first 2 visits, the aftermath of this one was easily tolerable. Good luck. My last one is this Wednesday, and I am not dreading it, as I think doctor will follow same protocol as last time. Hope you will get through next txt ok. PS: drink plenty of water before, during and after txt.