New to CSN - chemo guidance
Chemo regimen started 3/2011. AC - have had 2 treatments so far. I have 2 more to go. After these 4 of the AC I will then have Taxol and Herceptin for 12 weeks. Then after that I have Herceptin for 40 more treatments. Seems like this will NEVER END already and I am just out of the gate getting started. Does this look like a normal amount of chemo for this dignosis? Anyone out there with the same diagnosis? I'm already daunted at how many more I have to go and hate feeling defeated.
Comments
-
Hi Idpettitldpettit said:additional
ps I am new to all of this CSN. Just signed up today... Thank you for any help or direction
I had a different chemo regimen than you, but I'm sure you'll be hearing from some of the other ladies. Just want to say welcome to the boards and we are glad you found us. This family of women (and a few men) will always be here to offer support as you begin this journey.
Cheers
Dee0 -
I'm IBC
I'm IBC. I did 4 A/C 2 weeks apart which started 17 days after DX to shrink and try to get margins so surgeon had a hope of "getting it all". 2 weeks after last A/C I had a RT. Mod. Rad. Mast. 3 weeks after surgery I started 12 weekly Taxol. A week after last Taxol started 25 daily Rads. For me, A/C was not bad at all - Taxol was. I'm HER2-, so Herceptin was not an issue for me but am ER+ so have been on Femara for over a year so far (no SE's) and will be for more than 3+ yrs. still to go.
For me (Remember that we are each unique and there is no 'one size fits all' for what we are going through) all I wanted to do was everything I could to fight the 'Monster'. It seen like a bit of a long journey at the time but looking back it wasn't all that long - I have big issues with SAD and most of my TX's were late summer, fall, and winter so a depressing time for me anyway. That said - I'm over a year out of TXs and it doesn't seem like they took all that much time. I have big issues with Lymphedema (It's an ongoing problem and I have great 'people' working with me) - it'll always be there - BUT - I'm alive and I can do basically anything/everything I want to. Yes a 'tunnel' does look long when you're looking aat starting into it bu once you're at the other side and look back - it wasn't all that long and there is sunshine ahead.
You can do 'it' - you will do 'it'!
Susan0 -
Welcome
Heading down the chemo path the end of this month but have a different type of bc than you. Comming here is a lot like getting gas in your tank. Keep comming back and you will have enough fuel for the journey.0 -
Idlaughs_a_lot said:Welcome
Heading down the chemo path the end of this month but have a different type of bc than you. Comming here is a lot like getting gas in your tank. Keep comming back and you will have enough fuel for the journey.
Hello and welcome.
We do indeed have different stories to tell. I am ER/PR-HER2+. I did not have AC but did have Taxol and Herceptin. Taxol can cause a variety of side effects, from fatigue to nail problems. Personally, I lost several toenails, had issues with my fingernails and about 24-36 hours each week felt like I'd been hit by a Mack truck. It's not always pleasant but it's do-able. Herceptin on the other hand causes MOST people very little problems. There are no guarantees with any chemo, but the plus side to Herceptin is not necessarily treating the existing cancer, but rather it is proving helpful in lowering the odds of a recurrence in the future. It's worth the effort.
Another thing I might mention is that when you have Taxol you'll likely have a steroid with it. (Decadron or Dexamethasone) I started with 20mg infused shortly before the Taxol through the IV. I would be very tired but wired due to that. After two weeks of only getting about 1 1/2 - 2 hours of sleep each night, I told my oncologist and he lowered the dosage to just 10mg. He said we don't want to stop the steroid but could lower the amount. Immediately I was able to sleep for 4-5 hours each night. Big difference!
I want to wish you the best. Stay strong both mentally and physically. AND, don't forget HOPE - it's a necessity as you go along this journey.
Under a tornado warning, gotta go!
Marsha0 -
I am ER/PR HER2 POS I did ACMarsha Mulvey said:Id
Hello and welcome.
We do indeed have different stories to tell. I am ER/PR-HER2+. I did not have AC but did have Taxol and Herceptin. Taxol can cause a variety of side effects, from fatigue to nail problems. Personally, I lost several toenails, had issues with my fingernails and about 24-36 hours each week felt like I'd been hit by a Mack truck. It's not always pleasant but it's do-able. Herceptin on the other hand causes MOST people very little problems. There are no guarantees with any chemo, but the plus side to Herceptin is not necessarily treating the existing cancer, but rather it is proving helpful in lowering the odds of a recurrence in the future. It's worth the effort.
Another thing I might mention is that when you have Taxol you'll likely have a steroid with it. (Decadron or Dexamethasone) I started with 20mg infused shortly before the Taxol through the IV. I would be very tired but wired due to that. After two weeks of only getting about 1 1/2 - 2 hours of sleep each night, I told my oncologist and he lowered the dosage to just 10mg. He said we don't want to stop the steroid but could lower the amount. Immediately I was able to sleep for 4-5 hours each night. Big difference!
I want to wish you the best. Stay strong both mentally and physically. AND, don't forget HOPE - it's a necessity as you go along this journey.
Under a tornado warning, gotta go!
Marsha
I am ER/PR HER2 POS I did AC & Taxol and a year of Herceptin. With the AC I had very good antinausea drugs so I did ok, felt tired and kinda out of it about the 3rd day after treatment and it lasted for about another 3 days and then I would be better, but still tired. I lost my hair 14 days after treatment started. The Taxol was a bit better for me did 12 rounds of this. Still tired, Not as hard on me as th AC was. I still used my antinausea drugs and I tried to stay active as much as I could, but rested when I needed to. Herceptin was not a problem for me. They do however watch you carefully while you are on this. You will have a heart echo about every 2 or more months while on the drug. All of it for me was doable even thought it was never going to end. I also did 35 rad treatments. Good luck, Hang in there it will end
Kathy0 -
Welcome to the club that no
Welcome to the club that no one wants to join, but glad you found us! I am pretty new here too, but have found this to be a great group of supportive and helpful FRIENDS!
I am not undergoing the same regimine but wanted to wish you luck and tell you that you are in my prayers. In the next couple of weeks I will start Taxotere and Cytoxan, so a lot different, but we'll be going through it together, at least for a few months. We are here for you!
Nancy0 -
Welcome ldpettit!
Sorry you are here, but glad that you found us. This is a great place to read, ask questions, scream, cry, vent, or all of the above.
I had four chemo treatments of taxotere and cytoxan with Herceptin. Then I am continuing Herceptin for a year (total of 18 treatments). I have 3 more to go and will finish in June. Have no problems at all with the Herceptin. Good luck and let us know how you make out.0 -
Welcome aboard the great roller coaster ride
You'll get lots of support here!
As you've heard, everyone is different. I was E+ but all others neg. I started with 4 round of A/C cocktail and then 4 round of Taxatere before my mastectomy 12/22/10. Finished up with 33 rads about 3 weeks ago. ALL my chemo included anti-nausea and steroids so getting sleep was a problem. Then on day 3 I crashed for 2 days or so. Benedrill (sp) IV was added to the Tax so that made me sleepy but the steroid had me wired. My body wasn't sure what to do but slept through the chemo then didn't sleep for several nights. My onc. offered sleeping meds but I didn't want to go down that path in particular so made do with Tylenol PM. Fortunately there really weren't any other side effects.
It seems like a long ride but you'll be surprised how quickly it can go. Just picture the little pac man characters gobbling up the cancer cells. You'll be fine!0 -
I'm glad you found us, but
I'm glad you found us, but I'm very sorry you had the need to look. I hope you find this group as helpful and compassionate as I have.
And you're right, this is a long daunting journey. I hope the defeated feeling is going away. Just take everything one step at a time, mark the milestones, and you will make it. When you need help taking that next step, let us know. We will hold your hand and help you when you need it. Know that the treatments WILL END, and we'll be there to celebrate with you.
Hugs,
Linda0 -
I was
I was 3a and had the same chemo, but HER- so no herceptin. It sounds like an awfully long time and it is. I had a particularly hard time with taxol and and ver upset initially to find out that my 4 rounds was really once a week for 12 weeks. I finished 10/29/09, then did 33 rads.
As tough as it seems, you'll get through it and one day it'll be a distant memory. It's funny to be on here and read someone's comment and think - oh yeah I remember that.
Good luck. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
marge0 -
Welcome
to the bc site. We are here for support and encouragement. All we can do is tell of our own experiences and help you get through the journey. I was dx May 2010 and had bilateral mastectomy June 2010. Started 6 rounds every 3 weeks of Taxotere/Cytoxan followed by 28 rads. I'm the 5th in my family with bc and I'm 62. I'm approaching my one year cancerversary and I'm still very fatigued but life goes on. Know that you can and will get through this.
{{hugs}} Char0 -
Hellodyaneb123 said:Hi Idpettit
I had a different chemo regimen than you, but I'm sure you'll be hearing from some of the other ladies. Just want to say welcome to the boards and we are glad you found us. This family of women (and a few men) will always be here to offer support as you begin this journey.
Cheers
Dee
Thank you so much for taking the time to post!!! I'm so grateful!0 -
questionRague said:I'm IBC
I'm IBC. I did 4 A/C 2 weeks apart which started 17 days after DX to shrink and try to get margins so surgeon had a hope of "getting it all". 2 weeks after last A/C I had a RT. Mod. Rad. Mast. 3 weeks after surgery I started 12 weekly Taxol. A week after last Taxol started 25 daily Rads. For me, A/C was not bad at all - Taxol was. I'm HER2-, so Herceptin was not an issue for me but am ER+ so have been on Femara for over a year so far (no SE's) and will be for more than 3+ yrs. still to go.
For me (Remember that we are each unique and there is no 'one size fits all' for what we are going through) all I wanted to do was everything I could to fight the 'Monster'. It seen like a bit of a long journey at the time but looking back it wasn't all that long - I have big issues with SAD and most of my TX's were late summer, fall, and winter so a depressing time for me anyway. That said - I'm over a year out of TXs and it doesn't seem like they took all that much time. I have big issues with Lymphedema (It's an ongoing problem and I have great 'people' working with me) - it'll always be there - BUT - I'm alive and I can do basically anything/everything I want to. Yes a 'tunnel' does look long when you're looking aat starting into it bu once you're at the other side and look back - it wasn't all that long and there is sunshine ahead.
You can do 'it' - you will do 'it'!
Susan
Question about your post... I don't know what some of the initials mean. What is ER+? and then you say (so far no SE's) - what is SE? Sorry... still somewhat new to all of this.
What is SAD?
What did the Taxol do to you that was different from the AC?
I can't WAIT to be out of the tunnel and on the other side. I guess patience isn't my strong suit... lol
Thank you
Lisa0 -
Gas in the tanklaughs_a_lot said:Welcome
Heading down the chemo path the end of this month but have a different type of bc than you. Comming here is a lot like getting gas in your tank. Keep comming back and you will have enough fuel for the journey.
I love the reference to gas in the tank... VERY witty!! Thank you... I love humor... it seems to help a lot through this process
Lisa0 -
BIOAdopt MomBioAdoptMom said:Welcome to the club that no
Welcome to the club that no one wants to join, but glad you found us! I am pretty new here too, but have found this to be a great group of supportive and helpful FRIENDS!
I am not undergoing the same regimine but wanted to wish you luck and tell you that you are in my prayers. In the next couple of weeks I will start Taxotere and Cytoxan, so a lot different, but we'll be going through it together, at least for a few months. We are here for you!
Nancy
Thank you Nancy... support and understanding from others going down the same path on this journey I have found to be VERY helpful.
Lisa0 -
JeanJean 0609 said:Welcome ldpettit!
Sorry you are here, but glad that you found us. This is a great place to read, ask questions, scream, cry, vent, or all of the above.
I had four chemo treatments of taxotere and cytoxan with Herceptin. Then I am continuing Herceptin for a year (total of 18 treatments). I have 3 more to go and will finish in June. Have no problems at all with the Herceptin. Good luck and let us know how you make out.
I'm sorry to have to be here too.... It is NOT the most fun I have ever had... lol, but I guess if it were everyone would be doing it. Ugh... sorry - my attempt at humor over this.
Thank you for the Herceptin... seems like most do not have issue on that one. Looks like Taxol can be tough. The AC I am on now is rough... or at least it started that way the first round. The initial dosage was too strong for my system. This last one they knocked it down 25% - seems to have made this treatment a little better. Just a bit nauseated... and sleepy within the 3-5 days.
Thank you
Lisa0 -
Skipperskipper54 said:Welcome aboard the great roller coaster ride
You'll get lots of support here!
As you've heard, everyone is different. I was E+ but all others neg. I started with 4 round of A/C cocktail and then 4 round of Taxatere before my mastectomy 12/22/10. Finished up with 33 rads about 3 weeks ago. ALL my chemo included anti-nausea and steroids so getting sleep was a problem. Then on day 3 I crashed for 2 days or so. Benedrill (sp) IV was added to the Tax so that made me sleepy but the steroid had me wired. My body wasn't sure what to do but slept through the chemo then didn't sleep for several nights. My onc. offered sleeping meds but I didn't want to go down that path in particular so made do with Tylenol PM. Fortunately there really weren't any other side effects.
It seems like a long ride but you'll be surprised how quickly it can go. Just picture the little pac man characters gobbling up the cancer cells. You'll be fine!
What is E+?
Roller Coaster ride is FOR SURE!! ugh... It's the crazy train... and I would LOVE to be let off of it.
Sounds like the steroid/benedryl mixture wasn't good.... YIKES!! No sleep isn't fun on top of everything else, but good to hear the adjustments worked for you finally.
I love the visual of the pac man characters... boy that takes me back....
Thank you
Lisa0 -
Gabe N AbbyGabe N Abby Mom said:I'm glad you found us, but
I'm glad you found us, but I'm very sorry you had the need to look. I hope you find this group as helpful and compassionate as I have.
And you're right, this is a long daunting journey. I hope the defeated feeling is going away. Just take everything one step at a time, mark the milestones, and you will make it. When you need help taking that next step, let us know. We will hold your hand and help you when you need it. Know that the treatments WILL END, and we'll be there to celebrate with you.
Hugs,
Linda
Daunting is right and I'm hopeful it goes away soon. I know a lot of it is the chemo and my mind on it... Especially because when I do feel good I feel I can handle it.
Cancer was always something someone else seemed to have or I knew of someone that knew of someone... ugh... guess a lot of us feel that way.
I went to my OB Oct 2010. Felt a lump... had a reg mamm which came back with "no abnormal findings". I then had an ultra sound of the area and that came back with "no abnormal findings". My OB said to "keep an eye on it". I did, for about 4 weeks and said... something is NOT right. I demaned an oncologist and in January went in. It took 2 drainages for us to get the news... My blood work was normal... as the mamm and ultra sound showed "no abnormal findings". No traditional testing showed this sooner. Frustrating. It showed on a Breast MRI, not did NOT show up on a PET scan. how crazy is that?
Anyway, here I am and I am VERY grateful for this site and you ladies!!
Lisa0 -
kittymwallace1325 said:I was
I was 3a and had the same chemo, but HER- so no herceptin. It sounds like an awfully long time and it is. I had a particularly hard time with taxol and and ver upset initially to find out that my 4 rounds was really once a week for 12 weeks. I finished 10/29/09, then did 33 rads.
As tough as it seems, you'll get through it and one day it'll be a distant memory. It's funny to be on here and read someone's comment and think - oh yeah I remember that.
Good luck. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
marge
Those kittens are TOO cute!!
What side effects did you have with the Taxol? The more I read the more I see people having issues with the Taxol. ugh... dreading it... YES, I know each body is different but the word on Taxol seems pretty consistent...
Thank you for your info Marge!
Lisa0
Discussion Boards
- All Discussion Boards
- 6 CSN Information
- 6 Welcome to CSN
- 121.2K Cancer specific
- 2.8K Anal Cancer
- 440 Bladder Cancer
- 306 Bone Cancers
- 1.6K Brain Cancer
- 28.4K Breast Cancer
- 391 Childhood Cancers
- 27.9K Colorectal Cancer
- 4.6K Esophageal Cancer
- 1.2K Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine)
- 12.9K Head and Neck Cancer
- 6.3K Kidney Cancer
- 666 Leukemia
- 789 Liver Cancer
- 4.1K Lung Cancer
- 5.1K Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
- 235 Multiple Myeloma
- 7.1K Ovarian Cancer
- 53 Pancreatic Cancer
- 486 Peritoneal Cancer
- 5.3K Prostate Cancer
- 1.2K Rare and Other Cancers
- 532 Sarcoma
- 717 Skin Cancer
- 647 Stomach Cancer
- 190 Testicular Cancer
- 1.5K Thyroid Cancer
- 5.8K Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
- 6.3K Lifestyle Discussion Boards