1st round of taxotere and cytozan done and no reactions

2

Comments

  • geobarb22
    geobarb22 Member Posts: 17
    first round done, second today
    Balentine:

    I did first chemo round 3 weeks ago. Headed to second this morning. I am taking taxotere and carboplatin and hercepterin. No significant side effects. I was a bit nauseous the first week, but the drugs they gave me helped alot. Minor mouth issues - best thing was to eat foods that were pretty luke warm, nothing spicy, and not crisy. I kept my teeth and mouth very clean - ie, brushed after EVERY meal or snack and gargled with baking soda. Seemed to sooth any minor irritations right away.

    I did not have alot of fatigue and was able to work (mainly from home - I have a great company) about 20 to 30 hours/week.

    After 10 days, I felt totally normal and was able to resume all my normal activities - exercised and ate fairly normally. All in all - not as bad as I expected.

    I am anxious to hear how your are doing as you should be having your second soon. I will keep in touch. Keep positive!
  • geobarb22
    geobarb22 Member Posts: 17

    taxotere/cytoxan side effects
    I just wanted to let you know that this forum has helped me so much. I had to join. I had my first treatment of taxotere/cytoxan on 3/16, Neulasta on 3/17, and it has knocked me out. I think I've had a four day headache! Has anyone else had a horrible headache with this? I had muscle aches and pains and bone aches on the 3rd day, but this darn headache won't quit. Also, just exhausted most of the time. This is making me realize that even though I hadn't "planned" to have side effects, apparently the chemo will do what it wants and my body will react no matter how I've planned. The other weird side effect I have is my tongue has a strange white film over it and feels kind of numb. Also, everything tastes strange - just off - but I think that's a very common side effect.

    My question for everyone is that for people who did have aches/pains/side effects, how long did they last? I'm hoping that by tomorrow - Day 7 - I will be feeling at least better enough to spend a few hours at work.

    As I'm writing this, the sun just came out in my neck of the woods. Spring is coming!

    Thanks for listening - Stephanie

    neulasta side effects
    Stephanie:

    I had three neulasta shots in a row last week as my while blood count was low. I got pain for a few days (no more than 4) in my thigh (femur) bones and my lower back. I had a very mild headache, but that was it.

    There is my 2 cents! I am off for second round of chemo today. Yes, spring is coming. Enjoy! barb
  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    Sher43009 said:

    Neulasta shots
    Hi Lorrie
    The Nuelasta shot is given if you're having treatments every 2 weeks. Since it takes 3 weeks for your body to rebuild the blood cells the shot is needed to "boost" your cells faster. You're having your treatments every 3 weeks so you don't need the shot.

    This is not correct. I had
    This is not correct. I had my treatments every 3 weeks and I had the Nuelasta shot 24 hours after my transfusion. I know there are others on this site, Traci for one, who also had the shot and she did the same cocktail as I did and also every 3 weeks. I'm not sure what the protocol is for receiving it or not but it is not uncommon when doing Taxotere/Cytoxan every 3 weeks to also get the Nuelasta shot.
  • Skeezie
    Skeezie Member Posts: 586 Member
    geobarb22 said:

    first round done, second today
    Balentine:

    I did first chemo round 3 weeks ago. Headed to second this morning. I am taking taxotere and carboplatin and hercepterin. No significant side effects. I was a bit nauseous the first week, but the drugs they gave me helped alot. Minor mouth issues - best thing was to eat foods that were pretty luke warm, nothing spicy, and not crisy. I kept my teeth and mouth very clean - ie, brushed after EVERY meal or snack and gargled with baking soda. Seemed to sooth any minor irritations right away.

    I did not have alot of fatigue and was able to work (mainly from home - I have a great company) about 20 to 30 hours/week.

    After 10 days, I felt totally normal and was able to resume all my normal activities - exercised and ate fairly normally. All in all - not as bad as I expected.

    I am anxious to hear how your are doing as you should be having your second soon. I will keep in touch. Keep positive!

    Neulasta shot.
    My onc just ordered it along with everything else. You get it within 24 hrs. of your chemo. I would get my blood test a few days before my next chemo to make sure everything is ok. If you are having a bad reaction or are very sick etc. you could get the blood test earlier. From what most people on this board have said, it is pretty routine with many onc. If you wait til you're in trouble (low WBC) to get the shot, you maya have to delay your next chemo while your blood builds up. The idea behind the Nuelasta is to keep your blood from dropping so low. Back in the day before Nuelasta, people would just have to stop chemo until the WBC would (or could) build back up. In my mother's case, 1984, she was never able to resume chemo again and of course didn't survive. So you will never hear me complain about Nuelasta. My side effects from Neulasta weren't anywhere near as bad as the ones from Taxotere. Extra strength Tylenol really helped.

    Wish you all just starting out good luck and am praying your side effects are minimal.

    Hugs, Judy :-)
  • CarrWilson
    CarrWilson Member Posts: 111
    Balentine said:

    shots
    Hey Alex,
    Did they tell you what determines whether you need the shot or not? I have not had to get one and hope not to have to get any at all. My next treatment will be on 4/5. The nurse said the only side effect I should see as treatments go on is increasing fatigue and longer recovery with each treatment. I am hoping that I can still work but I will do what I can and not worry about the rest. Yes...this network is a God send. It gives you a wealth of information and instant new, amazing friends that know exactly how you feel and can come alongside one another to carry and lift each other up. It is so much a blessing and I thank God for each and everyone here. I will be in touch. Keep a smile on your face and keep your eyes on Christ. He is your strength and your healer. He has provided for you all you need and will continue to do so.
    Lorrie

    Neulesta
    I had my first T/C treatment today. My Nurse Practioner said I did not need the Neulesta shot, but when I went in, it was ordered for tommorow. I asked them to check with my oncologist, and I was told that some MD's are more proactive, and once you are on the schedule they do not want to delay treatment because of low blood counts.

    Not sure this answers your questions, but ask your MD about it, it can all be so confusing.

    Best of luck in your continued treatments!

    - Carrie
  • Balentine
    Balentine Member Posts: 393
    geobarb22 said:

    first round done, second today
    Balentine:

    I did first chemo round 3 weeks ago. Headed to second this morning. I am taking taxotere and carboplatin and hercepterin. No significant side effects. I was a bit nauseous the first week, but the drugs they gave me helped alot. Minor mouth issues - best thing was to eat foods that were pretty luke warm, nothing spicy, and not crisy. I kept my teeth and mouth very clean - ie, brushed after EVERY meal or snack and gargled with baking soda. Seemed to sooth any minor irritations right away.

    I did not have alot of fatigue and was able to work (mainly from home - I have a great company) about 20 to 30 hours/week.

    After 10 days, I felt totally normal and was able to resume all my normal activities - exercised and ate fairly normally. All in all - not as bad as I expected.

    I am anxious to hear how your are doing as you should be having your second soon. I will keep in touch. Keep positive!

    next chemo, still have hair, info on shots
    Hi Geobarb,
    Yes my next treatment is 4/5. My last one was 3/15. My hair is still ok. Have not seen any hair falling out yet. It is tough getting up every morning looking at your hair to see if it is coming out. You just sit around and anticipate when it will come out. Anyway, I feel great this week....back to normal. Some people have told me that they determine if you need the shot when you do the blood work before your chemo treatments. They have not said anything to me about any shots so far.
    Lorrie
  • cindycflynn
    cindycflynn Member Posts: 1,132 Member
    Balentine said:

    next chemo, still have hair, info on shots
    Hi Geobarb,
    Yes my next treatment is 4/5. My last one was 3/15. My hair is still ok. Have not seen any hair falling out yet. It is tough getting up every morning looking at your hair to see if it is coming out. You just sit around and anticipate when it will come out. Anyway, I feel great this week....back to normal. Some people have told me that they determine if you need the shot when you do the blood work before your chemo treatments. They have not said anything to me about any shots so far.
    Lorrie

    Neulasta
    The Neulasta is given to boost your WBC count, and prevent infections. It seems like some doctors like to give it to all patients as a precaution while others take more of a "wait and see" attitude and only give it if they see a problem with WBC counts or possible infections.

    My doctor wasn't going to order it for me at first, but when I asked about whether I should have it, she thought again, and since I still had a nasty scab from a skin cancer spot that was still healing, she decided to order it for me after all.

    Good luck to you chemo ladies! It's not fun, but you will get through it!

    Take care,
    Cindy
  • Giant Poodles
    Giant Poodles Member Posts: 79

    Neulasta
    The Neulasta is given to boost your WBC count, and prevent infections. It seems like some doctors like to give it to all patients as a precaution while others take more of a "wait and see" attitude and only give it if they see a problem with WBC counts or possible infections.

    My doctor wasn't going to order it for me at first, but when I asked about whether I should have it, she thought again, and since I still had a nasty scab from a skin cancer spot that was still healing, she decided to order it for me after all.

    Good luck to you chemo ladies! It's not fun, but you will get through it!

    Take care,
    Cindy

    Neulasta
    The way I undedrstand the shot is that it is for your wbc. Maybe Balentine your counts are ok. Also neulasta is a one shot and there is another that is 3 or 4 shots ( once a day). Some insurances will not pay for the one shot so you have to go more days. I drank too much water during my chemo. I would not have known except I had a double Macemtemy (sp) and I have scretchers in and was filled to capacity right before chemo. So I felt like I was going to pop completely open for about a week. I also woke up the 3rd day and my head was completely full of water no nasal drip. They said I had drowned my body. The other bad side effect was I could not sleep at all for about 6 days. But I have a sleeping pills for next time. I am every three weeks same as you Balentine except I am switching to Wed. next time because of my work. I did have the shot but stayed on pain pills for the effects of the shot ( I am scared of pain) wimpy. God has seen me so far and will continue with me. Prayers work!

    Rhonda
  • GayleMc
    GayleMc Member Posts: 311 Member

    Neulasta
    The way I undedrstand the shot is that it is for your wbc. Maybe Balentine your counts are ok. Also neulasta is a one shot and there is another that is 3 or 4 shots ( once a day). Some insurances will not pay for the one shot so you have to go more days. I drank too much water during my chemo. I would not have known except I had a double Macemtemy (sp) and I have scretchers in and was filled to capacity right before chemo. So I felt like I was going to pop completely open for about a week. I also woke up the 3rd day and my head was completely full of water no nasal drip. They said I had drowned my body. The other bad side effect was I could not sleep at all for about 6 days. But I have a sleeping pills for next time. I am every three weeks same as you Balentine except I am switching to Wed. next time because of my work. I did have the shot but stayed on pain pills for the effects of the shot ( I am scared of pain) wimpy. God has seen me so far and will continue with me. Prayers work!

    Rhonda

    Hi. I finished my third
    Hi. I finished my third round of T/C on March 23 with one more to go on 4/6. I have been very interested in the information about yuck mouth. I have used both the baking soda recipe and Biotene products and never got one sore but terrible alteration to my taste buds. This may sound silly, but a few days after my last treatment I remembered that some fancy restaurants serve sherbet between courses to cleanse the palate. I thought why not, I like sherbet. I really think it helped. My taste buds are still off but my food isn't as repulsive to me as it was after treatments 1 & 2. Just a little toss out. Take care everyone.
  • scorpio37
    scorpio37 Member Posts: 20

    Neulesta
    I had my first T/C treatment today. My Nurse Practioner said I did not need the Neulesta shot, but when I went in, it was ordered for tommorow. I asked them to check with my oncologist, and I was told that some MD's are more proactive, and once you are on the schedule they do not want to delay treatment because of low blood counts.

    Not sure this answers your questions, but ask your MD about it, it can all be so confusing.

    Best of luck in your continued treatments!

    - Carrie

    neulasta
    I also get T/C (with no side effects)and get neulasta (mild joint pain 3 days later) the following day of chemo. My first treatment was on March 5 went in for second treatment(will have 6 treatments in all) on March 25 and my white blood cells were too low so they gave me a neuprogen injection for 3 days has anyone had any side effects on this? Has it helped boost your white blood cells as now my chemo dates have changed to a week later. What can you do to boost white blood cells thought I was doing everything right..eating,drinking fluids. My anemia levels have been great not having to get a procruit injection.

    thanks
    cindy
  • Balentine
    Balentine Member Posts: 393

    Neulasta
    The way I undedrstand the shot is that it is for your wbc. Maybe Balentine your counts are ok. Also neulasta is a one shot and there is another that is 3 or 4 shots ( once a day). Some insurances will not pay for the one shot so you have to go more days. I drank too much water during my chemo. I would not have known except I had a double Macemtemy (sp) and I have scretchers in and was filled to capacity right before chemo. So I felt like I was going to pop completely open for about a week. I also woke up the 3rd day and my head was completely full of water no nasal drip. They said I had drowned my body. The other bad side effect was I could not sleep at all for about 6 days. But I have a sleeping pills for next time. I am every three weeks same as you Balentine except I am switching to Wed. next time because of my work. I did have the shot but stayed on pain pills for the effects of the shot ( I am scared of pain) wimpy. God has seen me so far and will continue with me. Prayers work!

    Rhonda

    Hair came out in clumps, shaved my head today
    Hi Rhonda,
    I did not think you could drink toooo much water. They kept telling me to drink alot. I will keep that in mind. Last few days my hair started coming out in clumps so today I went to the cosmetolgy school here in town and the director shaved my head. She has a cancer foundation and bought me 3 wigs and also styled them for me today after the shave. It was difficult to let my hair go but I kept telling myself that it was falling out anyway and not to prolong the inevitable. My next treatment is 4/5. I just want it all to hurry up and be over with. My last one will be 5/17 so I am so looking forward to that last one. I know I should just be thankful I only have to do it 4 times. So many women on this network have such a longer journey and I just pray that God will give us all the strength to get through our treatments and heal all of our bodies. That cancer will find no more place in us. Happy Easter and I hope you are feeling better. God is good.
    Lorrie
  • GayleMc
    GayleMc Member Posts: 311 Member
    Balentine said:

    Hair came out in clumps, shaved my head today
    Hi Rhonda,
    I did not think you could drink toooo much water. They kept telling me to drink alot. I will keep that in mind. Last few days my hair started coming out in clumps so today I went to the cosmetolgy school here in town and the director shaved my head. She has a cancer foundation and bought me 3 wigs and also styled them for me today after the shave. It was difficult to let my hair go but I kept telling myself that it was falling out anyway and not to prolong the inevitable. My next treatment is 4/5. I just want it all to hurry up and be over with. My last one will be 5/17 so I am so looking forward to that last one. I know I should just be thankful I only have to do it 4 times. So many women on this network have such a longer journey and I just pray that God will give us all the strength to get through our treatments and heal all of our bodies. That cancer will find no more place in us. Happy Easter and I hope you are feeling better. God is good.
    Lorrie

    Balentine, I also had a
    Balentine, I also had a difficult time with the hair loss. It sounds like you have it all under control. I hope you also have a great Easter holiday.
  • kumanakaya
    kumanakaya Member Posts: 8
    Balentine said:

    chemo treatments
    Hi Calabria,
    Just remember everyone reacts differently so just take it as it comes and trust God to carry you through it. I have been pretty fatigued the past 2-3 days but feel a bit better today. Getting a few mouth sores but not too bad. I am going to keep using the biotene products but I am also going to try the baking soda mix today. The best thing is that at least I am not sick from it. I was ooncerned about that. I know I can get through this and you can too. Stay strong in the Lord and the power of His might....not in your own strength but His.
    Lorrie

    Mouth sores etc.
    Hi, I'm getting ready for the second treatment Friday, 6 treatments of cytox and taxo every three weeks. Losing my hair today (sigh) and my scalp is tender but so far other than tired the first few days, fuzzy brain and tired for the first week and a half not too bad. Are the effects cumulative? Do they get worse every time? I did get some soreness of the mouth but used the baking soda mix and the salt and water mix four times a day after I ate anything and it was manageable. I bowl in a tournament in Sunday but told them to get an alternate just in case I can't bowl at all ... bowling in the Bowl for the Cure too, I hope!

    Keep your spirits up, try and stay as active as you can. My husband is babying me and I have to push to get my normal activities going again, but forcing myself to work part time (really sedentary job) and continue with my classes this semester is pushing the depression back. wow some people won't even call me, surprise! Others I wasn't close to call me three times a week ... who knew? I'm on facebook but am considering dropping a lot of my friends to a smaller group who keeps in touch.

    Hang in there ... my prayers are with you all.
  • kumanakaya
    kumanakaya Member Posts: 8
    Balentine said:

    Hair came out in clumps, shaved my head today
    Hi Rhonda,
    I did not think you could drink toooo much water. They kept telling me to drink alot. I will keep that in mind. Last few days my hair started coming out in clumps so today I went to the cosmetolgy school here in town and the director shaved my head. She has a cancer foundation and bought me 3 wigs and also styled them for me today after the shave. It was difficult to let my hair go but I kept telling myself that it was falling out anyway and not to prolong the inevitable. My next treatment is 4/5. I just want it all to hurry up and be over with. My last one will be 5/17 so I am so looking forward to that last one. I know I should just be thankful I only have to do it 4 times. So many women on this network have such a longer journey and I just pray that God will give us all the strength to get through our treatments and heal all of our bodies. That cancer will find no more place in us. Happy Easter and I hope you are feeling better. God is good.
    Lorrie

    Thanks
    I think I'll go in and have it shaved too. I don't want to but everytime I put my hands through my hair more hair comes out. I have six treatments, one down five to go. My heart goes out to you who are struggling with more. I got my wig last week. My last treatment is 6/23 and then three weeks later surgery, hopefully a lumpectomy.

    I didn't know you could drink too much either. It's hard enough getting in 8 to 10 glasses a day. I've been adding crystal light, they have a new one with no preservatives for hydration ... it's pretty good. No dry skin yet, but mild headaches a lot of the time.

    A lady from the ACS was at my first chemo and gave me a lot of good information and the internet is the bomb!

    Hang in there everyone and may God bless you through this challenge!
  • kumanakaya
    kumanakaya Member Posts: 8
    scorpio37 said:

    neulasta
    I also get T/C (with no side effects)and get neulasta (mild joint pain 3 days later) the following day of chemo. My first treatment was on March 5 went in for second treatment(will have 6 treatments in all) on March 25 and my white blood cells were too low so they gave me a neuprogen injection for 3 days has anyone had any side effects on this? Has it helped boost your white blood cells as now my chemo dates have changed to a week later. What can you do to boost white blood cells thought I was doing everything right..eating,drinking fluids. My anemia levels have been great not having to get a procruit injection.

    thanks
    cindy

    Cindy,
    sounds like you're

    Cindy,
    sounds like you're doing everything you can ... don't blame yourself for any of this. sometimes things just happen.

    Glad to hear your anemia levels are good. Sounds like we're on the same schedule, I started my first treatment on the 12th of March. Not sure why your wbc is low ... eHow suggested spinach, carrots, fish oil and melons. I take a fish oil and Vit C with multivitamin every day ... forcing myself to eat more veggies and fruits (I love carbs) and my friend brings me a banana twice a week and watches me eat it.

    e-Mail me whenever you want to chat or even just vent. You'll get through this. It's like a train ride ... you get on at the beginning and off at the end and we'll all make it to the end of the ride!

    I've found that meditation works for me too.

    Hang in there kiddo!
  • laskinroadie
    laskinroadie Member Posts: 3

    Thanks
    I think I'll go in and have it shaved too. I don't want to but everytime I put my hands through my hair more hair comes out. I have six treatments, one down five to go. My heart goes out to you who are struggling with more. I got my wig last week. My last treatment is 6/23 and then three weeks later surgery, hopefully a lumpectomy.

    I didn't know you could drink too much either. It's hard enough getting in 8 to 10 glasses a day. I've been adding crystal light, they have a new one with no preservatives for hydration ... it's pretty good. No dry skin yet, but mild headaches a lot of the time.

    A lady from the ACS was at my first chemo and gave me a lot of good information and the internet is the bomb!

    Hang in there everyone and may God bless you through this challenge!

    Shaved My Head Yesterday
    Had issues with shedding.beginning day 14 The problem now is that the hair is going to be every place but where you would like it to be. Besides, there is some sense of control in choosing when you make the move. I have hats, bandannas and a wig (one more in process). Day 13, my hair hurt--like when you turn your hair in the way it doesn't part sometimes. Only every hair hurt. So, I figured day 14 would be the day. It's quite freeing to be past thinking about when my hair would fall out.

    I so appreciate everyone's suggestions. While I can't be sure the lack of side effects is due to the prevention techniques everyone has suggested, I am a believer. I do drink the water and eat fiber, and no constipation. I have been using moisturizers, especially on my feet, and no dry skin. I have been using biotene and baking soda mouth wash, and no mouth sores. I do eat many small meals each day, and nausea has not been a problem. While I recognize I am definitely in the lucky camp, and each person's side effects are different, the wisdom of veterans is a guiding light! Thanks again to all who have been willing to share their tips!
  • Balentine
    Balentine Member Posts: 393

    Shaved My Head Yesterday
    Had issues with shedding.beginning day 14 The problem now is that the hair is going to be every place but where you would like it to be. Besides, there is some sense of control in choosing when you make the move. I have hats, bandannas and a wig (one more in process). Day 13, my hair hurt--like when you turn your hair in the way it doesn't part sometimes. Only every hair hurt. So, I figured day 14 would be the day. It's quite freeing to be past thinking about when my hair would fall out.

    I so appreciate everyone's suggestions. While I can't be sure the lack of side effects is due to the prevention techniques everyone has suggested, I am a believer. I do drink the water and eat fiber, and no constipation. I have been using moisturizers, especially on my feet, and no dry skin. I have been using biotene and baking soda mouth wash, and no mouth sores. I do eat many small meals each day, and nausea has not been a problem. While I recognize I am definitely in the lucky camp, and each person's side effects are different, the wisdom of veterans is a guiding light! Thanks again to all who have been willing to share their tips!

    1st wig day
    Hi everyone,
    Today I wore a wig for the first time and it did feel uncomfortable on my head but I made it through the whole day ok. When the hairdresser shaved my head yesterday, she left a small amount of stubble over my whole head so I guess that was what felt prickly. I felt like there was a bird on my shoulder pecking at my head all day. I do believe once it gets really hot that I will wear scarves some days because the wig will probably just be too hot. I just keep looking at myself in the mirror and ask God to help me get used to this new look that I have to look at for probably the next 5-6 months. I am done chemo on 5/17 so I am hoping by August I will have a few inches of hair by then. There is alot of loss when going through this cancer journey toward healing and we have to hold onto God during this time for strength. We are all now at the end of ourselves and Christ is our hope and our strength. Look to Him and He will carry you through this to the end. God bless!
    Lorrie Balentine
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
    Balentine said:

    1st wig day
    Hi everyone,
    Today I wore a wig for the first time and it did feel uncomfortable on my head but I made it through the whole day ok. When the hairdresser shaved my head yesterday, she left a small amount of stubble over my whole head so I guess that was what felt prickly. I felt like there was a bird on my shoulder pecking at my head all day. I do believe once it gets really hot that I will wear scarves some days because the wig will probably just be too hot. I just keep looking at myself in the mirror and ask God to help me get used to this new look that I have to look at for probably the next 5-6 months. I am done chemo on 5/17 so I am hoping by August I will have a few inches of hair by then. There is alot of loss when going through this cancer journey toward healing and we have to hold onto God during this time for strength. We are all now at the end of ourselves and Christ is our hope and our strength. Look to Him and He will carry you through this to the end. God bless!
    Lorrie Balentine

    Wishing you Balentine and
    Wishing you Balentine and all you newbies an easy treatment walk. I completed my 8th and final round of chemo on 3/30/2010. I got my first infusion on Oct 6, 2009. I had 4 rounds of A/C, 1 round of taxol which my body rejected, and 3 rounds of taxotere. I got a neulasta shot 24 hours after each infusion and fortunately for me because my white counts tanked after each infusion.

    Everyone reacts differently to treatment, however it seems that fatigue is definitley one of the side effects that most experience. One of the gals on the boards suggested claritin the day before and the day after the neulasta shot. It helps with the aching and bone pain.

    I was advised to avoid vitamins and green tea during chemo because they feed the cancer cells, and chemo is trying to kill the cancer cells.

    After chemo and for at least 3, then 4, then 5, then 6, then 7 days after chemo I ate a lot of soup, apple sauce, crackers and toast. It seemed that after every infusion it took a day longer to recover. I'm 67 and perhaps the age has something to do with the rebound.

    Loosing my hair was a given so I didnt fret. I've been bald since Oct. I'm sick of my wig and scarfs and cant wait to expose my head and my hair again. I'm mostly salt now with very little pepper so when I do expose my hair it will be with color, who knows maybe a new color.

    There is so much good info available on the sight. I've spent many hours on these boards getting help and encouragment. Wishing all us pink sisters success and strength as we tackle each step of treatment.
  • Balentine
    Balentine Member Posts: 393
    natly15 said:

    Wishing you Balentine and
    Wishing you Balentine and all you newbies an easy treatment walk. I completed my 8th and final round of chemo on 3/30/2010. I got my first infusion on Oct 6, 2009. I had 4 rounds of A/C, 1 round of taxol which my body rejected, and 3 rounds of taxotere. I got a neulasta shot 24 hours after each infusion and fortunately for me because my white counts tanked after each infusion.

    Everyone reacts differently to treatment, however it seems that fatigue is definitley one of the side effects that most experience. One of the gals on the boards suggested claritin the day before and the day after the neulasta shot. It helps with the aching and bone pain.

    I was advised to avoid vitamins and green tea during chemo because they feed the cancer cells, and chemo is trying to kill the cancer cells.

    After chemo and for at least 3, then 4, then 5, then 6, then 7 days after chemo I ate a lot of soup, apple sauce, crackers and toast. It seemed that after every infusion it took a day longer to recover. I'm 67 and perhaps the age has something to do with the rebound.

    Loosing my hair was a given so I didnt fret. I've been bald since Oct. I'm sick of my wig and scarfs and cant wait to expose my head and my hair again. I'm mostly salt now with very little pepper so when I do expose my hair it will be with color, who knows maybe a new color.

    There is so much good info available on the sight. I've spent many hours on these boards getting help and encouragment. Wishing all us pink sisters success and strength as we tackle each step of treatment.

    Vitamins and green tea
    Dear Natly,
    I did not know about not taking vitamins and green tea. I have been doing both. I will have to call the nurse or doctor about that one tomorrow. I take a vitamin everyday like clockwork and don't even think about it. Thanks for the advice. My 2nd treatment is on 4/5...this Monday so I need to make sure I am doing the right things. I only am doing 4 treatments. I wish you well and pray that your body is totally healed.
    Lorrie Balentine
  • scorpio37
    scorpio37 Member Posts: 20

    Cindy,
    sounds like you're

    Cindy,
    sounds like you're doing everything you can ... don't blame yourself for any of this. sometimes things just happen.

    Glad to hear your anemia levels are good. Sounds like we're on the same schedule, I started my first treatment on the 12th of March. Not sure why your wbc is low ... eHow suggested spinach, carrots, fish oil and melons. I take a fish oil and Vit C with multivitamin every day ... forcing myself to eat more veggies and fruits (I love carbs) and my friend brings me a banana twice a week and watches me eat it.

    e-Mail me whenever you want to chat or even just vent. You'll get through this. It's like a train ride ... you get on at the beginning and off at the end and we'll all make it to the end of the ride!

    I've found that meditation works for me too.

    Hang in there kiddo!

    2 nd treatment
    Thanks Kumanaka

    Had my 2nd treatment April 1, my wbc was 14,000 started taking vitamins Super B complex drinking V-fusion as I love the carbs and not so much on the protein. No mouth sores that I read on here yet, when does that happen should i start rinsing with the baking soda before it happens?

    This website is so helpful. Thank you

    cindy