Cytoxan & Taxol

mmontero38

Jan_M said:

Cytoxan and Taxol
I too am on edge about the waiting. I will be getting the same chemo Jan 5th. Had my surgery Nov. 12th. I will also be getting radiation. So much to learn about. I did not know anything about having to get a port until a week ago. Now I get that on Dec. 19th.

Good luck!

Jan, you will be sore for a
Jan, you will be sore for a few days after they insert the port, but it will be a godsend when you're going through chemo. One little prick versus getting an IV everytime you go for chemo. Good luck to you. Hugs, Lili

chenheart

Jan_M said:

Cytoxan and Taxol
I too am on edge about the waiting. I will be getting the same chemo Jan 5th. Had my surgery Nov. 12th. I will also be getting radiation. So much to learn about. I did not know anything about having to get a port until a week ago. Now I get that on Dec. 19th.

Good luck!

Port
The waiting is never the easy part in all of this! Getting a port, however, will make chemo and lab draws much easier. And when you are finished with chemo you will get it out again~ no harm no foul! They are both outpatient procedures, and you will be happy you had this done! I know I was, anyway!

Hugs,
Claudia

KathiM

Jan_M said:

Cytoxan and Taxol
I too am on edge about the waiting. I will be getting the same chemo Jan 5th. Had my surgery Nov. 12th. I will also be getting radiation. So much to learn about. I did not know anything about having to get a port until a week ago. Now I get that on Dec. 19th.

Good luck!

I had mine for 2 cancers, almost 3 years....
It was put in for the rectal cancer, since I had a chemo that was 24/7, 4 days continuous pump. It was sooooooo much easier...especially since I 'lost' my 'good' arm's veins to the lymph nodes removal (I didn't want lymphodema). Sad, I used to give blood thru them, so I KNOW they worked well...sigh...

My port was put in with no trouble, although I, being a well person before this, found out I was allergic to surgical tape after this...my chest was soooo red!!!

It was my faithful friend thru breast cancer, also, an just made things easier. At one point, I was even fed thru it, when I had a small bowel obstruction from the rectal surgery ('everyone into the pool' was MY motto...my small bowel was feeling left out...ROFL!).

I'm sending my big hugs....

Hugs, Kathi

jakeca

Cytoxan and Taxol
Jan_M, I received my first chemo treatment of Cytoxan and TAXOTERE, not Taxol, on Tuesday and so far I have felt absolutely no side effects. Of course, everyone is different, and I will probably begin to feel some side effects soon, but so far, so good. That's all I can ask. Don't be afraid. Go in with a positive attitude and I'll bet you'll do just fine. God's blessings to you and everyone else on these boards.

CrystalW

chenheart said:

For The Record
The Red Stiff was Adriamycin...aka Red Devil! Potent stuff, infused with ultra care, and watched vigilantly. I also forget what I had, and how I felt, and what came first~ I think thats a WONDERFUL signal that cancer is in our past, not ever-looming in the forefront of our psyche.

Hugs,
Claudia

Just a quick comment...I was facinated at the way the nurses had to dress to administer it. I couldn't help but laugh when they sat down in their "suit of armor" to inject this liquid into my veins. I asked her why she was dressed like that and she told me because it was a very dangerous drug, couldn't get on the skin and had to be delivered very slowly and carefully. I thought "What the hell is it going to do to me?" Isn't it funny how we have to take ourselves to the brink of death to get better...Oh the ironey of it all... I wish everyone here a very Happy and Healthy Holiday season. NEVER GIVE UP THE FIGHT.

mgm42

jakeca said:

Cytoxan and Taxol
Thanks for all of the good advice. I consulted a new oncologist for a second opinion today and he recommended Cytoxan and Taxotere, which is what I perceive to be a very common chemo treatment for breast cancer and I had my first treatment this afternoon. So far I am feeling fine, but I realize that is temporary. I have a Neulasta injection scheduled for tomorrow. I am just so happy to finally be receiving treatment--it has been two months since my surgery and waiting for them to decide what to do with me has been agonizing. I feel like I am in a very good place now and was favorably impressed with my new doctor, so even though I should be depressed about starting chemo, I am a very happy woman tonight. Tomorrow may be a different story!

Thanks again, everyone.

Congratulations....
Congratulations on your first treatment and for switching to a new oncologist. Plus, I think he/she is pretty sharp to schedule you for Neulasta right off the bat. It appears that this new onco is taking no chances. Hurray. Hope you continue to feel good about your chemo. You'll get through it with flying colors. Again, my congratulations and love. Hugs, Marilynn

Jan_M

I received my 1st treatment
I received my 1st treatment of Taxotere and Cytoxan Janaury 5th,I received the Neulasta the next day and I don't know if it was that or the chemo making me have a fever and cramping all over. How are you doing jakeca? I am having severe tummy problems 6 days later.

mimivac

Jan_M said:

I received my 1st treatment
I received my 1st treatment of Taxotere and Cytoxan Janaury 5th,I received the Neulasta the next day and I don't know if it was that or the chemo making me have a fever and cramping all over. How are you doing jakeca? I am having severe tummy problems 6 days later.

I have Taxotere and Cytoxan as well as Adrimycin (sic)
I have this treatment, too, but with the "Red Devil" added. I did have an echocardiogram before my treatment to make sure that my heart was in good condition. I have aggressive cancer (though early stage) with no receptors, so my doc. wanted to go with an aggressive therapy. I sought a second opinion and she agreed completely, so I feel OK about it.

Congrats on getting through your first treatment! I just got my second one yesterday. I found that the Neulasta shot had more side effects for me than the chemo. Mainly annoying bone pain. I did get a low-grade fever from the chemo the first time, a sore throat, some mouth sores, and IBS. That last one was probably the worst . But I have to say that my symptoms were no where near as bad as I though it would be. I hope everything goes well for both of you. Remember, it will be over and you will recover.

Mimi

Aortus

mimivac said:

I have Taxotere and Cytoxan as well as Adrimycin (sic)
I have this treatment, too, but with the "Red Devil" added. I did have an echocardiogram before my treatment to make sure that my heart was in good condition. I have aggressive cancer (though early stage) with no receptors, so my doc. wanted to go with an aggressive therapy. I sought a second opinion and she agreed completely, so I feel OK about it.

Congrats on getting through your first treatment! I just got my second one yesterday. I found that the Neulasta shot had more side effects for me than the chemo. Mainly annoying bone pain. I did get a low-grade fever from the chemo the first time, a sore throat, some mouth sores, and IBS. That last one was probably the worst . But I have to say that my symptoms were no where near as bad as I though it would be. I hope everything goes well for both of you. Remember, it will be over and you will recover.

Mimi

Same here, Mimi
It looks like my beloved wife Moopy is one round of TAC behind you, so your comments have really helped... thanks! Our oncologist here at St. John's in Springfield MO recommended TC (I think that's the term) but we got a second opinion at Barnes-Jewish/St. Luke's in St. Louis; our oncologist there recommended TAC and we went with her advice.

Moopy got her Neulasta shot yesterday, and seems to have avoided its side effects so far. The only real issue has been that her jaws seemed to be locking up this morning, apparently from the Compazine. The on-call doc advised her to take Benadryl, which helped a lot. Best wishes with round two!

Joe

mimivac

Aortus said:

Same here, Mimi
It looks like my beloved wife Moopy is one round of TAC behind you, so your comments have really helped... thanks! Our oncologist here at St. John's in Springfield MO recommended TC (I think that's the term) but we got a second opinion at Barnes-Jewish/St. Luke's in St. Louis; our oncologist there recommended TAC and we went with her advice.

Moopy got her Neulasta shot yesterday, and seems to have avoided its side effects so far. The only real issue has been that her jaws seemed to be locking up this morning, apparently from the Compazine. The on-call doc advised her to take Benadryl, which helped a lot. Best wishes with round two!

Joe

locked jaw
Joe,

I got a locked jaw the first time as well. It accompanied the mouth sores. I will ask about Benadryl if I get it again. It disappeared on its own. When I told my doctor about the mouth sores she prescribed a mouthwash that she said might be preventative. It's called Caphosol. There are two viles to mix and rinse with. Last time, I only got the Magic Mouthwash, which only helped to dull the pain afterward. I started on the Caphosol today and so far so good. Hope your wife does not get mouth sores at all, but there is help just in case. Best of luck to both of you. She will do just fine. Come here often to ask questions or just chat.

Mimi

Derbygirl

Jan_M said:

I received my 1st treatment
I received my 1st treatment of Taxotere and Cytoxan Janaury 5th,I received the Neulasta the next day and I don't know if it was that or the chemo making me have a fever and cramping all over. How are you doing jakeca? I am having severe tummy problems 6 days later.

Received Neulasta injections also in October-November. Side effects included fever and bone aches (flu like). Mine lasted from a couple of days to a week each time. Try Tylenol or similar for relief. Neulasta boosts the building of white blood cells faster to avoid wbc from getting too low. I didn't have the injection after the first chemo treatment and wound up in the hospital when wbc went dangerously low. The side effects were a small price to pay.

sausageroll

Derbygirl said:

Received Neulasta injections also in October-November. Side effects included fever and bone aches (flu like). Mine lasted from a couple of days to a week each time. Try Tylenol or similar for relief. Neulasta boosts the building of white blood cells faster to avoid wbc from getting too low. I didn't have the injection after the first chemo treatment and wound up in the hospital when wbc went dangerously low. The side effects were a small price to pay.

I agree Mimi
I think the 2 Neulasta shots that I have received were what gave me the bone pain..sharp pains throughout my bones and body aches. However..rather have those than end up in the hospital!

mimivac

Derbygirl said:

Received Neulasta injections also in October-November. Side effects included fever and bone aches (flu like). Mine lasted from a couple of days to a week each time. Try Tylenol or similar for relief. Neulasta boosts the building of white blood cells faster to avoid wbc from getting too low. I didn't have the injection after the first chemo treatment and wound up in the hospital when wbc went dangerously low. The side effects were a small price to pay.

You are both right
I know the Neulasta shots are a good thing, and have helped to keep me healthy. I think that is the reason that my white blood count is above average right now. Good tip on the Tylenol. I will try it this time. My second shot is tomorrow morning.

Sausage, I wanted to ask if you are still bothered by mouth sores? My doctor gave me a different mouthwash prescription this time that she said would be preventative, unlike the Magic Mouthwash. Let me know if you want more info.

Mimi

DAUGHTERofPOWER

chenheart said:

Chemo Cocktail
I had a lumpectomy, followed be Cytoxan, Taxotere, and Adriamycin, followed by radiation. I am about to finish 5 years of Arimidex, and I am feeling fine! Yes, there were side effects, and the road wasn't a walk in the park, but I did beat the Beast, and so will you!

Welcome to the room~ you will not find a more empathetic, supporive group anywhere!

Hugs,
Claudia

Current Quality of Life

 

Good morning Claudia,

I know it's a long shot to hope you are still a member and check your messages but I have to try.

From your Chemo Cocktail post, you and my mom were not only on the same regimen, you were taking it at the same time. There was a slight difference in surgeries and possible diagnosis. She had Stage IIIA invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor positive and HER-2/neu negative, post modified radical mastectomy, with several foci of cancer, including a large 6.5 cm lesion and 6 of 12 lymph nodes were positive. 

She received 4 cycles of Cytoxan/Adriamycin followed by 4 cycles of Taxotere and then radiation to the chest wall. Then she was started on tamoxifen but changed to Arimidex in December 2005 due to surgical menopause. She did develop a severe case of lymphedema in her left arm, which has been only getting worse recently. I don't know why but any progress shown over the years has reversed and grew 2-3x more. But besides that, how is your Quality of Life? Have you remained cancer-free since 2008? My mother is now 60 and I feel like I am losing her to all of the side effects from the drugs all those years ago. To name a few from one Doctor: Severe Osteoporosis, constant muscle pain, nerve pain, Gross hematuria (random UTI's w/blood present), Right hip lliopsoas bursitis & tendonitis, Mixed hyperlipidemia, hypertension, colonic polyps, Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, Lymphedema, anxiety disorder, Vitamin D deficiency, High cholestrol and possibly 1-2 upper artery blood clots. Work is draining her in everyway imaginable but I do live with her and I help with everything I can, though I feel it's not enough. 

I may have a bit of an ulterior motive  but I TRULY HOPE YOU DON'T LIVE WITH ANY OF THE DISEASES/ILLNESSES I MENTIONED  If you or anyone/group have any advice for her or me, I would be eternally greatful. I just want her retirement years to be filled with every ounce my mother derserves, though I know it's most likely not all possible so maybe just 5-10 of them PAIN-FREE with her grandkids. 

Thanks for possibly reading all that, any and all replies are welcome. If I don't hear back, I'll picture you in Palm Springs or Miami with a smile on your face and loved one on your arm 

Best wishes,

Nicole