Cytoxan and Taxotere...who's had this?
Comments
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feeling much betterMAJW said:My "FRIEND" TCGgal!!!
I am so sorry you had such a lousy "chemo day".......yuk! Hang in there.......WE ARE HALF WAY DONE NOW............2 down 2 to go! Knock wood, I am doing well......had no problem with chemo on Monday....I actually couldn't believe how calm I was when I got to the cancer center along with the hubby.....he even remarked on it.....I think it was prayers being answered by God, as I pray for strength and courage to get through this.....I guess, also, I felt like I knew what to expect. Had the Neulasta shot yesterday morning.......waiting on those side effects to kick in, bone pain, muscle spasms.....but so far so good, with everything.......Plus I have plenty of Vicodin and muscle relaxants if the pain starts........the "hair stubble" from where I had it buzzed is falling out..I look like GI JOE! Don't wear my wig around the house, just a pretty scarf......I maybe going bald but I am going to be comfortable, doing it! Hang in there, my friend.......we'll get through this!
And hopefully your next infusion will go easier.....stay in touch!
N
Hi there,
day 2 & 3 much much better. Now tomorrow will begin the bone pain. I cannot help but anticipate it, I will pray it doesn't come for either of us. I will be off the next 4 days to accomodate my potential SE. All in all, I went to to work today at 6:15 am & worked 7.5 hours. It is nice because I own my own business, and can go in to work anytime, so if I am up to it later this week, I will go in. Laundry is done, house is clean-ish...I get so much done on this steroid high! lost all the weight I gained on chemo day-life is good right now!
Take care Nancy and everyone else!0 -
and I'm in line after youjpares said:I guess I'm next
My treatment starts on July 1st. I too will be getting the TC combo every three weeks for a total of four treatment. I'm so scared! I hate the thought of loosing my hair and of any future side affects these drugs might give. Depression has been a problem since my diagnosis in March but I am going to start a yoga class with my daughter to try and get myself mentally ready to face this challenge. I'm still not healed from surgery in early May so that worries me as well.
Thank you for your comments. At least I know what to potentially expect.
God bless you all,
Jack
I start the TC treatments on July 24th and have come 'here' looking for support and to hopefully ease my mind. I think that all of us that have been down this road suffer from some sort of depression, so you are definitely not alone- just hope that it goes away after the treatment stops!
I highly recommend yoga and brisk walks to relieve anxiety and depression- I sleep much better after I take my yoga class.
If anyone has any suggestions on how to prepare for the next 12 weeks, I'd love to hear from you. Hope, healing, and happiness to everyone on this site.......Jane0 -
Welcome to the group, BunnyJaneBunnyJane said:and I'm in line after you
I start the TC treatments on July 24th and have come 'here' looking for support and to hopefully ease my mind. I think that all of us that have been down this road suffer from some sort of depression, so you are definitely not alone- just hope that it goes away after the treatment stops!
I highly recommend yoga and brisk walks to relieve anxiety and depression- I sleep much better after I take my yoga class.
If anyone has any suggestions on how to prepare for the next 12 weeks, I'd love to hear from you. Hope, healing, and happiness to everyone on this site.......Jane
As you already can see from this thread, we're all here to support and encourage each other.
Chemo is a different experience for each, though also with many similarities. Best advice: take all your meds exactly as prescribed, drink lots of water, and "listen" to your own body. When you feel good, do things you enjoy. When you feel not so good, rest and take care.
Visit us often, whenever you'd like or need to...
Best wishes to you, Jane.0 -
Thanks Christmas Girl. IfChristmas Girl said:Welcome to the group, BunnyJane
As you already can see from this thread, we're all here to support and encourage each other.
Chemo is a different experience for each, though also with many similarities. Best advice: take all your meds exactly as prescribed, drink lots of water, and "listen" to your own body. When you feel good, do things you enjoy. When you feel not so good, rest and take care.
Visit us often, whenever you'd like or need to...
Best wishes to you, Jane.
Thanks Christmas Girl. If all goes well, I'll be done with chemo and rads by Xmas!0 -
Perfect timing!BunnyJane said:Thanks Christmas Girl. If
Thanks Christmas Girl. If all goes well, I'll be done with chemo and rads by Xmas!
Of course, I would say so, now wouldn't I?
Christmas Girl was Born on Christmas Day. So, you'll be done by my birthday!0 -
Treatment #3 todayTCGgal said:feeling much better
Hi there,
day 2 & 3 much much better. Now tomorrow will begin the bone pain. I cannot help but anticipate it, I will pray it doesn't come for either of us. I will be off the next 4 days to accomodate my potential SE. All in all, I went to to work today at 6:15 am & worked 7.5 hours. It is nice because I own my own business, and can go in to work anytime, so if I am up to it later this week, I will go in. Laundry is done, house is clean-ish...I get so much done on this steroid high! lost all the weight I gained on chemo day-life is good right now!
Take care Nancy and everyone else!
Again, I a dreading it. I was so sick last time. I pray for a better chemo session this day.
Hope everyone is doing well.0 -
Spasms and PainMAJW said:HI LAURIE
SAME HERE.........I am on day 14 and still have hair........but I almost wish it would just go ahead and fall out....Yet another thing to "wait on!" My scalp is very tender and sort of burns.........I bought my wig two weeks ago, have actually "practiced" wearing it.....giggle...I wear my hair short and the wig is awesome! It looks better than my real hair.......my best friend said that! haha My hairdresser told me what to look for.......it has slight variations in color so it looks more natural...
I have not had the first bit of nausea......YEAH!!!!!!!! The WORST for me was the after effects of the Neulasta injection. YIKES!!!! That truly kicked my butt! I had that on Tuesday and by Saturday night I was in agony......ended up having to call the doctor on Sunday morning. Saw my oncologist on Monday and they gave me Rx's for strong pain meds and muscle relaxants for next time..... the muscle spasms were awful.......all across my chest.......back, charly horses in my legs.....and I thought the chemo was going to be the "big bad boy!" Couple that with diarrhea and I was a real PEACH! AT one point I even had to laugh at myself.......I was on the toliet with the rhea and a spasm hit me and almost knockced me off the toliet....That was the highlight of my evening......giggle... But at least now I know what to expect NEXT TIME......am armed with strong meds and I'm ready!
Let's keep in touch with each other's progress......
Prayers and best wishes to you Laurie
Nancy
I had the same experience with the shot. The pain in my lower back, hips, knees, legs and ankles was almost unbearable. At one point, I was on my back like a turtle trying to get some relief for my back. Getting up to deal with the diarrhea was an adventure in itself. This pain started at 5 PM on Thursday and lasted until 4 AM Friday.
I would like to know what pain meds and muscle relaxants you guys were given to deal with this. The nurse practicioner prescribed a tylonal that requires a script but I do not have faith that this will work.
P0 -
HI TCGalTCGgal said:Treatment #3 today
Again, I a dreading it. I was so sick last time. I pray for a better chemo session this day.
Hope everyone is doing well.
How was #3? Hope is was easier than the last one. I had my first treatment on Friday. Monday was a rough day, but things are looking up this AM. Hope you are doing well!
Jane0 -
#3BunnyJane said:HI TCGal
How was #3? Hope is was easier than the last one. I had my first treatment on Friday. Monday was a rough day, but things are looking up this AM. Hope you are doing well!
Jane
was ok, came home & was very tired with heavy legs & dry eyes. Slept on & off through the night. Better but still very tired today-neulasta shot earlier today.I am ok with nausea due to emend, zofran & compazine, along with steroids.
Looking forward to getting this over with! One more treatment in just 20 days!YAY!
Oh, regrowth of hair is falling out already!0 -
Forward and Onward!!!!TCGgal said:#3
was ok, came home & was very tired with heavy legs & dry eyes. Slept on & off through the night. Better but still very tired today-neulasta shot earlier today.I am ok with nausea due to emend, zofran & compazine, along with steroids.
Looking forward to getting this over with! One more treatment in just 20 days!YAY!
Oh, regrowth of hair is falling out already!
Glad to hear today went well.
Here's to only one more treatment!
God Bless
Aurora0 -
Just one more treatment!TCGgal said:#3
was ok, came home & was very tired with heavy legs & dry eyes. Slept on & off through the night. Better but still very tired today-neulasta shot earlier today.I am ok with nausea due to emend, zofran & compazine, along with steroids.
Looking forward to getting this over with! One more treatment in just 20 days!YAY!
Oh, regrowth of hair is falling out already!
Just one more treatment! You are almost done.
So happy for you!
Post and keep us updated on you!
Hugs,
Leeza0 -
About to start chemotherapy in 2 daysdorismac said:Cytoxin and taxotere
I have had the same treatments as you. I began in March and ended in May. I had 4 treatments, three weeks apart. I prayed everyday that I would not get sick and I would not lose any hair. I never had any sickness or lost any hair. I did have a reaction while receiving my 2nd treatment. I begin to get light headed and dizzy and felt like I was going to pass out. They stoppped the treatment and gave me benadryl and then everything was fine. I was given benadryl before the treatments for treatment 3 and 4 and everything was fine.
I had no problems after the treatments and I never felt tired or weak. You will be in my prayers.
It was nice reading so of the different experiences that people had with cytotaxan and taxotere. My doctors assures me that I will not have nausea, but he did say fatigue and hair loss with come with it. I too will have to do 4 treatments. He didn't mention anything about coming back for the Neulasta shot so I will found out how they expect to maintain my WBC.
Do any of you tend to avoid people or shop or go out during quiet times to limit the amount of germs? I have 2 little kids (7yrs old and almost 5yr) so they are walking germs.
I was also looking forward to going to my 20 yr high school reunion at the end of the month, but not sure if it will be wise to attend since it will be 2 days after my 2nd treatment.
Wish I had a remote control to fast forward all of this and be done already. My poor beagles are hating this too because I haven't been able to walk/run with them the last few weeks after the surgery.
Shana0 -
hi Beaglegirl8Beaglegirl8 said:About to start chemotherapy in 2 days
It was nice reading so of the different experiences that people had with cytotaxan and taxotere. My doctors assures me that I will not have nausea, but he did say fatigue and hair loss with come with it. I too will have to do 4 treatments. He didn't mention anything about coming back for the Neulasta shot so I will found out how they expect to maintain my WBC.
Do any of you tend to avoid people or shop or go out during quiet times to limit the amount of germs? I have 2 little kids (7yrs old and almost 5yr) so they are walking germs.
I was also looking forward to going to my 20 yr high school reunion at the end of the month, but not sure if it will be wise to attend since it will be 2 days after my 2nd treatment.
Wish I had a remote control to fast forward all of this and be done already. My poor beagles are hating this too because I haven't been able to walk/run with them the last few weeks after the surgery.
Shana
yes I tried
hi Beaglegirl8
yes I tried to avoid being around people. I had gone back to work 7 days after my first treatment and got sick. The Dr told me that the white cells are at their lowest point on days 7-10, so I stayed away from people as much as possible on those days. I know its impossible when you have little ones! I guess the best thing to do is just do your best to stay healthy and keep wiping everything down with clorox wipes or something! Good luck to you!0 -
Starting taxotere and cytozan 3/15/10
I had a diagnosis on 12/8/09 of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of my right breast. I had a radical mastectomy of my right breast on 1/19/10. The lump was 2.2cm. They also removed 3 lymph nodes and did not find cancer in the nodes. The treatment plan is 4 chemo treatments of taxotere and cytozan and then tamoxifen for 5 years. I have been horrified at the thought of losing my hair and all of the other side effects I have read about. This site has given me alot of great info on what to do or take and not to do before and after my treatments. I start my treatment on 3/15/10. Thank you all for sharing your stories and I agree with many of you who have put your trust in God to bring us all through this time and to allow Him to carry us through this.
Anyone have any advise on wigs? I bought one yesterday but it is not so comfortable. What type of cap do you wear under the wig? How hot does it get in the summer time since I will be going through chemo from March - June in Texas.
I wonder also how many women also decide on the breast reconstruction and which type of reconstruction is most popular.....implants or flap?0 -
balentineBalentine said:Starting taxotere and cytozan 3/15/10
I had a diagnosis on 12/8/09 of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of my right breast. I had a radical mastectomy of my right breast on 1/19/10. The lump was 2.2cm. They also removed 3 lymph nodes and did not find cancer in the nodes. The treatment plan is 4 chemo treatments of taxotere and cytozan and then tamoxifen for 5 years. I have been horrified at the thought of losing my hair and all of the other side effects I have read about. This site has given me alot of great info on what to do or take and not to do before and after my treatments. I start my treatment on 3/15/10. Thank you all for sharing your stories and I agree with many of you who have put your trust in God to bring us all through this time and to allow Him to carry us through this.
Anyone have any advise on wigs? I bought one yesterday but it is not so comfortable. What type of cap do you wear under the wig? How hot does it get in the summer time since I will be going through chemo from March - June in Texas.
I wonder also how many women also decide on the breast reconstruction and which type of reconstruction is most popular.....implants or flap?
hi balentine the wigs are hot i have one and i wore it a few times that was it. i started chemo in june 2009 ended in sep 2009 i wore bandannas and now winter is here fleece hats.synthetic wigs are easier to take care of but if you have one dont wear it when you open the oven door! its a personall choice some cancer centers offer wig banks where you can get a free wig also you can call the american cancer society for a free wig. i got mine through them. i want to wish you the best of luck i was on the same chemo as you . i was diagnosed april 2009 IDC 2.2cm stage 2. best of luck to you. i had a lumpectomy so i cant help with reconstruction.
teresa0 -
Chemo, wigs, etc.Balentine said:Starting taxotere and cytozan 3/15/10
I had a diagnosis on 12/8/09 of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of my right breast. I had a radical mastectomy of my right breast on 1/19/10. The lump was 2.2cm. They also removed 3 lymph nodes and did not find cancer in the nodes. The treatment plan is 4 chemo treatments of taxotere and cytozan and then tamoxifen for 5 years. I have been horrified at the thought of losing my hair and all of the other side effects I have read about. This site has given me alot of great info on what to do or take and not to do before and after my treatments. I start my treatment on 3/15/10. Thank you all for sharing your stories and I agree with many of you who have put your trust in God to bring us all through this time and to allow Him to carry us through this.
Anyone have any advise on wigs? I bought one yesterday but it is not so comfortable. What type of cap do you wear under the wig? How hot does it get in the summer time since I will be going through chemo from March - June in Texas.
I wonder also how many women also decide on the breast reconstruction and which type of reconstruction is most popular.....implants or flap?
Balentine,
Bless you! Your treatment sounds just like mine except I opted for bilateral mastectomy because my other breast, the doctors all thought, would likely fall prey to cancer at some time as well. My surgery was Oct 14 and I began my chemo on Dec 8. I just finished my last treatment (taxotere & cytoxan) this past Tuesday and will begin my Tamoxifen in about 3 weeks. On a scale of 1-10, I thought chemo would be an 8 and I found it to be about a 4 or 5 instead. I know everybody reacts differently with side affects; however, with the anti-nausea meds that they have now (they hung anti-nausea and steroid pre-meds on me prior to the taxotere and cytoxan infusions), I experienced no nausea at all. I have a whole bottle of Zofran that I've never used. I began losing my hair on day 14 of the first treatment. It was Christmas Eve and I had my daughters home for the holiday. I gave them a scissors and they cut my hair down to about 2 inches. A couple days later, they cut me to 1/2 inch. I've saved my hair to put out this spring for the birds to use for nest building. We made a real event out of the hair cutting, laughing, crying, hugging. When my son-in-law showed up in the room with my wig on, it made us all crack up! It all seems so overwhelming initially but as you walk the path, step by step, it becomes somewhat of a new normal. I've retained some wisps of hair - my husband calls me "Woodstock" after the Peanuts character... I did get a nice wig - didn't spare expense - got a monofilament wig that cost about $325. It's a Tony of Beverly wig - went to a shop in the Phoenix area that caters to those experiencing medical hair loss. I just wear the wig right on my head - no cap. It's been nice wearing it this winter - it helps keep my head warm.
I'm still giving thought to reconstruction. Am not going to do anything right away - but give myself time to recover from the chemo and get my life back to normal - a new normal!
Feel free to email me if you want to talk further.
Beth0 -
Hi Balentine,BethInAz said:Chemo, wigs, etc.
Balentine,
Bless you! Your treatment sounds just like mine except I opted for bilateral mastectomy because my other breast, the doctors all thought, would likely fall prey to cancer at some time as well. My surgery was Oct 14 and I began my chemo on Dec 8. I just finished my last treatment (taxotere & cytoxan) this past Tuesday and will begin my Tamoxifen in about 3 weeks. On a scale of 1-10, I thought chemo would be an 8 and I found it to be about a 4 or 5 instead. I know everybody reacts differently with side affects; however, with the anti-nausea meds that they have now (they hung anti-nausea and steroid pre-meds on me prior to the taxotere and cytoxan infusions), I experienced no nausea at all. I have a whole bottle of Zofran that I've never used. I began losing my hair on day 14 of the first treatment. It was Christmas Eve and I had my daughters home for the holiday. I gave them a scissors and they cut my hair down to about 2 inches. A couple days later, they cut me to 1/2 inch. I've saved my hair to put out this spring for the birds to use for nest building. We made a real event out of the hair cutting, laughing, crying, hugging. When my son-in-law showed up in the room with my wig on, it made us all crack up! It all seems so overwhelming initially but as you walk the path, step by step, it becomes somewhat of a new normal. I've retained some wisps of hair - my husband calls me "Woodstock" after the Peanuts character... I did get a nice wig - didn't spare expense - got a monofilament wig that cost about $325. It's a Tony of Beverly wig - went to a shop in the Phoenix area that caters to those experiencing medical hair loss. I just wear the wig right on my head - no cap. It's been nice wearing it this winter - it helps keep my head warm.
I'm still giving thought to reconstruction. Am not going to do anything right away - but give myself time to recover from the chemo and get my life back to normal - a new normal!
Feel free to email me if you want to talk further.
Beth
I had a single mastecomy and no reconstruction and wear a breast protesis. So no info on that. But when it comes to wigs...I have a hand tied wig (not real hair) that has a linen top so you can see my scalp thru it, it weighs 2 oz and is very lite weight on my head. I got it at a specialty shop that deals in all things mastecomy. My BCBS paid $300 of the cost and I paid $135 and it is worth every penny. My husband and friends think it's beautiful. It's wash and wear. I don't wear anything under it. When I got it (way before my chemo) I took it to my hairdresser who trimed it to my hairstyle and thinned it.
I hated losing my hair, we all do but like everything else you will adjust. Mine started coming out on Day 13 of chemo. After a few days I had my hairdresser "buzz" it to 1/4 inch and some never did come out. I had my last chemo on 12-11 and my eyebrows and lashes came out 4 or 5 weeks after that. All is now growing back. Everytime I walk past a mirror I am still surprised to see I have no hair, just a five o'clock shadow.
I have a couple of head coverings I also wear. I am bare in the house except when someone comes over and then I put on a hat. I am hoping I wont' have to cover myhead in summer this year and that could be a problem for you too. For everyday, you mite want to use something cool and breezy. Wind blows thru my wig but I don't want to have to wear it in the summer unless I'm going someplace special etc. I think the selection at the TLC website is reasonable and cute. It's a Cancer Society site: www.tlcdirect.org I have ordered a couple of things from them and they come in sizes and are well made.
Good luck with your upcoming treatment. It seems we all have different reactions, just drink plenty of water, have soft things to eat like yogurt applesauce and pudding etc. Oh and Gatorade. Food tasted yucky to me except dill pickles and oranges & grapes...
Let us know what you decide about your wig etc. and how you are doing with your chemo.
Hugs, Judy :-)0
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