Round 3 of A/C, then Taxol. Will it get worse?

twnkltoz
twnkltoz Member Posts: 169 Member
in Breast Cancer #1

Hi all, new here. I had my third round of adriamycin/cytoxin last wednesday. I'm on every other week, and after the next one I'll have four rounds of Taxol. So far, side effects have not been bad. In fact, this time I was only nauseous the first day, and it's really just been fatigue. A little fluish feeling on Saturday from the Neulasta (taking Claritin helped with that). The only time I had mouth sores was about a week after the first one, but I'd been slacking off on rinsing my mouth (I do 1/4t baking soda, 1/8t salt and 8oz warm water 3x/day) so I became more dilligent about that and I've had no trouble since. No metallic or chemical taste. My hair did start falling out on day 12 or so so I buzzed it and it's been slowly falling out (armpit and pubic hair are gone. yay!). Although I'm slightly sensitive to bright light and loud noises, it's not bad. I can still use scented shower gel and my cleansing pouf.

So my question is...can I expect this good fortune to continue? They say things get worse as you go along, but so far it really hasn't. Will new side effects pop up at some point? Those of you who were on the same regimen, did you find Taxol to be worse or better? 

Thanks!

Comments

  • GlowMore
    GlowMore Member Posts: 789 Member
    #2
    It's all Relative*

    Hi Twnkltoz......... Sounds like you have a wonderful attitude and all I cAn say is just keep taking it as it comes...mine sort of got worse but I didn't have the Taxol....mine was FAC ...anyway...I wish I could tell you it won't get worse.  But we are all different and all I can really tell you is that ....I went through it....and the radiation and lots of other things...but I am still here...and the main thing is to survive   :)    Sending you prayers for strength and courage.  Glo  (if you click our names it takes you to our home pages ANd you can read about each of us there.)  hugs....xxoo

  • twnkltoz
    twnkltoz Member Posts: 169 Member
    #3
    GlowMore said:

    It's all Relative*

    Hi Twnkltoz......... Sounds like you have a wonderful attitude and all I cAn say is just keep taking it as it comes...mine sort of got worse but I didn't have the Taxol....mine was FAC ...anyway...I wish I could tell you it won't get worse.  But we are all different and all I can really tell you is that ....I went through it....and the radiation and lots of other things...but I am still here...and the main thing is to survive   :)    Sending you prayers for strength and courage.  Glo  (if you click our names it takes you to our home pages ANd you can read about each of us there.)  hugs....xxoo

    Thank you! You and I had the

    Thank you! You and I had the same diagnosis, so it's good to see you're still here and doing well!

  • GlowMore
    GlowMore Member Posts: 789 Member
    #4
    twnkltoz said:

    Thank you! You and I had the

    Thank you! You and I had the same diagnosis, so it's good to see you're still here and doing well!

    Triple Negative*

    Yes the Triple Negative is pretty scary....but it is best to focus on the positive and to let go of fear and take it day by day.    I love that you have started a blog....I think that is a very good thing to do and will definitely be following your posts.  Prayers for Strength & Courage.   Glo 

  • desertgirl947
    desertgirl947 Member Posts: 653 Member
    #5
    I had the same chemo plan you

    I had the same chemo plan you do, it appears. 

    On AC. I did quite well.  I would have a few -- maybe two --- days I was a little queasy, but that was it.  My oncology people said to me that if my chemo made me sick, let them know.  They could change the prescription I had for the anti-puke drugs.  I did not need them for Taxol, as I did not even have queasiness.  On AC my hair was starting to flee after the second dose, and so I had a friend of mine give me a buzz cut, figuring that losing the bristles would not seem as difficut to deal with -- that was all right.  I had no hair anywhere, not even nose hairs.  (I think that may have been part of my problems later -- nothing to filter tha air I breathed in.  I had a bit of a pesky cough develop by the time I was doing taxol.)

    On AC and Taxol, my numbers were always good. I had Neulasta shots the day after.   So, I stayed on schedule.

    I am not sure if the few challenges I had when I was on taxol was the taxol OR the cumulation of the chemo.  I did keep an eye on my feet, making sure I was not getting cracks in my skin, like a friend of mine did.  I had some peeling around the heel and side opposite the arches.  My toenails were a grayish color, but I did not lose them.  Taking deep breaths did become a problem -- they triggered coughing.  Catching my breath triggered coughing.  I had a two weekends near the end of chemo in which the coughing really became problematic.  My oncologist had me do a few things -- and they really did help:  take an allergy pill.  The second time it happened, he also had me add mucinex and gave me a prescription to be sure I was not on the verge of pneumonia.  That all worked well, as I was able to stay on track with my chemo.  The other thing I had for a few days was a lot of achiness in my hip bones when I was doing the taxol and still doing the neulasta. 

    Once I finished all the chemo, the cough did disappear.

    Do not be surprised is the med people keep a close eye on you when you take your first infusion of taxol.  It is not unusual for people to have a type of reaction within the first half hour or less.  That did not happen to me.  That happened to me the last two times.  Benadryl infusion helped the first time.  The seond time they had already added in the extra benadryl, and so I think they did some demorol.  Not sure == they were surprised I was not sleepy after all that.

    You will get a sense of how your body handles the chemo.  For me, I laid low a few days each time; then I made sure that I did not stay a prisoner in my home.  I think that helped me stay positive in my ability to get through it all.

    I am now three years past all that and doing fine.  I did rads and I currently take tamoxifen.

    Hope this helps.  You will get through this.

  • twnkltoz
    twnkltoz Member Posts: 169 Member
    #6
    desertgirl947 said:

    I had the same chemo plan you

    I had the same chemo plan you do, it appears. 

    On AC. I did quite well.  I would have a few -- maybe two --- days I was a little queasy, but that was it.  My oncology people said to me that if my chemo made me sick, let them know.  They could change the prescription I had for the anti-puke drugs.  I did not need them for Taxol, as I did not even have queasiness.  On AC my hair was starting to flee after the second dose, and so I had a friend of mine give me a buzz cut, figuring that losing the bristles would not seem as difficut to deal with -- that was all right.  I had no hair anywhere, not even nose hairs.  (I think that may have been part of my problems later -- nothing to filter tha air I breathed in.  I had a bit of a pesky cough develop by the time I was doing taxol.)

    On AC and Taxol, my numbers were always good. I had Neulasta shots the day after.   So, I stayed on schedule.

    I am not sure if the few challenges I had when I was on taxol was the taxol OR the cumulation of the chemo.  I did keep an eye on my feet, making sure I was not getting cracks in my skin, like a friend of mine did.  I had some peeling around the heel and side opposite the arches.  My toenails were a grayish color, but I did not lose them.  Taking deep breaths did become a problem -- they triggered coughing.  Catching my breath triggered coughing.  I had a two weekends near the end of chemo in which the coughing really became problematic.  My oncologist had me do a few things -- and they really did help:  take an allergy pill.  The second time it happened, he also had me add mucinex and gave me a prescription to be sure I was not on the verge of pneumonia.  That all worked well, as I was able to stay on track with my chemo.  The other thing I had for a few days was a lot of achiness in my hip bones when I was doing the taxol and still doing the neulasta. 

    Once I finished all the chemo, the cough did disappear.

    Do not be surprised is the med people keep a close eye on you when you take your first infusion of taxol.  It is not unusual for people to have a type of reaction within the first half hour or less.  That did not happen to me.  That happened to me the last two times.  Benadryl infusion helped the first time.  The seond time they had already added in the extra benadryl, and so I think they did some demorol.  Not sure == they were surprised I was not sleepy after all that.

    You will get a sense of how your body handles the chemo.  For me, I laid low a few days each time; then I made sure that I did not stay a prisoner in my home.  I think that helped me stay positive in my ability to get through it all.

    I am now three years past all that and doing fine.  I did rads and I currently take tamoxifen.

    Hope this helps.  You will get through this.

    Thank you so much! Great to

    Thank you so much! Great to hear, and congrats on being three years out.

  • coral2015
    coral2015 Member Posts: 30
    #7
    A/C followed by T here too

    My chemo was exactly like yours. My experience was pretty smooth (if you can call it like that). Mild side effects like you, my hair falling was the worst and I slept more than usual. Taxol was much better, I had more energy, but I had an allergic reaction (rash) and I was on xtra steroids wich made retain more fluids and I gain 10 pounds in a couple of weeks. Also you might feel that your whole body hurts after 3 days of the Taxol, Didnt need Neulasta during Taxol, but I heard from another patiente that did had it, It made her feel more pain (not sure why or if was really related). Overall I felt better while on TAxol, so I hope you do too. Stay strong and keep us posted :)

    Adriana

     

  • twnkltoz
    twnkltoz Member Posts: 169 Member
    #8
    coral2015 said:

    A/C followed by T here too

    My chemo was exactly like yours. My experience was pretty smooth (if you can call it like that). Mild side effects like you, my hair falling was the worst and I slept more than usual. Taxol was much better, I had more energy, but I had an allergic reaction (rash) and I was on xtra steroids wich made retain more fluids and I gain 10 pounds in a couple of weeks. Also you might feel that your whole body hurts after 3 days of the Taxol, Didnt need Neulasta during Taxol, but I heard from another patiente that did had it, It made her feel more pain (not sure why or if was really related). Overall I felt better while on TAxol, so I hope you do too. Stay strong and keep us posted :)

    Adriana

     

    Awesome, thank you! My MO did

    Awesome, thank you! My MO did indicate I'd continue neulasta on taxol and so would more likely have bone pain. Was it relentless or did it only last a few days each time?

  • button2
    button2 Member Posts: 421
    #9
    My bone pain

    The Neulasta shot made me get bone pain and fever for about 5 days after each infusion. It was ok because I'd take some Tylenol and rest a lot. I always made sure to clean the house and prepare a couple of meals the day before going for a round. Then I could sit on the couch and read magazines for a few days. You sound like you will get through this just fine. I'll be NED for three years this Sept! hugs, Anna

  • twnkltoz
    twnkltoz Member Posts: 169 Member
    #10
    button2 said:

    My bone pain

    The Neulasta shot made me get bone pain and fever for about 5 days after each infusion. It was ok because I'd take some Tylenol and rest a lot. I always made sure to clean the house and prepare a couple of meals the day before going for a round. Then I could sit on the couch and read magazines for a few days. You sound like you will get through this just fine. I'll be NED for three years this Sept! hugs, Anna

    Thanks! I can deal with

    Thanks! I can deal with anything knowing it's temporary. Congrats on your victory!

  • desertgirl947
    desertgirl947 Member Posts: 653 Member
    #11
    twnkltoz said:

    Awesome, thank you! My MO did

    Awesome, thank you! My MO did indicate I'd continue neulasta on taxol and so would more likely have bone pain. Was it relentless or did it only last a few days each time?

    I had Neulasta through Taxol,

    I had Neulasta through Taxol, except after the last infusion.  I am not sure if it was the cumulative effect or not, but I found that I had aching hips and legs the weekend after my chemo (M) and shot (TU).  After that, I seemed to be ok.

  • coral2015
    coral2015 Member Posts: 30
    #12
    twnkltoz said:

    Awesome, thank you! My MO did

    Awesome, thank you! My MO did indicate I'd continue neulasta on taxol and so would more likely have bone pain. Was it relentless or did it only last a few days each time?

    few days

    It just lasted a couple of days, and it wasn't that bad. I think you are doing fine so far, and you will be ok on Taxol :) Good luck.

  • twnkltoz
    twnkltoz Member Posts: 169 Member
    #13
    coral2015 said:

    few days

    It just lasted a couple of days, and it wasn't that bad. I think you are doing fine so far, and you will be ok on Taxol :) Good luck.

    Thanks, ladies!!

    Thanks, ladies!!

  • twnkltoz
    twnkltoz Member Posts: 169 Member
    #14
    I'm an athlete. I'm used to

    I'm an athlete. I'm used to being in pain, so that I can handle!

  • LouisaP
    LouisaP Member Posts: 62
    #15
    twnkltoz said:

    I'm an athlete. I'm used to

    I'm an athlete. I'm used to being in pain, so that I can handle!

    I just finished my A/C,

    I just finished my A/C, Taxol. I'm allergic to the Taxol so I have sunburn, peeling like rash mostly on arms & hands. On all kinds of oral & topical meds. But its healing. Now I go get uni mx. Thats whats scaring me.

     

  • twnkltoz
    twnkltoz Member Posts: 169 Member
    #16
    LouisaP said:

    I just finished my A/C,

    I just finished my A/C, Taxol. I'm allergic to the Taxol so I have sunburn, peeling like rash mostly on arms & hands. On all kinds of oral & topical meds. But its healing. Now I go get uni mx. Thats whats scaring me.

     

    Sorry you weren't through

    Sorry you weren't through that, but glad you're healing! Good luck with surgery!

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #17
    twnkltoz said:

    Sorry you weren't through

    Sorry you weren't through that, but glad you're healing! Good luck with surgery!

    Just checking in on YOU - Chemo Queens ==

    Hoping things are better - Please check in when possible.

     

    Former Chemo Queen - Vicki Sam

  • twnkltoz
    twnkltoz Member Posts: 169 Member
    #18
    VickiSam said:

    Just checking in on YOU - Chemo Queens ==

    Hoping things are better - Please check in when possible.

     

    Former Chemo Queen - Vicki Sam

    Thanks! Had round 4 a week

    Thanks! Had round 4 a week and a half ago. No nausea this time, but have had fatigue for quite a bit longer than previously. I'm noticing more issues with mucous membranes being thinner, had to start takeing L-Lysine for my mouth (it worked and kept the mouth sores at bay), and maybe I'm having a little more trouble concentrating/figuring stuff out/etc. Otherwise, I feel like I'm doing well, compared to some. Still no metallic or chemical taste, although I'm pickier and strong smells or flavors either nauseate me or are at least unappealing. Still, in all, it's not as bad as I feared. Both looking forward to and dreading Taxol. I hope it's easier, like so many people say!

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
    #19
    twnkltoz said:

    Thanks! Had round 4 a week

    Thanks! Had round 4 a week and a half ago. No nausea this time, but have had fatigue for quite a bit longer than previously. I'm noticing more issues with mucous membranes being thinner, had to start takeing L-Lysine for my mouth (it worked and kept the mouth sores at bay), and maybe I'm having a little more trouble concentrating/figuring stuff out/etc. Otherwise, I feel like I'm doing well, compared to some. Still no metallic or chemical taste, although I'm pickier and strong smells or flavors either nauseate me or are at least unappealing. Still, in all, it's not as bad as I feared. Both looking forward to and dreading Taxol. I hope it's easier, like so many people say!

    good to hear from you

    Sounds like you're handling this well. Only certain chemo agents cause the metallic taste, so maybe you weren't on one of those. I didn't either. I also wasn't on Taxol so don't have personal experience with that, but seems like most women tolerate that better.

  • twnkltoz
    twnkltoz Member Posts: 169 Member
    #20
    Had my first of four Taxol

    Had my first of four Taxol and saw my genetic counselor today. Lots of updates so I hope it's OK to just link to my blog.http://jenniferfightscancer.blogspot.com/2015/09/news-from-genetic-counselor.html

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