Taxoter & Cytoxan first Treatment Monday

Dear LittleBee,

I never took Taxotere and therefore can't help you.  18 1/2 years ago I did take Cytoxan with 2 other drugs.  It was doable, I worked while doing chemotherapy.

Don't think of it as poison, think of it as a cancer cell killer.  You will do better with it if you do.  

Wishing you a good journey as you begin this part of your treatment.

Best,

Doris

I took these two drugs for 5 treatments in 2009, before my lumpectomy and radiation.  As everyone is, I was scared to death of being sick all the time.  I was not.  I did have some side effects like diarrhea after 1st round, mouth sores after second round and once a fever.  But a call to the doctor and he'd prescribe something to get rid of the side effects, and I'd be good.  Never threw up once !   And I worked full time throughout my treatment, only missing the day of chemo and the day after.  

Stay positive.  YOu can do this.  Everyone is different and you might not have any side effects at all.   I'm sure you are much younger than I was when I started treatment, so I know you'll do well.  Good luck.

Judy.

LittleBee said:

Megan:  So glad to hear from

Megan:  So glad to hear from you, sounds like we are doing the same things.  I have three more treatments myself.  Good tip on Benadryl.  The Steriod gives me hot flashes and boy what a Red Face I have!  I will try the Yogart, any particular brand?  I tried a Yoga class yesterday and did pretty good.  There were only a few poses that I could not do.  I was wondering about the hair loss because they told me probably after 12 to 15 days it would start falling out.  I cut my hair to prepare me with this situation and my husband would love to shave my head but I'm not sure if I trust him!  You are braver than me, my beautician said she would come in special for me when I am ready.  

I am getting Neulasta, the first one has been okay.  Do you get more bone pain as you get more shots?  How did you feel after day 7?  Any weaker they said some more side effects could occur day 7 to 10 but the Neulasta is suppose to help with that and to just be careful with crowds, etc.   My Chemo nurse was great in explaining everything and keeping me calm that first day!   I'm just trying to keep a good attitude and fight this silly cancer!  

Happy Valentines Day!  LittleBee

 

Hi, LittleBee,

On the Greek yogurt, I just get what's on sale.  I think it is really helping with my resiliency.  I also have a high-iron cereal with it for breakfast.  A lot of my Breast Friends (as I call my cancer gal network) had issues with anemia.  I just got back from my doctor's office.  I am just a hair anemic -- very close to normal.  They said my levels were "beautiful."

Sounds like you're drinking a lot of water.  I got some PowerAde, Crystal Light, and Coconut Water to spice things up.

On the hair front, everyone seems a bit different.  For me, once I started losing strands in the double digits, that was enough for me to go to head stubble.  Now, I have what I call "cow head" -- a patch here, a tuft there (like spots on a cow).  I lost a lot of stubble on my second cycle.  It's good to order your wigs, scarves, and hats ahead of time.  I got some great sleeping caps, satin pillowcases, and pre-tied scarves from Amazon.

I have been doing recumbent bike with some weights, combined with walks around my neighborhood.  The exercise makes me feel good.

On Neulasta, during the first chemo cycle, I had the worst pain on about day 5.  For the second cycle, I stayed on Claritin longer and did not have any problems but for a tiny bit of achiness.

I have generally avoided people during my whole chemo experience.  I start having visitors and going out more during week two around the 12 day mark.  If I am out in crowds, I use a lot of hand sanitizer and try to keep space between myself and others.  For instance, if we're at the store, my husband will stand in line and I will mill about.  i also find that I can eat pretty normally in mid- to late cycle.

One other tip:  I called my dentist before I started chemo, and he put me on Prevident to help protect my teeth.  That's where I get a lot of my bone sensitivity.

Round three tomorrow.  Bring it on!

Megan

LittleBee said:

Megan:  So glad to hear from

Megan:  So glad to hear from you, sounds like we are doing the same things.  I have three more treatments myself.  Good tip on Benadryl.  The Steriod gives me hot flashes and boy what a Red Face I have!  I will try the Yogart, any particular brand?  I tried a Yoga class yesterday and did pretty good.  There were only a few poses that I could not do.  I was wondering about the hair loss because they told me probably after 12 to 15 days it would start falling out.  I cut my hair to prepare me with this situation and my husband would love to shave my head but I'm not sure if I trust him!  You are braver than me, my beautician said she would come in special for me when I am ready.  

I am getting Neulasta, the first one has been okay.  Do you get more bone pain as you get more shots?  How did you feel after day 7?  Any weaker they said some more side effects could occur day 7 to 10 but the Neulasta is suppose to help with that and to just be careful with crowds, etc.   My Chemo nurse was great in explaining everything and keeping me calm that first day!   I'm just trying to keep a good attitude and fight this silly cancer!  

Happy Valentines Day!  LittleBee

 

Sending positive thoughts and strength to you LittleBee!

Hugs, Rose

LittleBee said:

Hi Megan!  Its been a few

Hi Megan!  Its been a few days since I have checked in, Day 5 really hit me hard.  They said because I took my last steriod I was going to crash!  Very week, aching and mouth on fire!  Day 6 and 7 the same thing!  But I am feeling better today, my mouth is still sore and my nose is bleeding a little!  I guess all of that is to be expected!  Im going to try and walk a little bit today, I know it would make me feel better.  I will try the Greek Yogurt because I know it is higher in protein.  You had mentioned your teeth, I did notice pain in my jaw and aching in my teeth.  I have been brushing lightly with baking soda.  Have you been able to keep your weight stable? I did lose 3 pounds this weekend.  What brand is your cereal?  That is a good idea finding something high in iron, since green leafy veggies are out of question!  They hurt my stomach!

I had a friend bring me some soup one day to avoid crowds, I know I need to be careful right now.  But it's good to know that after Day 12 you can get out a little.  I guess that is a good time to eat things that you enjoy!  

I did buy some scarfs and a friend of mine sent me some really soft Vera Bradley hats so I am ready for that adventure.  Everytime I get in the shower I always wonder will it be this time that I lose my hair?  

Good luck with Round 3!  I wish I was that far along!  Hang in There!  I will be thinking of you!

Deb

Yep.  On Day 5 of my first cycle, I had a lot of pain that led me to an emergency visit with my oncologist.  I ended up extending usage of Claritin, and things got better.

My mouth was a little sore.  I used Biotene and the Prevident that my denist prescribed for me.  On the nose bleeds (which also happened to me), I continued using my Neti pot.  I am very careful to boil the water all of the way, because I want to be absolutely certain that I kill any little bugs living in that water.  

On keeping my weight stable, I count calories using FatSecret.  There is a website, tablet, and cell phone app available.  That way, I can track what I am eating in case I get sick.

On cereal, I eat Trader Joe's Multigrain O's.  But there's lots of options out there, I am sure (I am sure Cheerios or Fiber One or Total make good choices).  The green leafy veggies are something that I reintroduce later in my chemo cycle.  I also have heard wonderful things about drinking Ensure -- loaded with vitamins and iron.

I have been more daring as time has gone on with being around other people.  You will find your groove.  Just take a face mask and hand sanitizer.

I am proud of your progress.  You'll get there.

Go!  Fight!  Win!

Megan

Every person is different. Just got done with mine with the same drugs for 4 sessions every 3 weeks,3 weeks ago. At first everything was ok until my 3rd where I developed severe itching and redness, developed a dark masked pigmentation in my face. My onco said it was one of the worst one and she treated me with 2 antihistamines round the clock for 2 weeks so if you feel just a little itching, you need to tell your onco. This was a reactin on the taxoterene. On my 4th, I was premeditated already so I didn't have the same reaction. It seems like I had more reactions on the Taxotere, all my nails turned dark like the other ladies, except for one and two toenails. I am under a dermatologist now for my face and its getting lighter, she said it will probably takes about 4 months before it clears up. I didn't have nausea or diarrhea , I had more constipation and bloating. Taking stool softeners and laxative helped a lot. I had a lot of fatigue, sometimes I get deppress a lot. It's very necessary that you tell all these to your doc so they can give you medications to help you go through this journey. I am still recovering and I still have a long way to go. Radiation starts next month. I am very hopeful, just take one step at a time. Good luck and I wish the best for you.

Eleanor1 said:

Every person is different.

Every person is different. Just got done with mine with the same drugs for 4 sessions every 3 weeks,3 weeks ago. At first everything was ok until my 3rd where I developed severe itching and redness, developed a dark masked pigmentation in my face. My onco said it was one of the worst one and she treated me with 2 antihistamines round the clock for 2 weeks so if you feel just a little itching, you need to tell your onco. This was a reactin on the taxoterene. On my 4th, I was premeditated already so I didn't have the same reaction. It seems like I had more reactions on the Taxotere, all my nails turned dark like the other ladies, except for one and two toenails. I am under a dermatologist now for my face and its getting lighter, she said it will probably takes about 4 months before it clears up. I didn't have nausea or diarrhea , I had more constipation and bloating. Taking stool softeners and laxative helped a lot. I had a lot of fatigue, sometimes I get deppress a lot. It's very necessary that you tell all these to your doc so they can give you medications to help you go through this journey. I am still recovering and I still have a long way to go. Radiation starts next month. I am very hopeful, just take one step at a time. Good luck and I wish the best for you.

Eleanor, what you said is so right. Littlebee, just take it one step at a time, one day at a time.  I know it can seem overwhelming, but, just know there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we will be there to celebrate with you when you finish.

Keep posting and updating us.

LittleBee said:

Megan:  I have been having

Megan:  I have been having some really strong days and enjoying every minute of it!  I even went to a early morning Yoga class...Yeah!

But I also noticed that my scalp was real tender yesterday and I am approaching Day 16, Did you scalp get tender before you lost your hair?  I know I am suppose to be prepared for this but your really not!  My next treatment is March 4th!  At least now I know what to expect...You feel really strong and then get knocked back down...like a roller coaster but there is light at the end of the ride!  

I hope you are doing okay!  Be Healthy, Heal, Survive and Thrive!

LittleBee

I noticed a couple of subtle changes in my scalp before my hair started to fall out.  Luckily, I did not have too much sensitivity.  I have heard from other "Breast Friends" that this was a precursor to their hair falling out.

There is really only so much you can do to prepare.  I had everything lined up, and I still found it to be an emotional experience.  But, I took control of it by deciding to have my husband shave my head when I was ready to do so.  That made me feel good.

I have been going out in my wigs, and they make me feel great.  People who have known me for years express surprise at how close the wigs are to my actual hair, although they are synthetic.  There is life without hair -- don't be afraid of it.

My last treatment is four days after your next one.  Hold strong.  Like you, I am fighting some skin issues/sensitivity right now.  But, we can and will do this!

Fight on!

Megan