Antibiotics while on Taxotere

MichaelaMarie
MichaelaMarie Member Posts: 163
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi everyone! I went for my lab work today, just got home, and got a telephone call from my doctor's nurse. She said my white count was pretty bad, and they don't want me coming down with anything, so she had just called in an antibiotic for me to take for five days. I'm suppose to have my third Taxotere/Carbo chemo next Tuesday. She didn't mention my CA numbers, and I guess I was too scared to ask. Has this ever happened to anyone else? I know in the past, I have had to have those shots to pump up my count. I sure would appreciate hearing if anyone else has had this situation, or similar. I hope all of you are doing well. Take care, MM

Comments

  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #2
    MM:
    I too am on Taxotere/Carbo, as I was switched from Taxol due an allergic reaction. I have not had to take antibiotics for a low white cell count, but had to for an urinary tract infection right after my surgery and into my first chemo treatment. I don't know if you are specifically asking if anyone experienced problems, but I did not.
    I hope that helps. Otherwise, let me know if there's something else you need to know.
    Thank you, and hugs and prayers to you.
    Monika
  • MichaelaMarie
    MichaelaMarie Member Posts: 163
    #3
    mopar said:

    MM:
    I too am on Taxotere/Carbo, as I was switched from Taxol due an allergic reaction. I have not had to take antibiotics for a low white cell count, but had to for an urinary tract infection right after my surgery and into my first chemo treatment. I don't know if you are specifically asking if anyone experienced problems, but I did not.
    I hope that helps. Otherwise, let me know if there's something else you need to know.
    Thank you, and hugs and prayers to you.
    Monika

    Thanks Monika. Your information does help. I was concerned about interactions with the chemo, etc. Also, I am wondering why the doctor didn't give me one of those expensive shots that boosts your white count, which I have had during past chemo treatment. And, do you know on what day of the cycle that your blood count starts going back up? Is it day 15? Yesterday was day 14 after my second chemo, and I think the doctor said that is the date when your blood bottoms out, and starts going back up - hopefully. By the way, how many of the Taxotere/Carbo have you had so far? I'm due for my third next Tuesday. I have them every three weeks. How is it doing with your CA-125? Thanks again for your help. My prayers are with you too! MichaelaMarie
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #4
    MichaelaMarie said:

    Thanks Monika. Your information does help. I was concerned about interactions with the chemo, etc. Also, I am wondering why the doctor didn't give me one of those expensive shots that boosts your white count, which I have had during past chemo treatment. And, do you know on what day of the cycle that your blood count starts going back up? Is it day 15? Yesterday was day 14 after my second chemo, and I think the doctor said that is the date when your blood bottoms out, and starts going back up - hopefully. By the way, how many of the Taxotere/Carbo have you had so far? I'm due for my third next Tuesday. I have them every three weeks. How is it doing with your CA-125? Thanks again for your help. My prayers are with you too! MichaelaMarie

    Actually, I had Taxol/Carbo in 2000 (6 rounds). I had surgery in February of this year when they discovered a recurrance and started the Taxol/Carbo in March, every 28 days, for a total of 6 rounds. So I just had round #4 (the second round with the Taxotere/Carbo). The Taxotere has it's own set of side affects, some similar to Taxol, some not. My counts were 30 before surgery and are now down to 8! How about yours?

    As for the white cell count, it's not too bad. However, I did become anemic (low Hemoglobin) and just completed four shots of Procrit. I've also increased my oral iron. I agree with you that typically the counts change around day 15 after the chemo. So my last blood report showed an improvement.

    What stage is/was your cancer (ovarian?) I was Stage 1C, this time Stage 1. I had NO symptoms either time, just elevated CA125. So I was very fortunate (especially the first time) that they discoverd it early. I hoping that this is the last time I have to deal with this. But there are so many who have ongoing situations. I figure if they can do this, so can I. The first 7 days after chemo is no fun. And I have lost my taste completely. It comes back about 1 week before chemo, then I have to do it all over again. Of course, my hair is gone, and there are other side affects too. But, I'm taking one day (ONE MOMENT!) at a time.

    Hope all goes well for you. As always, sending hugs and prayers your way! Please keep in touch.

    Monika
  • MichaelaMarie
    MichaelaMarie Member Posts: 163
    #5
    Hi Monika. Thanks for writing. My ovarian cancer was diagnosed in late May, 2004 and I had surgery in July, 2004. I was stage 3C. The surgeon told me that I just barely made it at stage 3C instead of stage 4! Pretty scary stuff! I had four tumors the size of a fist each,they said. Most were connected to my peritonea lining, so they called it Peritonea ovarian cancer at first. They had to leave one tumor that was behind my spleen. I guess I had been under too long, it was too dangerous, and they said the chemo would get it anyway. My original number was 119, and dropped to 18 after six Taxol/Carbo treatments. But, slowly it started climbing again, and was almost up to 300 this past January when I had the hernia surgery. I did Gemzar for three months, every week, and it did drop about 60 points, but then started heading back up again. The number was 249 when I started the Taxotere/Carbo the first of May. After one treatment it dropped to 175, so the doctor and me were both very pleased. I worry because from everything I have read, if you have a recurrence within six months, you are what they call drug-resistant, although my doctor said he didn't consider that of me. Well, he said that about a year ago. I'm not sure what he would say now that I was resistant to the Gemzar. Most of my hair is gone too, and I have the loss of taste, and the neuropathy in my hands and feet. I'm also noticing a strange feeling under my lower lip - not a tingling, but sort of. Have you had anything like that? Also, last week I kind of got scared because I felt something strange about my tongue, ran and looked, and down the middle, it looked raised and weird. It seems okay now. Wouldn't you know, I woke up with a cold (maybe it's an allergy, I hope) this morning. I went to the store, got some Zicam, Airborne, and zinc lozenges to hit at it hard. They told me they didn't want me catching anything. Well, sorry this has become a book. Oh, before I forget, I just can't get over that your CA-125 is 8!!!!! That is terrific! Does that mean that you are already in remission? I wondered what they did when the numbers go under normal 0-35. Will you have to take the entire series? Love, hugs, and prayer to you, MM
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #6
    MichaelaMarie said:

    Hi Monika. Thanks for writing. My ovarian cancer was diagnosed in late May, 2004 and I had surgery in July, 2004. I was stage 3C. The surgeon told me that I just barely made it at stage 3C instead of stage 4! Pretty scary stuff! I had four tumors the size of a fist each,they said. Most were connected to my peritonea lining, so they called it Peritonea ovarian cancer at first. They had to leave one tumor that was behind my spleen. I guess I had been under too long, it was too dangerous, and they said the chemo would get it anyway. My original number was 119, and dropped to 18 after six Taxol/Carbo treatments. But, slowly it started climbing again, and was almost up to 300 this past January when I had the hernia surgery. I did Gemzar for three months, every week, and it did drop about 60 points, but then started heading back up again. The number was 249 when I started the Taxotere/Carbo the first of May. After one treatment it dropped to 175, so the doctor and me were both very pleased. I worry because from everything I have read, if you have a recurrence within six months, you are what they call drug-resistant, although my doctor said he didn't consider that of me. Well, he said that about a year ago. I'm not sure what he would say now that I was resistant to the Gemzar. Most of my hair is gone too, and I have the loss of taste, and the neuropathy in my hands and feet. I'm also noticing a strange feeling under my lower lip - not a tingling, but sort of. Have you had anything like that? Also, last week I kind of got scared because I felt something strange about my tongue, ran and looked, and down the middle, it looked raised and weird. It seems okay now. Wouldn't you know, I woke up with a cold (maybe it's an allergy, I hope) this morning. I went to the store, got some Zicam, Airborne, and zinc lozenges to hit at it hard. They told me they didn't want me catching anything. Well, sorry this has become a book. Oh, before I forget, I just can't get over that your CA-125 is 8!!!!! That is terrific! Does that mean that you are already in remission? I wondered what they did when the numbers go under normal 0-35. Will you have to take the entire series? Love, hugs, and prayer to you, MM

    Hi MM!
    Sounds like you've been through so much. Hang in there. I also had the neuropathy in 2000. It was horrible - pain, burning, numbness tingling in my hands and arms and feet. I took B-6 and L-Glutamine and it helped a little, and eventually (after treatment was over a few months), most of it went away. As for the CA125, it can fluctuate from time to time. Sounds like your doctor is trying to stay on top of things. Even though my CA is 8, I will finish the regimine (2 more to go!). As for the tongue, I have the same thing. The center looks almost split right down the middle. And the side edges of my tongue are 'curled' and funny looking. I will probably get some sort of taste back by next week, but the following week is another treatment and I'll be back to the 'no taste, burning' condition.

    I asked my doctor about 'remission'. He said a person is not officially in remission until having been cancer free for 6 months. So, if all goes well, that would be August for me.

    Well, don't worry about writing too much. I love to read the posts from everyone and try to help when I can. Mostly, I like to stay in touch and know how everyone is doing. I've posted several 'dilemmas' myself and know I will always get some sort of response or help. This is a great website.

    So, till later, God bless and stay strong!
    Monika
  • MichaelaMarie
    MichaelaMarie Member Posts: 163
    #7
    mopar said:

    Hi MM!
    Sounds like you've been through so much. Hang in there. I also had the neuropathy in 2000. It was horrible - pain, burning, numbness tingling in my hands and arms and feet. I took B-6 and L-Glutamine and it helped a little, and eventually (after treatment was over a few months), most of it went away. As for the CA125, it can fluctuate from time to time. Sounds like your doctor is trying to stay on top of things. Even though my CA is 8, I will finish the regimine (2 more to go!). As for the tongue, I have the same thing. The center looks almost split right down the middle. And the side edges of my tongue are 'curled' and funny looking. I will probably get some sort of taste back by next week, but the following week is another treatment and I'll be back to the 'no taste, burning' condition.

    I asked my doctor about 'remission'. He said a person is not officially in remission until having been cancer free for 6 months. So, if all goes well, that would be August for me.

    Well, don't worry about writing too much. I love to read the posts from everyone and try to help when I can. Mostly, I like to stay in touch and know how everyone is doing. I've posted several 'dilemmas' myself and know I will always get some sort of response or help. This is a great website.

    So, till later, God bless and stay strong!
    Monika

    Hi Monika. Oh, I have such good news!!!!! I had a lovely lunch with a friend today and she surprised me with a beautiful gift (totally unnecessary). Anyway, when I got home I noticed on my caller ID that the Cancer Center had called several times when I was gone! Being paranoid, I was frozen with fear! I just thought for sure that they were calling me with some really bad news about my CA-125. I decided not to call them back, and try to enjoy my week-end of camping. But, just minutes ago, the Center called again and I just knew I had to answer it. Well, I couldn't believe my ears.....the nurse said my CA-125 had DROPPED to 87! She said the doctor had told her to call and tell me so I could have a wonderful week-end. They have never called me with good news before, only bad news! I'm still in shock! So, that means that after two treatments, my CA-125 has dropped 162 points. At this rate, it should be in the normal range in another treatment or so. Thanks for all of your encouragement!!!!! Much love to you, MM
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #8
    MichaelaMarie said:

    Hi Monika. Oh, I have such good news!!!!! I had a lovely lunch with a friend today and she surprised me with a beautiful gift (totally unnecessary). Anyway, when I got home I noticed on my caller ID that the Cancer Center had called several times when I was gone! Being paranoid, I was frozen with fear! I just thought for sure that they were calling me with some really bad news about my CA-125. I decided not to call them back, and try to enjoy my week-end of camping. But, just minutes ago, the Center called again and I just knew I had to answer it. Well, I couldn't believe my ears.....the nurse said my CA-125 had DROPPED to 87! She said the doctor had told her to call and tell me so I could have a wonderful week-end. They have never called me with good news before, only bad news! I'm still in shock! So, that means that after two treatments, my CA-125 has dropped 162 points. At this rate, it should be in the normal range in another treatment or so. Thanks for all of your encouragement!!!!! Much love to you, MM

    THAT'S TREMENDOUS NEWS! YES, ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND, EVERY MOMENT!
    MONIKA
  • MichaelaMarie
    MichaelaMarie Member Posts: 163
    #9
    mopar said:

    THAT'S TREMENDOUS NEWS! YES, ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND, EVERY MOMENT!
    MONIKA

    Hi Monika. We did have fun on the camping trip. But we had thunder, lightening and a downpour. We did get in our five mile walk around the lake though, although with some rain. Had my third chemo today. Strangely, the doctor was fairly negative today. Said this wouldn't be a cure...that he was 95% sure that the cancer would return in six months to a year. Had some ideas about a "third" surgery, and said they would like to add two to three years to my life. Anyway, after being so excited, I find myself very, very depressed tonight, although I feel fine. But, I'm determined to beat this monster someway, somehow. How are you doing? Any update on your chemo, etc? Your friend, MM
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #10
    MichaelaMarie said:

    Hi Monika. We did have fun on the camping trip. But we had thunder, lightening and a downpour. We did get in our five mile walk around the lake though, although with some rain. Had my third chemo today. Strangely, the doctor was fairly negative today. Said this wouldn't be a cure...that he was 95% sure that the cancer would return in six months to a year. Had some ideas about a "third" surgery, and said they would like to add two to three years to my life. Anyway, after being so excited, I find myself very, very depressed tonight, although I feel fine. But, I'm determined to beat this monster someway, somehow. How are you doing? Any update on your chemo, etc? Your friend, MM

    I'm so glad you had a wonderful time. It's nice to just get away and forget everything for a while. But I'm disturbed by what you were told when you returned. My doctor, the first time around, gave me all the statistics regarding my situation. I suppose that is part of his obligation, and I listened. But after that, I didn't want to hear anything about statistics. I believe in being informed and educated, but that's all I needed to know. My focus then became 'what can I do to beat this' and I researched as much as I could. You do have to be careful, because sometimes 'too much' information can be overwhelming. So, I just pulled myself together and changed some things in my diet, exercise, etc. and left the rest up to the Good Lord. My faith, my family has gotten me through this. And even if I only had 1 year or 1 month, I chose to do the best I could and focus on all the positive.

    I hope that your research or further questions to the doctor give you more hope, and that from there you can move on and do what you have to do (all that you are enabled to do) to beat this.

    As always, my prayers, my thoughts AND HUGS go out to you. I have my 5th round next Wednesday (not looking forward to it), but holding on just to today and the moment. Thanks for keeping in touch. I would love to continue to hear from you.

    Hope you're having a sunshiny day like here in Michigan!

    Monika

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