tc Taxotere & Cytoxan

Pallice
Pallice Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi,

I'm going to start my chemo treatments (taxotere / cytoxin) within two weeks. Has anyone had this specific combination of chemo drugs? And if so, can you tell me what to expect as far as side effects? I've read alot about general chemo side effects but nothing about the combination of TC specifically. Thanks so much.

Comments

  • Derbygirl
    Derbygirl Member Posts: 198
    TC
    Just finished second round of TC and it hasn't been as bad as I expected. There are side effects from most medicines and everyone reacts differently. I was told in the beginning to not "expect" anything even though I knew what the possible side effects were. That's probably the best advice that I received. The second round of TC was just like the first - no worse. I had digestive tract problems on days 6 and 7 during each cycle, hair loss on day 16, taste bud changes during week no. 2 of each cycle, and occasional tiredness after a long day at work. Eat right and get plenty of rest. Good luck.
  • Pallice
    Pallice Member Posts: 2
    Derbygirl said:

    TC
    Just finished second round of TC and it hasn't been as bad as I expected. There are side effects from most medicines and everyone reacts differently. I was told in the beginning to not "expect" anything even though I knew what the possible side effects were. That's probably the best advice that I received. The second round of TC was just like the first - no worse. I had digestive tract problems on days 6 and 7 during each cycle, hair loss on day 16, taste bud changes during week no. 2 of each cycle, and occasional tiredness after a long day at work. Eat right and get plenty of rest. Good luck.

    TC
    Hi Derbygirl,

    Thank you so much for responding. It's great advice not to "expect" anything. Although, I'm also pretty sure that's going to be hard to do!! But easier now that I've read your post.

    Thanks again and please let me know (if you can) how it goes from here on out.

    All my best,
    Pallice
  • sylva
    sylva Member Posts: 80
    Hi, I had 4 rounds of the
    Hi, I had 4 rounds of the same combination, one every three weeks. Didn't have too many side effects, but each person reacts different. I tried to eat very often, small amounts of food, or snacks, because if not I was having like acid reflux sensation. I didn't work during the treatments, because of the type of work I do, and I don't think I would have liked working specially the first week after the treatment. Lost the hair after the second treatment. I'm still "changing nails". I made the effort to walk almost every day, I read that it's important to do some type or aerobic exercise (walking, bicycle, etc) during that time.
    Good luck!!! You will be done sooner than you expect it.
  • ohilly
    ohilly Member Posts: 441
    my experience
    I had this exact same regimen - Taxotere/cytoxan every 3 weeks, four times. I don't know how typical my experience was, but I am here to tell you I experienced practically NO side effects from this! I worked the entire time. The only unpleasant side effects I did have was, of course, losing my hair (which is now growing back) and a vile taste in my mouth which went away toward the end of each treatment and now is totally gone (I finished chemo on June 20). I had no nausea or fatigue at all.

    I do hope your experience is like mine! Best of luck, Ohilly
  • Joycelouise
    Joycelouise Member Posts: 482
    One of the side effects that
    One of the side effects that is not always mentioned is possible emotional turmoil. Again, do not expect it. But...if you feel your emotions going haywire, blame it on the chemo as well as the worries of DX. Coming here helped me deal with my emotional health. So did finishing chemo! And, never confuse the side effects from chemo with suffering from cancer. I have had a mas., chemo, and radiation but have never suffered a day from cancer. Now the treatment was a different story. But, it is good to know that the side effects are part of getting well, NOT being sick. Best wishes, love, Joyce