Cytoxan and Taxotere...who's had this?

Hi Nancy.............
The injection that you will be getting to raise white cell count is probably Neulasta. I got that injection after every chemo. I had a bit of aching in the legs and hips from that, for a couple of days. Some people do, some don't. I just took Tylenol for it.

I did NOT have the same chemo cocktail, but my onc ordered IV anti-nausea meds and also an Rx for pills at home to take preventatively for a few days after each infusion. Easier to try NOT to get nauseous, than it is to try & stop the nausea, once you have it.
I asked him how long the IV anti-nausea meds would last. He can be a very funny guy (humor-wise) and he said...Cindy, long enough so you will be outta here and not barfing in MY OFFICE!

CR

Cytoxin and Taxotere
Nancy, I had that combo plus a third drug every three weeks, six times. Side effects varied. I only had nausea on the 4th and 5th treatments. The lack of energy was the one constant that got worse as the treatments progressed, although not linearly. I was fine the first two times, tired the third time, really tired the fifth time, and fine the last treatment. In some ways, the Neulasta shot was worse than the chemo. I got heavy bone aches the day of the shot, but the pain was mostly gone by the next day. As for food, I could not eat during treatment -- not because I was nauseated (I wasn't), but because everything I ate in that room became associated with chemo. I still can't look at a certain brand of crackers without feeling sick... Other side effects included mouth sores (which I got under control and eliminated by rinsing with a prescription mouth wash and baking soda and water every night) and hair loss (nothing you can do about this last one I'm afraid). I had almost no taste changes, appetite issues, or weight gain/loss.

You should definitely drink during treatment and afterwards. You want to start flushing out all the extra drugs that you can. It actually sounds scarier than it is. It'll be tough, but you will definitely get through this.

Mimi

DRINK WATER, DRINK WATER, DRINK WATER
I had 4 infusions of cytoxan and taxotere every three weeks, followed by a nuelasta shot. Drink at least 2 -3 litres of water the day before, the day of and for two days after your infusion. It helps your system deal with the chemo intruder. I watched my favorite soap operas while I received my chemo. My husband would bring me a soda, ritz crackers and even a sandwich not to mention a snickers bar. I didn't always eat all of that stuff, but if I was feeling sorry for myself, it was there and it helped. The T/C cocktail never made me nauseated. I had a lot of other side effects (which all disappeared once chemo was over), but not nausea. I did develop a peculiar tasste in my mouth which made food taste OFF a bit. I lost about 12 pounds during chemo. I've kept it off since. My hair has grown back nicely, my nails are nice and strong, the eyebrows and lashes are looking pretty good, and the rotten taste is gone. As for aches and pains, yes, I had those, too, but my oncologist prescribed a pain killer which worked extremely well for me. Hang in there kiddo, you'll do fine. Ohilly and I went through the same treatment at the same time. She was my hero because she sailed through chemo and didn't miss work.
Hugs, Marilynn

Cytoxan and Taxotere...who's had this?
I had Cytoxan and Taxotere, 5 treatments, each (except the last) followed with the Nuelasta shot.

I was given 3 Emend pills for nausea (think spelling is correct). I took one pill an hour before the infusion was started, then the second with my Nuelastia shot on day 2. I had to return to the hospital on day 3 so they could give me the third pill. The reason it was administered in this fashion was my insurance would not pay for the drug. The three pills were about $500. By having it administered at the hospital, they had to pay for the drug. It really worked and kept my head out of the toilet.

I did have an issue with regards to the Nuelastia. I don't recall how bad the reactions were regarding the first shot as I did not have the Emend for that treatment and had a very bad time. However with each treatment, the pain got worse. Within about 6-8 hours after the 4th shot, (4th treatment) the pain in my legs and back became so severe I had to be taken to the ER. My Oncologist said NO MORE. Thank God I only had one more treatment.

My hair fell out exactly 2 weeks after my first treatment. I have a friend that also went through the same treatment and her hair held out for about 19-20 days. I think it came out the day before her second treatment.

I did experience one thing, that few others have. My finger nails fell out - a number of times too. After each treatment a line would appear on my nails, then my nail would come off at that line. I did not lose my toenails, maybe because they are thicker?

I did lose all my body hair, ALL of it, including my eyelashes and eyebrows, legs underarms, and ....However the strange thing, it all grew back except for under my arms. Perhaps the only good thing that has come from the BC, I may never have to shave my underarms again.

Try and get a wig and some scarfs, this week before your hair starts coming out. You may not want to go looking for head coverings once your hair starts coming out.

Oh, one more thing. I tried to prepare some meals and freeze them before my chemo and surgeries. However after I tended to each what ever my son or husband brought me.

Good luck. The chemo is a pain, but it doesn't last long. Before you know it - it will be over and you'll be back on the road to health.

Jean

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

Hi, Nancy, I also had AC
Hi, Nancy, I also had AC plus a third drug, a total of 6 treatments, one every third week. Everyone has pretty well covered the side effects. I can also attest that the treatment is doable. Most side effects are managed; just be sure to report any promptly so that your onc. can change or add meds as needed.

As far as eating, it was recommended to me that I eat something light beforehand. I would usually have yogurt or crackers, just something to have on my stomach. The treatment center provided snacks and beverages, and you can eat and drink while having a treatment. And, as several advised, drink PLENTY of water, before, during, and after treatments. I drank at least one-half gallon a day.

As far as sensations, once or twice I did feel a kind of burning. No nausea during the treatment itself. You are given meds to take beforehand. Anti-nausea meds are also in the IV. I had no aches or pains while having the treatments, either. Though you may want some Emla cream for your port, if you have one. This is an anesthetic cream that you can slather on the port so you won't feel the IV being inserted. It is not that painful but your doc. can give you a prescription if you think you'd like one.

Hope this helps, Nancy. Please keep in touch, and post any questions or concerns you have. There are many here who will be glad to help you on this journey.

June 15
Hi there! I am new here today. June 15th was my first TC tx. I am on day 13 now and have not lost my hair yet. I feel pretty good now, but am not looking forward to my next treatment. MAJW, was hoping we could talk more & compare notes, since we are on the same schedule.


Laurie

TCGgal said:

June 15
Hi there! I am new here today. June 15th was my first TC tx. I am on day 13 now and have not lost my hair yet. I feel pretty good now, but am not looking forward to my next treatment. MAJW, was hoping we could talk more & compare notes, since we are on the same schedule.


Laurie

Welcome Laurie
Glad that you are feeling better. I lost my hair just before my second treatment (3 weeks).It is a very hard thing to go through. We will be here for you whenever you need support or have questions or just want to vent.

Why don't you start your own thread so everyone can say hi. They might miss this thread. Others here are just starting treatment also.

Hugs
Jadie<3