Docetaxel,cyclophosphamide chemo cocktail - advice please!

Hi Debs

I haven't been on the network be several days but just noticed your first posting and read all your replies.

My treatment was the same as yours and I have finished radiation and now have only Herceptin to go plus of course hormone treatment. I had my 9th Herceptin last week with another 8 to go which will end middle of Nov so one has to hang in. After my first chemo I had a melt down with Neutropenia and had 4 days in hosp after this my oncologist ordered Neulasta injection after chemo and this seem to prevent any further occurrence. Hope things went OK for you last Thursday. You seem to have lots of hints from ladies so will just say good luck .   Cheers  June

I don't think I can add anything.  I just did my first round of taxotere - hit me last night with vengeance - flu like symptoms - pain, chills etc... But this morning I have woken just feeling fatigued so hopefully the worst is over.

I have painted my nails black to help stop them discolouring and falling off, I have found Biotene products helpful for the dry mouth and I second Ginger Beer for  something to drink.  I also find Soda and Lime cordial easier to drink than tap water too. I also find that I like to eat hearty vege soups in the week post chemo too.

My kids got used to my hair very quickly (in fact a little too easily at times - sometimes just taking my hat off to show their friends). I walk around bald at home most of the time or with a very spunky  (not) polar fleece beanie.  Now I am getting hot flushes it is on and off all the time!  I struggled with the scarves but am getting the hang of a few looks that are OK but I mainly wear my hats and beanies.  At least it is Winter and we can hibernate a bit.

All the best with your treatment.

Amanda xx

I don't think I can add anything.  I just did my first round of taxotere - hit me last night with vengeance - flu like symptoms - pain, chills etc... But this morning I have woken just feeling fatigued so hopefully the worst is over.

I have painted my nails black to help stop them discolouring and falling off, I have found Biotene products helpful for the dry mouth and I second Ginger Beer for  something to drink.  I also find Soda and Lime cordial easier to drink than tap water too. I also find that I like to eat hearty vege soups in the week post chemo too.

My kids got used to my hair very quickly (in fact a little too easily at times - sometimes just taking my hat off to show their friends). I walk around bald at home most of the time or with a very spunky  (not) polar fleece beanie.  Now I am getting hot flushes it is on and off all the time!  I struggled with the scarves but am getting the hang of a few looks that are OK but I mainly wear my hats and beanies.  At least it is Winter and we can hibernate a bit.

All the best with your treatment.

Amanda xx

Hi helen

Thank you for replying to my post!

I have been overwhelmed by the number of replies I have had and all the wonderful tips and advice!

I am so grateful for the weather too i am in qld and dont fancy going through this in the summer!

At least hats are all the go now too!

Thanks again for the tips - will add to my list!!

Take care

Debsx

Hi B

Thanks so much for the tips.

I will have to have a thermometer at hand it seems - I appreciate your advice - better to know ahead of time so I will keep a close watch on that!!

I will be doing a pre chemo shop to have all the bits and pieces handy that you and the other ladies have suggested.

I am so thankful for all the tips and advice.

Take care

debsx

Hi ann- Marie

Yes I too am finding the losing my hair a hard one.

I have been trying on hats and scarves in anticipation - but I have to say I am not too keen on how they look on me! Its amazing how your hair influences your face and my hair was clearly doing a good job as when I see myself without it it is pretty sad!!

I am thankful though that it is winter as we are in Qld and cant imagine having to go through this in the middle of summer!

I am off to look at wigs this week as my youngest daughter really wants me to have one - Ithink she is dreading me losing my hair.

I have put scarves on my head hiding my hair at home just to show her what to expect - you should see her face!!

Anyway like anything they will get used to the look - and realise it is still me just minus the hair!

I am anticipating a meltdown at some point too!!

Thanks for the tips re hats etc - good point!

Well hope you are doing okay and I am sure I will be back with more questions once all gets going.

All the best

Debsx

Hi L

Wow thank you so much for such a detailed reply!

I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to have found this site.

I shall be adding all your tips to my list and will keep an eye on the temperature - I had to laugh when reading the side effects on my armful of brochures - especially when it said call the hospital when you are feeling unwell as with all the side effects I wasn't sure how you could be feeling anything but unwell!!

I am probably going to get my hair done in stages - I too used to have long hair then I had it cut into a bob and this week I am having it cut short and I guess once it starts to fall out I will shave it!

I thought it might help my girls if its not too dramatic in one step - and as my husband pointed out I guess it gives you the sense that you have a little control in a situation where you are out of control!!

I am trying to go with the flow even if I dont always like the direction the water is taking me in!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to write everything down.

I shall defintely be back with more questions once I get startd Im sure.

take care

debsx

Hi Leonie

Thanks for replying to my post!

Gosh glad you are only one dose to finish - i have been thinking in my mind that 4 seems doeable as after 1 I can tell myself I am a quarter of the way, after 2 half way etc!!

Easy to say now of course!!

It is just wonderful to be able to ask these questions and get such amazing responses!

I will be putting my chemoshopping list together in preperation so will definitely add tissues and toilet paper!!

Hope all goes well with you on Thursday !

Will keep you posted when I get going!

Take care

debsx

Hi Jane

Thanks for your reply!

So glad you are now on the other side of your chemo.And to hear your experience wasn't too bumpy a ride - a relief for you and gives a bit of hope of the possibilities for me!!

Take Care x

Hi

I had the exact same chem and shared Louises experiences exactly.  Like Tonya said it was 'doable.'  I found ginger beer/dry ginger ale to be tasty, iced coffee was good when my throat was sore and Weis sorbet to be quite tasty even when everything else was tasting yuck.  Fluids are very impartant following TC and water often tasted bad hence the sugary drinks.

The dexamethasone is important as are the series of anti nausea meds you will be prescribed- I only used the maxalon twice.  Kenalog ointment is the best one if you get mouth ulcers and have some senna (for constipation) and an anti diarrhoea potion as well as you may experience either.  Shame us ladies cant have a recycling programme for all the bits and pieces we have aquired along 'the journey.'

All the best and be glad of the cooler weather- wigs/ hats and hot flushes were no fun on a 40 degree day.

Helen