1st taxotere!

[cally2108]

Hi Louisa, good to see you back and congrats in finishing your chemo. I am now 4 weeks after my last chemo and am waiting and waiting for more hair . I sat watching the apprentice last night foolishly pulling at my extremely thin eyebrows and when I looked in the mirror I gave myself a fright.
Had my second rads planning session today and was at the hospital for 8am (awake since 5.30 with kiddies) so am feeling drained now and am eating stacks of chocolate to keep me awake ! I dont know if the tiredness has gotten worse for me as I was generally tired before I started chemo anwyay .
I got the runny eyes only after tax number 2 and they seem to be a lot better now . Funny how I really feel like chemo is well behind me now , probably because the rads start in April , want to get that ot ofthe way and its not one of those things you want to remind yourself of. For me I think my mental battles have been harder than the physical side of things . When you are down in that dept everything seems worse.
I have also bought the Manuka honey , dont know if it works ? but no harm taking it .

Good luck to all ,
Cally

[Guest user]

Hi All,

Haven't posted for weeks and weeks, have had computer problems and no internet access, but all is well now with a new lap top!

So many new names! which makes me feel happy and sad at the same time - happy cause we've got this great site with all the fantastic support from each other and sad that there are so many of us.

I'm a week after my last Tax (very best wishes to you Cally, I know you're done with Tax too!!) and am feeling really tired and worn out but hugely relieved have got to the end of treatment (obviously!) and would like to say if I can do it - anyone can do it!! For all you new Taxers(?) I think I too found the first one worst, although the tiredness has got progressively worse for me. Oh, and the runny eyes which are driving me crazy, but hey!

Am due to start rads in June (slight delay because we're going away for short holiday at end of May and the hospital couldn't fit me in before we go) so will be looking for any advice on what to expect.

I managed 4xFec and 4xTax without any infections so would offer my top tips to anyone just starting out (although of course it's probably just luck!) 1) a spoonful of Manuka honey every day 2) a mutivitamin (immune support) probiotic every day 3) Vicks nasal spray for public transport/crowded places 4) lots of dark chocolate!

Lots of love to everyone, big hugs and good wishes for a speedy and safe journey through chemo, see you on the rads site before you know it!

Louisa xxx

[Guest user]

Hi Carol

Sorry you've had such a tough time, 15 days in hospital is a ling time, I had 5 days after my 1st Tax and I thought I was going go mad.

So far I've done better on tax, and now my last one is April 15 and I can hardly wait. Good luck, it does pass.

Take Care

Ang xx

[Guest user]

Hi everyone
I'm new to your tax thread, but have appreciated all your comments. I am expecting my 1st tax on thursday after 3 sessions of FEC. I say "expecting" because I should have had my 1st last thurs but I was in hospital. Diagnosed with neutropenic sepsis and cellulitis at the site of my mastectomy. I was in hosp for 15 nights no less. Had the works. IV antibiotics, now on massive doses of oral flucloxacillin for 7 days which I'm told will continue at a lesser dose for the foreseeable future. At least until chemo finishes. The worst was having blood taken daily and cannulas resited every few days. My veins went AWOL!! I've learned that doctors are hopeless at taking blood to my cost.....an arm full of bruises!! Still enough moaning! Came home Easter saturday. Seemed really weird after being in semi-isolation for 2 weeks.
Has anyone else had similar problems?
Just a bit apprehensive about my first tax as I understand it really goes for the white blood cells of which I have few, it seems! I just hate the feeling of constant fatigue....I was always so active before being diagnosed in November last year.
It's reassuring Sarah to know that time does pass and there WILL be an end in sight with some semblance of normality again...God bless us all!!!!

Love Carol2 xx

[ForumMember]

Hi Ang and Everyone. Great that you are feeling so good Ang. I had a really good week as well before the last Taxotere, I think I am finding it easier than the FEC. Yes, my second from last was Thursday, all straightfoward and had a couple good days after that with the steroids carrying me along! Have had stiff legs and aches and pains today, and a funny swollen tongue, which I had last time. BUT, just one more to go, and yes, it's a wonderful thought! Good luck for Tuesday Ang, I'll be thinking of you. It certainly is wonderful when the end is in sight! Good luck to all the rest of you, the time does pass, promise! Sarah xx

[Guest user]

Hi everyone on the tax thread,

Hope you are doing okey dokey. Since they let me out of hospital last week with a WBC count of 25, I've been feeling totally amazing. Next tax is on Tuesday and it is the 2nd last one. Feeling really up beat and excited about it, I'm just so thrilled that after this there's only one more to do. Is that weird? God, I've been spending all my spare time dreaming about what I'm going to do when it's finished, and I'm a bit worried it will be a massive anti-climax. Oh well.

Seabird, you must have had your next dose, are you feeling ok? I do hope so. Anyway, Happy Easter to you all.

Love
Ang xx

[cally2108]

Hi
Sarah , thanks for your positive posting. For the most part I am fine and just have to hold onto the oncologist and Bc nurses words i.e if we thought you had needed ct scans et al we would have given you them . I have to focus on that.
Carol I am with you on the spring thing , I liken my hair regrowth to the grass coming up after the winter and a fresh start . I wouldnt wish this disease on anyone but if there are any positives to be had it is that you do have a renewed outlook on life .
Well I have a houseful of children this weekend (my 2 with 3 cousins) doing easter fun stuff , so I wont have time to do anything but have a few laughs (I hope)

have a good weekend
cally x

[Guest user]

Hi guys
Been a while for me too since I've been on. I gotta admit I cant read all that I've missed but I know some of you are going through it.
Home now after 4th tax, d'ya know Its so much easier than at first. My side effects seem to have reduced and I've got used to it. You do have to get used to it in the end don't you? Or manage it somehow. Today I spoke to a girl in the clinic who I'd seen before but didn't have the balls to speak to.She was late twenties I think, looked rough, was handcuffed to a female prison officer and was accompanied by another male officer. All so friendly and nice. I asked her how she was getting on and she told me that she'd recently had an op to remove a secondary tumour (primary breast) from her brain and that her two sisters had died of breast cancer. My God, I thought I had it tough. I'm thinking how lucky I am, how lucky we all are to be living in this beautiful world, still living, by the grace of the gods, fate and the hard work of all the dedicated people who have, without ever meeting us, given us the chance to experience as much of this wonderful strange life we have.
I know I sound drippy but its so easy to get on this site and list our ailments, I'm sure I have done it and reading about others experiences have helped me beyond measure. Knowing that others may have it worse doesn't make me feel any better, but it does help put it into perspective.
Spring is nearly here, I always feel positive this time of year, its all still ahead, I like the anticipation. I feel the energy of the new growth and its doing me good.
Now I really am rambling.
You girls, you enjoy yourselves. We're not here for a long time, we're here for a good time.
Big it up!
Carol Xx

[ForumMember]

Hi Cally - Brilliant that at least the chemo bit is over and done. Fantastic! My op was in November and it is only recently that I have started noticing some aching around that region and down that arm. I think the aching after the chemo is still very normal for a few weeks afterwards - even a few months in some places I have read. Certainly when I worked in the lymphoedema clinic it was said that full arm mobility and resolution of aches and pains could continue to take place for a good couple of years afterwards. There are a lot of nerves to heal and readjust. So please don't start worrying! You will be well cared for when you are having rads and of course will continue to see a doctor for some years to come, so do mention your concerns, but I hope they will be able to reassure you. Know what you mean about the numb toes. Weird isn't it! Good luck, Sarah x

[cally2108]

Hello all
yep still here. I am 3 weeks down the line since my last tax so now I can look forward a bit (well to rads anyway) I am pretty much unscathed apart from the obvious thinning of everything (except my backside , hips and stomach !) and a couple of numb toes. I do have aches though which is worrying me and am starting to get paranoid about what it could be . I dont even want to write the words but you know what I'm thinking . Its on my op side so it could just be post operative healing , well thats what I'm convincing myself it is. Has anyone else felt similar ? I had 2 ops 4th and 21st sept which to me seems like a long time ago now as far as the body goes but I dont know .

hoe everyone else is ok
Cally

[ForumMember]

So glad to see that this thread has not completely petered out! Thanks for reviving it Ang, have a great weekend in Ireland, and good luck for your penultimate taxotere on Tuesday, same for me tomorrow! We're nearly there. I just wrote a thread "neutropenia shock". There was I so thrilled to have been sent home after my visit to A and E but seems like the doctor messed up big time so feeling a bit shocked now at what the outcome might have been! But I'm fine, so that's OK!! How is everyone else? Hope to hear from you soon. Sarah xx

[Guest user]

Things have gone quiet on this tax thread. I really hope that everyone is ok out there and that no-one is suffering too badly.

My WBC was 25 when they let me out of the hospital, that is twice the normal amount....here's hoping this will help with the next chemo
I've been back to work this week, which is super, except I'm so darn tired... heading home to Ireland for the weekend then penultimate taxotere on Tuesday!

Take it easy.

Ang xxx

[ForumMember]

Hello Everyone. I am just bringing this thread to the top as I have mentioned it to Chrissie2005 who is about to start Taxotere, and I suggested she joins us here. Welcome Chris if you are reading this.

Having said that, I have just read the last few messages, and Vivian and Ang I am so sorry that you have both been in hospital as well. Glad you are home now. I know how relived I was to get into my own bed with a cup of tea away from the strip lighting and the slight chaos!! Gill, well done for getting through your 2nd chemo, And Cally, thanks for your encouraging posting - good for all of us to hear that your second was better than your first. My second is on Thursday of next week, so I am "making hay now while the sun shines", as feeling just about fine! Finished my antibiotics, fever stayed away, legs hardly ache at all and feeling good! So far, haven't seen any changes in my nails, but using a nail stengthener, and dark nail varnish on top (very strange, as usually a peachy/pinks person!!). Good luck everyone, however low this takes up, lets make sure we keep bouncing up again at the end! Love Sarah xx

[Guest user]

Hi Guys

It's only me. Haven't been posting cos I been luxuriating in the isolation ward at my local hospital. On sunday I felt rotten and was running a temp of 38.6. They took me in and gave me much anti biotics and fluids and wot not. On Tues night my fever peaked at 39.7!!!! I thought my brain was boiling.

My WBC and neutrophils were nil, but they're up again now so they let me out!!!!!!!! Starving now so gonna to eat. Hope the next 2 tax aren't as bad as this one has been.

Take care

Ang xxx

[cally2108]

Hi
- Gill I dont know how you are going to react and I know exactly how you feel about dreading the next one but if its any consolation my 2nd tax was completely different (for the better) than the first . I did get a few extra days supply of steroids but didnt get the aches and pains or the tingling in the fingers and toes.
I lost my taste again but just went for stronger flavours. Because of the indigestion I was given lanzaparasole which worked great. I hope you follow the same pattern as me.

cally x

[ForumMember]

I have my second tax tomorrow and I'm dreading it. I had a week of the aches etc and then a further week of feeling completely wiped out but as seabird said sleep is hard to come by. Lack of appetite and bad indegestion didn't help as I was eating so little I'm sure that made me feel worse. It is so difficult to find food that you leel like eating due to the wierd taste and sore mouth. When I read what reactions others have had, it makes me scared. Are subsequent cycles better or worse or just different?? Apologies if this has been covered before in this thread - it is rather long now!

Hope everyone is coping as best they can.

Gill

[ForumMember]

Hi Everyone - well by the afternoon yesterday I was runing a temperature of 38.1 so had to go to the hospital. My WBC was 2.2, which apparently is low, but not critical. Anyway, they gave me antibiotics and said that it would be safer for me at home than in the hospital, so got back here 11.00 p.m. Hopefully will settle down soon but still 38.1 and will have to go for another blood test tomorrow if not better (on day 10 of chemo and they said the WBC could keep going down for a few more days). Anyone else had experience of this - hope I don't have to end up having more injections, as already giving myself daily Clexane! Hope the rest of you are OK. and Ang, hope the pain gets better soon, it's not funny is it. I know exactly what you mean about your tongue feeling too big for your mouth, I had that too. Not pleasant. Hugs to all. Sarah x

[Guest user]

Hi Seabird & tax babies

I'm 5 days behind you mate, I'm aching too, lying around moaning as if in child birth, much to the amusement of OH....lol I've got granulocyte injections each day, which totally kill me. My mouth is disgusting, tongue feels too big for my mouth, can' taste anything other than chocolate!!!

Hope next one doesn't intensify the pains!!!!!!!!

Take care

Love ang

[ForumMember]

Dear Friends - Yes, not a bundle of laughs is it! 10 days now after my first Taxotere and still really aching all over and needing to take pain killers regularly. I am so tired, but sleep seems hard to come by. I am not worrying, just lying there with my mind busy and my body restless - it was 6.00 am today when I finally went to sleep which seems a bit ridiculous! Still one day at a time, and after all, we do know why we are doing this! Good luck everyone. Love Sarah

[Guest user]

Hi mizzy

good luck with the arm, I too look fat, baldly, eyelashless etc etc

Take care

A

[ForumMember]

Hi Cally & All

I have now got swelling in my left arm ( yes the one with no lymph glands just my luck!! ) ive got an appointment on monday for plan for rads and will see my onc so i will show her, i feel so blown up,bald and ugly at the moment and feeling very sorry for myself, but as ever it cheers me up posting on this site and knowing you are not alone, hope i don't swell up anymore or i'll have to borrow some of my partners clothes!!

Love To All MIZZY XXXXXXXX

[horace]

Tax is so different for all of us I am a lot older than you girls[63]and it really took me ages to recover.6 weeks after finishing I could only walk a few steps without gasping for breath but now after 10 months I can do everything I could before with only a bit of pn and I can tolerate that.Love horacexx

[cally2108]

Hi Mizzy , I'm glad you posted as I feel the same as you . I expected to be feeling better after my last tax (on the 27th Feb) but I have aches in my legs where I didnt have it at this time on my previous tax. I know its only 10 days ago but I was usually out of the woods by now. I think I look the worst I have done although others tell me not and I wake up with burst blood vessels in my eyes so I do think there is something in the fact its all catching up. I think my body has had enough now , needs to recoup and rest .

take care
cally

[ForumMember]

Hi All

I had last tax on the 13th Feb and had the usual aches and pains, rash, no taste buds etc.. then felt a bit better but now since the weekend i've had really bad aches in my legs and can hardly walk anywhere without having to rest, even just bending down is agony, also i have a bit of fluid retention in my legs and ankles (mostly in my right leg), this has really got me down as usually i'm feeling so much better at this stage after chemo, i had my herceptin yesterday and saw the doc and she did'nt seem too concerned and thinks its just the battering that chemo has on your body catching up with me ( she did a couple of blood tests which were ok ), i start rads soon so hopefully will feel better before that. Still i'm glad that the chemo is done with so 5wks of rads then herceptin untill xmas then hopefully back to normal!!

Here's to us all getting to the end of our trearments. MIZZY XXXXXXX

[Guest user]

Hello guys
I'm day 6 after 3rd tax. Its much more manageable than the first one,I feel much more energetic. The flu-like pains are worse now though but fairly well comtrolled when I remember to take paracetamol regularly. My indigestion has subsided, my skin rash is minimal, headaches have gone, but food tastes like CAC!!!!! Bleurgh!!!!

Ang, I think we must all be basket cases to some degree or another, I usually take a valium before chemo and I tend to make terrible jokes as if its all a big laugh. Some people find this difficult to respond to, not surprisingly. Refering to the chemo suite as 'Tumours are Us' doesn't sound that funny really. I hope it went OK today for you. Don't forget, it seems the first one is the worst and generally speaking, it seems to kick in on day 4.

Lyn, you're having a rough ride! I had a Groschung line with my first chemo 4 years ago. They tried a picc line (in my arm) but it wouldn't feed through. I had the Groschung fitted under anaesthetic and when I woke up I found they had punctured my lung. It was very painful and scary but it was only a small pnuemothorax which resolved after a few days with breathing exercises. No-one gave me any advice about breathing exercises but I figured it out myself. Don't want to worry you but that was my experience. However I believe it's quite rare for this to happen and the technique has improved since then apparently. I wont have another one though! And even though my veins are poor, there is never a problem finding one. A Groschung is very convenient for the nurses. I don't know what to say about the infection risk, I was dealing with mine myself (I'm a nurse) so I was confident about its care but otherwise I wouldn't have been. Hope this helps!

Carol Xx

[Guest user]

Hi You All

I've just had first tax this afternoon and so far - finger crossed- I'm surviving. No sickness, pain headaches, poo probs, just sleepiness. They have given me cell booster injections to take for a each day for a week from day 3 on the cycle. Self administrating these, anyone else had to do it.

Love you all

Ang xx

[cally2108]

H Lynne
sorry cant answer all of your questions and sorry that you are back having your second round of chemo . I have just finished 3 fec and 3 tax . I dont know how much help it is really as everyone seems to experience different things but I found it all manageable.
My first tax was probably the hardest as my body was just used to the Fec I guess but even then I got through it ok , joint pain, chills , fatigue and feeling low but all short term (although you dont know that at the time !) I drank a lot of water, took the drugs and didnt experience any sickness at all which was my worst fear.
Had a few mouth ulcers caused by a curry and some overdosing of pepper in a restaurant ! so avoided things like that but can honestly say it hasnt been half as bad as I expected. Maybe I am lucky and hopefully you will get through it fine too . I was 41 when I started chemo so not as young as you but I think I am quite fit which probably helps . I dont go to the gym but walk , have two young children , did the race for life the last few years and have been recently skiing inbetween chemo sessions.

I was initially terrified about all I had read about tax and did feel the first in a different way but think it was also the increase in steroids that made me very jittery. I wish I hadnt panicked as much as it really was ok. I should be in bed now but drugs keeping me up .

love cally xx

[ForumMember]

Dear Ang and Lynn

Good luck for today Ang, and anyone else having chemo just now. I am certianly feeling brighter and better after a little downer. Bones still ache though! Like flu but without the fever. Lynn, I am so sorry that after you have been through so much already you are joining us here with Taxotere. It is women like you that make me feel ever so humble. Just remember that Taxotere is a fantastically effective drug. Sorry I can't answer you first questions, but I am having Taxotere after the FEC and actually the side effects seems to be really different, not that awful nausea which is good. I suppose the general fatique does build up, but I have read lots of people who have said that the Taxotere side effects have been easier to deal with than FEC side effects, and I truly hope that that will be the case for you. Let us know how you get on. Love to all. Sarah xx

[Guest user]

Hey ladies

I had 6 x FEC in 2005 which i actaully found very easy but i was 28 at the time and strong as an ox my body has been battered since then , The little B has spread into my lymph nodes again and some bone mets have got bigger Ive got an appointment with my oncologist on thursday to discuss having Taxotere..well i dont think it will be a discussion I have no bloody choice if I want to fight this thing..questions:

1) had massive op before xmas and had vertebrae with tumour removed- am worried by body will be too weak- anyone else had taxotere after massive op?
2) Been readin about Groshong line- My viens are buggered after FEC are there ladies on here that have been fitted with one of these and how to do you wiegh that up against getting an infection??
3) Are there any ladies that have just had Taxotere? If so what is the normal number of doses?
4) do people think having Tax after 3 lots of FEC actually made side effects worse (due to body being weak from FEC)...suppose im asking if you just have Tax effects less//thoughts?

Am off to buy nail varnish and work out if I can sort out sleeping pattern round steroids..did that on FEC worked a treat!

Love to all lynnc xxx

[Guest user]

Hi seabird/sarah

Sorry you've been feeling down. At least we know it will be over at some point eh? I'm getting ready for tomorrow, boo. Have a ton of steroids to take and lorazepan. they gave me the lorazepan as I have developed psycho somatic response to the administration of chemo, I'm a basket case really 🐵 lol I find it hard to stay calm in the chemo ward and they think this will help me. We'll see!!!!

Good luck to everyone else on TAX... keep posting >>>>>

ang x

[ForumMember]

Thanks Caly. Sorry to hear about your eye. Never know what's coming next do we! The last couple days have been very hard for me, have felt in pain all over, despite pain killers. Best relief seems to be sinking into a hot bath. Felt a bit tearful, but guess that's quite OK as well! Today I am feeling much better and just wanted to say to others who might hit a "low" day or two - this too, will pass. Big hugs and love to you all. The nurse called me today which was nice, but I knew she didn't (couldn't) really understand the feelings I was having, and it was a comfort (although I wish you didn't have to share this) to know that when I "speak" to my friends on here, you really DO understand. Sarah xxx

[cally2108]

HI all
Viv sound like quite a saga you went through to get your first tax , amazed you managed to get through it so well after a late start.
Ang good luck , I am in the nice position of having just finished my tax but I was the same as you , tick it off next one to go just take each one as it comes and fill your time with normal stuff.

Interesting about the plants too . I am glad to hear that too , makes me feel like its not all chemicals and we're not monkeys in a lab !

For the first time I have quite a few broken bloodvessels in my eye , ths tax is different each time ! its not painful just a bit unnattractive .

Sarah , that sensation you describe of being restless to be honest is the worst for me , the brain is going but you know the body is tired . Yes it will pass then you are on the home straight.

Best of luck all
Caly x

[ForumMember]

Hi Vivian and Ang and Everyone. Sorry you had all the hassle with your blood tests Vivian, but glad you got sorted in the end, and have that nice feeling of first one done with! Your turn next Ang, and I'm sure you'll be fine as well. I know just what you mean about feeling it comes from nature - that's really interesting. I have done nothing at all for the last two days. Feel restless, but can't concentrate or settle at anything. Sure it will pass. Aches and pains from many directions, not awful, but noticeable!! Hugs to you all. Sarah xxx

[Guest user]

HI Seabird

Sounds like you're doing ok mate. I'm spending this weekend being busy busy in anticipation of my 1st Tax on Tues. I just keep thinking, 1 more down 1 more down, it helps focus on the end of this chemo.

To everyone else on TAX, i hope you are all well. I found out the other day that the drug was first discovered as a compound in the rare pacific yew tree. The stuff they give us is a synthetic reproduction of this natural compound with a couple of chemical changes. i just thought it was amazing that nature has provided a compound so powerful that it stops our cells dividing. SAVE THE RAINFOREST is what I say, how many plants and trees are out there that might harbour a cure for us all???? It's like that movie with Sean Connery in called Medicine Man about a scientist who is out in the Amazon looking for cures for cancer in plants.

I think knowing it originally came from nature makes it easier for me - is that weird?

Anyway big cyber hugs to all >>>>>>>>>>

take care

Ang xxx

[ForumMember]

Cally - What a wonderful posting! Glad you had a super time.
Vivian - Very best of luck for your treatment
Cathy - Thanks for all the advice.
I'm 48 hrs now past 1st Taxotere, washed out but mostly sleeping - know I have a lot to catch up on. Especially as awake about 30 times in the night freezing cold then burning hot - the hot water bottle and woolly hat didn't know if they were coming or going! Feeling a few aches and pains creeping in at the edges but have Ibuprofen at the ready! Good luck all of you - we're getting through this one day at a time! Lots of love Sarah xx

[cally2108]

H also a lanzaparozole fan ! why I didnt get them for my first tax I dont know but does help.

Carol , skiing was great , as I was beating myself up I did wonder what on earth am I doing , am I the only one having chemo on the slopes but it was nice to languish in the sun and now I have a tan plus the flushness of all the drugs from wenesdays session . I'm a belisha beacon.

I did wear the wig in the end and did feel it ride up a few times . oh who cares ...theres no mirrors on the mountain !
I didnt want to feel odd when everyone was taking off bobble hats in the restaurants and it was fine. Luckily I didnt have any major falls where I could have lost it !

So am jumping across to the rads board as I had my planning yesterday but will still have a browse around here I'm sure. Have a bit of a wait for rads due to me wanting to go away with the kiddies first week of easter.

Cally x

[Guest user]

Hi Ladies, good luck to you all and hope that you have the minimum effects, as Cazzy has said Lanzoprazole did help me a great deal.

Can i also say to all the ladies that are experiencing burns to the hands, i had a very bad swollen and red hand it looked like someone had poured boiling water over it, i was sent to a dermatologist in the hospital and he gave me a ointment called ELOCON, and within hours of putting it on i could feel the difference , after a couple of days it was fine, the reason i am posting this is i had to demand to have it looked at, so please do not suffer like i did, i feel that if i had got this ointment sooner my had would not have got as bad as it did.

Best wishes to you all
Mary xxx

[Guest user]

Morning Vivian
I haven't slept at all. Spent the night on u-tube, fantastic! May I suggest asking for Lanzoprazole for the indigestion, it works wonders for me. Have fun today!
Carol X

[Guest user]

Hi Guys
Just wrote a long and fascinating post then lost it when I went back to look up names. I've done this before and its bleeping frustrating!

Welcome new people! I'm having my 3rd Tax today after this sleepless night. This happened last time too. Those steroids are a double edged sword.

Thanks Sarah {hope it was Sarah} for your description of your strange head sensations, its not like mine at all! Don't we have different experiences? I've had no nail problems, one tiny mouth ulcer and still have a respectable amount of hair. I have had skin rashes, muscle aches, slightly bleeding nostrils, fearful indigestion,a peeling face for God's sake, headaches, and the itchiest bum hole imaginable. Not thrush but I believe it to be a histamine reaction. I got i.v.antihistamine with my last Tax after telling them about my predisposition to allergies. I think it helped. New Tax takers - someone said on this site when I first joined - day 4 is when it kicks in. It was certainly true for me. The second Tax was less dramatic.. The best bit of advice I got was REST REST REST! Easy to say. I found it hard to allow myself to do this at first but now I know how important it is. If I do too much one day, I'm completely stuffed the next.

Cally, i'm so glad you enjoyed your skiing, I was wondering how you got on you nut! I bet you're a great Mum. Hope the wind has died down!

Anyone at St Lukes Guildford tomorrow? I'll be wearing a badge that says I'M FOLLICLY FANTASIC.
Say hello!

Big love sisters
Carol X

[Guest user]

hi vivian
My first taxotere was fine, except for being neitropenic but you will probably carry on with the injections. It was a gradual thing with the tax for me and I didn't feel too bad until the fourth but it was still managable. My hint would be to start using nail cream straight away I used it throughout the day on my hands and feet and also used almond oil. Was warned I might loose nails but there just very slightly discoloured where as some of the women I've met have gone really bad, I also started to gargle with hot salt mouth wash straight away after each treatment the only time I didn't was the only time i suffered with ulcers. The things we have to do as if the cancers not bad enough we get all these "lovely" extras free
liz

[ForumMember]

Good luck for tomorrow Vivian Like you my eyebrows and lashes are thin, but it's a gradual thing! Hope your rash stays better, whatever it was I am sure the steroids are helping! All I can suggest for tomorrow it that you "take it as it comes" - try not to focus too much on the "what ifs" just wait and see how it goes for you personally. I know we have this not sleeping thing from the steroids, but I'd rather be awake and feeling fine that feeling wretched, so suits me at the moment. Very best of luck and will be thinking of you - so glad you have joined this thread and do let us know how you get on. Sarah x

[ForumMember]

Hi Everyone - Just thought I'd make a quick posting which hopefully is encouraging to those of you about to have your first Taxotere - hope your experience is like mine was. Went along yesterday morning with a friend and we chatted away all the time. Felt no effect whatsoever from the Taxotere and actually found it a lot more psychologically acceptable than the FEC, probably it's clear colour (and no red wee afterwards). Wore the "cold gloves" - bit uncomfortable when first on, but then felt fine. Came home and again felt just normal! Can hardly believe it! Awake again at 2.00 am - still the steroids and jet lag in my case. But nothing else - no nausea, bad taste or aches and pains. OK it may come later, but great to feel fine at this stage! Good luck to all. Sarah x

[Guest user]

Hi everyone
just thought i'd join this thread to wish you all the best for the rest of yours chemos. I had my last of 6 taxotere, 15 days ago, finishing the steroids was as much as a relief as finishing the tax.
thinking of you all and goodluck
Liz x

[cally2108]

Hi all
seabird, last tax so far so good . so far I'm not croaking !

cally x

[Guest user]

Hi All

Have seen the onc today and still going to carry on with other 2 Taxotere....I was told last week that they would probably stop at 4...never mind it has stopped the progression, even if it hasn't shrunk the tumors.
So here we go again tomorrow.... I had very little sleep last night as we had an earthquake...5.2 on the RS...and looks like no sleep tonight with the steroids.

Take care and hope you are all ok

Love Ann x

[ForumMember]

Hi Cally and Mary - Thanks for your postings. Will be thinking of you at your last chemo Cally and do hope that far from turning into a frog, you will gradually find the princess in you returning! Mary - Do hope that when the time comes you will have a wonderful time skiing. Enjoy looking forward to it, that's always half the fun, and when you get there enjoy the total break and relaxation and hopefully the skiing as well. My week away in UK from Australia (6 flights) between FEC and now Taxotere was such a tonic in everyway (it is home for me) that I think the amount of endorphins generated by the excitement of it all saw me through! Felt energised and positive and as good as I can about starting the Taxotere in the morning. Well, really should go back to bed now, but can't fight the steroids and the jet lag, so nicer by far to be talking to all of you! Love Sarah.

[cally2108]

H just to add (yep probably steroids keeping me awake at this time !) I am having my last tax and chemo tomorrow

first tax had the tingling sensation in fingers and toes - its a bit weird but didnt last more than a few days
mouth - cant taste a thing and everything tasted a bit yakky, sadly chocolate tastes just fine !
when I came off my steroids I felt very low and lethargic for a couple of days but perked up quickly
had achy limbs and ache/pain in chest whcih i am told is the steroids (thought I was having aheart attack !)

with my frst tax felt like my body was a bit out of control and I was very nervous due to what i had read previously but after a few days I was right as rain.

2nd tax - differnet story , got more steroids from doc to bring me down a bit more gradually was given Lanzoprasole (an indigestion lozenge) and felt completely different for the better.
still lost taste , but didnt get the achy limbs and didnt realy get the tingling in the fingers.
I just think your body gets used to it and they listened to me and changed the meds.

3rd tax tomorrow - who knows ! could turn into a frog . I have learnt to experience each session seperately as they ave all been slighly different.
overall its been manageable for me if that can give you positive vibes

best wishes
Cally

[ForumMember]

Hi Sarah and Ang

The first taxotere was the worst for me, especially as I caught a bug and had to keep checking my temperature. the fourth and last chemo was last week and it's definately got easier as time has gone on. Now for me it's just the fatigue, slightly tender nails (clear nail polish and keeping them short works for me) and an odd feel to the mouth (like sandpaper) are all the symptons I'm left with. However I lost most of my sense of taste and ached after the first couple of sessions. I also felt like my neck and collar bone area was made of straw - very odd.

take care
Pauline x

[Guest user]

Hi everyone - I'm new here - can't believe I didn't discover this site until now - I had my dx in August and had 6 Taxotere (TAC regime) before surgery to shrink tumour - now half way through 25 rads. Anyway I found the chemo incredibly hard - and it got worse as it went along really - I had loads of strange symptoms - felt like my bones were being hoovered out (I know that sounds ridiculous) and still have pains in my legs and joints. I cannot believe that someone went Skiing in the middle of treatment!!! That is amazing. I am set to go in April (hope there's still some snow) and am worrying if I'll be up to it! I got all the fuzziness, horrible taste in mouth etc as well as an infected belly button, thrush, and 2 horrendous chest infections - one put me back in the hospital for 5 days. Radiotherapy is a doddle after that. I have also been going to the Haven and my cousin just did a big fundraiser mountain climb for them - will be going back there end April/May....Anyway - great to finally find my way here after all this time!

Mary x

[ForumMember]

Hi Ang, well that's two of us starting out, and lots of others as well I'm sure. Guess it is inevitable that we feel worried and nervous, but it's such a comfort that we are not alone, and that here we can find others who really understand when we say what we are feeling. Friends and family can be wonderfully supportive, but here we know that others truly relate to what we are saying - much as we all wish we didn't have to! So GOOD LUCK to you as well, and let's keep exchanging experiences. Guess also we have to remember that for everyone who has found it really tough, for others it has been not too bad. Hard not to imagine that we will get every side effect going, but probably better for our peace of mind and sanity to try to "wait and see" and just deal with each day as it comes along. Big hug. Sarah x