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My TC journey: Taxotere (docetaxel) & Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)

Posted by srobinet @srobinet, Apr 8 7:28pm

I have 4 rounds of TC. How likely am I to get stomach cramps? I am not worried about the nausea since I have meds for that. My mom did one round of Chemo and I believe stopped because of the stomach cramps. What is the best way to deal with them? As previously stated in another thread I do not like water very much. I read that juice counts but that Apple and Grape juice should be watered down? Why is that? I know I have to stay hydrated and I will flavor my water. Keep me in your thoughts that I can make it through this. I do realize I'm blessed that I do not have to take the Red Devil chemo and that my situation could be so much worse. It's still scary though.

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mistymar | @mistymar | Apr 18 7:47pm
In reply to @srobinet "I had my first infusion on 4/9. I was surprised that I felt ok all of..." + (show)
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I had my first infusion on 4/9. I was surprised that I felt ok all of that day and the next. Days 3-7 were not that great I had bone pain from the meds they give for white blood count and horrible mouth (actually on my underside of lip ulcers). I did not have hardly any appetite and lost 5 lbs since infusion day. Today is day #8 and I'm like a new person. I have felt 90% better all day. I actually ate a complete meal and was hungry. Does TC usually folllow this type of pattern or can it be different every time? Please comment on what you have experienced.

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That was pretty much it for me as well. Infusion Thursday, Neulasta Friday afternoon. By Saturday the pain started, Sunday was my bad day - no matter what, just pretty much bed/recliner day. By Monday afternoon, I was about 60% better and back to pretty normal activity by Tuesday. I started ibuprofen Saturday morning (already on Claritin) and that did seem to control most of it. My mouth also suffered and I used a non alcohol antibacterial mouthwash 3-6 times a day which helped but still had problems up to 7-10 days after each infusion. Did have some tooth movement and over the last year, have had to get 4 crowns because of tooth damage. Unsure if secondary to damage from the chemo or due to the ai therapy or both.

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katgob | @katgob | Apr 18 8:34pm
In reply to @srobinet "I had my first infusion on 4/9. I was surprised that I felt ok all of..." + (show)
Profile picture for srobinet @srobinet

I had my first infusion on 4/9. I was surprised that I felt ok all of that day and the next. Days 3-7 were not that great I had bone pain from the meds they give for white blood count and horrible mouth (actually on my underside of lip ulcers). I did not have hardly any appetite and lost 5 lbs since infusion day. Today is day #8 and I'm like a new person. I have felt 90% better all day. I actually ate a complete meal and was hungry. Does TC usually folllow this type of pattern or can it be different every time? Please comment on what you have experienced.

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I had mine in 2021 but i remember. No mouth sores. I had12rounds, once per week. Infusions were Friday. Saturday was good. It was Sunday night week 2 i started my routine. Brought to me by my nurse. She said for nausea take one Zofran then five hours later one Compazine and keep that rotation for3dayus. My wed night and all Thursday i were ok. I did that for 11 weeks. I did forget to take a laxative. Yikes! No nausea but many problems with my bum. Vaseline was my good friend for months.
Fatigue got me. After my 12 rounds and 1 red devil i was so fatigued my sister in NY told be to call my friend to take me to the hospital because what i was describing to her was not just tired. I was hospitalized for nearly o zero counts of white, red blood numbers, and platelets. Four days as i also had temperature of 103.
Honestly, from that time and for a few years, I made it a habit to feel my forehead. What may have happened to me if i did not talk to my sister, as i lived alone.
It is amazing what we can walk through. I lost 25 pounds. It is hard to eat. Nothing tastes good. For that part, just try to eat the most nutritious you can. I know others Who had many smoothies. Take it a day at a time. I was grateful that in the end i did not have nausea. My pills worked. I did though, end up with neuropathy.

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srobinet | @srobinet | Apr 18 10:59pm

It has been 9 days since my first TC infusion. I did not start using a baking soda rinse as early as I should have. I foolishly believed I would not get any mouth ulcers since I usually don't get them. Since about Tuesday I have had ulcers on the underside of my lips top and bottom and I think under my tongue. I tried OraGel for mouth sores as well as some non alcohol mouth rinse. Both of these were a huge mistake made my lips and mouth burn way worse than before. The oncologist gave me a RX for the Magic Mouthwash. The first two times I used it I though ok this might work. The next time it set my mouth on fire and hurt for several hours. I also noticed my bottom lip swelled up a little. I am using a thin coat of vasoline on my lips to help.I have been doing the baking soda rinse off and on all day . It seems to help a little. I am not eating anything very hot or spicy or acidic. This stuff is miserable and I think is worse than the bone pain from the other medication. Does these ever go away or last a couple of weeks or what? I will not be using the Magic Mouthwash again it was just too bad. I think my mouth was just too inflamed already.Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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2 replies
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maynakfoury | @maynakfoury | Apr 19 10:16am
In reply to @srobinet "It has been 9 days since my first TC infusion. I did not start using a..." + (show)
Profile picture for srobinet @srobinet

It has been 9 days since my first TC infusion. I did not start using a baking soda rinse as early as I should have. I foolishly believed I would not get any mouth ulcers since I usually don't get them. Since about Tuesday I have had ulcers on the underside of my lips top and bottom and I think under my tongue. I tried OraGel for mouth sores as well as some non alcohol mouth rinse. Both of these were a huge mistake made my lips and mouth burn way worse than before. The oncologist gave me a RX for the Magic Mouthwash. The first two times I used it I though ok this might work. The next time it set my mouth on fire and hurt for several hours. I also noticed my bottom lip swelled up a little. I am using a thin coat of vasoline on my lips to help.I have been doing the baking soda rinse off and on all day . It seems to help a little. I am not eating anything very hot or spicy or acidic. This stuff is miserable and I think is worse than the bone pain from the other medication. Does these ever go away or last a couple of weeks or what? I will not be using the Magic Mouthwash again it was just too bad. I think my mouth was just too inflamed already.Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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So sorry to hear of your ordeal! I did start straight on the Mouthwash was given in hospital. It’s called Biotene and using three times a day. I’d reach out to your oncology team straight away to give you guidance and products to use. Hope you get sorted soon!
M

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cookercooker | @cookercooker | Apr 19 11:02am
In reply to @srobinet "It has been 9 days since my first TC infusion. I did not start using a..." + (show)
Profile picture for srobinet @srobinet

It has been 9 days since my first TC infusion. I did not start using a baking soda rinse as early as I should have. I foolishly believed I would not get any mouth ulcers since I usually don't get them. Since about Tuesday I have had ulcers on the underside of my lips top and bottom and I think under my tongue. I tried OraGel for mouth sores as well as some non alcohol mouth rinse. Both of these were a huge mistake made my lips and mouth burn way worse than before. The oncologist gave me a RX for the Magic Mouthwash. The first two times I used it I though ok this might work. The next time it set my mouth on fire and hurt for several hours. I also noticed my bottom lip swelled up a little. I am using a thin coat of vasoline on my lips to help.I have been doing the baking soda rinse off and on all day . It seems to help a little. I am not eating anything very hot or spicy or acidic. This stuff is miserable and I think is worse than the bone pain from the other medication. Does these ever go away or last a couple of weeks or what? I will not be using the Magic Mouthwash again it was just too bad. I think my mouth was just too inflamed already.Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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try salt water mouthwash

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srobinet | @srobinet | May 9 4:08pm

I am doing a TC chemo regimen which requires 4 rounds. I had Triple Negative cancer caught early no lymp node involvement and clean margins. The tumor was aggressive but small. Due to my family history and the tumor grade my Oncologist felt it would benefit me to do the chemo. I have finished round 2 on May 9. The sides and part of the top of my hands are red and tight feeling. I have kinda the same thing happening on my feet. They are sore and slightly have a falling asleep feeling not for long it goes away.

I need suggestion for how to manage this it is very tender and uncomfortable. This happened to the bottom of my heels after the first round of Chemo but it got better and went away. This is not getting better. I am due for my 3rd infusion on 5/21. Since I have no lymph node involvement and clean margins and had a bilateral mastectomy I am wondering if all of this damage is really worth the extra benefit I would get from the remaining chemo. If it is this way after the 3rd infusion I don't know if I can do this. On a positive note my mouth ulcers were not that bad this time only to be replaced by this hand/foot stuff.

If I stop after this next round and then the cancer came back I would feel horrible that I quit. This just seems like it's getting harder and harder each time. I'm over this and just want to feel good again.
As mentioned before I know I am blessed and that this is only 4 rounds. It doesn't make it any easier though. My heart goes out to everyone who is going through this.

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3 replies
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Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | May 23 10:32am
In reply to @srobinet "I am doing a TC chemo regimen which requires 4 rounds. I had Triple Negative cancer..." + (show)
Profile picture for srobinet @srobinet

I am doing a TC chemo regimen which requires 4 rounds. I had Triple Negative cancer caught early no lymp node involvement and clean margins. The tumor was aggressive but small. Due to my family history and the tumor grade my Oncologist felt it would benefit me to do the chemo. I have finished round 2 on May 9. The sides and part of the top of my hands are red and tight feeling. I have kinda the same thing happening on my feet. They are sore and slightly have a falling asleep feeling not for long it goes away.

I need suggestion for how to manage this it is very tender and uncomfortable. This happened to the bottom of my heels after the first round of Chemo but it got better and went away. This is not getting better. I am due for my 3rd infusion on 5/21. Since I have no lymph node involvement and clean margins and had a bilateral mastectomy I am wondering if all of this damage is really worth the extra benefit I would get from the remaining chemo. If it is this way after the 3rd infusion I don't know if I can do this. On a positive note my mouth ulcers were not that bad this time only to be replaced by this hand/foot stuff.

If I stop after this next round and then the cancer came back I would feel horrible that I quit. This just seems like it's getting harder and harder each time. I'm over this and just want to feel good again.
As mentioned before I know I am blessed and that this is only 4 rounds. It doesn't make it any easier though. My heart goes out to everyone who is going through this.

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I am sorry I was missing in action here before you took your next treatment. I was curious if they offered you the ice gloves and booties when you got your treatments, these are designed to help this very thing.
Because you are triple negative, I would think any benefit you could from chemo was worth taking it if you can tolerate it.
Did you talk to your doctor about this before your treatment?

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1 reply
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missycat | @missycat | May 24 8:26am
In reply to @srobinet "I am doing a TC chemo regimen which requires 4 rounds. I had Triple Negative cancer..." + (show)
Profile picture for srobinet @srobinet

I am doing a TC chemo regimen which requires 4 rounds. I had Triple Negative cancer caught early no lymp node involvement and clean margins. The tumor was aggressive but small. Due to my family history and the tumor grade my Oncologist felt it would benefit me to do the chemo. I have finished round 2 on May 9. The sides and part of the top of my hands are red and tight feeling. I have kinda the same thing happening on my feet. They are sore and slightly have a falling asleep feeling not for long it goes away.

I need suggestion for how to manage this it is very tender and uncomfortable. This happened to the bottom of my heels after the first round of Chemo but it got better and went away. This is not getting better. I am due for my 3rd infusion on 5/21. Since I have no lymph node involvement and clean margins and had a bilateral mastectomy I am wondering if all of this damage is really worth the extra benefit I would get from the remaining chemo. If it is this way after the 3rd infusion I don't know if I can do this. On a positive note my mouth ulcers were not that bad this time only to be replaced by this hand/foot stuff.

If I stop after this next round and then the cancer came back I would feel horrible that I quit. This just seems like it's getting harder and harder each time. I'm over this and just want to feel good again.
As mentioned before I know I am blessed and that this is only 4 rounds. It doesn't make it any easier though. My heart goes out to everyone who is going through this.

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Omg, I could've written your post. Exact same diagnosis. My 3rd round is May 27th and I don't know if I can handle it. I've had a rash on arms and legs that is driving me crazy! My oncologist said every infusion will result in a different reaction. What if my next infusion makes the rash worse! I know that I have to finish my 4 rounds for the bigger picture, but dam!!! I too just want to feel normal.

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srobinet | @srobinet | May 24 9:57am
In reply to @auntieoakley "I am sorry I was missing in action here before you took your next treatment. I..." + (show)
Profile picture for Chris, Volunteer Mentor @auntieoakley

I am sorry I was missing in action here before you took your next treatment. I was curious if they offered you the ice gloves and booties when you got your treatments, these are designed to help this very thing.
Because you are triple negative, I would think any benefit you could from chemo was worth taking it if you can tolerate it.
Did you talk to your doctor about this before your treatment?

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@auntieoakley Sorry to take so long to reply. I was not offered the ice gloves or anything. I finished round 3 on 5/21. The plan they came up with is to load me up with steroids the day before and after chemo bigger dose. Then I'm taking 2-3 mg a day. My hands are not hurting but are peeling . I guess the Taxotere burned my hands from the inside out. It's like a bad sunburn type of peel. I only have one round left . If I do not get anymore redness then I will finish the chemo. If the pain/redness comes back the doctor may reduce the strength of the last treatment.

After this I will be done except for scans every so often . It's been a long 5 months since diagnosis. I just will be glad to be done .

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srobinet | @srobinet | May 24 10:03am
In reply to @missycat "Omg, I could've written your post. Exact same diagnosis. My 3rd round is May 27th and..." + (show)
Profile picture for missycat @missycat

Omg, I could've written your post. Exact same diagnosis. My 3rd round is May 27th and I don't know if I can handle it. I've had a rash on arms and legs that is driving me crazy! My oncologist said every infusion will result in a different reaction. What if my next infusion makes the rash worse! I know that I have to finish my 4 rounds for the bigger picture, but dam!!! I too just want to feel normal.

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@missycat I totally understand how you feel. Yes it feels like Wheel of Fortune spin the wheel each infusion and see what side effects you get . They are different each time and seem to last longer. I finished my 3rd infusion 5/21 so just one left.

I wanted to reduce the strength of this 3rd infusion but my oncologist did not agree. I trust him and because of the grade 3 and Triple Negative we kept it the same. I will finish the last round on 6/11 and hope to finally be done with this God willing. Hang in there you can do it . Take care.

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