Cancer: Chemo Treatment #5 - Traveling a New Path with Taxotere
Tuesday my appointment was later than normal. My normal is 9:00 am or 9:30 am. Tuesday my appointment was set for 11:30 because instead of taking two different chemos as I have been doing for my last four treatments, I will now be on one chemo per session. It was a different dynamic today as the waiting area was not packed; however, the staff seemed to be moving a bit slower.
I arrived feeling really great. It was my second day since my last treatment that I really felt good again. My body felt like I did prior to chemo treatments. Soon I was called by for my normal weigh in, blood pressure check, and temp check. They always ask if I am having any issues and they note them on my chart for Dr. Bondly. I then get my port hooked up for chemo and the nurse flushes it and then takes several vials of blood. Just the normal routine. How quickly our lives change and what you would never imagine as part of your routine actually becomes your "normal."
I go back into the waiting room and wait to be called back to see Dr. Bondly, my Oncologist, for consultation and check-up. We discussed some of the issues that I have been having such as my throat, my mouth and the break out of sores/blisters, but as I already knew....they are just part of chemo side-effects. She did write me a new prescription for some strong Magic Mouthwash. She said that it would not only help the pain in my mouth and throat, but has an ingredient that will help to kill the fungal mucus caused from chemo. She was very pleased at how my larger tumor is responding to the chemo. After two months, there is significant change in its size, shape, and color....all good things. Prior to ending our consultation/check-up, I voiced my concern with Dr. Bondly about taking Taxotere. There is currently an active class action lawsuit against the makers of Taxotere because some patients who were on Taxotere did not have their hair to grow back after treatments. Dr. Bondly told me that most of the people filing already had thin to thinning hair prior to treatment. Most patients with healthy, full heads of hair did not have the issue of their hair not returning. Then, I mentioned to her about my real concern with neuropathy. If not having hair grow back happened, but I was cancer free....ok, I can certainly deal with that. However, the neuropathy issue is a real concern. Approximately 35% of patients who have been on Taxotere have suffered some degree of neuropathy. Dr. Bondly reminded me as she did once before, Taxotere is my best care chemo. If I decided against it and went with another chemo, my outcome might not be as hopeful. So, of course I told her I would proceed with the Taxotere and just keep praying that I would not have neuropathy.
Side-note: I am continuing to use one product that a friend of my, Cheryl, suggested that her husband used for his skin when he had cancer and it has really helped my skin a lot. Another friend, Belinda, sent me a package with a couple of products to use for my skin....one from Monat and one from Bath and Body. I am so thankful for these ladies and for helping me to get my skin in a better place. The chemo has been drying out my skin until I feel like I am a wrinkly prune and then I have the sores/blisters that have broke out over my arms, legs, and chest. Thanks to these ladies though....it is improving.
After my time with Dr. Bondly, I am escorted back to the chemo treatment area and am assigned a bay. I have to wait a bit longer this time for some reason for them the get my Taxotere ready, but the nurse soon starts administering the four nausea medicines that I receive prior to chemo treatments each time. Yes, I get to feel (in my lower extremities) the feeling of hot firey fire-ants when the nausea medicine with the steroid is injected. Not a fun time and not easy to sit still, but thankfully it only last a couple of minutes. Prior to starting the Taxotere, the nurse goes over several "possible" side-effects that I might experience from the Taxotere chemo. This was NOT a fun conversation at all.
Taxotere side-effects and their severity depend on how much Taxotere is given. In other words, high doses of Taxotere may produce more severe side-effects. Over 30% of patients on Taxotere will experience some of the following common side-effects.
Taxotere can cause:
Peripheral Neuropathy (numbness in your fingers and toes and often is permanent)
Low White Blood Cell Count (This can increase one's risk for infection)
Low Red Blood Cell Count (Anemia)
Fluid Retention with Weight Gain
Swelling of the ankles and/or abdominal area
Chemo Brain Fog
Nausea
Diarrhea
Mouth Sores
Fatigue and Weakness
Infection
Nail changes (puss around nails - color changes to your fingernails or toenails may occur while taking Taxotere. In some cases, the nails may fall off. After the Taxotere treatments are finished, the nails "generally" grow back.)
Vomiting
Muscle/bone/joint pain (myalgias and arthralgias)
Low Platelet Count (Can increase risk of bleeding)
Increases in blood tests measuring liver function. These return to normal once treatment is discontinued.
Shortness of Breath
Hand-Foot Syndrome - Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia: Bottoms of Hands and Feet turning extremely red, dry, cracking open, blisters, and extremely painful.
Nadir in regards to taking Taxotere: This is the "low" point. Nadir is the point in time between chemotherapy cycles in which you experience low blood counts. The onset is 4 to 7 days. Then, the nadir or low point is 5 to 9 days. After this period, a recovery will begin within 21 days.
I was told that if I have signs of neuropathy or the hands and feet issue, my future treatments will consist of having a pan of ice to put my feet in and one for my hands. I will have to do this during the chemo treatment and keep them in the ice as long as I can bear it, remove them, and repeat this process for the duration of the treatment. This process is supposed to help the nerves to be more stimulated.
I was also told, and this is my number one concern, that IF I have either of the aforementioned side-effects, they will have to lower my chemo dose. IF I have to lower my chemo, Dr. Bondly and my nurse said that would open up the possibility of my cancer spreading.
While my Taxotere starts to slowly drip, I have time to look take note of other patients around me who are also taking chemo. In the bay across from me, Ashleigh and I both noticed this young looking female with her mom. She appeared so shy and they were both very quiet. Well, of course I introduced myself. Because of her demeanor, I felt that it was her first treatment. I was going to tell her and her mom where to get drinks and snacks that are provided for patients. But, she told me her name was Casandra and that this was indeed not her first treatment, but she had been diagnosed 9 months ago with colon cancer. They also found spots on her spine and liver. She has already had surgery and been on chemo every since. She was so sweet, looked so healthy. I could not believe her story. She recently had a Pet Scan and it showed her liver spots are clearing, but now she has spots on her lungs. I was heartbroken. She is only 3 years older than Ashleigh. Such a sweet young lady and her mama.
Then, there was an older lady with her husband sitting by her side that was in the bay across from me to the left side. She has cancer, but I don't know exactly where because I merely overheard her in conversation with an older gentleman across from her who was also having a treatment. I did understand enough to know that she is in maintenance and that her cancer is not curable.
The older gentleman's wife said that he has kidney cancer and that for now it is contained in the kidney, but that could change. He is not a candidate for surgery and their best hope is to keep the cancer captive in the one kidney and try to shrink it.
As I was sitting there with my chemo dripping through my port, into my veins and throughout my body.....once again reality hit me. I am so blessed. Of all of us in the quad bays, my prognosis was far better. My hope is much brighter. My heart and prayers are with each of these patients who crossed my path Tuesday....along with all who come and go out of the Bruno Cancer Center daily and all patients who are fighting this horrific disease. Sadly, I was not able to attain any further information regarding Miss Gwen who I met over a month ago in treatment. I pray she is still fighting her battle with cancer, but I know at 77 years of age and fighting colon and liver cancer her body was tired and frail. My prayers are with her.
My Taxotere dripped to the last drop and once again it was almost 2:00. The nurse placed the Neulasta body injector device on my stomach, which is done after every treatment, after a minute a needle sticks into my stomach, and approximately 27 hours later....the medication will dispense into my body. It has a flashing green light that continues to blink until it starts dispensing, then it becomes a solid green, and then the light goes off when empty. My grandkiddos think it is pretty cool. I tell them it is my robot flasher. LOL This medicine, however, is crucial to my health. This one small device costs over $8,000 per treatment, but there is no real price tag value because it is life-saving. It is a bone marrow stimulant, It helps the body make white blood cells after receiving chemo. After the 27 hours, the medication takes about 45 minutes to dispense and empty the device. After that, I can remove it.
I need some serious prayers to be lifted on my behalf over the next two months while I am taking Taxotere. So many "possible" side-effects and several could alter my treatment and recovery plan. Taxotere is the chemo I need for my cancer in order to have the best outcome and I need to be able to stay on track and not have to lower my chemo doses.
This morning I woke up with my right hand feeling very swollen and tender. Over the course of today, it has not stopped having that feeling and in addition it is having some tingling as though it is asleep. I do not, however, feel any numb spots. I pray it is something that will get better quickly; however, the tips of my fingers are sensitive. There are two or three things it could be and not necessarily neuropathy related. I am so having some chemo brain fog this afternoon, but I am used to that and it usually only lasts a couple of days after treatment.
I have been showered with love, care, support, awesome prayer warriors, encouragers, and those who gift me with laughter. I am overwhelmed with a thankful heart and blessed beyond words to have each of you in my life. I depend on you all to pray me through this difficult cancer journey. My faith is strong and I am secure in knowing that God is leading and healing me daily. I believe with all of my heart that God is fashioning me and forging me into a renewed vessel that He will use in new and better ways when I come through to a complete earthly healing. I am excited to see what is ahead for me and how many ways I will be able to glorify our Father through my living testimony.
Things change quickly when you are diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. It is still a bit shocking when I look at myself in the mirror and see a cancer patient staring back. Very surreal at times. Little things don't bother you as they did before. Cancer helps put everything into perspective as it is a great clarifier of life. Everything on earth is temporary. I value every new day...it truly is a gift. I try not to spend time being frustrated. My outlook and my perspective has been made new. God, You are my driving force, my strength comes from You, and my faith will never waver. I stand strong because of Who You are and Who I am to You.....Your precious daughter. I love you Abba, Father! Amen!
Prayers.....Prayers.....Prayers......They are the key to my healing. They are working and I feel each one. Love you all!
I arrived feeling really great. It was my second day since my last treatment that I really felt good again. My body felt like I did prior to chemo treatments. Soon I was called by for my normal weigh in, blood pressure check, and temp check. They always ask if I am having any issues and they note them on my chart for Dr. Bondly. I then get my port hooked up for chemo and the nurse flushes it and then takes several vials of blood. Just the normal routine. How quickly our lives change and what you would never imagine as part of your routine actually becomes your "normal."
I go back into the waiting room and wait to be called back to see Dr. Bondly, my Oncologist, for consultation and check-up. We discussed some of the issues that I have been having such as my throat, my mouth and the break out of sores/blisters, but as I already knew....they are just part of chemo side-effects. She did write me a new prescription for some strong Magic Mouthwash. She said that it would not only help the pain in my mouth and throat, but has an ingredient that will help to kill the fungal mucus caused from chemo. She was very pleased at how my larger tumor is responding to the chemo. After two months, there is significant change in its size, shape, and color....all good things. Prior to ending our consultation/check-up, I voiced my concern with Dr. Bondly about taking Taxotere. There is currently an active class action lawsuit against the makers of Taxotere because some patients who were on Taxotere did not have their hair to grow back after treatments. Dr. Bondly told me that most of the people filing already had thin to thinning hair prior to treatment. Most patients with healthy, full heads of hair did not have the issue of their hair not returning. Then, I mentioned to her about my real concern with neuropathy. If not having hair grow back happened, but I was cancer free....ok, I can certainly deal with that. However, the neuropathy issue is a real concern. Approximately 35% of patients who have been on Taxotere have suffered some degree of neuropathy. Dr. Bondly reminded me as she did once before, Taxotere is my best care chemo. If I decided against it and went with another chemo, my outcome might not be as hopeful. So, of course I told her I would proceed with the Taxotere and just keep praying that I would not have neuropathy.
Side-note: I am continuing to use one product that a friend of my, Cheryl, suggested that her husband used for his skin when he had cancer and it has really helped my skin a lot. Another friend, Belinda, sent me a package with a couple of products to use for my skin....one from Monat and one from Bath and Body. I am so thankful for these ladies and for helping me to get my skin in a better place. The chemo has been drying out my skin until I feel like I am a wrinkly prune and then I have the sores/blisters that have broke out over my arms, legs, and chest. Thanks to these ladies though....it is improving.
After my time with Dr. Bondly, I am escorted back to the chemo treatment area and am assigned a bay. I have to wait a bit longer this time for some reason for them the get my Taxotere ready, but the nurse soon starts administering the four nausea medicines that I receive prior to chemo treatments each time. Yes, I get to feel (in my lower extremities) the feeling of hot firey fire-ants when the nausea medicine with the steroid is injected. Not a fun time and not easy to sit still, but thankfully it only last a couple of minutes. Prior to starting the Taxotere, the nurse goes over several "possible" side-effects that I might experience from the Taxotere chemo. This was NOT a fun conversation at all.
Taxotere side-effects and their severity depend on how much Taxotere is given. In other words, high doses of Taxotere may produce more severe side-effects. Over 30% of patients on Taxotere will experience some of the following common side-effects.
Taxotere can cause:
Peripheral Neuropathy (numbness in your fingers and toes and often is permanent)
Low White Blood Cell Count (This can increase one's risk for infection)
Low Red Blood Cell Count (Anemia)
Fluid Retention with Weight Gain
Swelling of the ankles and/or abdominal area
Chemo Brain Fog
Nausea
Diarrhea
Mouth Sores
Fatigue and Weakness
Infection
Nail changes (puss around nails - color changes to your fingernails or toenails may occur while taking Taxotere. In some cases, the nails may fall off. After the Taxotere treatments are finished, the nails "generally" grow back.)
Vomiting
Muscle/bone/joint pain (myalgias and arthralgias)
Low Platelet Count (Can increase risk of bleeding)
Increases in blood tests measuring liver function. These return to normal once treatment is discontinued.
Shortness of Breath
Hand-Foot Syndrome - Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia: Bottoms of Hands and Feet turning extremely red, dry, cracking open, blisters, and extremely painful.
Nadir in regards to taking Taxotere: This is the "low" point. Nadir is the point in time between chemotherapy cycles in which you experience low blood counts. The onset is 4 to 7 days. Then, the nadir or low point is 5 to 9 days. After this period, a recovery will begin within 21 days.
I was told that if I have signs of neuropathy or the hands and feet issue, my future treatments will consist of having a pan of ice to put my feet in and one for my hands. I will have to do this during the chemo treatment and keep them in the ice as long as I can bear it, remove them, and repeat this process for the duration of the treatment. This process is supposed to help the nerves to be more stimulated.
I was also told, and this is my number one concern, that IF I have either of the aforementioned side-effects, they will have to lower my chemo dose. IF I have to lower my chemo, Dr. Bondly and my nurse said that would open up the possibility of my cancer spreading.
While my Taxotere starts to slowly drip, I have time to look take note of other patients around me who are also taking chemo. In the bay across from me, Ashleigh and I both noticed this young looking female with her mom. She appeared so shy and they were both very quiet. Well, of course I introduced myself. Because of her demeanor, I felt that it was her first treatment. I was going to tell her and her mom where to get drinks and snacks that are provided for patients. But, she told me her name was Casandra and that this was indeed not her first treatment, but she had been diagnosed 9 months ago with colon cancer. They also found spots on her spine and liver. She has already had surgery and been on chemo every since. She was so sweet, looked so healthy. I could not believe her story. She recently had a Pet Scan and it showed her liver spots are clearing, but now she has spots on her lungs. I was heartbroken. She is only 3 years older than Ashleigh. Such a sweet young lady and her mama.
Then, there was an older lady with her husband sitting by her side that was in the bay across from me to the left side. She has cancer, but I don't know exactly where because I merely overheard her in conversation with an older gentleman across from her who was also having a treatment. I did understand enough to know that she is in maintenance and that her cancer is not curable.
The older gentleman's wife said that he has kidney cancer and that for now it is contained in the kidney, but that could change. He is not a candidate for surgery and their best hope is to keep the cancer captive in the one kidney and try to shrink it.
As I was sitting there with my chemo dripping through my port, into my veins and throughout my body.....once again reality hit me. I am so blessed. Of all of us in the quad bays, my prognosis was far better. My hope is much brighter. My heart and prayers are with each of these patients who crossed my path Tuesday....along with all who come and go out of the Bruno Cancer Center daily and all patients who are fighting this horrific disease. Sadly, I was not able to attain any further information regarding Miss Gwen who I met over a month ago in treatment. I pray she is still fighting her battle with cancer, but I know at 77 years of age and fighting colon and liver cancer her body was tired and frail. My prayers are with her.
My Taxotere dripped to the last drop and once again it was almost 2:00. The nurse placed the Neulasta body injector device on my stomach, which is done after every treatment, after a minute a needle sticks into my stomach, and approximately 27 hours later....the medication will dispense into my body. It has a flashing green light that continues to blink until it starts dispensing, then it becomes a solid green, and then the light goes off when empty. My grandkiddos think it is pretty cool. I tell them it is my robot flasher. LOL This medicine, however, is crucial to my health. This one small device costs over $8,000 per treatment, but there is no real price tag value because it is life-saving. It is a bone marrow stimulant, It helps the body make white blood cells after receiving chemo. After the 27 hours, the medication takes about 45 minutes to dispense and empty the device. After that, I can remove it.
I need some serious prayers to be lifted on my behalf over the next two months while I am taking Taxotere. So many "possible" side-effects and several could alter my treatment and recovery plan. Taxotere is the chemo I need for my cancer in order to have the best outcome and I need to be able to stay on track and not have to lower my chemo doses.
This morning I woke up with my right hand feeling very swollen and tender. Over the course of today, it has not stopped having that feeling and in addition it is having some tingling as though it is asleep. I do not, however, feel any numb spots. I pray it is something that will get better quickly; however, the tips of my fingers are sensitive. There are two or three things it could be and not necessarily neuropathy related. I am so having some chemo brain fog this afternoon, but I am used to that and it usually only lasts a couple of days after treatment.
I have been showered with love, care, support, awesome prayer warriors, encouragers, and those who gift me with laughter. I am overwhelmed with a thankful heart and blessed beyond words to have each of you in my life. I depend on you all to pray me through this difficult cancer journey. My faith is strong and I am secure in knowing that God is leading and healing me daily. I believe with all of my heart that God is fashioning me and forging me into a renewed vessel that He will use in new and better ways when I come through to a complete earthly healing. I am excited to see what is ahead for me and how many ways I will be able to glorify our Father through my living testimony.
Things change quickly when you are diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. It is still a bit shocking when I look at myself in the mirror and see a cancer patient staring back. Very surreal at times. Little things don't bother you as they did before. Cancer helps put everything into perspective as it is a great clarifier of life. Everything on earth is temporary. I value every new day...it truly is a gift. I try not to spend time being frustrated. My outlook and my perspective has been made new. God, You are my driving force, my strength comes from You, and my faith will never waver. I stand strong because of Who You are and Who I am to You.....Your precious daughter. I love you Abba, Father! Amen!
Prayers.....Prayers.....Prayers......They are the key to my healing. They are working and I feel each one. Love you all!
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Patricia I am praying for no side effects for you so this chemo can beat your cancer. Keep your positive attitude. It helps so much. Last but not least, Fight Like a Girl!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe pray for you daily (or more). Those who come early on Wednesday Night to pray before class, pray every week for you (if not more when they are home). We pay for you every Thursday in Ladies’ Class. Dee, one of our members, said that she had the Taxotere and didn’t have any lasting symptoms from it. She had hair loss that is now long and blond. She had no neuropathy at all. We are all praying for you to do as well.
ReplyDeleteI love your beautiful spirit. I love the faith you have in our Lord and Master. You are so beautiful, inside and out. Praying daily, hourly, sometimes more often. I love you so much