Taxotere journey Part 1

Yesterday was my husbands Taxotere infusion, Zometa infusion and Lupron injection. As suggested we used the icing technique on his hands, feet and scalp. (Just today, channel 4 had information on icing caps to prevent hairloss from chemotherapy).
9
Today was uneventful. Felt strong, pain free and put in a full days work.
Sleeping was a bit of a challenge last night due to the prednisone and decadron medication.
Hopefully tonight he will get some shut eye.



____________________________________
60 yr. old; DX. 2008 at 56
12/2008: open RP, nerve sparing, clear margins
2/2009: PSA 2.5, started
Bone and lung mets
3/2011: ARN-509 clinical trial PSA, .5
11/11: Abiraterone pre chemo, Not effective
4/12: Taxotere started PSA 23

Post Edited By Moderator (142) : 6/28/2012 8:05:31 PM (GMT-6)

I hope he slept better!
Can you tell me why he is on the Zometa? My husband was but got off it because of potential dental surgery which did not happen. Asked if he should go back on, the doctor said not really. The mets aren't in the bone. He did say there was value in getting it once a year for the sake of treating osteoporosis.
Thanks!

nhwife--"Why Zometa"??

Lupron and other testosterone suppressants inadvertantly inhibit the rebuilding of bones (bones are constantly being "torn apart and re-built" by the body) and can lead to osteopenia and osteoporosis. I was on Fosamax, a similar bone-building aid, but am now on Zometa that is a quantum-leap more powerful.

Like David, I find your posts to be of great interest knowing I may be taking them all too soon. I am so happy that it is going so well. I watched my neighbor go through this and he was really sick and fatigued on days 3-5. Hopefully, your husband has continued success with the treatments. For the hat, gloves and socks, did the Infusion center have them or did you have to order them?

Best wishes on you and your husband's PCa journey.

I purchased everything myself. I bought a very large ice pack so my hubby could put his both feet on one pack and two smaller ones for the tops. He left a thin sock on to protect his skin. For his hands, I purchased ice packs that came with an ace bandage that was in the shape of a glove. For the scalp, we used one of those old fashioned ice packs for headaches and I had him bring a hooded sweat shirt to keep the ice pack in place and to keep him warm. In addition, I brought my own ice chips for him to suck on throughout his treatment.

The icing on his one arm was put on after the infusion began just to be sure the IV line was running properly, all other ice packs were applied prior to the infusion.

The chemo nurse had heard about this treatment but said no one had ever requested it. Knowing that, I brought my own cooler filled with all the goodies, the only thing I forgot were the wine coolers. LOL! My husband is being treated in NYC and I would have thought they would have some information on the icing technique. The chemo nurse will be following us closely.

I will post later today with an update on day 5.

Day 6 after Taxotere

Today was a bit challenging with fatigue, GI upset, headache, and overall malaise. Hubby spent most of the afternoon and night watching T.V and resting. Appetite was fair due to the metallic taste in his mouth. He had stomach cramps all day long which was most bothersome to him.

Not a great day. According to my husband, it was tough and uncomfortable but bearable.

Praying tomorrow will be a bit easier for him.

Zimac

Thanks for your very comprehensive report. I find it very interesting the transfusion nurse is not aware of the icing. I go to the VA Hospital in DC, my transfusions are Zometa monthly for bones - which is like 25 minutes or so. But in the transfusion room there are generally 3 others who are getting much longer transfusions - I've never seen any of them do all the icing.

What I have found with Prednisone, which I take 2x a day. Yup it really does stimulate the body - active active! Also I've had issues sleeping - I've tried Red Wine and Melatonia - which seems to help.
Other thing I've found, if I miss a Pred, about 24 hours later I tend to crash pretty hard. Specifically, miss a with supper Pred, next day have the with breakfast Pred - late afternoon that day - I'm wiped out.

Good thoughts and our prayers to you and your hubby!

Bud and Mrs. Bud

Zimac,
Thanks so much for your thoughts!
Does your husband work and has this affected the work? And how about hair loss- any? I think it's the second that worries my husband the most!
I will certainly post our journey!
Thank you again.

Day 7 after Taxotere

The morning started off with hubby still feeling tired and achy. He did sleep through the night. Stomach cramps were still bothersome. Had some diarrhea in the A.M. Appetite was good. He did have a metallic taste in his mouth. Haven't noticed any hair loss but watching closely.
By afternoon he was up and about feeling much better. We went over a neighbors house for dinner and a movie and arrived home at 10:30 p.m. He was awake the entire movie which he usually sleeps through on a good day.
Overall today was a much better day. Praying that tomorrow will be even better.

Thank you David. We are on this journey together.

Zimac

Day 8 after Taxotere

Last night was a tough night with severe abdominal cramping and pain. Hubby couldn't get comfortable and was up all night. Gave him some Pepto Bismol but don't know if it worked. He wasn't told to watch his diet but I think that a bland diet for him is sensible at this point.

Today was the first day he missed work. He did not have the stamina to get up, shower and get out the door - too fatigued.

During the day he stuck to a bland diet and felt much better. Fatigue is easing a bit. Metallic taste is lessened by sucking on anything sour. I bought sour candy that he says really helped with the metallic taste. Also he is using plastic spoons, forks and knives to eat with instead of metal utensils. His appetite remains good.

He rested most of the day because he was exhausted from lack of sleep.
Tonight he seems to have a bit more energy and is feeling much better.
I think the bland diet helped with the abdominal cramps and pain. I will keep him on bland foods for a few more days. Hope it continues.

Sounds like a good day for your husband. Glad he has seen some improvement. If sleep becomes a serious issue, really wouldn't hurt to be on something like Ambien even if it is for short term use. The lack of good sleep itself can cause other side effects to be more intense than normal. Something worth thinking about.

david

I pray they are the same for you. Keep us posted. It really helps.