Taxotere - 5 down, 1 to go - And feeling better?

Yes, it's true that each infusion cranks up the fatigue to new levels, but as I am on Day 11 after Session #5, I'm feeling better than I have the last two sessions at this point. Fevers and constipation brought me down big-time during the first three sessions, and we thought the culprit of the fevers was Neulasta, so we stopped that and went to daily Neupogen shots following the chemo session. But fevers continued and I had some dangerous WBC counts (0.74, 1.23), even after a couple daily neupogen shots.

After 3 or 4 taxotere sessions, while I never had serious thoughts about stopping there, I understand why some would. But for those at the crossroads of one or two left, know that it's possible that you'll start to (God-forbid) get used to the taxotere to some degree. That appears to be happening with me (however, look for my posts in a couple days when I crash!). Seriously, though, there might be light at the end of your chemo tunnel, too. Best of luck, love & blessings for all the troupers on this journey.

How bad did the fevers get and how did you deal with them? I'm 72 hours out from treatment #1, crashed pretty hard today...

Fairwind,
Hang in there. The fevers for me were all under 101, but after the first couple sessions of taxotere they were persistent as in every 4 or 5 hours I was alternating Tylenol and Advil to keep them below 101. 101 is the level where I had to call the Docs nurse. They are worried about infection since immune systems get trashed.
After my first session, I got the neulasta shot the next day. Fevers came a couple days later and the doc thought the neulasta was causing it. So no more neulasta. Next session the neulasta was replaced with neupagin. Fevers came again, 101, and so a second stop at ER actually got me admitted to hospital for 3 day because WBC was WAY low. Session 4 had fevers again, but less. I got smarter too... more water consumed and I changed bedding, bedroom temp, etc, and started wearing really thin tee shirts. Because I’m having to get daily neupagin shots for 5-7 days after the sessions, I’m taking a Claritin and one Advil at bedtime. I swear that seems to help fevers (and bone pains).
As mentioned I’m now on Day 11 after session 5 and I’m feeling very good, no fevers the past 5 days. Fatigue is still brutal. One thing I’ve learned is that while you have to make sure you don’t catch any colds, viruses, you shouldn’t overreact to the fevers like I may have at first. Tylenol and Advil, alternating every 4 hours if necessary, and drinking LOTS of good pure water, will keep your fevers out of the danger zone. If they don’t, that’s when you head to ER to check systems.
Keep in touch. Hang in there, as even though it’s a progressive effect on your systems, the first one is pretty ugly because it’s a total shock. Best of luck. You can do this!

Fairwind,
With no neulasta or neupagin I’m wondering what your WBC was on last blood test... I always have it taken on chemo day, Wednesday then again the following Monday. I’d keep an eye on that because mine gets totally hammered after a taxotere session. I’m doing 5-7 daily neupagin after each session.
Glad you’re feeling better!

Thank you for the update Steve. Great to hear that you felt better sooner this time. Congratulations on only the one more to go! Me too. Next Tuesday is the last infusion scheduled for me.

Fairwind, I didn't experience any real nausea or aversion to food/smells until my third infusion. Luckily, it did go pretty much away after about two weeks. Please do remember to keep drinking lots of water. I have a big Tervis cup that I keep filled and with me at all times for several days after the infusion. On crash days, my wife wakes me up every hour or so to take a big drink. You might want to consider getting some Gatorade as well. I found that when I started to get tired of the water, some Gatorade was more tolerable.

My VA "Navigator" called yesterday and set me up for a dental exam next Monday as a precursor to Neupogin shots.. They have had enough problems with using the Filgrastim (Neupogin) shots that they are very careful with it...

Nuelasta ..........$7200 for one shot

Neupogin ..........$350 for one shot..

The chemical formula for both of these drugs is very similar and VET's call it "Filgrastim" or "Pegfilgrastim"

The VETS negotiate drug prices with suppliers and typically pay only a fraction of list price. They prescribe generics when ever possible...

Hello STEVE55777,

Glad to hear you are knocking out your chemotherapy infusions, one step at a time!

As a fellow member of "The Chemo Club" --- it is helpful, marking those milestones ---

You start with getting the first one knocked out ... then you reach the halfway milestone ... and now, your last treatment is around the corner ... you're heading towards the finish line, that's for sure!

I'm thankful you have forged ahead ... I became a member of "The Chemo Club" back in 2014, and I watched my PSA tumble to the lowest point I had experienced since I was diagnosed.

I continue to believe that those chemo infusions helped me ...

With the finish line now in view, set your sights on relaxing this summer --- by then, your series of treatments will be done --- and you'll be able to relax and enjoy the summer.

Wanted to wish you the very best, Steve55777 !

Handshake, from across the miles,

CYCLONE ~ Iowa State University