Hair loss and ascites with Taxotere

I'm 12 days post chemo from my first treatment of Taxotere. It's been a rough one.

So far, my scalp has not even started to tingle representing the beginning of hair loss. When I took taxol a couple of years ago, I was already starting to thin pretty good by this time.

Also, each time I reoccur, I have lots of ascites with major swelling in the abdomen. Usually, by day 7 or so my abdomen is back to normal. So far it's not gotten any better.

I talked to my gyn/onc on Friday and she said that Taxotere can take a little longer to start working, but of course as you all know, the dreaded "cancerhead" is starting to creep up with me. I'm starting to worry that maybe the Taxotere is not going to work. I know it's too early to tell, but the ascites not going down is starting to really worry me. I can handle the delayed hair loss :>

Hope all are doing well and that everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving filled with family, friends and many blessings.

s and to all

I'm sorry, Lori, but what are ascites?

I am not on taxotere, but topotecan. With each treatment my scalp gets quite tender and irritated but I have not lost my hair, only a little thinning. The med/onc gave me three treatments before he decidedly said I would not be losing my hair. Have had some thinning though.

I hope this treatment really does work for you and your numbers fall fast and far.

s Lori

I wish you weren't having this added worry. God knows it has been a tough year for you and your family. I think of you so often!!
You know in your head that one treatment isn't enough to gauge much of any response. But your heart is surely frightened. Try and hang in there.
In my area the new pushed treatment for recurrence seems to be gemzar in combination with avastin.
Hoping things improve quickly for you and that you spend Thanksgiving surrounded with those you love.

oxoxoxo karenann

Dear Lori,

It has been one h**l of a time for you of late, and I also think about you all the time.

I know the ascites must be quite distressing, but please give it a little more time. This is a different chemo so things are going to progress differently. Hey, with any luck, you'll be bald again soon, too!

My heart goes out to you and I pray that this taxotere is kicking butt in there even as we speak.

I am dropping by with s and ers for you!

in there!

(((((Lori))))),

How I wish I had a magic wand to wave and make everything right for you.

Echoing Karen and Genie, you're often in my thoughts and prayers. As I type, major s and very best wishes are flowing in your direction.

I second Karen's comment that it's too soon to judge how you'll respond to Taxotere. It always surprised me that the side effects for each round of treatment were different. I know all your pals at HS are hoping that Taxotere will give you the long, long remission that you deserve.

More s,

Margot

Ok Lori, I looked up ascites. I am glad my doc talks to me in lay terms or I'd be lost. Anyway, I had lots of fluid in my tummy this time around andI felt the effects of it atleast a treatment past when my doc told me he detected no fluid in my abdomen by exam. It did take a couple treatments though and he told me the CA125 counts would not show effectiveness with the fluid present, but mine consistently fell. Here's hoping that will happen for you as well.

Dear Lori...When I took taxotere my hair began falling out after my second treatment. The tingling and painful hair follicles started and that night it came out by hands full. Hang in there. Taxotere is a good drug. Hugs to you and your family.
Bertha

Oh Nut,
I'm so sorry for your added stress. You have just had waaaay too much to deal with and I think this is ENOUGH!

Easy for me to say: Dont' waste a good panic. If your doc says it takes a little longer to see some progress w/taxotere, believe him. Give it a chance. See how the next ca-125, next chemo goes.
Don't let your head run away with your heart...breathe deep and believe you will kick cancer's butt this time around.

You are the best, Nut. Wish I could reach through the computer and just hug the cancer cells out of you.

xoxo
k9

Lori, maybe you will be lucky this time around and not lose your hair. I hope the swelling goes down soon, I've never had any experience with that. I'm sure it must be very worrisome and uncomfortable. I'm so sorry you're having to deal with all of this.

May you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving. 's and prayers.