Hello all:
Just started a new chemo regimen of Taotere weekly and have noticed some anomalies since 1st trtmt last Fri (next one 7a tomorrow-once again at the computer rather than comfy in bed!) The tumor (on the side of my neck) seems to have grown significantly in this past week. A bit scary, there, as Erbitux had slowed it significantly. And maybe it's phychosomatic, but now it's beginning to HURT. Not extremely, but quite noticeably. (almost like a charlie-horse when head is in odd position) Started Christmas day-how's that for timing? My eyes hurt (occasionally) like I have the flu or something when I move them; also reduced clarity in my (one) good eye. If I can't read, you might as well tie me in a rubber room, guys! ;-)
I plan to let my doc know about all this tomorrow, but need input as to whether I'm over-reacting. (Most likely, but better safe than sorry!)
Also would like more info on hand/feet "chillers" to reduce nail problems w/Tax. Is this something the hospital would have? How does chewing ice chips with my few (lost 6 this year) remaining teeth help?
Only have about 500 MILLION more questions, and I really should get in the habit of doing a bit more research before I post, but I'm a knee-jerk kind of guy and that's part of my charm.

I had the same eye problem my last treatment this past Oct/Nov with Taxotere and Erbitux, Taxotere interferes with the tear duct, and causes scarring, causing eye dryness, inflamation, irritation, redness, so artificial tears may help, rinsing the eye, and I needed a steroid cream. I suffered permanent vision loss in one eye in 2009 due to chemo..Taxotere, Cisplatin, 5-FU, so I recommend seeing an Opthomologist also.

Taxotere is absorbed immediatly in the body, and kills fast dividing cells like hair, nails, mucus membrane, nerves, in addition to tumors which also divide rapidly. Cyrotherapy (ice chips) acts by reducing the blood flow to the cells in the mouth, reducing the immediate exposure to the chemo when it is at its highest, but ask your treatment center about it. Anything cool is helpful. The cool mitts, coolers on the hands and feet act by the same principle by slowing blood flow, and may even work on the head for the hair. Glutamine powder, which repairs tissue, is supposed to help with neuropathy, mouth sores also common with Taxotere, and medications for the neuropathy pain. Decadron infusion is usually given before Taxotere to counter some of the allergic reactions to It. Also common is a drop in WBC, RBC, and needed a blood transfusion midway, but they draw your blood before each infusion to monitor this.

Tell you doctor about the pain, tumor size increase. Good luck.