Tx #8 going pretty well, all things considered

I admit I was pretty scared about another round of chemo after the allergic reactions. But everything we did this time seems to have helped. Yesterday at disconnect time, I was the best I've ever been for disconnect. That doesn't mean I felt great, but it means I didn't want to beg anyone to put a bullet to my head, or just put me in a coma till chemo is done. The home health nurse was one that has seen me several times now, and she commented on how much better I did this time too!

Pre-treat with Decadron and Benadryl twice daily for 3 days prior to chemo. Chemo day I got Emend, Aloxi, Decadron, Calcium & magnesium pre-treat. Then the oxaliiplatin was done over 6 hours. (Tx #7 it was done over a much longer desensitization protocol in the hospital that helped me out a lot - I seem to be doing ok with it again.)

We reduced my 5-FU dosage after such a hard time the last time with the allergic reaction and other problems. We lowered the 5-FU from 4584 to 4000 and the Leucovorin from 7640 to 7000, but oxy is still the same at 160.

Then afterwards I got post-treated with Decadron and Benadryl for home days on the pump, twice per day. I took my last Benadryl and Decadron last night. I didn't have any trouble with the Oxy this time, although neuropathy in my feet is really kicking in now. But I have more "normal" neuropathy now - not the really weird toxicities and cramping I was dealing with. The 5-FU allergic reaction was kept under control with the protocol we used. My lips, tongue and throat got sore and a little swollen, but taking the Bendadryl and Decadron kept it under control enough that I have not opened the MethylPrednisolone multi-pack, and no ER trips this time. Hopefully I won't have trouble today, and won't have to open it at all. The Decadron is gone, but I can try Benadryl first. If that doesn't keep things under control, then I am stuck with the mega-steriods. But I am hopeful this time that I won't need them.

My energy is a little better than usual for day #4, and the nausea has been kept better under control. I tried to get by without my 3rd Emend pill (standard protocol is only 2 days of the pills), but I couldn't do it. I took another Emend, and within 30 minutes felt SO much better! I struggle with the nausea all the time - it never completely goes away, but keeping it at a lower level makes the difference of staying hydrated and nourished. If I can get the edge off enough to eat and drink, something, that is what counts.

I've been just dreading having so many more cycles to go, but feel a lot better about it all now. I'm 2/3 done. Just 4 more to go! And I'm going to ask for a reduction in oxy next cycle too. I think if we back that off a little, I can tolerate this and finish!