To Craig

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5678dance
5678dance Member Posts: 39
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
First let me say how happy I am that you found an angel to help you. There have been many angels in my life, and I need you to know that you are now one of mine!

I saw your advice recently, about adding magnesium sulfate to the folfox treatments. My doctor agreed, and I had it yesterday. I had been having trouble with even room temperature water, and of course any cold food. Yesterday and today, I am having no trouble at all!!

Yesterday was treatment #8 of 12. I have been miserable with the neuropathy and the mouth & throat difficulties since treatment #1. I know that this might not work for everyone, but it was a total miracle for me! I was ready to quit, but now feel I can tolerate the last 4 treatments. Thank you Craig, for posting that info, and putting a little sunshine in my life!

Kathi

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  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    #2
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    "Mags ROCKS!"
    Hi Kathi

    So very nice to meet you! Wow, was I surprised to see this post today!

    You mean something I suggested, actually worked? LOL:)

    I can't tell you how happy you made me this morning...I feel so good now that the Mags worked for you so well. It is a blessing if it works for you. I try and talk about this any chance I get, because I know it does not work for everyone who tries, it. But as you found out, if Mags has your name on it, it makes the Oxy treatments so much more tolerable and less depressing.

    Walking out of infusion and getting something cold to drink gives you some control in your life when you feel like the Cancer and treatments have taken away all of your choices. It's that sense of empowerment that makes you feel like you can still call a shot or 2. And that's where the strength can come to stay in the fight and keep going - funny what we miss in life, isn't it?

    I can't tell you how proud I am of you. You've already done 8 treatments, which is as many as I could do before having to give it up. You're a warrior and the Oxy part of your battle is mercifully coming to an end.

    Do me a favor though, and just watch how you are feeling and how the neuropathy is affecting you and each week or each time you see the onc, just tell them everything you are experiencing so they can get it all down on record.

    Anywhere between 8-10 treatments, Oxy can be discontinued if the onc thinks it might cause more damage by doing it rather than stopping. The extreme toxicity of this drug and the chance for permanent neuropathy is all to real and once done, for the most part is what you have left. Alot of folks do their #12, some have permanent issues and some do not.

    Each time you take it, you never know which round that things become permanent instead of temporary. So as always, please discuss with your doctor - with what you report to them, they will know either to reduce the dosage or to stop at a certain time, or maybe you go all the way.

    Either way, you are already an Oxy winner - welcome to that elite club.

    Thank you for posting! To know that I have helped someone's quality of life, means more to me than you can imagine. It makes the time I spend here feel so rewarding to know that a difference can really be made.

    I can feel the joy in your words - and I really do understand the happiness you are experiencing. It's a miracle alright!!!

    Keep us all posted!

    -Craig
  • 5678dance
    5678dance Member Posts: 39
    #3
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    Sundanceh said:

    "Mags ROCKS!"
    Hi Kathi

    So very nice to meet you! Wow, was I surprised to see this post today!

    You mean something I suggested, actually worked? LOL:)

    I can't tell you how happy you made me this morning...I feel so good now that the Mags worked for you so well. It is a blessing if it works for you. I try and talk about this any chance I get, because I know it does not work for everyone who tries, it. But as you found out, if Mags has your name on it, it makes the Oxy treatments so much more tolerable and less depressing.

    Walking out of infusion and getting something cold to drink gives you some control in your life when you feel like the Cancer and treatments have taken away all of your choices. It's that sense of empowerment that makes you feel like you can still call a shot or 2. And that's where the strength can come to stay in the fight and keep going - funny what we miss in life, isn't it?

    I can't tell you how proud I am of you. You've already done 8 treatments, which is as many as I could do before having to give it up. You're a warrior and the Oxy part of your battle is mercifully coming to an end.

    Do me a favor though, and just watch how you are feeling and how the neuropathy is affecting you and each week or each time you see the onc, just tell them everything you are experiencing so they can get it all down on record.

    Anywhere between 8-10 treatments, Oxy can be discontinued if the onc thinks it might cause more damage by doing it rather than stopping. The extreme toxicity of this drug and the chance for permanent neuropathy is all to real and once done, for the most part is what you have left. Alot of folks do their #12, some have permanent issues and some do not.

    Each time you take it, you never know which round that things become permanent instead of temporary. So as always, please discuss with your doctor - with what you report to them, they will know either to reduce the dosage or to stop at a certain time, or maybe you go all the way.

    Either way, you are already an Oxy winner - welcome to that elite club.

    Thank you for posting! To know that I have helped someone's quality of life, means more to me than you can imagine. It makes the time I spend here feel so rewarding to know that a difference can really be made.

    I can feel the joy in your words - and I really do understand the happiness you are experiencing. It's a miracle alright!!!

    Keep us all posted!

    -Craig

    A New Power
    Thanks for your kind words Craig, and for the additional advice!

    I never thought I would have to fight this fight I am in right now. I faced it head on from the very beginning. It was NOT going to beat me! I was in a deep dark place, with wht felt like a huge, dark shroud around me, and was ready to give up on the last 4 treatments. I feel like I have a brand new power! Now, when I think of being able to fix a major side effect for the rest of my treatments (4 left!) It feels like I am putting on a super hero cape, and can continue to forge through!!

    I have been lucky that the neuropathy hasn't been bad, as far as having no feelings in my fingers and toes. Don't get me wrong, there have been plenty of issues. I have to run the hot water in all sinks, in order to clear the cold out, or it stings my hands. I've only been to the grocery store a couple of times since my surgery in Nov. One time, when I was having cabin fever, I went myelf. I forgot when I was in the supermarket, and reached in the frozen veggie section & pulled something out. OUCH! I still just laugh about it. What else can I do. I should have known better! LOL

    I do have a slight numbness in my fingers, but still have feeling in all of them. So far, the only times my feet are affected, are if I step onto the cold tile with no slippers or socks on. Again, I should know better! :-)

    I promise to keep an eye on all of that though, and report to my onc. I tend to have a high tolerance for pain, so I needed you to remind me to watch for the slightest changes. Thanks again for your help & advice.

    Kathi

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