Chemo questions

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walterta
walterta Member Posts: 31
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I have some questions regarding chemo such as what some of the side effects are and what to expect. I just found out that I will be receiving chemo and radiation treatments for 6 months. I was told that I would most likely lose my hair. I go Monday to get a port put in and I am curious about that as well such as if it is painful to receive the treatments through the port. Any information would be greatly appreciated.Thanks


Tausha
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  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    #2
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    Hi Tausha
    Can you tell us what type of chemo you will be on? I think of my port as a godsend + would not want to go through chemo with out it. I have experienced no pain from receiving my chemo throught the port.
  • jararno
    jararno Member Posts: 186
    #3
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    Port
    Hi Tausha,

    I have a Power Port. My surgeon put mine in while I was knocked out during outpatient surgery. ( I understand many people have them put in by a radiologist while they are awake )
    My Port is almost over my right breast. The treatments were not painful except for the initial needle being inserted into the Port. I am a huge chicken when it comes to needles, but I managed to make it through 12 Folfox treatments over a 6 month period.

    I have not had radiation. I did not lose my hair.

    The side effects of the Folfox treatments were pretty hard on me as I had severe nausea and vomiting. I eventually had two very expensive medications to combat the illness.

    Folfox usually includes going home on a portable pump for up to 48 hours. The pump was a bit of a pain to drag around, but you get used to it! I seemed to feel the worst after the pump was removed. Fatigue was pretty bad at times, but everyone is different.

    Sensitivity to cold can be a major problem. Ice or cold drinks can feel like shards of glass, so be very careful with what you drink.

    Hopefully you will have an easy time with your treatments.

    Wishing you the best of luck.

    Take Care,

    Barb
  • walterta
    walterta Member Posts: 31
    #4
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    AnneCan said:

    Hi Tausha
    Can you tell us what type of chemo you will be on? I think of my port as a godsend + would not want to go through chemo with out it. I have experienced no pain from receiving my chemo throught the port.

    I am not sure what type of
    I am not sure what type of chemo it is yet, I get my port in on Monday and then Tuesday I meet with the oncologist again to discuss in more detail about the chemo. I only know that I was advised that it would be an agressive form of chemo and that it was highly possible I would lose my hair from it.Thank you for your input, any information helps a lot.
  • walterta
    walterta Member Posts: 31
    #5
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    jararno said:

    Port
    Hi Tausha,

    I have a Power Port. My surgeon put mine in while I was knocked out during outpatient surgery. ( I understand many people have them put in by a radiologist while they are awake )
    My Port is almost over my right breast. The treatments were not painful except for the initial needle being inserted into the Port. I am a huge chicken when it comes to needles, but I managed to make it through 12 Folfox treatments over a 6 month period.

    I have not had radiation. I did not lose my hair.

    The side effects of the Folfox treatments were pretty hard on me as I had severe nausea and vomiting. I eventually had two very expensive medications to combat the illness.

    Folfox usually includes going home on a portable pump for up to 48 hours. The pump was a bit of a pain to drag around, but you get used to it! I seemed to feel the worst after the pump was removed. Fatigue was pretty bad at times, but everyone is different.

    Sensitivity to cold can be a major problem. Ice or cold drinks can feel like shards of glass, so be very careful with what you drink.

    Hopefully you will have an easy time with your treatments.

    Wishing you the best of luck.

    Take Care,

    Barb

    I have not heard the
    I have not heard the greatest things about the Folfox treatments. I will know Tuesday what type of chemo I will be getting, I only know that it is an aggressive form and that radiation will also be done. I am a big chicken too when it comes to needles so I am nervous at the thought of a needle being put in through a port. I am nervous about getting the port put in too but I will be knocked out for that so thank goodness for that. Thank you for your input and God bless you, you have gone through 6 months of treatment and have done well, I hope I do as well as you.
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    #6
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    walterta said:

    I am not sure what type of
    I am not sure what type of chemo it is yet, I get my port in on Monday and then Tuesday I meet with the oncologist again to discuss in more detail about the chemo. I only know that I was advised that it would be an agressive form of chemo and that it was highly possible I would lose my hair from it.Thank you for your input, any information helps a lot.

    Once you have more
    Once you have more information, we can be more helpful with side effects; each chemo comes with its own. The fact your mention hair loss makes me think make you will be on irinotecan. Some on that drug lose hair, varying from thinning to total loss. I have been on irinotecan for some time + had a lot of hair loss but there has been slowth growth back. Good luck with the port insertion + meeting on Tuesday.
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #7
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    walterta said:

    I have not heard the
    I have not heard the greatest things about the Folfox treatments. I will know Tuesday what type of chemo I will be getting, I only know that it is an aggressive form and that radiation will also be done. I am a big chicken too when it comes to needles so I am nervous at the thought of a needle being put in through a port. I am nervous about getting the port put in too but I will be knocked out for that so thank goodness for that. Thank you for your input and God bless you, you have gone through 6 months of treatment and have done well, I hope I do as well as you.

    OK, I was a big cockadoodledo when it came to needles too....
    I think now I could do it myself....after all the poking prodding, sticking, draws its kinda second nature now...I can go to walmart and they ask me Debit or Credit...I roll my sleeve up...so see you'll eventually get to where its just another thing ya gotta do.....It will be ok, everytime you start to get stuck just remember, Buzz said it will be ok.........Love to ya, Buzz
  • walterta
    walterta Member Posts: 31
    #8
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    Buzzard said:

    OK, I was a big cockadoodledo when it came to needles too....
    I think now I could do it myself....after all the poking prodding, sticking, draws its kinda second nature now...I can go to walmart and they ask me Debit or Credit...I roll my sleeve up...so see you'll eventually get to where its just another thing ya gotta do.....It will be ok, everytime you start to get stuck just remember, Buzz said it will be ok.........Love to ya, Buzz

    Thank you, I will remember
    Thank you, I will remember that everytime I am sure it will bring a smile to my face. I would think after all the surgeries and blood drawing I would not mind needles but I am not to that point yet, hopefully soon I will be. Thanks again.
  • LOUSWIFT
    LOUSWIFT Member Posts: 371 Member
    #9
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    Port
    I had a power port put in while I was awake just a local. It was done in about 5 minutes and it was painless and easy. Putting the needle into the port for chemo does sting but no big deal. Chemo is a different matter all together. When you find out what they put you on there will be lots of info here. Hugs Lou
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    #10
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    walterta said:

    I have not heard the
    I have not heard the greatest things about the Folfox treatments. I will know Tuesday what type of chemo I will be getting, I only know that it is an aggressive form and that radiation will also be done. I am a big chicken too when it comes to needles so I am nervous at the thought of a needle being put in through a port. I am nervous about getting the port put in too but I will be knocked out for that so thank goodness for that. Thank you for your input and God bless you, you have gone through 6 months of treatment and have done well, I hope I do as well as you.

    It is very possible
    It is very possible you will not be on folfox, since your doctor mentioned hair loss. Folfox is a combination of oxiplatanin, leucovorin + F-FU, + to my knowledge rarely causes a lot of hair loss. As for the port, I found the implant pretty staightforward. It was tender afterward for awhile, but manageable. And having my chemo through that instead of my arm - priceless. I usually have my blood drawn through my port, but yesterday I had a nurse who didn't spend much time trying + I had my blood drawn from my hand which I hate :(. Big bruise there today. I hope you have as good an experience with your port as I have had.
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #11
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    LOUSWIFT said:

    Port
    I had a power port put in while I was awake just a local. It was done in about 5 minutes and it was painless and easy. Putting the needle into the port for chemo does sting but no big deal. Chemo is a different matter all together. When you find out what they put you on there will be lots of info here. Hugs Lou

    I am thinking that Avastin does cause hair loss.....
    I haven't been on it but am I right or wrong......Not really sure...I don't want to give wrong info....
  • coloCan
    coloCan Member Posts: 1,944 Member
    #12
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    Buzzard said:

    I am thinking that Avastin does cause hair loss.....
    I haven't been on it but am I right or wrong......Not really sure...I don't want to give wrong info....

    Radiation will cause
    duplicate postings......
  • coloCan
    coloCan Member Posts: 1,944 Member
    #13
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    Buzzard said:

    I am thinking that Avastin does cause hair loss.....
    I haven't been on it but am I right or wrong......Not really sure...I don't want to give wrong info....

    Radiation and chemo will cause
    triplicates!!!!!!
  • coloCan
    coloCan Member Posts: 1,944 Member
    #14
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    Buzzard said:

    I am thinking that Avastin does cause hair loss.....
    I haven't been on it but am I right or wrong......Not really sure...I don't want to give wrong info....

    Radiation will cause hair loss but generally only in the area
    being radiated-groin region,front and back.....It will grow back once radiation ends.The FOLFOX cocktail and xeloda will not cause hair loss--no experience with the other chemos used for CRC.....wishing you the best of results......steve
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    #15
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    Buzzard said:

    I am thinking that Avastin does cause hair loss.....
    I haven't been on it but am I right or wrong......Not really sure...I don't want to give wrong info....

    I think you are wrong Clift
    I know it would be a first; I am sorry to be the one to tell you. (Others, please chime in!). My understanding is that Avastin does not cause hair loss - Avastin is not a chemo drug; it is a biological. It is often used in conjunction with irinotecan, which is known to sometimes cause hair loss.
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    #16
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    AnneCan said:

    I think you are wrong Clift
    I know it would be a first; I am sorry to be the one to tell you. (Others, please chime in!). My understanding is that Avastin does not cause hair loss - Avastin is not a chemo drug; it is a biological. It is often used in conjunction with irinotecan, which is known to sometimes cause hair loss.

    Avastin
    Avastin doesn't cause hair loss. I'm on Avastin and Xeloda right now.
    About the only side effect I've had from Avastin is gum bleeding.
    Also, I CANNOT BELIEVE that you all do not get a shot of lanocain (probably spelled wrong) before have the needle inserted into the port. At Dominican that is the protocal, THANK GOODNESS, so other then a small itty bitty pin prick, NO PAIN.
    Winter Marie
  • TMac52
    TMac52 Member Posts: 352
    #17
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    Hi Tausha
    The port placement is nothing just a little pain the night you have it done. After that you wont even notice it, and it is much better than sticking needles in your arms you will be glad they did it. I am on Folfox which is Oxaliplatin and 5fu and infusion at the chemo clinic for about 4-5 hrs then go home with a pump that runs continuously for 46 hrs. A nurse comes to my house and disconnects the pump and i'm free for another 12 days.
    Side effects include sensitivity to cold- hands, feet and cold drinks the first 5 days are the worst then it starts to wear off slowly by the end of the two weeks its almost gone, then we start all over again. I have had some nautia and fatigue some diarea but not too much. Each day brings a different side effect for me the only constant is the cold sensitivity. My hair has gotten very thin and weak but it is still on my head. I buzzed it because its so thin I dont like it. It's just easier for me.

    I wish you the best with your treatment whatever it may be. I have found that sharing on this website brings me alot of understanding. Things that I would have just guessed at people here have been through and are willing to share their expeience. The love here is sometimes overwhelming. We are in this battle together and that is a hell of a lot better than being alone.

    Love and prayers to you,
    Tom
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    #18
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    herdizziness said:

    Avastin
    Avastin doesn't cause hair loss. I'm on Avastin and Xeloda right now.
    About the only side effect I've had from Avastin is gum bleeding.
    Also, I CANNOT BELIEVE that you all do not get a shot of lanocain (probably spelled wrong) before have the needle inserted into the port. At Dominican that is the protocal, THANK GOODNESS, so other then a small itty bitty pin prick, NO PAIN.
    Winter Marie

    Winter Marie
    I don't have anything placed on my port for pain before insertion. They probably would put it on if I asked, but I honestly hardly feel the needle go in + it just for a split second. Maybe we Canadians are tougher..... haha!
  • walterta
    walterta Member Posts: 31
    #19
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    TMac52 said:

    Hi Tausha
    The port placement is nothing just a little pain the night you have it done. After that you wont even notice it, and it is much better than sticking needles in your arms you will be glad they did it. I am on Folfox which is Oxaliplatin and 5fu and infusion at the chemo clinic for about 4-5 hrs then go home with a pump that runs continuously for 46 hrs. A nurse comes to my house and disconnects the pump and i'm free for another 12 days.
    Side effects include sensitivity to cold- hands, feet and cold drinks the first 5 days are the worst then it starts to wear off slowly by the end of the two weeks its almost gone, then we start all over again. I have had some nautia and fatigue some diarea but not too much. Each day brings a different side effect for me the only constant is the cold sensitivity. My hair has gotten very thin and weak but it is still on my head. I buzzed it because its so thin I dont like it. It's just easier for me.

    I wish you the best with your treatment whatever it may be. I have found that sharing on this website brings me alot of understanding. Things that I would have just guessed at people here have been through and are willing to share their expeience. The love here is sometimes overwhelming. We are in this battle together and that is a hell of a lot better than being alone.

    Love and prayers to you,
    Tom

    Thank you for sharing your
    Thank you for sharing your experience with me, I appreciate any input, it makes me feel better about things.

    Love and prayers to you as well,
    Tausha
  • walterta
    walterta Member Posts: 31
    #20
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    AnneCan said:

    Winter Marie
    I don't have anything placed on my port for pain before insertion. They probably would put it on if I asked, but I honestly hardly feel the needle go in + it just for a split second. Maybe we Canadians are tougher..... haha!

    I am a big baby when it
    I am a big baby when it comes to needles if there is some way to make it easier I will be asking. Thanks again


    Tausha
  • walterta
    walterta Member Posts: 31
    #21
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    herdizziness said:

    Avastin
    Avastin doesn't cause hair loss. I'm on Avastin and Xeloda right now.
    About the only side effect I've had from Avastin is gum bleeding.
    Also, I CANNOT BELIEVE that you all do not get a shot of lanocain (probably spelled wrong) before have the needle inserted into the port. At Dominican that is the protocal, THANK GOODNESS, so other then a small itty bitty pin prick, NO PAIN.
    Winter Marie

    I am feeling better and
    I am feeling better and better about the port, everyone says it is not a big deal. Thank you for sharing your information it is so helpful to me. I will know by Tuesday what exactly I will be on, then I will have lots of questions for everyone.

    Tausha

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