As ready as I can be for Monday!

Well, I think I've done all the preparation I can and I'm ready for Monday and the start of the Irinotecan chemo. This may sound silly to some of you who have been off and on chemo for years, but starting this new chemo it's like back to the first day of chemo... when you have no idea what you are getting yourself into. I HAVE been on chemo before... after my surgery in January 2007, I started 8 months of chemo and radiation. I was on FOLFOX (by infusion), then for the 6 weeks of radiation, I was on Xeloda. I finished that chemo in Oct 2007 and went for almost 3 years of no chemo. Last June (2010) I went back on, this time Xeloda. There's something about taking pills that you don't feel like you are on chemo, when in fact you are. The Xeloda stopped working but it could have stopped because we had to cut back on the dosage because of the toxicity.

So this Monday, I start on Irinotecan (infusion), so it will be back to the chemo unit every 3 weeks for a couple of hours in the chemo chair. I haven't sat in one of those chairs since Oct 2007, so you can see why it seems new again to me (although, the chemo nurses are soooo fantastic, I'm not going there with any sense of trepidation :)

How have I prepared myself for the next 6 months or so?

Wellllll ... let me tell you! You all know that I met with a wig consultant and picked out to great wigs (well, I like them and they are now getting custom hand woven so that they will be the ideal fit. No messing around with wigs that look fake or, heaven forbid, don't fit properly. I don't even know how much hair I'm going to lose, but I will be prepared should I lose it all or most of it. And even if I don't, when I'm having a bad hair day... I've got options. So that really boosted my spirits.

I also had my cleaning gal coming in this past Thursday and although she did the usual vacuuming/dusting/tidying of the apartment, I also had her totally declutter the areas that were driving me insane. After the holidays, it seems stuff just gathers and it was getting worse and worse... so she came in on Thursday and I was thrilled with the apartment when I came home! She is going to come in next Thursday and do some other jobs, like repotting my indoor plants and finishing with the decluttering process :D Soooo, this was another treat for myself because I can pretty much guarantee that the furthest thing from my mind will be doing the apartment heavy duty cleaning chores :)

While Bailey, my cleaning gal, was doing my apartment, I was over at a girlfriend's and she taught me how to crochet the cutest little hats that have a 1920's feel to them. Again, if I'm going to lose all my hair, or most of it, then it will be great to have a good selection of hats I can just pull over my head and leave the house :D Now, I probably only will need 4 or 5 of them at the most, but crocheting is like therapy. It keeps ones hands busy while we are constantly sitting around and waiting at doctors' appts. or going for bloodwork, then having to wait an hour or more for the test results to get to the doctor before you can see the doctor. Not to mention, the couple of hours in the chemo chair. I find it too distracting to read, besides, I usually end up yakking with others who are getting their chemo at the same time ... so, voila.. crocheting! I figure, after I've crocheted a few hats for my own use, I will start a collection so that I can leave them at the chemo unit for others who might like a free hat :)

Soooo, last but not least... I got my bloodwork done on Friday, saw my oncologist, and had a chest xray done. One of my questions to her was... the last CT scan I had was in December. I have had a 7 week break from chemo, so what if the lung nodules have grown and when we start the irinotecan it works but in reality the next time we have a CT scan they look no different from the Dec scan. We'll think it's not working. But, as she explained to me... my system is very sensitive to my CEA readings, so we will be able to monitor the CEA every 3 weeks and if it starts going down, we will know the nodules are responding to the Irinotecan. Also, she ordered a chest xray and feels that a couple of the nodules will show up on the xray and we can monitor them by chest xray before we do another CT scan in 3 months. So I can see she has a plan in place, so I'm not concerned. To me, it is really important that you can talk to your oncologist and they take the time to tell you what the plan is and how they are going to monitor the progress.

Another thing that struck me as caring... especially after hearing some of the horror stories on these boards about how some of you can't seem to get information from your doctors, or it seems the insurance companies are telling you what you can and can't do, and then of course, having to depend on family/friends for caregiving because again your insurance companies do not seem to be in the business to actually help the people who are paying them every month. My oncologist's intern asked me what I need in the way of help. Help? I told him that if all goes according to plan, then I shouldn't be feeling too sick so therefore I figure my life will continue on as normal, or does he know something I don't know?? He said that I was right, my life SHOULD continue on as normal and if for any reason I do have side affects like nausea or diarrhea, then I'm to get in touch with them asap and they will get that fixed up. But he was thinking more along the lines of, since I live alone, do I need help with things like housecleaning, grocery shopping, meal preparation, rides to/from appts. I told him no, I have plenty of friends on stand-by and some of them live in the same apartment building, but hey, it's good to know homecare services are available and that they can order them for me should I ever find I'm really not capable of looking after myself or needing help! Hahaha... I'm surprised he couldn't tell by looking at me that I'm obviously more than capable of looking after myself and/or making arrangements with friends if I need help... but I guess this is part of his practicum. He has to make sure he offers, because it's all part of learning to be a caring, compassionate oncologist :)

Sooooo... apartment is clean, I have a stock of yarn and crochet hooks, I have a heap of brand new books I haven't read, I have plans for bad hair days and I'm ready to start chemo on Monday! Bring it on!! :)

Cheryl
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Comments

  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    Good job!
    Sounds lke you've done everything you can to be prepared for this. That's the "beauty" of doing it a second time, I guess. Really just kidding with that one. I know there's no beauty in it.

    Good luck with it. I'll be thinking of you!

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    Good job!
    Sounds lke you've done everything you can to be prepared for this. That's the "beauty" of doing it a second time, I guess. Really just kidding with that one. I know there's no beauty in it.

    Good luck with it. I'll be thinking of you!

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • TMac52
    TMac52 Member Posts: 352
    Good Luck!
    Hey Cheryl,
    I wish you luck with the new treatment your about to start. I do my Folfox mop-up #5 on Monday as well. I hope it gos well for you and the side effcts are minimal.
    Tom
  • AnneCan
    AnneCan Member Posts: 3,673 Member
    Cheryl
    Cheryl,

    I have been thinking of you, knowing that you are starting back on chemo Monday. I hope all goes smoothly for you. I know you have also prepared your bedroom with the tv, etc. I have a nice tv/vcr/dvd player setup in my bedroom also, + it is so nice. I just have to make sure I don't spend all my time there, it is so cozy! It sounds like you have done a fantastic job of getting ready; good luck!
  • Kathleen808
    Kathleen808 Member Posts: 2,342 Member
    Cheryl
    Cheryl,
    You are an amazing gal with a wonderful, wonderful spirit. I'd say you are set for Monday. I will be thinking about you on Monday and sending my warmest thoughts your way.
    I think you should ask Bailey is she needs to warm up some. I could really use her here. She sounds like a gem.

    Sending you hugs my friend.

    Aloha,
    Kathleen
  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    A woman on a mission!
    Sounds like you got it covered...and how!

    When you get a hat made how about posting a pic? Would love to see a "Cheryl Creation".

    I too am into crocheting, so if you got a pattern that you would like to share I would be glad to help making them for the chemo folks.

    Best wishes for an easy go on the chemo trail.

    Hugs,

    Marie who loves kitties
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    Hun
    Do you mind sending Bailey over this way for a couple of days?
    Winter Marie
    (You really have a hand on this, I'm proud of you for taking control and not letting the cancer take over)
  • jararno
    jararno Member Posts: 186
    Best Wishes
    I will be thinking about you and hoping that you breeze through the treatments.
    the hats sound cute...I haven't been able to crochet with my neuropathy. (I bought a wig and a tuban but never lost my hair...hoping to donate these to the local hospice soon )

    Wow your docs sound great. Around here they don't care if you have help, the insurance companies seem to call the shots! Time to leave the hospital according to the insurance! ( In Japan your employer tells the doctor how long you can stay in the hospital!!! )

    A cleaning lady sounds great....I'm afraid I would't know where to have her start...things are quite a wreck around here!

    Sending great vibes.....

    Take Care,

    Barb
  • lisa42
    lisa42 Member Posts: 3,625 Member
    Go, Cheryl!
    Hi Cheryl,

    Sounds like you have made yourself as ready as can be expected & have a pretty good attitude about it all. I know it's tough to have to go back to "being in the chair" again. I'll be thinking about you Monday.
    You take care and let us know how it goes!
    Oh, and how wonderful that your cleaning gal was able to do so much for you- how very, very nice!

    Take care,
    Lisa
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    lisa42 said:

    Go, Cheryl!
    Hi Cheryl,

    Sounds like you have made yourself as ready as can be expected & have a pretty good attitude about it all. I know it's tough to have to go back to "being in the chair" again. I'll be thinking about you Monday.
    You take care and let us know how it goes!
    Oh, and how wonderful that your cleaning gal was able to do so much for you- how very, very nice!

    Take care,
    Lisa

    Keepin ya in my thoughts tomorrow.....
    We all know you can handle it but there is still a need to be cuddled and made to feel special on a day such as tomorrow ...Everyone needs that warm wanted feeling....Keep all good thoughts running and keep us in your heart, we sure do you....Have a good day tomorrow ..........buzz
  • soccermom13
    soccermom13 Member Posts: 224
    Good vibes
    are coming your way on Monday! Way to take care of yourself and start this off positive.
    Hugs
    Shanna
  • Good vibes
    are coming your way on Monday! Way to take care of yourself and start this off positive.
    Hugs
    Shanna

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • CherylHutch
    CherylHutch Member Posts: 1,375
    Thanks, pals!
    Hehehe... I know all of you would appreciate the "organization" that goes into prepping oneself, both physically and emotionally. When I did my first chemo (FOLFOX), I didn't know what to expect and, of course, thought the worst. Well, the FOLFOX treatments weren't as bad as I had imagined... but it was no walk in the park either ... although , I did manage to run a full-time box office, as manager, supervising 14 volunteer staff and making sure we got houses of 1200+ every night for seven weeks. This was in the middle of one of the most gorgeous parks, sooooo, I guess I can say it was a "walk in the park" in they physical sense . But, it was a pain because of the 48 hour pump... carrying that around and trying to work around it, then having a few of the symptoms like I was really sensitive to heat and that summer was really warm (and we were an outdoor theatre), the fatigue, and that's when I first experienced neuropathy because of the Oxi. But, if memory serves me well, I managed to work around it all and other than the neuropathy, I think I had a fairly easy time of it. Of course, we all know that memory for anyone who has been on chemo, can be very faulty... and my oncologist did stop the oxi after 9 treatments because I was apparently having such a bad time with it (amazing how my memory can block the worst out, no?).

    I think it was Pete who said in another topic that he kind of likes keeping the rose-tinted glasses on and would rather see things as going well and going to get better, than dwell on how bad a treatment might be and dwell on the bad things that could happen. Of course, I'm human, so I can get scared just like the next person... but I do talk myself into preparing myself for the treatments, but expect to sail through them ;)

    I fully intend on continuing with my Publicist job and have lots that has to be done in the upcoming weeks. I did do quite a bit this weekend so that this coming week will be light, more so so that I can figure out how/what symptoms/side affects I may or may not get.

    BUT... drum roll please.... I was thrilled to find out that one of the meds I'll be taking before the chemo infusion and then every 12 hours for 3 doses, is that steroid Dexamethasone. I know some people complain about it because it gives you a buzz/high energy and then you can't sleep, hence insomnia. But for me, it is a wonder wonder WONDER drug for the arthritis!! OMG!! I am soooo looking forward to this next 6 months with relief from the 24/7 severe arthritis pain!! I don't mean to sound flippant, but I did tell my onc that it's worth going on chemo just to be able to take this med and get some relief. Now, I know my arthritis has gotten somewhat worse since the last chemo infusions (FOLFOX) but I'm counting on the Dex to help out now too. Celebration time if it does!!! Just in time for spring, which is around the corner, and maybe, just maybe, I'll be more mobile and can take my dog out for walks again!! :D

    Speaking of my dog... I better take her out to the back lane ... she is getting ready to go to bed for the night :):)

    Cheryl
  • mommyof2kds
    mommyof2kds Member Posts: 519

    Thanks, pals!
    Hehehe... I know all of you would appreciate the "organization" that goes into prepping oneself, both physically and emotionally. When I did my first chemo (FOLFOX), I didn't know what to expect and, of course, thought the worst. Well, the FOLFOX treatments weren't as bad as I had imagined... but it was no walk in the park either ... although , I did manage to run a full-time box office, as manager, supervising 14 volunteer staff and making sure we got houses of 1200+ every night for seven weeks. This was in the middle of one of the most gorgeous parks, sooooo, I guess I can say it was a "walk in the park" in they physical sense . But, it was a pain because of the 48 hour pump... carrying that around and trying to work around it, then having a few of the symptoms like I was really sensitive to heat and that summer was really warm (and we were an outdoor theatre), the fatigue, and that's when I first experienced neuropathy because of the Oxi. But, if memory serves me well, I managed to work around it all and other than the neuropathy, I think I had a fairly easy time of it. Of course, we all know that memory for anyone who has been on chemo, can be very faulty... and my oncologist did stop the oxi after 9 treatments because I was apparently having such a bad time with it (amazing how my memory can block the worst out, no?).

    I think it was Pete who said in another topic that he kind of likes keeping the rose-tinted glasses on and would rather see things as going well and going to get better, than dwell on how bad a treatment might be and dwell on the bad things that could happen. Of course, I'm human, so I can get scared just like the next person... but I do talk myself into preparing myself for the treatments, but expect to sail through them ;)

    I fully intend on continuing with my Publicist job and have lots that has to be done in the upcoming weeks. I did do quite a bit this weekend so that this coming week will be light, more so so that I can figure out how/what symptoms/side affects I may or may not get.

    BUT... drum roll please.... I was thrilled to find out that one of the meds I'll be taking before the chemo infusion and then every 12 hours for 3 doses, is that steroid Dexamethasone. I know some people complain about it because it gives you a buzz/high energy and then you can't sleep, hence insomnia. But for me, it is a wonder wonder WONDER drug for the arthritis!! OMG!! I am soooo looking forward to this next 6 months with relief from the 24/7 severe arthritis pain!! I don't mean to sound flippant, but I did tell my onc that it's worth going on chemo just to be able to take this med and get some relief. Now, I know my arthritis has gotten somewhat worse since the last chemo infusions (FOLFOX) but I'm counting on the Dex to help out now too. Celebration time if it does!!! Just in time for spring, which is around the corner, and maybe, just maybe, I'll be more mobile and can take my dog out for walks again!! :D

    Speaking of my dog... I better take her out to the back lane ... she is getting ready to go to bed for the night :):)

    Cheryl

    It is good to mentally
    It is good to mentally prepare yourself for all situations, and then it won't be as bad as you thought. HUGS.. Petrina
  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member

    It is good to mentally
    It is good to mentally prepare yourself for all situations, and then it won't be as bad as you thought. HUGS.. Petrina

    Cheryl

    oh best wishes and break a leg today darlin.....good luck with that Dexie....I am one who just flew on it and could not sleep....so happy it will give you some arthritis relief

    thinking of you today.....

    mags
  • pepebcn
    pepebcn Member Posts: 6,331 Member
    maglets said:

    Cheryl

    oh best wishes and break a leg today darlin.....good luck with that Dexie....I am one who just flew on it and could not sleep....so happy it will give you some arthritis relief

    thinking of you today.....

    mags

    Cheryl good luck eh?
    Have a smooth day!
    Hugs!
  • idlehunters
    idlehunters Member Posts: 1,787 Member
    pepebcn said:

    Cheryl good luck eh?
    Have a smooth day!
    Hugs!

    Hey Girl.....
    Wishing you all the best with treatment today. Let me say again/....LOVE the wigs...and it is nice to have them on bad hair days....soooo convenient. Take care

    Jennie
  • Nana b
    Nana b Member Posts: 3,030 Member

    Hey Girl.....
    Wishing you all the best with treatment today. Let me say again/....LOVE the wigs...and it is nice to have them on bad hair days....soooo convenient. Take care

    Jennie

    Way to go!
    Thinking about you!!
  • lesvanb
    lesvanb Member Posts: 905

    Thanks, pals!
    Hehehe... I know all of you would appreciate the "organization" that goes into prepping oneself, both physically and emotionally. When I did my first chemo (FOLFOX), I didn't know what to expect and, of course, thought the worst. Well, the FOLFOX treatments weren't as bad as I had imagined... but it was no walk in the park either ... although , I did manage to run a full-time box office, as manager, supervising 14 volunteer staff and making sure we got houses of 1200+ every night for seven weeks. This was in the middle of one of the most gorgeous parks, sooooo, I guess I can say it was a "walk in the park" in they physical sense . But, it was a pain because of the 48 hour pump... carrying that around and trying to work around it, then having a few of the symptoms like I was really sensitive to heat and that summer was really warm (and we were an outdoor theatre), the fatigue, and that's when I first experienced neuropathy because of the Oxi. But, if memory serves me well, I managed to work around it all and other than the neuropathy, I think I had a fairly easy time of it. Of course, we all know that memory for anyone who has been on chemo, can be very faulty... and my oncologist did stop the oxi after 9 treatments because I was apparently having such a bad time with it (amazing how my memory can block the worst out, no?).

    I think it was Pete who said in another topic that he kind of likes keeping the rose-tinted glasses on and would rather see things as going well and going to get better, than dwell on how bad a treatment might be and dwell on the bad things that could happen. Of course, I'm human, so I can get scared just like the next person... but I do talk myself into preparing myself for the treatments, but expect to sail through them ;)

    I fully intend on continuing with my Publicist job and have lots that has to be done in the upcoming weeks. I did do quite a bit this weekend so that this coming week will be light, more so so that I can figure out how/what symptoms/side affects I may or may not get.

    BUT... drum roll please.... I was thrilled to find out that one of the meds I'll be taking before the chemo infusion and then every 12 hours for 3 doses, is that steroid Dexamethasone. I know some people complain about it because it gives you a buzz/high energy and then you can't sleep, hence insomnia. But for me, it is a wonder wonder WONDER drug for the arthritis!! OMG!! I am soooo looking forward to this next 6 months with relief from the 24/7 severe arthritis pain!! I don't mean to sound flippant, but I did tell my onc that it's worth going on chemo just to be able to take this med and get some relief. Now, I know my arthritis has gotten somewhat worse since the last chemo infusions (FOLFOX) but I'm counting on the Dex to help out now too. Celebration time if it does!!! Just in time for spring, which is around the corner, and maybe, just maybe, I'll be more mobile and can take my dog out for walks again!! :D

    Speaking of my dog... I better take her out to the back lane ... she is getting ready to go to bed for the night :):)

    Cheryl

    Thinking of you today Cheryl!
    and hoping all goes smoothly for you. Love your wigs!

    all the best, Leslie
  • Hatshepsut
    Hatshepsut Member Posts: 336 Member
    Break a leg....


    Break a leg, Cheryl.

    You are in my thoughts today.

    Hatshepsut