Starting Chemo in 2 weeks

CherylHutch

schnauzerheads said:

Start
I had the portacath inserted yesterday (they tried under the collar bone, no luck, so it's right at the base of my neck), followed by the PET scan. A bit freaked out about what he'll say, but one day at a time. So, we're hoping for early next week.... will post the day when I know for sure. I have a much better idea about what to expect, finding this site.
That little pup ("Marino", we're Dolphins fans!) is 100% attitude... We've got our hands full with 6 animals, with him it's like having 10. :-) More shots of him on the expressions page if you want to check it out.
Thank you SO much for the note, will be anxious to hear how you're doing also.
All the best,

Kevin

Port insertion
Aren't those fun?? Actually, mine didn't go too bad.... and did manage to get put just below the collarbone. The only problem... with us females is the problem of the bra strap. I'm sure I will get used to it but at the moment, the strap falls right on top of it and it is still a bit tender. I see my oncologist on Friday, get my blood work done, etc... then start the chemo (Irinotecan) on Monday. I have no problems with the port or the infusion of the chemo, since I've done this all before with the FOLFOX back in 2007. I do have a bit of "anxiety" about the Irinotecan, only because I haven't had it before so I'm not sure how I will react to it. I'm going on the assumption that I will be just fine... and any side affects that might crop up, we will be able to deal with them with medications. As for the "tireds" or even "fatigue"... go that covered too I have, fairly recently, upgraded my entertainment stuff in the bedroom with a new 32" flatscreen tv, new Blu-Ray disc player and a PVR (I think it's like a TIVO in the States). I also have been having a heck of a good time in bookstores (one of my favourite past times is to hang out at a bookstore and pick up books that catch my eye). Hahaha... I now have 42 books that are on my shelves that I haven't read . So I have plenty to keep me occupied if I need to be "resting"... and I have my little diva with an attitude, Bridget... also a schnauzer (pictures of her can be found on my Expressions page). Soooo, I'm not worried about what to do if I end up apartment bound for a couple of days... just a little anxious as to what the side affects are going to be and will I still be able to carry on with my normal chores that always have me out and about

Cheryl

PS: Lovely picture of yours... it looks like you are in Hawaii or Mexico or ??

schnauzerheads

CherylHutch said:

Port insertion
Aren't those fun?? Actually, mine didn't go too bad.... and did manage to get put just below the collarbone. The only problem... with us females is the problem of the bra strap. I'm sure I will get used to it but at the moment, the strap falls right on top of it and it is still a bit tender. I see my oncologist on Friday, get my blood work done, etc... then start the chemo (Irinotecan) on Monday. I have no problems with the port or the infusion of the chemo, since I've done this all before with the FOLFOX back in 2007. I do have a bit of "anxiety" about the Irinotecan, only because I haven't had it before so I'm not sure how I will react to it. I'm going on the assumption that I will be just fine... and any side affects that might crop up, we will be able to deal with them with medications. As for the "tireds" or even "fatigue"... go that covered too I have, fairly recently, upgraded my entertainment stuff in the bedroom with a new 32" flatscreen tv, new Blu-Ray disc player and a PVR (I think it's like a TIVO in the States). I also have been having a heck of a good time in bookstores (one of my favourite past times is to hang out at a bookstore and pick up books that catch my eye). Hahaha... I now have 42 books that are on my shelves that I haven't read . So I have plenty to keep me occupied if I need to be "resting"... and I have my little diva with an attitude, Bridget... also a schnauzer (pictures of her can be found on my Expressions page). Soooo, I'm not worried about what to do if I end up apartment bound for a couple of days... just a little anxious as to what the side affects are going to be and will I still be able to carry on with my normal chores that always have me out and about

Cheryl

PS: Lovely picture of yours... it looks like you are in Hawaii or Mexico or ??

Port
Cheryl,

It went pretty well, the biggest problem I had was being wheeled down to X-Ray in the gown and it was below freezing here in TX... One hallway was near the front entrance. brrr. I'll be thinking about you Monday, please post. Sure you'll do fine!! It sounds like you've covered all the bases, and I hope your side effects are minimal. Funny you mentioned the entertainment thing, we put up a flat screen (not quite the theatre you have!) in the bedroom also, Netflix is going to get very busy. I'd like to get the mega stereo, surround sound, but I'm afraid I'll never be able to stop adding to it if we do. I'll be walking and biking as much as possible, we'll see how the walks go with the cold air etc etc. What are you reading? My fav's always been Dean Koontz, but anything from Tom Clancy to Dr Seuss is fair game. Love a good book.
Feel free to write if you've got your laptop handy in your new media room. You're in good hands with Bridget!
The picture (thank you!) is actually from Melbourne Beach in Florida, a ways North of Miami... our wedding day. Just us, the minister, his wife and some seagulls. It was beautiful. We did go to Cozumel 2 years ago, awesome snorkeling. Hawaii's on the list... My wife's a water bug, so I'm hoping to get certified in diving when I beat this thing...
That's a great picture of you! You're going to do great, I'll be thinking about you Monday.

Kevin

belindahill

xeloda
Hello, my husband is on 8 cycles of xeloda only, for stage 3b colon cancer tumor was removed in surgery sept 10.
He has not had the problem with hands and feet, but loose stools. Also is only on xeloda, which has worried me a little because everyone seems to be on a combination of 2 chemos.
10 out of 13 nodes were poss.