Preparation for Chemo

Healing4ever

Hello,
I'm glad I've just found this network. I have Colon Cancer Stage II, high risk. Fortunately, my surgery went very well. Two days ago, I got my mediport and I'm going to start my chemo next Tuesday. I'm quite nervous about it. Has anybody some ideas how I could prepare myself for it.
Thank you for your help.

Sylvia

SisterSledge

stay hydrated
Welcome Sylvia, I'm sure there will be many on here to provide plenty of info and support over the coming days...check back often

Best suggestion I can give? Drink lotsa water, it helps your body process the chemo and other stuff back out.

Live well,
Janine

Healing4ever

SisterSledge said:

stay hydrated
Welcome Sylvia, I'm sure there will be many on here to provide plenty of info and support over the coming days...check back often

Best suggestion I can give? Drink lotsa water, it helps your body process the chemo and other stuff back out.

Live well,
Janine

Books, Ipod, blanket?
Janine,
besides drinking, what is your experience, is it also possible to read something or what do you think of an Ipod?
Have a nice weekend

Sylvia

hyderandbob

Good luck with your first trip
Take your cell phone. I needed mine quite a few times. And as mentioned find something you enjoy reading. They schedule you for quite a long time, but it goes really fast. I found that it was toward the end that it seemed it would never end. And in my experience, it wasn't that bad. I jumped right up and went back to work the next day. But that wasn't the case later on, I slowed down some. But they really will do
all they can to get you comfortably through it. Also, and I didn't know this, you'd think you'd be too stinking miserable to feel like eating, but we did. Each of us would have someone to bring in lunch and if you don't have someone ... take money, there is usually someone willing to find you some chow if you need it.

lisa42

hello Sylvia
Hi Sylvia,

I'm glad you found this site- people here are very helpful and supportive.
I'm glad your surgery went well, and I know it is a scary thing getting ready to start chemotherapy. I am assuming you'll be taking what is called Folfox? If so, it consists of oxaliplatin, 5FU, and leucovorin & sometimes Avastin is also given, but probably not for stage II (I am stage IV). Oxaliplatin is the main chemo agent and many people get wonderful response, but it definitely can knock you on your butt! The biggest thing to be aware of ahead of time is that it causes major cold oversensitivity. Ask if your doctor if he/she is giving you a calcium/magnesium infusion right before the chemo infusion. Studies show that it helps reduce this sensation & I know of one person on the board (Craig aka Sundanceh)who didn't have a problem with the cold with this infusion. I didn't get it and the cold sensitivity was definitely an issue. You won't be able to eat anything cooler than room temperature the day of chemo and for a few days afterwards or you will get a sensation of a stabbing knife in your throat. Also, you will feel it in your hands and feet- I used to keep a little ceramic box heater plugged in and when my hands and feet got too cold, I'd go sit in front of the heater like sitting in front of a fire to warm them up. Grocery shopping was interesting- I'd either take my daughter with me or wear gloves cause it will hurt to touch anything cold, especially frozen items. I went shopping alone one time during this chemo and forgot the gloves- I found myself quickly grabbing frozen items and practically throwing them into the cart. When I got to the check out, I had to ask for help to get those items out of my cart and onto the conveyer belt.
This chemo combo does not normally cause hair loss. Some people have some thinning of the hair from the 5FU, so this could happen but most don't generally go bald on this regimen. Some people who take Folfiri (main agent irinotecan- also called CPT-11 or Camptosar) instead of oxaliplatin- some people have major hair thinning on that and some thin so much that they end up cutting their hair quite short or shaving it). My own experience (I've been on them all) is that on Folfox I would get a tingly and sore scalp but I never actually lost any hair on it. On Folfiri (which I've been on 3 separate times), my hair thinned quite a bit to the point where you could see some scalp through my hair & hair got down to almost nonexistent on my temples and just above the nape of where my head/neck meet.
Before I started, I got myself a laptop computer because I thought I'd be in bed all the time sleeping and watching movies. Well, I was pleasantly surprised that I only had 2-3 days after chemo of feeling kind of crummy, but the rest of the time I actually felt pretty normal & continued to do most of what I could do before (and that was a lot as a busy mom of three kids).
I would always pray each time I'd get chemo for "maximum effectiveness, with minimum side effects". Then when I hardly got any side effects (other than the cold sensation), I worried- go figure! My first scan after 3 treatments showed a great response with a lot of tumor shrinkage. If you're "just" stage II, however, you don't have any tumors to be measuring anywhere, so just imagine how well that chemo is knocking out any possible tumor cells that might be floating around in your body. It will knock them dead and out of your body!

Best wishes & feel free to check back in here with questions, venting, or whatever.

Hugs-
Lisa

westie66

lisa42 said:

hello Sylvia
Hi Sylvia,

I'm glad you found this site- people here are very helpful and supportive.
I'm glad your surgery went well, and I know it is a scary thing getting ready to start chemotherapy. I am assuming you'll be taking what is called Folfox? If so, it consists of oxaliplatin, 5FU, and leucovorin & sometimes Avastin is also given, but probably not for stage II (I am stage IV). Oxaliplatin is the main chemo agent and many people get wonderful response, but it definitely can knock you on your butt! The biggest thing to be aware of ahead of time is that it causes major cold oversensitivity. Ask if your doctor if he/she is giving you a calcium/magnesium infusion right before the chemo infusion. Studies show that it helps reduce this sensation & I know of one person on the board (Craig aka Sundanceh)who didn't have a problem with the cold with this infusion. I didn't get it and the cold sensitivity was definitely an issue. You won't be able to eat anything cooler than room temperature the day of chemo and for a few days afterwards or you will get a sensation of a stabbing knife in your throat. Also, you will feel it in your hands and feet- I used to keep a little ceramic box heater plugged in and when my hands and feet got too cold, I'd go sit in front of the heater like sitting in front of a fire to warm them up. Grocery shopping was interesting- I'd either take my daughter with me or wear gloves cause it will hurt to touch anything cold, especially frozen items. I went shopping alone one time during this chemo and forgot the gloves- I found myself quickly grabbing frozen items and practically throwing them into the cart. When I got to the check out, I had to ask for help to get those items out of my cart and onto the conveyer belt.
This chemo combo does not normally cause hair loss. Some people have some thinning of the hair from the 5FU, so this could happen but most don't generally go bald on this regimen. Some people who take Folfiri (main agent irinotecan- also called CPT-11 or Camptosar) instead of oxaliplatin- some people have major hair thinning on that and some thin so much that they end up cutting their hair quite short or shaving it). My own experience (I've been on them all) is that on Folfox I would get a tingly and sore scalp but I never actually lost any hair on it. On Folfiri (which I've been on 3 separate times), my hair thinned quite a bit to the point where you could see some scalp through my hair & hair got down to almost nonexistent on my temples and just above the nape of where my head/neck meet.
Before I started, I got myself a laptop computer because I thought I'd be in bed all the time sleeping and watching movies. Well, I was pleasantly surprised that I only had 2-3 days after chemo of feeling kind of crummy, but the rest of the time I actually felt pretty normal & continued to do most of what I could do before (and that was a lot as a busy mom of three kids).
I would always pray each time I'd get chemo for "maximum effectiveness, with minimum side effects". Then when I hardly got any side effects (other than the cold sensation), I worried- go figure! My first scan after 3 treatments showed a great response with a lot of tumor shrinkage. If you're "just" stage II, however, you don't have any tumors to be measuring anywhere, so just imagine how well that chemo is knocking out any possible tumor cells that might be floating around in your body. It will knock them dead and out of your body!

Best wishes & feel free to check back in here with questions, venting, or whatever.

Hugs-
Lisa

Chemotherapy
HI Sylvia: Unbelievably I found the chemotherapy sessions to be very positive, at least at the cancer centre I go to have them. They always have the most friendly wonderful nurses on duty, volunteers do everything they can to make you comfortable - bring cookies,juice, coffee, warm blankets (chemo rooms are cold), and they always have portable DVD players and movies to watch at your "pod" (as it is called here) if you feel like it. I always get a bed because I usually haven't slept the night before and am tired (but you can't sleep for long as they ask you your name and birth date every time they change a chemical). I always bring a book and some goodies to snack on. I get both the irenotecan and the oxaliplatin. They give me lots of meds before the session to help with nausea (not a problem for me so far). The 5FU pump goes on at the end and stays on for 46 hrs when a nurse comes to my house to remove it and flush my PICC line.
Drink lots and lots of water starting the day before (especially if you're having an IV for your chemo). I get a headache so I take a tyenol that morning.
A tip someone gave me (you, I think, Lisa) is to request a slower infusion rate for the oaxaliplatin. Supposed to reduce the more severe effects of neuropathy. For me, the neuropathy started right away and lasted only 3 days, although I doubt I will risk drinking an ice cold drink (yum!) because it was like swallowing glass. If you're having irenotecan, severe diarhhea can be an issue (mine last 10 days each time). If so, get lomotil rather than imodium if the imodium doesn't work.

Here volunteers pick you up at home and take you back home. With my previous chemo regime, I could drive myself.

I usually have a friend or two stop by for company.

Hope this helps. This discussion board is good for all sorts of needed information.

Cheryl

emtwoods

lisa42 said:

hello Sylvia
Hi Sylvia,

I'm glad you found this site- people here are very helpful and supportive.
I'm glad your surgery went well, and I know it is a scary thing getting ready to start chemotherapy. I am assuming you'll be taking what is called Folfox? If so, it consists of oxaliplatin, 5FU, and leucovorin & sometimes Avastin is also given, but probably not for stage II (I am stage IV). Oxaliplatin is the main chemo agent and many people get wonderful response, but it definitely can knock you on your butt! The biggest thing to be aware of ahead of time is that it causes major cold oversensitivity. Ask if your doctor if he/she is giving you a calcium/magnesium infusion right before the chemo infusion. Studies show that it helps reduce this sensation & I know of one person on the board (Craig aka Sundanceh)who didn't have a problem with the cold with this infusion. I didn't get it and the cold sensitivity was definitely an issue. You won't be able to eat anything cooler than room temperature the day of chemo and for a few days afterwards or you will get a sensation of a stabbing knife in your throat. Also, you will feel it in your hands and feet- I used to keep a little ceramic box heater plugged in and when my hands and feet got too cold, I'd go sit in front of the heater like sitting in front of a fire to warm them up. Grocery shopping was interesting- I'd either take my daughter with me or wear gloves cause it will hurt to touch anything cold, especially frozen items. I went shopping alone one time during this chemo and forgot the gloves- I found myself quickly grabbing frozen items and practically throwing them into the cart. When I got to the check out, I had to ask for help to get those items out of my cart and onto the conveyer belt.
This chemo combo does not normally cause hair loss. Some people have some thinning of the hair from the 5FU, so this could happen but most don't generally go bald on this regimen. Some people who take Folfiri (main agent irinotecan- also called CPT-11 or Camptosar) instead of oxaliplatin- some people have major hair thinning on that and some thin so much that they end up cutting their hair quite short or shaving it). My own experience (I've been on them all) is that on Folfox I would get a tingly and sore scalp but I never actually lost any hair on it. On Folfiri (which I've been on 3 separate times), my hair thinned quite a bit to the point where you could see some scalp through my hair & hair got down to almost nonexistent on my temples and just above the nape of where my head/neck meet.
Before I started, I got myself a laptop computer because I thought I'd be in bed all the time sleeping and watching movies. Well, I was pleasantly surprised that I only had 2-3 days after chemo of feeling kind of crummy, but the rest of the time I actually felt pretty normal & continued to do most of what I could do before (and that was a lot as a busy mom of three kids).
I would always pray each time I'd get chemo for "maximum effectiveness, with minimum side effects". Then when I hardly got any side effects (other than the cold sensation), I worried- go figure! My first scan after 3 treatments showed a great response with a lot of tumor shrinkage. If you're "just" stage II, however, you don't have any tumors to be measuring anywhere, so just imagine how well that chemo is knocking out any possible tumor cells that might be floating around in your body. It will knock them dead and out of your body!

Best wishes & feel free to check back in here with questions, venting, or whatever.

Hugs-
Lisa

Thanks Lisa
Thanks Lisa, my husband started Folfox Friday and your info helped me a lot. He still has the second drug hooked up until the morning but it has knocked him down quite a bit. Glad to hear it will get beter.

Jessica

Healing4ever

lisa42 said:

hello Sylvia
Hi Sylvia,

I'm glad you found this site- people here are very helpful and supportive.
I'm glad your surgery went well, and I know it is a scary thing getting ready to start chemotherapy. I am assuming you'll be taking what is called Folfox? If so, it consists of oxaliplatin, 5FU, and leucovorin & sometimes Avastin is also given, but probably not for stage II (I am stage IV). Oxaliplatin is the main chemo agent and many people get wonderful response, but it definitely can knock you on your butt! The biggest thing to be aware of ahead of time is that it causes major cold oversensitivity. Ask if your doctor if he/she is giving you a calcium/magnesium infusion right before the chemo infusion. Studies show that it helps reduce this sensation & I know of one person on the board (Craig aka Sundanceh)who didn't have a problem with the cold with this infusion. I didn't get it and the cold sensitivity was definitely an issue. You won't be able to eat anything cooler than room temperature the day of chemo and for a few days afterwards or you will get a sensation of a stabbing knife in your throat. Also, you will feel it in your hands and feet- I used to keep a little ceramic box heater plugged in and when my hands and feet got too cold, I'd go sit in front of the heater like sitting in front of a fire to warm them up. Grocery shopping was interesting- I'd either take my daughter with me or wear gloves cause it will hurt to touch anything cold, especially frozen items. I went shopping alone one time during this chemo and forgot the gloves- I found myself quickly grabbing frozen items and practically throwing them into the cart. When I got to the check out, I had to ask for help to get those items out of my cart and onto the conveyer belt.
This chemo combo does not normally cause hair loss. Some people have some thinning of the hair from the 5FU, so this could happen but most don't generally go bald on this regimen. Some people who take Folfiri (main agent irinotecan- also called CPT-11 or Camptosar) instead of oxaliplatin- some people have major hair thinning on that and some thin so much that they end up cutting their hair quite short or shaving it). My own experience (I've been on them all) is that on Folfox I would get a tingly and sore scalp but I never actually lost any hair on it. On Folfiri (which I've been on 3 separate times), my hair thinned quite a bit to the point where you could see some scalp through my hair & hair got down to almost nonexistent on my temples and just above the nape of where my head/neck meet.
Before I started, I got myself a laptop computer because I thought I'd be in bed all the time sleeping and watching movies. Well, I was pleasantly surprised that I only had 2-3 days after chemo of feeling kind of crummy, but the rest of the time I actually felt pretty normal & continued to do most of what I could do before (and that was a lot as a busy mom of three kids).
I would always pray each time I'd get chemo for "maximum effectiveness, with minimum side effects". Then when I hardly got any side effects (other than the cold sensation), I worried- go figure! My first scan after 3 treatments showed a great response with a lot of tumor shrinkage. If you're "just" stage II, however, you don't have any tumors to be measuring anywhere, so just imagine how well that chemo is knocking out any possible tumor cells that might be floating around in your body. It will knock them dead and out of your body!

Best wishes & feel free to check back in here with questions, venting, or whatever.

Hugs-
Lisa

Chemo Prep
Hi Lisa,
thank you so much for your detailed answer. Tomorrow, I'm going to start with Oxaliplatin and 5FU.
I had asked for the calcium/magnesium infusion but my oncologist doesn't want to offer it because she had bad experience with it: some patients got seizures, she said.
Yes, I got already some gloves and maybe I take a herbal pill to be less nervous.

Thank you again and have a good week.

Sylvia

Healing4ever

westie66 said:

Chemotherapy
HI Sylvia: Unbelievably I found the chemotherapy sessions to be very positive, at least at the cancer centre I go to have them. They always have the most friendly wonderful nurses on duty, volunteers do everything they can to make you comfortable - bring cookies,juice, coffee, warm blankets (chemo rooms are cold), and they always have portable DVD players and movies to watch at your "pod" (as it is called here) if you feel like it. I always get a bed because I usually haven't slept the night before and am tired (but you can't sleep for long as they ask you your name and birth date every time they change a chemical). I always bring a book and some goodies to snack on. I get both the irenotecan and the oxaliplatin. They give me lots of meds before the session to help with nausea (not a problem for me so far). The 5FU pump goes on at the end and stays on for 46 hrs when a nurse comes to my house to remove it and flush my PICC line.
Drink lots and lots of water starting the day before (especially if you're having an IV for your chemo). I get a headache so I take a tyenol that morning.
A tip someone gave me (you, I think, Lisa) is to request a slower infusion rate for the oaxaliplatin. Supposed to reduce the more severe effects of neuropathy. For me, the neuropathy started right away and lasted only 3 days, although I doubt I will risk drinking an ice cold drink (yum!) because it was like swallowing glass. If you're having irenotecan, severe diarhhea can be an issue (mine last 10 days each time). If so, get lomotil rather than imodium if the imodium doesn't work.

Here volunteers pick you up at home and take you back home. With my previous chemo regime, I could drive myself.

I usually have a friend or two stop by for company.

Hope this helps. This discussion board is good for all sorts of needed information.

Cheryl

Cheryl,
thank you for the
Cheryl,
thank you for the good hints. The slower infusion rate sounds reasonable.
I was said that I have to come to the office to get my pump removed. Maybe I should ask again.
Thank you again,

Sylvia

Annabelle41415

Suggestions
Seems like you have received several good points, so I'm not sure what else to add, but just wanted to wish you good luck in your treatment. Your anticipation is much worse than going through it however you will get to that day and then say, you did it. Remember to let your doctor know if you aren't feeling well though. My doctor wouldn't get me the mag/cal either. Ask your doctor if you can take Vitamin B6. This will help with the neuropathy.

Kim

marqimark

Chemo
Good luck with your upcoming treatments.

I finished mine last October.

Read the tread- 'Neuropathy and Oxaliplatin Revisited'

Then ask your oncologist if it okay to take the supplements that are discussed here.

My onc didn't want me to take anything - he said "a lot substances that ease the side effects of treatment also reduce the effetiveness of treatment."

I hope that his advise was accurate, as I really could have used something toease the side effects.

Prayers for you

Mark

khl8

marqimark said:

Chemo
Good luck with your upcoming treatments.

I finished mine last October.

Read the tread- 'Neuropathy and Oxaliplatin Revisited'

Then ask your oncologist if it okay to take the supplements that are discussed here.

My onc didn't want me to take anything - he said "a lot substances that ease the side effects of treatment also reduce the effetiveness of treatment."

I hope that his advise was accurate, as I really could have used something toease the side effects.

Prayers for you

Mark

Sylvia,
I had a positive
Sylvia,
I had a positive expereience with the chemo. I went to the center every other Thursday for the treatment and then brought the bag home. I worked from home the days I was connected and that was only because my boss felt more comfortable with this, rather than having me in the office. I grocery shopped and went out to lunch with friends even while hooked up. I did have a nurse come to my house on Saturday to disconnect and that was great, not having to go back to the hospital. I did have the cold sensitivity and that started immediatly. It lasted for me about a week after the disconnect, so I would hurry and eat ice cream the days before the next treatment.
I too packed food to take with me, snacks and such. I like the recliner instead of the bed and most of the time, I napped while they were doing the infusion.
I drove myself back and forth after the first treatment when I knew what to expect.
I did not lose my hair either.
I hope it goes well for you too!
Kathy

Marianne313

Healing4ever said:

Chemo Prep
Hi Lisa,
thank you so much for your detailed answer. Tomorrow, I'm going to start with Oxaliplatin and 5FU.
I had asked for the calcium/magnesium infusion but my oncologist doesn't want to offer it because she had bad experience with it: some patients got seizures, she said.
Yes, I got already some gloves and maybe I take a herbal pill to be less nervous.

Thank you again and have a good week.

Sylvia

Good luck hon
to me this is scary, and I'm only the caregiver in this situation. I hope everything is as pleasant as possible for you in this situation, and that if you HAVE to get any side effects they will be minimal.

Marianne

Marianne313

khl8 said:

Sylvia,
I had a positive
Sylvia,
I had a positive expereience with the chemo. I went to the center every other Thursday for the treatment and then brought the bag home. I worked from home the days I was connected and that was only because my boss felt more comfortable with this, rather than having me in the office. I grocery shopped and went out to lunch with friends even while hooked up. I did have a nurse come to my house on Saturday to disconnect and that was great, not having to go back to the hospital. I did have the cold sensitivity and that started immediatly. It lasted for me about a week after the disconnect, so I would hurry and eat ice cream the days before the next treatment.
I too packed food to take with me, snacks and such. I like the recliner instead of the bed and most of the time, I napped while they were doing the infusion.
I drove myself back and forth after the first treatment when I knew what to expect.
I did not lose my hair either.
I hope it goes well for you too!
Kathy

question regarding this...
My aunt starts her chemo/radiation this Thursday, the 16th. I've brought her a ligh sweater to wear but should I take things such as a scarf, gloves, hat? I'm not sure, but I'd like to be prepared. If anyone knows the answer please respond soon as I leave in 1 hour and will not have internet access until after her chemo session.

Thank you,
Marianne

Marianne313

Marianne313 said:

question regarding this...
My aunt starts her chemo/radiation this Thursday, the 16th. I've brought her a ligh sweater to wear but should I take things such as a scarf, gloves, hat? I'm not sure, but I'd like to be prepared. If anyone knows the answer please respond soon as I leave in 1 hour and will not have internet access until after her chemo session.

Thank you,
Marianne

anyone know?
just need a response within the next hour if possible so I'm bumping this in hopes of getting an answer.

Wishing everyone a GREAT day.

Marianne

Patteee

Marianne313 said:

question regarding this...
My aunt starts her chemo/radiation this Thursday, the 16th. I've brought her a ligh sweater to wear but should I take things such as a scarf, gloves, hat? I'm not sure, but I'd like to be prepared. If anyone knows the answer please respond soon as I leave in 1 hour and will not have internet access until after her chemo session.

Thank you,
Marianne

I always got a bit chilled-
I always got a bit chilled- but my chemo room had those nice warm blankets. Hat, gloves, scarf- I wouldn't think so. Slippers are good to take.

Marianne313

Patteee said:

I always got a bit chilled-
I always got a bit chilled- but my chemo room had those nice warm blankets. Hat, gloves, scarf- I wouldn't think so. Slippers are good to take.

thank you
Hi Pattee,

Thank you for responding so quickly, I appreciate that.

I was more thinking about when I take her home, outside, even though it's been running very warm here and weather says it will be in the mid 80's. I just don't want her to be uncomfortable on the trip home (almost an hour 1 way).

Thank you again. EVERY BIT of information is welcomed.

Marianne

Annabelle41415

Marianne313 said:

thank you
Hi Pattee,

Thank you for responding so quickly, I appreciate that.

I was more thinking about when I take her home, outside, even though it's been running very warm here and weather says it will be in the mid 80's. I just don't want her to be uncomfortable on the trip home (almost an hour 1 way).

Thank you again. EVERY BIT of information is welcomed.

Marianne

Outside
If it's warm outside, you don't need to bring those things (gloves, hat, etc.). You probably should ask her about the air conditioning in the car as that can affect her more than you will realize. Use of gloves is mainly for the refridgerator/freezer. There were always a pair of gloves in my drawer next to the refridgerator because after the first couple times of forgetting, you remember real fast.

Kim