Chemo reaction question

Susan777
Susan777 Member Posts: 97 Member
in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi Ladies.....My first few days after chemo i had the body aches and bone pains. Then I felt great. Now with my second chemo coming up this week i am starting to feel really crappy. Soooo fatigued, weak in the legs and arms, appetite not great and so weepy. I thought that as the first round of chemo started to leave my system i would feel better than the first week. My blood tests that i am ordered to take each week dont show any changes in my Red or Whites. Has anyone experienced this?

Comments

  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #2
    CHEMO REACTION
    Hi, Susan:
    Yes, chemo is cumulative, so unfortunately you may experience progressive symptoms like this. But it also gives you an idea what to expect and to be prepared ahead of time.

    The fatigue and weakness can be from lower blood counts (glad they're looking good right now!), low blood pressure (another lovely side affect), and just the stress on your body. Certainly, not having an appetite doesn't help, because you sure need nutritional support to get through this. I relied often on protein shakes or smoothies. I used low fat ice cream and mixed in protein powder, green powder, and fruits, or even cocoa powder. The cold drink also helped the mouth sores that are common with chemo.

    Are you having 6 rounds? Hang in there, Susan. Keep us up-to-date and let us know if there's anything else we can help with. Till then, sending lots of Hugs and Prayers!

    Monika
  • Susan777
    Susan777 Member Posts: 97 Member
    #3
    mopar said:

    CHEMO REACTION
    Hi, Susan:
    Yes, chemo is cumulative, so unfortunately you may experience progressive symptoms like this. But it also gives you an idea what to expect and to be prepared ahead of time.

    The fatigue and weakness can be from lower blood counts (glad they're looking good right now!), low blood pressure (another lovely side affect), and just the stress on your body. Certainly, not having an appetite doesn't help, because you sure need nutritional support to get through this. I relied often on protein shakes or smoothies. I used low fat ice cream and mixed in protein powder, green powder, and fruits, or even cocoa powder. The cold drink also helped the mouth sores that are common with chemo.

    Are you having 6 rounds? Hang in there, Susan. Keep us up-to-date and let us know if there's anything else we can help with. Till then, sending lots of Hugs and Prayers!

    Monika

    Thanks Monika
    I didnt get any mouth sores or nausea. I was doing great until about day 17. My mom thinks it might be menopause related. I had a total hysterectomy June 8th. I have heard the effects of chemo are cumulative and it can get worse with each treatment. I feel i really lucked out on my first treatment. Chemo 2 is Thursday...and yes I am getting 6 total of Tax/Carb. Going today for more lab's including a CA125. Praying for a good drop! Pre-Op 1150. Post-Op 141. After first chemo....TBD!

    Susan :)
  • antcat
    antcat Member Posts: 270
    #4
    Hi susan
    I hope you start to feel better. Depending on the type of chemo you're getting, side effects can vary. For example when I was on Doxil, I got a skin rash. When I was on Cytoxan, I felt like I had aches and pains like when you have a flu and was a little bit nautious. When I was on Topotecan, I was very, very tired for at least 6 days and my primary doc told me that it was due to my blood counts going down lower. Now, I'm on Taxotere and I usually feel good the day of chemo and the day after but the 2nd day I feel a little tired but have some bleeding in my nasal area.But, by the time a few days pass, I feel better. And once you have a rest period in between you'll feel even better. Thank God for those rest weeks. My red and white counts are still a little low but my primary doc told me that it's nothing to be concerned about and he's keeping a close eye on my counts.
  • jadav1956
    jadav1956 Member Posts: 95 Member
    #5
    antcat said:

    Hi susan
    I hope you start to feel better. Depending on the type of chemo you're getting, side effects can vary. For example when I was on Doxil, I got a skin rash. When I was on Cytoxan, I felt like I had aches and pains like when you have a flu and was a little bit nautious. When I was on Topotecan, I was very, very tired for at least 6 days and my primary doc told me that it was due to my blood counts going down lower. Now, I'm on Taxotere and I usually feel good the day of chemo and the day after but the 2nd day I feel a little tired but have some bleeding in my nasal area.But, by the time a few days pass, I feel better. And once you have a rest period in between you'll feel even better. Thank God for those rest weeks. My red and white counts are still a little low but my primary doc told me that it's nothing to be concerned about and he's keeping a close eye on my counts.

    Hey Susan !! I am so sorry
    Hey Susan !! I am so sorry that you are feeling bad. I too am sort of worrying about my next tx. I am on the same schedule as you so am not looking forward to thursday, but we can do this !!! I read on one of your previous posts about the l-glutamene. I found some at wally world but it was in a pill form- 500mg. Do you take it that way ? I also heard about b-6, so I got that also. I hope to stay in touch with you !! I have started to lose my hair, but not so bad that it needs shaving- yet! I have such thick hair that my beautician said is not ready to shave. I sure hope you start to feel better. Please keep in touch with me !!! I will be thinking of you on thursday !! Jackie
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #6
    Susan777 said:

    Thanks Monika
    I didnt get any mouth sores or nausea. I was doing great until about day 17. My mom thinks it might be menopause related. I had a total hysterectomy June 8th. I have heard the effects of chemo are cumulative and it can get worse with each treatment. I feel i really lucked out on my first treatment. Chemo 2 is Thursday...and yes I am getting 6 total of Tax/Carb. Going today for more lab's including a CA125. Praying for a good drop! Pre-Op 1150. Post-Op 141. After first chemo....TBD!

    Susan :)

    MOM COULD BE RIGHT, TOO!
    Especially since the menopause is so immediate. I had the same situation. And I forgot to mention, that the neuropathy also caused tingling and numbness as well.

    Day 17 is about right in terms of feeling some effects. But as I said earlier, you sound very strong and positive. And believe me, that helps a great deal. I'll be waiting to see you post your new numbers! Take care, Susan!

    Monika
  • Susan777
    Susan777 Member Posts: 97 Member
    #7
    jadav1956 said:

    Hey Susan !! I am so sorry
    Hey Susan !! I am so sorry that you are feeling bad. I too am sort of worrying about my next tx. I am on the same schedule as you so am not looking forward to thursday, but we can do this !!! I read on one of your previous posts about the l-glutamene. I found some at wally world but it was in a pill form- 500mg. Do you take it that way ? I also heard about b-6, so I got that also. I hope to stay in touch with you !! I have started to lose my hair, but not so bad that it needs shaving- yet! I have such thick hair that my beautician said is not ready to shave. I sure hope you start to feel better. Please keep in touch with me !!! I will be thinking of you on thursday !! Jackie

    Glutamine
    Jadav....I take mine in powder form. Seven scoops 3 times a day...it is supposed to help with neuropathy. I never did experience it. I believe the fatigue is just do to lack of sleep. I go to bed around 11 or 12 and always wake up between 4 and 5am. I guess i just need that long afternoon nap everyday. It sounds strange...but I am looking forward to my treatment on Thursday. I visualize the magic poison killing all the cancer crumbs left behind after surgery. I just hope that CA125 number has gone down again. Dr. warned that sometimes they spike up....that would be disappointing to me. I will find out Thursday! My new bald head is very cold in the AM. My hair was very thick...when handfulls started coming out in the shower..i shaved it! Now i just have stubs in my pillow every morning and when i shower after i shampoo i just rub the wash cloth across my head and tons come out. Almost a complete QBall now! I got a wig and a few hats! Good luck to you on Thursday!
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    #8
    Susan777 said:

    Glutamine
    Jadav....I take mine in powder form. Seven scoops 3 times a day...it is supposed to help with neuropathy. I never did experience it. I believe the fatigue is just do to lack of sleep. I go to bed around 11 or 12 and always wake up between 4 and 5am. I guess i just need that long afternoon nap everyday. It sounds strange...but I am looking forward to my treatment on Thursday. I visualize the magic poison killing all the cancer crumbs left behind after surgery. I just hope that CA125 number has gone down again. Dr. warned that sometimes they spike up....that would be disappointing to me. I will find out Thursday! My new bald head is very cold in the AM. My hair was very thick...when handfulls started coming out in the shower..i shaved it! Now i just have stubs in my pillow every morning and when i shower after i shampoo i just rub the wash cloth across my head and tons come out. Almost a complete QBall now! I got a wig and a few hats! Good luck to you on Thursday!

    I'm the odd one out, I
    I'm the odd one out, I suppose. For me, each chemo got a bit easier. The first one was horrendous. I passed out, my blood gases and BP tanked. It was awful. I left the facility in a wheelchair. The second one was much easier, and after that, it was almost a non-event.

    Carlene
  • kikz
    kikz Member Posts: 1,345 Member
    #9
    Hissy_Fitz said:

    I'm the odd one out, I
    I'm the odd one out, I suppose. For me, each chemo got a bit easier. The first one was horrendous. I passed out, my blood gases and BP tanked. It was awful. I left the facility in a wheelchair. The second one was much easier, and after that, it was almost a non-event.

    Carlene

    Chemo
    The chemo I received prior to debulking surgery made me sick each time but I would recuperate by the time the next one came up. The chemo I received post surgery made me very sick each time and I was still sick when it was time for the next infusion. Once my onc postponed an infusion and one time I said I just couldn't do it. Thank God, like childbirth, the memory fades. For me it was a very difficult time. Sick, sick, sick!

    Karen
  • Mwee
    Mwee Member Posts: 1,338
    #10
    Chemo week
    Hi Susan, I've been on several different chemos for the past 19 months. I'm doing cisplatin/gemzar now and get the cis/gem one week and the gemzar the next/ then 2 weeks off. The cis/gemzar week leaves me totally down for the count for a whole week. For the past week I've been basically in bed/ terribly fatiqued/ kinda of dopey :)/ and have had little appetite. BUT... the first time I was given this combo, my ears rang terribly and my feet ached all the time for a week... I told my doctor (very important to report these things!!) and he cut back my dosage. This time was easier to tolerate.
    (((HUGS))) Maria
  • AnneBehymer
    AnneBehymer Member Posts: 738 Member
    #11
    chemo reacton
    I just had my second round of chemo I am getting three different chemo drugs at one time every 21 days. I lost my hair after my first treatment about 2 /12 weeks after. After the first round of chemo I was sick to my stomach for about four days and I mean really bad so the doctor gave me another drug to help with that so I am taking three of them it is helping a little but I just had my 2nd round of chemo and the upset stomach is not as bad but I am having really bad bone pain can anyone give suggestions to help relieve the pain. I am taking tramado, advil, and oxycodone and it does not seem to help. I don't have a bath tub to soak in or a hot tub. I just want the pain to atleast slow down any suggestions

    Anne
  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    #12
    AnneBehymer said:

    chemo reacton
    I just had my second round of chemo I am getting three different chemo drugs at one time every 21 days. I lost my hair after my first treatment about 2 /12 weeks after. After the first round of chemo I was sick to my stomach for about four days and I mean really bad so the doctor gave me another drug to help with that so I am taking three of them it is helping a little but I just had my 2nd round of chemo and the upset stomach is not as bad but I am having really bad bone pain can anyone give suggestions to help relieve the pain. I am taking tramado, advil, and oxycodone and it does not seem to help. I don't have a bath tub to soak in or a hot tub. I just want the pain to atleast slow down any suggestions

    Anne

    Fentanyl?
    I didn't experience bone pain while on chemo, but I was constantly on oxycodone, tylenol III, and I had a fentanyl patch the entire time I was receving chemo. There are also Fenanyl "pops" that you can suck on for a few minutes if you have breakthrough pain. You should ask your doctor about additional pain control options if you are having pain.
  • AnneBehymer
    AnneBehymer Member Posts: 738 Member
    #13
    Tethys41 said:

    Fentanyl?
    I didn't experience bone pain while on chemo, but I was constantly on oxycodone, tylenol III, and I had a fentanyl patch the entire time I was receving chemo. There are also Fenanyl "pops" that you can suck on for a few minutes if you have breakthrough pain. You should ask your doctor about additional pain control options if you are having pain.

    txs
    thanks for the infor I will be calling my doctor tomorrow because I don't think I will be able to sleep tonight with this pain

    Anne
  • lulu1010
    lulu1010 Member Posts: 367
    #14
    AnneBehymer said:

    txs
    thanks for the infor I will be calling my doctor tomorrow because I don't think I will be able to sleep tonight with this pain

    Anne

    I too had pain!
    I have been having terrible bone discomfort and joint aches. My pain has been worse since I finished chemo 2 months ago. I take Tramadol (Ultram). It is fairly strong but non-narcotic. NSAIDS dont work at all for me and Tylenol helps a little. Exercise actually helps. I am not into exercise but if I take a Tramadol in the morning and then get my body busy around the house I feel better and usually dont need another unless I overdue it. I am trying to lightly exercise the most painful joints and using the heating pad. If you find any other remedies please let me know.

    Linda
  • AnneBehymer
    AnneBehymer Member Posts: 738 Member
    #15
    lulu1010 said:

    I too had pain!
    I have been having terrible bone discomfort and joint aches. My pain has been worse since I finished chemo 2 months ago. I take Tramadol (Ultram). It is fairly strong but non-narcotic. NSAIDS dont work at all for me and Tylenol helps a little. Exercise actually helps. I am not into exercise but if I take a Tramadol in the morning and then get my body busy around the house I feel better and usually dont need another unless I overdue it. I am trying to lightly exercise the most painful joints and using the heating pad. If you find any other remedies please let me know.

    Linda

    thanks
    I am already on tramadol due to fybromialga and also advial. I will try the light exercise and see if that helps I really like this site I am getting good infor since I just started this figt with cancer only about 1 1/2 months ago thanks so much all

    Anne
  • Susan777
    Susan777 Member Posts: 97 Member
    #16
    Chemo treatment 3
    My 3rd of 6 treatments is on Thursday the 4th. I really am dreading it. Not the infusion part, but the bone pain. It lasted for 5 days with treatment 2. I feel the chemo starting to take a toll on me with fatigue also. I also dread the brain fog, insomnia and constipation that comes the first few days after treatment. I am just sick and tired of being so tired. I cant go shopping, to the beach, the fair, Disneyland, Las Vegas. I want to LIVE...and being stuck at home is making me crazy. Opps...sorry i guess i needed to vent some.

    Good news is it seems to be working. My CA125 was down to 13 after 2 treatments! I expect it to be in single digits after this one.
  • AnneBehymer
    AnneBehymer Member Posts: 738 Member
    #17
    Susan777 said:

    Chemo treatment 3
    My 3rd of 6 treatments is on Thursday the 4th. I really am dreading it. Not the infusion part, but the bone pain. It lasted for 5 days with treatment 2. I feel the chemo starting to take a toll on me with fatigue also. I also dread the brain fog, insomnia and constipation that comes the first few days after treatment. I am just sick and tired of being so tired. I cant go shopping, to the beach, the fair, Disneyland, Las Vegas. I want to LIVE...and being stuck at home is making me crazy. Opps...sorry i guess i needed to vent some.

    Good news is it seems to be working. My CA125 was down to 13 after 2 treatments! I expect it to be in single digits after this one.

    I just talked with my boss and let her know I would not be able to return to work and it broke my heart. I love my job and have been there for five years this month. It feels like one more thing the cancer has taken from me. Hang in there my prays are with you as we all fight this beast called cancer.

    Anne
  • jadav1956
    jadav1956 Member Posts: 95 Member
    #18
    AnneBehymer said:

    I just talked with my boss and let her know I would not be able to return to work and it broke my heart. I love my job and have been there for five years this month. It feels like one more thing the cancer has taken from me. Hang in there my prays are with you as we all fight this beast called cancer.

    Anne

    Hi All. I am also taking my
    Hi All. I am also taking my 3rd tx this thursday. My white counts have dropped, but I did blood work today and I hope they have come up enough to take tx. I have never heard about the b-12/b-6 shot, but I a going to ask onc before tx. I have some b12 injections and I take b-6 in pill form. I have also been taking the l-glutamene about 2000 mgs a day, but I don't know if that is enough. They do seem to have helped with neuropathy. It didn't seem to take me as long to recouperate from my 2nd tx as it did from the first one. I also get the red face the day after and take benadryl. I also take zofran and decadron. I only have the constipation right after tx and then my problem goes south. Everything I eat or drink seems to go straight through me. I get the bone pain too. Thanks Susan for thinking of me. I will also be praying for you on thursday. Will post again when I find out my lab numbers. Thanks all for the info. Jackie
  • Susan777
    Susan777 Member Posts: 97 Member
    #19
    jadav1956 said:

    Hi All. I am also taking my
    Hi All. I am also taking my 3rd tx this thursday. My white counts have dropped, but I did blood work today and I hope they have come up enough to take tx. I have never heard about the b-12/b-6 shot, but I a going to ask onc before tx. I have some b12 injections and I take b-6 in pill form. I have also been taking the l-glutamene about 2000 mgs a day, but I don't know if that is enough. They do seem to have helped with neuropathy. It didn't seem to take me as long to recouperate from my 2nd tx as it did from the first one. I also get the red face the day after and take benadryl. I also take zofran and decadron. I only have the constipation right after tx and then my problem goes south. Everything I eat or drink seems to go straight through me. I get the bone pain too. Thanks Susan for thinking of me. I will also be praying for you on thursday. Will post again when I find out my lab numbers. Thanks all for the info. Jackie

    Good luck on #3 Jackie
    My treatment starts at 8AM. Dreading it....but it is the half way point for me. I will be thinking of you today. I am sorry to hear your blood counts have gone haywire. Mine seem to be holding strong for now. I will be asking for something stronger than Advil and Norco for my bone pain. It is horrible. Only upnote is that my CA125 dropped to 13 after 2 infusions. I am aiming for the number 7 after this one.

    Susan
  • AnneBehymer
    AnneBehymer Member Posts: 738 Member
    #20
    Susan777 said:

    Good luck on #3 Jackie
    My treatment starts at 8AM. Dreading it....but it is the half way point for me. I will be thinking of you today. I am sorry to hear your blood counts have gone haywire. Mine seem to be holding strong for now. I will be asking for something stronger than Advil and Norco for my bone pain. It is horrible. Only upnote is that my CA125 dropped to 13 after 2 infusions. I am aiming for the number 7 after this one.

    Susan

    I will be praying for the
    I will be praying for the number seven for you Susan :) and the bone pain is horrible I am at the end of the bone pain for this round I hurt a little today but not as much as the past few day. I have my third chemo in two weeks and then bone pain again not looking forward to thats

    Anne

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