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  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
    #22
    vangbi said:

    Ability to Work

     Just wondering if I am going to be able to work while being treated as I am a truckdriver 

    what kind of effect are the treatments going to have or should I start applying for disability

    now? 

    It will depend on a number of different factors,

    as everyone is a bit different in how they react, but I will say that if you are given the standard first line chemo (FOLFOX), you will almost certainly have some digestive problems that may make trucking difficult.  Unfortunately, most people don't get through this without some significant side effects, and while they have great meds that will help with those, they often make you sleepy.  Probably not great for driving a truck!

    Would short-term disability be a possibility for you?

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #23
    vangbi said:

    Ability to Work

     Just wondering if I am going to be able to work while being treated as I am a truckdriver 

    what kind of effect are the treatments going to have or should I start applying for disability

    now? 

    For me but maybe not for yo

    I was on the FOLFOX & 5FU. I had chemo brain real bad, lost focus and peripheral vison. I ran my husbands car into a rock and was not allowed to drive after that. 

    But that was just me.  As people have stated, the meds affect us all in different ways and you may be fine.

    My advice is to just be aware of your body. Keep a notebook by your side at all times. Jot down EVERYTHING that is happening both physically and emotionally. I would go into my Onc's appointment with a list as long as my arm. Be honest with yourself. If it feels as though you shouldn't be driving, don't drive (mistake I made, because I knew something was not right). 

    Good luck with all of your appointments. 

    Keep us posted. We are part of the team now. 

  • hippiechicks
    hippiechicks Member Posts: 509 Member
    #24
    Trubrit said:

    For me but maybe not for yo

    I was on the FOLFOX & 5FU. I had chemo brain real bad, lost focus and peripheral vison. I ran my husbands car into a rock and was not allowed to drive after that. 

    But that was just me.  As people have stated, the meds affect us all in different ways and you may be fine.

    My advice is to just be aware of your body. Keep a notebook by your side at all times. Jot down EVERYTHING that is happening both physically and emotionally. I would go into my Onc's appointment with a list as long as my arm. Be honest with yourself. If it feels as though you shouldn't be driving, don't drive (mistake I made, because I knew something was not right). 

    Good luck with all of your appointments. 

    Keep us posted. We are part of the team now. 

    I think we were cut from the

    I think we were cut from the same cloth!!  I could not drive or walk a straight line for that matter!  

     

  • devotion10
    devotion10 Member Posts: 623 Member
    #25
    Great to see you post a picture ...

    Somebody here probably has some tips for that sideways thing ... I am not sure myself.  Good news is, we can see you and it is always nice to put a face to a name.  I know this is not where you want to be ... but, it is a good group of folks that will do their best to help you every step of your journey.

    Peace. ~ Cynthia

  • marbleotis
    marbleotis Member Posts: 720 Member
    #26
    hippiechicks said:

    I think we were cut from the

    I think we were cut from the same cloth!!  I could not drive or walk a straight line for that matter!  

     

    Me too

    I did not drive for nearly a year.  I couldn't walk a straight line yet alone drive. Yikes........

  • vangbi
    vangbi Member Posts: 62
    #27
    vangbi said:

    Ct scan results

     They said the good news it is the most common and has not spread but

    then told me they got a surprise that wasnt expected and is not related 

    to the colon but there is a lesion on left kidney so am going to lose a kidney it

    sounds like . Will know more next Wedensday at meeting with surgeon. 

     They did say there will be chemo also.

    A little good news

     Talked to urologist yesterday she didnt think they would have to take the kidney but are going to do biopsy on lesion and maybe find a way to handle lesion without kidney removal.

  • vangbi
    vangbi Member Posts: 62
    #28
    devotion10 said:

    Great to see you post a picture ...

    Somebody here probably has some tips for that sideways thing ... I am not sure myself.  Good news is, we can see you and it is always nice to put a face to a name.  I know this is not where you want to be ... but, it is a good group of folks that will do their best to help you every step of your journey.

    Peace. ~ Cynthia

    took a few trys but got the

    took a few trys but got the picture right side up

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #29
    Join the clan

    We're a happy, upbeat group of friends that are here for you. 

    We are here when you are sad, happy, annoyed, exasperated; well we're here for you whenever. 

    Lots of great advice above. 

    We all handle things in our own way, but following basic advice is a godsend. I was grateful when I arrived, it helped me throughout and I am a much better person for being a part of this community. 

    Here's one thing that worked for me, may or may not work for you but worth a try.  I allowed myself 10 minutes a day for my sad time. I called it my 'Pity Party', mostly when I went to bed, and my whole mind was consumed with the darker thoughts concerning my diagnosis. 10 minutes to have a cry, think about the worst, cry more, then I would put it aside - still there for sure, but not consuming - and filled myself with good thoughts and hope and faith and love. 

    There, thats my advice for the day. I have plenty more stashed away. HA!

    Post often, we are here for you. 

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #30
    hippiechicks said:

    I think we were cut from the

    I think we were cut from the same cloth!!  I could not drive or walk a straight line for that matter!  

     

    Granny walker

    I couldn't walk straight either and ended up with a walker. I looked like I was 100 years old, especially when my hair fell out and I looked like Gollum. 

     

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #31
    vangbi said:

    took a few trys but got the

    took a few trys but got the picture right side up

    Monday appointment

    How did your appointment go yesterday? 

    And I like the picture too. I like putting names to faces. 

  • vangbi
    vangbi Member Posts: 62
    #32
    Urologist said that they are

    Urologist said that they are going to leave kidney and do biopsy to see if the lesion is because of the colon cancer then may try to only remove lesion after the Chemo treatments. 

  • devotion10
    devotion10 Member Posts: 623 Member
    #33
    vangbi said:

    Urologist said that they are

    Urologist said that they are going to leave kidney and do biopsy to see if the lesion is because of the colon cancer then may try to only remove lesion after the Chemo treatments. 

    This is really good news and sounds as if you are in good hands.

    Your doctors are proceeding with caution and that biopsy will help them assess if the lesion is a spread from the colorectal cancer.  When do you start with your chemotherapy treatments? It is a rough time and so many things are happening. Crograts to you on figuring out that picture thing, I have some that are sideways that always puzzle me.

    Peace. ~ Cynthia

  • vangbi
    vangbi Member Posts: 62
    #34
    devotion10 said:

    This is really good news and sounds as if you are in good hands.

    Your doctors are proceeding with caution and that biopsy will help them assess if the lesion is a spread from the colorectal cancer.  When do you start with your chemotherapy treatments? It is a rough time and so many things are happening. Crograts to you on figuring out that picture thing, I have some that are sideways that always puzzle me.

    Peace. ~ Cynthia

     They haven't said when chemo

     They haven't said when chemo starts yet I see surgeon tomorrow then oncologist Friday then they are putting the port in Monday. 

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #35
    vangbi said:

     They haven't said when chemo

     They haven't said when chemo starts yet I see surgeon tomorrow then oncologist Friday then they are putting the port in Monday. 

    Port side

    Oh, I was so thankful for my port.  I watched other poor souls getting poked and prodded and thanked the good Lord that I was able to get a port. 

    For me it was a breeze to access, no pain, not even discomfort. I was SO apprehensive about getting it accessed. I wished I had found this forum then, it would have taken half the fear away. 

    I'm glad things are rolling along for you, Van. No doubt you'll find out on Friday about the chemo. 

  • marbleotis
    marbleotis Member Posts: 720 Member
    #36
    vangbi said:

     They haven't said when chemo

     They haven't said when chemo starts yet I see surgeon tomorrow then oncologist Friday then they are putting the port in Monday. 

    Port is totally your friend

    It is no big deal having put in and will make the chemo go smoother.  It would be horrible to get poked in the veins in the arms bi-weekly for months.

    Trust me, you will learn to love that port!

  • vangbi
    vangbi Member Posts: 62
    #37
     Met with oncologist Thursday

     Met with oncologist Thursday I now know the chemo treatments I will be recieving one is 5FU and I have the name of other one at home and will add it to list later. Gettingport on Monday and they had to move appt with surgeon until Tuesday because of weather so dont know yet of they are going to do Chemo or surgery first. Then wedensday they are going to biopsy the lesion on kidney. I was told that they also saw a spot on lungs but they are just going to watch it for now and see if the chemo will shrink it. I was told that there will be at least 6 months of chemo tho. Am trying to get back with VA hospital before my bosses decide that Im not going to be able to work for awhile. I drive truck for asphalt company which requires a lot of attention as working in high traffic areas and around dangerous equipment with lots of backing and tight turns was also pulling lowboy hauling the equipment so I have to consider the safety of coworkers also any distractions could be deadly for somebody.

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #38
    vangbi said:

     Met with oncologist Thursday

     Met with oncologist Thursday I now know the chemo treatments I will be recieving one is 5FU and I have the name of other one at home and will add it to list later. Gettingport on Monday and they had to move appt with surgeon until Tuesday because of weather so dont know yet of they are going to do Chemo or surgery first. Then wedensday they are going to biopsy the lesion on kidney. I was told that they also saw a spot on lungs but they are just going to watch it for now and see if the chemo will shrink it. I was told that there will be at least 6 months of chemo tho. Am trying to get back with VA hospital before my bosses decide that Im not going to be able to work for awhile. I drive truck for asphalt company which requires a lot of attention as working in high traffic areas and around dangerous equipment with lots of backing and tight turns was also pulling lowboy hauling the equipment so I have to consider the safety of coworkers also any distractions could be deadly for somebody.

    Weather delays

    It sounds like everything is moving along, in spite of the weather delays. 

    It always feels good to be doing something, even if it is appointments. 

    Considering your work, it will be good to be extra vigilant during your treatments. As I said above, I lost my peripheral vision, which caused me to dent my husbands car to the tune $5,000. Better safe (for yourself as well as others) than sorry. 

  • vangbi
    vangbi Member Posts: 62
    #39
    vangbi said:

     Met with oncologist Thursday

     Met with oncologist Thursday I now know the chemo treatments I will be recieving one is 5FU and I have the name of other one at home and will add it to list later. Gettingport on Monday and they had to move appt with surgeon until Tuesday because of weather so dont know yet of they are going to do Chemo or surgery first. Then wedensday they are going to biopsy the lesion on kidney. I was told that they also saw a spot on lungs but they are just going to watch it for now and see if the chemo will shrink it. I was told that there will be at least 6 months of chemo tho. Am trying to get back with VA hospital before my bosses decide that Im not going to be able to work for awhile. I drive truck for asphalt company which requires a lot of attention as working in high traffic areas and around dangerous equipment with lots of backing and tight turns was also pulling lowboy hauling the equipment so I have to consider the safety of coworkers also any distractions could be deadly for somebody.

    The other Chemo is

    The other Chemo is Oxaliplatin

  • devotion10
    devotion10 Member Posts: 623 Member
    #40
    vangbi said:

     Met with oncologist Thursday

     Met with oncologist Thursday I now know the chemo treatments I will be recieving one is 5FU and I have the name of other one at home and will add it to list later. Gettingport on Monday and they had to move appt with surgeon until Tuesday because of weather so dont know yet of they are going to do Chemo or surgery first. Then wedensday they are going to biopsy the lesion on kidney. I was told that they also saw a spot on lungs but they are just going to watch it for now and see if the chemo will shrink it. I was told that there will be at least 6 months of chemo tho. Am trying to get back with VA hospital before my bosses decide that Im not going to be able to work for awhile. I drive truck for asphalt company which requires a lot of attention as working in high traffic areas and around dangerous equipment with lots of backing and tight turns was also pulling lowboy hauling the equipment so I have to consider the safety of coworkers also any distractions could be deadly for somebody.

    Good to see you reporting in ...

    I know it seems like a whirlwind of activity but things will slow down once you begin treatments. Your appointments will have regularity to them. You will also feel like you are actively doing something and that will help make you feel more in control.

    The port … as others of said, the port placement is a surprisingly easy procedure and makes everything easier.  My husband had only minor discomfort the first 24 hours after placement. The area just might feel a bit tender. It is a great device when you have chemo, blood work, or certain scan injections. In the beginning, they will give you some numbing cream that you put on your skin with a little adhesive patch to keep the cream from getting on your clothing before you go in for treatments.  After a while, my husband no longer used the cream because he said that he did not even feel it when the port was accessed.

    Six months of chemo … is a fairly standard treatment regimen given before potential surgery.  You will do ok, but the effects will be cumulative so don’t be surprised if it makes you feel a bit worse as time goes by. If you have 5-FU, they may provide you with a pump that you wear around your waist for 48 hours so that you can have continuous, low-dose infusions.  Many folks here have experience with the pump so come back to ask questions.  You may also be given the 5-FU in pill form that some find more convenient.

    Side effects … each person’s experience is different.  It will also depend on what other chemo drugs are administered. My husband had mild nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and cold sensitivity.  As you begin to experience any discomfort, come back to the site and we can you give you some tips that can help make you feel better.

    Driving … I really hope you can just take a break, get your treatments, and concentrate on your health for a while.  It really could be dangerous and frankly, I don’t think you will feel like it. 

    You mentioned the VA hospital … thank you for your service to our country :)

    Peace. ~ Cynthia

  • teamzach
    teamzach Member Posts: 35
    #41
    vangbi said:

    they are scheduling a appt

    they are scheduling a appt with a oncologist They did say the lesion on kidney was not related to the colon cancer  and that the mass on colon had not progressed past inner lining I forgot to ask what stage the cancer was tho. Still learning so will get more information as I learn what to ask.

     But I can say something real good came of my having been diagnosed is several coworkers and family members have scheduled there colonoscopy exams already after hearing about me.

    yay!

    Yay! All great news! With this cancer early diagnosis is best!!! My husband was 30 and diagnosed with stage 4. yuck! Celebrating with you! And of course, welcome to the forum! I am rather new also, but the people here are great and most likely will know the answers to your questions. Keep us posted! You have your very own cheerleading team within this forum!

    Janelle

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