Treatment Plan Updates

BNT
BNT Member Posts: 23 Member
edited July 2018 in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1

So finally met the doctor who ordered a chemo and radiation for my mom. 4 cycles of Paclitaxel (Taxol is one of the brands I think) and Carboplatin. Post that 6 weeks of daily 10-15 min of radiation.

From reading these forums, the chemo looked standard, except most times I read about 6 cycles instead of the 4 cycles ordered for my mother.

I asked about the "sandwich" that I have read about here a lot. Doctor mentioned that he prefers that one type of treatment be fully completed before jumping onto the other. Said a gap in between may allow any remaining cancer cells if there are to grow again as they could be anywhere in the body. Radiation is more local and chemo is more global to the body.

He did say that we should have gotten radiation done soon after the surgery of the affected area and then gone onto chemo. But due to the 1.5 months gap between surgery and now, he wants to start with chemo.

 

Comments

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,490 Member
    #2
    BNT - that is the standard

    BNT - that is the standard chemo combo offered.  Some get the 'sandwich' and others have gotten all the chemo and then radiation - as you can see, there is no real standard of care.  

    Is your mother going to get a port?  I think a lot of the ladies have, some of us have not.  What is the timeline to get the chemo started?  There are things to prepare for on the chemo side - I am not sure what all kind of information you were given, or if you are still going to meet on that. 

    She will be given steroids to take the day/night before chemo and you want to make sure that they STEP HER DOWN on those steroids.  One of the ladies here was not given that and it was a nightmare for her.  (I have to say I was amazed that they were so careful doling out the steroids to me but they still hand out opiods like candy!)

    I know this is so overwhelming - trying to wrap your head around this all - but you and your mom are not alone.  

  • BNT
    BNT Member Posts: 23 Member
    edited July 2018 #3
    Hi NoTimeForCancer,

    Hi NoTimeForCancer,

    The chemo starts day after tomorrow. They did not talk of any steroids. She gets admitted to the hospital day after tomorrow and they start chemo. First cycle they said they might ask her to stay overnight just to monitor but if things are stable in late evening they might give her a discharge too since we stay close to the hospital. They just said, have breakfast and come in early and get admitted so we get a good room in daycare. They dont allow to book it in advance.

     

    Mom is 70 years old. Doctor said she has good veins and so does not need a port.

     

    What else do we need to prepare for? Is there some checklist on the forum I can look up?

     

  • ConnieSW
    ConnieSW Member Posts: 1,688 Member
    #4
    Veins

    they may be good now but chemo does a number on them. I was leery about the port but so glad I got it. 

    Are you in the US?  Some things seem a little different. Just curious. 

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,490 Member
    #5
    hmmmm...I'm with you, Connie.

    hmmmm...I'm with you, Connie.  BNT, can you tell us where your mom is at?  Is it in the U.S.?  Can you share where she is getting her treatment?  

  • Soup52
    Soup52 Member Posts: 908 Member
    #6
    I am probably the only one in

    I am probably the only one in this forum that had radiation, both kinds after surgery and then went on to 6 rounds of carbo /taxol.i also have a port and in fact still have it. As of August 2016 I have been clear.

  • Cass83
    Cass83 Member Posts: 151 Member
    #7
    no port?

    I had a friend only have 4 cycles of the combo and her Dr didn't put a port in. I had 6 and did, and am so very glad I did too! I actually don't want to get it taken out until I get on the once a year check up cycle.  I haven't heard of people getting admitted to the hospital for chemo though, that is something different.

  • BNT
    BNT Member Posts: 23 Member
    edited July 2018 #8
    This is in India. The onco

    This is in India. The onco department is in the hospital. The "admission" is just a procedure to get a bed in day care or a room for overnight if needed.

    What are things that seem different?

  • BNT
    BNT Member Posts: 23 Member
    edited August 2018 #9
    1st Chemo

     

    60kg/132lbs weight,152cms height, 70yrs old

    450mg Carbo

    250mg Taxol

    Antihistamin (Avil) Injection and Steroid (Cortisol) Injection

    Next day some injection for increasing WBCs

    5 days of tablets to prevent vomiting

    5 days of paracetamol for pain

    3 days of painkiller body patch

    Pregbalin for neuropathy

    Something for constipation - mother tried it for a couple of days but decided to go natural and take a spoon of castor oil with a small cup of milk at night as needed - seems to be working better

    WBC 12500 at the start of chemo, 23500 after one week of chemo and 13500 and the end of first cycle of chemo

    Gained 400gms of weight through the 3 weeks due to relative lack of exercise compared to before the chemo started. Still getting in light exercise and keeping busy with light housework.

    Body pain, especially during the first week. Tapered down in the second and third week.

  • BNT
    BNT Member Posts: 23 Member
    edited August 2018 #10
    2nd Chemo

    450mg Carbo

    250mg Taxol

    Antihistamin (Avil) Injection and Steroid (Cortisol) Injection

    Next day some injection for increasing WBCs

    5 days of tablets to prevent vomiting

    5 days of paracetamol for pain

    3 days of painkiller body patch

    Pregbalin for neuropathy

  • LisaPizza
    LisaPizza Member Posts: 358 Member
    #11
    Glad you're  doing well! Also

    Glad you're  doing well! Also glad they're  treating your pain.

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,490 Member
    #12
    Continued prayers for your

    Continued prayers for your mom.  Please update as she progresses through treatment and don't hesitate to ask any questions. 

  • txtrisha55
    txtrisha55 Member Posts: 693 Member
    #13
    BNT said:

    Hi NoTimeForCancer,

    Hi NoTimeForCancer,

    The chemo starts day after tomorrow. They did not talk of any steroids. She gets admitted to the hospital day after tomorrow and they start chemo. First cycle they said they might ask her to stay overnight just to monitor but if things are stable in late evening they might give her a discharge too since we stay close to the hospital. They just said, have breakfast and come in early and get admitted so we get a good room in daycare. They dont allow to book it in advance.

     

    Mom is 70 years old. Doctor said she has good veins and so does not need a port.

     

    What else do we need to prepare for? Is there some checklist on the forum I can look up?

     

    Ask for a port to protect the

    Ask for a port to protect the her   veins.  The chemo does hurt the veins or so I have been told.  I had a port. Not  that bad.

  • txtrisha55
    txtrisha55 Member Posts: 693 Member
    #14
    BNT said:

    2nd Chemo

    450mg Carbo

    250mg Taxol

    Antihistamin (Avil) Injection and Steroid (Cortisol) Injection

    Next day some injection for increasing WBCs

    5 days of tablets to prevent vomiting

    5 days of paracetamol for pain

    3 days of painkiller body patch

    Pregbalin for neuropathy

    the taxol treatment will make

    the taxol treatment will make you mother lose her hair but it does grow back for most women.  It usually happens about the 15 days after the treatment.   I do not know if they have them in India but she could ask for a cold cap when getting the infusion.  Good luck to your mom and to you for helping her through this. 

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