Hoping for some treatment updates from Maggie, Connie, Diane, others.....

checking in
Well it's been a long time since I wrote here but I should have said hi anyway. I just had my 7th infusion of Taxol (weekly dose) last week was my week off. They had to cut the steroids down to half because of water retention, I hope it works. I will go to 12 infusions and then the ct scan to see what is going on. I have had carbo/taxol, Doxil, carbo, now taxol again. The only bad side affects I had with the weekly taxol was my sinus area and little sores in hot spots. I use a saline gel for my nose and it works great. I am on Warafin for blood clots, and Claritin along with Benadryl every day. My hair is very thin but I didn't lose it all so I don't mind, just wear a hat. Linda I just want to tell you that I think you are a great person, and hope you realize that going through with your next treatment is helping everyone who has to face this in the future. You have explained it so well that I even understood it. :-) Everytime I think I have it bad I come here and the Ovarian board and read what everyone else is going through. Well, I promise to write more and let you know how treatments are going so the new members who are scared can see how treatments can go. Take care of yourselves. Hugs to you all.
Sharon

upsofloating said:

I realized I should do an
I realized I should do an update too since I hadn't really posted since the news of recurrence last month. CA125 was 599 then up from 12 in January but last week pre first chemo infusion it was 1036 Chemo is gemzar weekly x 3 then week off. Today was to be second infusion and neutrophils/white count had tanked, so it was a no go. I'd already scheduled a gyn onc visit for next week to discuss radiation options for subclavicular nodes that are bothersome. Did a 15 mile bike ride yesterday and my daily 2 mile walk today so I was a bit surprised counts were low but in general I'm doing okay.
Annie

so nice to be checked in on by my sisters
dear sisters,

after my small intestinal blockage surgery brought on by the chemo (they think), waiting 6 weeks, i had my first carbo/gemzar combo infusion last friday. then got really sick after a few days, mostly nauseated and then not able to keep anything down. saw my doctor yesterday who gave me zofran and saline iv, then sent me home with hydration bag. feel much better, have appetite and can eat and keep things down. also was given compazine suppositories to intervene, which also really helped. my doctor looks at these things as bumps in the road, and is still very upbeat about the "phenomenal results" i got from my first infusion (ca 125 down by 2/3). we're putting off gemzar until next friday, so i have time to get past this "bump." so, feeling better, trying to stay hydrated, and so looking forward to this phase being over.

for the first time, while i was being hydrated, i sat in the bigger common room, instead of the little room by myself and partner that i prefer, with about 8 other people also being infused, and heard some of their stories--some of the women were so young, with small kids at home. it sounded like they had good support, parents, spouse, etc., but it was sp heartbreaking.

thank you for checking in on me, and letting me know how you're doing. i always want to know how you all are. linda, any more info?

love and sisterhood,
maggie

p.s. any tennis fans watching the french open? i'm a big stosur/schivonne fan on the women's side, looks like jokovic (sp?) has it locked up on the men's side.

maggie_wilson said:

so nice to be checked in on by my sisters
dear sisters,

after my small intestinal blockage surgery brought on by the chemo (they think), waiting 6 weeks, i had my first carbo/gemzar combo infusion last friday. then got really sick after a few days, mostly nauseated and then not able to keep anything down. saw my doctor yesterday who gave me zofran and saline iv, then sent me home with hydration bag. feel much better, have appetite and can eat and keep things down. also was given compazine suppositories to intervene, which also really helped. my doctor looks at these things as bumps in the road, and is still very upbeat about the "phenomenal results" i got from my first infusion (ca 125 down by 2/3). we're putting off gemzar until next friday, so i have time to get past this "bump." so, feeling better, trying to stay hydrated, and so looking forward to this phase being over.

for the first time, while i was being hydrated, i sat in the bigger common room, instead of the little room by myself and partner that i prefer, with about 8 other people also being infused, and heard some of their stories--some of the women were so young, with small kids at home. it sounded like they had good support, parents, spouse, etc., but it was sp heartbreaking.

thank you for checking in on me, and letting me know how you're doing. i always want to know how you all are. linda, any more info?

love and sisterhood,
maggie

p.s. any tennis fans watching the french open? i'm a big stosur/schivonne fan on the women's side, looks like jokovic (sp?) has it locked up on the men's side.

correction
just wanted to amend what i'd said re: last friday being my first carbo/gemzar infusion. in fact, it was my second, and that' s the one that caused all the nausea, etc. only 9 infusions to go......
sisterhood,
maggie

daisy366 said:

Sharon, Annie, and Maggie
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I think your postive attitudes are wonderful. Thanks for keeping us posted.

Love, Mary Ann

For everyone undergoing new challenges
You are all in my thoughts, and I am sending you as much positive energy as I have. A hopeful attitude, according to all of the cancer researchers whose works I've read, is as powerful a healing tool as an anticancer diet. All of you have the best arsenal in dealing with your private challenges. More power to you, and may you all be surrounded by the comfort of loved ones, the lighter spirit that comes with spring and its renewed growth, and the very best responses to treatment. I'm hugging all of you.

Jill