New to Board; about to start chemo
Comments
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You will be fine
Sherry, The first time is always scarry. It is the unknown you are facing. But to tell your the truth, it wasn't bad at all for me. They just hooked up an IV for me and then pumped in the chemo. That's it. As far as sickness, I didn't have any. They gave me good meds and I never got sick. Emend works best for me. It comes in a packet that has three pills (boy are they expensive but good thing insurance covers it.). You have to take one pill on the day of chemo and then the other two on day 2 and then on day 3. The worst thing for me was the fatigue. It usually hit me on day 4 after I had chemo and then I was down for about a couple of days. Do what your body tells you...rest, rest, rest. You might experience constipation.. so get that resolved quickly. Good luck. You will be fine.
((((hugs))))
Linda0 -
Were you clear cell? 1C,
Were you clear cell? 1C, Grade 3 with follow up chemo after surgery is typical clear cell protocol. That was my DX. Managed chemo well. The days after being the roughest, not so much nausea, the meds are great for that, but first wired from the steroid, then tired. Bone pain for a few days, but that only occured during first and second chemo. Minimal neuropathy later in chemo, eventually went away. Universal, you'll probably hear, is constipation! Especially right after chemo, but I found I always had some degree of it throughout chemo. I'm nine months out, feeling great, all issues resolved and sporting hair this year. Hope to stay that way.0 -
You will be fineclamryn said:You will be fine
Sherry, The first time is always scarry. It is the unknown you are facing. But to tell your the truth, it wasn't bad at all for me. They just hooked up an IV for me and then pumped in the chemo. That's it. As far as sickness, I didn't have any. They gave me good meds and I never got sick. Emend works best for me. It comes in a packet that has three pills (boy are they expensive but good thing insurance covers it.). You have to take one pill on the day of chemo and then the other two on day 2 and then on day 3. The worst thing for me was the fatigue. It usually hit me on day 4 after I had chemo and then I was down for about a couple of days. Do what your body tells you...rest, rest, rest. You might experience constipation.. so get that resolved quickly. Good luck. You will be fine.
((((hugs))))
Linda
Dear Clamryn...thank you very much for the reply. I'm very happy to have the data you passed on. What did you do for constipation? I always get it when I take pain killers for anything, and use stool softeners and magnesium to handle. Very uncomfortable however. Thanks and hugs back... Sherry0 -
Were you clear cell? 1Csrwruns said:Were you clear cell? 1C,
Were you clear cell? 1C, Grade 3 with follow up chemo after surgery is typical clear cell protocol. That was my DX. Managed chemo well. The days after being the roughest, not so much nausea, the meds are great for that, but first wired from the steroid, then tired. Bone pain for a few days, but that only occured during first and second chemo. Minimal neuropathy later in chemo, eventually went away. Universal, you'll probably hear, is constipation! Especially right after chemo, but I found I always had some degree of it throughout chemo. I'm nine months out, feeling great, all issues resolved and sporting hair this year. Hope to stay that way.
Dear srwruns...Thank you so much for your response. It is appreciated. I wasn't told I was clear cell and I didn't know enough to ask! There were some cancer cells found in the abdominal wash, and Lymph Node Count 0/1 total. Is this clear cell? The Grade was also labeled Silverberg Grade 3 agressive, but it was misicule. Which I assume was the reason for the early stage label. If you have any recommendation on how you handled the constipation, I would much appreciate hearing about that. I always get this with any kind of narcotic pain killer. It's very uncomfortable and I avoid. Can't do that here, so have to learn how to handle. Well done on being nine months out and continuing. I look forward to that result! Best, Sherry0 -
Poo poo
Take milk of magnesia. You can get it anywhere and it really works. I wish I knew about before my chemi. After my first chemo my intestines linked due to constipation. That was no fun. So keep on top of it before it gets bad. As far as side effects I treated chemo well. The 3rd and 4th day after I did get really tired.0 -
Miralax worked great for me.sherryfaust said:Were you clear cell? 1C
Dear srwruns...Thank you so much for your response. It is appreciated. I wasn't told I was clear cell and I didn't know enough to ask! There were some cancer cells found in the abdominal wash, and Lymph Node Count 0/1 total. Is this clear cell? The Grade was also labeled Silverberg Grade 3 agressive, but it was misicule. Which I assume was the reason for the early stage label. If you have any recommendation on how you handled the constipation, I would much appreciate hearing about that. I always get this with any kind of narcotic pain killer. It's very uncomfortable and I avoid. Can't do that here, so have to learn how to handle. Well done on being nine months out and continuing. I look forward to that result! Best, Sherry
Miralax worked great for me. Can be mixed in anything. No flavor not grainy. Gentle, no cramping. Drink lots of water. Lots.0 -
I am 1C clear cell. Chemo
I am 1C clear cell. Chemo has been very hard for me. I only made two rounds of weekly taxol with carbo every 3 weeks and we had to switch to taxotere/carbo every 3 weeks. I only have constipation for the few days after chemo. I take two senna tablets on chemo day and for the next two days and that keeps things moving for me. I was using miralax but it didn't help much.0 -
I am stage 1C also, and had
I am stage 1C also, and had 6 rounds of carbo/taxol. Everyone reacts a bit differently to chemo. I was fine until the end of day 4. Then I pretty much collapsed for the next 3 to 4 days. The effects of chemo are cumulative, so as the treatments continue, one feels it more each time. For me, that meant I was out of breath very quickly after rounds 5 and 6. Still, I was able to go camping between rounds 4 and 5. I didn't do much, but I did really enjoy being outside and seeing all my camping friends.
Chemo is an all day affair, so bring your phone and charging cord, your laptop (if you have one) and cord, a book or magazine, and a light lunch. The center where I was treated had free wifi and snacks and drinks in a small kitchen. Also bring warm socks and slippers, as you will have to journey to the bathroom from all the fluids they give you in the IV. I also received 50 mg IV benadryl, which, I think is standard, and that knocked me out for a while. I didn't need anyone to stay with me, but had to have a ride home because of the benadryl. The chemo floor at the NYU Cancer Center, where I was treated, was so well appointed (TV, complimentary massage, etc.) that I called it The Spa.
The cancer center provided the first dose of Emend, and my doctor prescribed the rest. Be sure to fill a prescription for Zofran or some other anti-nausea drug. Most (but not all) of us are hit with pretty bad nausea after the chemo, and it's best to nip it in the bud.
If you are going to be home alone at mealtimes, try to have simple things prepared in advance, that you can throw into the microwave. I was really unable to do much for myself during the 3 worst days after my chemo.
I won't say I wasn't scared, but I have two young adult daughters who were more scared than I was, so I had to put on a good show. I told them chemo was an adventure, and I found it useful to think of it that way. The only bad thing that happened to me was some peripheral neuropathy, but that's now almost gone after a year and a half.
I hope you have a smooth and very effective course of treatment!0 -
Hi Sherry,
welcome to the board! I see that you already got some good info from these other awesome gals. Honestly, I don't know where I would have been in the beginning of my journey without my teal sisters support!
I was dx 4 1/2 years ago, 3C grade 3. Had 8 rounds of taxol/carbo, and had very little side effects other than some bone pain/fatigue on day 4 and 5 and then constipation the first week. I figured out the balance of bowel softners and laxatives, wrote it down, and did the exact same thing every time. Worked for me. I used a small red pill for laxative (I think it is pink in the US - can't remember the name) and magnisium sulfate (milk of magnesia). The key for me is to keep the bowels moving from the beginning, and to not let them clog. If the bowels are clogged, everything is out of whack, but if they are moving, you are definitely moving forward!!!
Wishing you a smooth first chemo and full recovery!!!
kathleen0 -
Miralax worked great for mesrwruns said:Miralax worked great for me.
Miralax worked great for me. Can be mixed in anything. No flavor not grainy. Gentle, no cramping. Drink lots of water. Lots.
Dear srwruns...thanks for the tip. Will keep in my "management notes". Start chemo on Feb 2. Getting scheduling going has been a trip. Hope this is now settled. Thanks again. Sherry0 -
Poo poojbeans888 said:Poo poo
Take milk of magnesia. You can get it anywhere and it really works. I wish I knew about before my chemi. After my first chemo my intestines linked due to constipation. That was no fun. So keep on top of it before it gets bad. As far as side effects I treated chemo well. The 3rd and 4th day after I did get really tired.
Dear jbeans...thank you for the post! Mild of Magnesia seems to be a workable method to handle the clogged pipes. Will do this, as the non functional pipes are very uncomfortable, not to mention the consequences of not handling. I will take the night of first chemo and will follow directions. Thanks again. Sherry0 -
I am 1C clear cell. Chemoktamp said:I am 1C clear cell. Chemo
I am 1C clear cell. Chemo has been very hard for me. I only made two rounds of weekly taxol with carbo every 3 weeks and we had to switch to taxotere/carbo every 3 weeks. I only have constipation for the few days after chemo. I take two senna tablets on chemo day and for the next two days and that keeps things moving for me. I was using miralax but it didn't help much.
Dear ktamp...thanks for the post. I see the option of senna tablets if the miralax doesn't work. Appreciate your time and effort in getting this data to me. Best, Sherry0 -
I am Stage 1C also...anicca said:I am stage 1C also, and had
I am stage 1C also, and had 6 rounds of carbo/taxol. Everyone reacts a bit differently to chemo. I was fine until the end of day 4. Then I pretty much collapsed for the next 3 to 4 days. The effects of chemo are cumulative, so as the treatments continue, one feels it more each time. For me, that meant I was out of breath very quickly after rounds 5 and 6. Still, I was able to go camping between rounds 4 and 5. I didn't do much, but I did really enjoy being outside and seeing all my camping friends.
Chemo is an all day affair, so bring your phone and charging cord, your laptop (if you have one) and cord, a book or magazine, and a light lunch. The center where I was treated had free wifi and snacks and drinks in a small kitchen. Also bring warm socks and slippers, as you will have to journey to the bathroom from all the fluids they give you in the IV. I also received 50 mg IV benadryl, which, I think is standard, and that knocked me out for a while. I didn't need anyone to stay with me, but had to have a ride home because of the benadryl. The chemo floor at the NYU Cancer Center, where I was treated, was so well appointed (TV, complimentary massage, etc.) that I called it The Spa.
The cancer center provided the first dose of Emend, and my doctor prescribed the rest. Be sure to fill a prescription for Zofran or some other anti-nausea drug. Most (but not all) of us are hit with pretty bad nausea after the chemo, and it's best to nip it in the bud.
If you are going to be home alone at mealtimes, try to have simple things prepared in advance, that you can throw into the microwave. I was really unable to do much for myself during the 3 worst days after my chemo.
I won't say I wasn't scared, but I have two young adult daughters who were more scared than I was, so I had to put on a good show. I told them chemo was an adventure, and I found it useful to think of it that way. The only bad thing that happened to me was some peripheral neuropathy, but that's now almost gone after a year and a half.
I hope you have a smooth and very effective course of treatment!
Dear Annica...thanks for the detailed info! It is much appreciated. I will follow your advice. Starting chemo on Feb 2. Did you get a port? What should I expect on that day? We live in NM and I have to drive about an hour into Albuquerque, which is where my medical treatment center is. Port on Feb 1, then chemo on Feb 2. We're going to stay in a motel for those two nights, then home on the 3rd. My mom and I live together, and she is a spry and active 89 year old. She can still drive, but I do most of it, so having some idea of what happens is really good for planning. I'm having the exact same medicines as you did. Looking forward to having this overwith! As do we all, eh? Thanks again for the details and potential predictions. I will get the meds and food set up. Best to you, Sherry0 -
I am Stage 1C also...anicca said:I am stage 1C also, and had
I am stage 1C also, and had 6 rounds of carbo/taxol. Everyone reacts a bit differently to chemo. I was fine until the end of day 4. Then I pretty much collapsed for the next 3 to 4 days. The effects of chemo are cumulative, so as the treatments continue, one feels it more each time. For me, that meant I was out of breath very quickly after rounds 5 and 6. Still, I was able to go camping between rounds 4 and 5. I didn't do much, but I did really enjoy being outside and seeing all my camping friends.
Chemo is an all day affair, so bring your phone and charging cord, your laptop (if you have one) and cord, a book or magazine, and a light lunch. The center where I was treated had free wifi and snacks and drinks in a small kitchen. Also bring warm socks and slippers, as you will have to journey to the bathroom from all the fluids they give you in the IV. I also received 50 mg IV benadryl, which, I think is standard, and that knocked me out for a while. I didn't need anyone to stay with me, but had to have a ride home because of the benadryl. The chemo floor at the NYU Cancer Center, where I was treated, was so well appointed (TV, complimentary massage, etc.) that I called it The Spa.
The cancer center provided the first dose of Emend, and my doctor prescribed the rest. Be sure to fill a prescription for Zofran or some other anti-nausea drug. Most (but not all) of us are hit with pretty bad nausea after the chemo, and it's best to nip it in the bud.
If you are going to be home alone at mealtimes, try to have simple things prepared in advance, that you can throw into the microwave. I was really unable to do much for myself during the 3 worst days after my chemo.
I won't say I wasn't scared, but I have two young adult daughters who were more scared than I was, so I had to put on a good show. I told them chemo was an adventure, and I found it useful to think of it that way. The only bad thing that happened to me was some peripheral neuropathy, but that's now almost gone after a year and a half.
I hope you have a smooth and very effective course of treatment!
Dear Annica...thanks for the detailed info! It is much appreciated. I will follow your advice. Starting chemo on Feb 2. Did you get a port? What should I expect on that day? We live in NM and I have to drive about an hour into Albuquerque, which is where my medical treatment center is. Port on Feb 1, then chemo on Feb 2. We're going to stay in a motel for those two nights, then home on the 3rd. My mom and I live together, and she is a spry and active 89 year old. She can still drive, but I do most of it, so having some idea of what happens is really good for planning. I'm having the exact same medicines as you did. Looking forward to having this overwith! As do we all, eh? Thanks again for the details and potential predictions. I will get the meds and food set up. Best to you, Sherry0 -
Welcome Sherrykayandok said:Hi Sherry,
welcome to the board! I see that you already got some good info from these other awesome gals. Honestly, I don't know where I would have been in the beginning of my journey without my teal sisters support!
I was dx 4 1/2 years ago, 3C grade 3. Had 8 rounds of taxol/carbo, and had very little side effects other than some bone pain/fatigue on day 4 and 5 and then constipation the first week. I figured out the balance of bowel softners and laxatives, wrote it down, and did the exact same thing every time. Worked for me. I used a small red pill for laxative (I think it is pink in the US - can't remember the name) and magnisium sulfate (milk of magnesia). The key for me is to keep the bowels moving from the beginning, and to not let them clog. If the bowels are clogged, everything is out of whack, but if they are moving, you are definitely moving forward!!!
Wishing you a smooth first chemo and full recovery!!!
kathleen
This is "the" place for support and information. These ladies are the best. They have helped me through some rough times.
I had three rounds of carbo/taxol and had pretty much the routine symptoms others have reported. After surgery I had cisplatain/taxol and I had a much more difficult time with that. The main thing is to report symptoms to you doctor so you can get the help you need. I sometimes hesitated too long thinking it would pass when I actually needed medical treatment.
As far as the constipation situation goes, I think the most important thing to do is to stay on top of it. Don't let time go by because it only gets worse.
My best to you.
Karen0 -
Hi Sherry,kayandok said:Hi Sherry,
welcome to the board! I see that you already got some good info from these other awesome gals. Honestly, I don't know where I would have been in the beginning of my journey without my teal sisters support!
I was dx 4 1/2 years ago, 3C grade 3. Had 8 rounds of taxol/carbo, and had very little side effects other than some bone pain/fatigue on day 4 and 5 and then constipation the first week. I figured out the balance of bowel softners and laxatives, wrote it down, and did the exact same thing every time. Worked for me. I used a small red pill for laxative (I think it is pink in the US - can't remember the name) and magnisium sulfate (milk of magnesia). The key for me is to keep the bowels moving from the beginning, and to not let them clog. If the bowels are clogged, everything is out of whack, but if they are moving, you are definitely moving forward!!!
Wishing you a smooth first chemo and full recovery!!!
kathleen
Dear Kathleen...thank you so much for your post. Having this connection with gals who have been through it, and who are willing to share information, is great! Amazing how much support one feels with this network. I'm have six chemo sessions with the same medications. Start on Feb 2. If you can share info about getting a port and what that day was like, it would also be appreciated. I totally agree about the pipes...have to keep movement going. Thanks for the tips. I'm keeping notes...most have indicated milk of magnesia, so I'm going to use that. Doc gave me perscription for softeners after surgery, but quite frankly prunes seem to work better. Just too much sugar, but will use if necessary. Milk of Magnesia seems to be generally effective. Thanks again and for your well wishes. To you too...Sherry0 -
Welcome Sherrykikz said:Welcome Sherry
This is "the" place for support and information. These ladies are the best. They have helped me through some rough times.
I had three rounds of carbo/taxol and had pretty much the routine symptoms others have reported. After surgery I had cisplatain/taxol and I had a much more difficult time with that. The main thing is to report symptoms to you doctor so you can get the help you need. I sometimes hesitated too long thinking it would pass when I actually needed medical treatment.
As far as the constipation situation goes, I think the most important thing to do is to stay on top of it. Don't let time go by because it only gets worse.
My best to you.
Karen
Dear Karen...thanks for your post. I so appreciate the responses I've had to my questions. I'm having the carbo/taxal in six sessions starting on Feb 2. Sugery was a piece of cake, done by the da Vinci Robot and my doc, who is excellent. I was home less than 24 hours after surgery, and the constipation was the worst of that experience. Otherwise it was so non invasive, I couldn't believe it. Had the full oophemectomy (sp?) and so very little pain or discomfort in recovery. I tend to have the clogged pipes condition with too many meds, and/or protein, but will need to have extensive protein in the diet (according to the doc), so I'm getting my handling for the pipes set up now. If you had a port installed, and wouldn't mind sharing, I'd like to know about that too. I appreciate the tips on reporting symptoms, and staying on top of it. Thanks again. Best, Sherry0 -
Sorry..hit the button tooanicca said:I am stage 1C also, and had
I am stage 1C also, and had 6 rounds of carbo/taxol. Everyone reacts a bit differently to chemo. I was fine until the end of day 4. Then I pretty much collapsed for the next 3 to 4 days. The effects of chemo are cumulative, so as the treatments continue, one feels it more each time. For me, that meant I was out of breath very quickly after rounds 5 and 6. Still, I was able to go camping between rounds 4 and 5. I didn't do much, but I did really enjoy being outside and seeing all my camping friends.
Chemo is an all day affair, so bring your phone and charging cord, your laptop (if you have one) and cord, a book or magazine, and a light lunch. The center where I was treated had free wifi and snacks and drinks in a small kitchen. Also bring warm socks and slippers, as you will have to journey to the bathroom from all the fluids they give you in the IV. I also received 50 mg IV benadryl, which, I think is standard, and that knocked me out for a while. I didn't need anyone to stay with me, but had to have a ride home because of the benadryl. The chemo floor at the NYU Cancer Center, where I was treated, was so well appointed (TV, complimentary massage, etc.) that I called it The Spa.
The cancer center provided the first dose of Emend, and my doctor prescribed the rest. Be sure to fill a prescription for Zofran or some other anti-nausea drug. Most (but not all) of us are hit with pretty bad nausea after the chemo, and it's best to nip it in the bud.
If you are going to be home alone at mealtimes, try to have simple things prepared in advance, that you can throw into the microwave. I was really unable to do much for myself during the 3 worst days after my chemo.
I won't say I wasn't scared, but I have two young adult daughters who were more scared than I was, so I had to put on a good show. I told them chemo was an adventure, and I found it useful to think of it that way. The only bad thing that happened to me was some peripheral neuropathy, but that's now almost gone after a year and a half.
I hope you have a smooth and very effective course of treatment!
Sorry..hit the button too many times.0 -
I had a port put in at surgerysherryfaust said:Welcome Sherry
Dear Karen...thanks for your post. I so appreciate the responses I've had to my questions. I'm having the carbo/taxal in six sessions starting on Feb 2. Sugery was a piece of cake, done by the da Vinci Robot and my doc, who is excellent. I was home less than 24 hours after surgery, and the constipation was the worst of that experience. Otherwise it was so non invasive, I couldn't believe it. Had the full oophemectomy (sp?) and so very little pain or discomfort in recovery. I tend to have the clogged pipes condition with too many meds, and/or protein, but will need to have extensive protein in the diet (according to the doc), so I'm getting my handling for the pipes set up now. If you had a port installed, and wouldn't mind sharing, I'd like to know about that too. I appreciate the tips on reporting symptoms, and staying on top of it. Thanks again. Best, Sherry
and it was used for six infusions. I had IV taxol on day one, IP cisplatin on day two and IP taxol on day eight. I was scheduled for three rounds. I was hospitalized after the first round because my white blood count plummeted. I made it through the second round although pretty sick and then was hospitalized after the second infusion of round three. I was very sick and did check in with my doctor but I ended up in the ER before my doctor's appointment. This time all my electrolytes were so low the ER doctor commented that she didn't know how I had made it. Great to hear, huh? My oncologist decided I would not have the last infusion.
What I want you to get from this is that it is so important to keep your doctor informed about your symptoms. I sometimes waited too long because I thought it was just chemo sick. I guess I was trying to tough it out but that wasn't the smartest thing to do.
Getting back to the port...I only had a problem with it one time. I experienced some pain which they could not figure out so they gave me an ativan and I slept through the rest of the infusion.
My very best to you.
Karen0 -
Chemo starting 1st Febsherryfaust said:Hi Sherry,
Dear Kathleen...thank you so much for your post. Having this connection with gals who have been through it, and who are willing to share information, is great! Amazing how much support one feels with this network. I'm have six chemo sessions with the same medications. Start on Feb 2. If you can share info about getting a port and what that day was like, it would also be appreciated. I totally agree about the pipes...have to keep movement going. Thanks for the tips. I'm keeping notes...most have indicated milk of magnesia, so I'm going to use that. Doc gave me perscription for softeners after surgery, but quite frankly prunes seem to work better. Just too much sugar, but will use if necessary. Milk of Magnesia seems to be generally effective. Thanks again and for your well wishes. To you too...Sherry
Hi Sherry ,
I have cancer stage 4b cervical and I am not sure what my Ovarian cancer ( I hate knowing he stages ) is I have just been diagnosed also with Ovarian I will be having chemo every three weeks 6 times. I have been walking each day and trying to get fit for chemo, seemed like a good idea and trying to eat healthy . I don;t know what to expect with this chemo , my chemo I had in June was for cervical I had Cisplatin so didn;t loose my hair this time am told my hair will fall out. Since last time with chemo and radiation I have had to watch my stools also , also I went low on magnesium last time so I will take some magnesium tablets before hoping it doesn;t go down .
The best med for me for vomiting and I am incline to get vomiting was Pramin that's what they gave me here and other tablets to take for first four days after chemo I am an aussie so I guess its done a little differently ...........I wish you well Sherry lots of prayers and positive vibes Donna 0
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