Here's another newbie

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  • sarea
    sarea Member Posts: 9
    #22
    mp327 said:

    sarea
    I'm presuming that the Xanax was something you had prior to diagnosis? At any rate, do not take ANYTHING, even vitamins or supplements, without first consulting your oncologist. Some drugs may interfere with the effectiveness of the chemo or worsen side effects. I hope you were finally able to sleep.

    mp327
    Yes, but I don't lie to my docs because I want them to know every thing I take (even supplements) because I don't want a problem because they didn't know. I always take an updated list of what I take, how often, and the strength to each doctor's appt. That way if they don't have the up to date list it's not because I didn't try.

    He oked everything I put on there on my first appt. I have horrible insomnia and almost all the symptoms of hyperparathyroid so there is a rather long list.

    I'm trying to get that resolved. I'm just trying to figure out if I misunderstood or if he just didn't want me to take it, because he doesn't believe in them or something. He also about choked when I told him I drink beer. I think I've just got a prude of a chemo onc, but he seems so good and I trust him, I'll just have to make sure he answers with a little more info, I think.

    Nite of the day 2 with my little chemo pump that sounds just like a little kitten, lol! She warned us when she put it on that some of them might make a little noise occasionally, they get dropped at times but there's so many safety features on them there's no way it'll be anything bad if they make a little noise.

    Mine sounds like a little kitten, it sounds so cute. I don't know how many times I've gotten up to go to the front door to see if there's one out there. I'm a sucker for any animal. No kitten, but getting exercise looking for one.

    No sickness, either. Just kinda tired. I think I'm really dreading the next round though.
  • sarea
    sarea Member Posts: 9
    #23
    horsepad said:

    specialists
    I am stage 4. lympth node involvement and mets to the liver. I did not seek a specialist because I am raising my grandchildren and would not leave them. I live in Ohio and would have had to travel to New York or Houston. Although I considered it, I am glad I didn't choose those hospitals because I would have been alone in a strange city. Initially I thought I could fly home on weekends but there is no way I could have withstood the plane trip. The cancer center I went to had only treated one other patient beside me (kinda scary) with stage 4 anal cancer (and his came back in year 3 of remission). I got a second opinion from the Cleveland Clinic and was told the treatment is protocal and would be the same no matter where I was treated. I choose treatment close to home with supervision of my case by the Cleveland Clinic. I have been in remission alittle over a year. I have had no lingering side effects from the treatment (other than chemo brain). I am fortunate that my insurance pays for 4 oncologists (2 oncolgists at the cancer center and 2 oncolgists at the Cleveland Cleinic and a liver surgeon to watch over me. I feel lucky that I have so many doctors keeping tabs on me, had I gone to New York or Houston I wouldn't have had so many doctors caring for me.

    wonderful
    horsepad, that's so good. I hope your little ones (or not so little?) are doing well also. Gotta love those kids, and grandkids.
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #24
    sarea said:

    mp327
    Yes, but I don't lie to my docs because I want them to know every thing I take (even supplements) because I don't want a problem because they didn't know. I always take an updated list of what I take, how often, and the strength to each doctor's appt. That way if they don't have the up to date list it's not because I didn't try.

    He oked everything I put on there on my first appt. I have horrible insomnia and almost all the symptoms of hyperparathyroid so there is a rather long list.

    I'm trying to get that resolved. I'm just trying to figure out if I misunderstood or if he just didn't want me to take it, because he doesn't believe in them or something. He also about choked when I told him I drink beer. I think I've just got a prude of a chemo onc, but he seems so good and I trust him, I'll just have to make sure he answers with a little more info, I think.

    Nite of the day 2 with my little chemo pump that sounds just like a little kitten, lol! She warned us when she put it on that some of them might make a little noise occasionally, they get dropped at times but there's so many safety features on them there's no way it'll be anything bad if they make a little noise.

    Mine sounds like a little kitten, it sounds so cute. I don't know how many times I've gotten up to go to the front door to see if there's one out there. I'm a sucker for any animal. No kitten, but getting exercise looking for one.

    No sickness, either. Just kinda tired. I think I'm really dreading the next round though.

    Hi sarea
    My chemo pump made a little whirring noise when it would pump a little of the 5FU into me. I found it somehow reassuring, rather than annoying, because I knew the medicine was going into me and going after the cancer.

    As for drinking beer (or any kind of alcohol) while going through treatment, it's best not to. I think there's so much unknown about how different chemicals can affect the efficacy of the chemo.

    I hope you continue doing well. When you are tired, rest, as it's what your body needs right now. Please keep us posted.
  • StruTanToot
    StruTanToot Member Posts: 126 Member
    #25
    Some items you might need.
    Some items you might need. Keep us posted on how you're doing and hang in there.

    undergarments (just in case)
    L-glutamine (15 grams twice a day) -- helps with radiation burns
    bed pads
    thermometer
    small plastic trash cans for nausea (I also got a plastic container with a lid to have in the car just in case)
    ice packs (I did not need)
    biotene mouthwash, toothpaste, gum
    Dermoplast - spray to ease pain
    Aquaphor
    oatmeal baths
    lip balm
    Imodium (just in case)
    zyrtec - a lifesaver for me...totally stopped the itching.
    protein drinks (Premier are the lowest price for highest amount of protein)
    ice/popsicles
    ginger tea (for nausea)
    Ginger Ale
    Water, water, water

    To prevent mouth sores:
    • eat/suck on ice starting 15 minutes before your chemo infusion. The coldness prevents the chemo from damaging the mouth. This really works!
    • Also, gargle several times a day with a mixture of salt and baking soda. This will also help prevent mouth sores.

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