First oncologist visit

Hi Cyn,

It all depends on what oncologists you have... unfortunately my husband's first onc was a cold hearted jerk. My husband is stage lv, you are stage 3 so there is a lot of difference, I am not sure what your journey will be but I just wanted to say welcome and we are here for what ever you need. I am sure some of experts will chime in soon.

GOD bless you.

Brenda

On the first visit,  it is important for you to assess your compatibility with not only your onc but also his staff.  You need to have the same goal...to keep you cancer free. 

Take a friend or relative with you to take notes, as you may not be able to take it all in.

You will want to know what the plan of action is...what chemo...schedule of treatments...schedule of blood work...schedule of scans to assess effectiveness.

You will want to know if you will get a power port for infusions.

You will want to know how to contact them for medical assistance after hours in case you have any late blooming allergic reaction or side effects.

I did not do chemo for my rectal tumor, but I have been "side kick" for my sister who has stage 4 uterine cancer.  Her onc's office has a two hour chemo indoctrination session to help the patient and care givers an insight into all these things and more.

If for any reason at all you and the onc are not a fit...don't hesitate to seek out another. 

Wishing your visit goes well.  Come on back and let us know.

Marie who loves kitties

Hi I am new to this club also, this is my first post.   I had surgery 1/3/13 to remove right colon thought there was 2 lymph nodes infected found there was 11 out of  25.  Starting chemo this Friday 2/8/13.  Having port inserted Thursday.  Scared out of my wits about what's coming next.  Surgery went well feeling good from that.  Oncologist was wonderful explained everything, was compassionate and patient.  Hope I don't have too many side effects.   Glad to hear there are others starting out on this journey Too.  Good luck!

Coloncancerblows said:

Glammom

You had surgery the day before me. I was wondering if I would have to wait a full month before starting the chemo. I'm feeling good after the surgery. My fear is having the port. I am just not good with needles and hope I can take the pill.

how very nice to meet you...always hard at the beginning.  Marie covered a lot of good points about the visit.  I live in an area of Canada where we are lucky to have one oncologist so making a choice about this doc is not an option.  I would say go to your visit with a positive attitude towards the oncologist....

once you have a port you will have way fewer needles to worry about. I have done xeloda (the pill) twice but also many many other chemo treatments without a port.....gosh dare I say you kinda get used to being poked?

I am stage IV and starting my 8th year of survival ....there is hope....there is chemo....there is moving forward.

You do look like a strong, sunny gal.......welcome to this forum....hope you stick around....

have a hug........maggie

Coloncancerblows said:

Can you shower with the port?

Judy, 

Can you take a shower with the port in?  How about when you sleep?  Does it just stay in tact?

Port is usually done as out patient surgery.  Inserted under the skin near the collar bone.  It is about the size of a quarter with a small tube attached which is insterted in a vein.

After the stitches come out you can shower as there is no external part.

A topical ointment is given to you to put on the port site about 45 mins before infusion or blood draw.  After applying the ointment you cover it with either plastic wrap with adhesive or some non-absorbing bandage.   Timing is important.

They can "poke" the port for both infusion as well as blood work.  With the ointment it is definately less difficult than them going for a vein each time.

My sister has one and has not mentioned any issues with sleeping.  She does have a small pillow that she uses when seat belt crosses that side (when she is a passenger as hers is on the right side).

If you get a port I think you will be glad you did.

Marie who loves kitties

Coloncancerblows said:

Can you shower with the port?

Judy, 

Can you take a shower with the port in?  How about when you sleep?  Does it just stay in tact?

Your port is placed completely under your skin, and you can do anything (shower, swim, etc.) once the incision heals.  If they use surgical glue, you might be able to shower that night.  At most it appears as a lump under your skin.

It is truly a godsend - avoiding searching for veins and needless pokes with needles.  It ensures that your chemo goes into your vein, and doesn't leak elsewhere (especially important with oxaliplatin.) 

Also, as mentioned, request the Emla cream, which you gob over the port area about an hour before chemo and cover with plastic wrap or a tegaderm.  (It should be a thick layer.)  Then you don't feel the needles.  I had a belly port as well as a chest port, and Emla meant that I didn't feel the needles going into my belly at all.  (I had intraperitoneal chemo as well as systemic chemo, as mine was appendix cancer.)

A port sounds lots scarier than it is.  The surgery to place it is minor.  I had mine both placed and removed with just local anesthetic.  Some drs like to use light sedation as well, so you don't have to "be present."

Trust those of us in the know, you'll be glad you have a port.  If given the option, go for it.  Cancer treatment is much easier with it.

Alice

lots of good advice here, so I don't think I need to add anything much.  The first month or so after diagnosis is pretty dang scary, but once you get treatment under way you will feel much better (especially in an emotional sense...it feels better to be actiively fighting against this beast).  Keep us posted on how things go~Ann Alexandria

Coloncancerblows said:

Glammom

You had surgery the day before me. I was wondering if I would have to wait a full month before starting the chemo. I'm feeling good after the surgery. My fear is having the port. I am just not good with needles and hope I can take the pill.

I also don't like needles, but so far, I have never felt but the slightest prick when they access my port. 

I pop a dollop of Lidocain on about 45 minutes before my appointment and it does the trick.

You also don't feel it coming out. 

Ports are really the way to go if you are able to have one.