Oncologist visit .... treatment ?s

First off, glad you got the 3 opinions and have found a good fit for your mom.  2nd and even 3rd opinions are well worth the time and expense as find they seem to put one  in the right mind set on direction for treatments.  

Also, when they tell you about statistics don't take notes in ink....I've seen many people with stage 4, given a year or so and by George they're still here some 5 years.  The research on many cancers just aren't accurate and these medical docs throw that out there thinking it's helpful, but not always.  When I had my initital consult with the GYN-oncolgist and he started with statistics, I simply told him I do NOT want to hear them.....as we're all unique.  

As the plaque reads in my oncologists office --

YOU ARE A STATISTIC OF ONE!!

I had the same chemo protocol as your mom...and yes she will loose the hair in approx 14 days after the first chemo infusion.  Be prepared as she'll be like a shedding puppy, so try and get scarves and wigs if she's comfortable.  Note, chemo kills good and bad cells, so out goes the hair EVERYWHERE on her body.

Chemo side affects?  Yes we all have them and unique to what we'll see.  I had nausia type symptoms for approx 3 days after chemo infusion, plus very tired.  I found mine to be cumulative, meaning after the 3rd chemo the latter ones drained me and had a bit worse symptoms.  They will monitor her blood to make sure the counts aren't down.  If counts down, they might postpone the infusion for that day.  If you ever have questions during the treatments I would ask the RN's or doc, as we just don't know what's going to happen with side affects.  Good to bring to doc attentions anything out of the ordinary.  

A good friend of mine is an RN in oncology dept in California.  She guided me during my treatments.  The big thing was to listen to the body as chemo drugs are very toxic, plus get plenty of fluids and rest.  I learned to rest for approx 4 days after chemo and by day 5 I was back out running/walking and moving around a bit more.  Be watchful of being around many people after the few days from chemo as our immune system is down, therefore, more susceptible to sick people.  

I had EXTERNAL RADIATION so can't give any helpful comments for internal.  Feel internal is easier, but that's what I've heard.

Be there for your mom during the treatments, as she'll need some guidance.  We've all been there, so know your mom will be fine.

Hugs and best to you!

Jan

Firstly, I am so sorry that your Mum (and you) are dealing with this beast.  But you have a way forward now, and there are lots of us here who can help and support whenever you need us.

I had 6 cycles of the carbo/taxol regime (not the sandwich treatment, as my cancer is not the serous variety).  The side effects do vary a lot between individuals.  But the hair loss is inevitable.  Try to get your Mum to a wig supplier before she loses her hair, so the supplier can see your Mum's usual style and can offer suggestions for appropriate styles, colours etc.  I ended up getting a wig which was almost identical to my normal style, but half way through chemo, I decided to change and went for a short pixie crop style, which somehow looked more natural on me. So be prepared to experiment.  I also wore scarves and tubans around the house, as they were very soft and comfortable.  And, yes, you do lose every stitch of body hair from every conceivable place!

The side effects for me were quite tolerable.  I was OK for 36-48 hours after each dose, then I would get flu-like aches in my legs for about 3-4 days.  I made sure that I had no appointments during that time and just rested, took normal painkillers if it became annoying and caught up with reading, watching films and just generally chilling.  Your immune system is very low in the 10 days following each chemo dose, so it's wise to stay away from public places and from any gatherings where your Mum might pick up an infection.  Do not let any well meaning friends or family (or their young children) make close visits during this time if they have even the slightest possibility of a cold or infection!  They need to understand that this is very important and that they could put your Mum's health at serious risk if they roll up to visit with the sniffles!

I didn't really suffer from nausea, as I was given drugs to control this for about 4 days after each dose.  I tried to drink a lot and used meds for the constipation which everyone seems to get.  I did find that the side effects were cumulative, but only marginally so - after my last dose, I think that it took me an extra day to be up and about again. 

Your Mum will get through this.  For me, the thing I worried about most was the hair loss.  But once I realised I had it under control with wigs, scarves etc., I was fine - it certainly makes getting ready in the morning a whole lot quicker!

Wishing your Mum (and you) an easy path

Helen

Daughters3 said:

Thanks!!

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond and for all the great advice! You are all so kind and your words have made me feel so much better!! I'll keep you posted- we start a week from Thursday. Mom's port goes in two days prior, but they saitry hey would use a vein the first time as it would be too sore. Hope that's ok?? Anyway hope you all are enjoying some nice weather this weekend. Hugs to you all!! Ali

I'm sure your Mum will be OK with them using a vein for the first dose.  I never had a port fitted (I am in the UK and it doesn't seem so common here) and managed with veins all the way through.  If they are worried about finding a suitable one, sometimes they ask you to soak your hands/arms in warm water for a few minutes, as this dilates the veins and makes it easier.