brand new questions

So sorry Bumblebee,

There are so many questions you could ask.  It's hard to suggest them all.  But I would want to know what stage the cancer is.  It sounds, from your description, as if it is stage I, but it would be good to know that.  Also, I assume your chemo will be Carbo/Taxol, but it would be good to know what drugs you will be given.  Again, I assume you will receive 6 rounds, but it would be good to know that too.

You should ask about side effects from chemo.  Typically, you can expect to experience some degree of neuropathy in the fingers and/or toes.  This is a tingling sensation or loss of feeling.  There are things you can do to reduce the risk, but your doctor, most likely, won't recommend them.  If you are receiving Taxol, you will lose your hair.  But there are cold caps available through a number or sources that, although involve a lot of work, will prevent hair loss.  The doctor will give you anti-nausea drugs with the treatment, but you may become nauseated afterwards.  They will give you drugs for that to take if you need them.  They will also give you steroids to take around treatment, and they will mess with your ability to sleep while you are taking them.  You will also need to work to maintain regular bowel movements, drink plenty of water and may have to take some stool softener and laxative.

As far as whether or not you will be able to continue working is a very individual thing.  I know of many women who continue to work through chemotherapy.  I was not one of those.  I could barely function, but I've since learned that I have a genetic issue that prevents my body from detoxing Taxol.  You will have to play it by ear, as to whether or not you can work.  But I encourage you to be easy on yourself and not expect too much of yourself during treatment.  It may cause some financial stressors, but you need to take care of your body and yourself.  The side effects from the treatment generally kick in a day or two after treatment, so you should be fine during the flight home. 

Good luck to you.

Bumblebee511 said:

Thank you

Thank you so much for your help.  The nurse called this morning and it will be carbo/taxol and we went over the side effects.  I also have an appointment to speak with the Dr. before treatment starts so that I can ask him how many rounds of chemo and the stage.  The nurse told me there was no problem with doing it in the vein even though I have had several people tell me I should ask for a port.  Do you have an opinion on that?  I have discovered that as soon as someone finds out I have cancer they either have a cure they read somewhere or an opinion about the treatment I should get based on someone elses cancer.  I know they are just trying to help.  It's nice to find a place where you can talk to someone who really knows whats going on.

Personally, I LOVE my port.  Even though I've been NED for 3 1/2 years, I still have mine and use it to continue integrative treatments.  Your veins can get pretty tough to access in a short time.  I first declined a port, but within a couple of weeks was getting one.  I hope they give you the option.  It will be sore for a couple of weeks after getting it, but it sure makes life a lot easier.

Something to keep in mind, if the cancer IS stage I and low grade, there's another question, ask about the grade, I've heard that it may be preferrable to not do chemo.  I was not in that situation, so can't speak first hand, but low grade cancer does not respond well to chemo.  A second opinion might be a good idea if that is your situation.

You will see a very different side of people you thought you knew.  It's all part of the journey.  I lost a few friends during my treatment, but found some really great, new ones too. 

Alexandra said:

Hello Bumblebee

Sorry about your new diagnosis.

If your cancer is in fact ovarian primary, low grade and confined to the ovary (stage 1) chemo is usually not necessary. I'm not sure why the doctor was talking about radiation; radiation is not something done for ovarian cancer. I think you need to obtain a copy of your pathology report, surgery transcript, blood test results and get a second opinion from gyno-oncologist. If possible, bring a friend or relative to the appointment.

I don't think that you will be able to do your type of work during chemo unless you ask for lighter duty desk job. Better off apply for long-term leave or disability.

Different people react to chemo differently, but as a rule of thumb, first week after chemo will be the worst and in the following two weeks you will feel better. Right after chemo you will not feel so bad, but may be drowsy from Benadryl and not able to drive. If you have a ride to the airport, I don't think the flight between islands would be a problem.

I declined IV port for esthetic reasons and took 7 rounds of chemo and numerous other injections and blood tests in the arm like a champ. Many people like their ports to save their veins. Totally up to you.

Good luck to you,

Alexandra

I'm so sorry you've joined our "club" but as you've learned, this is a great site to get information and support.  I would reiterate that you want to bring a trusted friend or family member with you to your doctor appointments, if possible.  They should bring paper and pen to write down what the doctor is saying and in fact, I found that it helps to write down my questions ahead of time.  Like you, I was in shock with the diagnosis and it was very hard at first to think straight and to hear what anyone was saying.  My veins are hard to access, so I got myself a port and I loved it.  I had six sessions of carbo/taxol every three weeks, and my experience was that the first day, right after chemo, I was fine.  I really felt the side effects (fatigue, lack of appetite, constipation) the second day and through the first week.  Weeks two and three for me were pretty darn good.  I never had any nausea or vomiting because the nurses gave me anti-nausea drugs just before the chemo cocktail and then for good measure I always took a couple of anti-nausea pills the first evening. Ask for a prescription for anti-nausea pills before the first day of your chemo, just in case. 

You'll probably get a tour of the place where you'll get your chemo.  You may want to bring reading material or something else to help pass the time while you're getting the drugs.  The place where I got my chemo had TVs with headphones set up at each station.  As a TV-holic, I plugged in those headphones and watched TV shows to my heart's content.  I was a happy camper.

Come back often to let us know how you're doing.  Wishing you the best.

Hugs,

Kelly

wholfmeister said:

Questions! Questions!

Your mind must be spinning since the diagnosis!  I'm happy you found this support board.  The women here have had many different experiences and are willing to tell you how it really is for them.  

Mine is stage 3c high grade.  I had 3 rounds of chemo to shrink my tumors away from my bowels, then extensive debunking surgery, followed by six month's of chemo IV and IP. (IP is through a catheter into the pelvic cavity.). All of my IVs have been without a port, and I did just fine.  Or, I should say, my nurses have done just fine!!  The 6 months IV/IP was followed by taxol every month.  So I've been getting chemo for 16 months now.  Next round is tomorrow.

every woman is different.  For me, it hasn't been too bad.  I have been able to work, but mine is a desk job, not physical like yours.  I do get tired, my energy is low, and it is just hard to think sometimes.  Medicines have kept nausea and vomiting to a minimum. You will likely be sleepy for the flight home, but any sickness likely won't start until the next day or so.  But hopefully, not at all!

One other thing you might ask about is your cancer marker level.  It is a blood test called CA125.  Your nurse can explain the value and expected response to treatment.  

I wish you peace of mind as you begin this fight.  Only the best for you!

Sorry you have to deal with this. Me employer was very understanding and we worked around my chemo schedule. I was in remission for three months only. Then had more chemo and continued to work..then more chemo after nine month remission. I had to go on disability and then retired this year,,,I am now on Cobra. I think you will tolerate chemo and have a long remission as you are younger than me..lol. Have someone go with you for chemo first few times. I have a port and it is great. I also get extra fluids at home to flush away toxins. Come back and let us know how you are. stay strong...Val 

 Welcome to this wonderful board full of support as you have already seen by the informative postings.  I just finished my chemo and am glad you went for the port.  I have heard a lot of horror stories about the struggles trying to find veins.  Please don't hesitate to ask any other questions that might come up.  These ladies were so patient with my crazy/silly questions and they always answered and supported me. For me, knowing what to expect took all the fear out of it. Going into my first day of chemo felt like old hat since I knew exactly what to expect thanks to the ladies on this site. So ask away and we will answer and support!  Thinking of you and sending good thought and prayers your way.