New to the site - Post op Stage 3a Colorectal Cancer

Usagi3841
Usagi3841 Member Posts: 1
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Hello Everyone.

A friend of mine recommended this site and joined after I completed my surgery.  I am so glad to find a site like this as the emotional burden with this life changing experience is sometimes overwhelming. 

I just completed my round 2 cycle out of 12 last Monday.  It first seemed better than last time but the side effects started hitting later in the week.  I had pretty much all the side effects listed under Folfox.  The oncologist gave me steroid along with the anti-nausea medicine but they gave me such bad heartburns which made it difficult to sleep.  I was told to take some pepsid AC but it hardly did anything.  The nausea seems to linger this time.  It took me good 7 to 8 days before I am able to just sit on a chair without falling off. Then I had a violent diarrhea with blood.  Ugh...

I am a single mother with a freshman in college; I have only been employed by my current employer since July 2014.  I am very worried if I reach the point that makes me unable to continue working.  I am sorry I sound so pathetic.  I am amazed with so many people at this site being so positive and strong.  I am hoping I would be more that way when I am further into the treatments and learned to manage my issues....

I would appreciate any suggestions/comments.  Also the Saline IV that I receive with chemo and when they flush my pump gives me a gag with that "gasoline" smell.  I think I am more sensitive to smells now.  Does anyone have this issue and how are you dealing/coping with it?

Thank you again and hope everyone has a wonderful Monday.

Usagi

Comments

  • John212
    John212 Member Posts: 116 Member
    #2
    Hello, Usagi, and welcome.

    Hello, Usagi, and welcome. Like you, I'm quite new to this forum but I can already assure you that it's a friendly and warm place.

    The only suggestion I have would be related to that taste you get from the chemo liquids: try sucking on a strong mint candy just before and during the saline injection. I use the cinnamon Altoids, even when all I'm getting is some saline to flush out my Mediport. Others I've spoken with use lemon drops for the same reason.

     

    I wish you all the best. Cancer is an unwelcome invader in our lives, and it pays to do everything possible to keep your mind in places that leave you comfortable. Hanging out here might just help you do that.

    John

  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    #3
    Hi

    Be sure to let your onc know of each and every side effect and ask for additional pre-meds or after meds to help you deal with them.  It may also be possible for the dose of chemo to be lowered a bit.

    Hope that things improve soonest.

    Marie who loves kitties

  • lp1964
    lp1964 Member Posts: 1,239 Member
    #4
    Hi Usagi,

    The bad taste in my mouth was one of the worst part of chemo for me. Pickled ginger or ginger candy helped a little.

    Had similar reaction to the saline. For a little while I thought I was allergic which is super rare. Chemo is tough, but hang in there. And the job is just a job in the big picture. When you are done this will be just a bad memory. 

    Mall the best ,

    Laz

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
    #5
    Welcome to the forum, Usagi...

    I'm sorry you have to join us, but hopefully now that you're one of us, we can give you a little support as you walk this path.  It's not easy, that's for sure, so don't worry about sounding "pathetic".  Cancer is a huge challenge for all of us, both physically and mentally.

    I wanted to mention that if the nausea isn't responsive to the meds they're giving you, you might ask to try Ativan.  It's an anti-anxiety drug, but at higher doses it really helps with nausea.  Or it worked with mine, at least.  I tried everything else, and was still constantly sick to my stomach, until an experienced chemo nurse suggested I try this.  2 mg, 3x per day worked like a charm.  Makes you really sleepy, tho, the only drawback.

    Keep us posted on how you're doing!

    Big hugs~AA

  • janderson1964
    janderson1964 Member Posts: 2,215 Member
    #6
    I am sorry that you have to

    I am sorry that you have to be here but glad you found us. I take omephrezole daily and have no hearburn. Ask your oncologist about a prescription for it. You don't sound pathetic, just concerned. Don't be afraid to say anything that is on your mind here. That is part of the reason we are all here because we understand each other and are here to help or just listen.

  • Easyflip
    Easyflip Member Posts: 588 Member
    #7
    Hi Usagi

    Welcome from California! I was also initially diagnosed Stage 3, had surgery and did 12 rounds of Folfox. I used medical marijuana and emend for nausea and that worked well for me. The mariijuana and Ativan also helped me to sleep. You just have to experiment around and see what works for you. Like you, I have a child in college. I used seeing her graduate, walking her down the aisle, being a grandfather to her children, etc as a motivation to keep fighting. It's a hard thing we're all going through. Feel free to come to this site to ask advice, tell us how you're doing or to just find a shoulder to cry on. Best of luck to you and best wishes, stay strong!

    Easyflip/Richard

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,804 Member
    #8
    Welcome to the forum

    I am sorry that you are here because of cancer, but now that you are, we will help in every way possible.

    You are definitely NOT pathetic. Cancer is a life changer, and it hits hard and hurts just knowing you have it. It is scary. During chemo, it was hard for me sometimes, to keep my head above water. I felt like I was sinking into some kind of Hell. You are not alone in your fear. Even when we are strong, we are vunerable. There is no shame in fear. 

    I hope you have a good note book by your side constantly. Any and all symptoms and emotions should be written down and gone over with your Oncologist. I used to write down everything that was happening, from the top of my head to my tippy toes. No matter how small or insignificant they seemed, I talked to my Dr. about them. 

    Come here often for love and support. Sometimes the forum runs slow, but someone should be around to help you. 

    Before you know it, you will be the one handing out the support and advice. 10 more chemo sessoins sounds like allot, is allot, but it will be over, and you will be done with them. 

    Blessings!

    Sue - Trubrit

  • Daisy13
    Daisy13 Member Posts: 43 Member
    #9
    Sorry you have to be ... but glad you are here.

    Usagi ~ You have come to the right place to receive compassionate support during your cancer journey.  Being overwhelmed is probably an understatement for what you feel right now and experiencing side effects from the very treatment that is intended to be life-saving is certainly a burden.

    Your treatments will be emotionally and physically challenging ... seems no reason to sugar-coat that.  What you can do though now before some of these issues compound for you is get as much support as you can in order.  You have certainly taken the first step by coming here to speak with others who have had treatment, are in treatment, or have cared for loved ones.  There will be tips and suggestions for how to handle side effects.  There will also be the ability to speak with others who deeply understand your concerns in a way that those who have never had a cancer diagnosis simply cannot.

    You mentioned a fear of sounding 'pathetic' and that so many people on this site sound so positive and strong ... I bet in everyone's heart of hearts lies the same darkness and fear.  Over time as you see your treatments be effective you too will likely feel more positive and stronger and then there may be times that the darkness creeps make in even in light of treatment success.  Be gentle with yourself and ask those around you to do the same.  

    I urge you now, at the beginning of your treatment, to connect with a social worker either in your oncology department or the hospital where you are receiving treatment that can help you find possible therapeutic support and may also be able to help you with concerns about your employment, ability to continue to work, etc.  These are very valid and practical concerns.  Perhaps if you had some clarity about your workplace protections and options, that would be one aspect of this journey that would not produce anxiety.  Also, see if your hospital or cancer center has specialists that deal with palliative care (not to be confused with hospice or end-of-life care) for patients dealing with chronic illness.  Sometimes, oncology departments that provide treatment are not the best to also manage discomfort from treatments.  Comfort can come from other sources.

    Here are a couple of sites that may be helpful that discuss working and cancer treatments:

    http://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorshipduringandaftertreatment/stayingactive/workingduringandaftertreatment/working-during-cancer-treatment

    http://www.livestrong.org/we-can-help/managing-your-life-during-treatment/employment-issues/

    Strength to you in your journey. ~ Daisy

  • Yolllmbs
    Yolllmbs Member Posts: 360 Member
    #10
    Trubrit said:

    Welcome to the forum

    I am sorry that you are here because of cancer, but now that you are, we will help in every way possible.

    You are definitely NOT pathetic. Cancer is a life changer, and it hits hard and hurts just knowing you have it. It is scary. During chemo, it was hard for me sometimes, to keep my head above water. I felt like I was sinking into some kind of Hell. You are not alone in your fear. Even when we are strong, we are vunerable. There is no shame in fear. 

    I hope you have a good note book by your side constantly. Any and all symptoms and emotions should be written down and gone over with your Oncologist. I used to write down everything that was happening, from the top of my head to my tippy toes. No matter how small or insignificant they seemed, I talked to my Dr. about them. 

    Come here often for love and support. Sometimes the forum runs slow, but someone should be around to help you. 

    Before you know it, you will be the one handing out the support and advice. 10 more chemo sessoins sounds like allot, is allot, but it will be over, and you will be done with them. 

    Blessings!

    Sue - Trubrit

    Welcome

    i am stage III colon cancer patient currently considered NED. I finished 10 of the 12 folfox treatments before my oncologist stopped the treatment because of the side effects.  I'm 4 months out from chemotherapy. I still have neuropathy in my hands and feet but the other side effects are gone. this forum is great for getting answers. I kept a notebook from the day of surgery till after my chemo. It does get tough for a bit but it is doable. The great people here will go through it with you. Good luck and prayers. 

     

    Yolanda

  • ron50
    ron50 Member Posts: 1,723 Member
    #11
    Hi Usagi

       Believe it or not some of us do get lucky and survive. I had stage 3 c into 6 of the thirteen nodes removed. My cancer was considdered extremely aggressive and my surgeon and onc did not have great hopes for my survival. I had surgery and 48 weekly sessios of 5fu and a drug called levamisole ,no longer used, banned for often fatal side effects. on the 22nd of this month I end year sixteen and start year seventeen still ca free. I wish you the same good fortune..Ron.

  • Semira
    Semira Member Posts: 381 Member
    #12
    Welcome...

    ... Usagi (great name!) from the 'german branch' of this great group - a special family with much wisdom.
    Glad you found us!

    Hugs from Cologne, Germany

    Petra
    (caregiver to husband with stage IV crc - diagnosed Nov 2011)

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