Chemo hell!
Are any of you or have you in the past followed this chemo path? Day 3, 4 and 5 are hell - dry heaves, pain, dizziness, fatigue, dehydration, white-coated tongue? I can no longer take oxycotin since I'm having night terrors and bad constipation. The night terrors were so bad I stayed awake throughout Sunday into Monday for 36 hours because I was too scared to sleep.
I take one Miralax and I have diahhrea so bad I can't be more than ten steps from a bathroom. Day 6 and 7 (today) I have to learn to walk again because I'm so wiped out but at least on day 7 I can eat drink again. LUCKILY, my husband had a good cane from when he had disc problems so I could use that. I had a blood test on Monday and they want another one tomorrow. The post is still infected so they have to use the ONE good vein I have in my arm. If they want more blood this week, they'll have to find another vein. "Good" vein is going to get saved for my next chemo on the 29th in case they can't access the port. My arms looks like rotten bananas!
Had my salmon tonight with mixed greens so hopefully my WBC will go up since I'm not taking Neulasta. Before I head to bed I'm going to have an orange or two and drink one more glass of ice water. I think I'm finally getting past my dehydration because my hands aren't so pruney (how do you spell that??) anymore. I bet I lost another 8-10# this past week. If I didn't have all these dog-gone scars on me I'd get a bikini for summer!! 
Love,
Eldri
Comments
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Sorry Eldri,
I'm so sorry that this one is so bad. I only have one under my belt, but today it was like they turned the "let her live" switch again, because I'm much better. This will be my day 6, but I'd say my days 2-4 were rotten, I couldn't sleep from Friday night till I finally gave in and took a stronger pain pill Sunday night. I really hope your switch gets turned on soon, I don't know what else to say except hang in there, and I'll send you positive thoughts that because your body is going through hell, your cancer cells are already there! Nancy
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Thanks, guys for yourunknown said:Sorry Eldri,
I'm so sorry that this one is so bad. I only have one under my belt, but today it was like they turned the "let her live" switch again, because I'm much better. This will be my day 6, but I'd say my days 2-4 were rotten, I couldn't sleep from Friday night till I finally gave in and took a stronger pain pill Sunday night. I really hope your switch gets turned on soon, I don't know what else to say except hang in there, and I'll send you positive thoughts that because your body is going through hell, your cancer cells are already there! Nancy
Thanks, guys for your encouragement! I slept pretty good last night which is wonderful. Still rubber knees today but made scrambled eggs for breakfast and am going to try to work for a couple of hours around noon.
Take care,
Eldri
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Yes many times
add day six someimes. Bone pain has usually been the worst of my side effects, I am sure mine comes from the Taxol. Digestive issues from heartburn, constipation and diahrea. I have had more trouble with heartburn lately(since my surgery in September). And of course fatigue is always an issue for the 1st week. Then it all gets better. Any one else have eye problems. My eyes are bothering me alot they get ichy, watery and blurring for about 2 weeks after chemo.
Eldri, i am glad you feel a little better this morning, Sometimes getting out, going to work is a blessing.
Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann
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Itchy eyes and Other things...Lou Ann M said:Yes many times
add day six someimes. Bone pain has usually been the worst of my side effects, I am sure mine comes from the Taxol. Digestive issues from heartburn, constipation and diahrea. I have had more trouble with heartburn lately(since my surgery in September). And of course fatigue is always an issue for the 1st week. Then it all gets better. Any one else have eye problems. My eyes are bothering me alot they get ichy, watery and blurring for about 2 weeks after chemo.
Eldri, i am glad you feel a little better this morning, Sometimes getting out, going to work is a blessing.
Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann
Yep, for the last two chemos that has happened to me. Along with an itchy rash on my head and face. In fact, this time my face and head broke out in puss pimples. Gross and Very strange. Also, fatigue is always really bad that first week. And this time, my energy level just hasn't bounced back. I am going with the theory that it is an accumulation effect. Based on what others have told me it makes sense. Our bodies just get worn down. And, I will be asking it to rebound one more time, then done!
My stomach hurt really bad last time for 6-7 days. But, I never had diarrhea or constipation.
Eldri, I'm really sorry this has been so hard for you. The "cure" is tough but necessary. You are strong and your attitude will carry you through this. And, we will then be celebrating your last one before you know it!
Love and Hugs,
Cindi
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No to the eye problems (yet?)Lou Ann M said:Yes many times
add day six someimes. Bone pain has usually been the worst of my side effects, I am sure mine comes from the Taxol. Digestive issues from heartburn, constipation and diahrea. I have had more trouble with heartburn lately(since my surgery in September). And of course fatigue is always an issue for the 1st week. Then it all gets better. Any one else have eye problems. My eyes are bothering me alot they get ichy, watery and blurring for about 2 weeks after chemo.
Eldri, i am glad you feel a little better this morning, Sometimes getting out, going to work is a blessing.
Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann
My eye's have been dry, but not itchy or watery. I was prepared for what I thought all my side effects would be, eye drops, gas-x, lots of constipation products etc etc, but the one thing I wasn't prepared for was the muscle pain. I don't think I can call it bone pain, because my pain was constant muscle shuddering & electric pain, with just a little bit of burning. And my fingertips are numb, hope that improves. My husband had immune disorders, one of which caused demylination of his myelin shealth around his nerves. He went from walking to being paralyzed within 3 days. I don't want that to happen, so I'm kind of concerned about damaging my nerves. Thanks Lou Ann for sharing.
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Oh, my, Eldri, you have had a great dealunknown said:No to the eye problems (yet?)
My eye's have been dry, but not itchy or watery. I was prepared for what I thought all my side effects would be, eye drops, gas-x, lots of constipation products etc etc, but the one thing I wasn't prepared for was the muscle pain. I don't think I can call it bone pain, because my pain was constant muscle shuddering & electric pain, with just a little bit of burning. And my fingertips are numb, hope that improves. My husband had immune disorders, one of which caused demylination of his myelin shealth around his nerves. He went from walking to being paralyzed within 3 days. I don't want that to happen, so I'm kind of concerned about damaging my nerves. Thanks Lou Ann for sharing.
to contend with! I was very fortunate to have minimal side effects- nausea mostly- but that seemed to abate over the course of the 6 cycles of chemo. The worse symptom I had- and no one can convince me that it was not caused by the Taxol- was severe lower back pain that just about brought me to my knees. I could stand and walk for only a brief period of time before I was experiencing agony. Sitting with my legs up gave me relief in about 60 seconds. Strange. I finally managed to arrange to have two epidural shots strategically scheduled between chemos. What a relief the shots gave me! Finally, I could stand in the shower for more than a few minutes, frantically and speedily washing my hair and body! Did I mention I hated chemo?
I hope you will be feeling better soon and that your port will heal quickly.
Love your new smiling photo!
Warm Wishes,
Cathy
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Numb fingertipsunknown said:No to the eye problems (yet?)
My eye's have been dry, but not itchy or watery. I was prepared for what I thought all my side effects would be, eye drops, gas-x, lots of constipation products etc etc, but the one thing I wasn't prepared for was the muscle pain. I don't think I can call it bone pain, because my pain was constant muscle shuddering & electric pain, with just a little bit of burning. And my fingertips are numb, hope that improves. My husband had immune disorders, one of which caused demylination of his myelin shealth around his nerves. He went from walking to being paralyzed within 3 days. I don't want that to happen, so I'm kind of concerned about damaging my nerves. Thanks Lou Ann for sharing.
After round 4, I began getting slight numbing of the fingertips and toes, too. My doctor suggested L-Glutamine and Vitamins B1, B6 and B12. So far, it hasn't gotten any worse.
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So glad you were able to sleepEZLiving66 said:Thanks, guys for your
Thanks, guys for your encouragement! I slept pretty good last night which is wonderful. Still rubber knees today but made scrambled eggs for breakfast and am going to try to work for a couple of hours around noon.
Take care,
Eldri
That makes a world of difference. Sorry it has been such a tough time for you. Hopefully things will begin to be better.
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So sorry you are having a
So sorry you are having a terrible time with this chemo. Do you get a little mixture of something right prior to your treatment? It has steroids in it which can make you not feel sleepy at all. When I had a treatment, I was able to get all sorts of work done around the house. But then the 3rd day hit and I would be extremely exhausted. I'd had gotten the dry heaves too. Eat popsicles. Sometimes it is easier to get a popsicle in then water.
And then just when you get everything in control, its treatment time again.
My best to you. I hope each day makes you feel better.
Kathy
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I'm having eye problems bigLou Ann M said:Yes many times
add day six someimes. Bone pain has usually been the worst of my side effects, I am sure mine comes from the Taxol. Digestive issues from heartburn, constipation and diahrea. I have had more trouble with heartburn lately(since my surgery in September). And of course fatigue is always an issue for the 1st week. Then it all gets better. Any one else have eye problems. My eyes are bothering me alot they get ichy, watery and blurring for about 2 weeks after chemo.
Eldri, i am glad you feel a little better this morning, Sometimes getting out, going to work is a blessing.
Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann
I'm having eye problems big time. It's like turquoise lightening is going off. If I was driving I would have to pull over it's so bad. It's also affected my eye sight and not for the better.
Love,
Eldri
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Contact your Gyne/OncEZLiving66 said:I'm having eye problems big
I'm having eye problems big time. It's like turquoise lightening is going off. If I was driving I would have to pull over it's so bad. It's also affected my eye sight and not for the better.
Love,
Eldri
Eldri:
Please notify your gyne/onc with regard to that symptom. They need to know if it is affecting your eye sight. Let me know what they say.
Kathy
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LOL, I let them know and theyKaleena said:Contact your Gyne/Onc
Eldri:
Please notify your gyne/onc with regard to that symptom. They need to know if it is affecting your eye sight. Let me know what they say.
Kathy
LOL, I let them know and they didn't seem at all concerned. The muscles of my eyes are also shaking sometimes like they're in spasm. Again, no concern. I even asked if I should go see an eye doctor and they said to wait until six months after chemo to see an eye doctor so you're eyes are back to "normal."
Love,
Eldri
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Hi, Kathy! How are you and your husband?Kaleena said:So sorry you are having a
So sorry you are having a terrible time with this chemo. Do you get a little mixture of something right prior to your treatment? It has steroids in it which can make you not feel sleepy at all. When I had a treatment, I was able to get all sorts of work done around the house. But then the 3rd day hit and I would be extremely exhausted. I'd had gotten the dry heaves too. Eat popsicles. Sometimes it is easier to get a popsicle in then water.
And then just when you get everything in control, its treatment time again.
My best to you. I hope each day makes you feel better.
Kathy
You have not been far from my thoughts. How are you and your husband ( I am sorry- I don't know his first name). I hope that you and your husband are doing better. Damn, enough is enough! I have never shared this with you, but I work with a fantastic woman who highly resembles your posted photo. She- Tina- is quite special, She is loving, concerned and generous. I suspect you would like her, too!
Cathy
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My husband's name is SteveAbbycat2 said:Hi, Kathy! How are you and your husband?
You have not been far from my thoughts. How are you and your husband ( I am sorry- I don't know his first name). I hope that you and your husband are doing better. Damn, enough is enough! I have never shared this with you, but I work with a fantastic woman who highly resembles your posted photo. She- Tina- is quite special, She is loving, concerned and generous. I suspect you would like her, too!
Cathy
My husband's name is Steve and we've been together since I was 16 and he was 17. I absolutely hate to see what this is doing to him. He says he feels so helpless. Last night he slept on the sofa because he thought he was getting a cold and didn't want me to catch it. I've always been the caretaker in our relationship but this cancer has totally changed that and now he's the one taking care of me. We had two kids when we were 19 and 22 and then we adopted our son when we were 50 (he's 23) and we adopted our daughter when we were 63 (she's 22). We had plans for retirement - living at our lake house in northern Wisconsin for spring, summer and fall and going to Florida for the winter while our son took over our business. Now, who knows? At least, so far, the doctor hasn't found any other tumors and he told me I had a 50/50 chance the surgery got it all BUT after reading just about everything on this board, we all know the odds are not good. However, I think maybe the women who haven't had a reoccurrence don't come here anymore???
I've read about treatment in other countries and the survival rates are about the same so who's to say who is right?
Love,
Eldri
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Me!EZLiving66 said:My husband's name is Steve
My husband's name is Steve and we've been together since I was 16 and he was 17. I absolutely hate to see what this is doing to him. He says he feels so helpless. Last night he slept on the sofa because he thought he was getting a cold and didn't want me to catch it. I've always been the caretaker in our relationship but this cancer has totally changed that and now he's the one taking care of me. We had two kids when we were 19 and 22 and then we adopted our son when we were 50 (he's 23) and we adopted our daughter when we were 63 (she's 22). We had plans for retirement - living at our lake house in northern Wisconsin for spring, summer and fall and going to Florida for the winter while our son took over our business. Now, who knows? At least, so far, the doctor hasn't found any other tumors and he told me I had a 50/50 chance the surgery got it all BUT after reading just about everything on this board, we all know the odds are not good. However, I think maybe the women who haven't had a reoccurrence don't come here anymore???
I've read about treatment in other countries and the survival rates are about the same so who's to say who is right?
Love,
Eldri
I'm still here Eldir! Dx in July of 2009, UPSC, no reoccurrence as of yet(thank you Lord!). I don't post a lot...don't want to complecate things for you newer ones. I am the "old Lady" here I think, but there are a lot of others. If you haven't heard it enough, "Everyone is different" and "you are a statict of one". Hang tough, believe it or not, you are doing good! Best, Debra(Jo)
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It's good you are stilldebrajo said:Me!
I'm still here Eldir! Dx in July of 2009, UPSC, no reoccurrence as of yet(thank you Lord!). I don't post a lot...don't want to complecate things for you newer ones. I am the "old Lady" here I think, but there are a lot of others. If you haven't heard it enough, "Everyone is different" and "you are a statict of one". Hang tough, believe it or not, you are doing good! Best, Debra(Jo)
It's good you are still posting because it gives the rest of us hope that some people do beat this disease. (((Debrajo)))
Love,
Eldri
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i'm sorry you wer having suchEZLiving66 said:It's good you are still
It's good you are still posting because it gives the rest of us hope that some people do beat this disease. (((Debrajo)))
Love,
Eldri
i'm sorry you wer having such a time of it. it is like that sometimes with this~ no one does this perfectly. it's so surreal~ i just wanted to tell you ~ i care, and i am so glad you were able to share here. God bless~
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