CA-125 levels

i like the " withdrawal after frontline".  Well put and we should add it to our terminology because it's very real. I thought I was weird when it happened to me and didn't dare mention it because of what you might think about me. Seems like our chemo nurses should educate us that we might experience this and reassure us it's normal and will pass.  Think of all the poor people who go through it without us (I'm including all the other boards here) to tell them it'll be ok.

Immediate side effects not really, but I have not been on it long enough to form an opinion, but will report back when I know for sure whether it is working or not.

TeddyandBears_Mom said:

I think I am the anomoly in

I think I am the anomoly in this cancer war.... I couldn't wait to finish everything and not have any doctor appointments.

When I went for my "next" 3 month check up last Monday, I asked when they start the two year clock. I was hoping it was right after surgery. But, she said it starts at the end of final treatments. Bummer. She laughed and said that most women panic when they shift from 3 month to 6 month check ups.  So, you ladies are right that the withdrawal for most is very real and very normal.

I have white coat hypertension and will look at any excuse not to go to the doctor. At least I did prior to cancer. Now, I am diligent about going to all appointments but I have to fight myself not to go back into that 'old me' routine of skipping checkups.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

You and me, Cindi!!  I was never so happy to be done with that place!  I hate going back even though I love my oncologist's PA who does my exams.  Just walking in there makes my heartbeat go from 78 to over 100.

I have my own home blood pressure cuff because my BP also goes sky-high when I walk into that office.  I did not like the chemo nurses and it was probably because of them not being able to use the port.  They had to find a vein and that took a lot of pokes - they wouldn't listen to me when I told them they were trying the wrong places.  Finally when they did listen, they got a vein right away, just not in the place they wanted it.  They also didn't take my infected port seriously and didn't want to refer me to the Wound Care Clinic.  

Love,

Eldri

EZLiving66 said:

You and me, Cindi!!  I was

You and me, Cindi!!  I was never so happy to be done with that place!  I hate going back even though I love my oncologist's PA who does my exams.  Just walking in there makes my heartbeat go from 78 to over 100.

I have my own home blood pressure cuff because my BP also goes sky-high when I walk into that office.  I did not like the chemo nurses and it was probably because of them not being able to use the port.  They had to find a vein and that took a lot of pokes - they wouldn't listen to me when I told them they were trying the wrong places.  Finally when they did listen, they got a vein right away, just not in the place they wanted it.  They also didn't take my infected port seriously and didn't want to refer me to the Wound Care Clinic.  

Love,

Eldri

That was such a BAD set of nurses and making things even more tense during such a stressful time is NOT OK!  Did you happen to report them?  The only reason I ask is that perhaps you can save a sister later if that happens again.  I HATED BEING POKED MORE THAN ONCE- it got so very painful I started to panic and that made it worse- SO glad when I got my port!!! 

I just had it flushed and I had a bad experience- the chemo nurses do it- I went to a different office because it was closer and this gal must not have been familiar with my type of port (smart port) because she grabbed my skin and pushed down hard- which still hurts me as my port area is tender- I think she was thinking there were tabs on the sides to hold down????  She ended up pulling my skin over so now when released the poke mark is below the port?!  It hurt and I had the lido cream on there but she pulled the skin up and over so it probably wasn't covered- it's been sore all week   I will NOT go back there- I'll drive the extra miles.

(((HUGS)))

beccabtown said:

First post-treatment test is good

The latest in my CA-125 saga: the first post-treatment test result was 7.6! I'm completely flabbergasted that it's possible for it to go so low after starting out so high. I have plenty of other symptoms that worry me on a daily basis, but this is one indication that something had an effect. 

The truth is that I think I'm more depressed than I've been since being diagnosed, but that is a topic for another thread. 

Becca,

I felt the same way and I found seeing a counselor really helped me. 

beccabtown said:

First post-treatment test is good

The latest in my CA-125 saga: the first post-treatment test result was 7.6! I'm completely flabbergasted that it's possible for it to go so low after starting out so high. I have plenty of other symptoms that worry me on a daily basis, but this is one indication that something had an effect. 

The truth is that I think I'm more depressed than I've been since being diagnosed, but that is a topic for another thread. 

Dear Becca.... the thing about depression is that a lot of people don't realize that it is often caused by a neurological chemical imbalance and that there is no shame in that or seeking treatment for it. It is treatable. A psychiatrist rather than a psychologist or therapist would be the Dr. to see first to get this possibility checked out because he is a M.D. specialist that can diagnosis or rule out depression from underlying physiologic causes. Our bodies have been put through the wringer by all of the anxiety, surgery, and treatments we've undergone and it wouldn't surprise anyone if you've been under assault from high cortisol levels or hormones being out of wack leading to this. Even this time of year can be an issue if you are affected by Seasonal Affect Disorder and could benefit from light therapy. Don't think or put up with anyone poo-poohing how you are feeling. You don't need to tough out or endure feelings of depression. After all you've been through, you deserve the ability to savor coming out on the other side of treatment.

That the Gabepentin is helping.  I hope you get answers for the other problems.  I always felt week and unsteady when I was dehydrated. I always have a problem with drinking enough. Low red blood cells can also cause anemia that makes you feel that way.  I love your new hair!!!

Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

Bananas and apricots work wonders for low potassium 

Lou Ann

Gaboplatin didn't really help my neuropathy,so I quit using it. I am on a slow magnesium which also contains calcium. I don't know that is anything that helps my neuropathy, but it hasn't gotten worse. I think it has helped a bit with my constpation though.