Adenocarcinoma late diagnosis

EZLiving66 said:

I really had a hard time with

I really had a hard time with the chemo.  I think it was because I was overdosed.  Chemo is based on weight but I am super sensitive to medication (a quarter of a Percoset knocked me out). After the second one, they couldn't control the side effects. I was so week I could barely walk and the nausea was horrible. After the third one, my liver started to fail, I lost control of my bladder and bowels, my eyesight was effected, my finger and toenails fell off, my skin, especially on my left side, started to peal and I could only walk a few steps without falling. 

My GP thought I had a small stroke with some bleeding in my brain when my blood pressure went to 220/140.  The day before my fourth scheduled chemo, we stopped it.  My GP and I both believed another chemo could be fatal.  She pointed out to me that this chemo was preventative; not curative and it was HER job to keep me alive while my oncologist/gynecologist's job was to kill the cancer. I agreed with her 100%. 

That was two and a half years ago.  So far, knock on wood, the UPSC (Stage II, Grade 3) has not returned.  I still have severe neuropathy in my feet which is especially painful at night, my left foot still drops and I have trouble walking on uneven surfaces, my eyesight constantly changes (I've had to change glasses six times in the last couple of years) and my finger and toenails are only partially attached. On a lighter note, my left eyebrow never grew back while my right eyelashes keep growing and I have to trim them.  I had Carboplatin and Taxotere. The Taxotere is now known to affect hair regrowth.

But, I'm still alive!  I went through physical and occupational therapy.  I can read again and although I still have memory problems, it has gotten much better as time has gone by.  The other night, I walked almost half a mile without a walker or cane. I see an acupressurist every other week which has helped the neuropathy.  The feeling has come back in both my hands except for the index finger and thumb on my right hand but at least I can write and type again.  Prior to cancer, I took one pill a day - levothyroxine for my thyroid that I had taken since I was seven.  Now I take 14 (which is down from 18) every day.  

We sold our business last August and retired to Florida.  Just being able to relax and enjoy this beautiful weather has made life so much better.

Love,

Eldri

Hi Eldri, I am curious about the benefit you report from acupressure treatment for neuropathy.  I too still suffer from neuropathy in my feet.  I did gain benefit from time away from chemo and I did go thru twice a week physical therapy that focused on retraining my brain to interpret the defective signals from my feet to aid stability and balance and also core strength.  I take R Lipoic Acid and do my PT exercises every day.  I am on vacation now and need to use my hiking sticks for walking any distance.  I do massage once per week mainly for how good it feels.  But I don't really know what acupressure treatment means.  Can you educate us?  Thank you.  Best wishes, Oldbeauty

grace_of_god said:

Labs not ready

My post op appointment was dandy all the way through till we got to what the reports showed and they didn't have them.  Not in the system yet.  One hour twenty minutes each way to look at my incisions which are fine.   Deep sigh.  Scheduled again for next thursday to hear the news.  I couldn't believe it.  The sleepless night before and the stress of waiting to hear the important words.  Using all the techniques and activities to get my mind off it but it's very hard not to keep thinking about it.  I am 9 days post op and feeling fairly well.  I could tell the ride and walking for the appointment was a lot of pressure on the sore insides so today I rested.  Kind of achey now but not bad.  I wish all you ladies a wonderful Memorial Weekend.  I'll check back in when I finally learn what my results are! 

That’s awful that they didn’t have. Your pathology report. 

Northwoodsgirl said:

No results at post op visit

Oh no! All the anticipation and travel and no results? We all deserve better healthcare than that! It doesn’ t take pathology lab that long to analyze. They should not charge you for that visit. I am sorry you had to go through that. Try to enjoy the holiday weekend and not think too much about pathology report (lack of).  

Lori

I agree with Northwoodsgirl -- I would challenge getting charged for two visits on this. Shame on them for not alerting you the path report wasn't in.

grace_of_god said:

All clear!

I must have extra good prayer warriors on my side because I heard the miraculous words that I was as good as it gets!  Stage 1 Grade 1 no need for any treatment just a 3 month visit for two years etc.  The feeling is amazing and I feel like about the luckiest person on the planet.  The seriousness of my "brush" with cancer will stay with me always.  It has been, without a doubt,  the scariest thing I've ever been through!  I want to reach out and hug you all who are still on that tightrope walk.  What I learned from the shared info and support here is that you all are really, really brave! 

I am so happy for you!  The best outcome ever!  i am praying your recovery goes well!  

I'm REALLY happy for you grace_of_god! What wonderful news! I hope you continue to heal well

EZLiving66 said:

I really had a hard time with

I really had a hard time with the chemo.  I think it was because I was overdosed.  Chemo is based on weight but I am super sensitive to medication (a quarter of a Percoset knocked me out). After the second one, they couldn't control the side effects. I was so week I could barely walk and the nausea was horrible. After the third one, my liver started to fail, I lost control of my bladder and bowels, my eyesight was effected, my finger and toenails fell off, my skin, especially on my left side, started to peal and I could only walk a few steps without falling. 

My GP thought I had a small stroke with some bleeding in my brain when my blood pressure went to 220/140.  The day before my fourth scheduled chemo, we stopped it.  My GP and I both believed another chemo could be fatal.  She pointed out to me that this chemo was preventative; not curative and it was HER job to keep me alive while my oncologist/gynecologist's job was to kill the cancer. I agreed with her 100%. 

That was two and a half years ago.  So far, knock on wood, the UPSC (Stage II, Grade 3) has not returned.  I still have severe neuropathy in my feet which is especially painful at night, my left foot still drops and I have trouble walking on uneven surfaces, my eyesight constantly changes (I've had to change glasses six times in the last couple of years) and my finger and toenails are only partially attached. On a lighter note, my left eyebrow never grew back while my right eyelashes keep growing and I have to trim them.  I had Carboplatin and Taxotere. The Taxotere is now known to affect hair regrowth.

But, I'm still alive!  I went through physical and occupational therapy.  I can read again and although I still have memory problems, it has gotten much better as time has gone by.  The other night, I walked almost half a mile without a walker or cane. I see an acupressurist every other week which has helped the neuropathy.  The feeling has come back in both my hands except for the index finger and thumb on my right hand but at least I can write and type again.  Prior to cancer, I took one pill a day - levothyroxine for my thyroid that I had taken since I was seven.  Now I take 14 (which is down from 18) every day.  

We sold our business last August and retired to Florida.  Just being able to relax and enjoy this beautiful weather has made life so much better.

Love,

Eldri

I am just reading this harrowing detail of your chemo experience with the two drugs I had also.  Bless you!  You are truly a warrior!!!