Catherine258, how's life w/o chemo going?

I'm sorry, I think I goofed on your sign on name, Catherine58?

catherine58 said:

Hello Char - how nice to hear from you. I've been busy with my children (who finally go back to school next week) so haven't had much time to post. Well done for getting within sight of the finishing post - I think you had more cycles than me too.

I found my energy started to come back very quickly, more or less by the time I should have started the next cycle. I still have a few nagging health problems - all of them minor, but having been a stoic all my life I think I'm now going to be the world's worst hypochondriac! Oddly enough, I'm suffering more from neuropathy now I've finished chemo than I did during the treatment - although it's still fairly mild. I also have some slight breathlessness and lower back pain which of course I'm panicking about - I am having CT scans next week (chest and abdomen) so hope that will reassure me.

On the whole, life post chemo is great! We're getting a puppy at the end of the month so I'll be needing all my energy!

Good luck with the last cycle and all the best

Catherine

Glad to hear things are going well and I, too, am apprehensive about the Oxy. I have low back problems and weakness in my legs from the Oxy. Distance walking is hard for me and I had a spinal fusion in December and was doing so well. I did ask my surgeon if this could possibly be a result of my back surgery, he said "no" neuropathy and, of course, I have osteoarthitis. I am sure alot of it is getting old!

By the way, I mentioned to my oncologist about your oncologist eliminating the 3 last treatments and he said he had never seen a study on that at all. He was going to do the 50% reduced dosage Oxy my last 2 treatments but after studying the "protocol" (his Bible) and talking with the pharmacist, they decided it was too risky due to the leg problems, I had level 4 toxicity he said.

By the way, my husband and I got a puppy 3 wks ago and he is a handful. I'd forgotten how much work they are and the "play biting" is my biggest proglem. Best of luck, maybe your increase in energy will be just what you need to get through. Sure wish I had it.

Good to hear from you and your continued success. I'm so looking forward to it!

Char

vinny3 said:

Not meaning to butt in on the conversation but I had some similar experiences. I stopped the Folfox treatments after 9 cycles last November due to the neuropathy. When I told my oncologist I was stopping she said she had just been at a lecture by an oncologist from Sloan-Ketterling and that they had gone to 9 cycles instead of 12. My neuropathy definitely got worse after stopping. It subsequently got better but actually has bothered me a little more lately, not sure why. However, it is still manageable and I decided that it is just a little reminder of what I have been through. But it is nice to be done with the chemo- congratulations to both of you.

****

****,

Thanks so much for your comments and thoughts! I always enjoy your view.

Interestingly, there is a change at Sloan-Ketterling, is it on their website?

I have a real feeing I will have residuals from the Oxy but it also was so very necessary for my treatment. I'm thankful for the progression of cancer medicines. Harsh and brutal drugs they are, but so necessary for us!

****, thanks, again for sharing your thoughts and comments with us. I look forward to your input.

Char