Thank you for being here

challen14
challen14 Member Posts: 29
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi everyone...I've been reading replies and you all know what's going on. My new gyn-onc had planned for me to have the desensitizing procedures just like Bonnie is having, and he discussed this with my onc here. I even discussed this with her, and thought it was decided. When I showed up for treatment, I got the small town quickie version of desensitizing, which consisted of 4 bags of carbo at different strengths...1st bag very weak and each bag thereafter a little stronger. There were no oral steroids for 24 hrs. or anything preceding this, just the standard dexamethazone and benadryl in the i.v. right before the hi-test. I t did work, thank goodness. The problem occurred on the second tx. They ran it in full force like they didn't have a clue it would be a problem. I think I'm still in shock that any cancer center could be so insensitive!! They just don't seem to be in tune with patients who need anything outside the box. Thank you all for listening and advising...I think I'm a Hopkins girl from now on. Blessings to all of you and yours.:) Charlotte

Comments

  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #2
    Hi Charlotte:
    I could relate to your experience. A few treatments into my first occurance of OVCA they decided to 'speed up' the drip, as it was getting late and heaven knows they HAVE to be out of there at 4:30 pm! Anyway, I got sick so fast, it was horrible. I alerted them and they backed it off. From then on, I made sure I got a very early appointment, and reminded them each time that it needed to be 'slow'. My infusions (carbo/taxol/taxotere) took about 6-8 hours. It made for a long day, but I tolerated the infusion much better.

    I had all of the premeds at home the night before, as well a before they actually administered the chemo drugs. The thing about chemo is that it is cumulative, meaning the effects are compounded with each treament, which also means that's why it takes a while for the hair to fall out (if it's going to) and for other 'side affects' to crop up. So, even though they give you the premeds in your IV, I would still ask about taking them orally the night/day before.

    Don't hesitate to become involved with your treatments - ask questions, take notes. I kept a journal from the time I had surgery, through all my treatments, and beyond, noting the times of infusion, when they added what (such as Benadryl), how I felt, any reactions, etc.). I also asked for a copy of the 'flow chart' each time, which showed everything - my recent blood work, how much they were giving me of everything, etc. If you don't want to do that, it's fine. But for me, it helped me to keep track of what to expect, how things were going, and how I could prepare for the next time around (drink extra water the day and morning of to keep your veins in good shape for the IV). At one point, the nurse said something to me regarding my treatment program and I caught her on an 'error'. I showed her my notes and she said, 'Oh, okay, I guess so'.

    Well, didn't want to get you flustered any more than you already are. I hope some of my experience will help you. Keeping you in thoughts and prayers. Hang in there!

    (((HUGS)))
    Monika
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #3
    Hi Charlotte:
    I could relate to your experience. A few treatments into my first occurance of OVCA they decided to 'speed up' the drip, as it was getting late and heaven knows they HAVE to be out of there at 4:30 pm! Anyway, I got sick so fast, it was horrible. I alerted them and they backed it off. From then on, I made sure I got a very early appointment, and reminded them each time that it needed to be 'slow'. My infusions (carbo/taxol/taxotere) took about 6-8 hours. It made for a long day, but I tolerated the infusion much better.

    I had all of the premeds at home the night before, as well a before they actually administered the chemo drugs. The thing about chemo is that it is cumulative, meaning the effects are compounded with each treament, which also means that's why it takes a while for the hair to fall out (if it's going to) and for other 'side affects' to crop up. So, even though they give you the premeds in your IV, I would still ask about taking them orally the night/day before.

    Don't hesitate to become involved with your treatments - ask questions, take notes. I kept a journal from the time I had surgery, through all my treatments, and beyond, noting the times of infusion, when they added what (such as Benadryl), how I felt, any reactions, etc.). I also asked for a copy of the 'flow chart' each time, which showed everything - my recent blood work, how much they were giving me of everything, etc. If you don't want to do that, it's fine. But for me, it helped me to keep track of what to expect, how things were going, and how I could prepare for the next time around (drink extra water the day and morning of to keep your veins in good shape for the IV). At one point, the nurse said something to me regarding my treatment program and I caught her on an 'error'. I showed her my notes and she said, 'Oh, okay, I guess so'.

    Well, didn't want to get you flustered any more than you already are. I hope some of my experience will help you. Keeping you in thoughts and prayers. Hang in there!

    (((HUGS)))
    Monika

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