Update

floridajo
floridajo Member Posts: 480
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi ladies,
It has been awhile since I have written....I'm just now beginning to feel better. I went to see my Onc last Weds and he increased my pain meds,stopped my diuretics,changed my nausea med to Zofran and gave me megace for appetite. I also needed pottasium and magnesium..so I have had 3 4 hour infusions of those electrolytes...and I feel alot better. I'm still nausea on a daily basis..and called to reknew my new RX for Zofran..plus I was asking why they only gave me 12 instead of the 40 pills the Dr. ordered...seems my insurance will only pay for 12...and I was given the generic form (I have Medicare)...so it's back on the pheregan and compazine. He has stopped my duirectics and now my feet and ankles are swelling up again so I'll be calling him today. Tomorrow will be my 2nd chemo and I will be off next week ..ahhhhh..I can't wait. My appetite goes thorugh cycles and I'm not sure if I've lost any weight because of the edema to my feet and ankles....we'll see. This chemo has been really harsh on me...and it's got me down a bit. I usually do so well on all chemos..so being so sick for so long just sucks! Hope everyone is having a great day....(((hugz)))~~~Joanne

Comments

  • Lauracec
    Lauracec Member Posts: 101
    #2
    Glad you are feeling better
    have they tried you on the ativan for nausea also. I get the zofran also but the ativan I can take every 4 hours and put it under the tongue so it works real well for me. what chemo are you on this time? I hope and pray everything goes well tomorrw and that things get easier. laura
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #3
    Hugs
    Hi Joanne, Glad to see you posting. I pray the pain meds and all the rest of the meds help. It really sucks that medicare only covers certain drugs, I am just dealing with them as my primary also.

    Did you call the doc about your feet and ankles? Sending lots of prayers n hugs bonnie
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #4
    opps
    somehow this double posted, cannot delete it but can change it. :-) Sorry must have double clicked or something
  • floridajo
    floridajo Member Posts: 480
    #5
    Lauracec said:

    Glad you are feeling better
    have they tried you on the ativan for nausea also. I get the zofran also but the ativan I can take every 4 hours and put it under the tongue so it works real well for me. what chemo are you on this time? I hope and pray everything goes well tomorrw and that things get easier. laura

    Lauracec
    I haven't tried Ativan yet...doesn't that make you drowsy?? I know the Phenergan I have makes me tied so i only take that at night and I use the compazine during the day. I will however speak to the Onc about Ativan....it's worth the drowsy feeling if it stops the nausea. I'm currently on Navelbine...2 weeks on and 1 week off and I have just finished cycle 2 he wants to do between 6-9 cycles. Thanks for the advice.~~~~Joanne
  • floridajo
    floridajo Member Posts: 480
    #6
    BonnieR said:

    Hugs
    Hi Joanne, Glad to see you posting. I pray the pain meds and all the rest of the meds help. It really sucks that medicare only covers certain drugs, I am just dealing with them as my primary also.

    Did you call the doc about your feet and ankles? Sending lots of prayers n hugs bonnie

    Bonnie
    I did call my Onc yesterday about the edema to my feet and ankles. He wanted to schedule a venous doppler. They made me an appointment I couldn't make so it will be rescheduled....maybe. I told the Onc I don't think theres a clot problem going on....the edema to the feet and ankles is the reason I was put on Lasix in the first place...and he asked me to stop the lasix last Weds. So I'm back on the lasix and taking potassium as well. The list of meds slowly is growing for me. That has been something new in my life. I have always been so healthy,never got sick or even had a real need for a Primary Dr....then this!!!!! Ovca does and will change your life. How are you?? You are back on chemo again aren't you?? Forgive me if I'm wrong..I seem to forget alot these days...(((hugz)))~~~Joanne
  • Lauracec
    Lauracec Member Posts: 101
    #7
    BonnieR said:

    opps
    somehow this double posted, cannot delete it but can change it. :-) Sorry must have double clicked or something

    ativan
    Hi Joanne , the ativan comes in differnt mg and alot of the time I can get away with 1/2 mg under the tongue and it realy helps me. if it's real bad I take 1 mg. it does make you a little drowsy but not as bad as some. I can drive on a 1/2 mg with no problem but I wouldn,t if you wern't use to it and everybodys different. as far as swelling goes do you drink enough water? I drink between 9 and 12 8 oz glasses a day. sometimes I have to force it but I figure with the chemo going in it's gotta be good for the kidneys to drink extra and when I don't drink enough I swell worse. also if you can force your self to move everyday even if its just in the house for 15 -20 mminutes it helps with swelling and constipation too. Laura
  • floridajo
    floridajo Member Posts: 480
    #8
    Lauracec said:

    ativan
    Hi Joanne , the ativan comes in differnt mg and alot of the time I can get away with 1/2 mg under the tongue and it realy helps me. if it's real bad I take 1 mg. it does make you a little drowsy but not as bad as some. I can drive on a 1/2 mg with no problem but I wouldn,t if you wern't use to it and everybodys different. as far as swelling goes do you drink enough water? I drink between 9 and 12 8 oz glasses a day. sometimes I have to force it but I figure with the chemo going in it's gotta be good for the kidneys to drink extra and when I don't drink enough I swell worse. also if you can force your self to move everyday even if its just in the house for 15 -20 mminutes it helps with swelling and constipation too. Laura

    Lauracec
    Thanks for advice. i do drink lots of fluids even when not having chemo. Lots of water everyday. My edema is caused by having too many lymph nodes removed during my 2 ovca surgeries...so the lymph system is compromised a bit. Once I get back on my regular dose of lasix the edema will go away. I will however talk to my Onc about the ativan....I know it will make me drowsy,but so does pherengren. Oh well...thats life!!! (((hugz)))~~~Joanne
  • kris43
    kris43 Member Posts: 275
    #9
    floridajo said:

    Lauracec
    Thanks for advice. i do drink lots of fluids even when not having chemo. Lots of water everyday. My edema is caused by having too many lymph nodes removed during my 2 ovca surgeries...so the lymph system is compromised a bit. Once I get back on my regular dose of lasix the edema will go away. I will however talk to my Onc about the ativan....I know it will make me drowsy,but so does pherengren. Oh well...thats life!!! (((hugz)))~~~Joanne

    ativan
    Hi Joanne - I am so sorry this round has been so difficult. It is hard to hear when people are suffering.

    Re: Ativan. It is an anti-anxiety pill - I don't know how it is used under your tongue because if it scraps off it tastes nasty when you are swallowing it. It doesn't make me tired - it just helps me relax so I'm not so anxious. And I'm betting being worried about being nauseated all the time is one reason it helps - it just takes the edge off. I use it at night about 1/2 hour before I go to bed so I can go to sleep a little easier.

    The only thing I would say about your edema in your ankles and feet is to watch for "weeping" - if this happens at all, you need to call your doctor ASAP. It is not a good sign. And there is a difference between swelling and not being able to move your ankle and foot - but I'm sure you know that.

    I am keeping you close in my thoughts and was glad to see your post. Take good care.

    Kris
  • floridajo
    floridajo Member Posts: 480
    #10
    kris43 said:

    ativan
    Hi Joanne - I am so sorry this round has been so difficult. It is hard to hear when people are suffering.

    Re: Ativan. It is an anti-anxiety pill - I don't know how it is used under your tongue because if it scraps off it tastes nasty when you are swallowing it. It doesn't make me tired - it just helps me relax so I'm not so anxious. And I'm betting being worried about being nauseated all the time is one reason it helps - it just takes the edge off. I use it at night about 1/2 hour before I go to bed so I can go to sleep a little easier.

    The only thing I would say about your edema in your ankles and feet is to watch for "weeping" - if this happens at all, you need to call your doctor ASAP. It is not a good sign. And there is a difference between swelling and not being able to move your ankle and foot - but I'm sure you know that.

    I am keeping you close in my thoughts and was glad to see your post. Take good care.

    Kris

    Kris
    I have had this edema on and off for awhile. We were able to figure out that when they give me steriods with my chemo i develop edema...so I'm gonna call the infusement center on Monday and see if my Onc remembered to order my chemo without steriods. He's an extremely busy Onc/gyn the only one around for miles..and he sometimes can get confused...but I do plan on checking it out. Thanks for your exps.(((hugz)))~~~Joanne
  • Lauracec
    Lauracec Member Posts: 101
    #11
    kris43 said:

    ativan
    Hi Joanne - I am so sorry this round has been so difficult. It is hard to hear when people are suffering.

    Re: Ativan. It is an anti-anxiety pill - I don't know how it is used under your tongue because if it scraps off it tastes nasty when you are swallowing it. It doesn't make me tired - it just helps me relax so I'm not so anxious. And I'm betting being worried about being nauseated all the time is one reason it helps - it just takes the edge off. I use it at night about 1/2 hour before I go to bed so I can go to sleep a little easier.

    The only thing I would say about your edema in your ankles and feet is to watch for "weeping" - if this happens at all, you need to call your doctor ASAP. It is not a good sign. And there is a difference between swelling and not being able to move your ankle and foot - but I'm sure you know that.

    I am keeping you close in my thoughts and was glad to see your post. Take good care.

    Kris

    ativan
    ativan is an anti anxiety also but it is also for nausea and the ativan that I take that I disolve under my tongue doesn,t taste bad at all it's got kind of a sweet taste. Laura
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #12
    Checking in on you
    Just want you to know I am thinking of you, Joanne. I hope today finds you not having to do a battle with anyone. I have missed your postings. ((Hugs and prayers))) Saundra
  • floridajo
    floridajo Member Posts: 480
    #13
    saundra said:

    Checking in on you
    Just want you to know I am thinking of you, Joanne. I hope today finds you not having to do a battle with anyone. I have missed your postings. ((Hugs and prayers))) Saundra

    Hi Saundra
    Thanks for asking about me. I'm having a difficult time with this chemo. The nausea and vomiting is horrible. I was given a rx of Zolfran for 40 pills but Medicare will only allow 12 pills a month..so I'm back to using my compazine and phenergen. The illness comes on so quickly..which is a good thing sometimes because I can then elimenate that food off my list of tolerable foods. I have an appetite,but as soon as I eat a few bites the hungur is gone,so there fore I'm not eating alot and losing weight. This week is my off week..so hopefully I feel back to new and gain some weight back before I see the Onc. My sister is very ticked at me...she feels I should call the Onc now..but I have been on so many chemo and expect these side effects I'm having...she just doesn't know...but I understand..she's scared to death right now....oh well thats another story. I just wanted to address you and thank you for thinking about me...(((hugz)))~~~~Joanne
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #14
    floridajo said:

    Hi Saundra
    Thanks for asking about me. I'm having a difficult time with this chemo. The nausea and vomiting is horrible. I was given a rx of Zolfran for 40 pills but Medicare will only allow 12 pills a month..so I'm back to using my compazine and phenergen. The illness comes on so quickly..which is a good thing sometimes because I can then elimenate that food off my list of tolerable foods. I have an appetite,but as soon as I eat a few bites the hungur is gone,so there fore I'm not eating alot and losing weight. This week is my off week..so hopefully I feel back to new and gain some weight back before I see the Onc. My sister is very ticked at me...she feels I should call the Onc now..but I have been on so many chemo and expect these side effects I'm having...she just doesn't know...but I understand..she's scared to death right now....oh well thats another story. I just wanted to address you and thank you for thinking about me...(((hugz)))~~~~Joanne

    For Nausea
    Joanne, I am so sorry to read about all your nausea, have you tried emend. I was throwing up from the carbo and once I started taking the 3day emend it stopped. You take on the day before the day of and day after. I know my medicare supplement pays for all but $30 of it.

    Hugs N Prayers Bonnie
  • ladyjogger31
    ladyjogger31 Member Posts: 289
    #15
    Hi Joanne, so sorry you are
    Hi Joanne, so sorry you are not feeling well. I too have a lot of nausea and take zolfran. It helps for awhile. Have you tried wearing support stockings for the edema.I know how you feel about the Chemo, I just finished my 9th round last Monday and have 6 more to go. Good Luck! You are in my thoughts and prayers.Keep in touch.
    Terry
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #16
    floridajo said:

    Hi Saundra
    Thanks for asking about me. I'm having a difficult time with this chemo. The nausea and vomiting is horrible. I was given a rx of Zolfran for 40 pills but Medicare will only allow 12 pills a month..so I'm back to using my compazine and phenergen. The illness comes on so quickly..which is a good thing sometimes because I can then elimenate that food off my list of tolerable foods. I have an appetite,but as soon as I eat a few bites the hungur is gone,so there fore I'm not eating alot and losing weight. This week is my off week..so hopefully I feel back to new and gain some weight back before I see the Onc. My sister is very ticked at me...she feels I should call the Onc now..but I have been on so many chemo and expect these side effects I'm having...she just doesn't know...but I understand..she's scared to death right now....oh well thats another story. I just wanted to address you and thank you for thinking about me...(((hugz)))~~~~Joanne

    PRE-MEDS
    Joanne:
    Sorry you are suffering so much. I didn't have too much nausea during my chemo, so I'm wondering if they give you premeds? I took meds the night before chemo, they gave me Pepcid and Anzamet during the chemo infusion, and I started anti-nausea meds again right after my treatment. The Zofran worked well for me, but you must take it BEFORE the nausea starts. It will not take the nausea away once it's there. And I know we've talked before on this board about Phenergen or Compazine suppositories. That way you don't have to ingest anything, which is hard to do when you're already nauseated.

    It sure doesn't make it any easier when insurance companies, etc. only only a certain amount. My daughter is pregnant and her first trimester was extremely bad regarding nausea. She couldn't eat anything at all, which concerned us for her and the baby. Her insurance company only allowed 6 Zofran in a month. So, I know what you are going through with your insurance.

    I will send lots of prayers your way so that you can get over this nasty side affect, Joanne. And of course, lots of hugs, too.

    Monika

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