Starting Chemo

christianchickcher
christianchickcher Member Posts: 26
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Ladies,

I will be starting my iv/ip chemo beginning Monday and could use some encouragement. Day 1 (Monday) They will be using taxel in the iv port, then Tues cistplatin (SP?) through IP, then taxel in IP the following Monday. The doctor is hoping to get me through at least 4 of the 6 rounds. I'm nervous, especially about the cistplatin.

Cheryl

Comments

  • kris43
    kris43 Member Posts: 275
    #2
    chemo
    Hi Cheryl- I don't know if there is anything that can be said to calm the fear of starting chemo, but I do know that IV/IP Chemo is the current standard treatment these days for first time ovarian cancer patients - or as they told me, the latest and greatest. I was only able to complete 2 rounds of IV/IP and ended up doing the rest just IV - but my oncologist reminded me over and over again, ANY amount of chemo IP should give us a longer survival rate. Any every day I can get, I'll take.

    Everyone responds to chemo differently - so you must go in to this with a positive attitude and take the nausea drugs as ordered, remember to take your stool softeners so you don't end up constipated (which is horrible), drink plenty of liquids and rest. And let others take care of you - it makes them feel as if they are contributing to your getting better.

    I look forward to hearing how you do - and I'm sure you'll do well. Hang in there and know that you will be close in my thoughts. HUGS

    Kris
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #3
    You can do it!!!!
    Take stool softeners before going for Day 1. Have a laxative on hand just in case. I can not stress enough the amount of water you will have to drink. I start with it while on the IV. I like mine, iced and have a big quart thermal cup to lug all over the house. Start the anti nausea pills as soon as you get home, don't wait to see if you will be nauseated. Taxol and carbo didn't hit me hard for the first 48-72 hours IV. IP may be different. The first few doses gave me leg pains but then that stopped mostly. I took Vit. B6 and L-glutamin to prevent foot and hand numbness daily from the first dose and have very little neuropathy.
    Keep a journal as to what is happening because your oncologist will want to know.... Saundra
  • ladyjogger31
    ladyjogger31 Member Posts: 289
    #4
    Good Luck
    Hi Cheryl, Good Luck Monday. Kris and Saundra have given you some great advise. I'm sending you bunches of hugs. I will be thinking of you Monday as I get my next treatment of Gemzar.
    Hugs and Prayers, Terry
  • JoanC
    JoanC Member Posts: 231 Member
    #5
    Chemo
    Cheryl,
    You can do it! I will be sending prayers and hugs your way. I got thru 3 rounds. Just stay hydrated....Gatorade is good to keep your electrolites (sp) up. Also keep moving everyday.
    ((Hugs)) Joan
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #6
    Prayers
    Hey cheryl, just wanted to let you know I am holding you in prayer too. Hugs Bonnie
  • LPack
    LPack Member Posts: 645
    #7
    Good Advice
    Cheryl,

    All good advice. I will stress the water, water and more water. Leg pain (if any) I use heating pad at night and that seemed to help me.

    Took nausea medicine too for at least first two days after chemo.

    Will keep you in my prayers.

    Teal hugs & smiles,

    Libby ☺
  • lafnatitall
    lafnatitall Member Posts: 4
    #8
    You CAN do this!
    Everyone has given such great advice. Arm yourself with constant knowledge...it helps with the fear because knowledge is POWER! Should you have the leg pain/body aches like I had, wrap yourself in a warming blacket...it's like a heating blanket except that it's smaller and lighter. I would wrap my body in it, set it on high, and soothe away. Take all you can take to prevent the nausea. If it does happen anyway, "nibble" on your "meals" all day. Most importantly is the water/liquid intake and Miralax EVERY DAY! I found that G2 worked the best. It's Gatorade with vitamins and electrolytes. I would make slushies out of it and suck on spoonfulls of it. It's easier when your nauseated. I also relied on accupunture for the headaches I would get. I never had the chance to have IP...wish I had because of the great results, but friends of mine have said that yes, the side effects are harder. But, Teal Warriors can do anything and go through anything...I'll call you what a friend of mine called me..."Go, Ta-Wanda, the Warrior!"

    Rhonda
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #9
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • christianchickcher
    christianchickcher Member Posts: 26
    #10
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Delayed treatment
    Well my teal warrior friends,

    My treatment was delayed. I asked them to check on my IP port because the area has been swollen, they were unable to access it. So today I am going down to Pittsburgh PA to see my surgeon again to get it accessed. They didn't want to start treatment until both ports were accessed. Good news is the iv port works great. I appreciate all the great advice. Hang in there ladies, we can all conquer this!!

    Love and Blessings

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