Question about chemo
Colleen
Comments
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my mother's experience
Welcome, Colleen, you are now a reluctant teal warrior! My mother's experience pretty much followed what we were told to expect in our chemo education session. Counting infusion day as day 1, she did okay until day 3, and then had a hard time with various discomforts for about 5-6 days. Starting on day 9-10, things improved quickly and she enjoyed her time until the next chemo. The side effects were cumulative, but not exactly (this is where everyone is different). For Mom, infusions 3 and 4 were hard and 5 and 6 were easier.
During her 'good weeks,' Mom put on her wig and lived as big as she could. As a patient/caregiver team, it was so weird to be able to plan in advance to be sick. Now that I think of it, during the last 3 cycles Mom had some weakness in her legs, so I made sure to be there so she wouldn't be alone at night. Nothing ever happened, but it gave us both a sense of security.
Good luck with this day! Hope it's one of your good weeks.0 -
Thanks for the infoBarbara53 said:my mother's experience
Welcome, Colleen, you are now a reluctant teal warrior! My mother's experience pretty much followed what we were told to expect in our chemo education session. Counting infusion day as day 1, she did okay until day 3, and then had a hard time with various discomforts for about 5-6 days. Starting on day 9-10, things improved quickly and she enjoyed her time until the next chemo. The side effects were cumulative, but not exactly (this is where everyone is different). For Mom, infusions 3 and 4 were hard and 5 and 6 were easier.
During her 'good weeks,' Mom put on her wig and lived as big as she could. As a patient/caregiver team, it was so weird to be able to plan in advance to be sick. Now that I think of it, during the last 3 cycles Mom had some weakness in her legs, so I made sure to be there so she wouldn't be alone at night. Nothing ever happened, but it gave us both a sense of security.
Good luck with this day! Hope it's one of your good weeks.
Barbara thanks for answering my question I will finish round 6 in Dec and was worried I will be too tired to do all the holiday activities. I have been pleasantly surprised at how well I have been feeling the second half of the month. I'm trying to arm myself with as much information as possible so I don't feel so helpless. The uncertainty is so hard to take but this site and all the stong women who are helping each other is a real comfort.
Thanks again
Colleen0 -
My experience.Cafewoman53 said:Thanks for the info
Barbara thanks for answering my question I will finish round 6 in Dec and was worried I will be too tired to do all the holiday activities. I have been pleasantly surprised at how well I have been feeling the second half of the month. I'm trying to arm myself with as much information as possible so I don't feel so helpless. The uncertainty is so hard to take but this site and all the stong women who are helping each other is a real comfort.
Thanks again
Colleen
Colleen
After each of my chemo treatments it was progressively tougher to bounce back. The further the treatments progressed the more tired I became. It has to do with the red blood counts...the counts get lower and lower over time. Sorry to confirm: the effects are cumulative. So rest when you are tired, schedule around your treatments, let people help you and be kind to yourself. Drinks lots of water and take the meds proactively. It is hard to chase the pain, nausea, etc. Questions: ask the nurses or this board...we know all the tricks to survive chemo!
Mary0 -
Everyone is different, CW.
Everyone is different, CW. I had Carboplatin and Taxol every 3 weeks for a total of 6 infusions. I also had the "big belly" surgery, as my doctor called it - hysterectomy, removal of my omentum, and bowel re-section. That was in late Sept, but I didn't get to come home until mid-Oct, due to lots of complications.
My chemo started in late Oct and the first one was truly awful. I passed out, my blood pressure dropped thru the floor....I left the building in a wheelchair. Days 2 and 3 I had some vomiting but other than fatigue, I did quite well.
Each infusion got easier for me, though some find the effects cumulative. It took 6 units of blood to get me thru the whole thing, because my hemoglobin would drop way down.
I still cooked Thanksgiving dinner for 20 people. And Christmas dinner. And flew to W Virginia and back for a funeral.
I am still getting Taxol (every 4 weeks) as maintenance therapy. I have hosted a graduation party and 3 large birthday dinners in the last 2 months.
What stage is your cancer? Mine was IIIc, but I am officially in remission now.
Carlene0 -
BAD CHEMO DAYHissy_Fitz said:Everyone is different, CW.
Everyone is different, CW. I had Carboplatin and Taxol every 3 weeks for a total of 6 infusions. I also had the "big belly" surgery, as my doctor called it - hysterectomy, removal of my omentum, and bowel re-section. That was in late Sept, but I didn't get to come home until mid-Oct, due to lots of complications.
My chemo started in late Oct and the first one was truly awful. I passed out, my blood pressure dropped thru the floor....I left the building in a wheelchair. Days 2 and 3 I had some vomiting but other than fatigue, I did quite well.
Each infusion got easier for me, though some find the effects cumulative. It took 6 units of blood to get me thru the whole thing, because my hemoglobin would drop way down.
I still cooked Thanksgiving dinner for 20 people. And Christmas dinner. And flew to W Virginia and back for a funeral.
I am still getting Taxol (every 4 weeks) as maintenance therapy. I have hosted a graduation party and 3 large birthday dinners in the last 2 months.
What stage is your cancer? Mine was IIIc, but I am officially in remission now.
Carlene
I had my first post-surgery taxol last wed and cisplatin on thur. I didn't feel too bad just generally icky but today has been hard and I have my taxol tomorrow. I don't feel up to it. my first three rounds of chemo were taxol/carboplatin three weeks apart. Now I have day one, taxol, day two, cisplatin and day 8 taxol then three weeks from day one start again. The cisplatin is through a port in my abdoman. Of course when I feel sick everything looks gloomy and last night I began to feel sorry for everyone in my life who has to bear this with me. I talked to my son this morning about how unfair it is that because my life has changed, everyone else's has too. I feel like a pariah or just someone you were prefer not to think about because it is all so gloomy. He tried to make me feel it's ok. Lucky for me (unlucky for her) a dear friend stopped by and I cried on her shoulder a bit which really helped and I told her she lifted me up today. I know I will get past this when I feel better but geez, sometimes I am so sick of all this. You ladies know better than me. Please offer me some words to get through.
Luv, Karen0 -
diaperskikz said:BAD CHEMO DAY
I had my first post-surgery taxol last wed and cisplatin on thur. I didn't feel too bad just generally icky but today has been hard and I have my taxol tomorrow. I don't feel up to it. my first three rounds of chemo were taxol/carboplatin three weeks apart. Now I have day one, taxol, day two, cisplatin and day 8 taxol then three weeks from day one start again. The cisplatin is through a port in my abdoman. Of course when I feel sick everything looks gloomy and last night I began to feel sorry for everyone in my life who has to bear this with me. I talked to my son this morning about how unfair it is that because my life has changed, everyone else's has too. I feel like a pariah or just someone you were prefer not to think about because it is all so gloomy. He tried to make me feel it's ok. Lucky for me (unlucky for her) a dear friend stopped by and I cried on her shoulder a bit which really helped and I told her she lifted me up today. I know I will get past this when I feel better but geez, sometimes I am so sick of all this. You ladies know better than me. Please offer me some words to get through.
Luv, Karen
K, when you feel like you're glooming out your son and your friends, please remember all those diapers you changed and scraped knees you soothed. Who said moms get to do all the caring?
The chemo is temporary. It will be over soon.0 -
HARD!kikz said:BAD CHEMO DAY
I had my first post-surgery taxol last wed and cisplatin on thur. I didn't feel too bad just generally icky but today has been hard and I have my taxol tomorrow. I don't feel up to it. my first three rounds of chemo were taxol/carboplatin three weeks apart. Now I have day one, taxol, day two, cisplatin and day 8 taxol then three weeks from day one start again. The cisplatin is through a port in my abdoman. Of course when I feel sick everything looks gloomy and last night I began to feel sorry for everyone in my life who has to bear this with me. I talked to my son this morning about how unfair it is that because my life has changed, everyone else's has too. I feel like a pariah or just someone you were prefer not to think about because it is all so gloomy. He tried to make me feel it's ok. Lucky for me (unlucky for her) a dear friend stopped by and I cried on her shoulder a bit which really helped and I told her she lifted me up today. I know I will get past this when I feel better but geez, sometimes I am so sick of all this. You ladies know better than me. Please offer me some words to get through.
Luv, Karen
Karen,
Don't forget...you are on a tough regimen!!! I had IP cisplat/taxol too. I found it to be a lot toiugher then the IV carbo/taxol. I'd too would feel icky...not too bad...just icky. Then the tears would start. Several days after chemo I'd get weepy. All your feelings are normal!! I understand your pariah comment as well. I too worry I may become the depressing one to talk too. It is tough not to talk about anything else but cancer because the cancer rules our lives. I don't have much advice but I want you to know that everything you said and feel is so normal. I too remember feeling 'sick of being sick'. It will pass. See the light at the end of this tunnel. Take joy in watching your ca125 go down and imagine that lengthy remission awaiting you.0 -
This comment has been removed by the Moderatornancy591 said:HARD!
Karen,
Don't forget...you are on a tough regimen!!! I had IP cisplat/taxol too. I found it to be a lot toiugher then the IV carbo/taxol. I'd too would feel icky...not too bad...just icky. Then the tears would start. Several days after chemo I'd get weepy. All your feelings are normal!! I understand your pariah comment as well. I too worry I may become the depressing one to talk too. It is tough not to talk about anything else but cancer because the cancer rules our lives. I don't have much advice but I want you to know that everything you said and feel is so normal. I too remember feeling 'sick of being sick'. It will pass. See the light at the end of this tunnel. Take joy in watching your ca125 go down and imagine that lengthy remission awaiting you.0 -
lllcHissy_Fitz said:Everyone is different, CW.
Everyone is different, CW. I had Carboplatin and Taxol every 3 weeks for a total of 6 infusions. I also had the "big belly" surgery, as my doctor called it - hysterectomy, removal of my omentum, and bowel re-section. That was in late Sept, but I didn't get to come home until mid-Oct, due to lots of complications.
My chemo started in late Oct and the first one was truly awful. I passed out, my blood pressure dropped thru the floor....I left the building in a wheelchair. Days 2 and 3 I had some vomiting but other than fatigue, I did quite well.
Each infusion got easier for me, though some find the effects cumulative. It took 6 units of blood to get me thru the whole thing, because my hemoglobin would drop way down.
I still cooked Thanksgiving dinner for 20 people. And Christmas dinner. And flew to W Virginia and back for a funeral.
I am still getting Taxol (every 4 weeks) as maintenance therapy. I have hosted a graduation party and 3 large birthday dinners in the last 2 months.
What stage is your cancer? Mine was IIIc, but I am officially in remission now.
Carlene
Carlene thanks for your reply. My cancer is lllc they found it when I was getting a hysterctomy for uterine polyps I pushed for the surgery because I suspected there was something else going on in there , the dr/onc was surprised to find the cancer but I did not get the optimal debulking because she would have had to remove most of my bowels. in a few months she will go back in and see how much the chemo got rid of . I will probably will have to have a colostomy whether it will be reversable or not I don't know.
Congratulations on your remission, reading all the posts here makes me hopefull that I too will fight this battle with the stregnth and courage you all have.0 -
Thank you so much for your wordsnancy591 said:HARD!
Karen,
Don't forget...you are on a tough regimen!!! I had IP cisplat/taxol too. I found it to be a lot toiugher then the IV carbo/taxol. I'd too would feel icky...not too bad...just icky. Then the tears would start. Several days after chemo I'd get weepy. All your feelings are normal!! I understand your pariah comment as well. I too worry I may become the depressing one to talk too. It is tough not to talk about anything else but cancer because the cancer rules our lives. I don't have much advice but I want you to know that everything you said and feel is so normal. I too remember feeling 'sick of being sick'. It will pass. See the light at the end of this tunnel. Take joy in watching your ca125 go down and imagine that lengthy remission awaiting you.
This is the first time I'm going to chemo where I already feel sick. I had a horrible night of crazy dreams, fitfull sleeping and pain in my abdoman. I don't really feel like adding more chemo to my system at this point. Icky to me is just a general crappy feeling; no vomiting or diarrhea and I can actually eat (very specific things, like potatoes with margarine for dinner every night) so it's not horrible but consistent.
My family is very supportive but yeah, I feel like everything is about cancer and I'm afraid it will be that way now for the rest of my life in one way or another.
Luckily I have learned that I feel most of these feelings during chemo and once I feel better and can do some normal things, my spirits do lift. But each time during these days, it is once again hard to peer out of this tunnel.
Well, I am off to the shower, last thing I really want to do right now. Let you know how it goes later.
Bless you all.
Luv, Karen0 -
Good Luck Karenkikz said:Thank you so much for your words
This is the first time I'm going to chemo where I already feel sick. I had a horrible night of crazy dreams, fitfull sleeping and pain in my abdoman. I don't really feel like adding more chemo to my system at this point. Icky to me is just a general crappy feeling; no vomiting or diarrhea and I can actually eat (very specific things, like potatoes with margarine for dinner every night) so it's not horrible but consistent.
My family is very supportive but yeah, I feel like everything is about cancer and I'm afraid it will be that way now for the rest of my life in one way or another.
Luckily I have learned that I feel most of these feelings during chemo and once I feel better and can do some normal things, my spirits do lift. But each time during these days, it is once again hard to peer out of this tunnel.
Well, I am off to the shower, last thing I really want to do right now. Let you know how it goes later.
Bless you all.
Luv, Karen
It is so hard to think positive when you are sick and weak, try to imagine that the cancer cells are getting beat up twice as bad as you !
Colleen0 -
Connieunknown said:This comment has been removed by the Moderator
I had 3 infusions of IP cisplat/IV carbo after my illeostomy reversal. My digetive issues were impacted because I was post surgery. Icky for me means just not feeling good, a little bit of nausea. Also note I never took any additional antinausea medications or pain medications. MSKCC has a wonderful premed protocol and a wonderful antinausea protocol. If you want me to elaborate on that just let me know. So, I never took anything additional then the 3 days of post chemo meds prescribed. The IP chemo gave me TONS of gas. My appetite was ok. Very fatigued as well. Also, don't forget that my kids were 3 and 5 at this time. Although they were in school full time I was never able to 'baby' myself. My sleep was also effected by the steriods. I also became very weepy by day 3 or 4. Was it fatigue catching up with me...I don't know.
If you are used to living alone I think you will be fine but of course everyone tolerates things differently. A women on here had posted that she was hospitalized the first night of each IP chemo. Maybe she had other things going on that needed closer monitoring, I don't know.
Thank you for asking about my cruise. I leave Aug. 21-28th, God willing! I think my need to 'clean' is driven by looking for control of my life....or some aspect of it. The cancer/chemo experience spins our lives out of control. That my is Lucy (Peanuts)roadside psychoanalysis. LOL
Good luck with your IP chemo. Let us know how it goes. I have my appointment tomorrow with the GYN ONC in NYC to talk about my treatement options if this regimen fails me. My ca125 jumped 8 points. There are two ongoing trials that look good. One is in its final stages it looks at weekly taxol alone vs weekly taxol with a new agent. One is an oral medication. Both are for resistant advanced ovarian. Another option for me is a different traditional chemo, probably Topo with Avastin. Something HAS TO work!!!!!!
Much love too,
Nancy :-)0 -
This comment has been removed by the Moderatornancy591 said:Connie
I had 3 infusions of IP cisplat/IV carbo after my illeostomy reversal. My digetive issues were impacted because I was post surgery. Icky for me means just not feeling good, a little bit of nausea. Also note I never took any additional antinausea medications or pain medications. MSKCC has a wonderful premed protocol and a wonderful antinausea protocol. If you want me to elaborate on that just let me know. So, I never took anything additional then the 3 days of post chemo meds prescribed. The IP chemo gave me TONS of gas. My appetite was ok. Very fatigued as well. Also, don't forget that my kids were 3 and 5 at this time. Although they were in school full time I was never able to 'baby' myself. My sleep was also effected by the steriods. I also became very weepy by day 3 or 4. Was it fatigue catching up with me...I don't know.
If you are used to living alone I think you will be fine but of course everyone tolerates things differently. A women on here had posted that she was hospitalized the first night of each IP chemo. Maybe she had other things going on that needed closer monitoring, I don't know.
Thank you for asking about my cruise. I leave Aug. 21-28th, God willing! I think my need to 'clean' is driven by looking for control of my life....or some aspect of it. The cancer/chemo experience spins our lives out of control. That my is Lucy (Peanuts)roadside psychoanalysis. LOL
Good luck with your IP chemo. Let us know how it goes. I have my appointment tomorrow with the GYN ONC in NYC to talk about my treatement options if this regimen fails me. My ca125 jumped 8 points. There are two ongoing trials that look good. One is in its final stages it looks at weekly taxol alone vs weekly taxol with a new agent. One is an oral medication. Both are for resistant advanced ovarian. Another option for me is a different traditional chemo, probably Topo with Avastin. Something HAS TO work!!!!!!
Much love too,
Nancy :-)0 -
Ditto...kikz said:BAD CHEMO DAY
I had my first post-surgery taxol last wed and cisplatin on thur. I didn't feel too bad just generally icky but today has been hard and I have my taxol tomorrow. I don't feel up to it. my first three rounds of chemo were taxol/carboplatin three weeks apart. Now I have day one, taxol, day two, cisplatin and day 8 taxol then three weeks from day one start again. The cisplatin is through a port in my abdoman. Of course when I feel sick everything looks gloomy and last night I began to feel sorry for everyone in my life who has to bear this with me. I talked to my son this morning about how unfair it is that because my life has changed, everyone else's has too. I feel like a pariah or just someone you were prefer not to think about because it is all so gloomy. He tried to make me feel it's ok. Lucky for me (unlucky for her) a dear friend stopped by and I cried on her shoulder a bit which really helped and I told her she lifted me up today. I know I will get past this when I feel better but geez, sometimes I am so sick of all this. You ladies know better than me. Please offer me some words to get through.
Luv, Karen
Your post could have been written by me, not to mention my name is Karen too. The IP has been rough on me. I have the same regimen: taxol IV on day one, cisplatin IP day two and taxol IP on day 8. I am scheduled to start my fourth round on Tuesday and am seriously thinking about asking for an extra week off. I try and remind myself that each day I am closer to the victory line. I do it for my kids and my husband and the years we plan on spending together.
Hang in there love and hugs,
Karen0
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