Monday is the first day
Comments
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Hi Gulamin!
I'm glad to hear that you will be getting this treatment started. Yes, your chemo should begin the same day as the radiation, according to standard protocol. Chemo will be during weeks 1 and 5. You are getting the standard chemo drugs, Mitomycin and 5FU, along with the typical number of radiation treatments. I would suggest calling your oncologist's office to find out when they have you scheduled to begin chemo. I'm sure you haven't slipped through the cracks, but you need to make sure--stuff happens. Outcomes are very good for anal cancer, especially Stage I and II, so your docs are right on with their optimism and you should be very encouraged. Think positive! I wish you the very best with your journey.0 -
Thank yoump327 said:Hi Gulamin!
I'm glad to hear that you will be getting this treatment started. Yes, your chemo should begin the same day as the radiation, according to standard protocol. Chemo will be during weeks 1 and 5. You are getting the standard chemo drugs, Mitomycin and 5FU, along with the typical number of radiation treatments. I would suggest calling your oncologist's office to find out when they have you scheduled to begin chemo. I'm sure you haven't slipped through the cracks, but you need to make sure--stuff happens. Outcomes are very good for anal cancer, especially Stage I and II, so your docs are right on with their optimism and you should be very encouraged. Think positive! I wish you the very best with your journey.
Will call this morning just to be sure. Thank you for your words of encouragement. It's anxiety producing.0 -
I started my regime lastGulamin said:Thank you
Will call this morning just to be sure. Thank you for your words of encouragement. It's anxiety producing.
I started my regime last Thursday. I also am T2NOMO. I have always considered myself a "tough cookie" and did my research and planned to face this thing head on. The two nights leading up to treatment onset I couldn't sleep at all. I was so anxious. The day we arrived at the hospital my blood pressure was high - it's never high, it was anxiety. They administered an ativan and I was then fine. I don't know what I expected, did I plan on vomitting immediately? did I plan on feeling the stuff enter my blood stream? I really don't know, but I was scared. The bottom line is it was rather anti-climatic. I felt nothing, the meds they gave me for nausea worked, and the ativan made me sleepy. Over the weekend I kept a close eye on my body and waited for "something" to happen. Nothing did. Just a slight metallic taste in my mouth. Chemo pump was removed on Monday. Now (Wednesday) I am experiencing a severe sore throat. My immune system is compromised so I gather I'm getting a cold. Mouth still tastes tinny. But something is happening "down there". I feel it in my bowels. That rumbling feeling that preceeds diarrhea. Also an itching in the radiation area. I suppose "it's" beginning.
I imagine it's possible for me to manifest symptoms by a heightened over-awareness or just plain over-thinking. What will come, will come no matter what I do about it. I need to stop this mind thing I have going on. I'm going to Barnes and Noble today and picking up a book on meditation. I think I need to learn/practice that instead.
I wish you all the best. Please stay calm, we're all in this together.
Darcee0 -
Monday Start
I agree you should call your Oncologist to make sure you are scheduled to start your Chemo the same day as your radiation. Stay optimistic, as my oncologist told me along with all the doctors I seen at the time and throughout, that while none of us want cancer if we could pick a type to have this is the one we would want, as it has they highest cure rate. I thought at the time that was strange to hear, but those words stayed with me all the way through my treatment and helped get me through it all. I will be praying and sending positive thoughts your way.0 -
Gulamin
Yes, Since its only Wendesday, you should call today and make sure they have everything in order for you to began chemo on Monday. I was Stage II NOMO also. I had the exact same treatment you will be having. I completed tx (treatment), on 6-30-09 and show ned, (no evidence of disease). The only time I cried was the day I asked my mom to come to my house my 1st treatment day, I think everything just set in and it became real. You will do fine, as this is a curable cancer and thats the 1st thing my general surgeon said to me.
Lori0 -
mbh97766--Please inform your oncologist of your sore throat!mbh97766 said:I started my regime last
I started my regime last Thursday. I also am T2NOMO. I have always considered myself a "tough cookie" and did my research and planned to face this thing head on. The two nights leading up to treatment onset I couldn't sleep at all. I was so anxious. The day we arrived at the hospital my blood pressure was high - it's never high, it was anxiety. They administered an ativan and I was then fine. I don't know what I expected, did I plan on vomitting immediately? did I plan on feeling the stuff enter my blood stream? I really don't know, but I was scared. The bottom line is it was rather anti-climatic. I felt nothing, the meds they gave me for nausea worked, and the ativan made me sleepy. Over the weekend I kept a close eye on my body and waited for "something" to happen. Nothing did. Just a slight metallic taste in my mouth. Chemo pump was removed on Monday. Now (Wednesday) I am experiencing a severe sore throat. My immune system is compromised so I gather I'm getting a cold. Mouth still tastes tinny. But something is happening "down there". I feel it in my bowels. That rumbling feeling that preceeds diarrhea. Also an itching in the radiation area. I suppose "it's" beginning.
I imagine it's possible for me to manifest symptoms by a heightened over-awareness or just plain over-thinking. What will come, will come no matter what I do about it. I need to stop this mind thing I have going on. I'm going to Barnes and Noble today and picking up a book on meditation. I think I need to learn/practice that instead.
I wish you all the best. Please stay calm, we're all in this together.
Darcee
This may be a red flag for the beginning of mouth sores, so please don't just dismiss it as a cold coming on. Even if it is a cold, you need to make your doctor aware of it. Your immune system is being attacked and it will be hard to fight off such things as colds and flu. I would suggest keeping an eye on your temperature--a fever would not be good. I'm not trying to alarm you, I just want to make you aware that even small things can turn into big things when you're going through chemo. Please don't hesitate to call your doctor!0 -
That is so good to hearz said:Gulamin
Yes, Since its only Wendesday, you should call today and make sure they have everything in order for you to began chemo on Monday. I was Stage II NOMO also. I had the exact same treatment you will be having. I completed tx (treatment), on 6-30-09 and show ned, (no evidence of disease). The only time I cried was the day I asked my mom to come to my house my 1st treatment day, I think everything just set in and it became real. You will do fine, as this is a curable cancer and thats the 1st thing my general surgeon said to me.
Lori
Thank you. I feel optimistic but then sometimes it just hits me ' is this real '? I can't believe I am talking about chemo and radiation. My doctors also feel really optimistic combined with the fact that I am younger and healthy... we should get through this. How did you do during the treatment?0 -
Yesgrandma2selena said:Monday Start
I agree you should call your Oncologist to make sure you are scheduled to start your Chemo the same day as your radiation. Stay optimistic, as my oncologist told me along with all the doctors I seen at the time and throughout, that while none of us want cancer if we could pick a type to have this is the one we would want, as it has they highest cure rate. I thought at the time that was strange to hear, but those words stayed with me all the way through my treatment and helped get me through it all. I will be praying and sending positive thoughts your way.
That is similar to what my doc said it I am also hanging onto those words. My doc also said that all the people she has seen come through with anal cancer - all of them made it through and did not come back. That sounds wonderful. I just want to get started now and get this going not to give this thing any chance to do any more damage. I am hoping that my mom and my boy will keep me busy so that I don't get overwhelmed with my thoughts. Thank you for sending positive thoughts. I am happy to have found all of you.0 -
Tough cookiembh97766 said:I started my regime last
I started my regime last Thursday. I also am T2NOMO. I have always considered myself a "tough cookie" and did my research and planned to face this thing head on. The two nights leading up to treatment onset I couldn't sleep at all. I was so anxious. The day we arrived at the hospital my blood pressure was high - it's never high, it was anxiety. They administered an ativan and I was then fine. I don't know what I expected, did I plan on vomitting immediately? did I plan on feeling the stuff enter my blood stream? I really don't know, but I was scared. The bottom line is it was rather anti-climatic. I felt nothing, the meds they gave me for nausea worked, and the ativan made me sleepy. Over the weekend I kept a close eye on my body and waited for "something" to happen. Nothing did. Just a slight metallic taste in my mouth. Chemo pump was removed on Monday. Now (Wednesday) I am experiencing a severe sore throat. My immune system is compromised so I gather I'm getting a cold. Mouth still tastes tinny. But something is happening "down there". I feel it in my bowels. That rumbling feeling that preceeds diarrhea. Also an itching in the radiation area. I suppose "it's" beginning.
I imagine it's possible for me to manifest symptoms by a heightened over-awareness or just plain over-thinking. What will come, will come no matter what I do about it. I need to stop this mind thing I have going on. I'm going to Barnes and Noble today and picking up a book on meditation. I think I need to learn/practice that instead.
I wish you all the best. Please stay calm, we're all in this together.
Darcee
I am sure you are a tough cookie... stay positive too! I am trying to stay busy and have ordered a few imagery cd's that do guided imagery to help you through treatment. They are specifically for radiation and chemo. I will let you know if they are any good. I figure it may be easier to listen to it than try to read a book. I am determined to change my life through and after this... this has to be some sort of warning sign to live life more fully and reduce stress levels. Let's stay in touch. Would that be ok? As you are a week ahead of me?
We get through this together!
Thankful for the group's words... the optimism of the doctors is truly refreshing and appreciated. They do know what they are doing. I feel encouraged as it seems this treatment has been around for many years (over 20 years) and it is the one that consistently seems to work.0 -
Chemo scheduledmp327 said:Hi Gulamin!
I'm glad to hear that you will be getting this treatment started. Yes, your chemo should begin the same day as the radiation, according to standard protocol. Chemo will be during weeks 1 and 5. You are getting the standard chemo drugs, Mitomycin and 5FU, along with the typical number of radiation treatments. I would suggest calling your oncologist's office to find out when they have you scheduled to begin chemo. I'm sure you haven't slipped through the cracks, but you need to make sure--stuff happens. Outcomes are very good for anal cancer, especially Stage I and II, so your docs are right on with their optimism and you should be very encouraged. Think positive! I wish you the very best with your journey.
It's scheduled and they will put the pic line tomorrow. Then, Monday is chemo after the radiation.
Does anybody have advice as to my boy? He is 2 and goes to daycare 3 days a week. I would like him to keep the schedule just so he can have that normality in his life. But, am worried about him brining home viruses from the other kids especially since its the season.0 -
GulaminGulamin said:That is so good to hear
Thank you. I feel optimistic but then sometimes it just hits me ' is this real '? I can't believe I am talking about chemo and radiation. My doctors also feel really optimistic combined with the fact that I am younger and healthy... we should get through this. How did you do during the treatment?
I did pretty well through the tx. I used bag balm, (used on cow utters), for the radiated sites and that was soothing. My radiologist gave it to me. I didn't have much nausea from the chemo and only took the nausea meds a couple times. The side effects are cumulative and as you near the end of your tx you will be able to tell that the side effects are building. All of the side effects are manageable and there are medicines to counter act all of them. I know I did get tired and was able to rest whenever I needed to, as I took 2 months off of work. Keep us posted and whatever side effect you get, one of us has surely had it and we can tell you what worked for us. I wish you well Lori.0 -
Gulamin -Gulamin said:Tough cookie
I am sure you are a tough cookie... stay positive too! I am trying to stay busy and have ordered a few imagery cd's that do guided imagery to help you through treatment. They are specifically for radiation and chemo. I will let you know if they are any good. I figure it may be easier to listen to it than try to read a book. I am determined to change my life through and after this... this has to be some sort of warning sign to live life more fully and reduce stress levels. Let's stay in touch. Would that be ok? As you are a week ahead of me?
We get through this together!
Thankful for the group's words... the optimism of the doctors is truly refreshing and appreciated. They do know what they are doing. I feel encouraged as it seems this treatment has been around for many years (over 20 years) and it is the one that consistently seems to work.
In golf, we have a
Gulamin -
In golf, we have a term called "going to school on you". We watch someone else putt, and depending on how the ball rolls for them, we make adjustments in our own putt. I would love to have you "go to school" on me as I am only just one week ahead of you. I'd also love to hear how those CD's work for you, as I too, am determined to change my life and they way I approach things now and when this is all over.
My sore throat has been getting worse, and as Martha has suggested, I am seeing my oncologist tomarrow am. I suppose in this battle, nothing should be assumed or taken for granted. It's becoming difficult to swallow, so I've discovered Pedialite popcicles and a mouth wash developed for oncology patients called "Prevention".
Good luck with your PICC installation - mine went pretty easily. My only complaint is the constant itching, but in the big scheme of things, I can certainly handle that.
I wanted to tell you also about a website called the CaringBridge.org. It's a great place to go and share your story with family and friends without having to repeat yourself so many times a day. I love keeping people infomed about my progress, but I don't want my whole existence to be about cancer. Having this website allows me to address it once maybe twice a day, and then move on. When people ask how I'm doing I can direct them to the site. People can also request to be emailed as you update your "journal". It's something to look into if you're inclined.
Take care, thinking about you, Darcee0 -
Encouragingz said:Gulamin
I did pretty well through the tx. I used bag balm, (used on cow utters), for the radiated sites and that was soothing. My radiologist gave it to me. I didn't have much nausea from the chemo and only took the nausea meds a couple times. The side effects are cumulative and as you near the end of your tx you will be able to tell that the side effects are building. All of the side effects are manageable and there are medicines to counter act all of them. I know I did get tired and was able to rest whenever I needed to, as I took 2 months off of work. Keep us posted and whatever side effect you get, one of us has surely had it and we can tell you what worked for us. I wish you well Lori.
Thank you, Lori. That sounds very encouraging. I will be sure to ask about any symptoms and am hopeful that I will get through it as you did. I will ask about bag balm.0 -
getting through itGulamin said:Wow.. that is fantastic
That is wonderful news! How did you get through it?
Well, luckily I found this board beforehand. I read all the old posts to know what to expect. It was comforting to be able to talk to others on the board, as no one can understand this until they have dealt with it.
It is just one day at a time, that is really the only way to handle it. Oh yeah, and lots of sitz baths. Hang in there it will be over before you know it.
Norma0 -
How are you?mbh97766 said:Gulamin -
In golf, we have a
Gulamin -
In golf, we have a term called "going to school on you". We watch someone else putt, and depending on how the ball rolls for them, we make adjustments in our own putt. I would love to have you "go to school" on me as I am only just one week ahead of you. I'd also love to hear how those CD's work for you, as I too, am determined to change my life and they way I approach things now and when this is all over.
My sore throat has been getting worse, and as Martha has suggested, I am seeing my oncologist tomarrow am. I suppose in this battle, nothing should be assumed or taken for granted. It's becoming difficult to swallow, so I've discovered Pedialite popcicles and a mouth wash developed for oncology patients called "Prevention".
Good luck with your PICC installation - mine went pretty easily. My only complaint is the constant itching, but in the big scheme of things, I can certainly handle that.
I wanted to tell you also about a website called the CaringBridge.org. It's a great place to go and share your story with family and friends without having to repeat yourself so many times a day. I love keeping people infomed about my progress, but I don't want my whole existence to be about cancer. Having this website allows me to address it once maybe twice a day, and then move on. When people ask how I'm doing I can direct them to the site. People can also request to be emailed as you update your "journal". It's something to look into if you're inclined.
Take care, thinking about you, Darcee
How is it going?0 -
Progress ReportGulamin said:How are you?
How is it going?
I am almost 2 weeks into this. As I said, initially I felt nothing but mild fatigue. Then I was plagued with mouth sores. Since I last posted they got pretty bad, but the Miracle Mouthwash helped. They seem to be dissapating a little, just a few canker-like sores on my tongue but I can finally swallow my own saliva, a first in three days. I have been able to get food down, but during the worst it was only cold and soft things, jello, ice cream, applesauce. I'm lucky it only lasted a few days (notice my positive attitude that it won't be coming back)!
I also couldn't stand the dressing on my PICC line any longer. I have developed an allegic reaction to the adhesive tape and my skin had started to welt and itch. I marched up to the oncology nurses station and said, "I can't do this anymore!" They agreed and changed my dressing to a clear plastic type sheeting material. We also skipped the "skin prep". My arm is happy now and I'm no longer regretting chosing this over a port - because believe me, I was.
I suppose that this shows me that, at leaste in my case, my team is dedicated to ensuring my maximum comfort during this ordeal and I really appreciate that. I hope you have the same experience with your "team".
O.K., now the nitty-gritty. The diarrhea started on Monday. My Radiation doctor told me that he wants me to have one bowel movement, and each day, and then take the immodium. So that is what I have been doing. Unfortunately today, I haven't had one, soooo hopefully tomarrow?
Also my skin is starting to react. I feel a tightness and an itching. No burning yet, but it hurts to wipe myself. I have my squirt bottle ready and this fabulous foaming aloe vera wash that I found in the hospital pharmacy. Spray it on, gently wipe it off. And I feel clean. So thats working for me so far. Nothing about my hair yet, but that's the leaste of my worries, and I'm not as fatigued as I anticipated. So, as they say, so far, so good.
How are you? How's your anxiety. Are you able to relax, rest, be strong? Let me know.
Hang in there,
Darcee0 -
Hi Darcee!mbh97766 said:Progress Report
I am almost 2 weeks into this. As I said, initially I felt nothing but mild fatigue. Then I was plagued with mouth sores. Since I last posted they got pretty bad, but the Miracle Mouthwash helped. They seem to be dissapating a little, just a few canker-like sores on my tongue but I can finally swallow my own saliva, a first in three days. I have been able to get food down, but during the worst it was only cold and soft things, jello, ice cream, applesauce. I'm lucky it only lasted a few days (notice my positive attitude that it won't be coming back)!
I also couldn't stand the dressing on my PICC line any longer. I have developed an allegic reaction to the adhesive tape and my skin had started to welt and itch. I marched up to the oncology nurses station and said, "I can't do this anymore!" They agreed and changed my dressing to a clear plastic type sheeting material. We also skipped the "skin prep". My arm is happy now and I'm no longer regretting chosing this over a port - because believe me, I was.
I suppose that this shows me that, at leaste in my case, my team is dedicated to ensuring my maximum comfort during this ordeal and I really appreciate that. I hope you have the same experience with your "team".
O.K., now the nitty-gritty. The diarrhea started on Monday. My Radiation doctor told me that he wants me to have one bowel movement, and each day, and then take the immodium. So that is what I have been doing. Unfortunately today, I haven't had one, soooo hopefully tomarrow?
Also my skin is starting to react. I feel a tightness and an itching. No burning yet, but it hurts to wipe myself. I have my squirt bottle ready and this fabulous foaming aloe vera wash that I found in the hospital pharmacy. Spray it on, gently wipe it off. And I feel clean. So thats working for me so far. Nothing about my hair yet, but that's the leaste of my worries, and I'm not as fatigued as I anticipated. So, as they say, so far, so good.
How are you? How's your anxiety. Are you able to relax, rest, be strong? Let me know.
Hang in there,
Darcee
It's good to get an update from you. It sounds like you have faired pretty well so far. The side effects you describe are common among us--diarrhea, mouth sores, fatigue. I hope that your skin issues don't get too severe. Keep up with the lotions/ointments--whatever you're using, just make sure you get it all removed prior to getting radiation every day. Take care and remember to take it one day, one step at a time. You can do this!0
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