starting chemo tomorrow

VictoriaSF
VictoriaSF Member Posts: 165
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
had my onco appt today - starting chemo tomorrow - 6 rounds of carbo-taxol
glad to finally start but nervous of course.

Doctor gave prescriptions for anti nausea meds, etc..

She said - absolutely no antioxidents during chemo. Did anyone else had same direction from the doctors?
Seems like only vitamin D is ok.

about pain in my right side - CT did not show hernia or anything else - she thinks it is muscle pain and eventually will go away.

any word of advise will be appreciated

Thank you ladies!

Victoria

Comments

  • Mum2bellaandwilliam
    Mum2bellaandwilliam Member Posts: 412
    Good luck!
    I am not fighting this beast, but my mum is.
    To start with it is so scary, fear of the unknown. I went to hell and back and as I said it wasn't even me who had to deal with it!
    The chemo wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be for her.I think they have such good meds now.
    Mum has been really lucky and only felt tired, she did feel sick after her first infusion, but I don't think she took her anti sickness in time, make sure you take them before you feel Sick and not when you start feel nauseous.
    Good luck tomorrow xxxx
    Keep us posted.
  • Mwee
    Mwee Member Posts: 1,338
    Dear Victoria
    Best of luck with your first chemo infusion. Although no one has ever called carbo/taxol fun, it is doable. My best advice would be to give in and rest when you feel tired, stock up on movies/books/music... whatever makes you happy, and let the housework go for another time.
    (((HUGS))) Maria
  • clamryn
    clamryn Member Posts: 508
    Good Luck
    I will be thinking about you Victoria. It is not as bad as you fear. We are all here for you. Just think of it as going into your body and eating up any cancer cells that are there. Pack you a bag of goodies. Something you might want to munch on and maybe some magazines. You will meet a lot of new people when you go on this journey. They will all be willing to help you. I didn't get sick and I feel very fortunate. The meds they gave me were great and I hope whatever they gave you will work for you too. They have come a long way with that. My doctor didn't mention anything about Vitamin D to me or about the antioxidants.
    Please post after you get your treatment and let us know how you are doing.

    Linda
  • kayandok
    kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
    Dear Victoria,
    wishing you the best on your carbo/taxol. You will be surprised at how notabigdeal chemo really is. Your pain might be an adhesion, which should eventually resolve itself.
    Hugs,
    Kathleen
  • srwruns
    srwruns Member Posts: 343
    I believe you will do great.
    I believe you will do great. I have my 4th of 6th on Friday. When I first posted my anxiety and fears back in November for my first chemo I thought making it this far would seem like forever and wondered if I would ever make it...and of course, as time does, it seems like yesterday. I am very confused on supplements during chemo. I am going to ask my Doctor and nutritionist again on Friday what is ok and what isn't. I get so much conflicting information. I am also on blood thinners so I have a whole range of restrictions just because of that. Do take your anti nausea meds on schedule. It's very difficult to squelch it once it starts. They usually cause constipation so you might want to think about taking Miralax or Sennokot or whatever you prefer or is recommended (and stool softeners). I found dealing with the constipation the most grueling part of post chemo treatments. I also need to take an anti anxiety med the night of chemo because I am so wired from the steroid pre med they give me and I can't sleep. Bone pain will start in a few days, but just for a short time and I found manageable either with Tylenol or if especially bad with half a percocet. When you are feeling up to it, check back in and let us know how it went. Lots of deep breathing tomorrow to help you relax. Susan
  • srwruns
    srwruns Member Posts: 343
    I forgot to ask, are in in
    I forgot to ask, are you in the San Franciso area? I am down in Santa Cruz, getting treatment at Stanford. I think I picked up on one of your early posts you may be in the Bay Area too.
  • anicca
    anicca Member Posts: 334 Member
    Just finished my 6 rounds in September
    Hi Victoria. I just finished round 6 of 6 (carbo/taxol) in mid September. Everyone's experiences are a little different. I didn't have any ill effects until day 3 after the treatment, then in the afternoon, started to feel extremely nauseous. I actually didn't realize what it was because I don't ever have nausea, except for morning sickness when pregnant, and it wasn't like that. Zofran worked wonders for me, but also made me a little dizzy and tired. I had my chemo on a Thursday, so on Sunday afternoon, I started the Zofran. By Sunday night, I was very tired, and by Monday, I was totaled, and remained exhausted until Wednesday evening. I had very little energy the whole time, and was only able to work weekends (almost my normal schedule) by conserving my energy the rest of the time.

    The worst side effect I had was a a little superficial neuropathy in my hands and feet, but when it started it was sudden and painful. It began after my second treatment, and I didn't know what was going on. My feet suddenly had severe shooting pains in the soles and heels. My husband was home and massaged them for me, which helped. I called the doctor, of course, and the Nurse/Practitioner (N/P) told me to take 50mg of B6 and 250mg of Magnesium. I had read that vitamin E could help, but was told to only take it every other day. Ask about those three. It would be good to have them on hand if you need them. They really helped, and I am still taking them.

    I go to the NYU Cancer Center, and their chemo floor is quite posh, so I actually enjoyed the chemo days, especially the massage, which I always had just for my calves and feet.

    Be sure to dress comfortably and either wear or bring slip-on shoes. I brought a water bottle so I wouldn't have to deal with an open cup or glass while on an IV. NYU has free WiFi, and your facility may also, so if you have a small device, like a phone with data plan, iPad, or netbook, you should bring it. Don't forget a charging cord!
  • VictoriaSF
    VictoriaSF Member Posts: 165
    anicca said:

    Just finished my 6 rounds in September
    Hi Victoria. I just finished round 6 of 6 (carbo/taxol) in mid September. Everyone's experiences are a little different. I didn't have any ill effects until day 3 after the treatment, then in the afternoon, started to feel extremely nauseous. I actually didn't realize what it was because I don't ever have nausea, except for morning sickness when pregnant, and it wasn't like that. Zofran worked wonders for me, but also made me a little dizzy and tired. I had my chemo on a Thursday, so on Sunday afternoon, I started the Zofran. By Sunday night, I was very tired, and by Monday, I was totaled, and remained exhausted until Wednesday evening. I had very little energy the whole time, and was only able to work weekends (almost my normal schedule) by conserving my energy the rest of the time.

    The worst side effect I had was a a little superficial neuropathy in my hands and feet, but when it started it was sudden and painful. It began after my second treatment, and I didn't know what was going on. My feet suddenly had severe shooting pains in the soles and heels. My husband was home and massaged them for me, which helped. I called the doctor, of course, and the Nurse/Practitioner (N/P) told me to take 50mg of B6 and 250mg of Magnesium. I had read that vitamin E could help, but was told to only take it every other day. Ask about those three. It would be good to have them on hand if you need them. They really helped, and I am still taking them.

    I go to the NYU Cancer Center, and their chemo floor is quite posh, so I actually enjoyed the chemo days, especially the massage, which I always had just for my calves and feet.

    Be sure to dress comfortably and either wear or bring slip-on shoes. I brought a water bottle so I wouldn't have to deal with an open cup or glass while on an IV. NYU has free WiFi, and your facility may also, so if you have a small device, like a phone with data plan, iPad, or netbook, you should bring it. Don't forget a charging cord!

    Thank you All!
    Thank you Ladies!
    I appreciate your support, tips and advises so so much

    Praying to God - i will not have big side effects

    Will keep you posted

    Hugs
    Victoria

    p.s - to Susan - yes - i am in San Francisco. Would be nice to meet one day:)
  • childofthestars
    childofthestars Member Posts: 251 Member

    Thank you All!
    Thank you Ladies!
    I appreciate your support, tips and advises so so much

    Praying to God - i will not have big side effects

    Will keep you posted

    Hugs
    Victoria

    p.s - to Susan - yes - i am in San Francisco. Would be nice to meet one day:)

    Chemo
    Hi Victoria
    I finished my carbo/taxol treatment last month I was having taxol every week with carbo/taxol every 3rd week - this went on for 18 weeks. Everyone is very different with regard to the side effects they experience but the anti-sickness medications were very effective and I only felt slightly nauseous after the double treatments but was never actually sick, the oncologist added in extra anti-sickness medication with the double treatment because it's the carbo that makes you feel sick more than the taxol.
    When I was initially diagnosed a friend told me about a product called Manuka Honey, I did a bit of research and decided to try it - 1 teaspoon 3x daily plus I also took an Iron supplement in liquid form. I don't know whether it was coincedence or not but my bloods were always really good and I never had to have a treatment delayed my oncologist was very impressed. I also had Vit B12 shots monthly. I still continue with this regime although not as rigidly.
    The main side effect I had during treatment was hair loss but since finishing treatment i've lost my eyebrows and lashes which apparently can happen although thankfully they've just started to grow back! I was also very tired sometimes - not all the time but realised it was very important to rest when i felt tired. This was no easy thing for me because i'm normally such an active person so I literally had to force myself to lie down! I still get tired and do rest when I feel like this.
    Wishing you the very best of luck with your treatments and please keep us informed of how you're doing.
    Michelle x
  • VictoriaSF
    VictoriaSF Member Posts: 165

    Chemo
    Hi Victoria
    I finished my carbo/taxol treatment last month I was having taxol every week with carbo/taxol every 3rd week - this went on for 18 weeks. Everyone is very different with regard to the side effects they experience but the anti-sickness medications were very effective and I only felt slightly nauseous after the double treatments but was never actually sick, the oncologist added in extra anti-sickness medication with the double treatment because it's the carbo that makes you feel sick more than the taxol.
    When I was initially diagnosed a friend told me about a product called Manuka Honey, I did a bit of research and decided to try it - 1 teaspoon 3x daily plus I also took an Iron supplement in liquid form. I don't know whether it was coincedence or not but my bloods were always really good and I never had to have a treatment delayed my oncologist was very impressed. I also had Vit B12 shots monthly. I still continue with this regime although not as rigidly.
    The main side effect I had during treatment was hair loss but since finishing treatment i've lost my eyebrows and lashes which apparently can happen although thankfully they've just started to grow back! I was also very tired sometimes - not all the time but realised it was very important to rest when i felt tired. This was no easy thing for me because i'm normally such an active person so I literally had to force myself to lie down! I still get tired and do rest when I feel like this.
    Wishing you the very best of luck with your treatments and please keep us informed of how you're doing.
    Michelle x

    manuka honey
    Thank you Michelle
    so interesting - we have manuka honey umf16 at home and my husband reorders it on regular basis. he has some gastro problem - acid reflux and takes it daily.
    i guess i need to look into it too . i like the taste
    but i have read it needs to be umf 15 or more, we buy 16

    thanks again
    victoria
  • nancy591
    nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member
    chemo
    My inital chemo was carbo/taxol IV for 5 rounds then cisplat/taxol IP for 3 rounds. The carbo/taxol was by far easier then the cisplat/taxol. Yes to the total body hair loss. If I remember correctly I did feel 'yucky' probably starting on day 2 and lasting till day 6. My facility has a standard anti nausea protocol and I never had to take anything additional. I believe I was on decadron (steriod) & Emend(anti-nausea) for 2 days after chemo and I never needed anything additional.

    I am an active Mom. My younger two boys who were 3 and 5 at the time. I certainly didn't have the luxury of babying myself!!! I did quit my job and sent my 3yr old to full time prek so I could have some time to myself. On the weeks I felt better I would keep my little guy home from school. During my chemo I volunteered at the school 2 days a week. During my initial treatment I never had a delay in treatment for any reason. I think I tolerated it all very well. And ran circles around my 21yr old daughter!!

    Good luck today!!!
  • poopergirl14052
    poopergirl14052 Member Posts: 1,183 Member
    good luck
    I wish you best of luck during your first chemo. I slept alot for a few days had some pain and nausea but nver had emesis. I had my tx last thurs. and worked yesterday. Nap when you can, take something for pain if needed. One down and 5 to go!!
  • srwruns
    srwruns Member Posts: 343

    Thank you All!
    Thank you Ladies!
    I appreciate your support, tips and advises so so much

    Praying to God - i will not have big side effects

    Will keep you posted

    Hugs
    Victoria

    p.s - to Susan - yes - i am in San Francisco. Would be nice to meet one day:)

    where are you getting
    where are you getting treatment UCSF? I am at Stanford. Susan
  • VictoriaSF
    VictoriaSF Member Posts: 165

    Thank you All!
    Thank you Ladies!
    I appreciate your support, tips and advises so so much

    Praying to God - i will not have big side effects

    Will keep you posted

    Hugs
    Victoria

    p.s - to Susan - yes - i am in San Francisco. Would be nice to meet one day:)

    update on my first chemo
    hi
    my chemo session went very well, it was long but nothing scary, except for one annoying lady who was screaming on everybody and was extrmely hiper , her goodie bag contained of probably 10 kinds of cookies, chips, etc and was trying to send nurse to buy her cake..
    but i did stay centered, reading magazines and of course working on my computer...
    can not afford time off.
    but the most important thing - how i will feel tomorrow and after..
    i am taking all the pills , on the clock.

    i had my IP port inserted during my surgery, but somehow it was placed too high - practically under rib cage, so the regular needle can not reach it
    hospital order special needle - much longer and maybe next week i will go there and try again, to see if it is even working
    if yes - i will get IP chemo as well - but i will need to go to radiology first, have needle to inserted and go to onco for chemo. It is what it is - i am trying not to stress too much about it
    thanks for all your posts
    best
    Victoria
  • childofthestars
    childofthestars Member Posts: 251 Member

    manuka honey
    Thank you Michelle
    so interesting - we have manuka honey umf16 at home and my husband reorders it on regular basis. he has some gastro problem - acid reflux and takes it daily.
    i guess i need to look into it too . i like the taste
    but i have read it needs to be umf 15 or more, we buy 16

    thanks again
    victoria

    Manuka Honey
    Hi Victoria
    I have been told to take UMF20+ as this is what is recommended for people undergoing chemo. I'm glad you like the taste - I hate it but that's maybe because I have been taking it neat 3 times a day and I find it quite sickly. BUT it seems to have done the trick. I would thoroughly recommend at least giving it a try and also liquid iron which is gentler on the stomach than tablets.
    Please let me know how you are getting on.
    Michelle x
  • nancy591
    nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member

    update on my first chemo
    hi
    my chemo session went very well, it was long but nothing scary, except for one annoying lady who was screaming on everybody and was extrmely hiper , her goodie bag contained of probably 10 kinds of cookies, chips, etc and was trying to send nurse to buy her cake..
    but i did stay centered, reading magazines and of course working on my computer...
    can not afford time off.
    but the most important thing - how i will feel tomorrow and after..
    i am taking all the pills , on the clock.

    i had my IP port inserted during my surgery, but somehow it was placed too high - practically under rib cage, so the regular needle can not reach it
    hospital order special needle - much longer and maybe next week i will go there and try again, to see if it is even working
    if yes - i will get IP chemo as well - but i will need to go to radiology first, have needle to inserted and go to onco for chemo. It is what it is - i am trying not to stress too much about it
    thanks for all your posts
    best
    Victoria

    IP port
    My IP port was placed practically on my rib cage so they can use the rib cage as a stablizig base when inserting the needle. I am told they used to place them lower but then it was harder to get the needle inserted.
    Sorry it is giving you trouble. Glad your chemo went well.
  • pattysoo
    pattysoo Member Posts: 170
    antioxidents
    I had a "Chemo Class" when I began treatments. There was a really long list of things to avoid, and yes, antioxidents was on that list. Also: toothpaste with whitening, fresh, uncooked fruits and veges (frozen was ok), flossing. If I have to undergo treatment again, I'd watch my white blood cell count and decide when to avoid fresh fruits and veges. Also, I found an extra gentle floss and used it very gently, and I discovered that my electric toothbrush was more gentle and thorough than the extra soft manual toothbrush that was recommended. However, with treatments 4, 5, & 6 I ran a low grade fever from about day 10 to day 12. My onc. suggested that the fever was caused by bacteria, perhaps from brushing or flossing plus low white cell counts.
    I took Vit. B, magnesium, iron, and Vt. C supplements. I ate cooked greens and high quality protein almost daily. For me it was all about keeping those blood counts up so that I didn't have to miss a treatment. Good luck. I got my treatments on Fridays too.
  • srwruns
    srwruns Member Posts: 343
    pattysoo said:

    antioxidents
    I had a "Chemo Class" when I began treatments. There was a really long list of things to avoid, and yes, antioxidents was on that list. Also: toothpaste with whitening, fresh, uncooked fruits and veges (frozen was ok), flossing. If I have to undergo treatment again, I'd watch my white blood cell count and decide when to avoid fresh fruits and veges. Also, I found an extra gentle floss and used it very gently, and I discovered that my electric toothbrush was more gentle and thorough than the extra soft manual toothbrush that was recommended. However, with treatments 4, 5, & 6 I ran a low grade fever from about day 10 to day 12. My onc. suggested that the fever was caused by bacteria, perhaps from brushing or flossing plus low white cell counts.
    I took Vit. B, magnesium, iron, and Vt. C supplements. I ate cooked greens and high quality protein almost daily. For me it was all about keeping those blood counts up so that I didn't have to miss a treatment. Good luck. I got my treatments on Fridays too.

    Interesting abouut the fresh
    Interesting abouut the fresh fruits and veggies. That wasn't mentioned in my chemo class or by the nutritionist that provides services to cancer center. They just said wash everyything carefully. I have chemo today and a meeting with the nutritionist so I will be sure to ask her since I have been ALOT of fresh stuff. Always something isn't it? Susan
  • VictoriaSF
    VictoriaSF Member Posts: 165
    srwruns said:

    Interesting abouut the fresh
    Interesting abouut the fresh fruits and veggies. That wasn't mentioned in my chemo class or by the nutritionist that provides services to cancer center. They just said wash everyything carefully. I have chemo today and a meeting with the nutritionist so I will be sure to ask her since I have been ALOT of fresh stuff. Always something isn't it? Susan

    thank you all
    Thank you so much for all your replies
    it really helps
    so far i am feeling ok, taking meds on schedule,
    starting to have little bone ache, but not too bad

    hugs and bellising
    victoria

    Susan - yes- i am in ucsf