Side effects and possible change of protocol

LorettaMarshall said:

"Lucky"~U R on A tuff regimen~hang in there!

Well hello again “Lucky”

There is an old joke about a flier for a lost dog who is blind, has three legs, is missing his right ear, had his tail run over, was accidentally neutered and answers to the name "Lucky."

 And I must say, when I first saw your “ID”, I thought of this ad.  Believe me, once we been through chemo and surgery, one or more times, we could post our own flyer, naming missing parts….yet in reality still answering to the name of “Lucky”. 

So “Lucky”—you’re on a tough regimen.  Someone misled you if they told you that you would not lose your hair when you’re taking “Paclitaxel”!  And as for Breast pain, from time to time, I do have breast pain, but now that is different from “chest pain” so be certain of the pain origin. 

I’ve already been on a Carbo/Paclitaxel (Taxol) regimen on 3 separate occasions, and lost my hair all 3 times.  I finished my last series in January of 2017 and my hair is now all of ½ inch long.  I wish my tumors would grow as slowly as my hair!  As a matter of fact, I just went to my oncologist today for my monthly visit, and my CA-125 marker has jumped by 60 some points in one month.   Yes, that’s disconcerting.  I did want to have the “summer off”—but unless I have some new unexplained persistent pain, I will wait another month.  I fully expect an escalation.  Cancer “is what it is” so I’m thankful to have had 4 ½ additional years since my Stage IV diagnosis in November of 2012.  And like I’ve said so many times before, my hope is for a long period of “Progression Free Survival (PFS)”.  But that is in God’s hands—I’m doing all I know to do and have complete confidence in my oncologist.

Now, as for that “double knee replacement” you’ve got another heavy schedule.  I was left with Neuropathy, especially in my left leg and ankle, as well as some hearing loss from my very first treatments back in early 2013.  When I go out in public, I use a cane.   I have quite a few of them—two are of a floral design, others are, cobalt blue, teal, black, gold, & animal print.  Can’t wear spiked heels anymore.  Somehow they just aren’t as stylish when I’m walking with a cane.  Actually I haven’t worn high heels in years, but the ones I have in my closet are just like many of the “spike heels” I see in the stores today.  That reminds me of something else Johnny Carson said once. 

He said:  “I like mini-skirts but not with support hose and orthopedic shoes!

Okay Lucky, whatever you do, when you get those knees worked on—don’t let the docs take out your “funny bone.”  Laughter doeth the heart good like a medicine!

Love Loretta

(Peritoneal Carcinomatosis/Ovarian Cancer DX 11-2012)

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1. https://www.oncolink.org/cancer-treatment/chemotherapy/oncolink-rx/paciltaxel-protein-bound-abraxane-r

“…About Paclitaxel, Protein Bound (Abraxane®)

Paclitaxel, protein bound, is a form of paclitaxel chemotherapy. The paclitaxel particles are bound in a protein called albumin, which is derived from human blood. This prevents the reactions associated with the preservative used in regular paclitaxel and allows higher doses to be given. Paclitaxel is a plant alkaloid that was developed from the bark of the Pacific Yew tree. Paclitaxel works by disrupting the microtubular network essential for cell division and other normal cellular functions, eventually causing cell death.

How to Take Paclitaxel, Protein Bound

Protein bound paclitaxel is given by intravenous (into a vein) infusion, typically once a week or every 3 weeks. The dose is dependent on your body size and will be determined by your healthcare provider.

Even when carefully and correctly administered by trained personnel, this drug may cause a feeling of burning and pain. There is a risk that this drug may leak out of the vein at the injection site, resulting in tissue damage. If the area of injection becomes red, swollen, or painful at any time during or after the injection, notify your doctor or nurse immediately. Do not apply anything to the site unless instructed by your doctor or nurse.

Possible Side Effects of Paclitaxel, Protein Bound

There are a number of things you can do to manage the side effects of paclitaxel, protein bound. Talk to your doctor or nurse about these recommendations. They can help you decide what will work best for you. These are some of the most common side effects:

…Loss or Thinning of Scalp and Body Hair (Alopecia)

Your hair may become thin, brittle, or may fall out. This typically begins two to three weeks after treatment starts. This hair loss can be all body hair, including pubic, underarm, legs/arms, eyelashes, and nose hairs. The use of scarves, wigs, hats and hairpieces may help. Hair generally starts to regrow soon after treatment is completed. Remember your hair helps keep you warm in cold weather, so a hat is particularly important in cold weather or to protect you from the sun…”

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Loretta, Just wanted to say thank you for your very informative and witty posts! I always enjoy reading them. It is refreshing to have some humor on such a serious topic. We must keep our sense of humor!

Tammy

Ovarian Cancer Stage IIIC - June, 2017