I arrived at the clinic and after having blood drawn, they took my temperature, blood pressure and had exam. I was running a slight fever of 99.5, if it is 100.5 I wouldn't have been able to start the cycle I was told.
I spoke with my oncologist and he suggested that we go ahead with the treatment, but he was going to not give me one of the meds that caused the neuropathy. He said that it would not prolong the treatments, as I've already got a good dose of the oxaliplatin running through my system from previous cycles.
Because of this, I didn't need the anti-nausea meds either :)
I asked him about a flu shot and he thought for a moment, then decided that it would be okay to get the vaccine today also. I have had a runny nose, sore throat and cough for the past couple of weeks, but it seems as if it peaked when I woke up this morning and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get my tratment.
Everything worked out okay though and I get 14 more days to let the neuropathy subside. They hooked me up to the portable pump of 5-FU and I'll be back again tomorrow. I was also able to book my next cycle (my 7th) beginning October 14th.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thoughts & Observations
First of all, my prayers are with a friend, a fellow musician/guitarist, who I've never met but has been a huge inspiration for me. I've been communicating with Rob for about four months now since my diagnosis. Today is his follow-up colonoscopy.
Rob, from the Detroit area, had a similiar diagnosis and went through the same treatment (Folfox) that I'm currently going through, but he also had radiation. He has now had his mediport removed and is cancer free and I'm hoping that he gets a good report today! This is the link to Rob's blog : (thanks again, Rob!)
http://rocamata.com/news.aspx
I'm starting my 6th cycle if all goes well. The "tingling" sensation (neuropathy) in my fingers is not subsiding as in the past. It seems that many of the side effects are a bit more intense than in previous weeks as well.
I know that the treatments have a cumulative effect and I expect that it's going to be a bit tougher to be comfortable from here on in. So far, there have been some tough stretches, but it's been tolerable for the most part.
The little things seem to be getting worse (i.e. headaches are bordering on migraine, the metallic taste of food and beverages are lingering longer, fatigue is more intense, nausea feeling is happening more often.)
When I do finish this next cycle, I will be halfway through my chemo treatment.
I can't stress enough to everyone that if you're due to get "the test" go and have it done. The prep for a colonoscopy is like having a cold beer compared to going through chemotherapy!
Rob, from the Detroit area, had a similiar diagnosis and went through the same treatment (Folfox) that I'm currently going through, but he also had radiation. He has now had his mediport removed and is cancer free and I'm hoping that he gets a good report today! This is the link to Rob's blog : (thanks again, Rob!)
http://rocamata.com/news.aspx
I'm starting my 6th cycle if all goes well. The "tingling" sensation (neuropathy) in my fingers is not subsiding as in the past. It seems that many of the side effects are a bit more intense than in previous weeks as well.
I know that the treatments have a cumulative effect and I expect that it's going to be a bit tougher to be comfortable from here on in. So far, there have been some tough stretches, but it's been tolerable for the most part.
The little things seem to be getting worse (i.e. headaches are bordering on migraine, the metallic taste of food and beverages are lingering longer, fatigue is more intense, nausea feeling is happening more often.)
When I do finish this next cycle, I will be halfway through my chemo treatment.
I can't stress enough to everyone that if you're due to get "the test" go and have it done. The prep for a colonoscopy is like having a cold beer compared to going through chemotherapy!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Finished 5th cycle today !
It has been a trying week, but today's treatment finishes my 5th cycle and I was able to go ahead and schedule my next cycle for the week of September 30th - October 3rd, 2008. After this next week of treatments, I will have half of my treatments completed.
I heard from one of the oncology nurses that a new anti-nausea patch has recently been approved by the FDA...
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jzTSB0ffFGHcV9CLa5kt8sTg3LGgD937BU4O0
There are always new meds, methods and treatments coming along to help those afflicted by this horrible disease.
All went pretty good today. The senna is helping with digestive issues more and the redness in my face is from the prednisone which is part of the anti-nausea IV that I currently get at the beginning of each cycle. They told me to keep on the B-Complex and Folic Acid and it would help with neuropathy, but won't take it away. I'm getting used to the routine and know to use gloves and dress in layers when necessary.
I heard from one of the oncology nurses that a new anti-nausea patch has recently been approved by the FDA...
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jzTSB0ffFGHcV9CLa5kt8sTg3LGgD937BU4O0
There are always new meds, methods and treatments coming along to help those afflicted by this horrible disease.
All went pretty good today. The senna is helping with digestive issues more and the redness in my face is from the prednisone which is part of the anti-nausea IV that I currently get at the beginning of each cycle. They told me to keep on the B-Complex and Folic Acid and it would help with neuropathy, but won't take it away. I'm getting used to the routine and know to use gloves and dress in layers when necessary.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Nausea feeling
For the first time since beginning chemo, I woke up early this morning with a feeling of nausea. I didn't throw up, but just feel kind of sick.
Maybe this is an indication that it's going to start getting a little harder and uncomfortable or maybe just a "bug" I might have picked up from some of the other patients yesterday? Some of them were coughing pretty steady and not looking too well.
I didn't take anything because today's session is just a short session of about 2-3 hours of leucovorin and fluorouracil and I think I'll be okay.
http://www.chemocare.com/bio/leucovorin.asp
Maybe this is an indication that it's going to start getting a little harder and uncomfortable or maybe just a "bug" I might have picked up from some of the other patients yesterday? Some of them were coughing pretty steady and not looking too well.
I didn't take anything because today's session is just a short session of about 2-3 hours of leucovorin and fluorouracil and I think I'll be okay.
http://www.chemocare.com/bio/leucovorin.asp
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
5th Cycle Started
I had my bloodwork done and the pathology reports indicated some low levels, but still in range, so I began my 5th cycle today.
As soon as I got home, I reached into the fridge without a glove (I forgot how quick that Oxaliplatin works!) and it felt like my hand was on fire.
I was told to use folic acid and b-complex again for the neuropathy. I questioned about it contributing to the constipation problems, but was told that it wouldn't by a physician's assistant oncology nurse. I DO have some b-complex w/folic acid, but I'm going to try upping my fiber intake, metamucil and sugar-free Jolly Rancher hard candies with "Isomalt" and see if that helps any. I also heard that "Sucrose", another ingredient in sugar-free candies might help.
My doctor said to use the sennecot (vegetable laxatives) if nothing else worked. He feels that it is caused by the anti-nausea meds that I get through the IV and asked if I was using the prescribed anti-nausea meds (zofran & compazine...I'm not). I'm hesitant about using laxatives because I don't want to get dependent on them. I'll see how things work out (no pun intended) during the week.
As soon as I got home, I reached into the fridge without a glove (I forgot how quick that Oxaliplatin works!) and it felt like my hand was on fire.
I was told to use folic acid and b-complex again for the neuropathy. I questioned about it contributing to the constipation problems, but was told that it wouldn't by a physician's assistant oncology nurse. I DO have some b-complex w/folic acid, but I'm going to try upping my fiber intake, metamucil and sugar-free Jolly Rancher hard candies with "Isomalt" and see if that helps any. I also heard that "Sucrose", another ingredient in sugar-free candies might help.
My doctor said to use the sennecot (vegetable laxatives) if nothing else worked. He feels that it is caused by the anti-nausea meds that I get through the IV and asked if I was using the prescribed anti-nausea meds (zofran & compazine...I'm not). I'm hesitant about using laxatives because I don't want to get dependent on them. I'll see how things work out (no pun intended) during the week.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Chemo Side Effects
This is my off week to let the body 'recycle' and I'm finding that the side effects from last week's 4th cycle treatments are a bit more nastier and sticking around for a longer period.
The side effects that I'm experiencing are Neuropathy (cold sensitivity and tingling/numbness in fingertips), Constipation (laxatives aren't even helping much), Fatigue, Mouth Sores, Headaches, Bloody Noses, Skin Welts and an aching feeling all over. I have no fever or nausea though. I picked up some Vitamin B-Complex w/Folic Acid to try and help heal the immune system and I'm upping my fiber intake.
In the past, I've been able to tolerate cold drinks with ice and/or ice cream after about the fourth day when the treatments ended. This time, it's been four days and I'm having problems just reaching into the fridge.
I haven't had to take any of the zofran or comparazine (for nausea), so I think it's just the chemo meds coupled with the anti-nausea IV that I get? At any rate, I'll discuss with my oncologist when I go in next week.
The side effects that I'm experiencing are Neuropathy (cold sensitivity and tingling/numbness in fingertips), Constipation (laxatives aren't even helping much), Fatigue, Mouth Sores, Headaches, Bloody Noses, Skin Welts and an aching feeling all over. I have no fever or nausea though. I picked up some Vitamin B-Complex w/Folic Acid to try and help heal the immune system and I'm upping my fiber intake.
In the past, I've been able to tolerate cold drinks with ice and/or ice cream after about the fourth day when the treatments ended. This time, it's been four days and I'm having problems just reaching into the fridge.
I haven't had to take any of the zofran or comparazine (for nausea), so I think it's just the chemo meds coupled with the anti-nausea IV that I get? At any rate, I'll discuss with my oncologist when I go in next week.
Friday, September 5, 2008
4th Cycle Complete (1/3 of the way)
I started and finished my 4th cycle of the Folfox treatment this past week and for the most part it went well. My next milestone will be finishing my 6th cycle (the halfway point) which should occur in early October is no setbacks.
The week started with a little bit of a pinch when the oncology nurse inserted the needle into my mediport, but I was able to whisper to the oncology nurse whose technique from last cycle gave me NO pain at all (zilch!) and she said that she would make a point to look for me to do the "poke in the port" on my next scheduled cycle start. I told her that I don't know how or what she did, but she has been the only one so far, to insert it with no pain at all.
As for the chemo, it was the same routine, a long first day with the infusion and sent home with the pump of 5-FU, then a little shorter on the second day with the IV and then more 5-FU in my holster pump to infuse overnight until I got in today for the exam and disconnect, where they flush the port with saline and give it a heparin lock.
I had an early appointment today, so I was out by 10am and had a nice breakfast (with hot coffee and not my favorite iced coffee) with my sister, Cathy, who recently had her colonoscopy. Even though they only found and removed one polyp, her doctor wants to see her in a year, due to my situation (sibling/family history?).
It got very hot and humid over the past 2 days, but all in all, it's been a cool August and the heat isn't bothering me like it did during July.
I can't stress enough to get yourself checked (scope) because it is a LOT easy than having surgeries and chemotherapy for six months. Early detection is a key factor and I truly believe that it is what saved my life along with the help of God!
The week started with a little bit of a pinch when the oncology nurse inserted the needle into my mediport, but I was able to whisper to the oncology nurse whose technique from last cycle gave me NO pain at all (zilch!) and she said that she would make a point to look for me to do the "poke in the port" on my next scheduled cycle start. I told her that I don't know how or what she did, but she has been the only one so far, to insert it with no pain at all.
As for the chemo, it was the same routine, a long first day with the infusion and sent home with the pump of 5-FU, then a little shorter on the second day with the IV and then more 5-FU in my holster pump to infuse overnight until I got in today for the exam and disconnect, where they flush the port with saline and give it a heparin lock.
I had an early appointment today, so I was out by 10am and had a nice breakfast (with hot coffee and not my favorite iced coffee) with my sister, Cathy, who recently had her colonoscopy. Even though they only found and removed one polyp, her doctor wants to see her in a year, due to my situation (sibling/family history?).
It got very hot and humid over the past 2 days, but all in all, it's been a cool August and the heat isn't bothering me like it did during July.
I can't stress enough to get yourself checked (scope) because it is a LOT easy than having surgeries and chemotherapy for six months. Early detection is a key factor and I truly believe that it is what saved my life along with the help of God!
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