Forum Discussion
Back in the land of the living... sort of 1st chemo treatment done.
Well Wednesday morning I was superwomen. I was strong, determined and ready to take on the world and this Chemo cocktail. Then, like after a bad night at the local on "ladies drink free night" I was a mess minus the "I love you guys"! But thankfully with my shoes, my undies and most of my dignity intact.
We arrived at the clinic to be greeted by Sarah, my lovely nurse who was to hook me up to the machines. She ran through the different procedures, explained exactly what she was doing, we chatted about all and sundry, the lovely Cancer Council volunteer lady brought us coffees and biscuits and before I knew it we were underway. First one (the red devil as its known) went through no dramas. Thank god for the port in my chest/shoulder. No discomfort whatsoever, so thank you medical oncologist for insisting that be inserted. The second drug however, did make me feel a bit weird, warm flush, weird in the head, so they slowed it down to take the full hour to run through. Got through all that, came home armed with all my meds, had lunch thought this is good, I got this.... and then.... it went down hill.
Let's just say, the Maxolon might help a bit of a belly bug, but it doesn't really stand up overly well to these chemo cocktails. I literally nearly passed out on the floor, couldn't get water into me, so chronic headache, couldn't eat, couldn't shower because I couldn't stand up, so I was bundled to bed and there hubby sat waiting for me to finally fall asleep to get through till morning when I could start the hard core anti-nausea meds. He hasn't left my side since. I haven't been able to drive since the port a cath was put in a bit over a week ago. He helps shower and dress me when I can't, he's doing all the cooking and cleaning. I could not do this without him beside me all the way. Thankfully the supercharged anti nausea meds got me through yesterday. I was still fragile, not much appetite to speak of, but at least I could drink water, so the headache was duller and hubby looked a bit more relieved.
My daughter came down and gave me my injection to hopefully supplement my white cell count through the next 20 days. It won't turn me into superwoman, but hopefully will keep me out of hospital due to any sort of infection or bug. I still won't be able to go to any shops, be around sick people etc, but with a bit of luck it will keep me well if I'm sensible. They warned me that this injection causes ache in the bigger bones, so legs and hips, as the bone marrow goes into overdrive building me some new cells, but the gods must have been kind and I didn't get that last night. So there's my positive for today :) I did find out why they say to be careful of the sun yesterday, I went down by the dam for a cup of tea and ginger nut biscuit (my new friend because I can't stand straight ginger) and after 15 minutes I was already sunburnt sitting in full shade. I'll make sure I increase sun safety measures because I believe in the benefits of being in fresh air.
I'm so looking forward to next week. NO APPOINTMENTS! I don't drive into that hospital or clinic till the 15th when I visit with my Medical Oncologist (by which time my hair should have started to thin/fall out) then next blood test 19th and then next treatment 20th April. I've received so many messages from people who know of me through mutual friends and family that I feel so blessed and loved. I've said all the way through this, if cancer could be cured through love and kindness, there'd be no cancer.
P.S. Whats with all the burping??!!!???!!! anyone else cop this?
13 Replies
I am good! Energy is limited and boy oh boy after doing next to nothing for 6 months I have some really sore muscles but I am getting back to normal things.
slowly but surely Brenda. How are you going?
writing does make it easier, but yes, theres lots of things i cant put in there because it would be so upsetting for the family. So i keep them locked up in my head and push them to the back.
Good to hear you are still with us. Day by day you are getting there, can't keep a good woman down. XXX
Hi Donna,
I have wondered how you were going! Then I remembered your FB blog....you certainly have a way with words! Everything is spot on! We ordered different cocktails, but I do have the Red Devil...I just said goodbye to her last dose, I will start my next cocktail soon....Yes it's sucky, but you will get through it....I'm just coming out of my fog on day 5...I know what you mean about the water....I feel like an over inflated water balloon! but it is essential to flush the chemicals out!
It's good to be able to write isn't it? It gets it off your chest and gives everyone else a birds eye view of the reality....whilst trying to be lighthearted.....and you do have to be don't you? If we wrote whats really in our heads, I mean Really in our heads....everyone would run for cover! ( oh wait! that's what this place is for right?)
Wishing you the best for easy recovery Donna and beautiful days
Xx
thanks Ladies. Day 4 today. Feeling better as in nearly no nausea, still burping like an old cow, Still tired but not comatose cant get out of bed tired. Will attempt a shower in a minute and find a nice place in the breeze to sit. I think today will be concentrating on managing the bone pain so that tonight I may even spend the whole night in my own bed instead of the couch and water water water... blerk.
I've had really bad constipation too with both rounds despite morning and night coloxyl started the day before chemo 2.
Hi Donna, we are a week apart in our AC treatment. I am day 12 today. Had the exact reaction as you the first night including hugging the bathroom floor, but I had really bad constipation too. I did feel better by day 3 (after sucking down on my drugs and movicol like it was water) and I was able to manage small meals frequently. I was also encouraged to drink ginger beer, I don't like it frizzy so I open the bottle and leave it in the fridge to go flat!
My white blood cells dropped today and so I started my daily injections today. This was like déjà vu for me as I had to self inject when I had IVF. Now just monitoring my temperature and staying away from anyone who is unwell, well trying to!
I find if I get hungry my nausea returns but I have been feeling more like myself, although tire easily, since day 7. I did start small walks around the small block from day 6, by walk I mean slow stroll with stops, and done after 5pm when it wasn't so hot. Some days I feel great others are more of a struggle due to fatigue.
stay on top of your anti nausea drugs, don't be shy in speaking up if they aren't working and ask for an alternate. Ask the nurses for tips, mine have been fantastic.
Enjoy a week with no appointments.
oh and burping, I'm still burping and it all tastes like I have eaten fish or had fish oil tablets, disgusting.
xx
C.
OH yeah, I did NOT miss the burping I got after that first chemo. It was like I ate poo or something. Good news is its not as bad each new round.
You poor thing, fancy being that crook the first day. You didn't even get to have any freedom while on the steroids. Maybe tomorrow you will pick up and feel a bit more with it. Keep drinking whatever you can. I didn't mind a bit of apple juice sometimes for a treat. You could always water it down if it turns out that's all you can tolerate. Hugs XXXX
My first round I not only had burping but blew up after eating and farted constantly. I also had terrible reflux and ended up on nexium for that and ondasetron for nausea. 2nd round trialled stemitil but as it did nothing back on the ondasertron which I needed for 7 days (2 less than last time ). I too burp constantly even in the middle of drinking. Plain water makes me nauseas. So cups of tea...flat soda or part juice / soda has helped. Went onto nexium again this round which has helped the reflux. I'm now day 9 post chemo 2 and only managed a short outing before becoming dizzy. I don't drive anywhere due to this also now. Such hard work. This round I am obsessed with salty foods. Its certainly been crap for me managing my weight. Hope round 2 is better with the knowledge of what works. Kath x
