6th Carbotaxol Lingering Effects

[Jan213]

I had my last of 6 CarboTaxol treatments for IIIc about a week ago, March 8th. In the last month I have had two chemos, surgery for a fistula repair, and was hospitalized for dehydration. I am so tired and there is not a bone in my body that doesn't hurt. I am still thowing up in spite of phenergan, zofran and ativan.   In my mind I am outside gardening but the reality is I can't do much.  My biggest accomplishment yesterday was dragging myself to get my blood work done, and sticking a chicken in the oven.  Today, I am having trouble just writing this. My chemo nurses kind of led me to believe I would be right as rain within a couple of days of my last treatment. I know alot of you have gone through this and I would love to hear how you all faired after your last chemo. Thanks

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Dear Aquoinette,
It sounds like you have had a tough time. Fatigue can be very disabling. Many people find fatigue to be the hardest part about being ill. Chemotherapy definitely increases fatigue. I assume that you are now finished with your treatment course?

Other factors that can increase your symptoms include a low blood count and dehydration. You should ask your doctor if your are anemic and if a blood transfusion is indicated. Also if you are still vomiting, you may be dehydrated. You may also have an imbalance in some of your chemistries such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus. If this is so, you may need supplements. You should ask about this as well.

If so , you will slowly feel better over the next month. I am glad to hear that you go places in your mind. your body will catch up soon.
best wishes

[sistertwo]

Hey Aquoinette, I finished my 6th round of cisplatin/taxol in January. I feel much, much better now, but it took me more than a couple of days to recover from the last treatment. I also had uncontrollable N/V. Although there was not a med to effectively combat the nausea, I was given one to help with the fatigue. My doctor gave me a med called provigil for fatigue. It did help some. I went back to work (12hr shifts 2-3 per week) about a month after my last round. I run out of energy quicker than I used to but am still able to function almost at a normal level. Hang in there. Things will be looking up soon. :-)