Re Etoposide/cisplatin for Barney 22

Dear Jenny
I did lose my hair, or what I had, seem to have been without hair for years every time I get a wee covering we start chemo again.   I must say I don't bother about hair anymore - apart from when it's cold then the fact I normally wear a hat comes in handy, that's whwen you realise how much heat you lose when there is no hair.   If my experience was not due to the fact I had been so very ill most of the year I will not look forward to going back on Etop./cis. in January - the only consolatio  I would give you is that for me it was the only treatment that brought my CA125 within the normal range - for this I would go through it again.   My oncologist is very pleased with the way things have gone and suggested she would keep me on this treatment as long aws it was working for me.   Before starting this treatment she did say we were  very nearly at the end of the road for things left to try.   This did give me a huge shock so you can  understand why I am prepared to keep trying this chemo.   Of course everyone is different and they did suggest I may not lose my hair but within three weeks out it came.   I decided to get my husband to cut it off but he refused and I had to try myself - he was afraid he would make a mess as he is no hairdresser - this cause a laugh when he saw the mess I made.   I must say I am lucky we manage to laugh about things most people would consider important but I do believe it's better to laugh than cry.
Good luck with your treatment Jenny - look forward to hearing how things are going for you.
Regards - Helen Janre

[Barney22]

Hello Helen - thanks for your response - hope you find this down the page.  I appreciate you getting back to me especially as your fingers are so difficult to manage.  Do they tingle all the time or have they gone numb also?  Despite having finished the CAelyx some weeks ago I am still having skin soreness on my hands - these drugs stay in the system quite a time don't they?  

When you were off the cisplatin - after the infusions - did you find the etoposide reasonably tolerable and see a difference having just that?  I'm wondering if I can cope with the awfulness of the 2 together if it's just for 8 weeks or so and then have not too many side effects just on the etoposide.  One of my main problems with chemo has been the effect on my digestive system - I'm not sick, but my colon and lower bowel get very disturbed and uncomfortable, and I wonder how far they will cope with this combination and especially the oral nature of the etoposide.  

I know what you mean about the 'end of the road' aspect of yet another chemo drug.  My oncologist hasn't said that to me but I suspect that unless the next one works for me I may be in real difficulties.  I just wish they would hurry up with the additional drugs now being tested which could restore chemo effectiveness.  

Are you having a family Christmas?  We are going to my daughter's on the 25th as she lives close enough and I am really looking forward to seeing my 2 granddaughters and enjoying them and their presents.  Anyway, have a good time wherever you are and keep in touch.  Love Jenny