Aa
Newly Diagnosed - starting Chemo
Hello all. I was newly diagnosed at Stage 1A OC, but this was a clear cell carcanoma. I was just told that I will start Taxotere/carbo chemo for 6 rounds. Even though I knew this was coming, actually I thought it was only going to be 3-4 times, I am so nervous/scared of this treatment. I am more terrified of this, than having the surgery about 6 weeks ago (complete tah/bso-debulking omentectomy). Just wanted to know if anyone out there is willing to share a recent experience with this chemo, major concerns, how they felt, nausea concerns, anything.
God bless to all.
God bless to all.
First of all, wow I was completely overwhelmed by all your responses. Thank you all so much for taking the time to lend me the advise, and your well wishes. I am deeply touched. And Dian, I will take you up on your offer. I hope you all will keep in touch with me to let me know how you are doing, as I will with me. It's nice to talk to others who are or have gone through exactly what I am or will be going through. Anyone who would like to have my personal email, just let me know, and I will be more than happy to pass it along.
I won't lie, I am scared. I guess you feel like this will never happen to me. I was overwhelmed when I started first reading about Ovarian Cancer on the internet after my first catscan, and was terrified. Never knew the magnitude of this disease, how far we had NOT advanced in the treatment, diagnosis, etc. And after my surgery, when I was told it was found at a stage 1A, with a 18cm cyst/tumor (over 80% of it was pure cyst). I will forever be proud of being privledge to be in that 1% club. I was blessed and have been told that over and over again. And I know I will get through this treatment, get it behind me, and start living my life.
Did any of you work while doing your treatment? I will / have to. My boss's have been wonderful through this experience so far, so they are very understanding.
I can deal with the loss of my hair. I wore a bandana all weekend to get me started. I am getting my hair cut very short tomorrow, donating my mop of hair to Locks of Love. I will cry when I get it whacked off tomorrow, I will cry when I see myself bald for the first time, and then I am going to ask my kids if they want to paint my head. I will get over it, and just look forward to it's return. I already ordered some stuff from headcovers.com, bought a few bandana's and will get a wig, until I figure out what I want to do.
I know I will have to take 20mg of steriods the night before, I know the mixture is taxotere/carbo, 24 hours later, I go back in and get a shot of Neuslata. I was told I will an anti-nausea medicine, wasn't told the name, but they said, oh yeah you will get that afterwards, and that didn't make any sense to me. I will get lab work done every week. Chemo will be done every 3 weeks. I have the first three schedule already. When I look at it from here now, it looks like an eternity, and something I question that I can get through, but I know I will.
My mind is spinning, and I know I have so many questions still, but I know everyone is different. The joint pain worries me. I hope that I am not vomiting until my body turns inside out. I hope the fatique is managable. I hope I am able to recover somewhat to resemble some form of normal life after each treatment to build my strength up and feel half way good, until it is time to do it again. I worry about nausea being so bad that you can't eat, losing too much weight, which seems to be inevitable. I think not being able to eat adds to not being able to regain your strength.
It's good to know people's experience, good or bad. You can't sugar coat this. I know why I am doing this, I know I have to do this, I know I can do this. I see all these people who have gone through cancer and chemo, and made it through it, I have to see myself doing the same. It is just so overwhelming right now. The unknown is scary.
I will be back to ask more questions, to let you all know how it is going, hoping that I hear how everyone else is doing. Thank you all again.
God Bless each and everyone one of you!!!
I won't lie, I am scared. I guess you feel like this will never happen to me. I was overwhelmed when I started first reading about Ovarian Cancer on the internet after my first catscan, and was terrified. Never knew the magnitude of this disease, how far we had NOT advanced in the treatment, diagnosis, etc. And after my surgery, when I was told it was found at a stage 1A, with a 18cm cyst/tumor (over 80% of it was pure cyst). I will forever be proud of being privledge to be in that 1% club. I was blessed and have been told that over and over again. And I know I will get through this treatment, get it behind me, and start living my life.
Did any of you work while doing your treatment? I will / have to. My boss's have been wonderful through this experience so far, so they are very understanding.
I can deal with the loss of my hair. I wore a bandana all weekend to get me started. I am getting my hair cut very short tomorrow, donating my mop of hair to Locks of Love. I will cry when I get it whacked off tomorrow, I will cry when I see myself bald for the first time, and then I am going to ask my kids if they want to paint my head. I will get over it, and just look forward to it's return. I already ordered some stuff from headcovers.com, bought a few bandana's and will get a wig, until I figure out what I want to do.
I know I will have to take 20mg of steriods the night before, I know the mixture is taxotere/carbo, 24 hours later, I go back in and get a shot of Neuslata. I was told I will an anti-nausea medicine, wasn't told the name, but they said, oh yeah you will get that afterwards, and that didn't make any sense to me. I will get lab work done every week. Chemo will be done every 3 weeks. I have the first three schedule already. When I look at it from here now, it looks like an eternity, and something I question that I can get through, but I know I will.
My mind is spinning, and I know I have so many questions still, but I know everyone is different. The joint pain worries me. I hope that I am not vomiting until my body turns inside out. I hope the fatique is managable. I hope I am able to recover somewhat to resemble some form of normal life after each treatment to build my strength up and feel half way good, until it is time to do it again. I worry about nausea being so bad that you can't eat, losing too much weight, which seems to be inevitable. I think not being able to eat adds to not being able to regain your strength.
It's good to know people's experience, good or bad. You can't sugar coat this. I know why I am doing this, I know I have to do this, I know I can do this. I see all these people who have gone through cancer and chemo, and made it through it, I have to see myself doing the same. It is just so overwhelming right now. The unknown is scary.
I will be back to ask more questions, to let you all know how it is going, hoping that I hear how everyone else is doing. Thank you all again.
God Bless each and everyone one of you!!!
Once again I am overwhelmed at the wisdom, kindness and courage of the women on this forum. Jane, I am sorry for your struggle and you will be very much in my prayers. Look at the incredible company you are in! We are all pulling for you and know that you will beat this. God bless you all.
COMMUNITY LEADER
I, too, am sorry you are going through this. I finished my 6th round of Taxol/Carboplatin on December 29. Taxotere and Taxol are two different drugs, so I am hoping you do not have the same side effects that you'd get from Taxol. Like Tybear, I also had severe joint pain. The only way to describe it is perhaps what arthritis would feel like. My doc suggested getting some Glutamine, which comes in powder or pill form. I got the powder so I could mix it up in a drink. His suggestion was 10 g two times/day. It is a protein/amino acid supplement primarily used by body builders so their muscles don't get as sore. I kept a supply of Lortab on hand to help fight soreness, too. But just remember, don't wait until you start hurting to treat the pain. Stay ahead of it, and it is much more managable. I never had a problem with nausea, thankfully, but my desire to eat was nil. I stayed worn out all the time, but I still forced myself to work part time. It helped take my mind off everything else that was going on.
You may find yourself starting to feel depressed. The diagnosis alone is enough to trigger that. But I am convinced the chemicals put into our bodies to fight this disease contribute to a kind of chemical imbalance in the brain, too. This doesn't happen to everyone, and it may not happen to you. I certainly hope it doesn't. But if it does, there's help out there, and don't hesitate to get it. You have a big enough fight to let something like that get you even more down.
Like Tybear, losing my hair was probably the hardest part. But the thought of losing it is much worse than actually losing it. Wear your bald head as a badge of honor for the brave fight you are WINNING! One thing of note -- It's been 4 months since I finished chemo, and my hair is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long now. I was coming home from work today with the sunroof open, and I took off my hat to enjoy the sunshine. For the first time since all this happened, I noticed I actually have enough hair to blow in the breeze! That may seem like a long time away for you, but it really won't be. Unless you have lost your hair, you don't realize the significance of something like that. But when it happens, you'll smile and know it was worth it.
By the way, if you are looking for hats, there is a website called headcovers.com that sells hats especially for patients with hair loss. They fit better than regular hats, because they are tighter.
Best of luck to you, and please come back with any questions you may have. This is a wonderful group of women who are more than willing to help.
Gail :)
You may find yourself starting to feel depressed. The diagnosis alone is enough to trigger that. But I am convinced the chemicals put into our bodies to fight this disease contribute to a kind of chemical imbalance in the brain, too. This doesn't happen to everyone, and it may not happen to you. I certainly hope it doesn't. But if it does, there's help out there, and don't hesitate to get it. You have a big enough fight to let something like that get you even more down.
Like Tybear, losing my hair was probably the hardest part. But the thought of losing it is much worse than actually losing it. Wear your bald head as a badge of honor for the brave fight you are WINNING! One thing of note -- It's been 4 months since I finished chemo, and my hair is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long now. I was coming home from work today with the sunroof open, and I took off my hat to enjoy the sunshine. For the first time since all this happened, I noticed I actually have enough hair to blow in the breeze! That may seem like a long time away for you, but it really won't be. Unless you have lost your hair, you don't realize the significance of something like that. But when it happens, you'll smile and know it was worth it.
By the way, if you are looking for hats, there is a website called headcovers.com that sells hats especially for patients with hair loss. They fit better than regular hats, because they are tighter.
Best of luck to you, and please come back with any questions you may have. This is a wonderful group of women who are more than willing to help.
Gail :)
Hey there, Jane...welcome to the prestigous 1% club....you will be wearing the prestigous Joan of Arc Medal for slaying the beast when all this is behind you....I remember when my oncologist told me.."look at it this way....you are half finished"....I was bewildered because I had just finishen #2 of 6.....he is a great doc and now a dear friend but boy was he stuupid that day!
Anyway...I was diagnosed IC last April and finished my chemo in Sept of last year. I had six doses of carbo and taxol...each session took me 5-5 1/2 hours...they said I was getting the 'big guns" whatever that means. Prior to each treatment I was given meds for stomach upset, nausea, and a steroid. The night before I was given steroid pills to take 6, and 4 hours before my chemo. I had trouble with nausea about three days after each treatment, and was given a variety of meds for that....even a compound mixed by my pharmacist to rub on my wrists and that worked immediately.....if I had a problem of any sort I called the nursing staff at the clinic and they responded immediately....usually with a follow up call from the doc. After chemo I slept a lot....it was scary at first because I didn't have anyone to tell me what to expect.....you do though...I don't want to scare you.......why don't we do this .....you ask and I'll answer.....my e-mail ***@****............. or just post here.
Someone was talking about achy bones and joints....well, before each treatment you are given steroids to knock out your immune system so your chemo will work...after your chemo your body needs to be able to fight infection and quickly rebuild your blood...thus the Neulasta...it fires up your bone marrow in order to reproduce blood cells...that is what I needed pain pills for and I needed a sleep aid. I've told you enough unless you have more questions.....you can do this....I never , ever had a moment when I thought I couldn't do this......I knew I could and in fact I would.....so will you.....you are a lucky lady....you are found at IA.....wow......WONDERFUL!!
I will be listening for you...and, oh yeah, your hair falls out ..so what! It's a hastle but it does come back; compared to other stuff, that is nothing.
Peace.
dian
Anyway...I was diagnosed IC last April and finished my chemo in Sept of last year. I had six doses of carbo and taxol...each session took me 5-5 1/2 hours...they said I was getting the 'big guns" whatever that means. Prior to each treatment I was given meds for stomach upset, nausea, and a steroid. The night before I was given steroid pills to take 6, and 4 hours before my chemo. I had trouble with nausea about three days after each treatment, and was given a variety of meds for that....even a compound mixed by my pharmacist to rub on my wrists and that worked immediately.....if I had a problem of any sort I called the nursing staff at the clinic and they responded immediately....usually with a follow up call from the doc. After chemo I slept a lot....it was scary at first because I didn't have anyone to tell me what to expect.....you do though...I don't want to scare you.......why don't we do this .....you ask and I'll answer.....my e-mail ***@****............. or just post here.
Someone was talking about achy bones and joints....well, before each treatment you are given steroids to knock out your immune system so your chemo will work...after your chemo your body needs to be able to fight infection and quickly rebuild your blood...thus the Neulasta...it fires up your bone marrow in order to reproduce blood cells...that is what I needed pain pills for and I needed a sleep aid. I've told you enough unless you have more questions.....you can do this....I never , ever had a moment when I thought I couldn't do this......I knew I could and in fact I would.....so will you.....you are a lucky lady....you are found at IA.....wow......WONDERFUL!!
I will be listening for you...and, oh yeah, your hair falls out ..so what! It's a hastle but it does come back; compared to other stuff, that is nothing.
Peace.
dian
I'm so sorry you have to be going through this, but please know that it's truly not as bad as I'm sure your thinking it will be! I'm not sure if Taxotare? is the same as Taxol, but I had Taxol and carboplatin. I only suffered mild fatigue towards the end of my treatment and only threw up twice - my own fault for not drinking enough water! I strongly suggest you get some Zofran for the nausea and take it whether you feel sick or not. I had a problem with constipation, so having some colace on hand isn't a bad idea either. The only side effect that caught me off guard was joint pain. I don't mean to scare you, but please have some pain killers on hand (percocet or morphine). It was unbelievable pain and I had nothing on hand to help me. Hopefully you won't suffer from this as not everyone does, but it never hurts to be prepared. The hardest part of it all was losing my hair. It didn't hurt or anything, but was emotionally hard. It's starting to grow back now, and my mood is finally starting to lift. Prepare yourself for the battle, keep your head up and never, ever suffer - there are so many meds out there. If something doesn't work for you, get something else. I hope this helps you - it's not a walk in the park, but it's truly manageable. Good luck to you.
You've received lots of wise advice from the ladies who have walked this path before you. This is a wonderful place where you can ask just about anything--someone always seems to understand what you are experiencing.
I started out with Taxol, then got switched over to Taxotere when my neuropathy got too severe. They may have you soak your fingers in ice water during the infusion because this drug can damage your nails. I never had that problem but thought I'd just mention it. There are many drugs out there to treat nausea so even if you begin to develop a resistance to one, there is another one to try. Women react differently to hair loss--before I shaved my head, I never really gave it much thought. Just concentrated on the fact that it would come back. But I have to tell you that when the deed was done, I was quite devastated and had a little crying jag. It really caught me off guard. But now I have a couple of inches of fine but very thick wavy hair--it's really nice hair; an unexpected bonus!
Please let us know how you're doing. We are in this fight together and we want to extend our support to you. Each of us has made it through--you can, too.
Blessings,
Christa
I started out with Taxol, then got switched over to Taxotere when my neuropathy got too severe. They may have you soak your fingers in ice water during the infusion because this drug can damage your nails. I never had that problem but thought I'd just mention it. There are many drugs out there to treat nausea so even if you begin to develop a resistance to one, there is another one to try. Women react differently to hair loss--before I shaved my head, I never really gave it much thought. Just concentrated on the fact that it would come back. But I have to tell you that when the deed was done, I was quite devastated and had a little crying jag. It really caught me off guard. But now I have a couple of inches of fine but very thick wavy hair--it's really nice hair; an unexpected bonus!
Please let us know how you're doing. We are in this fight together and we want to extend our support to you. Each of us has made it through--you can, too.
Blessings,
Christa
How smart of you to look for info and advice from women who have walked in your shoes!
My mom had 6 months of some form of Taxol (sorry, I don't know the exact name) and Carbo. Her taxol was a clinical trial, and she didn't lose her hair! As the other ladies said, the meds for nausea, red & white blood counts really helped. She never actually vomited, although nausea had been her biggest fear before starting chemo. She also had joint pain, but I thought it was from the Neulasta (for immune system/white count). She had fatigue and developed neuropathy in her fingers and feet. If you develop mouth sores mom recommends L-Lysine. You can get it where they sell vitamins. Her dentist also recommends l-lysine to kids with braces on their teeth, Mom said it really helped.
But enough bad news -- the GOOD news is it has been 17 months since her last chemo. She is in remission and feeling good. Most of the neuropathy is gone. She is travelling and getting on with her life, and I'm sure you will too!
There was a woman taking chemo with Mom who told the nurse, "You have to hurry up and finish this dose or I'll be late for my tennis game" and she was not kidding! So I guess not everyone suffers too horribly with chemo!
Please check in frequently and let us know how you're doing!
My mom had 6 months of some form of Taxol (sorry, I don't know the exact name) and Carbo. Her taxol was a clinical trial, and she didn't lose her hair! As the other ladies said, the meds for nausea, red & white blood counts really helped. She never actually vomited, although nausea had been her biggest fear before starting chemo. She also had joint pain, but I thought it was from the Neulasta (for immune system/white count). She had fatigue and developed neuropathy in her fingers and feet. If you develop mouth sores mom recommends L-Lysine. You can get it where they sell vitamins. Her dentist also recommends l-lysine to kids with braces on their teeth, Mom said it really helped.
But enough bad news -- the GOOD news is it has been 17 months since her last chemo. She is in remission and feeling good. Most of the neuropathy is gone. She is travelling and getting on with her life, and I'm sure you will too!
There was a woman taking chemo with Mom who told the nurse, "You have to hurry up and finish this dose or I'll be late for my tennis game" and she was not kidding! So I guess not everyone suffers too horribly with chemo!
Please check in frequently and let us know how you're doing!
I have been trying to convince a woman in my community to post on this site, but she has yet to join us. She had your situation - a Stage 1a, clear cell. If I recall her treatment correctly, then she only had three rounds of chemo. HOWEVER, she did tell me that she had doctors who disagreed on the number of rounds of chemo. Apparently, at least one doctor wanted more. From what I know, I am thinking that more is better.
Chemo is still a rough experience, but it is not as bad as it used to be. There are adjunct drugs, such as the Procrits and Neulastas that you see advertised on television. These drugs improve blood cell ratios, which in turn reduce some of the extreme fatigue and the headaches so frequently associated with cancer treatments of the past. Other medications reduce the nausea and stomach irritations.
There are women such as Dian07 and KathyO who should be along shortly to give you better advice.
Chemo is still a rough experience, but it is not as bad as it used to be. There are adjunct drugs, such as the Procrits and Neulastas that you see advertised on television. These drugs improve blood cell ratios, which in turn reduce some of the extreme fatigue and the headaches so frequently associated with cancer treatments of the past. Other medications reduce the nausea and stomach irritations.
There are women such as Dian07 and KathyO who should be along shortly to give you better advice.
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