Chemo Yesterday

Yesterday's chemo went well. I went to the public library and had chosen four DVD's I could potentially watch during my treatment. Watching movies is a great distraction because it prevents me from worrying about having some sort of reaction to the chemo and its just a great overall distraction.

Some people have allergic reactions to Taxotere that includes swelling of the throat and rashes that develop on the body.

After chemo, I went home feeling tired but I knew once I took my two Decadron pills, I would be buzzing around and sure enough, I felt much more energetic.

I don't think I mentioned, I registered for another course at the college. It is on Tuesday nights which is the same day as chemo. I wonder how I will make it through this course because the fatigue is greater and concentration is definitely a challenge. Good or bad ... I shall plow ahead.

Today my goal is to focus on assignments due for the course. I have a couple more good days before I start feeling bad so I must take advantage of them. If I could just peel myself off the couch and away from the TV ... I'd be well on my way.

Sleepless In ... Edmonton

Well it's 3:32 a.m. in the morning and I've been up since about 2:00 a.m.. I usually end up falling asleep somewhere around 4:30 in the morning. The bad sleeps started on Monday night and well ... will likely continue for the next few days.

I can thank Decradon a.k.a. steroid for that.

Not to disturb D.'s sleep, I sneak into the spare bedroom. The dog comes and joins me and even she looks at me funny ... like what are you doing up at this hour.

To burn up some time, I thought I would write something in my blog.

Later today, I am joining a friend for lunch at the Upper Crust. I sure look forward to that as she is a fellow cancer survivor.

Even with the rough sleeps, these are some of my better days in the cycle and I like to get out and do some stuff. I have a few things scheduled for later today ... so I'm expecting a busy day.

Well it's almost 4:15 ... I think I will sign off now ... and catch a few winks.

Treatment Schedule for 2008

Below is my 2008 treatment schedule assuming all goes as per normal. I refer to each chemotherapy treatment as one cycle.

I was asked if I wanted to partake in a 'study' ... and I said yes. In this particular study, I may receive one of two treatments. I will be 'randomized' to receive one of Treatment A which is Docetaxel and an another chemo drug (no name given) - once every 3 weeks or Treatment B which is Docetaxel followed by Placebo. Docetaxel and placebo are administered intravenously (into a vein), each over and hour or so. I do take oral mediation 3 days starting the night before docetaxel to prevent hypersensitivity reaction (allergy).

Docetaxel is also known as Taxotere. It is a drug used in the treatment of cancer. It interferes with the growth and spread of tumor cells.

Dexamethasone is also known as Decadron, Dexasone, Hexadrol, and Deronil. Dexamethasone is used in the treatment of some types of cancer. It may also be used to reduce symptoms of the cancer or the side effects of cancer treatments, such as pain, inflammation, fluid retention, and nausea. Dexamethasone is taken by mouth in the form of tablets.

Ondansetron is also know a Zofran. This medication is used to prevent or control nausea (feeling of stomach sickness) and vomiting which may occur as a result of cancer chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Ondansedtron is taken by mouth or given by injection.

Metoclopramide is also know as Maxeran, Reglan, Apo-Mectoclop and others. Metoclopramide is a drug used to prevent or control nausea (feeling of stomach sickness) and vomiting which may occur as a result of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Metoclopramide is taken by mouth or given by injection.

My 2008 treatment schedule is:

Cycle 1: August 12
Cycle 2: September 3
Cycle 3: September 23
Cycle 4: October 15
Cycle 5: November 4
Cycle 7: November 25
Cycle 8: December 16

The Treatment ....

Well it is the night before my chemo and I'm feeling anxious. I had a bit of a heavy supper and I'm regretting it because it feels like it is stuck in my belly. I'm feeling a bit nauseous and I have a headache .... too much on my mind and trying to get too much done before I get my chemo.

Tomorrow morning I get the chemo .... Docetaxel or more commonly know as Taxotere. This is given by injection into the vein and takes up to 3 hours. There are a few side affects which include nausea and vomiting and hair loss. For the nausea and vomiting, I have been prescribed Dexamethasome (Decadron), Onodansethron (Zofran), and Metoclopramide (Maxeran) which I actually start taking the Dexamethasome tonight.

With my previous chemo treatment, I didn't have much success with the anti-nausea drugs but this is a different chemo drug and so I am hoping for better results this time.

I am assuming the hair loss will happen just as last time, about 2 weeks after the second treatment. I guess I can enjoy my hair for a bit longer.

My thoughts .... I cannot believe I am going through this again.

As I re-read my post, I see I am feeling a bit sorry for myself. The nerves are getting the best of me.