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.

CT Results

I just got back from seeing the oncologist ... and this time I took a note book and wrote some things down.

Regarding the CT scan:

• since the last CT scan, I have fluid that has formed on my lungs. The oncologist doesn't feel it is cancer related but is likely chemo related. They will be watching this closely.
• the tumors in my body have either shrunk or stayed the same. Most have stayed the same.
  

Regarding my blood work:

• my hemoglobin, which was a concern last time, is good to go. It is at 122. If it ever got below 90, they would give me a blood transfusion.
  
• all my other blood work looks O.K. for chemotherapy tomorrow.

Regarding my chemotherapy:

• my last chemo treatment, cycle 8, was a bit harder on me than usuall because they increased the dosage of Taxotere. I had put some weight on and they decided to increase it. Well, they are going to revert back to the previous dosage. Why? ,,, Because of the increase fatigue and especially because of the Hand-Foot Syndrome in my feet. They don't want to risk permanent nerve damage to my feet or hands.
  

The oncologist says my CT report is generally a positive one because the Taxotere is still shrinking some of the tumors.

I decided to ask a few detailed questions to find out how my treatment is going relatively speaking. In my August CT scan report, my largest tumor was 4 cm x 4 cm and that same tumor today is 2.5 cm x 2.4 cm. So we still have a ways to go.

The oncologist warns that as the tumors get smaller, we'll see smaller changes.

To Much To Remember

Just came back from seeing the oncologist ... and I was given too much information to remember. I'll give you most of what I do remember.

The doctor and I reviewed the CT report from last time ... and it really is a good report. I already knew that the report was good because they gave me the news verbally at my last chemo. As the oncologist read the report out loud, I listened to each and every word she said and/or read and watched her body language for any signs that would show any sort of negativity ... but everything looked and sounded good. I was very happy.

Anyways, regarding my blood work ... the hemoglobin is showing the effects of chemotherapy. I'm becoming anemic. Long story short ... what that means is that after a couple more treatments, I will be needing a blood transfusion. It sounded like this is normal and to be expected. For some reason, a blood transfusion doesn't scare me right now. Maybe it will put a little zip back in my step.

Regarding my watering eyes issue, the oncologist says it is caused by the Taxotere a.k.a. chemo. The tear ducts are clogged and she prescribed eye drops called Natural Tears. If in 3 weeks the problem is not resolved, she will send me to an ophthalmologist and see if he can unplug the ducts.

Tomorrow is chemo and I am ready. I picked up some movies from the library .... so I am good to go.

Just a quick review ...

In the last couple of weeks, I invited quite a few new people to my blog ... so I'm going to review a bit about my treatment and how I'm feeling.

I get chemo every 3 weeks and a CT scan once every 6 weeks. I have numerous tumors in my body and the goal is to shrink those tumors. I've had 2 CT scans and they have shown positive results.

How long will I be on chemo?

I don't know. I guess it will be as long as my body can take it and/or the chemo continues to be effective or ... my cancer goes into remission.

I do have options when it comes to chemotherapy, but for now, I am on Docetaxel (Taxotere). If for some reason my body or I need to take a break from treatment, we can stop for a few months or a year or so depending on my situation. I would then go back on chemo. Because there are so many variables, we do no have one set plan. Each person is different, so we just play it by ear.

I do take some medication to help with the side effects of the chemo and they themselves have there own side effects.

So how do I feel?

I feel no pain or discomfort from cancer. I never did. I do have discomfort from the chemo and the meds that go with it .... things like:

• sore aching bones
• flu-like symptoms, such as nasal headaches, stuffy nose, bleeding nose, watery eyes and sore/achy gums
• upset stomach
• constipation
• blurred vision
  
• skin changes
• difficultly sleeping
  
• fatigue and weakness
  
• fluid retention (rounding of the face)
• weight gain
• hair loss
  
• and a few others that I just can't remember right now ... 'chemo brain'

One thing I wanted to mention is that the side effects of the chemo and drugs varies with where I am in the cycle. The cycle is 21 days (3 weeks) and usually the symptoms are worst the first week after my chemo treatment .... and then they progressively get better until the next treatment.

Generally, I'm doing real well ... but I tire very easy. Standing for any length of time is difficult for me or walking distances is difficult too .... as long as I can sit down ... I'm pretty good.

Someone asked me if I could feel the chemo healing me ... the answer is no.

If you have specific questions, feel free to contact me and I'll put it in the blog.

Thank you everyone for your support.

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.