Guest guest Posted October 7, 2005 Report Share Posted October 7, 2005 Sorry to hear your cancer has returned but both Avastin and Oxaliplatin are good chemo agents. My husband Phil is stage 4 with multiple liver mets. His primary colon tumor was 13 cm and the chemo dissolved it. He is now on Erbitux. Welcome Please tell us your name at some point. I hate saying hey you! I think your doctor's plan of attack looks good. If all goes well for you maybe you can start looking at surgery in the spring. Phil had more problems with the Oxaliplatin and eventually they removed that and had him on Avastin with a take home pump of 5FU. Phil never did get the neuropathy but had chills on chemo day that were relieved with Tylenol and a nap under a heavy blanket. Then he'd get up shower and eat and feel fine. He also got some nasty mouth sores which he dealt with by using BIOTENE mouthwash and toothpaste. The Avastin often sent his bloodcounts down but most times they could get it back up with Procrit and Neulasta. In the last few months he developed an ulcer and has had periodic blood transfusions. None of these are pleasant but he has not had the really painful and debilitating side effects of others. For that we are thankful. Best Wishes on your current treatment You can lick again! In a message dated 10/7/2005 1:27:54 PM Eastern Standard Time, jkinslow@... writes: Well, folks, I'm back again...and so is CC! I've been off the board for a couple of years, ever since my ISP changed email addresses. Couldn't find a way to get Yahoo to tell me how to update things. Then, today, I stumbled on a way. So, here's my story: Diagnosed in July 2002 with Stage IV CC. Had a foot of my colon removed and two mets on the liver. Then spent a year on chemo (the usual CPT-11, 5FU and Leucovorin, or however it's spelled...I can't read the nurse's writing!). Made it fine until this summer when a CT scan turned up something suspicious in the area of the liver. Subsequent MRI found what they like to call a " mass " on the dome of the liver about 5 cm. Later biopsy confirmed it was CC just like before, only in a different place. So, I've started the second round of chemo - Avastin, Oxaliplatin, 5 FU and the leu... I take it two days in a row and then off twelve. I haven't' had a chance to catch up on the posts, so I'm assuming this is a normal regimen. Doc says he wants to monitor this for about 60 days before deciding what kind of surgical path to take--cutting it out, burning it out or freezing it. Oxaliplatin and Avastin were not available when I had my first bout with this, and the doc is very optimistic about what they can do for me this time. He doesn't want to do surgery immediately because he says that might just " make it mad. " How quaint! Anyway, as I guess some of you have found, Oxaliplatin is pretty potent stuff. It can screw up your veins if you take it in your arm, so I had a port put in this week. Man was it easier to take the chemo yesterday! Going back this afternoon for Round 2. The first round, after taking it on a Thursday and a Friday, really wiped me out on Sunday. I felt like a truck had run over me! Hope it's better this time. I seem to remember that when I started chemo in 2002 that the first session was the worst. I did find this time that it was much harder to get my head straight about this thing. The first time I simply said, " OK, I'll just beat it. " This time, however, I've had to really work on keeping my outlook positive. I think I've got things straightened out now, but it is more of an effort than the first time. Originally, my surgeon told me the survival odds were 1 in 5. This time, the onc gives me a 40-50% chance. So, at least the odds are getting better. Like I said, I haven't had a chance to review all the posts (I'll do that after posting this) but I'd appreciate any comments you'd like to make. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 7, 2005 Report Share Posted October 7, 2005 Well, folks, I'm back again...and so is CC! I've been off the board for a couple of years, ever since my ISP changed email addresses. Couldn't find a way to get Yahoo to tell me how to update things. Then, today, I stumbled on a way. So, here's my story: Diagnosed in July 2002 with Stage IV CC. Had a foot of my colon removed and two mets on the liver. Then spent a year on chemo (the usual CPT11, 5FU and leucovpin, or however it's spelled...I can't read the nurse's writing!). Made it fine until this summer when a CT scan turned up something suspicious in the area of the liver. Subsequent MRI found what they like to call a " mass " on the dome of the liver about 5 cm. Later biopsy confirmed it was CC just like before, only in a different place. So, I've started the second round of chemo - Avistin, Oxaliplatin, 5 FU and the leu... I take it two days in a row and then off twelve. I havent' had a chance to catch up on the posts, so I'm assuming this is a normal regimen. Doc says he wants to monitor this for about 60 days before deciding what kind of surgical path to take--cutting it out, burning it out or freezing it. Oxaliplatin and Avistan were not available when I had my first bout with this, and the doc is very optimistic about what they can do for me this time. He doesn't want to do surgery immediately because he says that might just " make it mad. " How quaint! Anyway, as I guess some of you have found, Oxaliplatin is pretty potent stuff. It can screw up your veins if you take it in your arm, so I had a port put in this week. Man was it easier to take the chemo yesterday! Going back this afternoon for Round 2. The first round, after taking it on a Thursday and a Friday, really wiped me out on Sunday. I felt like a truck had run over me! Hope it's better this time. I seem to remember that when I started chemo in 2002 that the first session was the worst. I did find this time that it was much harder to get my head straight about this thing. The first time I simply said, " OK, I'll just beat it. " This time, however, I've had to really work on keeping my outlook positive. I think I've got things straightened out now, but it is more of an effort than the first time. Originally, my surgeon told me the survival odds were 1 in 5. This time, the onc gives me a 40-50% chance. So, at least the odds are getting better. Like I said, I haven't had a chance to review all the posts (I'll do that after posting this) but I'd appreciate any comments you'd like to make. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 Hi, Jon. Sorry to see that you have CC again. Once is enough! Ok, you beat it the first time, God willing you can do it again. Your prognosis is good. I read your blog. You are a wonderful writer. Professional. I read from your message here: I felt like a truck had run over me! You just hit the nail on the head. I'm sure that is what many chemo patients feel like. My husband begins his first chemo treatment next week. He had his port put in yesterday near his collarbone and he is so sore that he cannot do any push-ups. Well, he is a cancer patient; he doesn't need to do any push-ups right now! Just get better. Have a nice weekend~ ~Deb from KS jkinslow1 wrote: Well, folks, I'm back again...and so is CC! I've been off the board for a couple of years, ever since my ISP changed email addresses. Couldn't find a way to get Yahoo to tell me how to update things. Then, today, I stumbled on a way. So, here's my story: Diagnosed in July 2002 with Stage IV CC. Had a foot of my colon removed and two mets on the liver. Then spent a year on chemo (the usual CPT11, 5FU and leucovpin, or however it's spelled...I can't read the nurse's writing!). Made it fine until this summer when a CT scan turned up something suspicious in the area of the liver. Subsequent MRI found what they like to call a " mass " on the dome of the liver about 5 cm. Later biopsy confirmed it was CC just like before, only in a different place. So, I've started the second round of chemo - Avistin, Oxaliplatin, 5 FU and the leu... I take it two days in a row and then off twelve. I havent' had a chance to catch up on the posts, so I'm assuming this is a normal regimen. Doc says he wants to monitor this for about 60 days before deciding what kind of surgical path to take--cutting it out, burning it out or freezing it. Oxaliplatin and Avistan were not available when I had my first bout with this, and the doc is very optimistic about what they can do for me this time. He doesn't want to do surgery immediately because he says that might just " make it mad. " How quaint! Anyway, as I guess some of you have found, Oxaliplatin is pretty potent stuff. It can screw up your veins if you take it in your arm, so I had a port put in this week. Man was it easier to take the chemo yesterday! Going back this afternoon for Round 2. The first round, after taking it on a Thursday and a Friday, really wiped me out on Sunday. I felt like a truck had run over me! Hope it's better this time. I seem to remember that when I started chemo in 2002 that the first session was the worst. I did find this time that it was much harder to get my head straight about this thing. The first time I simply said, " OK, I'll just beat it. " This time, however, I've had to really work on keeping my outlook positive. I think I've got things straightened out now, but it is more of an effort than the first time. Originally, my surgeon told me the survival odds were 1 in 5. This time, the onc gives me a 40-50% chance. So, at least the odds are getting better. Like I said, I haven't had a chance to review all the posts (I'll do that after posting this) but I'd appreciate any comments you'd like to make. --------------------------------- Yahoo! Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 Dang! I admire anyone who can do pushups, cancer or no! As I wrote earlier, I got my port in last Tuesday and they used it the first time Thursday and Friday. It was the greatest thing! Maybe that's why it's Saturday and I feel so good! Thanks for the compliment on the writing. I was a print journalist for 45 years before retiring and teaching elementary school, which I still do now. I've been a little slow putting up new blogs. Keep checking or send me our email address and I'll notify you when I put up a new one. I've got a list of people I do that for (or to!). Have a good one and tell your husband that the No. 1 thing is to stay positivie. At 07:02 AM 10/8/2005, you wrote: >Hi, Jon. Sorry to see that you have CC again. Once is enough! Ok, you beat >it the first time, God willing you can do it again. Your prognosis is good. > >I read your blog. You are a wonderful writer. Professional. I read from >your message here: I felt like a truck had run over me! You just hit the >nail on the head. I'm sure that is what many chemo patients feel like. My >husband begins his first chemo treatment next week. He had his port put in >yesterday near his collarbone and he is so sore that he cannot do any >push-ups. Well, he is a cancer patient; he doesn't need to do any push-ups >right now! Just get better. > >Have a nice weekend~ >~Deb from KS > >jkinslow1 wrote: >Well, folks, I'm back again...and so is CC! I've been off the board >for a couple of years, ever since my ISP changed email addresses. >Couldn't find a way to get Yahoo to tell me how to update things. >Then, today, I stumbled on a way. So, here's my story: > >Diagnosed in July 2002 with Stage IV CC. Had a foot of my colon >removed and two mets on the liver. Then spent a year on chemo (the >usual CPT11, 5FU and leucovpin, or however it's spelled...I can't read >the nurse's writing!). Made it fine until this summer when a CT scan >turned up something suspicious in the area of the liver. Subsequent >MRI found what they like to call a " mass " on the dome of the liver >about 5 cm. Later biopsy confirmed it was CC just like before, only in >a different place. > >So, I've started the second round of chemo - Avistin, Oxaliplatin, 5 >FU and the leu... I take it two days in a row and then off twelve. I >havent' had a chance to catch up on the posts, so I'm assuming this is >a normal regimen. Doc says he wants to monitor this for about 60 days >before deciding what kind of surgical path to take--cutting it out, >burning it out or freezing it. Oxaliplatin and Avistan were not >available when I had my first bout with this, and the doc is very >optimistic about what they can do for me this time. He doesn't want to >do surgery immediately because he says that might just " make it mad. " >How quaint! > >Anyway, as I guess some of you have found, Oxaliplatin is pretty >potent stuff. It can screw up your veins if you take it in your arm, >so I had a port put in this week. Man was it easier to take the chemo >yesterday! Going back this afternoon for Round 2. > >The first round, after taking it on a Thursday and a Friday, really >wiped me out on Sunday. I felt like a truck had run over me! Hope it's >better this time. I seem to remember that when I started chemo in 2002 >that the first session was the worst. > >I did find this time that it was much harder to get my head straight >about this thing. The first time I simply said, " OK, I'll just beat >it. " This time, however, I've had to really work on keeping my outlook >positive. I think I've got things straightened out now, but it is more >of an effort than the first time. > >Originally, my surgeon told me the survival odds were 1 in 5. This >time, the onc gives me a 40-50% chance. So, at least the odds are >getting better. > >Like I said, I haven't had a chance to review all the posts (I'll do >that after posting this) but I'd appreciate any comments you'd like to >make. > > > >--------------------------------- >Yahoo! Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 I wear golf gloves (both hands) on and off for the first few days after the poisoning session. Back to bed. Marty On 10/8/2005 2:00:47 AM, colon_cancer_support wrote: > Yeah, that cold stuff is weird. The other day in the > teacher's lounge one > of the kidders walked behind my chair and touched a small bottle of cole > water to my jaw. The sensation didin't > go away for an hour. > I've learned to > use potholders to take things from the fridge. And last nite, I was > cutting > some cold meat leftovers for the dog and had to stop. The sensations in my > fingers were too much. Strange, huh? > > I didn't > struggle with side effects the first year I was in chemo, except > for being tired all the time. I hope this goes as well with that potent > Oxaliplitin sounds like it could potentially cause all sorts of problems. > > Keep the faith! > > At 05:10 PM 10/7/2005, you wrote: > > >I can completely relate with the difficulty getting your head around this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 Me too. The general trend is towards getting harder, as the treatment progresses, though. Sorry, but that's the truth. Marty On 10/8/2005 5:44:33 AM, colon_cancer_support wrote: > Hi Jon, I did notice that when I was on that chemo each cycle seemed > to affect me differently. Some cycles were good and some I was sick > from it. Hopefully you will tolerate it well. Am Praying for you. > Ingrid > > > > > > > > Name's Jon. Sorry, thought that came through on the email (it does > on > > Eudora). My first year on chemo didn't > raise any side effects > except nausea > > that got worse toward the end. Also felt tired a lot, but nothing > more than > > that. Hope i can weather this chemo as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 Hi, Jon. I lost the link to your blog. Put me on your list of the people who you email when you update your blog: flytodeb@... thank you. I just wanted to say about the lady who blasted you for turning left in front of her, until she got inside the church, we see this from all people, not just religious ones. A man or woman who works in a store, and is so kind enough to wait on you and help you, might bite your head off in the parking lot! Once one enters or exits the door, the demeanor can change. I think this is due to stress. Everyone is so stressed out that they forget their manners. Thank you for the message, Jon. Positive attitude is very important. I agree. Take care. ~Deb from KS Jon Kinslow wrote: Dang! I admire anyone who can do pushups, cancer or no! As I wrote earlier, I got my port in last Tuesday and they used it the first time Thursday and Friday. It was the greatest thing! Maybe that's why it's Saturday and I feel so good! Thanks for the compliment on the writing. I was a print journalist for 45 years before retiring and teaching elementary school, which I still do now. I've been a little slow putting up new blogs. Keep checking or send me our email address and I'll notify you when I put up a new one. I've got a list of people I do that for (or to!). Have a good one and tell your husband that the No. 1 thing is to stay positivie. At 07:02 AM 10/8/2005, you wrote: >Hi, Jon. Sorry to see that you have CC again. Once is enough! Ok, you beat >it the first time, God willing you can do it again. Your prognosis is good. > >I read your blog. You are a wonderful writer. Professional. I read from >your message here: I felt like a truck had run over me! You just hit the >nail on the head. I'm sure that is what many chemo patients feel like. My >husband begins his first chemo treatment next week. He had his port put in >yesterday near his collarbone and he is so sore that he cannot do any >push-ups. Well, he is a cancer patient; he doesn't need to do any push-ups >right now! Just get better. > >Have a nice weekend~ >~Deb from KS --------------------------------- Yahoo! Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 Deb from Kansas, How is your husbands port feeling today? I am hoping it is not as sore. I know it took me a while to get over the soreness from having it put in. Many say they forget it is even there. Not me, I am aware of it constantly. Mine sticks out quite a bit and is somewhat uncomfortable. Mine is on the right side. Which side is your husbands? Did he have a choice on which side? Ingrid l > Well, folks, I'm back again...and so is CC! I've been off the board > for a couple of years, ever since my ISP changed email addresses. > Couldn't find a way to get Yahoo to tell me how to update things. > Then, today, I stumbled on a way. So, here's my story: > > Diagnosed in July 2002 with Stage IV CC. Had a foot of my colon > removed and two mets on the liver. Then spent a year on chemo (the > usual CPT11, 5FU and leucovpin, or however it's spelled...I can't read > the nurse's writing!). Made it fine until this summer when a CT scan > turned up something suspicious in the area of the liver. Subsequent > MRI found what they like to call a " mass " on the dome of the liver > about 5 cm. Later biopsy confirmed it was CC just like before, only in > a different place. > > So, I've started the second round of chemo - Avistin, Oxaliplatin, 5 > FU and the leu... I take it two days in a row and then off twelve. I > havent' had a chance to catch up on the posts, so I'm assuming this is > a normal regimen. Doc says he wants to monitor this for about 60 days > before deciding what kind of surgical path to take--cutting it out, > burning it out or freezing it. Oxaliplatin and Avistan were not > available when I had my first bout with this, and the doc is very > optimistic about what they can do for me this time. He doesn't want to > do surgery immediately because he says that might just " make it mad. " > How quaint! > > Anyway, as I guess some of you have found, Oxaliplatin is pretty > potent stuff. It can screw up your veins if you take it in your arm, > so I had a port put in this week. Man was it easier to take the chemo > yesterday! Going back this afternoon for Round 2. > > The first round, after taking it on a Thursday and a Friday, really > wiped me out on Sunday. I felt like a truck had run over me! Hope it's > better this time. I seem to remember that when I started chemo in 2002 > that the first session was the worst. > > I did find this time that it was much harder to get my head straight > about this thing. The first time I simply said, " OK, I'll just beat > it. " This time, however, I've had to really work on keeping my outlook > positive. I think I've got things straightened out now, but it is more > of an effort than the first time. > > Originally, my surgeon told me the survival odds were 1 in 5. This > time, the onc gives me a 40-50% chance. So, at least the odds are > getting better. > > Like I said, I haven't had a chance to review all the posts (I'll do > that after posting this) but I'd appreciate any comments you'd like to > make. > > > > --------------------------------- > Yahoo! Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 Marty, Glad to hear from you!!!! How are you feeling??? I am still Praying for YOU!!! Ingrid > > > > >I can completely relate with the difficulty getting your head around this > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 Hi, Ingrid. Thank you for the message. My husband was sore last night and was upset. He sleeps on his right side so he mentioned that to the surgeon, but the sugeon put the port on the right side any way. I told my son maybe there is a reason for that, but I have no idea why. Today I asked Sam if the port was painful and he said it is ok. The surgeon told him not to shower for 4 days. Hopefully it will heal very well. His chemo is only supposed to last for 5 weeks. I am praying that there are not complications that might delay his treatments. ~Deb from KS Ingrid Lowe wrote: Deb from Kansas, How is your husbands port feeling today? I am hoping it is not as sore. I know it took me a while to get over the soreness from having it put in. Many say they forget it is even there. Not me, I am aware of it constantly. Mine sticks out quite a bit and is somewhat uncomfortable. Mine is on the right side. Which side is your husbands? Did he have a choice on which side? Ingrid --------------------------------- Yahoo! Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 Deb, When I asked my surgeon why he put the port on my right side he said it is because it is easier for him to put in that side. So must be easier for them to operate on that side. But he did mention that he would of put it on any side I wanted. I sleep on my left side so it really was easier when i went home with my chemo pump. I did not worry so much on laying on it and causing any problems. I hope your husband can adjust to it well. I am upset with my port placement for one main reason. It lays right where my bra strap is supposed to go. Very uncomfortable. Makes me not want to wear a bra for very long time. Again your husband will not have that issue. LOL Ingrid > Deb from Kansas, How is your husbands port feeling today? I am hoping > it is not as sore. > I know it took me a while to get over the soreness from having it put > in. Many say they forget it is even there. Not me, I am aware of it > constantly. Mine sticks out quite a bit and is somewhat > uncomfortable. Mine is on the right side. > Which side is your husbands? Did he have a choice on which side? > Ingrid > > --------------------------------- > Yahoo! Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 My port stuck out a lot too. I had it removed about six weeks ago and it is finally something that doesn't hurt anymore. Just have the scar. Karima Re: Back Again! Deb from Kansas, How is your husbands port feeling today? I am hoping it is not as sore. I know it took me a while to get over the soreness from having it put in. Many say they forget it is even there. Not me, I am aware of it constantly. Mine sticks out quite a bit and is somewhat uncomfortable. Mine is on the right side. Which side is your husbands? Did he have a choice on which side? Ingrid l > Well, folks, I'm back again...and so is CC! I've been off the board > for a couple of years, ever since my ISP changed email addresses. > Couldn't find a way to get Yahoo to tell me how to update things. > Then, today, I stumbled on a way. So, here's my story: > > Diagnosed in July 2002 with Stage IV CC. Had a foot of my colon > removed and two mets on the liver. Then spent a year on chemo (the > usual CPT11, 5FU and leucovpin, or however it's spelled...I can't read > the nurse's writing!). Made it fine until this summer when a CT scan > turned up something suspicious in the area of the liver. Subsequent > MRI found what they like to call a " mass " on the dome of the liver > about 5 cm. Later biopsy confirmed it was CC just like before, only in > a different place. > > So, I've started the second round of chemo - Avistin, Oxaliplatin, 5 > FU and the leu... I take it two days in a row and then off twelve. I > havent' had a chance to catch up on the posts, so I'm assuming this is > a normal regimen. Doc says he wants to monitor this for about 60 days > before deciding what kind of surgical path to take--cutting it out, > burning it out or freezing it. Oxaliplatin and Avistan were not > available when I had my first bout with this, and the doc is very > optimistic about what they can do for me this time. He doesn't want to > do surgery immediately because he says that might just " make it mad. " > How quaint! > > Anyway, as I guess some of you have found, Oxaliplatin is pretty > potent stuff. It can screw up your veins if you take it in your arm, > so I had a port put in this week. Man was it easier to take the chemo > yesterday! Going back this afternoon for Round 2. > > The first round, after taking it on a Thursday and a Friday, really > wiped me out on Sunday. I felt like a truck had run over me! Hope it's > better this time. I seem to remember that when I started chemo in 2002 > that the first session was the worst. > > I did find this time that it was much harder to get my head straight > about this thing. The first time I simply said, " OK, I'll just beat > it. " This time, however, I've had to really work on keeping my outlook > positive. I think I've got things straightened out now, but it is more > of an effort than the first time. > > Originally, my surgeon told me the survival odds were 1 in 5. This > time, the onc gives me a 40-50% chance. So, at least the odds are > getting better. > > Like I said, I haven't had a chance to review all the posts (I'll do > that after posting this) but I'd appreciate any comments you'd like to > make. > > > > --------------------------------- > Yahoo! Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 Karima, I am looking forward to that day. Ingrid > > Well, folks, I'm back again...and so is CC! I've been off the board > > for a couple of years, ever since my ISP changed email addresses. > > Couldn't find a way to get Yahoo to tell me how to update things. > > Then, today, I stumbled on a way. So, here's my story: > > > > Diagnosed in July 2002 with Stage IV CC. Had a foot of my colon > > removed and two mets on the liver. Then spent a year on chemo (the > > usual CPT11, 5FU and leucovpin, or however it's spelled...I can't > read > > the nurse's writing!). Made it fine until this summer when a CT scan > > turned up something suspicious in the area of the liver. Subsequent > > MRI found what they like to call a " mass " on the dome of the liver > > about 5 cm. Later biopsy confirmed it was CC just like before, only > in > > a different place. > > > > So, I've started the second round of chemo - Avistin, Oxaliplatin, 5 > > FU and the leu... I take it two days in a row and then off twelve. I > > havent' had a chance to catch up on the posts, so I'm assuming this > is > > a normal regimen. Doc says he wants to monitor this for about 60 > days > > before deciding what kind of surgical path to take--cutting it out, > > burning it out or freezing it. Oxaliplatin and Avistan were not > > available when I had my first bout with this, and the doc is very > > optimistic about what they can do for me this time. He doesn't want > to > > do surgery immediately because he says that might just " make it > mad. " > > How quaint! > > > > Anyway, as I guess some of you have found, Oxaliplatin is pretty > > potent stuff. It can screw up your veins if you take it in your arm, > > so I had a port put in this week. Man was it easier to take the > chemo > > yesterday! Going back this afternoon for Round 2. > > > > The first round, after taking it on a Thursday and a Friday, really > > wiped me out on Sunday. I felt like a truck had run over me! Hope > it's > > better this time. I seem to remember that when I started chemo in > 2002 > > that the first session was the worst. > > > > I did find this time that it was much harder to get my head straight > > about this thing. The first time I simply said, " OK, I'll just beat > > it. " This time, however, I've had to really work on keeping my > outlook > > positive. I think I've got things straightened out now, but it is > more > > of an effort than the first time. > > > > Originally, my surgeon told me the survival odds were 1 in 5. This > > time, the onc gives me a 40-50% chance. So, at least the odds are > > getting better. > > > > Like I said, I haven't had a chance to review all the posts (I'll do > > that after posting this) but I'd appreciate any comments you'd like > to > > make. > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Yahoo! Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 Hi, Ingrid. Sorry that your port sticks out and is located in a bad place. Maybe the surgeons should be told to keep in mind that women's bra strap is not the best place to put the port. That is something that they don't think about maybe because nobody told them. But at least it is not on the side you sleep on. I told my husband to sleep on his back. He did. Take care, ~Deb from KS Ingrid Lowe wrote: Deb, When I asked my surgeon why he put the port on my right side he said it is because it is easier for him to put in that side. So must be easier for them to operate on that side. But he did mention that he would of put it on any side I wanted. I sleep on my left side so it really was easier when i went home with my chemo pump. I did not worry so much on laying on it and causing any problems. I hope your husband can adjust to it well. I am upset with my port placement for one main reason. It lays right where my bra strap is supposed to go. Very uncomfortable. Makes me not want to wear a bra for very long time. Again your husband will not have that issue. LOL Ingrid > Deb from Kansas, How is your husbands port feeling today? I am hoping > it is not as sore. > I know it took me a while to get over the soreness from having it put > in. Many say they forget it is even there. Not me, I am aware of it > constantly. Mine sticks out quite a bit and is somewhat > uncomfortable. Mine is on the right side. > Which side is your husbands? Did he have a choice on which side? > Ingrid > > --------------------------------- > Yahoo! Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 Feeling bad most of the time, but seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The prayers are mutual. Marty On 10/9/2005 4:20:19 AM, colon_cancer_support wrote: > Marty, Glad to hear from you!!!! > How are you feeling??? > I am still Praying for YOU!!! > Ingrid > > > > > > > I wear golf gloves (both hands) on and off for the first few days > after the > > poisoning session. > > > > Back to bed. > > > > Marty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 Hi Marty: Is it the chemo that is making you sick? I know you are well ahead of me -- I just finished number 5 and will be scanned on Monday (12 total of Folfox plus Avastin so 7 more to go). I know that you were doing well in the beginning. Is it the cumulative effects of the chemo? Have they lessened your dose? Mine was decreased 2 times. I just hope it is still doing the trick. Have your scans been good (i.e., no evidence of disease)? I am thinking of you and hoping that you will feel better soon. in California > > > > > > I wear golf gloves (both hands) on and off for the first few days > > after the > > > poisoning session. > > > > > > Back to bed. > > > > > > Marty > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 2005 Report Share Posted October 9, 2005 Hi, , I've been following your odyssey!!! The effects are all from the chemo. Had 2 hospitalizations for high fevers...no source found. They have kept the dosage steady. Had a PET in July, plus a liver ultrasound....NED!!!! (so far, so good) Do have a new inguinal hernia that needs to be repaired after the chemo, though.... Marty On 10/9/2005 7:57:44 AM, colon_cancer_support wrote: > Hi Marty: > Is it the chemo that is making you sick? I know you are well ahead > of me -- I just finished number 5 and will be scanned on Monday (12 > total of Folfox plus Avastin so 7 more to go). I know that you were > doing well in the beginning. Is it the cumulative effects of the > chemo? Have they lessened your dose? Mine was decreased 2 times. I > just hope it is still doing the trick. Have your scans been good > (i.e., no evidence of disease)? I am thinking of you and hoping that > you will feel better soon. > in California > > > > > > Feeling bad most of the time, but seeing the light at the end of > the tunnel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 2005 Report Share Posted October 9, 2005 Hi, Marty. Sorry you are feeling bad. At least your PET and liver ultrasound were good. I love it when someone says NED! NED sounds wonderful! I am glad for you. Hope you get through the rest of your chemo. Prayers coming your way. ~Deb from KS Marty and Ellen Grogin wrote: Hi, , I've been following your odyssey!!! The effects are all from the chemo. Had 2 hospitalizations for high fevers...no source found. They have kept the dosage steady. Had a PET in July, plus a liver ultrasound....NED!!!! (so far, so good) Do have a new inguinal hernia that needs to be repaired after the chemo, though.... Marty On 10/9/2005 7:57:44 AM, colon_cancer_support wrote: > Hi Marty: > Is it the chemo that is making you sick? I know you are well ahead > of me -- I just finished number 5 and will be scanned on Monday (12 > total of Folfox plus Avastin so 7 more to go). I know that you were > doing well in the beginning. Is it the cumulative effects of the > chemo? Have they lessened your dose? Mine was decreased 2 times. I > just hope it is still doing the trick. Have your scans been good > (i.e., no evidence of disease)? I am thinking of you and hoping that > you will feel better soon. > in California > > > > > > Feeling bad most of the time, but seeing the light at the end of > the tunnel. --------------------------------- Yahoo! Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 2005 Report Share Posted October 9, 2005 Oh Marty, The light at that end of the tunnel must be shining pretty bright by now. Yes, the longer one is on chemo the harder it is. Have you talked to doctor about reducing the chemo drugs to make this more manageable? Praying for you. Ingrid > > > > > > I wear golf gloves (both hands) on and off for the first few days > > after the > > > poisoning session. > > > > > > Back to bed. > > > > > > Marty > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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