So....talk about.....CANCER SUPPORT THREAD !!

[NurseELB]

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, and that all you moms were well pampered!

My appointment with the Radiation Oncologist is this Fri. I know that the internet can be a bad thing when it comes to stuff like this, but I was on a couple reputable web sites that discussed using chemotherapy alongside the radiation had much better results with cervical cancer that has spread to the nodes. I am concerned that if I have chemo I won't be able to work! I know I am just borrosing worries from tomorrow, but it's a valid concern, I think.

Well, it's a nice day outside, gonna take the dogs to the park today. Hope everyone has a good day! Coyote, are you rested?

Erin

 

[Lunachick]

Quote:
Erin, I was initially diagnosed with endometrial cancer and had the total hysterectomy done, including removal of my cervix......during the exam of my "stuff" they also encountered cancer cells on one of my ovaries - therefore, diagnosed as ovarian cancer. It was all contained, no lymph nodes showing any signs of cancer. All stage 1. BUT they recommended for this type of cancer, chemotherapy for six months and then radiation every day for 30 days. I was dumbfounded when I got the news...wha? CHEMO?????? But, but, but......not me!

It was to cover my ass, ( and the Doc's ass!) according to protocol, so that's what I did. I went through the chemo with no problems except the bald stuff

Took care of myself, followed the rules according to chemo and did fine! Radiation was after the chemo. Did fine with that too, a little grueling because of the daily stuff, but not bad.

(Look back on my posts of the experiences...)

When I had chemo on Wednesdays....I was fine that day and the next, it was Friday I felt like I was getting the flu...not bad.....a little achy in the legs and a weird "hangover" kinda feeling in my brain. Saturday was sluggish and blah, but not TERRIBLE....really!! Sunday I started to feel kinda normal, and I was fine by Monday. But Wednesday of the next week I was FINE!! I was perfectly normal for two whole weeks until the next dose. Same thing over again. Not too bad! They say that whatever you experience the first time around with the chemo should be how you'll deal with it each time. So, if you have to do chemo, don't fret, you're healthy and you GOTTA HAVE THAT POSITIVE ATTITUDE! You'all should be fine. This is, of course, if you have to do chemo.

;;;

Of course, they're alternative measures you can do and websites for that too. It's totally up to you. Insurance might not cover it, but you can do your research and come up with a plan. My surgeon happened to be a specialist in this field and highly recommended! I just came back from a pap test with him and I'm happy to report that it came back "normal". My first pap in January at my regular Gyno came back Atypical, high grade ..blah, blah ...bad news blah......It was because of the radiation just two months before. (!) I was hoping that's what it was.

I'm really only just learning from experience here....just telling it like it is. Keep your hopes up, I think they took it all and will tell you the best way to take care of things, even if it's "chemo". Don't let that scare you.....it worked for me so far and it's working for Coyote! We will stick together with this thing! Many hugs to you and be positive!

It was a beautiful day here too! We played hooky and came home early to catch up with the gardening!

 

[emeded]

Quote:
From experiences in my family, it is very important to keep your body acidity level low. Drink lot of broccoli and carrot self made juice, and try Baldwin diet. It did not work for my dad, as he was diagnosed with late stage 4 lung cancer, but I still believe that food does work, no matter what doctor says.
I wish you good luck with everything you do.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Quote:
From experiences in my family, it is very important to keep your body acidity level low. Drink lot of broccoli and carrot self made juice, and try Baldwin diet. It did not work for my dad, as he was diagnosed with late stage 4 lung cancer, but I still believe that food does work, no matter what doctor says.
I wish you good luck with everything you do.

Broccoli juice??!!

I'll stick with my Dr. Pepper!!

 

[Pumpkinpup]

I was told to juice asparagus spears when Mom was fighting her cancer but she refused to even try it

I am certain it would not have been very appealing but, hey, if it might help.....

 

[NurseELB]

emeded, thank you! I will look into the Baldwin diet.
Part of the problem is not to have large amounts of antioxidants. It comes against our second nature, I know, but radiation=free radicals.
If you take antioxidants in large amounts while undergoing chemo and radiation you effectively cancel them out.

Guess that rules out broccoli, carrot juice, and asparagus smoothies for me, bummer.

Dr. Called yesterday, they in fact DO want to add Chemo to the rad treatments. Glad I was prepared for his call!

Luna, what other chemo were you on besides Cisplatin?

 

[Lunachick]

Quote:
Erin - besides the fact that you can't do the juice during chemo or herbal remedies, is because you're right about that canceling out thing......PLUS you ain't gonna want that.....you're gonna want crap to eat anyway! LOL I always ate good food I love broccoli etc.....but during chemo you're going to want what you're gonna want and that's that. It's like when you were pregnant and craved stuff, that's probably gonna be that way for you too. I wanted mashed potatoes and choc shakes and fast food - I never eat that stuff - but I'll tell you it was fun.

:

I was on carboplatin (is that the same thing?) and taxol. They dilute it with a saline solution slow drip. You know what bothered me the most? The benedryl they give you as a preventative to any allergic reaction, it made my legs all jumpy and restless almost the whole time during chemo -(it also could have been the steroid they give you for the same reason) heh I should complain!

Hey, let us know what's going on....we really care! All this info helps people if they have to go through this, at least they don't feel alone. We appreciate your feedback on your experiences.....good luck - I think your attitude warrants a good outcome for you!!

 

[NurseELB]

Quote:
Thank you, Luna! I like to think I have a good attitude

By the way, it was the steroid that makes you jumpy. That junk tears me up. Looking forward to it!

Carboplatin and Cisplatin are different, but not by too much. Thanks for the junk food pass, by the way

I'm sure I should be buying stock in the ice cream companies! That's always been my go to.
I have been told that nutrition is key during treatment, but I feel that comfort takes priority, or I won't be motivated to continue

I'll let y'all know what the docs say on Friday. I have an appointment with Chemo and Rad docs both. Sounds like I'll be starting Monday.

Do you know, I visit the Hyster Sister site for information about post op, but you folks are where the comfort is!

 

[CoyoteMagic]

If you take Taxol or Taxotere take a vit B supplement to help ward of neuropathy. Wish I would have known before taking it! I deal with the neuropathy every day though some are worse than others. Makes me mad when I can't quilt because my fingers go numb or pins and needles. I'm much better than I was. I was put on Abraxane when I was rediagnosed and that drove me almost into a wheelchair because it was so bad. I used a walker with a seat where ever I went, if I went.

Carbo may make things taste strange. I swear it killed my taste buds within minutes of hitting my veins, lol. Even my good ol' Dr. Pepper tasted like crud.

Like Luna said, you may crave things you've never liked before. Go with it! Your body knows what it wants/needs. Me, chocolate milk shakes. One of the only things I could keep down.

Each of us is different when it comes to chemo. Lady I worked with only missed a week of work while fighting colon, then breast, then cervical and now lung cancer. She would come back to school after a treatment and work night school. Me, I tried to work during my treatments, but I was sick for a good week afterwards. Luna did great! She would crank up during the steroid period but that was about it. I decided to go without the steroids after first 2 doses of Toxotere and Carbo. Stuff makes me bonkers. I still get the benedryl before my treatments. I get in a good nap, lol Though they did have to wake me yesterday because I was snoring so bad!

 

[Lunachick]

Right coyote!! I forgot about the B-12 - very important ( I got that info here before I started chemo) I took and still take B-12 sublingual tabs 2000 mcgs every day. It also helps with the red & whitle blood counts.