Well it is that time of the month when I have returned from my latest chemo session and on this occasion ... there is not much to tell!
My blood results were good on Friday which meant today could go ahead. The other pre-requisite was taking 3 sets of tablets (more steroids) in advance to help guard against an allergic reaction, vomiting and fluid retention.
The great news is that for the first time in a treatment session the nurse managed to access the port first time - woohoo!
The treatment itself took a little over two hours to complete as they do it as a very slow drip infusion to start with - the first 20ml was dripped in over 24 minutes. They gradually increased the pace over two 12 minute increments checking I still felt fine after each lot and then pushed the remainder through quite quickly. So in treatment terms it was easy peasy lemon squeezy.
So... the next 3 weeks will find me keeping a diary to track which of the symptoms I experience with this new drug. I know that the 'don't mix with the humans' days start two days earlier this time ie on day 5, but given that with the FEC I actually felt cr@p from day 5 rather than day 7... we'll need to see how this one works out. With this one you have to take extra meds from day 5 onwards so they obviously expect the side effects to be more extreme... only time will tell. I'll keep you informed.
Here is a reminder of the fact sheet if you are interested:
http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Individualdrugs/Docetaxel
In addition to monitoring my health progress I'll also be trying to make some more headway with my dissertation. I must admit it is proving quite hard to get back into the swing of it. However, I now have my chapter layout in place and have started making some progress on my research methodology but really need to forge ahead on my literature review. I think I will need to put a study buddy in place so that we can help push each other along to make sure we both make good progress. I think I know just the person to approach so a keen and cunning plan is in the making to help keep us (even though they are unaware at the moment!) on track! It is for such a good cause... I know its such a good cause so I will be re-energised!!! Promise!!!
Thats all for now folks!
Noj x
FormerMember
glad your doing good, i am also relieved about the tax not being as bad as the fec... i had 8 fec 100 and done quite well on it and abeen told i`m going to be getting up to 14 tax (or as much as my body can take which ever comes first lol) the plan is to get a port ... i thought the idea of a port was to make it easier ???... anyway...thanks for the link, good luck with it all and keep strong. liz xxxx
I don't know what mechinism you have had for your treatment before but the port is easy. I had trouble initially with swelling and in part because of the xperience level of the nuirses on the ward (as my port is quite mobile) but with another year or so of IV ahead of me I'm delighted I went for this option. It does mean that you have one needle prick each time but I see that as a small price to pay. I had my first 2 fec in my veins and still have pain in my arme where thet were done so I'm delighted my port is in and working so well now.
Good luck with the Tax. I'll keep you up to date with how the side effects go for me over the next few weeks.
my veins collapsed in both arms with the fec, but they just kept going as they were just adding more on to see how many i could take ... they had to stop at 8 (although initially wanted to do 10) my heart wouldnt take it. im not complaining cos in sept i will have had a full year chemo free and 14 months past my sell by date, which i am obviously well pleased with lol.. one little needle prick is fine by me, they once took 8 attempts 2 or 3 was quite normal, and i hate them little skinny buggers lol.
