080218 - Two down, two to go

Less than one minute read time.

Just completed the second of my post-op chemo sessions. This was the first time that it was done as an outpatient. Mind you, I still spent all day at the hospital on Tuesday. I was there at 8.15 and was finally sent home at 16.15 with a portable pump to dispense the last drug which takes 24 hours. They were rushing to finish and I think they pushed the drugs through a bit fast! The neuropathy in my fingers has been much worse this time. The start of my treatment was delayed because my white blood count was ever so slightly low so the nurse couldn't order the drugs from the pharmacy until the oncologist gave the ok and he was at a department meeting. When he came to talk to me he said that because my bloods were marginally off he would reduce the dose by 10%.  I went back to hospital yesterday afternoon at 16.00 to have the pump removed and by 17.00 I was falling asleep on my sofa. Only two more sessions to go.

Onwards and upwards!

Anonymous
  • Hi Im going to start the same treatment as you in 10 days time. I hope I get through it as you did. Do you know how long your surgery was and also did your neuropathy subside and did you do anything to help it along.. exercise or alternative therapies?

    Many thanks

    Great blog by the way

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Niffler,

    Welcome to the group but so sorry that you have to be here.

    The neuropathy in my fingers did subside after each session and before I started the next one. It is not constantly present and is worse when my hands are cold. Taking things from the fridge or running my hands under cold water make it particularly uncomfortable. I bought some merino wool glove liners and I wear them in the house as soon as I feel any tingling. During the infusion of Doxcetaxil (sp?) they made me wear frozen mittens which is supposed to help reduce the effects. Other than that I don't know of anything else to do. My oncologist did say that if I was still suffering with the neuropathy he wouldn't start the next chemo session.

    As for the surgery, I was in the operating room for around 8 hours. They removed my stomach and sent it off to be analysed while I was on the table. That's to make sure that they have removed enough. The anaesthetist said to my husband afterwards that it was a long day for me (the patient ) and for the doctor too.

    Good luck with your treatment. Keep me posted .

    Take care and sending hugs.

    AM x

  • Hi AM

    I've just found your reply. Apologies for not replying sooner.

    Omg I didn't realise they analysed the histology while you were still under. Wow. That's amazing.

    I'm still waiting to start but at least I'm well for half term.

    I already have poor circulation in my feet as they are always cold and same with hands. I dont know if this is a good or a bad thing!

    What's your circulation like?

    Did you eat ok through your treatment and did they throw in any steroids? Sorry for all the questions. I hope you are feeling ok.

    Thanks

    Niff

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Niff,

    Regarding the histology, they didn't do a full analysis while I was in surgery. I think they check the area around the tumour to make sure they have removed enough. The analysis of the lymph nodes was done later. They checked 51 lymph nodes and none of them tested positive so I was very happy with that news.

    I have always suffered with cold feet but, so far, I have not suffered from neuropathy in my feet but my hands have been very sensitive since my last chemo.

    I met with my oncologist today to discuss my next chemo which is tomorrow, assuming that the blood counts are good. He is cancelling the Oxaliplatin for my final two sessions as this is the one causing the neuropathy and he doesn't want me to have any long-term effects.

    I have been eating during my treatment but don't have much of an appetite during the first couple of days.

    I haven't had any steroid but my treatment starts with an infusion of anti-nausea drug Zofran.

    If you have any further questions you can send me a private message .

    Take care and sending hugs.

    AM x