Update Dec 17: First week on Paclitaxcel & Carboplatin

KatB5 27 days ago

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Hello everyone,

Here's an update on my first treatment of six cycles of Paclitaxcel and Carboplatin, which started last Thursday Dec 11th. All went well and I was in the unit for 4.5 hours. First half hour drip was steroid/antihistamine and anti-sickness meds. Then one hour of Paclitaxcel and 45 minutes of Carboplatin (this was slowed from the usual 30 minutes due to it being my first treatment). Felt OK throughout with a couple of naps, hot drinks and even managed soup and a sandwich. The time seemed to pass faster than I thought it would!

Managed a half hour walk in the afternoon, then a two-hour nap when I got home. I haven't had any nausea (as yet) and was given Dexamethasone tablets to take for the following three days. I'm also eating and drinking normally, and managing to keep up the daily walks.

The only issues I noticed were an aching upper left arm (elbow to shoulder) for a few days, but this disappeared over the weekend. I was also constipated for a couple of days afterwards, but one or two Laxido sachets a day sorted that out. The constipation also affected my stoma and I had a (thankfully smallish) prolapse - nothing serious and I was able to resolve it OK with a bit of research and advice from the stoma nurse. A bit alarming, but at least I know what to do in the future!

I asked about my blood results and was told my magnesium level was slightly low. I've been eating spinach, avocados and 85% dark chocolate to help, so I'll see if that works.

Next treatment is tomorrow 18th...still very early days, so fingers crossed. It's just the Paclitaxcel for Days 8 and 15, then onto next cycle in January.

Hope everyone is doing and keeping as well as possible and wishing you all the very best on your treatment pathways. Will keep you posted.

Kathy x

PEB24 27 days ago

Hello Kathy,

A big well done to you on getting through your first treatment. It sounds as if all things considered you have coped really well and I hope that you continue to do so.
Any first treatment is such a milestone, going into the unknown and not knowing how you are going to react.

Great that you’re managing to eat and get out for walks.
Good luck with the next treatment.

Sending hugs, xx

Mrs Vanilla 27 days ago

That's great, it's good to hear all went well and hopefully things will carry on like this for the rest of your treatment. It sounds like you know how to care for yourself so enjoy your walks and chocolate, and nap as much as you need to.

Please let us know how you get on xx

KatB5 27 days ago in reply to PEB24

Thank you PEB24,

It's good to get the first one underway...onwards and upwards.

Hugs back xx

KatB5 27 days ago in reply to Mrs Vanilla

Thanks Mrs Vanilla,

Yes, will do. xx

Irene75359 27 days ago

Hello KatB5

I am so pleased that your first treatment went well, Iong may it continue. You have just reminded me that I was given magnesium sachets as my levels dipped as well, but nothing else. And I had to look back at my record, and yes, I constipation, it is amazing how when treatment ends one forgets a lot of the detail.

I always enjoyed the lunch (my appetite wasn't affected) and I am sure I told you that that night I would be up ironing and various jobs as the steroids kept me WIDE awake! But only for one night.

Wishing you all the luck you stay well.

Irene xx

Nikki65 27 days ago

Hi KatB5 , thank you for the update & I’m so pleased that your first day went well for you. Now you know what to expect hopefully the next treatment will be a little easier on your emotions at least.

Wishing you the very best for tomorrow & the rest of your treatment.

Nicola

AllyL 26 days ago

It feels so good to get that first chemo session out the way and I bet today will feel so much better.

Stomas really help during treatment, but they are like a temperamental car that needs careful handling sometimes....well done for mastering the constipation and prolapse. I have a small hernia that puff's up a bit if I eat too much at once, little massage and Stormzy gets over it.

I also wear a stoma hernia belt, inexpensive from Amazon. Goes on in the morning and keeps everything nice and flat. I do quite a bit of careful lifting and exercise and it gives me great reassurance. Not for everybody, but thought I would mention.

Walking, nap and dark chocolate sounds like a great routine to get you through your treatment.

Wishing you all the very best for today and for your ongoing treatment.

Ally xx

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Update Dec 17: First week on Paclitaxcel & Carboplatin