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
