Lung cancer surgery 3 weeks ago now need chemo

Hi there, my husband just had his 4th chemo, and had absolutely no side affects this time.  Our consultant gave him a large anti sickness pill which lasted 5 days and worked !! Do you have this ? Then he can go onto the normal pills if need but he hadn’t needed any.  He’s drinking lots of fluids constantly so he does not dehydrate and is eating well. A little tired maybe but nothing major.

Maybe your next session of chemo might be better ……

Hi there another day

Yes they gave me a large pill for anti sickness and I must say I wasn't really sick at all, very slight nausea and have other pills to take if need be. My main problem was exhaustion. One day I couldn't get out of bed at all and the other days that first week were not good either. Then I had the terrible mouth with taste gone haywire and now my bloods are not good. I hope they improve soon or I won't be able to get second treatment.

Shas x

Hi there Rose,

Had second chemo on Monday and don't feel quite as bad as last time as yet. The oncologist has reduced my dose by 20% so maybe that has made a difference. I hope it is not less effective. It is a fine balancing act between benefits of chemo and the risk. My neutrophils were so low and I felt so bad that I think she had to do something.

They have said my next 2 doses will be the reduced dose also. My taste has got worse again, everything is very bland and am tired but as I said not as bad as last time so far, fingers crossed.

Have you had your review with oncologist ? Hope all is well.

Kick cancers butt heh!

Shas x

Hi Shas,

some positive news, maybe ask for your increased dose again if you can tolerate.  My husband has had 4 string doses now and the results of his scan was amazing !!! The cancer has shrunk so much ! We could not believe it xx 

keep being brave 

Hello Shas!!! You are right!! Kick cancer's butt!!!!

Seeing Oncologist tomorrow, had CT chest, ecg and bloods in preparation. You are doing really well. I have missed afew treatments and am now worrying.

I completed Cycle 2 & 3 completely, but missed the third in Cycle 3, Fenorelbine, due to Neutrophils being low and the Cycle 4, had the first week ok, Cisplatin & Fenorelbine but missed week 2&3, Fenorelbine, as unwell. They do not give u a week off here, so cycles are back to back. 

With no offer of reduced doses etc, I think the regime here,  is too harsh and really impacts women, which seem unfair as the side effects are known to affect females, worse than males. 

Will let u know how tomorrow goes. Good thing is like you, I was Stage 2, they caught it early and the surgeon thinks he got of the cancer.

My advice to you is to keep at it, with no regrets at the end of it, it is the way to go!!

Rosexo

Hi Rose,

How did you go with oncologist? Hope all is good with you.

I am 10 days after second chemo treatment and don't seem as bad as last time. My taste is still haywire and mouth a  bit sore.

I am hoping neutrophils haven't dropped  as low as last time but won't know until I do blood test next Thursday before oncologist appointment.

I seem to have cravings for different foods. Last Sunday I craved roast lamb so got ready roast with veges lamb and gravy and although it didn't taste quite as it should have It was still yummy.

I am actually eating quite a lot and haven't lost any weight. If anything I think I may have gained a bit.

I am so looking forward to getting this chemo done and dusted and hopefully no more cancer and getting on with life. 

Take care, write soon.

Shas xx

Hello Shas, 

Thanks for all the news!!!

Back in N.Ireland and have decided not to return to Canada. Have been referred as urgent for a Oncologist referral here.  Husband is returning September once things sorted over there.

Have seen 2 grandchildren and both my sons, hope to see Sophie in Scotland when they get back from Germany.

Still having nausea and still not enjoying food, as tastes altered and that's a month post my last chemo..It apparently takes months for things to return. Issues with constipation have resolved, thank goodness as chemo and nausea meds really messed my G I system,  I recommend Lax a day, daily, to stop things getting chronic.

Will take me afew weeks to recover from jet lag and am getting shortness of breath when walking up hills, so take it slow. Each day at a time and trying to relax often.

Think you are doing great, and you are half way through!!!

Keep in touch and keep it going!!

Rosex

Hi Rose,

Hope your nausea and shortness of breath have eased and you are enjoying life more. I bet it was great to see grandchildren and your sons.

My eldest daughter that has 2 girls lives in the Uk and I haven't seen her for over 2 and a half years. They are planning to come here for Christmas so  that will be wonderful, something to look forward to for me.

I saw a different oncologist yesterday -  not sure why, but he said my blood test I had  on Thursday was showing 1.1 neutrophils so he said he was 99% confident that by tomorrow it will be ok to go ahead but they will do another test in the morning.  I haven't been nearly as bad this time around. He also told me I could color my hair if I wanted, as long as I didn't use anything that I haven't used before.  All the nurses I have asked have said no I can't., I think I will wait until I see my regular oncologist and ask her opinion. I did use that spray on color the other day and didn't have any reaction. I haven't really lost any hair as yet.

I am hoping I can get through the next 2 rounds and it is not anywhere else in my body. I guess I will have to have CT scan when chemo is finished, that will be stressful. It is over 3  months since my lung surgery and still have some soreness and itching, did you have that?

Well will let you know how tomorrow goes.

Keep in touch and enjoy your family.

Shas xx

Hi Rochyroo,

I was just going back over earlier posts and saw this one.

How are you going now. I have 3rd round of chemo tomorrow. My dose was reduced so second round wasn't quite as bad as first. I hope next two are ok.

Shas

Hello Shas,

That is something to look forward in December and time will fly in. It will.be great for you to see your daughter. I spoke to a different Oncologist most visits, my main Oncologist was rather cold and disinterested, so I was glad I got to speak to someone else.

I still have an occasional twinge at my chest tube drain site, but the scar is getting very light now and really well healed. I still feel discomfort if I lie on affected side at night.

Still having metallic taste in my mouth, 5 weeks post chemo and still get nauseous with some smells but appetite much better and eating well. I find that definately eating every 2 hrs during the day helps. Haemoglobin still lower so do have fatique, but hopefully it will resolve over time.

I did get my hair cut, during chemo,as I was having a little hair loss and got irritated by it, so it has just now started growing and so that's good.

Delighted to see family and feel it is helping me. Not quite ready to see allot of friends but saying hello gradually as it is a big change from the isolation I faced in Canada.

Let me know how tomorrow goes.

Rosemaryxx