Chemotherapy Support Thread

Maddy, bless you. Well done for all you’ve gone through and sending positive thoughts for the rest of your treatment and your overall wellness. 

Madesp

Hi Mad, tough for you but you had to make that decision. I remember at my sessions ladies had issues with Carboplatin, not Paclitaxel. As your team said it's rare to have such bad reactions. I had no idea ABRAXANE was so expensive, (beats a G&T) any day. My Oncologist hinted he didn't think that his trust would carry the cost , probably because of my age. 

Sorry to hear of your Glaucoma, I know how worrying it is keeping the BP down. I never had the laser eye surgery but my Mum did.

Will have more sessions of the Carboplatin or just have the 3 remaining? It's just as effective the Carboplatin interferes with the development of the genetic material in a cell, its DNA. This stops it from dividing into 2 new cells and kills it.

sending hugs, Barb xx

I also protect my grandchildren from seeing me in a vulnerable state.  They're too young to comprehend it all xx

Thanks Barb for explaining how carboplatin works. I have had 2 carboplatin  one this week and one  3 weeks ago whilst the Oncologist was trying to find a solution,  so only one more to go end of June. 

Then Oncologist has booked a  CT scan July to compare with last one in March and if all good onwards with brachytherapy. 

How are you doing now Barb, hopefully you are getting back to some normal living without checking your diary for the next hospital appointment. 

Take care xxx

One more to go Chrissie I've had two carboplatin   one this week and one three weeks ago when my Oncologist was seeking info on desensitisation program with pharmacist. 

Last carboplatin end of June,  can't wait xxx

Hiya M

Tbh it's a Weight off my mind and like I said,  I'm ok.with it and the additional brachytherapy will hopefully kill off any remaining (if there are any???) Cancer cells.  It is what it is.

Hopefully you are doing well and starting to live a normal life.  Put it all behind you and Keep positive as trials show that positive people more likely to have positive outcomes. 

Take care xxx

Madesp

Hi Mad, yes it's nice booking the car in for a service without checking my diary! (Oh what an exciting life I lead!) I've got to have a blood test in August and see my Oncologist at the end of the month so yes I'm a little off the hamster wheel. Only problem is I have a slight pain in my side where the tumour was between my liver and ribs. I'm obviously thinking the worst so I've got a call in to my Oncologist for reassurance. I was doing some gardening, not heaving lifting but multiple wheelbarrows so may have overdone it.

Apart from that and the numbness in feet and toes I really do feel well I'm glad to say. Getting compliments on my hair and being asked will I keep it short and spikey!

Hugs to you, Barb xx

That’s even better 

Chrissie xx 

Hi All

Thank you so much for all the well wishes for yesterday. I'am pleased to say that this time it went well and I didn't get a reaction at the start of the Paclitaxel. So far so good today on the side effects front but on the 1st cycle things didn't start going pear shape until Saturday evening. I ended up in hospital early Monday morning for 5 days with a reaction. Fingers crossed that this time because they administered the drug a lot slower my body has accepted it better.

I sat in the chair at 9.30 am and didn't leave the unit until 5 pm It was along day but i didnt mind in the slightest if it meant no reaction. This time they increased the speed on the drip very slowly to start and each hour it was increased with no problems. 

Thank you again everyone for your support, i will keep you posted how things go this week. I am sure things will be fine, the hospital have supplied me with all the right meds to ensure that i will be able to manage at home if need be this time but I am very hopefully that it wont come to that.

For all those ladies waiting to start Chemo please dont be alarmed by my post as it is pretty rare to get a reaction and the nurses know exactly what to do when it happens during administration. I think it's even rarer to have a stay in hospital after. 

Big hugs 

Robin xxx

Glad that it went well yesterday x