I am 81 and was diagnosed with serous cell endometrium cancer in September. There was some discussion about whether I was Stage 3 or 4. My surgeon who did the lap/rob surgery found a lesion on my lung and there was cancer in one of my lymphs. Oncologist thinks its 4 because she says in the lung is where cancer cells usually migrate to. She says we can't know for sure w/o a biopsy that's not in the cards for now. I have had internal/external ultra sound, CT scan, PET scan and the ususual hysterectomy. To bring readers up to date. I then had an Echocardiogram probably due to my age. I was cleared for chemo.
Yesterday, I had my first chemo session. The fact that this treatment was on my mind for weeks, kept me up nights. Additionally, having it at all was something I thought about a lot. I thought that perhaps the chemo is not going to do its job and help much. My surgeon told me, it was his opinion the treatment would be 40% successful. 60% chance it would return and probably would be vaginal. So, it was a tough call for me.
Anyhow, to talk about yesterday. Don't laugh, but it was a wonderful experience overall. I had a lovely private suite with all the amenities, My team was attentive and did everything to ease my fears. Many of them treated my spouse and remember him with fondness and with stories we chuckled about. They said he was a wonderful patient and they were sure he was looking down on me. (made me tear up).
Treatment went smoothly My surgeon added herceptin. The Taxol took 3 hours. I was loaded up before the procedure with drugs via IV for anti-nausea and other stuff.
Once the treatment started, I fell asleep probably, a more fitful sleep than I had in weeks. Hospital recommended I bring food and something to drink because I would be there for 6 hrs. I was.
The nurse told me if I was going to have issues with the treatment, it would be within a few minutes of Taxol administration. I had no reaction. After it was all over, I felt a bit lightheaded. The nurse said I did incredibly well and "didn't even turn pink". I gave her a big hug for that one.
This morning, I woke up pretty well rested because I only woke up once rather than two or three times. I took my Dexamethasone prescribed for the next three mornings. My only symptom so far was "dry mouth". So, I thought I'd' relay my experience. The next session in 21 days will be somewhat shorter. It was not what I expected. I hope the end result will be as positive.
Hi Gwen
Am glad that it went well yesterday. I found the first one the worst as you don't really know what to expect.
I also slept on and off most of my first chemo. I think it was partly the build up to it but also the piriton.
I hope that you continue to feel ok on it but do not be afraid to give your hospital 24 hour number a call if you do get any side effects that trouble you. They can often give you something to help.
Jane
Hi Grace
I had been wondering how you were getting on.
Good luck with next weeks treatment.
Taste is often unfortunately affected. I found lemon sweets helpful. If your mouth is also sore they can give you a lubricating mouth wash that does help. I found a lot of things tasted like they were going off or just bland and unpleasant. One thing to think of if that part of the pleasure tasting and enjoying food is the smell and with chemo- it can also affect smell and you may find you have a runny nose as the hairs inside normally come out. I found sharp and lemony/citrus tastes were more palatable. I did go off many foods that I normally enjoy. The main thing I was told was to continue to eat, whatever you fancy and keep the fluids up.
Bowel effects are normal too. Sometimes constipation, often diarrhoea was my experience. Some of it is not only due to the chemo drugs but also the other medication they give you- some anti sickness medications themselves cause constipation. (Ondansetron in particular)
I can understand your concern about the port. I did not want one as I felt I wanted everything taken out before I went home. I was told that as long as my veins coped then I wouldn't have to. Although they did deteriorate by the last couple of sessions, the nurses I had were very skilled at inserting cannulas and I was able to continue. Blood tests took a bit longer for the last cycle also. But they did manage.
The tingling feeling is something you need to mention to your CNS/or consultant when you have your review before the next cycle. It can be a sign of some neuropathy and at they may need to look at and adjust the dose of paclitaxel. They did this for me.
Feeling really tired is normal also. Your body is going through a lot of aggressive treatment at the moment. It can and does get better. So hang in there.
Jane
