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
