“Howzitgoing?”

After 2 weeks of roaming around and being out and about, I’m back at my sister’s house for a few days.  Cycle3 started today and it’s been a bit challenging.  I’ve been asked, what’s involved when doing these cycles?  Here’s a quick synopsis of my treatments (note - treatments will vary based on the cancer type and stage; not everyone with cancer will have the same treatment protocol):

• Recap – I’m doing 6 3-week cycles.  The 3 weeks consist of 2 weeks on drugs followed by 1 week off drugs for recovery. There are 3 drugs that I’m taking.  Two are through IV on day1 only, and the other is via pills, orally 2x/day.  Therefore, I go into the doctor only 1x during the 3-week cycle; the rest of the medications may be taken at home in the morning and night. 

• My cycles start on a Friday.  Kathleen, my sister, accompanies me.

• On Thursday, I go in for a blood test.This is done to check the red and white blood cell counts to ensure I’m strong and healthy enough to continue the chemo.

• On Friday morning, at home, I start by taking the oral medication (Xeloda) with breakfast.  2 hours before the appointment, I apply an ointment to the port area.  This ointment is lidocaine-based and numbs the port area to reduce the pain when the needle is inserted.  I use a nickel size dollop and cover it with saran wrap (so it doesn’t spread all over and get on my clothes).

• The chemo appointment starts with an initial meeting with my doctor, Dr. Cabebe, to discuss the current status.  This includes reviewing the blood test results, discussing the side effects, and any other questions I may have (including administrative issues related to insurance and work forms).  The discussion also includes advice and feedback on some of the supplements I’m taking (chia, pomegranate powder) or may want to take and the effect it may have when combined with the chemo.

• The drugs start with an anti-nausea drip.  This is a small dose of 2 anti-nausea meds and Benadryl; it takes approximately 15 minutes.  The main chemo drug, Oxaliplatin, is next and usually takes 2 hours. This is followed by Avastin, which takes about 1.5 hours.

• During the dripping time, I usually catch up with Kathleen, read magazines, get online to catch up on emails, or sleep.  In a previous post, there is a picture of me in one of the chemo chairs.  The environment is similar to a nail salon – we all have our comfy chairs, we acknowledge each other, but limit our conversation.  In the 3x that I have gone, I’ve meet a few people who are on my same schedule.  We have had friendly conversations and it’s good to be able to compare progress against the others.

• Today (Friday), I had some negative reactions to one of the drugs. During the treatment, I was experiencing cramping in the calves, forearms and fingers; scratchy and sore throat, tingling in the feet and fingers, sensitivity to touching cold things, and general muscle fatigue.  I get to the point where I know I cannot drive, it’s difficult to speak, and my typing sucks (therefore, I’m not making any typing correntioncs beyone this point).Whe n I start reacting toe the durg.s the nurses slow down the drip; I was there fomr 10:15 to about 5pm.I thnk they slowed down the Avastin when I started experiencing the side effects; their main concern was my throat and whether or not it was difficult to bereathe.Kathleetn left in beteen to pick up the ikids from school and came back; but I wasn’t c ompletely finished with the Avastin treatment and they alw=so wnated to give me more fluies.  Kathlenn had to leave again to take the kids ot their afternoon activities; forgutnaltye, Suanzeen was available to pick me up!  This helped rmeoifve some of the anxizety i was feeling.

I’m goint ot stya at kalthleen’s for the next cuple of days until my typing improves.In rugture posts, I wll use my iPhone, as I hear the augtocrorrect feature is exclent! ;)

That’s it for now; have a godo weekend!

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Archive Comments

james.cheung@gmail.com: Hey Caroline, I'm counting on you to recover and come back in three months. Maybe three months is a bit unrealistic, but I'd say.... soon! Think positive, and good things will happen to you. Keep in tounch!James Cheung

Lisa D: Can't wait to see what auto-correct does to your next post ;o) Can you have someone come and give you a mani/pedi while you are getting your treatments? If so, I'll send someone your way.

Meowmi Judy: Thank goodness you still have your sense of humor! Miss hanging with you. Still wondering if wine is a good combination with chemo treatments? Need a little CinCin time!

Conrad Young: Lvoe hte tpyingOur Track coach thinks the world of you, Liner!You have her fooled!!! Ha ha GReat to see you @ track! Con

Cynthia Mallison: Get lots of rest! Hopefully I'll see you on Tuesday if you're up for it! I'm going to the moi store this weekend! I'll bring you some! :D I love that you still have your humor! See you soon!