Pardon the game of 20 questions
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Katie!
As I tell my children, the only stupid questions are the ones you DON”T ask.
My Mom (77) had 5 rounds of Gemzar and Oxyliplatin scheduled two weeks apart. She was fortunate and the ONLY side effect she experienced was something called cold neuropathy (from the Oxiliplatin). It only lasted two days after a treatment and went something like this: If she drank or ate anything cold or touched something in the frig it was similar to getting an “electric shock” or like when you get Brain freeze from eating ice cream too fast.
Mom made the best decision in my opinion in getting a “power port” implanted in her chest. All of her chemo and blood draws and contrast for CT was sent through the port. It was wonderful and something you might want to consider. If you do get one insist on a POWER PORT.
Mom did not lose her hair and it really never even thinned and the chemo did not hurt. Each time before they started the chemo they gave her a bag of (I’m having a blonde or senior moment and can’t remember the name of the anti nausea drug). Bottom line she NEVER had nausea or got sick. Aha…I think it was Zofran. She also had two types of pills Zofran and Compazine to take at home for the first two days after chemo. They kept her from getting any nausea at all.
Mom did not bruise easily either. I think the best thing to do is follow your treatment plan and live each and every moment of your life to the fullest.
My mom would have chemo (it took about 3 hours for the two of them) and then Mom, Dad and I would go shopping for my mother of the bride dress that I needed this past December. She would wear me out!!!!!! and this was AFTER THE CHEMO!!!
One thing to remember. Always take someone with you to take notes, ask for handout sheets if they have them and write your questions down on a notepad as you think of them. Then take these to the appointments and don’t leave until you are satisfied that all your questions are answered. You will also find the Chemo nurses are great sources of knowledge as are the other patients you will meet also having chemo.
You are very special and in my thoughts and prayers.
All of us are only a keystroke away……
Hugs!
PamSo as you guys know, I’m supposed to start chemo tomorrow (Gemzar, 3 weeks on, 1 week off for 6 months) and I’m just.. flipping out a little bit. Okay, a lot. It’s through an IV, so will it burn or anything? Is it supposed to? Will my hair fall out? They said it might “thin” but what does that even mean? Do you think I should cut my hair anyway? Am I allowed to go out in the sun and stuff? My friends started planning a trip to Disney like a year ago so it would stink if I couldn’t go.. Do you really bruise easily? I’m a klutz by trade, I just walked into a door frame before. Will the effects just be after the 24 hours after you get it or all week? Do you just feel normal on off weeks? Even if I do the chemo, will it come back anyway…?
If anyone can answer anything, that would be so amazing.. My doctors had a million things to say and I was too stunned to really think of asking any questions. You guys are in the know though!
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