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sms43 
12:41pm, August 27, 2009
I dreaded my first chemo. I was really scared. Well, I had it yesterday, and so far, so good. I don't feel any effects. I know they may come, but for now, I'm taking what I can get! I got Alimta infused through an infusion port and it was a piece of cake. I went for my Neulasta shot just a little while ago, and I know it can cause bone pain, but I'm hoping for the best on that front, too! I am just so very glad to have the first dose behind me. I'll have it every 3 weeks for 6 sessions, and then have some scans to see how well it's working. If it is working to shrink the tumors, I will keep on with it. If not, they'll consider some other drug or combination.
Comments
My Mom had it once a week on Mondays and she was really sick from Thurs-Saturday and then of course had to start over again on Mondays. Good Luck to you.
rllee07
My docs gave me info on both Alimta and Cisplatin prior to my first chemo session where I received both, and Alimta was by far the lesser of the two evils :) I may have some peripheral numbness as a side effect, but hey, it's a small price to pay. I had very good antinausea meds, and please understand that you absolutely MUST stay ahead of the nausea - it you wait until it's out of control, it's way too late so don't be a hero and try to gut it out. There's no point. You're doing great. Keep it up.
SpringChikn
I had chemo on 7/23 and then a Neulasta shot on 7/24. I was good on the day of and the day after chemo, but things went quickly downhill from there. Just realized I had never really updated the group on the details of the aftermath. I became horribly nauseated, with vomiting, and just felt totally awful. I hurt all over. I couldn't eat or drink, and if I did, nothing stayed down. I was weak. I finally, on 7/28, had to go back to the doctor's office for IV fluids and nausea meds. I started to feel better a couple days later. Then I had the normal blood draw on 7/29 only to find my white blood count was dangerously low. It is better this week but not good and definitely not high enough for another treatment, which I would be due next Thursday, 8/13. I am changing oncologists and see the new one on Friday of this week. I am looking forward to the change.
Thanks again, everyone, and please continue your prayers.
sms43
I changed oncologists for numerous reasons, not the least of which was that she started chemo on me with a drug not to be used when the patient is getting radiation. That I was getting radiation was clear in my chart and we had discussed it before. I stopped her as I read the brochure on the med (Gemzar) and so only received a small dose. I have been told that had I had the entire dose, I would be dead, and it wouldn't be pretty, as I would have literally been burned to death from the inside out. I will see to this matter when I can, but for now finding the right oncologist was my priority. The following information is from my appointment today with the new oncologist:
Columbus Oncology and Hematology Associates, Nse Ntukidem, M.D.
Perhaps an odd sort of update for my journal, but I keep a personal journal too, and these comments mostly come from that. By the way, I had practiced and finally gotten his last name right! But come to find out, he goes by his first name because it is easier. It is Nse (N - say). I'm a happy camper!
From my appointment today with the new oncologist:
Columbus Oncology and Hematology Associates, Nse Ntukidem, M.D.
Listened intently.
Had reviewed my record and had some questions based on that review.
Ordered blood work, which I had drawn right there.
Ordered CT with contrast of chest belly, and pelvis, which I had done right there.
Physical examination.
Explanation of why it isn't clear to him whether or not the primary cancer is lung or breast. Makes a big difference in treatment and in outcome. I told him I had an ultrasound and mammogram yesterday (8/6/09) at RMH per Dr. Pomerants. (The surgeon who had done the breast biopsy) I told him that they could not discern a discrete mass. On examination, he felt a discreet mass, which I can feel as well.
Had me get the CDs of all scans done at Star Imaging along with the initial pathology report on the lung tumor that was removed. Is getting the actual slides from that tumor.
Said the use of Alimta, which Dr. Beed had given me, was appropriate, but that he uses 2 drugs and would add Carboplatin if we became certain that this was lung cancer. Told me to leave the nausea to him! I'll be given anti-nausea meds to take the day before, the day of, and the day after chemo.
He asked permission to present my case at the Tumor Board meeting, which is next Thursday. Meeting includes, from all over the area, oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, pathologists, and on and on. Complex cases are presented and all present have an opportunity to discuss, study, and offer information.
Scheduled appointment for 8/14 at 2:00 pm, to go over the information he has gathered and to finalize a treatment plan. Said it wouldn't make any difference if I did not get chemo exactly 3 weeks following my first dose, which would be next Thursday; he would rather get it right than to be in a rush!
Was kind, had a sense of humor, easy to understand (he's from Nigeria), very knowledgeable, well organized and methodical with obvious attention to detail, courteous when dealing with staff at the clinic, and kind to me. Talked with both of us, and he made me feel safe for the first time since my diagnosis and referral to Dr. Beed.
The facility is all contained in one building. New and very comfortable. They even give chemo right there. Very convenient, and, as I've already said, only 2 miles from home.
Needless to say, I am happy to have been able to get into his practice, as the old oncologist would not give me a referral! I had to search and find one on my own, and then pray that I could get in. I not only got in, but was scheduled to see him two days after my call! God is good!
sms43
I changed oncologists from the git go and I believe it made all the difference in my physical, mental, and emotional healing....
kathygump