Chemo takes it's toll. Cactus.

[Paulpwtierney]

Just when I thought I was in clear sailing with PEG in and radiation going smoothly , chemo went in on Tuesday. This is like nothing that I have experienced. No appetite , everything is a massive struggle. Second dose due in 3 weeks. I sleep now fron 4 p.m to 9 a.m and am still tired, Still no sign of a bowel movement. It can only get worse from here but 6 weeks to go then some serious recovery. Definitely no return to work in September - maybe November if I'm still alive. Stay tuned for further instalments in this riveting saga.

[topenddownunder]

Gday mate..yes its no easy thing.I`m on my second lot of chemo (1st was Gem/Carbo...this new one is alimta)Have been on Chemo a total of 7 months. The Gem/Carbo was knocking the blood cells around too much, and Chemo was being delayed each fortnight.This new one is only every three weeks and seems to be better. I have a CT Scan next week to see if Alimta is working as good as the Gem/Carbo ( I had 60% reduction in tumor). The side effects of both were bad, and although different,I had to combat them as they arose.My worst were tiredness,constipation, nausea,muscle pain and headaches.I have combated some of these by prescription drugs, (issued from Oncology Pharmacist), and also simple things like diet, Ginger Beer (Nausea) and constipation over-the-counter items.The biggest thing that has worried me is losing too much weight, so initially I was drinking lots of smoothies made from natural ingredients. Hope this helps Greg

[Jules2]

Paul I was the same as you are initially but after a week or so I noticed that I was feeling better. I slept a lot due to the amount of morphine I was taking, plus other pain killers. Hang in there.

[Paulpwtierney]

Thank you both. I am feeling a little better today. The oncologist was happy yesterday as the lump has noticeably subsided after one chemo treatment . Early signs are good however I am not sure whether to hope yet. She said I am " tolerating " the treatment and then found it funny when I the definition of tolerating is still breathing and has a pulse. I will soldier on.

[Jules2]

Paul I got an instant reaction with tumour shrinkage. It's good news and you still have a way to go but that has to be encouraging for you. 2 more to go with the chemo? Julie

[Paulpwtierney]

Yes thanks Jules , the oncologist noted the marked reduction in tumour size which she said was a good sign. She said that my specific type of cancer , P16 + being a throat cancer due to HPV virus tends to respond well to chemo. I realise it is early days yet as yes there are still two more maximum chemos to go however I am recovering now a little from the first chemo which will provide a little window to the next chemo. The oncologist is adopting a soldier on policy now and I am supportive of this. I am pretty much in survival mode now with the PEG in full use. It is good news though , much better than if there was no response from the tumour. Dare to dream.

[Jules2]

Your doing well Paul ... just keep your mind in a healthy place and try not to dwell too much on things that may or may not happen. Just deal with the here and now, it is easier. I found that by trying to just focus on the here and now that my mind was clearer. I figured if I had limited time left that I wanted to be able to enjoy some of it. Julie