Worried about effects of Chemo

[PhilPepper]

Hi Pauline 

Thanks for responding. 

The cannula is removed at the end of treatment. Only hurts going in or when I bash my arm around like a mad man.

It causes pain in the arm as they load me with poison. They said the pic line won't have the same effect. As I already have a stoma and an ostomy bag hanging off me, I'm not keep to add anything else.

Also, it's only another three treatments, I'm happy to do a cannula each time. I have a high pain threshold, although my wife doesn't think so.

My chemo is actually less impacting this morning and I found myself in a good head space. Certainly not anxious like yesterday.

Thanks for the advice.

Take care

Phil

[PaulineG]

Hi Phil,

You definitely sound more positive than in your previous post.  It is interesting that you used the word "poison" as I think most non cancer people confine it to treatment or medicine. They are actually filling us with poison and that's the term I use. When I tell people that is why I suffer all the side effects and why it has such an affect on my body they have more of an understanding as opposed to thinking medicine could only be a good thing.

I have had my ostomy bag for 4 years now and if yours is permanent you will get used to it. It is the new "norm" so try to be positive about it rather than thinking it is something hanging off you.

I wish you well.

PaulineG

[Albundy21]

Hi. PaulineG

Finally had my port inserted on Monday, so the port is still a bit sore, but nothing a couple of panadol won't fix. They removed the pic line today, I was surprised no pain all over in about 20 seconds!  Next Wendsday is when my port will be used.... It is 2 weekly cycle. They have told me it will be sore 3-4 weeks. I will make sure I ask for the ”ointment” you mentioned to numb the needle! 

Take Care and I hope your treatment goes well

Regards Albundy21

[Albundy21]

Hi  Phil

---

@Albundy21 wrote:

Hi Phil

Im in W.A .  The journey for me has been a bit surreal it was not expected. I didn’t have any signs or symptoms no history of cancer in my family.  I just decided to finally do the “test “  they send in the mail.     This all around Christmas and further tests by another specialist confirmed it was cancer, but didn’t know how advanced till I had further tests including PET scan in the new year.  Lucky for me they determined that it had not spread and was contained . So I had my op last week of Febuarary and  spent a week in hospital ,  the pain management team were excellent very good and pain minimal.  So once I was discharged life went back to normal for a couple of months. Then  I started my chemo and have  just finished my second round yesterday it being every two weeks.  The main side effects I had was after the first round was the cold sensitivity was bad the first week , can’t touch anything cold from fridge or cold water from tap , I get pins and needles in my hands and no cold drinks. The cold sensitivity is strange as it seems to come and go and was not as bad the day of my second treatment. I’m also just starting to notice a bit of a metallic post in my mouth which people have mentioned in other posts. Regards Albundy 

---

[PhilPepper]

Hi Albundy

I started cycle 2 chemo yesterday afternoon. I was really anxious leading into because I knew what to expect. I did a lot of mental preparation but couldn't turn it into a positive vibe.

They tried finding a vein in my left arm. Reluctantly went right arm, but suffered no pain in my right arm, where my left arm ached for a week.

Other than that, all my side effects were at least doubled and a whole bunch of new ones which scared the crap out of me. Having an ileostomy, I could actually see it happening (sorry pooh jokes lighten my burden).

On the good side, my wife has been very supportive, talking me through my anxiety, keeping me comfortable and stressing over things so I don't have to. Now I'm just waiting for the side effects to subside so I can look after her a bit. After all, this is her journey too.

Thanks for your update. It's good to compare notes. I'll be adding more detail to my blog. Please stay in touch.

Take care and stay strong.

Cheers

Phil

[Yorkiemomof3]

have stage II SCC rectal CA, newly diagnosed 7/21. (53yo Female)

Could you shed some light on which chemo regime you had and what all your side effects were? Did you also receive radiation? I'm scheduled to receive 5fu 5 days a week and 2 doses of mitomycin

(one in the beginning and one @ the end). I will be getting a port to receive my chemo through, which I have not gotten yet, but it will be scheduled next week. I am to receive the targeted radiation 5 days a week for 5-6 weeks. I would like to know about hair loss if you know & could share that info. 

My Dr's told me that my particular chemo regime doesn't usually cause much hair loss.

I'm just wondering if this is accurate or if I need to be prepared and order a wig or some such alternative. I

know the Dr's want to keep patients' spirits up & don't want to give you negative info straight out of the gate. I am a realist & want the truth, so I can prepare & deal with facts & the reality of things. 

Any info & advice will be appreciated. 

Kindly,

Melissa

[Ness1983]

Hi Phil,

I have stage for bowel & liver cancer. I'm also in WA. When did you get diagnosed? And what future did your oncologist say you would have. Mine has said it's incurable and they won't operate. I just have to stay on chemo & immunotherapy. I'm just wondering what other ppl are told. I'm 38 yrs old, have done 7 cycles so far.

[Wu2022]

Hi Ness1983,

I'm also stage4 bowel&liver and been on chemo last 4 months (fortnightly) since diagnosed. Also been advised I'll be on chemo indefinitely which is inconsistent with what others are telling me. With each cycle, I feel the side-affects becoming more and more prominent especially hairloss/dry skin/facial rash/diarrhoea

Really curious about latest 2 break-throughs [1] US drug with 13 patients, trial 100% success rate with colon tumours vanishing [2] Closer to home StVincents sydney with a pill that has the same effect