Yes they are very powerful but they need to be, almost all of my chemo was done as an outpatient except for the 3rd lot (and again for the last lot) which my Dr admitted me for a week or so (they actually did not think I would get through the first dose) the impact of high dose chemo can be quite harsh on your body, for me particularly (for that cancer, they were all different) they thought I would suffer kidney failure. My kidneys have never fully recovered but I did, I was only able to get 5/6 chemo doses at the time but only just I really wanted to stop a 4.   Some effects you can't overcome but you do learn to live with it in the 'new' you.   My wife and I talked about whether I would do any more chemo or not, just let it take it's natural course but I couldn't. Twice the told me I was terminal but I could not give up without a fight, and here I am still here and loving it. ... View more

Hi sch, I can't recall how many CT scans or x-rays I have had but its been lot. I do recall one of my oncologists referring to something like 'whole of life dosage' of radiation but at the time they needed the scans so we did them and I have had plenty since plus x-rays and a lot of other stuff I can't remember. Even had total body radiation prior to the BMT. I have never had a full body CT most of mine was pretty much neck to pelvis (which is close) and I think you are correct in saying too much is not a good thing but if its the only way they can 'see' into you they need it. ... View more

Hi Ma-Le, No, I only have the infusion. Despite all of the cancers I have had I only take 1 drug (Valaciclovir, 1 tab a day as a preventative measure) a drug for fighting bacterial infections, I had chronic Neutropenia several times and for several years (from the chemotherapy), which basically means that your immune system is not working, now that I am back to 'normal' believe it or not it is the only tablet I take regarding all of my cancers and cancer treatment.   The bone density was something not even on my radar when Doc requested a test (apparently routine for BMT) so I just added it to the list of tests I have done and medical issues. Talk to your Doc he/she will advise you for what is right for you. ... View more

Hi Ma-le, Many, many of us have the same issue, I still drive my GP crazy with little aches and pains, she is very patient with me as she knows my history as does yours. It's quite natural to harbor these type of fears and they do effect you physically and mentally, they can become quite debilitating. Just remember most of our fears are unfounded, like you lots of issues with antibiotics, other infections etc, always thought they were a precursor to something else.   After all of my treatments I was diagnosed with PTSD and spent a fair bit of time seeing a physiologist. I still have the same fears but I handle it much better now.   p.s. my bone density also took a hit from the chemo, have an infusion once a year, takes about an hour.   Take care Colin81 ... View more

Hi Lisa2, Thanks for your reply, yes I have been through a bit but haven't we all. It took me 17 years to finally be well again ( if there is such a thing with cancer), now 'cured' there is a new me, actually a better one after the trials and tribulations of multiple terrible diagnosis's. It, (the dark past) never leaves me, it takes a tremendous toll of us physically, mentally and emotionally, it will always be a part of us. I was fortunate to have terrific support from all of the medical professionals, I trusted them with my life several times and they repaid me time after time with their knowledge, care, respect and support.   Strangely enough I don't recall (in my hundreds of visits to hospitals) to not seeing someone I thought was sicker than me, it gave me strength to continue on even when we all thought it was hopeless.   I know you have a number of treatment to go through but try not to focus on the whole number, take it one at a time, one more completed is one less to do, before you know it it will be done. Don't give up, don't give in, you are much stronger than you think. ... View more

Hi Lisa2, I can strongly reiterate the other replies, take the time and discuss at length with your Drs. My experience were all blood related cancers and I experienced all of the things you mentioned (and still have a few). First I achieved 6/6 chemo's but was quite difficult, next a couple of years later I did 4/4 with great results and very little side effects, then 5/6 really struggled at No4 did not think I could do any more but was able to do the extra 1, then progressed to 'terminal' status and had 56 doses of a Hypomethylating agent (a type of chemo for MDS) and to top it off a few more doses of chemo (and whole body radiation) for a stem cell transplant. Was it worth it, absolutely, was it horrible, debilitating, yes, would I do it again, definite yes. Talk to your DS/Oncologist, you can do it. Each time is progress to something better. I could always see myself being rid of this insidious issue that plagues many of us. Sit down and have a frank and open discussion, open up about your concern and fears, go forward, ever forward don't give in. ... View more

Hi Yas, I think many of us have experienced similar issues, my experience is that many people find it difficult to deal with the word cancer, even close family and friends who know you intimately. I am happy to discuss my experiences with other people and I have just moved on or accepted that many people find the topic intimidating. Although I have not suffered melanoma but had a malignant sun cancer post other cancer treatments I am now very sun sensitive, never go outside without being appropriate covered, hat, long sleeves, trousers etc, not what I wanted but it is what it is. You have a whole new discussion group available to you, who are empathetic and understanding, you are not lonely now.   Colin81 ... View more

Hi Mani, Only just read your post so I don't know where you are up to at the moment. Similar to you I had MDS in 2015 bought on by CHOP chemo for NHL back in 2003. Also had CLL (stage 4 in 2011). The BMT was haploidentical from adult son. They gave me 1 year without the transplant, it took many many months to organise and all MDS treatment was halted during this period, very uncertain about whether I would be accepted due to my age (then 64). Now 2+ years later still in recovery but getting stronger every day. I know we are all different and respond to things according to our makeup, they told me that the process was difficult and it was, very, very hard process. Not just physical, which was not easy going but mentally, We (my wife and I) thought that as I been though an awful lot before that it would be not that hard but it was. Would I do it again? in a heartbeat, would not be writing this now if I hadn't. I wanted to live but often thought of the alternative but no not yet.  ... View more

Hi Mandy2, just read your post, felt every bit of it. Yes it does get better but for cancer patients we need lots of patience (excuse the pun). Cancer 1 (NHL), really knocked me about, all that stuff , bad taste in the mouth, no taste, zero energy and motivation, lost all confidence, many other complications . It took me two and a half years to finally get back to work (minor relapse after a few more years). Cancer 2, Stage 4 CLL), same sort of side effects got back to work after six months (should have taken twelve off) lots of side effects and emotional hangups. Cancer 3, (MDS, terminal) plenty more chemo and other medications, only here now because of stem cell transplant. More chemo and radiation. Complete and utter fatigue for a very long time, got back to work after one year. Now two years and eight months later, getting better every day but still suffer fatigue, mental as well as physical. I think we all expect too much to soon (unless you completely give in, which you can't) be patient all will be well in time, allow yourself time to heal, time to grieve, do not be too hard on yourself, it's not your fault. Tell yourself that as each day goes by you will be getting better, the harsh memories start to fade, a new day is arriving tomorrow. ... View more

Hi Noreen, I had whole body radiation prior to my transplant with no apparent side affects (in hearing only, plenty of others though) it wasn't until some months later that I went onto other medication, apparently one of these (I can't recall which one) after taking it for a short while (couple of weeks) I went almost completely deaf. Dr stopped the medication with the advice that my hearing may return! or may not. My GP was more positive and believed that it was only temporary. Months later could not get back to work (deaf) and had hearing aids fitted, worked great. Now after 2.5 years still need hearing aids to some degree, especially in a group discussion but my hearing did return but never the same. The most positive aspect was that for a while I could actually 'switch off' which was good for my recovery but not the preferable outcome long term. Do have tinnitus now but not before. ... View more