I was diagnosed with Cancer in March and although we knew it was Cancer its still a shock to be told it. I have had 2 chemo cycles now and have my 3rd at the end of the month. I would love to chat about the chemo side affects to anyone..
I to have ovarian cancer diagnosed in Jan 2009. I had 3 lots of chemo, operation, and another 3 lots of chemo.
The main problems I had with the chemo were gross taste in mouth and nothing tasted like it should, neuropathy of fingers and feet, these got worse with each chemo, but taste improved after about 6 weeks, fingers and feet improved but I still have neuropathy in my left foot (and right but only when I walk!). Hair loss - very slow to grow back and now have corkscrew curls! Tiredness but only realised how bad once I returned to work!
Most of the complications I had with chemo have been rare ones but then I only got diagnosed with ovarian cancer due to a rare autoimmune disease! I developed arterial bloods clots (aortic settling in left Femeral artery) just before my 4th dose, had daily blood thining injections but still developed another clot 5 days after the 6th dose! The onchologist/haematologist aren't sure if its cancer or chemo related and they don't seem to have personally come across it before so please don't worry about it!
I would be interested in hearing about plans for followup when you get that far.
I had a Hickman Line and it wasn't too bad having it fitted. A lovely staff nurse held my hand all the time and with the help of local anaesthetic, you don't feel anything but some tugging and pushing. It was the best thing to happen to me. No more needles or hunting for veins!! All blood test, transfusions and chemo (and medication as I couldn't swallow) went via my Hickman. I was loth to part with it. The tube site has to be dressed regularly (which I dreaded but it was painless) and the tube has to be flushed through fairly often. This is also a painless procedure which you can either do yourself or a nurse will do it for you. Occasionally the tube entry site can become a bit sore apparently. Luckily, although my Hickman was in place for many months, I didn't have any problems at all.
Do reassure your wife she'll be fine and the staff will see the whole thing is carried out as gently as possible. Prodding about for veins is a horrible experience and only adds to all the trauma this hateful illness brings.
I am quite new to this site but having suffered a serious cancer myself and also nursed my father with the same condition, know what it's like to be a patient and carer and the distress both bring. Keeping positive can sometimes be impossible so don't be hard on yourself if you have a "down" day. We should all be proud of ourselves because we "manage" and when there are times when we don't, the wonderful people here can support and help.
Let me know how things go along and I shall think of you both.
I have just read your message and you sound like myself as in I had my Mum pass away with cancer 3 years ago this year. The day before my birthday little did I know what was in store for me. But to be honest as I have said before there are worse things than cancer.
I hope John that this information that Carrie has passed on is a comfort to you and your wife. I think having the dreaded needles in your veins is very painful when they start to shrink.
I thought it was about time we updated our pictures
As you can see I am bald again on this one but it is coming back slowly...So it will soon be back to washing and blow drying Anyway come on ladies let us see some more pictures.....
John sorry about your dreadful day. Things will get better xx
Thanks for putting my mind at ease, I read and it sounded terrible! So it's nice to hear a good experience.
Mary looks at it as yet another procedure to endure! But she's only had 5 of 18 weekly treatments so it's only going to get harder finding veins.Her hair is thinning quite a lot now so that doesn't help matters.
Anyway, I'm taking her away for the weekend, hopefully a well timed break in the Cotswolds
John I'm so sorry to hear of your wifes problems with the PICC line being fitted. I know my boss has a Hickman line, but I don't know much about it. Carries advice seems pretty helpful though, so good luck for next week I hope it goes smoothly. Hope you both enjoy your weekend away.
I spoke to the nurse yesterday and she has advised me to get vitamin B12 from the doctor for the neuropathy - has anyone heard of this or taken it & does it help? Also been told the anti sickness Ondandestron would have caused my constipation so to take lactulose the week of my chemo! Other than that my aching and pain has gone and I've had no sickness. Apart from feeling tired I'm doing ok!
We had a better day today, I felt I was less than supportive to Mary yesterday, I was frustrated about what happened at the hospital, we both were. Nobody's fault, just one of those things. The hospital staff have all been lovely so I feel a bit bad about feeling this way.
Mary is coming to terms with having the Hickman line now, it's not great, but it's going to be less traumatic in the long run.
@Sarah - Mary has more success with senokot than lactulose when she needs something, maybe worth trying if it doesn't work. Glad you're feeling a little better.
Try not to worry about the hair thing, I know some really hate the fact that they are losing hair but it does grow back..
I have not heard of anyone who has had the cold cap but have read about it. As for the wigs then I personally couldn't wear it. It was hot and looked like a wig so I wear scarves which you can buy online and if you get different colours then you can match them with what your wearing..
Good luck with the chemo keep your positive thoughts and if you need any advise then don't be afraid to ask the Doctors..x
Try not to worry about the hair thing, I know some really hate the fact that they are losing hair but it does grow back..
I have not heard of anyone who has had the cold cap but have read about it. As for the wigs then I personally couldn't wear it. It was hot and looked like a wig so I wear scarves which you can buy online and if you get different colours then you can match them with what your wearing..
Good luck with the chemo keep your positive thoughts and if you need any advise then don't be afraid to ask the Doctors..x
