Chemo to start next week

I'm back from the medical oncologist. I will start Taxol and Carboplatin next Friday. We are working out the schedule of every 3 weeks so that I feel my best for my youngest son's First Holy Communion and my oldest son's Eagle Scout Court of Honor. This Monday I will meet with the nurses to go over my comfort medications. I have a huge concern about Zofran and the 10 days of constipation that I had after each chemo last time. With the diverticulosis diagnosis last year, I am not allowed to be constipated. Apparently there are some new drugs for nausea that are less binding.

I asked about the Gemzar/Hycamptin combination that was a possibility. He said that we will try the Taxol/Carboplatin first. If the CA-125 doesn't go down with the first treatment, we will abandon it and go to the other. He doesn't want to use it first so that we have something else to try.

The CA-125 from last Friday was 138. (All time high for me)

We finally were able to go over the results of the PET/CT. I have multiple sites of new growth, all in the 1-2 cm size range, so not large enough to resect. These tumors are in the left pelvic cavity (original site), transverse colon, liver, right iliac lymph nodes, and right pelvic cavity. The oncologist explained that this type of tumor doesn't invade the organ or tissue, it grows on the outside of it. In the case of the transverse colon, this is very likely what has been causing the intestinal difficulties that I have been having.

Overall, I am happy with the results of today's meeting with the doctor. I'm not happy about having to go through this again, but if I have to do this for the rest of my life, I will.

Stopped and bought a new wig on the way home.....I'm ready to go.

S

Linda

I am really sorry you have to go thru this reoccurence stuff.....

But, you are one tough lady who will fly thru this with honors!!

You have a great, positive attitude and you will do just fine with this chemo regimen. We're here when you need us!

Linda,
It sounds like you are ready to do battle, and my prayers are with you to defeat. Hang in there and I will be thinking of you.
Debbie

This sounds like a good plan, one that will hopefully knock the cancer out of you forever! I'm glad you were able to schedule around those very important family events. We'll be with you in spirit there.

Hi Linda,

I am sorry to hear that you need to start chemo again and I honestly do hope that the taxol/carbo combination works again for you.

As someone who is doing chemo for the second time, the one thing that I personally hoped for was not to lose my hair again. Once was enough. I was not distraught over having to have a second surgery or even having to have chemo again. MY hair was a big concern for me mentally.

But my oncologist said that the taxol/carbo combination would work again so I took a few deep breaths and went for it knowing that my hair would be going. My oncologist wanted to wait for two treatments to see how it was working. Well it was not working and my hair was already out. This was the biggest disappointment for me.

I was switched to Gemzar and Carbo which does work great and does not make your hair fall out. Unfortunately it was too late for me. If I had to do it over again, you know which was I would go.

I certainly hope all goes well for you.
Rosalie

s Linda

You are sounding strong and ready to go!!!
Your medical onc sounds like a very thorough informative guy.
I like that. And I am sure you do too.
Hopefully you will avoid that nasty constipation.
I used to start taking Senokot the day of chemo and for the next few days. It never worked like a laxative, just a stool softener.
Of course I also took zofran.
Hopefully a different anti nausea pill will caue less constipation.
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

oxoxox karenann

Linda, you are just so brave. All my thoughts are with you now. xxx

Linda, you strut your proud mamma self to that communion and eagle scout event(s)! We'll be sitting on your shoulder in spirit.

I'm always hoping that all the researchers are working late nights to come up with new ways to deal with our problems, and soon. We know they are. I don't know a whole lot about treatments, but I sure like the direction that immunotherapy is going. I have hope for all the research that's going on, and we have the benefit of what's already been done.

I'm thinking of you and picturing you wearing armour, toting a shield and a long sword, on a big horse, like the Greek warriors! The shield has a laser type beam on it, and it is powerful.

I have one too, in my mind!

Linda
Sounds like you have a strong plan. Hope you can lick that constipation I remember it well.
Hug those kids.

Cindy

God bless you, Linda. I love a woman with a plan. It sounds like you are all set to face the enemy and hunt it down and eliminate it once and for all!

What a great attitude you have! I'm sorry you are having to head back into treatment, but thrilled with your outlook. Once again, you know we'll be here with you in this part of your battle.

XOXO
K9