Chemo treatments after RPLND...

[BREwing]

Questions with chemo after RPLND...

Well, some of you know my history but for those of you who do not, here it is in a nutshell. On 4/13/06 I had a left I/O and on 5/12/06 I had the RPLND surgery which I am still recovering from. Got the pathology report back and there were 5 nodes that appeared to be cancerous so there is a very likely chance that I will be going through 2 cycles of chemo. Not sure what type yet though, that is one of the questions I have. I do have an appointment with my local oncologist on Wednesday and my surgeon who performed the RPLND wants me to also see the local expert down at HUP (Hospital at the University of Penn) which I still need to schedule.

I’m looking for ANY information that can be provided about what to expect from the chemo. I know that there are two types EP & BEP, what’s the difference between them and what are some of the side effects, recovery time, tips for dealing with it? I’ve been looking thru some old posts and have found a little info, so I decided to make this post. I’d like to get a better understanding of what the different types are and what it will do to my body, physically and mentally. My family has vacation at the end of June/ beginning of July and I really hope that this doesn’t interfere with it.

The good part is that my spirits are high and I know that I will make a full recovery. I’m looking at chemo as of a little inconvenience more than anything. Take care all.

Brian

[wolken]

do you HAVE to go through chemo ? are your markers down to normal levels ? if they are and lungs are clear you should also consider surveillance...my doc told me also that i could have two cycles of chemo if i want to be 100 % sure that there is no cancer left in my body .I decided to stay on surveillance and i dont regret it .

[BREwing]

Hello Wolken,

I spoke to my oncologist last night, have my appointment with him tomorrow, and he HIGHLY advised going through the two rounds now instead of risking the chance of having to go through at least four later on if it came back. Right now, all my markers are normal and the chest xray and CT scans were clean. Even though I really don't want to go through chemo, I do want this to be totally out of my system, so I'm a little torn between the two decisions which is why I'm looking for as much info as possible.

Congratulations on becoming a father!!! The big day is literally right around the corner!!! I myself have two little boys, one 3 years old and one 6 months old and they're the best!!! You will enjoy fatherhood so much!!!

Brian

[indiana9]

Brian,
I was more tired than normal during chemo, but never felt nauseated at any time due to the wonderful progress that has been made with anti-nausea medicine. I had 3 cycles of BEP and kept waiting for the hammer to drop from a nausea standpoint, but it never did. I had heartburn which was controlled nicely with Prilosec OTC and used a prescription "Mary's Magic Mouthwash" to control mouthsores. I was given steroids which increased my appetite and I gained about 20 lbs. in nine weeks, "chemo fat" which I am still slowly burning off. I had a fresh needle inserted every day as I have good veins and enjoyed the freedom of not wearing any hospital instruments home at night. My lovely wife attended all of my inpatient chemo treatments with me, but in retrospect, this was not necessary as I did all of the driving to and from the IU Med Center during the entire 9 week course of treatment. The needle insertion is less painful than what occurs when you give blood. I was able to work during week 2 and week 3 of each of my cycles without any problem and walked a lot for exercise, but not enough to compensate for PBJ's at 2:00 am in the morning. When it comes to cancer, I am a big advocate of killing the fly with a sledgehammer. Take comfort in knowing that you will be cured. Good luck Brian!
Brian

[Scott]

I spoke to my oncologist last night, have my appointment with him tomorrow, and he HIGHLY advised going through the two rounds now instead of risking the chance of having to go through at least four later on if it came back.

I would strongly consider getting a second opinion before making a final decision.

[Don]

Many people have the Rplnd and come out all clean.. My personal opinion is that because it did spread and effect a few nodes I would have the chemo.. Your talking about 5 days of chemo,2 weeks off, another 5 days of chemo(?) and your done.. Once finished your going to have a much greater piece of mind knowing that the cancer is gone.. To sum it up Chemo Sucks!!!!! But It doesn't suck half as bad as being diagnosed with a reoccurence 1-2 years down the road.. Now you need twice as much chemo--if that doesn't work you face the possibility of salvage chemo or stem cell transplants and possibly more surgery.... If their was no spread I would recommend surveillance(my opinion only). If you do choose to do the chemo I would look into the EP if you are younger or athletic do to the possibility of lung damage from the Bleomycin in BEP ... Good Luck to you Brain ....we'll be here for you whichever path you choose to travel down..... DON

[BREwing]

Well had the appointment with the oncologist and it looks like the first round of chemo will be starting on 6/12, pending my complete healing from the RPLND surgery. Looks like it will be two rounds of EP, least that is what the oncologist recommended. He didn’t seem too keen on giving me the bleomycin as the possible bad effects far outweigh the good that it can do.

I do have to say that this REALLY sucks because my family had vacation planned the last week of June/first week of July at the Jersey shore. Now those plans are just about ruined. I would maybe get to enjoy the first week at the end of June, that would be the second week in the two week period in between, but then I would have to return home the week of July 4th for the second cycle. I still have my other appointment with the expert at HUP on Tuesday and I'm gonna ask him what would the harm be if we postpone the start of the chemo until the second week of July.

Now I know that this is a fast moving cancer, but can one month really make that big of a difference?!?!?!? I have to get a blood test done next week, so if my numbers all come back in the clear, that will make my decision that much more difficult. This will be my one son's first time at the beach and times like that cannot be gotten back. I know the most important thing is that I'm completely healthy, but I am really torn between the two.

Don, you put it best by saying, "CANCER SUCKS!!!"

Thanks to all for your continued support!!!
Brian

[dadmo]

Did your doctor rule out surveillance? I know 2 rounds is standard if they find live cancer but if you wait 2-3 months before your first chemo I think you are technically in surveillance.

[BREwing]

No he didn't, although he didn't recommend it. I had 5 nodes that were cancerous out of a group of 14 that were removed in the upper area around the kidneys, so I am thinking of getting the chemo just to be done with all of this, but its the timing that stinks. Thats why I was wondering if waiting one month would make a difference.

[dadmo]

What I think in this instance should not matter but I would get the 2 rounds. Just make sure your oncologist is aware of the dalay.

[BREwing]

That's my feeling too dadmo!!! I can't see there being that BIG of a difference in me starting 6/12 or 7/10. Thanks for your input!!!

[DianeE]

As an outsider, I think whatever the doctors think
is what matters There will be many more summer vacations
and Logan probably won't remember this vacation anyway!!!

Did you read the thread Delay in 4th round?

Love you!!

Diane (Mom)

[dadmo]

Brian:
I was thinking more like a delay of a few days. Three weeks may be pushing it. Just make sure you talk to your oncologist. If you don't I'm going to have to tell your mother on you.

[BREwing]

Well, I saw Dr. Vaughn down at HUP and it's definitely 2 rounds of chemo for me starting on June 19th. Looks like it will also be the EP, not BEP. And I still get to enjoy the vacation with the family to some degree which will be nice (from 6/24-7/8). I'm just hoping that the first week after chemo isn't too rough on me.

To anyone out there who had to go through 2 rounds of EP, how did you feel during that two week period in between rounds??? Anything that you might have done in particular that really seemed to help out and make a difference in how you felt??? I'm up for ANY suggestions!!!

Brian

[Dave40306]

Brian,

I just finished my 1st week of 4xEP last Friday and I can honestly say that I'm feeling pretty good, all things considered. I was very tired Saturday and Sunday this past weekend but I felt good enough yesterday to visit a couple of friends and actually enjoyed myself. I'm a little run down today but nothing that would keep from doing something if I really wanted to.

I have not had a single moment of nausea and I'm eating fairly well.

Since it seems that no two people have the same chemo experience it's tough to say what you should do to make sure you feel your best. Like most say, drink water like a fish, eat as much as you can and get lots of sleep. It's working for me.

Good luck with your treatment and enjoy your summer.

Dave