Wish me luck on my first day!

[stevenh77]

I will ask for the anxiety medicine tomorrow, especially since hte clinic is closed so I am going to the cancer/chemo ward inside the hopsital itself. Guess it is not a pretty site, and a good thing I have been spoiled going to the outside clinic where everyone is cheery (not that they wont be, but I guess there are a lot of bad cases).

For me that was the worst part, being stuck in the chemo ward at the hospital for 5 days at a time. It was nice when they would unhook my IV for the night and I could go outside for an hour or two and get some exercise and fresh air... but other than that it was a horrible experience. Everyone around me (except the doctors and nurses of course) seemed like they were dying, it was a pretty scary thing to have to see every day.

For your anxiety you might want to ask for Ativan, that's one of the anti-nausea meds they gave me, but it's also a pretty strong sedative and should calm you down. It helps a lot with the nausea because you don't have to swallow the pill and wait for it to kick in, you just put it under your tongue and let it dissolve.

[Scott]

I hear it with the "see food" diet, but most of what sounds good ends up just making me sick

You probably know that most people who have been through chemotherapy recommend that you stay away from your favorite foods during treatment, so you don't end up with bad associations later. Hang in there, Owen, you'll make it through.

[Owen]

Thanks for all the kind words. . . Of course, we have a little over 5 feet of snow in the driveway now, so I missed chemo today. My Onc. Dr said as long as I get my 5 days in by Sunday I will be alright.

I am downing lots of water (a habit my mother gave to me early in life, thank God), and was finally able to exacuate the bowels - what a relief that was, both physically as well as reduced stress.

I hear it with the "see food" diet, but most of what sounds good ends up just making me sick

I will ask for the anxiety medicine tomorrow, especially since hte clinic is closed so I am going to the cancer/chemo ward inside the hopsital itself. Guess it is not a pretty site, and a good thing I have been spoiled going to the outside clinic where everyone is cheery (not that they wont be, but I guess there are a lot of bad cases).

Anyway, thanks again. . . just being able to reach out helps SOO much!

[Savin16]

Yep I remember this all too well, by Wed. of the chemo week my brother would start getting BLAH, nauseas, constipated, unable to eat and sometimes drink. DRINK DRINK DRINK, stay hydrated, that's what flushes your system. My brother would take and Atavan for anxioty in the am (2 at night for sleep) in with his chemo they would give him something for his nerves as well, it just made him sleep the whole time of treatment, which is a good thing toward the end. He had 2 different types of nauseas medicine. (The Atavan would help with that as well) he didn't take those as much as he should, he hated medicine all together, so he dealt with it instead, and his recovery would have been so much better if he'd just stay consistant with the meds. For constipation, he would take 2 stool softners ever night. By Wed. of the following week he would be getting better, and he would just continue getting better. As far as foods go, your the judge there, everything tasted like metal for my bro, so the nurses suggested him spicing things up a bit. But the most important is drinking you water, or whatever, flushing your system gets the junk out. Again, everyone is different, and will react different, but maybe some of this will help. Good luck. You'll be fine.

[mk6439]

I agree with Diane about telling the nurses about every side effect. Other than the fatigue, they managed to control all of the other side effects for my husband -- reflux, nausea, constipation and anxiety. I had to make a big chart to keep track of all the pills he was taking, but they definitely helped.

[Chris'Mom]

Owen, by Tuesday of your first week off you will be feeling much better....recuperate over the weekend and drink alot to flush your system...Chris took stool softeners for constipation.....make sure you tell the nurses...and hang in there...Mary Ellen

[DianeE]

Hi Owen,

Make sure you tell the Onco nurses about every side effect you're
experiencing. This is no time to be a hero! They can add meds into
your chemo line. And make sure you are drinking tons of fluids all day long. If you can't, tell the nurses and they'll probably give you more fluid before and after your chemo. And tell the nurses about your anxiety too.
It may be having a physical effect on you. There are drugs for it.
Don't be quiet about any of the side effects. And actually, it is a good
time to eat anything that appeals to you. My son's Onc. told him he
should be on a "See Food" diet--when you see food that looks good,
eat it. Don't worry about losing weight now. You can do that when
you're cured, and more aware of your health. Hang in there!

Diane

[dadmo]

Owen:
By the second week after chemo you should be feeling pretty good. If you're like most of the guys on the forum your going to feel almost normal just in time for the next round. As far as losing weight you may catch the cycling bug which has happened far more often then any side effect I have ever read about.

[Owen]

I am beginning to feel the cummulative effects of the chemo.

Day three was a lot harder on me, and I am a little anxoius about the last two days of this week.

Nausea is bad, acid reflux is bad, constipation is bad, lack of sleep is bad. . .

Can anyone shed a little light on when these symptoms might dissipate?

I can see why the protocol gives me a couple weeks off (except for the bleo). Is that mostly to recover?

[Chris'Mom]

One more thing, I noticed you are from Colorado, as soon as Chris graduates from College next December, that is where he wants to head to......says he needs to get away and live his life....maybe it is just the college student in him talking, but we have to let him live his life....hang in there Owen....Mary Ellen

[Chris'Mom]

Owen, it may seem like it will never end, but it does, and like Brian said in his post, now that it seems like forever ago for my son and four rounds of EP, he looks back and says "Mom, it wasn't that bad"....even though at the time, I didn't think he would ever make it thru four rounds....take your meds for nausea, etc, we were vigilant about that with Chris, and drink alot of course.
Chris went from being in a band in college with a long pony tail, to today, still in a band, but with a buzz cut and looking more buff than I have ever seen him. There is life after this ......just look ahead to getting to that last day......Mary Ellen

[Owen]

Thanks for all the wonderful words of encouragement.

Today went off without a hitch - mostly. After 45 yers of eating everything and anything I liked (to exclude tuna from a can packed in oil and brussle sprouts), I can now understand what my kids and friends meant when they said "I feel nauseus dad."

I was actually fine until Sue the neighbor, who was bringing us dinner tonight showed up. The food looked great (fresh baked ham, cheesy potatoes, caesar salad and chrsitmas cookies for dessert), but 5 minutes after she left, I was "driving the big white bus" as we called it in college. And just from the smell. Silver lining: I need to lose about 50 lb.s

Oh well, tomorrow is another day, we are expecting 10-15 inches of snow (should make the drive to/from the clinic white nuckled), but no more Bleo for another week.

Happy Holidays, and thanks again for your posts and energy.

[Mom]

Here's another member of the cheering squad saying that you will get through it, Owen! To us the hardest day was the first day because we didn't know what to expect. My son was done with chemo (3XBEP) on January 28, 2005. I am sad to say that he hasn't gotten a hair cut since. Plus he has that ugly go-tee on his face too. I lost my clean cut son because of chemo but I haven't lost my clean cut son to cancer. So, do what you have to do. You are going to face some challenges but you will overcome them. Dianne

[dadmo]

Owen:
Good luck and stay strong.

[Scott]

Best wishes during your treatment, Owen. Although it will probably seem like forever while it's underway, you'll be through it and getting on with life before too long. Keep us posted.