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Hi everyone. I finally got my Oncotest scores back and I came in at 53 - off the chart.
So, I guess I get to join the chemo group too.
So, what can you tell me about these 2 drugs. I start on Tuesday and haven't been told a darned thing. I do not know how often I have to have the infusions or even how they do them - 1 drug at a time or do they do both on the same day.
They gave me some literature, but I hate going into this on Tuesday and no idea what to expect.
My oncologist went out of town today and I didn't even speak to her since my score came back - my radiation oncologist actually went over it with me. When I saw the score I already knew.
I am going to cut my hair off and donate it to locks of love. That is the only concrete plan I have. I have long hair - have since I was married. I have always wanted to cut it, but my husband loves my hair so I never have.
So, please, give me an idea as to what to expect at this first appointment - 1st treatment. It makes me feel better to know in advance.
They said I need someone to drive me home & that I should expect 3-4 hours. Do I really need someone to drive me home?
~Sherry
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Want to leave a comment? Login or Register now!I had my first chemo (same cocktail as yours - Cytoxan and Taxotere) on July 14. Mostly what I'm feeling is fatigue and indigestion. A little bit of nausea but easily controlled (and I think mostly avoided because of the drug Emend). I was a little lightheaded and woozie coming out of the treatment so I was glad my hubby was there to drive home. My nurse told me my hair would start to thin half way through second treatment. But, maybe it won't! Hope all is well with you.
Hi Sherry I had my first chemo (same cocktail as yours - Cytoxan and Taxotere) on July 14. Mostly what I'm feeling is fatigue and indigestion. A little bit of nausea but easily controlled (and I think mostly avoided because of the drug Emend). I was a little lightheaded and woozie coming out of the treatment so I was glad my hubby was there to drive home. My nurse told me my hair would start to thin half way through second treatment. But, maybe it won't! Hope all is well with you.
ShirleyFor me, my first treatment took closer to the 4 hours because they put one of the meds very slow to see how I reacted. Subsequent treatments were about 3 hours. I don't think it should be hard on your 17 year old. You sit in a comfortable chair and get lots of iv's. Mostly she would be keeping you company. If you are into games or cards you could take something like that to do together for some of the time. Shirley
Tammy LouBuy some pepcid A/C and some pretty nail polish. (Taxotere side effects...heartburn and crappy fingernails.) Tammy Lou
But, I am considering it.
Does every treatment take 3-4 hours - or just the initial one?
Thanks for the answere ladies! You have been a blessing to me in more ways than 1!! Love u all : )I thought about taking my 17 year old daughter with me - but, fear it may be too hard on her. But, I am considering it. Does every treatment take 3-4 hours - or just the initial one? Thanks for the answere ladies! You have been a blessing to me in more ways than 1!! Love u all : )
Also, even though your doctor is out of town, the chemo nurses may be in the office and you could call them with any questions you have. In my experience they are very compassionate and helpful or couldn't do what they do.Sorry, didn't comment on the driving home question. I never needed a ride home but did always have someone with me to distract me and keep me company. I always felt good right afterward and would go out for lunch. It does take 3-4 hours so take a friend, book, ipod, or something to help the time to pass. Also, even though your doctor is out of town, the chemo nurses may be in the office and you could call them with any questions you have. In my experience they are very compassionate and helpful or couldn't do what they do.
Cutting off your hair is a good choice. It puts the control in your hands. I waited until mine started to come out (just strands in my hand) then went and had it shaved off. I didn't want the upset of large quantities coming out and being all over my clothes and pillow. Doing it preemptively made it easier to deal with. ShirleySherry, There are various treatment schedules. Some get one medicine at at time on a weekly or biweekly basis, then start the next one. Some get them all at once. I had 3 meds - Taxotere, Adriamycin and Cytoxin - all given in the same day, with my treatments 3 weeks apart. I had 6 of these treatments. Each med is a different IV bag. They also give you fluids, anti-nausea meds and sometimes a med to prevent allergic reactions. Cutting off your hair is a good choice. It puts the control in your hands. I waited until mine started to come out (just strands in my hand) then went and had it shaved off. I didn't want the upset of large quantities coming out and being all over my clothes and pillow. Doing it preemptively made it easier to deal with. Shirley
I hate your score was so high....they will fix you....cannot give you any advice on the meds....just wanted you to know that I'll walk with you through this....I think it is beautiful that you donate your hair.... You'll be fine sis...bjHey Sherry, Been wondering how you've been doing. Did you go out of town or stick with the original docs..... I hate your score was so high....they will fix you....cannot give you any advice on the meds....just wanted you to know that I'll walk with you through this....I think it is beautiful that you donate your hair.... You'll be fine sis...bj