Talk Cancer

Question:

I don’t know what/when your previous chemo was. I had AC 20 years ago, sick as a DOG!!! TErrible, I dreaded going thru it again. But this time I had CMF, much better (like TOTALLY better) nausea drugs, slept thru the cycle, took one day off after each treatment, I was tired and fidgety alot for the first cycle, but the rest were a breeze, other than one full day of rest afterwards. Very, very different than the first time! I don’t have bone involvement, that could be a whole other thing, and not the drugs you mentioend either. But if you’re comparing to long ago, don’t. Start learning over again. Yes hair falls out, but it still grows back in and wigs are better, and still free at Cancer Society. Good luck, and my prayers are with you. Ann inPA

Response:

Chris, I took Xeloda–the only side effect I had was hand-foot syndrome.  My hands and feet got extremely red, swollen, dry, and eventually peeled off every month.  But no nausea, etc.  Hope this helps… — Michelle Remove SPAM in e-mail address for reply.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –       I just wanted to update all of you on my current status. Actually I have some important decisions to make sooner or later since my appoitment at Dana Farber yesterday (10/16/02) ;    First of all the tumor markers had increased considerably since my last visit 6 weeks ago. no other staging tests were done (too soon) but the markers have been consistent with more growth/spread. Still all in the bone ( I hope) .    Since we’ve exhausted all of our resources for hormonal manipulation I’m now told that I should consider chemotherapy ( mentioned were Navelbine and Xeloda). Being a nurse, I had already investigated these, as well as other current types of chemotherapy. Well I’m not to excited about chemo. Actually, I felt like vomiting after my appointment because all of those bad memories of my chemo days resurfaced. I  just  DON’T WANT TO DO CHEMO AGAIN, PERIOD. It really sucked (excuse the poor language, but helps to get my point across). I feel so trapped and discouraged. It’s not fair. I’m a wife  and mother ( Children are ages 15 and 17 ). Also I still work full time.   I  was told that I don’t have to start right away…. I could wait till I am more symptomatic ( All I take is 2 to 3 doses of Motrin-600 mg).    Anyway, I still went to work today and did took care of my patients.  Boy, I sure hate being the patient – I’d rather be on the other side of the fence. My questions are the following; 1.) Will I still be able to work taking Navelbine?, Taking Xeloda ?    2.) Has anyone had  an experience similar to mine?     3.) Did you loose your hair?   ( the Drs’ say no, but maybe "thinning") 4.) How sick with side effects did you get?          (I need to work to keep up my health insurance coverage.)          Lastly, I will be checking out a procedure called "Vetebralplasty" (sp?)…. not much information on the internet about it that I can find.  My appt. for that is 11/4/02, at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston.  Basically a type of bone cement is injected into whatever affected vertebrae to prevent a compression fracture from happening. It’s also used to control pain.  Well I guess I’ve tired all of you out again with a lengthy note. I’d really appreciate some input. Thanks, Chris

Response:

Yes, it was both painful and disgusting.  I didn’t have a problem fitting into my shoes–I just had to stop taking the pills when I couldn’t walk anymore.  After about a week of taking the pills each month, it would start feeling like I was walking on glass.  It just got worse and worse, then I stopped taking them and it got better right away.  About a week after I stopped taking the pills each month, my skin would start peeling off and it took a good couple of weeks to peel it all off.  Then it was time to start all over.  This is not to say that it will happen to you–hopefully you’ll be spared. – Michelle Remove SPAM in e-mail address for reply.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I took Xeloda–the only side effect I had was hand-foot syndrome.  My hands and feet got extremely red, swollen, dry, and eventually peeled off every month. What was that like?  Was it painful or disgusting?  I’m kind of worried about that.  I’m vain about my feet and worried that I won’t be able to fit in my shoes or get pedicures. — Aloha, Catharine Character is what you do when no one’s watching.

Response:

Apologies for ‘empty’ post.  It used to be a habit but it’s ages since I did it. Chris To your last item: What about radiotherapy to the vertebrae.  I would have thought you would do that when it gets symptomatic, and use a bisphosphonate bone strengthening drug, before trying anything like vertebroplasty or spinal surgery.  That sounds more like a last resort. Tim Jackson

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –       I just wanted to update all of you on my current status. Actually I have some important decisions to make sooner or later since my appoitment at Dana Farber yesterday (10/16/02) ;    First of all the tumor markers had increased considerably since my last visit 6 weeks ago. no other staging tests were done (too soon) but the markers have been consistent with more growth/spread. Still all in the bone ( I hope) .    Since we’ve exhausted all of our resources for hormonal manipulation I’m now told that I should consider chemotherapy ( mentioned were Navelbine and Xeloda). Being a nurse, I had already investigated these, as well as other current types of chemotherapy. Well I’m not to excited about chemo. Actually, I felt like vomiting after my appointment because all of those bad memories of my chemo days resurfaced. I  just  DON’T WANT TO DO CHEMO AGAIN, PERIOD. It really sucked (excuse the poor language, but helps to get my point across). I feel so trapped and discouraged. It’s not fair. I’m a wife  and mother ( Children are ages 15 and 17 ). Also I still work full time.   I  was told that I don’t have to start right away…. I could wait till I am more symptomatic ( All I take is 2 to 3 doses of Motrin-600 mg).    Anyway, I still went to work today and did took care of my patients.  Boy, I sure hate being the patient – I’d rather be on the other side of the fence. My questions are the following; 1.) Will I still be able to work taking Navelbine?, Taking Xeloda ?    2.) Has anyone had  an experience similar to mine?     3.) Did you loose your hair?   ( the Drs’ say no, but maybe "thinning") 4.) How sick with side effects did you get?          (I need to work to keep up my health insurance coverage.)          Lastly, I will be checking out a procedure called "Vetebralplasty" (sp?)…. not much information on the internet about it that I can find.  My appt. for that is 11/4/02, at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston.  Basically a type of bone cement is injected into whatever affected vertebrae to prevent a compression fracture from happening. It’s also used to control pain.  Well I guess I’ve tired all of you out again with a lengthy note. I’d really appreciate some input. Thanks, Chris

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –       I just wanted to update all of you on my current status. Actually I have some important decisions to make sooner or later since my appoitment at Dana Farber yesterday (10/16/02) ;    First of all the tumor markers had increased considerably since my last visit 6 weeks ago. no other staging tests were done (too soon) but the markers have been consistent with more growth/spread. Still all in the bone ( I hope) .    Since we’ve exhausted all of our resources for hormonal manipulation I’m now told that I should consider chemotherapy ( mentioned were Navelbine and Xeloda). Being a nurse, I had already investigated these, as well as other current types of chemotherapy. Well I’m not to excited about chemo. Actually, I felt like vomiting after my appointment because all of those bad memories of my chemo days resurfaced. I  just  DON’T WANT TO DO CHEMO AGAIN, PERIOD. It really sucked (excuse the poor language, but helps to get my point across). I feel so trapped and discouraged. It’s not fair. I’m a wife  and mother ( Children are ages 15 and 17 ). Also I still work full time.   I  was told that I don’t have to start right away…. I could wait till I am more symptomatic ( All I take is 2 to 3 doses of Motrin-600 mg).    Anyway, I still went to work today and did took care of my patients.  Boy, I sure hate being the patient – I’d rather be on the other side of the fence. My questions are the following; 1.) Will I still be able to work taking Navelbine?, Taking Xeloda ?    2.) Has anyone had  an experience similar to mine?     3.) Did you loose your hair?   ( the Drs’ say no, but maybe "thinning") 4.) How sick with side effects did you get?          (I need to work to keep up my health insurance coverage.)          Lastly, I will be checking out a procedure called "Vetebralplasty" (sp?)…. not much information on the internet about it that I can find.  My appt. for that is 11/4/02, at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston.  Basically a type of bone cement is injected into whatever affected vertebrae to prevent a compression fracture from happening. It’s also used to control pain.  Well I guess I’ve tired all of you out again with a lengthy note. I’d really appreciate some input. Thanks, Chris

Response:

Hi Chris , I’m stage 4  . I can only comment on Xeloda . After 6 x 3 weekly sessions of ‘hard chemo’  , I’ve now been on Xeloda  for 6 weeks .  No side effects of my tumour markers is still going up . Another 3 weeks on them and I may have to change if still climbing ( so the onc says ) Good Luck, Luv Mazza xxx PS Its a shame , as all my other treatment has worked exceptionally well.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –       I just wanted to update all of you on my current status. Actually I have some important decisions to make sooner or later since my appoitment at Dana Farber yesterday (10/16/02) ;    First of all the tumor markers had increased considerably since my last visit 6 weeks ago. no other staging tests were done (too soon) but the markers have been consistent with more growth/spread. Still all in the bone ( I hope) .    Since we’ve exhausted all of our resources for hormonal manipulation I’m now told that I should consider chemotherapy ( mentioned were Navelbine and Xeloda). Being a nurse, I had already investigated these, as well as other current types of chemotherapy. Well I’m not to excited about chemo. Actually, I felt like vomiting after my appointment because all of those bad memories of my chemo days resurfaced. I  just  DON’T WANT TO DO CHEMO AGAIN, PERIOD. It really sucked (excuse the poor language, but helps to get my point across). I feel so trapped and discouraged. It’s not fair. I’m a wife  and mother ( Children are ages 15 and 17 ). Also I still work full time.   I  was told that I don’t have to start right away…. I could wait till I am more symptomatic ( All I take is 2 to 3 doses of Motrin-600 mg).    Anyway, I still went to work today and did took care of my patients.  Boy, I sure hate being the patient – I’d rather be on the other side of the fence. My questions are the following; 1.) Will I still be able to work taking Navelbine?, Taking Xeloda ?    2.) Has anyone had  an experience similar to mine?     3.) Did you loose your hair?   ( the Drs’ say no, but maybe "thinning") 4.) How sick with side effects did you get?          (I need to work to keep up my health insurance coverage.)          Lastly, I will be checking out a procedure called "Vetebralplasty" (sp?)…. not much information on the internet about it that I can find.  My appt. for that is 11/4/02, at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston.  Basically a type of bone cement is injected into whatever affected vertebrae to prevent a compression fracture from happening. It’s also used to control pain.  Well I guess I’ve tired all of you out again with a lengthy note. I’d really appreciate some input. Thanks, Chris

Response:

Hi Chris, I believe that it is spelled Vertebroplasty. M D Anderson is advising caution concerning this, because there havent been controlled studies yet.  Vertebroplasty is listed at their site, as being a form of pain control, I believe.  At other sites, it is listed as being strengthening.  So far, I havent read much about it. ??? Susan, Su_Texas  my opinions

Response:

      I just wanted to update all of you on my current status. Actually I have some important decisions to make sooner or later since my appoitment at Dana Farber yesterday (10/16/02) ;    First of all the tumor markers had increased considerably since my last visit 6 weeks ago. no other staging tests were done (too soon) but the markers have been consistent with more growth/spread. Still all in the bone ( I hope) .    Since we’ve exhausted all of our resources for hormonal manipulation I’m now told that I should consider chemotherapy ( mentioned were Navelbine and Xeloda). Being a nurse, I had already investigated these, as well as other current types of chemotherapy. Well I’m not to excited about chemo. Actually, I felt like vomiting after my appointment because all of those bad memories of my chemo days resurfaced. I  just  DON’T WANT TO DO CHEMO AGAIN, PERIOD. It really sucked (excuse the poor language, but helps to get my point across). I feel so trapped and discouraged. It’s not fair. I’m a wife  and mother ( Children are ages 15 and 17 ). Also I still work full time.   I  was told that I don’t have to start right away…. I could wait till I am more symptomatic ( All I take is 2 to 3 doses of Motrin-600 mg).    Anyway, I still went to work today and did took care of my patients.  Boy, I sure hate being the patient – I’d rather be on the other side of the fence. My questions are the following; 1.) Will I still be able to work taking Navelbine?, Taking Xeloda ?    2.) Has anyone had  an experience similar to mine?     3.) Did you loose your hair?   ( the Drs’ say no, but maybe "thinning") 4.) How sick with side effects did you get?          (I need to work to keep up my health insurance coverage.)          Lastly, I will be checking out a procedure called "Vetebralplasty" (sp?)…. not much information on the internet about it that I can find.  My appt. for that is 11/4/02, at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston.  Basically a type of bone cement is injected into whatever affected vertebrae to prevent a compression fracture from happening. It’s also used to control pain.  Well I guess I’ve tired all of you out again with a lengthy note. I’d really appreciate some input. Thanks, Chris

Response: