hmm ok, Im a bit nervous for sure. :eek:
I start my chemo today and for the life of me cant remember what cocktail they said they were giving me. I know I posted it here somewhere.. (will ask again today). One day a week for 6 months. I just pray that the side affects wont be too hard to handle. My sister is going with me, (for the first treatment) which eases my mind a little, tho needless to say I didnt sleep very well last night. Ohhh Im scared!
The unknown I guess. :confused:
Wish me luck !
Thanks guys!

Maz

a great big hug! good luck!!!!!!

I know it sounds weird, but I think you will feel better once you have had the first treatment. My dad was so much more relaxed about the psychological part after the first treatment.

I know you will be fine! And hope to hear good news from you soon! Keep yourself hydrated and try to eat when you feel you can! Best wishes!

~P

Hi Maz...hope it went better than you expected. I agree with pgta5...the anticipation tends to be worse than the event. I remember the first day my husband was to start his chemo, I just burst into tears. I was so afraid for him but it was not as bad as we expected. Let us know how it went.

Maz, let us know how it went. Alison is right, the anticipation is worse than the chemo. I know I was terrified the first time I went. Don't be surprised if you are tired. The lack of sleep and the anxiety make you as tired as the chemo. I still don't sleep well the night before chemo.

Maz:

You will most likely feel terrible, and not be posting for a couple days... but when you read this, please take my advice. USE THAT VALIUM. Especially before the chemo on top of what they give you for nausea. I found it extremely anxiety provoking just going to the cancer center. It made me feel SO terrible, I would make myself sick before getting there. (I would even start throwing up when I would call my nurse and hear her voice). My accupuncturist said that I'm very attuned with others and pick up their energy. May sound ridiculous, but it's part of naturapathic medicine-- I practice qi gong therapy (kind of like a meditation type of healing).

Anyway, BEST OF LUCK TO YOU. WRITE WHEN YOU CAN. :)

Hi all.
Well so far so good. Hmmm it was better than I thought for sure, not that I was scared of the injection or anything.. just that I HAD to be there for the reason of having the Big C..
OK, my story.. my sister and brother in law came with me.. just outside the door to the chemo unit I broke down. Started off as a joke, saying "Do we really need to do this?" then I said "I dont want to do this" and broke down in a crying mass! hmm.. the nurses there were so good and understanding. They put us in a separate room and said its not only OK to cry but a very normal reaction to it all. :) After an hour (or more) of telling us what to expect, etc etc they started the procedure.. 5fu/fa and anti nausea into a drip situation and only took about 20 minutes..
One thing stressed to me was as soon as my temperature gets to 38+ I am to go straight into the chemo unit or A+E. I have a letter for those at A+ E (emergency) that puts me infront of other patients there !! ;) And it says that I need to have a blood test pronto !!! and antibiotics as with my condition infection is NOT OK. They also said, if I was to have side effects that it would more likely to be today and tommorrow and should be better by the weekend. So far so good. no side effects yet!
They are also running a program starting the 10th May called "Living with Cancer" and its all about sife afects, diets etc.. and the onocologist will be there to answer any questions as well. IM BOOKED in !! :)
anyway I think thats all the news for now.. Thanks everyone for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers!
Love to all
Maz

Hi Maz, glad it went OK....as you were told, breaking down is quite understandable..it is the fear of the unknown. Now you have had the first treatment, you know you can handle it. You may not even get any bad side effects and it seems that, even if you do, they will not last too long.

As to the warning about possible rise in temperature....that is standard practise so that, in the event your temperature were to go up, you would treat it as an emergency...all patients in chemo treatment are told that. It is unlikely to happen but they do not want you to just take an aspirin and hope it goes away..they have to watch out for infection. So just keep it in mind in case. Otherwise keep yourself well hydrated and keep eating a good balanced diet. Even if you do not feel like eating much, try to take something....it will keep up your strength.

Don't forget, this is not for ever! Just tick off the days you have treatment and the time will pass. Take care.

Love,

Cancerdad you are so right-the mind is a powerful tool. One time when I saw the nurse practioner, she asked if I was nauseated. I said sometimes, but I wasn't sure if it was the chemo or if I felt this way because I was supposed to. She said people have told her they get nauseated just walking into the office, even before they have their chemo session.
Maz, I'm so happy things went well. Fear is such a factor. It is so hard, because no one knows how you will react to chemo. That unknown is such a big factor. I found that sometimes I could do aerobics the same week as chemo and other times I was too tired. You just have to listen to your body. Your Dr. is right about the fever-they are really concerned about infections. They emphasized to me not to take aspirin or similar products. If your red count is low or your platelets are low, aspirin can cause bleeding. That usually isn't a factor (if at all) later in chemo as your body generally takes longer to recover after each session (at least that's what they told me). Next week I am supposed to have my last chemo (it would have been this week if my blood work was better)-I don't know if I will laugh or cry. They have already made my appointments for a check up and ct scan in August. The oncologist said that if I have any surgery within 30 days of finishing chemo to be sure to tell the surgeon I have just finished chemo. I almost started laughing-after going through this, there is no way I would have any elective surgery within the next month!

Edinaman, goodluck with your last chemo treatment... Youve done it!!! :)
I think you should be releived in away thats over... and no I wouldnt be looking forward to more surgery either.. tho having said that I WILL be looking forward to it!
(My reversal! Im wanting that to get back to normal asap).
Thanks everyone for the well wishes.. Not too bad yesterday tho got lethargic and really snappy at people I love for no reason at all.. :( Made me feel bad. Had a yucky (painful) sleep, my own fault! trying to cut down on painkillers...
Not feeling too bad this morning.
Take care all
Maz x

Maz, Your loved ones will understand your reaction. I've heard that it is actually very common to be "snippy" during treatments. Try not to upset yourself or worry. (I know easier said than done).

I'm so glad your treatment went well and that you are not experiencing any major effects. The fatigue is very common and from what I have read and seen it tends to get better every day until the next dose. Very cyclical.

My dad finished 6 of his 12 treatments in the U.S. then went abroad. When he finished in the state his chemo floor gave him a farewell celebration. The whole team of nurses sang to him "Happy last chemo to you", blew bubbles and presented him with a bottle of sparkling CIDER! I cried uncontrollably! I was not with him when he finished his final 12, but he called me. I hung up the phone and cried for an hour...I was so happy! Even know just thinking about it my eyes well up! I can't imagine what HE felt!

Today is exactly one year from the first visit w/ his surgeon. Next Saturday will be one year from the date of surgery. I can't believe how quickly the time has passed. When he was receiving treatments each day seemed like an ETERNITY! I guess that everything is truly relative. I hope to see us all posting here years from now with wonderful, healthful and happy posts!

~P

pgta5

Thankyou so much for your inspirign story of your dad, and I wish him (and you) all the very very best. Even tho everyone has a "sad" story here (why would we be here otherwise) they also have so many great and inspiring stories too which encourage you and get u motivated.. I absolutely LOVE this board.

Maz

Maz, I'm sure your family understands if you are short with them. You are under a lot of stress right now. They told me at chemo that the anitnausea drug they give me, decodron (sp?) really gets you going. As if you need it, it makes you even more jittery and I have found short tempered. As the treatments have gone on, I have noticed the effects less, maybe my body has gotten used to it. You may also notice as chemo goes on a change in your taste buds. I have found that I can't taste some foods, others, especially sweets taste the same, and some just don't taste the "right". As they said at chemo class, you may want to avoid your favorite foods during this time, because you may be disappointed with how they taste. You may also notice that your hair will thin, but you will not become bald.
I think most people who have gone through chemo will tell you that the end of it is sort of frightening. You are done with chemo, but you also are no longer getting the drugs that kill the cancer cells. At this point I can only hope they have worked

Maz:
Ed is absolutely right... Decadron can definitely change your mood... it's a corticosteroid to give you a little boost. (also to suppress your immune system a little in hopes you won't react as strongly to the chemo). but it does change your mood. I learned that you shouldn't worry about offending people, or pleasing others... you just can't. They have NO IDEA what you are going through.

Family is family, and will always be around. Those who are your true friends will be too. Those that can't understand, well, they were too selfish anyway and are not worth having as friends! You can always just say what I always did... "It's nothing personal, I just can't talk to you right now. I know you're there though, and if I need anything, I'll be sure to call. I'm sure you can understand." That usu. shut them up for me. Hell, I still use it! Sometimes, I just DON'T HAVE THE PATIENCE! :D

Regards,
CancerDad :angel:

Thanks guys.. I hope they will understand and if not.. well....
Guess all I can do is try and explain to them.

Big ((((HUGS))))) from Goody :wave: Wow, Maz.....you made it through the first one and I'm so proud of you :bouncing: How was your birthday???? I know it was on the 20th but Goody just returned from Cancun yesterday and wanted to check back and am so glad to see that you are doing so well. I guess you go for your next treatment on Tuesday...am I right??? Remember to not be afraid to ask your family for any help you may need...they really want to be there for you.

Well.....just wanted to pop in and offer you lots of love and prayers. I hope you know that I am here for you any time you need, Maz.......Goody :wave:

Maz, you are truly amazing. So much so that I want to ask a small favor:

My brother-in-law has had three chemo treatments so far. They put a port in, and although he was diagnosed at a Stage 1V rectal cancer he and my sister are determined to drive to Florida for a planned 2 wk vacation.

He'll have another treatment on Monday (tomorrow) and then they'll leave immediately since, for him, the side effects take a few days to kick in.
For all of you who have been through chemo and truly understand, would you take one moment to say a prayer for him early this coming week?
Maz, I would appreciate it more than you know and you are in my prayers.
:angel:

Ruth....your brother and his family are all in my prayers. Goody just returned from Cancun after all my back problems and it was the best thing I could have done. I am sure that the trip to Florida will be enjoyed by your brother as well....is your neice going as well?? ((((HUGS))))......Goody :angel:

Goody, Welcome home! (And I mean your HB home too!)
Actually my mom is going down there for a month, along with my brother-in-law & sister, and also my niece (she's 28) and her guy for two weeks.

We're all just crossing our fingers that they can reach the beach (and a possible "green flash" sunset if you've ever heard of them) before the effects from the chemo hit.
I have no conception of what they are like except for watching my Dad go thru them -
Thanks again to all,
:angel:

Ruth....Thanks for the big Welcome Back :D I missed you too ;)

I honestly had to look up a "Green Flash" sunset online.....hope your BIL and family get to see one.....Goody hasn't as of yet & will put that on her list of things to do this summer.

I hear that most chemo patients respond differently in terms of side effects and that they pretty much administer other meds to combat most of them simultaneously. Did your dad have bad reactions/side effects??? And how has your BIL responded so far??? By a third dose you should be seeing the worst of it all. You said that it takes a couple of days for them to hit...what type of side effects is he having???? From what I would guess it's probably fatigue, some nausea and loss of appetite, crankiness etc. Is that pretty much it??? I'm sure the diversion of a trip to Florida will help out quite a bit. Relaxing is just what your family needs right now.

My prayers are that he and the family will enjoy this time together and that he will be comfortable.....Goody :angel:

Hey Ruthie:
Your BIL will Probably be feeling the chemo on his way down... But then again, everyone is different... he might just sleep. Especilally with the amount of anti-nausea stuff they give him, together with the decadron for energy. If, not, maybe they play it by ear and stop off for a day or 2 at a hotel along the way so he can rest. I can understand his wanting to see some things while doing treatment. As hard as it may be, I think you are doing the right thing to bite your tounge! Let him figure out himself what he can and can't do... He'll figure it out quickly, believe me!!!

Lots of encouragement and prayers his way. Please let us know how he fares.

Regards,
CancerDad

Hi all, Hi Ruthie.
Im not sure of the side effects yet!! Ive only had one treatment but so far so good and yes, Goodie my next is tommorrow (Wednesday) and every Wed following. Hmm gotta tell ya Ruthie, Im not really a praying person. Having said that, I have lots of people praying for me which gives me some comfort for sure. I havent prayed for years and I think starting now is a bit of a wrong thing for me to do as it would seem to Him that I only want His help now that I am not in the best of health.
Anyway on another note, I may have overdid the physical side of things the other day as yesterday my stomach hurt all the way of the op site.. grrrr
Through all this I have not been back to work in over 3 months.. (I was only a casual in a nursery dept of Bunnings _like your walmart I think), but no extra money coming in other than the single parent pension. I rang the cancer council here and they are putting $200 towards my car rego bill of $225 and gave me a few other places to look for help. One of them is my sons school. Happy to tell you, the school is writing a voucher for me to be able to outfit my son in a new school uniform, (including a jumper for winter here). SO im pretty happy with the help. I hate to think Im taking hand outs, but I need to make sure my son is not losing out because of this either.. hard line really.
Anyway enough rambling. Ruth I do hope it all goes well for you and you are in my thoughts. Take care all
Maz.

[QUOTE=Mazrose]I havent prayed for years and I think starting now is a bit of a wrong thing for me to do as it would seem to Him that I only want His help now that I am not in the best of health.

I know we haven't yet met officially but please, oh PLEASE understand God loves you SO much that any prayer any time is priceless to His ears. If you feel funny asking for a specific thing...ask that His will be done in your life..ask that you be given the peace and grace to handle anything that comes your way. Just as He weeps at your distress so does He rejoice and honor your words of praise and worship to Him...honest! :):)
Sparkles/Shine

Maz:

You have to start sometime if you're going to start, right? That's the way that I looked at it. I had/have SO Many praying for me, and SO MANY Uncertainties, that I felt that I Had to start sometime, and why not now?! People change their beliefs and thinking for MANY different reasons. MOST for less important things than for what we need help. So, again I say, I believe HIS love is there for us WHENEVER we decide we are ready to accept it.

GOD BLESS,
CancerDad

Cancer Dad and Sparkles..
I guess this is getting a little bit of the subject here, but it is important to me to try and work thru this too soooooo.......
hmmm.. ok, last night I did sort of pray!! hmmm.. I feel a little bit of a hypocrite tho and what if I dont believe in EVERYTHING the church believes in.. eg.Women shouldnt go on the pill!!
It did feel kinda good praying last night... and Ruthie I said a prayer for you too!! :)
(and CancerDad, and everyone on the board)..
2nd Chemo today.. and again I didnt sleep well last night, tho trying to understand why this is so. I know it doesnt hurt and the side effects wont happen straight away and that I have 6 months of it, so why the worry the night before???
Ahhhh so many questions, you guys are all gonna get sick of me.!

Take care all
Maz.

Hi Maz, I am sure as your treatments progress you will sleep easier the night before. You are only on your second, which I hope went well, so it is early days. As to praying, it is a learned behavior, I believe. You do not have to believe in what the church says, at least what I mean, there are so many different churches, unless you belong to one of them, it would be difficult to know which doctrine you should follow. I believe in one God who looks after all of us and I am not in a position to say which church or religion is the right one...so I respect all of them. So keep praying!

And, we will never be sick of you or anyone else on this board. That is why we are here and remain here.

Maz......Goody just wanted to wish you good luck on your second chemo session. There are all times to pray.....for when we need God's help, to offer our thanks to Him for what He continues to do for us, for wisdom & understanding and for forgiveness & guidance. There's no set time to start for He hears us even before we speak. Today I ask Him to give you peace & comfort in knowing that there are many here that care for you. Love & ((((HUGS)))) to you, my dear friend......Goody :angel:

Maz, you are a wonder!
I am so proud of you for sending a few prayers thataway!
Think about it! What if everyone felt it was "too late" to quit drinking, or smoking.. or start exercising (ah-hem...)
So you've gotten a fine start on a new habit that is actually a GOOD one!

A cool story is told of a wedding. People had been invited ages ago.
Some guests actually arrived - late.
And, they were greeted with as much happiness by the host (Guess who) as the first guests.
Sometimes it's not when or how you get there.
It's that you get there!!

A big Hug!
Ruth
:angel:

(Haven't heard how my sister & brother-in-law are doing yet - they should have gotten there by today sometime unless they have to take an extra day.)

Thanks all for the encouragement :) 2 down, 24 to go!! LOL. So far so good, tho am feeling a little quesy (?? spelling) this morning.
Best wishes and hugs to all :)

Way to go, Maz :D It's like looking at the glass half full instead of half empty.....you're in Goody's prayers. :angel:

Ruth.....Any word from your BIL & family??? Hopefully that green flash sunset is gonna be seen by them. Reminds me of when Goody went in for her colon surgery I was sooooo scared. Our family had just returned a few weeks prior from a trip to Belize and we got the most beautiful picture of an Easter Sunday sunrise. I had Tom hang that picture right smack in front of me so that whenever I woke up I could wake up & see it's beauty. It's what got me through my surgery & recovery....there's something really special in a beautiful sunrise or sunset. It's why I love to be by the water so much.......Goody

Maz, I'm glad things are going well. Your feeling queasy could be a result of the chemo-from what they told me, it causes you to shed the lining of your colon and probably whole digestive system. I was joking with my nurse practioner that any aches, pains or things going wrong, we can blame on the chemo. I'm still waiting for my last treatment. Last week all my counts were too low. This week it was the platelets. They said it just takes time for your body to recover and this is not so unusual. Don't despair if down the road this happens to you, it is just part of the chemo process. The chemo nurses have said to value this week, it is a good indication of how I will feel when chemo is all done. Also, I can taste some foods that I haven't been able to taste for months-it is amazing how my appetite has improved.

Hello to Maz & Goody & CancerDad & Everyone!

Finally got word that they arrived Wedn. afternoon. They had to stop for awhile for some long distance phone conversations with the oncologists office because he was having some problems with the pump pack that he wears at his waist.
Part of his chemo is a drug that causes real sensitivity to cold.

The Green Flash:
Just as the setting sun disappears from view, a last glimmer appears startlingly green. I've seen it twice - both times watching the setting sun from the gulf side of Florida on a very clear evening.

There's a mystical feel to it - I think that my brother-in-law would catch the special nuance of the green flash to the setting sun.

Maz, prayer is a conversation - I'm sure God wishes I'd shut up!!!
:angel:

LOL.. Ruth I dont think God wishes you would shut up!!!! lol... laughing.
ok, question for the girls.. Edinaman suggested that chemo makes you shed the linings of your bowels, etc.. ( hmmm whispering here.. shhhhh... Ive got my damn periods AGAIN. only had them 2 weeks ago. Is this due to chemo????)
Still doing pretty good here.. (tho only had the 2nd chemo so far) but if this is it, well Im happy enough... :)
Take care all
Maz ..

prayer is a conversation - I'm sure God wishes I'd shut up!!!
:angel:

Now I know you are wrong here.....I think of prayer as love-speak...from Him to me and from me to Him. Prayer is sort of inviting God out of the back room many of us put Him when we invite Him into our lives. I always have loved that analogy...We ask Him in and then put Him in a convenient place for when we need Him and I am as guilty as the next person. And because He loves us so much He honors our wishes......and when brought to the forefront of our lives can finally do the miracles He so wishes to do for each of us.
SS

Maz:
I do know chemo screws up your whole cycle... and didn't you just stop the pill??? If so, your body is reacclimating on double counts. Wouldn't worry about it. If it becomes often, and heavy, make sure to mention it to your oncologist as it will affect your blood levels.

Hope all is going as well as it can. And, I'm SOO glad to see that you do feel comfy enough to ask us anything!

Love,
CancerDad

Ruth, the drug that causes cold sensitivity is Oxalpalatin (sp?). It also can cause tingling in the hands and feet. Since I haven't had chemo for 3 weeks now (waiting for my blood counts to go up) the side effects to cold are gone. I am having fun eating ice cream and putting ice in my beverages. The side effects of this drug aren't too much fun, but the chemo nurses said it works so well, it went from trials to general use immediately.
Maz, I obviously don't know how it affects your periods. You should probably ask the oncologist-as I have said in some of the other posts, blame it on chemo.

Thanks edinaman - that helps!
My Dad received combination of 2 or more of the following during his Clinical trial: oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and irinotecan. Once there were several areas of his vertebrae involved they went to the 5 FU and Leuco.
I'm wondering if my Dad's debilitation during chemo was due in part to the surgery, and his rather fatalistic family viewpoint.
My brother-in-law seems to be doing much better - like Maz!!!

SheSparkes, we are in agreement - you just have to get my wacky sense of humor to know that I meant exactly what you said!
:angel:

Ruthie:
I think you are going to find that Sparkles (aka Shine) has a very similar personality to yours! You two might just be secret sisters!

Fondly,
CDad

It's so nice to see you posting while going through your chemo. You seem to have a really good attitude which I think will help you get through this a lot easier. As for the praying - as I'm not heavily into organized religion - I prefer to send and receive positive energy and keep people dealing with difficult times in my thoughts. A little like praying I guess but I feel using the powers within us makes up feel more in control than waiting for some external force to come along and take over. The strength I see that some people show during crisises comes from within and is awesome to experience. I'm rooting for you Mazrose!!

Hi WestCoast!
I heard somewhere that prayers (positive energy) are perceived as musical notes in the world beyond ours.
I haven't been a part of organized religion for 20 years and still find that praying (the casual kind - while I'm driving or walking back to a restaurant table, etc) seems to really help. I am a believer that God isn't just inside of a brick & mortar church but also a nugget of His love is inside each and every one of us. Maybe you know what I mean?

I know that on the surface prayer might seem off-topic on a Cancer page - but just knowing that people were praying for my Dad seemed to be a comfort to him.
And that praying when I have been at my lowest point (like chemo must make you feel) can lift you up just high enough out of the morass to see a twinkle of starshine.
:angel:

Funny how on another thread a very good friend asked me why it always seems when we pray for others that it seems more effective than when we pray for ourselves. I shared my thoughts with him & thought I would with my friends here as well. My thoughts were that....."I think when we pray for others it's less selfish & giving of ourselves almost like a "communion of saints" working for God's purpose....which all goes to the Golden rule of loving others as we would like to be loved. Taking care of our brothers is a service to God so in serving God we are better able to serve one another. I gues that's how i see it, and like you, I do notice that praying for one another is more effective than for ourselves because sometimes when we pray for ourselves we may be asking for something that is not necessary but when we pray for others we are better able to pray for what is really needed. Like when I pray for you I pray for God to give me the words of wisdom to say what you need to hear at the given time. Thus I am praying for both of us."

Anyway I really admire the courage & faith you all have here. Cancerdad & SheSparkles for being so brave as well as Maz for facing her fears so courageously, Edinaman as well as Ruth, who has seen her share of family members going through this......you are all special and I just wanted you al to know tha you are in Goody's prayers......Goody :angel:

Hi all :)
Ive been away at a friends for the weekend.. Hope all mums had a great mothers day.
CD I didnt just stop the pill, actually funny story here as when I was in surgery the surgeon accidently took one of my caps off!! (Had my tubes tied a few years prior to this) LOL.. hmmm.. anyway I will blame it on the chemo (but if it gets too heavy I will let them know for sure).
Have a nasty mouth sore just inside my bottom lip .. (damn chemo) but so far other than that the side effects are not too bad..
OK,
Take care all
Maz

Hi Maz,

Have you tried sucking pieces of ice just before and during chemo? They say it helps and I must say that my husband did it and never had mouth sores. Mind you, make sure they are well chipped up....I gave my husband blocks of ice and he nearly choked!! Keep your spirits up.

Hi all again.. Didnt know which thread to put this news on so I went back tso my old one!
Anyway yesterday was out on a motorbike (pillion) for the day.. (and forgot to pack my spares for my ileosotmy) grrr.. and yep.!! Had a leak... Big time :( Thank God I was with my ex husband. He was so good. He went into the chemist and got some elastoplast tape and baby wipes. DId the best I could for a repair job, but to no avail as the next town we got in, I was leaking again..
Went to the chemist who suggested the hospital and viola!! Grabbed two spares, changed the bag and we were off again without any more incidents.
Got me freaked out abit tho... and its my own fault. Getting too blaise' (?spelling) Uncautious, about when I replace my bag I guess as to not letting it dry enough before re attaching the new bag. But a little distressing for sure.
Apart from that .. I have hardly any side effects from the chemo.. Ive done 5 treatments now out of 26, .. Do u think I will get worse with the treatments or maybe Im a lucky one with hardly any???
Also, Im off the painkillers!!!!!!!!! Well I havent had any since yesterday morning.! :)
It was a case of I forgot to take them with my yesterday too, but found out, that it went fine. I guess it will make a difference if Im doing more, housework, lifting etc but I want to see how I go.
Sorry for rambling.
Hope everyone is doing fine..
Cheers
Maz :)

I think it is your attitude getting you through this, Maz...you are marvellous! Going out on a motor bike for the day! It sounds like you have a great ex-husband!! You may well be one of those people who get through chemo without too many side effects and, again, it could be partly due to your positive attitude. Go girl!

I think attitude plays a big part in how we feel during chemo. The mind is strong-if you think you are going be sick, you probably will. The nurses stressed how a positive attitude helps. Good for you spending the day on a motor cycle. Here it has been so cold and rainy that you need a jacket or sweater and umbrella to go out. No motorcycles or convertibles in this horrible weather-it has been going on since mid April. On the positive side, since chemo has ended my appetite has come back. Last night we went out and I had salmon...this is the first time in months I could eat it. My wife made it a few times during chemo and just looking at it made me feel sick. How is your appetite? Does chemo make you tired? Only someone who has gone through chemo can understand, but it can be hard when people sympathize and tell you how horrible chemo must be and how bad you must feel. It's hard to explain to them that it wasn't that bad (the doctor told me before I started to look at it as a disruption in my life more than something that would make me sick) and other than sometimes feeling tired for a day or two after, and not always having an appetite, there weren't many side effects. Fortunately you are not getting Oxalpalatin. That drug does leave you with some neuropathy in your fingers and toes. Hopefully, that will go away. It's funny the last time I saw the doctor when chemo was ending, and he mentioned a colonoscopy this year, another in three years and another in five years. I'm living day to day and waiting to get through a cat scan in August, and he's talking years down the road. I hope he's right. Keep up the good attitude it really makes a difference.

Its great to know your doctor is positive.. and so he should be and you too!!! :)
Yeah I do get a little tired for the first couple of days after chemo but your right, its just the disruption more than anyhting I guess. My appetite hasnt been affected either really. I think since the op it has bettered for sure, but the chemo hasnt seemed to slow it down at all. Like I said, maybe Im just one of the luckier ones !! :)
Thnaks Edinaman for your comments.. and I wish you all the very best.
Maz

Thanks Alison,,,, Im not gonna be letting this cancer scare get to me!! It aint gonna be able to get me down!! :) Im stronger than it is ! LOL
Maz :)