Chemo Counseling Today at the Pearson Cancer Center

Today was a day I was not looking forward to.  It was a visit to the cancer center for instruction on what to expect from the very strong chemo I will be on.  At the end of the conversation, I asked how long I had after the whole chemo regimen was finished.  She said maybe 6 months or more.  So, that meant if I didn't have chemo, it was usually calculated I had 6 months.  With chemo, I would add on another 6 months.  I really want to try hard to stick with it, but, after you read this next part, you will wonder how that will happen.  Ruthie again took notes and wrote them all up.   I so appreciate how she can do this.  Here is what she wrote:

"Do you know what the phrase "thick as thieves" is ? "As thick as thieves describes a relationship between people that is very close....The word “thick” as used in the idiom as thick as two thieves means intimate, familiar, closely allied, sharing confidences."  I can only imagine this is what Cynthia, Mom's chemo counselor thought of our crew as Mom, Dad, Aunt Margie, Kathy, Paul, and I all entered into  her small office with only 3 chairs in it.   WE are definitely  a close family and this  part of Mom's journey is certainly one we all are sharing with her.  Not because we have to, because that's what we are...........THICK AS THIEVES😉.

So, Cynthia was very thorough with Mom's appt today.  She, in detail, went through many side effects Mom could possibly have.  She had a nice folder for Mom with all of the notes and dates highlighted for her upcoming visits.  She did an excellent job, but I'll just highlight a few because Mom asked me to:-)

Mom will undergo 12 cycles of treatment which will last 6 months.  Every other Monday she will go to the Cancer Center for IV chemo and return on Wednesday to get her pump taken off.

Mom is up to date on her pneumonia vaccine.  She stayed today and received her flu vaccine.  This is important for all of us, but especially those who are or will become  immune  suppressed.  Cynthia making sure Mom has a supply of Phenergan and Zofran on hand that she can take for nausea.  During her chemo treatments she will be given Emend IV for nausea  that will be in her system for 4-5 days.  Hoping this will do the trick along with her crystallized ginger so that she won't need much of the anti nausea meds.. .. They cause the constipation.  I did ask if she should start taking the anti nausea meds before it starts, and she told us no.. Don’t  take it unless you need it.   If she does need it , she can even alternate them.  Mom asked about vomiting during the side effects of chemo.  She said she should not ever  vomit.  If vomiting happens, call immediately.  Dehydration can occur.

Mom asked Cynthia how she would know if the chemo was working.  She told her this was something to ask Dr. Paul , she thought scans would be taken 1/2 through the treatment cycle.  If I remember correctly from our appt with Dr. Paul she will order lab work that will show her the # for her marker tumor.  If it's gone down, I'm assuming it’s an indication it is working.  We can ask Dr. Paul again on Monday when and how often she will check this once chemo is started.

The day Mom gets her pump taken off she will be given a shot of Neulasta, a medicine given to build up your white blood cells.  Mom's WBC has to be greater than 1.0 to continue with the next treatment.  Neulasta can cause bone pain that can last up to 5 days after the shot, so they recommend taking Claritin for five days with it.

Vitamins and alkaline water are fine to take with chemo. The herbal things need to be approved by Dr. Paul.  At this point Mom's just drinking Essiac tea sometimes and rubbing the essential oils on her abdomen.

She spoke to Mom about oral hygiene and sensitivities.

Generally patients start to feel bad on the 3rd day after chemo is administered.  Eating small meals throughout the day will make her feel better.   The cold intolerance she will have is one of the worst side effects from this particular chemo (Aloxotin) that patients say they have.  Deep breaths of cold air can hurt her.... She needs to bundle up!  Wear gloves, a scarf, cover her face, socks and mainly just dress warm to help with the sensitivities.  Nothing to touch, eat or drink cold for at least 4-5 days after the chemo.  Then she can test it if she wants.  Even placing her hand in the refrigerator can hurt without gloves.  Reaching into the washing machine and touching wet clothes.

Folks that have had fever, cold, coughing etc.  should stay away from Mom during this time.  Mom is contaminated with bodily fluids for 5 days total once 1st chemo started.  She will need to flush 2x and wipe her toilet with clorox wipes.  Mom was concerned about kissing her babies . Gideon's a big cuddler and kisser.  Only cheek  kisses:-)!

Mom will need to cover her port to shower with a press n seal..... We will need to get some of those.  Her pump will be in a fanny pack.  But she only has to have this for 3 days each time.

On the day of infusion Mom will be there for 5-6 hours so she will want to pack some food and snacks.  They have a microwave.  She can't forget to bring her  enzymes:-)

Lastly she told Mom the more active she stays the BETTER she will feel and stay.   Don't stop living your life!!!!!   Ruthie Gillespie"