My CT Scan taken on January 12th is showing very little sign of disease! Compared to the scan taken on November 18th the largest site of disease went from 22 mm to 8 mm. And my CA 125 is at 42 down from a high of 497 in November! Queue the fireworks!
The clinical researchers at Princess Margaret Hospital have recommended that I continue with the weekly Taxol treatments rather than begin a clinical trial. This makes sense. Why try something new that may not work as well as something that is currently working? The only drawback is that the neuropathy in my hands is getting worse and now I have it in my toes. If it worsens too much then the Taxol treatments have to stop but for now I am going for it. With such good results it is difficult to change the protocol to something else that may not work.
I have already heard from Grand River Regional Cancer Centre and my next chemo treatment is Monday. It will be 3 weeks out of 4 for the next little while so now I can plan my life somewhat!
Showing posts with label Taxol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Taxol. Show all posts
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Thursday, November 20, 2014
The November 7th scan is showing stable disease which means the visible disease has not changed significantly since the September 29th scan. This is good news. The only problem at this point is the development of ascites. As usual this fluid accumulated very rapidly. I know my clothes started to feel tight on November 7th and by the November 17th appointment at Princess Margaret I could not wear my regular clothes. Elastic waist bands are the fashion of the day.
At the meeting on November 17th we discussed the CT Scan results which were favourable but we needed to deal with the ascites and talk about start of trial. Starting the trial right away would help with the ascites but would interfere with our holiday in December. Once I start the trial I have to adhere to the protocols and appointments which means frequent travel to Toronto. If we just treat the ascites then I can wait until the new year to begin trial and focus on that. I chose to wait to start the trial and my best option right now is to start weekly chemo of Taxol for 3 weeks. The usual protocol is one infusion every 3 weeks so I will be getting a third of the infusion every week for 3 weeks. You get the picture. This is a stop gap measure and I should hopefully experience minimal side effects. The best part is I can have this done at Grand River Cancer Centre and I do not need to travel to Toronto until the new year.
I met with my oncologist at Grand River on the 19th (appointment previously booked) and we discussed the more immediate treatment plan. She is in agreement and started the ball rolling to get the chemo scheduled this week. We discussed potential issues such as low blood counts and maybe some hair loss. We will deal with issues as they come up. She also wants to schedule a paracentesis. A paracentesis will be a relief I can tell you! I look about 7 months pregnant and it is not very comfortable. Walking any distance is physically taxing.
So far my chemo is scheduled for this Friday on the 21st. Still waiting to hear about the paracentesis. Hoping it might be today!
We are getting dumped on with snow and it is cold.........
At the meeting on November 17th we discussed the CT Scan results which were favourable but we needed to deal with the ascites and talk about start of trial. Starting the trial right away would help with the ascites but would interfere with our holiday in December. Once I start the trial I have to adhere to the protocols and appointments which means frequent travel to Toronto. If we just treat the ascites then I can wait until the new year to begin trial and focus on that. I chose to wait to start the trial and my best option right now is to start weekly chemo of Taxol for 3 weeks. The usual protocol is one infusion every 3 weeks so I will be getting a third of the infusion every week for 3 weeks. You get the picture. This is a stop gap measure and I should hopefully experience minimal side effects. The best part is I can have this done at Grand River Cancer Centre and I do not need to travel to Toronto until the new year.
I met with my oncologist at Grand River on the 19th (appointment previously booked) and we discussed the more immediate treatment plan. She is in agreement and started the ball rolling to get the chemo scheduled this week. We discussed potential issues such as low blood counts and maybe some hair loss. We will deal with issues as they come up. She also wants to schedule a paracentesis. A paracentesis will be a relief I can tell you! I look about 7 months pregnant and it is not very comfortable. Walking any distance is physically taxing.
So far my chemo is scheduled for this Friday on the 21st. Still waiting to hear about the paracentesis. Hoping it might be today!
We are getting dumped on with snow and it is cold.........
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
A Journey with Doxil has Begun
Yesterday I attended the Chemo Lounge to get my first dose of Doxil.
The chemo nurse had my file online and she knew I have a history of chemo sensitivity so she insisted that I get into a bed. If something is to go wrong then it is easier to work on me from a bed rather than a chair. I didn't put up much of a fuss! Since this is the first time then the regular pre-meds are in order i.e. steroids and antiemetics (Zofran) which were taken at home. My previous protocol of Taxol and Carboplatin called for copious amounts of more steroid and benedryl to get my body to take the drugs without reaction. This in turn made me sleep. This did work for 14 rounds but is now is not an option any more. As you will recall in my last posts the long infusion of Carboplatin only also brought on an allergic reaction.
Doxil is only one bag of chemo drug and it is red. Reminded me of a strawberry dacquiri. Which I would have loved but alas no more alcohol while in treatment. They say I can have one drink per week but that is hardly worth it. Perhaps one glass of wine with a special dinner.
Anyway they pumped this red devil into me at the regular infusion rate and nothing happened. Probably the nurse sitting next to me during the first 10 minutes had something to do with my successful infusion. Let's hope this keeps up. Next infusion is scheduled for October 15th. In the mean time I have a CT Scan scheduled on October 1st with review on October 4th with the doc.
The chemo nurse had my file online and she knew I have a history of chemo sensitivity so she insisted that I get into a bed. If something is to go wrong then it is easier to work on me from a bed rather than a chair. I didn't put up much of a fuss! Since this is the first time then the regular pre-meds are in order i.e. steroids and antiemetics (Zofran) which were taken at home. My previous protocol of Taxol and Carboplatin called for copious amounts of more steroid and benedryl to get my body to take the drugs without reaction. This in turn made me sleep. This did work for 14 rounds but is now is not an option any more. As you will recall in my last posts the long infusion of Carboplatin only also brought on an allergic reaction.Doxil is only one bag of chemo drug and it is red. Reminded me of a strawberry dacquiri. Which I would have loved but alas no more alcohol while in treatment. They say I can have one drink per week but that is hardly worth it. Perhaps one glass of wine with a special dinner.
Anyway they pumped this red devil into me at the regular infusion rate and nothing happened. Probably the nurse sitting next to me during the first 10 minutes had something to do with my successful infusion. Let's hope this keeps up. Next infusion is scheduled for October 15th. In the mean time I have a CT Scan scheduled on October 1st with review on October 4th with the doc.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Beast is Back.....
When I am dancing with NED (no evidence of disease) you may notice that I don't post very often. While I am living my life I don't always relay all the good things about living life to it's fullest. Things like the warm sun on your face, the smell of fresh cut grass, the look on your dog's face when you ask if it is time for a walk, the taste of a well crafted cocktail, the thrill of an upcoming vacation, a good laugh with family and friends, good food, etc, etc,......
These are the things I love and try to experience and enjoy everyday. Then something comes along to knock you down. And I hate to sound like a downer but sometimes it just pisses me off.......
My last follow up appointment with the oncologist was April 25th. My bloodwork indicated the CA 125 marker came back elevated. This warranted a CT Scan which was scheduled for May16th. By the way on May 17th we headed for New York with Dylan for the long weekend. We had a great time and although the weather did not cooperate we did not let that stop us. Unfortunately, Corina did not come with us. She has finished her college program and is looking for work. Anyone know of a health administration job opening?
On May 22nd my oncologist let me know that the cancer was back once again. There is a 3.5 cm tumour on the upper left hand side of my abdomen and some nodules through out the peritoneum. Next we had the discussion of treatment which she wanted to begin right away. I also wanted to start right away because we are leaving for Europe on June 7th and I want to have some semblance of health to enjoy ourselves.
My treatment protocol has been Taxol/Carboplatin regiment. Very common and widely used for ovarian cancer all over the world. However, like many people the Taxol has been debilitating to my body and so it is no longer an option. It has left me with neuropathy in my hands. Thankfully not my feet like some people. Having more Taxol would only ensure further nerve damage in my hands and then my feet. Not a good thing! The treatment of cancer involves toxic chemicals that build toxicity in the body. Major drawback...
Another factor in the treatment discussion is the length of time since my last treatment. Last time I had chemo was September 2012. In the chemo world the treatment is considered ineffective if there is less than 6 months since the last treatment. I am at the 7th month mark and my oncologist had to decide whether to give me Carboplatin alone or with something else. In addition you may recall from my earlier post that I reacted to Carboplatin the last time. The answer to this is an extended infusion period to mitigate any reaction.
We decided together to go with Carbo only and very next day I had a call from hospital at 2:30 pm to ask me to come around 4:00 pm to be admitted so chemo could be administered all the next day. How to make a dull situation a little more lively? There is not much that can be done. When I was not passed out from the benedryl I was fully awake and able to read. I had several room mates during my time at hospital but I know from past experience that other cancer patients are not that chatty and I was not either. I finally got to go home @ 9:30 Friday night. Good news is that I did not have any reaction. Just bored out of my mind.....
These are the things I love and try to experience and enjoy everyday. Then something comes along to knock you down. And I hate to sound like a downer but sometimes it just pisses me off.......
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| The Highline |
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| Freedom Tower |
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| Near Battery Park and NJ in the background |
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| Dylan |
On May 22nd my oncologist let me know that the cancer was back once again. There is a 3.5 cm tumour on the upper left hand side of my abdomen and some nodules through out the peritoneum. Next we had the discussion of treatment which she wanted to begin right away. I also wanted to start right away because we are leaving for Europe on June 7th and I want to have some semblance of health to enjoy ourselves.
My treatment protocol has been Taxol/Carboplatin regiment. Very common and widely used for ovarian cancer all over the world. However, like many people the Taxol has been debilitating to my body and so it is no longer an option. It has left me with neuropathy in my hands. Thankfully not my feet like some people. Having more Taxol would only ensure further nerve damage in my hands and then my feet. Not a good thing! The treatment of cancer involves toxic chemicals that build toxicity in the body. Major drawback...
Another factor in the treatment discussion is the length of time since my last treatment. Last time I had chemo was September 2012. In the chemo world the treatment is considered ineffective if there is less than 6 months since the last treatment. I am at the 7th month mark and my oncologist had to decide whether to give me Carboplatin alone or with something else. In addition you may recall from my earlier post that I reacted to Carboplatin the last time. The answer to this is an extended infusion period to mitigate any reaction.
We decided together to go with Carbo only and very next day I had a call from hospital at 2:30 pm to ask me to come around 4:00 pm to be admitted so chemo could be administered all the next day. How to make a dull situation a little more lively? There is not much that can be done. When I was not passed out from the benedryl I was fully awake and able to read. I had several room mates during my time at hospital but I know from past experience that other cancer patients are not that chatty and I was not either. I finally got to go home @ 9:30 Friday night. Good news is that I did not have any reaction. Just bored out of my mind.....
Friday, October 22, 2010
2nd Chemo Treatment
Wednesday's visit to the hospital for blood work and consultation with Dr. Califaretti went very well. All the blood counts were normal. Some issue with the liver but she expects this as the liver is working very hard. Will get back to normal after treatment ends. Oh and I have lost about 10 pounds. This is mostly from the fluid in the abdomen (ascites) and maybe some of my own weight due to a lack of appetite.
So the next day on Thursday I had my 2nd chemo treatment. This time around it went much smoother. My pre-meds contained additonal drugs to counter the effect of the benedryl and hydrocoritsone to counteract the effects of the Taxol from the last time. The effect on me is that I slept much of the time I was there. Sometimes the nurse had to wake me to check my vitals. I was very drowsy.
Corina and David were with me in the morning and it was a good thing they had books to pass the time. Mom came in the afternoon and I remember waking long enough to say hello and then passed out. Before long it was 3:00 pm and Mom was gone and David was back. I wasn't awake when Mom left. It was time to leave but I had to fully wake up first.
Today is Friday I feel good and energetic. Did some email, housework and cooking. This was a similiar experience last time as well. But what will the weekend bring ? I sort of crashed the last time. We shall have to see. Oh the hair thing....this morning so much fell out during my shower I had bald spots so I asked David to shear off the remainder at 1/4 inch. Much better. And no I am not going to show you any pictures. : )
So the next day on Thursday I had my 2nd chemo treatment. This time around it went much smoother. My pre-meds contained additonal drugs to counter the effect of the benedryl and hydrocoritsone to counteract the effects of the Taxol from the last time. The effect on me is that I slept much of the time I was there. Sometimes the nurse had to wake me to check my vitals. I was very drowsy.
Corina and David were with me in the morning and it was a good thing they had books to pass the time. Mom came in the afternoon and I remember waking long enough to say hello and then passed out. Before long it was 3:00 pm and Mom was gone and David was back. I wasn't awake when Mom left. It was time to leave but I had to fully wake up first.
Today is Friday I feel good and energetic. Did some email, housework and cooking. This was a similiar experience last time as well. But what will the weekend bring ? I sort of crashed the last time. We shall have to see. Oh the hair thing....this morning so much fell out during my shower I had bald spots so I asked David to shear off the remainder at 1/4 inch. Much better. And no I am not going to show you any pictures. : )
Saturday, October 2, 2010
First Chemotherapy Treatment
Thursday, September 30th, 2010
Oh joy...not....
Day started at hospital at 8:30. I had already taken some steroid prescription pills 12 hours and 6 hours before. Plus I had to take an anti nausea pill that morning. More nausea pills for home. They work well. No nausea yet. (fingers crossed)
Hooked me up to IV in a lazy boy type chair. I was given some pre-chemo drugs for nausea and Benadryl. Within minutes I started to feel drowsy from the huge dose of Benadryl. I also started to get ants in my pants and dancing legs. I couldn't close my eyes to doze and I felt like I had the spins from too much booze. Chemo wouldn't be started for another 30 minutes and I did not complain. I just thought ...ok this will subside....
Pharmacist came to explain my chemo drugs and talk about side effects etc. (more on this later) She went into great detail which just confused me but they are pretty accustomed to this so there is lots of paper. She said there are drugs to combat this jitteriness if I wanted. (she noticed by dancing feet) I said no. I am so tough.
Well the first chemo drug started and it takes generally 3 hours for the full dose. Within minutes my chest got heavy and I couldn't breathe. David said my face was starting to turn red. I felt a searing heat rise from my shoulders to the top of my heard. This was no hot flash. More like a f&%*ing volcano. Well thank God there are nurses all over the place (David was already running to get one) and they know this could happen to a percentage of first timers..... well one of them ran over and took the line off and gave me oxygen. Emergency call went out and within a minute they administered another steroid. The steroids help the body accept Taxol (chemo drug). Body doesn’t want it because Taxol kills cells. Obviously the pills were not enough. Now they know and adjustments will be made by the doctor. Doctor by the way (another woman) is great and explained a lot to us on Wednesday.
Anyway I had to wait another 1/2 hour to begin the Taxol and they started with small dosage working the way up to full. My mother was coming by at 11:15 to relieve David and I was so glad she didn't witness this.
All went well after this and no more funny stuff. The heebee geebees went away with the Taxol reaction. Imagine that. I was also no longer drowsy.
Second drug (Carboplatin) was piece of cake and only took 1/2 hour. Went home at 3:00 pm and felt pretty good. Just a little tired. Having a needle in your arm for that long is just freaky.
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