GOOD NEWS at Oncology yesterday
Went to my second Oncology appointment yesterday and the Dr is super pleased with how my immune system, my body and I have been handling the last 6 weeks of chemotherapy, so much so that we are adding the last part of the treatment to my chemo sessions...
EXPLANATION: For the last two chemo's ( 6 weeks) I have been having * F - Fluorouracil * E - Epirubicin * C - cyclophosphamide
The HUGE tumour under my nipple is all but gone, but I have the ones to the side still... this means they can start me on the
* T - Docetaxel (also called Taxotere) this Monday 2nd October
However, this also it comes with quite a few side effects:
Docetaxel may cause an allergic reaction while it’s being given. Your nurse will check you for this. If you have a reaction, they will treat it quickly. Signs of a reaction include:
* allergic reaction
* rash
* feeling itchy, flushed or short of breath
* swelling of your face or lips
* feeling dizzy
* having pain in your tummy, back or chest
* feeling unwell...plus a LOAD others that just go on and on and on..
This completes my chemo and I will be on the full FEC-T for the rest of my chemo sessions. This is good as it means I won't be on any other chemo ....as in the really bad hard stuff....however, due to the Taxotere been added I have been informed that for 5-7 days after EVERY chemo session (this means the next 3 treatments) ..I have to inject G-CSF into my stomach...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean WTF....i'm crying already!!!!
What G-CSF is for: Having chemotherapy for cancer can affect your bone marrow, reducing your ability to make new white blood cells. This is called neutropenia and will increase your risk of infection by up to 30%. To help strengthen your immune system, your doctor will prescribe a treatment called G-CSF (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor). This helps your body to make more white blood cells.
Side effects for G-CSF are:
* Bone pain
This is very common. You may have some discomfort or a dull ache in the bones of your pelvis, back, arms or legs. This is because your bone marrow is making blood cells. Your doctor can prescribe painkillers, such as paracetamol.
* Red, itchy skin
Your skin may become red and itchy around the area where you had the G-CSF injection. Having the injection in a different place on your body each time may help.
* Headaches
G-CSF may cause headaches. If this happens, tell your doctor or nurse. They can give you painkillers.
* Bruising or bleeding
You may bruise or bleed more easily. This is because G-CSF can affect the blood clotting cells, called platelets, in your blood. This improves after treatment stops. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you are worried about this.
* Fever and chills
Your doctor may prescribe paracetamol if you have a temperature and chills.
* Sickness or reduced appetite
You may feel sick or not feel like eating while having G-CSF treatment. If this happens, talk to your doctor or nurse. They can give you anti-sickness drugs to help. These feelings should improve when treatment stops.
* Bowel changes
You may be constipated or have diarrhoea while you are having G-CSF treatment. This should get better when treatment stops. Talk to your doctor or nurse if this is a problem for you. Try to drink at least two litres (three and a half pints) of fluids every day.
* Left side or tummy discomfort
G-CSF can cause your spleen to get slightly bigger which might be uncomfortable on your left side, your tummy or your left shoulder. Tell your doctor straight away if you notice any discomfort or pain in these areas. Your spleen should go back to its normal size once treatment stops.
* Liver changes
G-CSF may affect how your liver works. This is usually mild and goes back to normal after treatment. You will have blood tests to check how well your liver is working.
* Build-up of fluid
This may lead to swelling of the ankles or breathlessness. This is quite rare. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you notice this.
* Allergic reaction
Very rarely, people have an allergic reaction to G-CSF. The signs include a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, or swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue. Contact the hospital straight away if you have any of these signs. Do not have any more G-CSF injections until you have spoken to your doctor.
...so I have to monitor the above very carefully...but I have faith all will go well...
