wildspirit's Cancer Blog
October 9, 2008
| Aftermath of last chemo treatment | Views: 692 |
Hi Everyone :)
Tomorrow will be one week since my 6th and last chemo treatment . . . . yippee!
Maybe that is why I seem to be getting the double whammy of side effects, because they know . . . . it’s the last time!
Yesterday I felt like I’d been hit by a train, every inch of my body hurt. This is partially from the chemo and partially because I got the Neulasta shot on Tuesday. My mouth hurts more than usual and I have a particularly painful sore below my front bottom teeth. I have/had a sore throat, sore nail beds, vaginal yeast infection, etc.
I think I’ve mentioned it before, but maybe not . . . I’ve also been dealing with some cyst that I get in my groin area. It has nothing to do with the cancer, but since having cancer I’ve had a much worse time with these cyst. Right now I’ve got one that is right by my panty line and so damn painful that I can’t wear panties, I can hardly walk, move, sit down, get up, etc. The worst cyst I ever had, before this one, was just before my lumpectomy surgery and the doc would not operate until he lanced the cyst and it had a chance to heal a bit . . . we had one week until surgery was scheduled. Having this thing lanced was the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced and I’ve got to tell you that I don’t think I’ll ever do that again. The cyst I have now is almost as painful as that one was, but it’s not as big (yet) and I don’t have surgery planned, so I’m going to wait this one out and see if it will drain on it’s own or with some help from me . . . but in the meantime it’s just another pain in the *ss that I have to deal with right now.
Side effects from chemo differ with each person, but no matter how big or small the effects are they have totally messed with your “normal” way of life. Some are much more extreme than others, and every day I am grateful for the side effects that I DON’T have!
Some of you write about not knowing if you’d have chemo because of all that possible side effects, etc. I can totally understand this, but I encourage everyone to at least consider all the options. Although chemo can do terrible things, please remember that it is TEMPORARY. If this were permanent and I had to deal with all of this stuff for the rest of time . . . . I don’t think I’d do chemo either . . . .BUT. . . it’s temporary with the hope that when you are done with treatment . . . chemo, radiation, etc., that you will be cancer free.
I’ll admit that there were times that I seriously questioned having chemo or continuing with it, but it’s people like you all and my friends and family that have kept me going. That is what we are all here for . . . . to share our stories and to help and encourage others.
Hugs to all of you,
Wendy
07.30.08 - 
Thanks for your support -
Wendy I TOTALLY agree with you on the chemo thing. I’ve read too many stories and actually have friends who have had cancer, refused the chemo, and had it come back within a year. And I an attest to the fact that yes, it is temporary. It totally sucked, I was sick as a dog for months. But it’s been over a year now for me and other then VERY SMALL side effects I’m fine… and my scans have been fine, and the drs really believe that I’m “cured”. Of course that remains to be seen…. but yes, when I was diagnosed this is exactly what my dr told me:
“We have one really good chance to cure cancer, and that’s when we find it. Let’s throw everything we have at it.”
Of course I was scared but I also wanted to live so much that I did whatever I had to do to make it happen.
Please keep us posted on how you are doing.
Heidi,
Thank you so much for writing. I just read some of your blog and oh my gosh girl, a feeding tube for months!
See, I know it can always be worse . . . my journey is very tough for me as I’m sure it is for most, but there are so many other cancers that have worse effects than mine . . . . like yours, that effect things like eating, or even being able to eat . . . . wow, I’m so glad you are doing well!
Hugs,
Wendy
Congrats on that last Chemo! I assure you each day will get better, I am 98% myself with a few lasting effects and they are so mild that I barely notice them. Hope you feel better soon.
Blessings.
Yay! So glad to hear you are done with chemo. I am hoping all the nasty side effects subside quickly.
Have a beautiful day!
Monica
Oh Wendy,
I am so sorry you are having a bad time and those cysts don’t help one bit, darn it. It just adds insult to injury as the old folks used to say.
Is there some kind of medicine they can give to shrink the cysts? How about a salve? Have you done research on the cysts via the internet;might be a good idea to do so if you haven’t. I hate to see you suffer so.
I, too got a yeast infection. Mine was from taking antibiotics for 14 days starting a week before the first chemo due to diarrhea.
So glad you are finished with chemo. You go girl.
sweete2 better known as Ethel Craven-Sweet
Dear Wendy; You have now said something I can hold onto with some regard. I am not a proponent of chemo just because I have seen so much of its’ side effect with all my family members and friends. To say that I have not taken to heart everyone’s thoughts on the subject of chemo on this website would be an understatement. I am actually scared of the thought of it, at any time in my life. I value quality much more than quantity even if that means less time for me. I know this is the wrong side of the coin and it is an assault to the medical practices of today, but, WHY would anyone take poison into their body, except to get more time? YOU, ME and everyone who values life. OK … I get that but I am chicken and don’t want that kind of agony around me, in me, or close to me. However, you make a great case for doing it just because it JUST MIGHT WORK! I applaud you for all your strength and I probably hate myself for expressing my fear but you know this is why we have this blog… to be free and not just be kind, but to explore and question too. I guess I have a very tainted view of the medical system and I haven’t had the challenges that you have been faced with. I guess I will find this out over time… It is the everending clock ticking. There is no cure but there is a way of living with cancer. For me yet to be discovered. Thank you so much for bringing up a subject that is less travelled than I thought.
Weezie.
Hi Weezie,
I’m so glad you were able to get something positive out of what I said. I know you struggle with the thought of chemo, but never hate yourself or be mad at yourself for being fearful and expressing those fears . . . . that IS why we are here.
When I was first diagnosed they told me I’d only have to have radiation, no chemo. My tumor ended up being larger than they thought, so chemo was highly suggested. I have no idea how I would feel about chemo if I had just had radiation and was reading everything everyone, including myself is writing about it. I could very easily feel the same way you do. It’s a scary thing and I remember telling myself several times . . . I don’t “have” to be doing this . . . but I stuck with it in hopes of a brighter future.
We all have to realize that it’s OK to be afraid, it’s OK to be pissed off, it’s OK to be overwhelmed, etc.
Hugs to you,
Wendy
Yay, Wendy! No more chemo! It must be a good feeling!
I agree that chemo is worth trying, it the most effective treatment for cancer known, at least at this point. I know side effects are hell but I am willing to do this at least once if it may kill my cancer.
I read your post and chuckled at the cyst placement. Not because it is funny but because it reminds me of a story, most things remind me of a story.
So, years ago I had a cyst (boil?) in about the same area and it was making me miserable, as only those who have experienced this truly understand. Anyway it was Saturday and the clinic was closed so I went to the ER. A small man came in to see me, he announced he was the doctor and asked the problem. As I told him I noticed him sizing me up. He suggested I go to a family doctor on Monday to have it lanced. I asked what was wrong with him and now? Again he looked me up and down and then excuses himself without comment. Twenty minutes go by and the biggest two orderlies I have ever seen come in with the returning doctor. He instructs me to strip down and get up on the table. These two gorillas pin me to the table and doc lanced me. I am confident that I was heard screaming for a good 1/2 mile, but after the pressure was gone I was much happier.
Sorry for your discomfort…
Mac
Hi Mac,
Thank you, you gave me a good laugh when I needed one most! It really is not funny at all, but I can relate and I laughed while reading your post!
How funny of the doctor to come back with 2 big guys . . . .but I totally understand. Having my cyst(or boil as it could be called) lanced, it was the most painful thing and the first time I’ve ever yelled and carried on at a doctors office! The lancing was not really the painful part for me, it was all the shots he gave me to deaden the area before he lanced it . . . . I’ll never forget that.
Wendy
I’ve never had a cyst/boil, but my brother has. It was on his foot when we were quite young. I remember my mom trying to get it out at home. My brother would cry and cry. It was HUGE! At least it seemed huge to a little kid.
Congrats on being done with chemo! Yippee!