Can anybody give me an idea of how chemo with Carboplaten and Paclitaxol goes?

[woodsprite]

Had my first meeting with the GYN/oncologist and after evaluating the scans, there's more to the process than initially expected. He said that the mass is very low in my pelvis, in a tricky area. He wants to shrink it first with 3 rounds of chemo, then reevaluate for surgical resection. After surgery, we're going with a few rounds of external or internal/external rads, and a course of two of mop-up chemo. He's also calling in a colorectal surgeon since it's so close to the lower colon. They are planning to do the surgery as a team and I *may* need a (hopefully) temporary colostomy to get through the healing process. He also said that they *may* have to shorten my vagina.... again.

I know they're supposed to contact me about scheduling a port placement procedure, I have a Zoom session with the chemo nurse on Monday, but no date yet as to when chemo will start. I have no idea what to expect other than what I've been gleaning from internet articles I find. The dr said the carbo is tolerated well and they can fix any side effect issues. He said the taxol will render me totally hairless about 2 wks into the treatment. Currently trying to compile a list of questions for the chemo nurse.

If anyone has any ideas of questions I should ask, how I can prepare, what I should take to treatments, etc., please let me know.

[mahina]

1. I don't know honey but I'm holding you in the light.

Sounds like you have a really good doctor and they’re really looking out for you. Good luck Sister!

[dhol82]

2. .......

[Walleye]

3. I don't know about your specific chemo. But I had chemo for breast cancer.

I lost all my hair for about three months and then a couple of weeks after the chemo stopped it started growing back. This was a year ago and now the hair is down past my shoulders and I have to get a haircut soon, so hang in there,I sure hope everything works out for you.

[nocoincidences]

4. Here is one article about the side effects.

There is a lot of info out there you can Google about this drug combo. From my experience, the best sites for info are the ones where people on this drug regimen talk to each other about their experience, and also provide each other a lot of support. Look for those!

Stay positive and find others to support you who know what you are going through!

https://www.clearityfoundation.org/managing-chemotherapy-side-effects-ovarian-cancer/

[Claire Oh Nette]

5. My birthmother had ovarian cancer

stage 4.

Took what your taking. Lost her hair right on schedule, around day ten, I think, like they said. Cut it short, less to clear off your pillow once it falls out. It will grow back curly. Hats, scarves, wigs if you want. Bald women are no big deal these days.

My Jojoma said it felt like chemo turned her inside out. She was usually ok on infusion days, then faded pretty quick the next two or three. then perked back up. The port is not a big deal, makes it easy to infuse and minimizes needle and IV sticks. I can't remember which one caused her neuropathy in her hands--she used to knit, but got to where she just couldn't. My niece, a RPh., had her mother hold a frozen water bottle to minimize any neuropathy. Mine was a much more stubborn sort. Depending on what stage your cancer is will determine how much debulking the surgical team does.

Infusions are fairly slow--chemo was a most of the day affair, and tiring. Take snacks, juice, water.

Courage, Sister.
Long, tough road ahead, but you are stronger than your cancer.

Hugs.

[woodsprite]

6. Thank you all for your replies. Got through my first chemo

Without much issues yet other than heartburn and constipation, but it’s only going on 4 days. You would have all had a chuckle. I looked like a kid going to his first day of school. Packed so much stuff to take, then had to get hubby to come up and help me down with other stuff they gave me - including a quilt.

I’m awake dealing with the Neulasta shot side effects now. Everything aches - ribs, knees, ankles, arms, etc. I’m on Claritin, Advil, and Tylenol for the pain from that.

Think I might look for a way I could chill my hands when I go next time. They don’t do cold therapy, but said I could bring my own. I pretty sure the cold gel packs won’t keep cold enough to get through 3 hrs of Taxol, let alone the Carboplatin. I do polymer clay sculpture, needle felting, and wire wrapping as hobbies and would hate to lose the feeling in my hands.

[Claire Oh Nette]

7. Freeze a water bottle

Hold that and stave off some of the neuropathy.

THat's a tip from my niece, the pharmacist.