Postby Holly » Sun Dec 10, 2006 9:30 am
Sharon,
This is a copy of the first post that I sent to you. You were in the early days of your journey and I hope that it will bring you some comfort. Despite what is right in front of you, remember that ALL things are truly possible! Trust that God will have His arms wrapped tightly around you every step of the way!
Always,
Holly
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Posted: Tue Mar 21, 2006 12:10 pm Post subject: Chemo
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Northern Lights,
Welcome to the Colon Club!
Yes, there are a lot of us, young and living strong colon cancer survivors! Northern Light, I was diagnosed at the age of 30 with stage IV colon cancer and given very little hope. I am cancer-free. The most important things I will share with you today is...Remember ALL things are possible.
You will go through a wide variety of emotions. Embrace all of them. Find a productive way to unlease them...I like to find an open field a scream, find what works for you! I have been cancer-free since 2004 and I grateful every moment of my life. Too, I am scared. It is a powerful emotion emotion that I find myself willing off. I get follow up testing and petscans every three months and still fear the "unknown." I believe that this will be apart of me for the remainder of my life but I do have the choice of how I wish to contain it! Again, you must believe that all things are possible!
Chemo...Yes, I know you must be waiting to hear and experience with baited breathe. Based on what you have shared with the colon club, I have deducted that you will be on Oxiplatin. The Folfox regimen. Neuropathy is a cold-like sensation one similar to that if you pull something out of the freezer (reasonable to compare to a minimal frostbite like sensation). But will last a little longer. Oxiplatin has a 15 day half life. That means it remains in your body for 15 days. So you will get another dose or round of the drug before the old has cleared your body. Thus, you may have been told that the treatment has a cummulative affect. It builds onto itself. May I say: A warm pair of mittens and snuggly socks will be priceless! I would recommend that you avoid chilled drinks like ice water and cold soda for a few days post your chemotherapy. I was told to avoid and did so anyway so that I could journal my experience. It is a quick shock and gets your attention, only needed to experience once. Room temp ot tap water should not affect you. I am a cold natured person and do not like to be cold. So I was layering clothes even in the summer while being treated. Find your comfort! The greatest side affect that I experienced was FATIGUE. I was sooo tired and rest and rest and rest. I figured it was my body's way of telling me what was needed. Do not be alarmed if you are tired. Not like a little overtime or tucked out from the flu, I mean dog tired and dragging. This is normal. Hair loss...Will you loose your hair? Not likely if you are not on monoclonal antibodies. Your hair will thin (my hair stylist recognized, I did not). So not to fret. When I say thin, I mean a couple hairs here and there but I assure you you will others will not likely recognize.
About the carnival...Your childen love you. Despite the fight you are in for, remember to embrace love and life. Go, have a ball, take video and hugs your children. But do remember the warm snuggly socks and mittens! I hope this helps! I hope that through this forum and website, you find much love, support and encouragement as I have over the past year! I am truly blessed! Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and do update the Colon Club on your journey!
Hugs!
Holly