kellywin wrote:First, any doctor that says "absolutely not work" should not be practicing, that's ludicrous. There are many people that work through chemo. It's no cakewalk, but side effects differ greatly between people and you never know how it's going to effect you. Also, it's frustrating that doctors continue to not mention Xeloda (pill) in place of the 5-FU (pump) - either option goes with the Oxi (which is the shitty part). But one option might be better for him. Personally, the idea of the pills worked better for me as did the 3 week schedule of infusions. It allowed me to work mostly full time (taking a few days off here and there after infusion days). He needs to have an Oncologist that provides options, not flat statements.
As far as stats, don't bother. They just take a bunch of people and track them, some get full treatment, some get partial, some have many other ailments. I personally wanted to do everything I could, and that means chemo.
It's a hard time and I think you're in a difficult spot - you have no idea what he's going through all you can do is be supportive, that may mean cry with him, be angry with him, do whatever you need. Don't hide your feelings. Don't be the "rock", be yourself. And personally, if someone ever referred to themselves as my caregiver, they'd be in a pine box. I can care for myself. I drove to and from every chemo infusion myself.
Hope that all didn't sound harsh. I am thinking positive thoughts for you & your fiance.
--Kelly
CarolA wrote:kellywin wrote:First, any doctor that says "absolutely not work" should not be practicing, that's ludicrous. There are many people that work through chemo. It's no cakewalk, but side effects differ greatly between people and you never know how it's going to effect you. Also, it's frustrating that doctors continue to not mention Xeloda (pill) in place of the 5-FU (pump) - either option goes with the Oxi (which is the shitty part). But one option might be better for him. Personally, the idea of the pills worked better for me as did the 3 week schedule of infusions. It allowed me to work mostly full time (taking a few days off here and there after infusion days). He needs to have an Oncologist that provides options, not flat statements.
As far as stats, don't bother. They just take a bunch of people and track them, some get full treatment, some get partial, some have many other ailments. I personally wanted to do everything I could, and that means chemo.
It's a hard time and I think you're in a difficult spot - you have no idea what he's going through all you can do is be supportive, that may mean cry with him, be angry with him, do whatever you need. Don't hide your feelings. Don't be the "rock", be yourself. And personally, if someone ever referred to themselves as my caregiver, they'd be in a pine box. I can care for myself. I drove to and from every chemo infusion myself.
Hope that all didn't sound harsh. I am thinking positive thoughts for you & your fiance.
--Kelly
Kelly,
I am currently undergoing Folfox and tried to go back to work full time as a 2nd grade teacher. I lasted 6 weeks. The nausea and the pain in my feet from the neuropathy in addition to fatigue lead me back to medical leave. My last treatment, if I stay on schedule, is November 30 with disconnect from Fu5 pump on December 1st. My question is does the side effects subside quickly? How about Neuropathy , I heard it gets worse after treatment ends. Is this true. I'm scheduled to go back full time Jan 25th is that enough time to recover from the effects of the chemo? Teaching 2nd grade takes a lot of energy... I'm on my feet the entire time.... and a lot of patience something I lose when very tired and feeling ill. Please give me some insight to how I'll feel after treatments. Thanks!
CarolA wrote:Kelly,
I am currently undergoing Folfox and tried to go back to work full time as a 2nd grade teacher. I lasted 6 weeks. The nausea and the pain in my feet from the neuropathy in addition to fatigue lead me back to medical leave. My last treatment, if I stay on schedule, is November 30 with disconnect from Fu5 pump on December 1st. My question is does the side effects subside quickly? How about Neuropathy , I heard it gets worse after treatment ends. Is this true. I'm scheduled to go back full time Jan 25th is that enough time to recover from the effects of the chemo? Teaching 2nd grade takes a lot of energy... I'm on my feet the entire time.... and a lot of patience something I lose when very tired and feeling ill. Please give me some insight to how I'll feel after treatments. Thanks!
CarolA wrote: I am currently undergoing Folfox and tried to go back to work full time as a 2nd grade teacher. I lasted 6 weeks. The nausea and the pain in my feet from the neuropathy in addition to fatigue lead me back to medical leave. My last treatment, if I stay on schedule, is November 30 with disconnect from Fu5 pump on December 1st. My question is does the side effects subside quickly? How about Neuropathy , I heard it gets worse after treatment ends. Is this true. I'm scheduled to go back full time Jan 25th is that enough time to recover from the effects of the chemo? Teaching 2nd grade takes a lot of energy... I'm on my feet the entire time.... and a lot of patience something I lose when very tired and feeling ill. Please give me some insight to how I'll feel after treatments. Thanks!
CarolA wrote:Kelly,
Thank you so much for the thorough and very thoughtful response. I just started Neurontin last week .... I will be sure to take it as well as my zofran. Sometime I forget I have them..... I concentrate on the 8 other meds I must take for my bipolar disorder..... I'm so scared of all the meds I need to take now....in addition to all the chemo but my doctor insists I stay on my current meds so I don't have a set back( severe depression) which will complicate my treatments. Again thank you for all your advice. I pray you continue to heal. God Bless
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