Postby juliej » Thu Jan 11, 2018 6:31 pm
Teri, I'm assuming you had a CT scan since they ruled out metastasis, but if not, make sure you ask for one.
When you get your port, ask for a "power port" -- one that is capable of being used for CT scans as well as chemo. It will make your treatments a lot easier! Also, arrange the location so it will be comfortable with bra straps, seat belt, etc. A lot of patients have them put on the right side, but the left worked better for me. If possible, have a vascular surgeon put in the port. They are more familiar with veins/arteries.
You didn't mention your CEA, but if you didn't get the results, ask for it . I would also ask the oncologist about genetic tests (KRAS, BRAF, MLH1, MSH2, APC, MSH6, PMS2, and MUTYH). Studies have shown a correlation between CRC patients and low Vitamin D levels, so you might ask for a 25 hydroxy vitamin D test too to see if you are low.
Ask your oncologist about all the common and uncommon side effects that might occur. Knowing what to expect makes it a lot less scary! Also, feel free to ask here about tips and tricks to handle particularly weird side-effects. There are many knowledgeable people on this forum and we love to help!
More advice...
Go to your dentist and have your teeth cleaned prior to chemo if you can. Chemo can wreck havoc on your mouth and you won't be cleared to return to the dentist until three or four weeks after your last chemo. This is a precaution to avoid a bacterial bloodstream infection. Biotene mouthwash is wonderful during chemo for maintaining dental care (and lessening mouth sores, which are a common side-effect) so buy a bottle before you start.
Make sure you stay hydrated after chemo treatments. Drink water, or even better, drink an electrolyte drink, even when you don't feel like it. This will flush the excess chemo from your body and make you feel better. I used Nuun tablets dissolved in a bottle of water but others use Gatorade or other sports drinks.
Bring a bottle of water with you to your chemo sessions along with light, tummy-soothing snacks like Goldfish crackers. Bring a friend along too -- someone who can make you laugh and help pass the time. Some people bring books, iPads, Nooks, Kindles, etc. but sometimes even reading is tiring and it's easier to pass the time with a friend. Napping is good too if you can. I always felt too alert from the steroids in my pre-meds to nap, but I did listen to music sometimes to distract me.
Hope this helps!
Juliej
Stage IVb, liver/lung mets 8/4/2010
Xelox+Avastin 8/18/10 to 10/21/2011
LAR, liver resec, HAI pump 11/2011
Adjuvant Irinotecan + FUDR
Double lung surgery + ileo reversal 2/2012
Adjuvant FUDR + Xeloda
VATS rt. lung 12/2012 - benign granuloma!
VATS left lung 11/2013
NED 11/22/13 to 12/18/2019, CEA<1