Thank you for asking how my last chemo treatment of gemcitabine (gemze) and docetaxel went. The sixth, my last treatment, was excruciatingly painful and definitely the most difficult. My apologies ahead of time as my post is quite a ‘negative Nancy’ reader!
Let me begin by saying at the beginning of my sixth appointment, I requested that a catheter be placed in my bladder in order to ensure I would hold the first chemo solution, Gemcitabine, for 90 minutes . This was the first time I had a catheter during chemo treatments. The catheter would be removed after the first chemo treatment as I had no problem holding the second chemo treatment docataxel.
After 13 minutes, my bladder (again) began to spasm and I was in a tremendous amount of pain. I had mentioned in a previous note, these bladder spasms continued for several more episodes during this ( last my sixth) treatment.
Each spasm episode grew in intensity, lasted between two to four minutes each.
The nurse came in to check on me between my bladder spasms, and said ‘everything looked fine’ . Not sure how that could be. I informed her of my painful spasms and how uncomfortable I was feeling. My face most certainly showed that! It was as if she had no answers for me. Maybe there are no answers other than voiding one’s bladder.
As the 90 minute mark approached, with tears rolling down my cheeks, I asked my husband to ‘please get the nurse and have her remove the catheter. I am done.’
The gemcitabine chemo episodes had left me beyond exhausted, traumatized, not to mention most painful, (oh I did say that!) and certainly the longest 90 minutes of my life.
I can take pain. In my view, this last treatment with its level of pain was over and above what any individual should endure. I continue to be at a loss for words. ?Is there no med, or relaxant to give to a patient who experiences these awful side effects?
The nurse was aware I struggled from my first treatment holding (not holding bc it was voided shortly after being injected) the gemcitabine. Also voided the gemze treatment on one other occasion and informed her immediately.
I do plan on discussing this w my surgeon when I meet with him for my first follow up in February. I am not reading anyone has reported the same side effects while going through the gemze chemo treatment and that is a red flag for me. Frankly I am perplexed by this!
My intent is not to scare anyone reading this, only to make others aware of what I experienced while going through the six gemcitabine/docetaxel chemo treatments. Appreciate all who have taken the time to read my above note. I welcome your input.
Wishing everyone pain free chemo as well as a positive healing journey.