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Living with inoperable pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: Sep 12, 2023 | Replies (43)

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@margefromwi

The first chemo treatment I received was in October 2022. These were the meds I was on: Leucovorin, Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin & Irinotecan. I was told these meds affect the whole body, not just the cancer cells. I had low white & red blood cell counts many times, so they would put off treatment to let my bone marrow produce more blood cells. I finished that treatment in May because my cancer marker numbers were going up & my doctor didn't want me to have an allergic recation to one of the meds. I was surprised when I told the doctor I was feeling tired but he assured me that my body is recovering from the initial chemo. The treatment was for 6 1/2 hours, then went home with a chemo pump for about another 42 hours. At least with the g-a it's only 2 1/2 hours. I know others have treatments where they come several days a week. That's really sad. I think it's the bone marrow that must get hammered from some of the treatments. My chemo brain doesn't always think to ask more questions. I'm so thankful for my husband asking questions when he comes along. I have had a lot of side effects from my original chemo disappear, like the sensitivity to cold in mouth & hands. I still have some neuropathy in my feet & sometimes in my hands. I remember when they would give me the anti nausea stuff, I would start feeling nauseous. Weird!! Those meds knocked me down but I was thankful I didn't have much nausea or diarrhea, just constipation, so fiber is my friend! So sad you can't enjoy kiwi. It is interesting how chemo affects each person differently, but that's what makes us unique. Take care!

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Replies to "The first chemo treatment I received was in October 2022. These were the meds I was..."

It's remarkable how similar our timelines & experiences are. One major difference is that my "chemo feet" do seem to be gradually recovering, and I seem to have escaped any effects on my hands.
But yeah, the anti-nausea meds given in the cocktail preceding Chemo Infusions seemed to be a guarantee that I would have nausea. One memorable infusion session I was turned on my side since that was usually where I wound up to deal with the, apparently expected, Side Effect whose name I cannot now recall (thanks "Chemo Brain") I had my right hand grasped around the arm of the infusion chair so tightly that I simply wouldn't have been able to let go.
And don't get me started on the fact that none of the hospital furniture fits me given my short stature and tipped pelvis. I suppose people who exceed the standard-model human have the same problem finding places to sit while waiting and treatment chairs that allow them to be comfortable.