2nd chemo session done

[Tonwantonga]

just went through my second Taxotere infusion Tuesday. so far so 'good' I guess, no appetite and anything I do eat tastes like cardboard. Tested positive for Covid on Dec 23 and my hair started falling out on Dec 24, not from Covid but from the first round of Chemo. Covid gave me a fever of 101 that broke at the ER, and 3 days of runny nose, that was the extent of my Covid symptoms. Was supposed to have 2nd round of chemo on Dec 29 but it got pushed back a week. PSA down to 1.78 from 5 last visit, for some reason I was hoping for less than one but that is a significant drop for 4 weeks, the oncologist is happy with it. My alkaline phosphatase down to 178 from 784, getting near the 'normal' range. maybe we have the bone mets halted for awhile, probably too early to tell. Apparently along with everything else I have depression too, as much as I hate the idea I guess I'll add Zoloft to the chemical mix for awhile.

[Shooter1]

Looking good. Join the hairless bloody runny nose club. Side effects seem to be cumulative, but most people quit after 6 cycles before the more serious ones manifest themselves. I went 9 cycles for my fast spreading, aggressive, invasive strain. It worked.. .going on 4 yrs now. Who would have thought I would ever get there after Drs told me 12 to 18 months max. Keep positive and good luck. You can beat the beast back and have a great life for years to come.

[Shooter1 in reply to Shooter1]

Forgot--Pasta tastes like schoolhouse paste, but a reuben sandwich may be Ok. I lived on sauerkraut and kielbasa or rare heavy smoked bbq pot roasts. Ice cream sandwiches were also a staple in my chemo diet.. Salads with blue cheese and hot peppers. Just figure what was good a month ago will not satisfy now. Need double spice and lots more flavor. Cock and Bull Ginger Beer also hits the spot for flavor and extra vip. Keep your spirits up with a food which tastes good and remember in 18 weeks the damned chemo will be done. You really do have a light at the end of that deep dark tunnel you are entering....

[Livetodayok in reply to Shooter1]

Wow God bless you my friend great job you family and Doctors nurses

[larry_dammit]

Sounding good. I had 6 rounds of taxotere myself, found out that the only thing I could stand to eat was potatoes and gravy and a little chicken. Doc put me on Effexor for the depression. Keep up the fight warrior 🙏🙏🙏

[HerbieP]

I'm weird I guess, I just got my second round as well Wednesday. Still have my hair, still have taste & smell and appetite. My only side effect is "chemo brain" - I search for words now but the family is having fun filling those in for me.

[Newyork6264]

Just finished my seventh session. Lost my hair, dry mouth, chemo brain and pretty purple finger nails worse side effects. PSA down from 30 to 5, alt phos down from 400 to 60. Doc also happy that my LDH has dropped significantly. Any one else hear that from there Onc? I found that sucking on hard candy like life savers has helped with taste and dry mouth. As someone said spicy foods (not hot spices) also have helped. Also Biotin for dry mouth.

[Tonwantonga]

well I definitely have the dry mouth today, my ears are ringing (they pretty much do all the time anyway but they are louder today) and my head feels like it is full of sponges. but, I do feel better than yesterday. I forced myself to drink about 3 quarts of water yesterday evening and I think flushed some of the junk out. so far the second round side effects are not like the first time except for my tongue feels the same, somewhat like a burn all over the surface. Tried a piece of pizza last night - I sort of tasted the sauce but nothing else. I could however taste the rainbow sherbet that I found in the freezer so that may be today's lunch.

[SatuitMike]

Stay hydrated.

[j-o-h-n]

Drink plenty of water.......Remove your mask first...

We are all depressed.... so you're in good company....

Anyone who goes to a psychiatrist should have his head examined....

Laugh, Laugh and Laugh...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 01/08/2021 7:56 PM EST

[Livetodayok]

My good man I wish you the best i like the step down in your phosphates