Starting Chemo

[Joeym1040]

Starting Taxatere next week. Just got notified they want to put a port in. My MO said 18 weeks of weekly infusions. I thought the "Normal" was 18 weeks once very 3 weeks for infusions? Any comments on this and any tips to help tolerate the chemo. Thanks

[Tall_Allen]

Ask your MO. He possibly thinks you can't handle the heavier 3-weekly dose?

[Joeym1040 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks as always.

[RoseDoc]

one infusion a week for 18 weeks does not sound right at all. Usually it is one dose q 3 weeks for a total of six doses. A port isn't necessary on that schedule unless you have poor peripheral venous access.

[Joeym1040 in reply to RoseDoc]

Thanks..

[EdBar]

When I received taxotere it was once every 3 weeks for 6 infusions. I couldn’t imagine weekly doses for 18 weeks unless it is a lesser dose which may make it more tolerable. BTW definitely go with the port, makes it much easier.

Ed

[Joeym1040 in reply to EdBar]

Going with port. Consensus seems to be he is concerned about my ability to tolerate a 3 week schedule of higher dose. Thanks for input.

Joe

[EdBar in reply to Joeym1040]

Ya higher dose was pretty brutal but effective, that was about 9 years ago, early chemo per CHAARTED. Original dx stage 4 , G9.

[Joeym1040 in reply to EdBar]

Thanks Ed. Good luck to you,

[Nusch]

Go for the port. I have one since 2018, still working great. It makes life so much easier and protects your veins.

I also did fasting 24 hours before and 48 hours after each cycle.

[Joeym1040 in reply to Nusch]

Thanks Nusch....port seems to be what most advise.

[ImaSurvivor1 in reply to Nusch]

Nusch: What does fasting mean in this situation? NOTHING to eat, orliquids only, or light meals?? Thanks.

[Nusch in reply to ImaSurvivor1]

If possible eat nothing. This makes chemo more effective and protects healthy cells. That’s what they told me.

[Yank66]

Hubby had weekly infusions as your doctor proposes. It was a partial dose each week. DH was reluctant to begin chemo and doctor was concerned about managing side effects. The port will make the infusion easier and preserve your veins. We used ice mittens, socks and hat to prevent neuropathy (and hair loss). DH did develop neuropathy, but dr was able to stop chemo at 16 weeks before it got severe. Weekly infusions are time consuming, but this worked out pretty well for us.

[Joeym1040 in reply to Yank66]

Thanks Yank66...I already have neuropathy but was planning to use the mittenes, socks and someone said to chew on ince chips which i will try. Did he retain his hair????

[Yank66]

yes-he lost some hair, but not too much. It came back in with a little curl.. Is the fact that you have neuropathy why you’re getting the weekly doses instead of the full dose every 3 weeks?

[Joeym1040 in reply to Yank66]

Not sure why. I am 84 yrs old but fairly healthy except for Pca and neuropaty. Never had serious discussion with MO yet, since i was in a clinical trial. The trial ended, my PSA was going up, i knew chemo was the next step and we decided on chemo over the phone. I will see him Monday and get all the answers if i remember all the questions! I will let you know.

[j-o-h-n]

YOU 84<---------------------ME Pinning my 87 year old medal.....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[Joeym1040 in reply to j-o-h-n]

Wow, I'm impressed. And good luck to you..J-o-e