Sister diagnosed with PPC

[Scummings1]

My sister who is 68 years old was just diagnosed with PPC. She had her first chemo yesterday. They inserted a port so her chemo isn’t systemic. Anyone else have the port? If so did you lose your hair? What side effects? She also had a gastric bypass surgery 10 years ago. Anyone also post Roux en Y gastric bypass?

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Hello Scummings. So sorry to hear of your sister's diagnosis but glad that she has you to support her and help her through this. I'm sure you will find the ladies here helpful, willing to share and very supportive.

I had a port for chemotherapy and it worked well (mostly...there were a few times where it was problematic, but the nurses quickly took care of things and got me back on track). It requires little care and helps preserve her veins so it was likely a good choice.

Your sister may or may not lose her hair, depending on which drugs she is receiving in chemo. I had Carboplatin and Paclitaxel and did indeed lose my hair. It thinned after the first two treatments and by the third, I looked like a mangy dog, so I shaved it off and learned to tie pretty scarves until chemo was over. I'm 9 months post first-line and have hair long enough to fake a "style" when going outside...so the hair loss is temporary. It will grow back.

Side effects vary (again depending on drug and personal health at the time of chemo). I was fortunate to have only some fatigue and nausea and a brief bout with neuropathy. There are definitely days when your sister won't feel like much - and that is to be expected. Hopefully she does not have other issues, but again it's possible based on her treatment protocol.

You can work with her nurse or her oncologist if she is not feeling well and the team that provides chemotherapy are very knowledgeable and careful. Your sister will be closely monitored throughout the treatments and if she faces any challenge, a nurse or Dr. will intervene and help.

Keep us posted on how she is doing and let us know if you have more questions. We're a friendly, full of information and experience group of surviving/survivors and I'm sure others will chime in as the day goes on.

Best wishes to you both and thank you for being there to help her through this...you mean more to her than you know.

[lorraine71-Australia]

Hi ,I'm glad you have find this site we have some amazing ladies who can help with advice and encouragement, it depends of what chemo your sister is on if she will lose her hair, also you will find that we all react differently to chemo.

I have a port now for over 3 years, with out any trouble i would not be without it

Take care and keep in touch Lorraine xx

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The port doesn’t impact on hair loss it is the type of chemo. Your sister should have a leaflet telling what chemo she is having-carboplatin and Paclitaxel ? She will lose hair it will also list all side effect possible. Everyone is different some ladies get all and some are very lucky and get away with none on first line chemo.

Hoping for the latter for you sis xx

[Scummings1]

These responses are very helpful. Thank you so much.

[coksd]

Sorry to hear your sister has this awful disease. I have stage 4 ppc and was treated with Carbo/ taxol I didn't have a port, its the taxol drug that caused my hairloss some hospitals have the option of the cold cap to wear before and after chemotherapy on the day of treatment. this can help reduce hairloss but I did it and it didn't work for me I lost my hair and got a wig. One tip for your sister is to get a nice eyebrow pencil and start to trace over the natural brow and have a feel for doing it if the brow hairs fall out. I lost all my head hair 17 days after 1st chemotherapy, its also good if she decides to get a wig to go while she has her own hair so they can match it as close as possible or if not there are lots of nice headwear out there. Its a hard time hope your sister keeps well xx Clare

[Scummings1 in reply to coksd]

thank you. I'm praying for everyone on here who has been afflicted. Her first chemo was with Neoadjuvant/Adjuvant. They are using this to shrink the tumors/nodules; she will probably have at least 3 treatments before they do any surgery so 3-4 months of chemo. I guess a lot of this is see what happens as they will do a PET scan after 2 treatments I think to see if it's working. Last night was her first chemo and she woke up today almost 'manic'. Felt so good she couldn't stop moving.. I think a lot of that had to do with being pain free (they removed 2 liters of fluid so no more back pain and pressure); also, now knowing why she felt so bad for so long and she has a diagnosis and plan must be somewhat of a relief. I'm sure everyday will bring it's own set of emotions. Thank you all for your input.

[kat98116 in reply to Scummings1]

Hello and welcome and sorry you have to be here! I, too, have had a port for 1.5 years and am grateful for it. The "manic" thing you are describing might be a function of the steroids they often give as pre-meds. I, too, had a few rounds of chemo before surgery to shrink the tumors, then lots more after the surgery. One by one you will learn all of this. It seems like a foreign language in the beginning....so much to learn. I'm so glad you are there for your sister!

[coksd in reply to Scummings1]

Hi yes having fluid removed is a great relief I had a plural effusion before treatment, I had both lungs drained so it was a bit sore after but the relief to take a deep breath again and walk around was great. Your sister may of had steroids for the first 2 days after treatment to help her, I used to get pains from day 3 to 6 post chemo, Be sure to have the painkillers on the hospital prescription to hand and don't wait until the the pains get too bad they are easier to control if the pain relief is taking earlier that is from my experience anyway the first time I had my treatment was on a Thursday and my pains started Sunday afternoon I waiting too long and was very uncomfortable. Hope your sister is still feeling good

[Scummings1 in reply to coksd]

She was admitted to IVU today. A night of vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and severe cramping. So weak she couldn’t stand. She was brought to hospital by ambulance. Double IV and CAT scan. Her blood pressure and heart rate are so low they can’t do any procedures. It’s a waiting game now. Surgeon doesn’t want to do surgery said too risky.

[coksd in reply to Scummings1]

Oh that is terrible hopefully everything will stabilize and they can monitor her closely, they prob have her on iv anti-sickness, Did she take painkillers I had a bad reaction to tramadol but was given oramorph and vimovo. sending positive energy to your sister hope she has a good night xx

[Scummings1 in reply to coksd]

She had anti nausea meds.

Not sure what issue is yet. Once she stabilized they will do a work up. Try to find root cause of pain.

[Jessica-DianeB]

I’m sorry to hear of your sisters diagnosis. It’s wonderful of you to reach out for support here, that will be invaluable to her. Do let your sister know she’s welcome at anytime too.

It’s a safe place where you can share the load and chat with real woman going through it, we have a bit of knowledge too! But of course the overcome helpline numbers are also there for advice too.

I’d say, it could be the steroids making your sister feel manic! I’m glad she’s got rest bite from the uncomfortable ascites. We definitely appreciate these windows of feeling good!

All the Best xx

[Dee345]

I’ve had my port for 2 1/2 years. So far it’s been trouble free. It’s just an alternative to having to find a vein for IV access every time which can be uncomfortable and difficult. The chemo is still systemic. I always had lots of energy the day or so after chemo due to the steroids given. I pretty much accepted that I wouldn’t be sleeping much during this time. Best wishes to your sister for the best outcome.

[Scummings1 in reply to Dee345]

She had a very rough night after a day of “energy” she had chills, vomiting, tremors. Consolation and cramping. Up all nite.