Starting caelyx

[Calluv]

I am having a low profile portacath installed on Monday and start 3rd line caelyx on Tuesday. Carboplatin didn’t work and my last ca125 was 171 and that was 3 weeks ago. Not looking forward to knowing what it is now. I’m very anxious about it all and coupled with all the news about the virus. I’m in Brisbane, Australia, I’m lucky beautiful weather right now so I shouldn’t complain but I have uncomfortable pains in my shoulder, my tummy is sore and feels tender and I feel sick in the tummy a lot of the time. Not sure if it’s the cancer or just anxiety over everything.

Also anxious over the caelyx and the after effects.

Any tips or comments.

Thanks

Judy

Ps I hope everyone is staying safe in these very trying times xxx

[Flamingobeef18]

Sorry to hear you are back on chemo and we do live in anxious times so I completely understand your concerns.

I just try to keep reminding myself that there is no point worrying about things which are out of my control . You are in good hands and your doctors have a precise plan to treat the problem.

A Portocath is really good idea. I love mine and it simplifies things so much.

I found Caelyx quite doable although initially I was getting very tired. After the first cycle the Caelyx was reduced to 90% which helped a lot.

All the very best and keep safe

Juliax

[Calluv in reply to Flamingobeef18]

Thanks Julia

Where you in a lot of discomfort when it first went in. I sound like a baby but I am just feeling fed up with this whole thing. It’s just one thing after the other and it’s been 3 1/2 years now and I’m just tired of always putting on a bright positive face for everyone. I just feel like crying all the time and just going back to bed. I’m sure it’s just anxiety but it’s very unlike me.

[Flamingobeef18 in reply to Calluv]

Sorry that you are feeling so low at the moment. It is only natural for us all to have a wobble every so often but it can be a bit of a shock particularly if we are used to coping with everything this rubbish disease throws at us.

We are all different but seeing a Clinical Psychologist has made all the difference to me and I also take an antidepressant which really helps.

As far as the portocath is concerned I can beat you hands down in the baby stakes. I told the ward just how scared I was and they arranged for me to have sedation plus a chemo nurse to literally hold my hand every step of the way. Everyone was brilliant and so kind it actually turned out to be the least stressful procedure I have ever had.

There was a little tenderness and bruising but it only lasted a few days. By the time it came to be used for the first time a week later there was no pain at all.

Love Juliax

[Calluv in reply to Flamingobeef18]

Once again thanks for your kind words. I have just been lying around today as I feel very nauseous. I said to my husband if I feel like this now I can’t wait till Chemo starts. I’ve given him the opportunity to leave but he reminded me we are nearly housebound due to the virus and he is now all set up to work from home, lol 😂.

[delia2]

I’m sorry you need more chemo. Maybe the chemo will help with your current pain or maybe contact palliative care? I just finished carbo caelyx but don’t know how it is on its own. Good luck and fingers crossed you’ll get good results.

[Kempyhillbilly]

I have recurrent high grade serous cancer and my second course of chemo included Caelex and Carboplatin. I stopped the Caelex after 2 rounds as I found it so hard going for me - I felt so ill and in a lot of pain with it - I carried on with Carboplatin only to find that I had become platinum resistant. I have no idea what my CA125 levels are, the last time it was taken was last year when it was 1200+. I cannot have a parp as they are platinum based so am being maintained on Letrozole. Sincerely hope the chemo works for you and is not too gruelling.