Health Diaries > Colon Cancer > Llama Farming with Colon Cancer

January 11, 2006

Treatment #10 Good and Bad

With the increase to 100% of the experimental drug the last treatment I have not been "up to par" for the two weeks proceeding this treatment Tuesday. The breaking out all over face and head could be tolerated, but I ended up with sore mouth and throat making eating difficult. That was the last straw. I called the clinic on Monday and flatly said I do not want another 100% of the experimental drug, call the doctor or whoever and let them know. When I arrived at the clinic yesterday I wondered how my demand would be met. Julie, the lady/girl who surpervises the program was there and we had a good conversation. I was surprised that my "demand" was accepted beyond my expectations. They eliminated it from this treatment and will start again next time at 50% for 2 treatments, then 75% to see if I can tolerate that, which I can. That's the good news. The bad lies in the misconception of how many treatments I will have to have. Last treatment I told Stacy, the NP, we may have to go more than 12 treatments and she insisted that the experimental program was 12 treatments and we would be done. Dr. Stephens had said the standard treatment is 12. Julie said that the experimental program would continue as long as I was receiving chemo treatments, like forever. The key, of course, is the next CT Scan which should be around Feb. 10-12. I really anticipate going a few more treatments so it will be no surprise if we have to do that. My mouth is feeling better already, throat still a bit sore. Oh, I forgot, my taste buds were also shot this past week. When you're cooking something with vinegar and can't smell it, somethings wrong. I'm also starting to taste again which does make eating a little easier and pleasant. Something else to watch just dawned on me this past week. Yes, you didn't lose your hair, but when was the last time you had to cut it? It appears my hair has stopped growing. When I wash my hair it still remains "greasy' like and combing it, there is no loose hair. Surely it won't fall out this late into treatment? No use worrying as you can't do anything about it. Also, to me not so good, I have not gained any more weight the last two treatments. I even pre-set the scale and was exactly right, 153 3/4. Still fatigue quickly and put up with my cold sensitivity. Thank God for the warm weather we're having now. Guess that's about it for now.

Posted by Robert on January 11, 2006 5:58 PM | DIGG | del.icio.us | furl