tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post780317104465973004..comments2024-03-27T10:17:39.781-07:00Comments on I Kicked Cancer's Ass: What is Chemo likeMeaghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09225824099156032765noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-58598545994249299292008-10-15T07:48:00.000-07:002008-10-15T07:48:00.000-07:00Well, my mother in law (before she passed) had cer...Well, my mother in law (before she passed) had cervical and lung cancer. Myself, and her daughters would go up with her to get her chemo. It was actually not that bad of the situation. We got to talk, and yes there was NO privacy. We didn't have curtins at all. Just a lot of chairs, lined up. She didn't start loosing her hair until one round of chemo that she actually had to stay in the hospital for a few days for. I can't think of the name of it. It actually not only made her loose some hair, but her mind for a few days. A side effect that they didn't tell us about, was going "crazy". It was a scary few days, and she didn't get that chemo again. Even though it was the only one that really had any effect. But we couldn't be with her 24/7 making sure that she stayed in the house and safe. We had school and work. This was the only chemo that every made her loose hair. But even though she was such a wonderful and inspiring person...she passed away early this year. But, as for the chemo, it made her sick as a dog, but she was a real trooper, esspecially for having seven children, and a husband!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-24376385057879963572008-10-03T21:08:00.000-07:002008-10-03T21:08:00.000-07:00Hi Meaghan, I too kicked cancer's ass :) I had l...Hi Meaghan, I too kicked cancer's ass :) I had lymphoma in 2005 and was diagnosed at the age of 24. I had chemo and radiation, my chemo was ABVD. Adriamycin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine, and Dacarbazine. Yucky stuff. I've just stumbled onto your blog, and it's so good to hear about the experiences of other cancer survivors!Allyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01118519665477219292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-73303316275439027272008-10-03T19:56:00.000-07:002008-10-03T19:56:00.000-07:00Found you via SITS.My husband was diagnosed with n...Found you via SITS.<BR/><BR/>My husband was diagnosed with non-hodgkin lymphoma in Feb this year. He is now in remission after 7 rounds of chemo--praise the LORD! His experience was very similar to what Rene described. Very hard on him. He and I were just talking tonight about how thankful we were to have his health back and it all just seems like a horrible dream. We made a huge lifestyle change with his diagnosis--going vegan and sugarfree through his treatments. We are continuing to eat vegan at home and limiting sugar to very little. I think there hasn't been enough discussion about cancer and diet and its correlation to some cancer and its role in prevention. I really wish there would be more research done on that.<BR/><BR/>So happy that you kicked cancer's butt. I love hearing all the happy ending stories!<BR/><BR/>My best wishes to you, <BR/>Angelaangela | the painted househttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04097189273749523896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-46468331378084168772008-10-02T19:30:00.000-07:002008-10-02T19:30:00.000-07:00I'm so glad you stopped by. Your blog is definite...I'm so glad you stopped by. Your blog is definitely one I need to delve into farther. <BR/><BR/>What a wonderful site you have. And what an inspiration you are!Claremont First Wardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02529859630615522678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-43107328997325370472008-10-02T18:34:00.000-07:002008-10-02T18:34:00.000-07:00Just found your blog! I am a cancer survivor stage...Just found your blog! I am a cancer survivor stage 3b Hodgkins Disease. I had 6 months of chemo which really sucked and turned into 8 months. My experience is radiation is worse. Chemo you puke, lay around for days, and then you have good days. Radiation goes on and on...I had a hysterectomy just 11 days ago. Fun times.Nedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13382806908700946788noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-57285076827314332902008-10-02T17:34:00.000-07:002008-10-02T17:34:00.000-07:00Oh Meaghan. Thanks for stopping by. My hubby is ...Oh Meaghan. Thanks for stopping by. My hubby is taking his third "hit" of 12 tomorrow. Every other Friday, by IV for two hours. I was just talking with him trying to figure out what it was all like. I have known people with cancer, but have never actually seen the treatment and side effects. It is heartbreaking. You, my friend, are one strong and outstanding young woman.sassy stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11785259771717730707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-11870232803274259402008-10-02T06:58:00.000-07:002008-10-02T06:58:00.000-07:00I found your blog quite by accident and am so glad...I found your blog quite by accident and am so glad because you are quite an inspiration. When going to MD Anderson with my husband for treatments, I sat in the lobby and watched people pass through. Old, young, white, black, brown, Americans, people from other countries who needed interpreters, all living life, but dealing with cancer. After having gone through it with him, I am so in awe of you guys!! Survivors are the bomb!! Thanks for helping get the word out!! Keep up the fight!!Kellyshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04000154793669350423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-61944059775561653062008-10-01T09:37:00.000-07:002008-10-01T09:37:00.000-07:00Tahnks for sharing your story.Congrats on being a ...Tahnks for sharing your story.<BR/><BR/>Congrats on being a saucy blog this week!Ronnicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09545460026004087995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-24546010365370125952008-10-01T09:12:00.000-07:002008-10-01T09:12:00.000-07:00Congrats on being a Saucy blog. I look forward to...Congrats on being a Saucy blog. I look forward to reading your story.Ashley. Unscripted...https://www.blogger.com/profile/05235064196733974124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-3948106612962474292008-10-01T09:09:00.000-07:002008-10-01T09:09:00.000-07:00I am visiting from SITS -YOU ARE AMAZING AND INSPI...I am visiting from SITS -<BR/>YOU ARE AMAZING AND INSPIRATIONAL TO ALL PEOPLE! and yes I was shouting!<BR/><BR/>I just lost my dad to cancer and I had Thyroid cancer this year as well. Thankfully, 3 surgeries and early detection meant I didn't need radiation and it did not spread.<BR/><BR/>I am taking part in the Relay For Life this weekend. I have volunteered each year prior, but this time - it has a much more profound meaning to me.<BR/><BR/>Keep up your sunny disposition -I know it's hard...but you can help so many people just by doing what you are doing.<BR/><BR/>Stay strong and be well...<BR/>Swirl GirlSwirl Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18241915723936809627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-89607217841082697282008-10-01T00:07:00.000-07:002008-10-01T00:07:00.000-07:00Thanks for coming by the other day! I'm fixing to ...Thanks for coming by the other day! I'm fixing to do blog pages that are cancer related -- I will come back and let you know when I get my first one up. I lost my grandpa to cancer years ago. I remember what he went though. One of my good friend had cancer and she is now cancer free -- but she was so sick and she lost her hair. I love reading your blog -- I will be back. Thanks for sharing -- Much Love --oº˚ Homeschool Mom˚ºohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09814826864798276968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-9696066272926477622008-09-30T21:42:00.000-07:002008-09-30T21:42:00.000-07:00Meaghan,You are an amazing person for sharing this...Meaghan,<BR/>You are an amazing person for sharing this hard time with all of us. The fact that you care about what others are experiencing during the time they have to endure this, well it makes you wonderful and caring person.<BR/>I have not ever had to go through this and to be honest I pray that I don't. But with that said, I know now what to expect and how to be there for someone I know who may have to go through it.<BR/>I really enjoy reading your blog and I think you are an awesome person.<BR/>I'm so glad that you kicked cancer's ass!!!!<BR/><BR/>By the way, I love the layout!!!♥ Becky ♥https://www.blogger.com/profile/17706806252134931704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-27086161140654702762008-09-30T21:06:00.000-07:002008-09-30T21:06:00.000-07:00I'm a little late on this, but CONGRAT'S on your r...I'm a little late on this, but CONGRAT'S on your recent feature! Just linked over there and read and checked out the site. Really cool!<BR/><BR/>Angie<BR/>www.nanasboxnonprofit.blogspot.comAngiDehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06574612229120039284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-75894379643812229202008-09-30T20:20:00.000-07:002008-09-30T20:20:00.000-07:00I was going to tell you congrats on being a SAUCY ...I was going to tell you congrats on being a SAUCY blog. But I think congrats on being brave, strong and sharing your story makes you amazing.Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12203939852313863172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-56836917555598620422008-09-30T20:11:00.000-07:002008-09-30T20:11:00.000-07:00You are such an inspiration!!! I think God allows...You are such an inspiration!!! I think God allows us to go through certain things in life so we can be there for others when they go through the same and help to comfort them. That is what you are doing with this blog!!!Keeper of the Skies Wifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06070776690950281427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-78106873801175755052008-09-30T19:39:00.000-07:002008-09-30T19:39:00.000-07:00Just checking in on you, my SITS sista. keep up t...Just checking in on you, my SITS sista. keep up the great work.Barbara DeBosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04713198443181847659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-27598396783649118372008-09-30T19:20:00.000-07:002008-09-30T19:20:00.000-07:00My day for chemo was Thursday. Cisplatin also. My ...My day for chemo was Thursday. Cisplatin also. My hair thinned quite a bit. I did not have any vomiting. Mostly tired. I did have terrible night sweats. The pic line was horrible, the taste in my mouth after treatment was nasty and I developed floaters in my eyes,I had a crazy sensitivity to smells.Each Thursday was dreaded but I made it through.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-64629272029483362572008-09-30T18:50:00.000-07:002008-09-30T18:50:00.000-07:00How yucky! I can't imagine being in that infusion ...How yucky! I can't imagine being in that infusion room and feeling awful; it's a zoo!<BR/>My chemo experience was exactly the opposite. I had no nausea, was able to work, and take myself to chemo alone. I went to a local hospital and there were only 15 chairs.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02582583925813368098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-54751552305260177512008-09-30T14:53:00.000-07:002008-09-30T14:53:00.000-07:00This is such a great post. I know about chemo from...This is such a great post. I know about chemo from family members who have been through it. My hubby's dad went through radiation and man oh man was that painful, too. <BR/><BR/>I think it's just amazing how encouraging you are. It makes me have goosebumps just knowing how many you are reaching and how you offer HOPE to them. :-) Blesses me to read your stories. <BR/><BR/>~melody~Pennies In My Pockethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15064698793414279967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-41017410151021558792008-09-30T12:11:00.000-07:002008-09-30T12:11:00.000-07:00My hubby is currently going through chemo. His re...My hubby is currently going through chemo. His regimen is R-CHOP which is a cocktail of 5 different drugs that I can never remember all the names but I do remember Rituxin, Adriamycin, and Vincristine. The Rituxin takes about 6-8 hours and the rest take around 4 hours. We spend a day and a half at the chemo center. He has a port in his chest so he doesn't have to mess with the IV stuff so that's a little more comfortable for him. I would highly recommend going with a port.<BR/><BR/>Our particular center is really nice in some ways but in others it's really lacking. There is very little privacy - no curtains at all. They do have nice recliners for the patients but crappy little plastic chairs for their supporters. I bring a camping chair with me because it's so much more comfortable. There are no TVs so I bring magazines and books. I usually work on some cross stitch while I'm there and next time we are going to bring our little portable DVD player. I was able to find a splitter for the headphone jack so we can plug in 2 sets of headphones at one time. I think the boredom is probably the worst part of the actual chemo infusion.<BR/><BR/>Hmmm...side effects...well, hubby usually has a side effect about 2 hours into the Rituxin - chills and shaking. They turn it off and then administer benadryl until he calms down. Then they start it back up and he's usually fine after that. He gets anti-nausea drugs at the beginning of the first day and some more the 2nd day. He has pills for home but he hasn't had to use them. Right now his big complaints are he is losing his hair (just on his head right now - still has his eyebrows, lashes, etc.) and he's really tired. He has Leukemia so his cancer causes tiredness as well so it's to be expected that he would be tired. He also has to take prednisone for 7 days after chemo and that messes with his sleeping - frequent waking and vivid dreaming. He takes ambien the week he's on the prednisone. His type of chemo is really hard on his kidneys too so he drinks about 2-3 gallons of liquid for 5 days after chemo to get it flushed out of his system quickly. I also have to wear these attractive green gloves when I clean the bathroom or if I have to clean up any other bodily fluids (which I haven't had to do..thank goodness!!). He also has night sweats from time to time. He will wake up soaking wet from head to toe and I usually have to change the sheets for him.<BR/><BR/>His chemo is given every 3 weeks and next week will be his 3rd treatment. He will continue this for 6 treatments total and then hopefully he will be in a remission status and can get his bone marrow transplant. That's the plan anyway!Renehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11115783029879349003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-71458345320543488912008-09-30T11:57:00.000-07:002008-09-30T11:57:00.000-07:00Thank you for the peek behind the curtain. My MIL ...Thank you for the peek behind the curtain. My MIL and a dear friend are both cancer survivors - it helps to know what they went through, especially since neither really wants to talk about it - rightfully so.<BR/><BR/>EmAshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00084508582913500810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-5008218139245007272008-09-30T11:54:00.000-07:002008-09-30T11:54:00.000-07:00Thanks for visiting my blog! Now, I'm glad I found...Thanks for visiting my blog! Now, I'm glad I found yours. My step-dad passed away from cancer a year ago and I remember my mom telling me stories of how he was dealing with the chemo treatments. I can't even imagine what it must be like to go through that.<BR/>I'm sure this blog is an inspiration to many women! Thanks for sharing.G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13180198830890659209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-55567549263667117102008-09-30T11:09:00.000-07:002008-09-30T11:09:00.000-07:00Graet blog. Thanks for shareing such a hard part o...Graet blog. Thanks for shareing such a hard part of your life with us.<BR/>Found ya via SITSJen Sue Wildhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00538368008335443826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-26374919235441669092008-09-30T09:55:00.000-07:002008-09-30T09:55:00.000-07:00You are such an inspiration. I cannot imagine goi...You are such an inspiration. I cannot imagine going through what you have been through.Meganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08574214969423009865noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689735678964373295.post-64853460234744048342008-09-30T08:59:00.000-07:002008-09-30T08:59:00.000-07:00Definitely had my fair share of cisplatin (think I...Definitely had my fair share of cisplatin (think I maxxed out on it like MANY other drugs)...chemo is yuck. The more I got over the years, the more sensitive I was to it...not my friend and yet it is? Such a love/hate relationship!<BR/><BR/>RObsessedwithlifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02380238318591492257noreply@blogger.com