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Thread: Chemo

  1. #1
    Senior Dog TuMicks's Avatar
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    Chemo

    Well... I found out that the nadir (worst part of the cycle) of the drugs I'm being treated with, hits around day 10 to 14. Guess what? I'm getting the infusions every two weeks. So, if I do the math... they are treating me at the worst time with the next dose. And they are going to do it 7 more times.

    Somehow this kinda seems suicidal.

    However... I am assured that this is "Evidence Based" practice and people do survive it. And the plan is that the cancer cells don't. I am going in tomorrow for blood work and they'll let me know how I'm doing.

    If my hemoglobin is below 7 and/or the platelets below 20 thousand (about a tenth of the normal amount) they'll transfuse me. Oh, goodie.

    You gotta have a sense of humor. The standard advice for chemo patients is to not handle dirt or flowers. I haven't read anything about caring for 3 labrador retrievers. Strictly don't ask, don't tell.

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  3. #2
    Senior Dog janedoe's Avatar
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    All my best thoughts.

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    I've heard that CBD oil has been a godsend for some people during chemotherapy. I do know (from experience) that not everyone reacts to CBD oil (tried for pain...nothing...) but you might want to check into that before you really need something to alleviate symptoms. I tried PureKana...supposedly a good brand...but there are a lot of recommended brands online. PureKana was one that someone I know used for pain with great results. I don't know anyone who used it during chemo, though.

    Sending good thoughts that you'll be one of the people for whom chemo isn't that bad. I know different treatments have different side effects but my one neighbor (prostate cancer) was told about absolute horrors and he didn't even lose his hair, much less suffer torments.

    Let us ride this out with you...we have a lot of strength to send.


  5. #4
    Senior Dog smartrock's Avatar
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    Hgb below 7- geez.

    I hope you have someone who will check on you daily, help out with whatever needs to be done if you're feeling especially low on energy. I guess maybe avoid having the dogs lick your face and wash your hands a lot.

    Sending you all the virtual strength that can be sent this way.

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    Senior Dog Blackboy98's Avatar
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    Sending lab board MOJO you can get thru this without complications or too much side effects.
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  7. #6
    Senior Dog Snowshoe's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TuMicks View Post
    Well... I found out that the nadir (worst part of the cycle) of the drugs I'm being treated with, hits around day 10 to 14. Guess what? I'm getting the infusions every two weeks. So, if I do the math... they are treating me at the worst time with the next dose. And they are going to do it 7 more times.

    Somehow this kinda seems suicidal.

    However... I am assured that this is "Evidence Based" practice and people do survive it. And the plan is that the cancer cells don't. I am going in tomorrow for blood work and they'll let me know how I'm doing.

    If my hemoglobin is below 7 and/or the platelets below 20 thousand (about a tenth of the normal amount) they'll transfuse me. Oh, goodie.

    You gotta have a sense of humor. The standard advice for chemo patients is to not handle dirt or flowers. I haven't read anything about caring for 3 labrador retrievers. Strictly don't ask, don't tell.
    We all know you DO have a sense of humour. And if dogs weren't good there would not be so many therapy dogs in hospitals. Plus you have all of us rooting for you, but we'll keep our hands clean.
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    When my wife went through chemo they would have me give her a shot of procrit or nuelasta depending on her bllod counts. The docs never brought up transfusing.

    Prays sent that all goes well for you.

  9. #8
    Senior Dog TuMicks's Avatar
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    On Friday (which was not nadir... 4 days post treatment) white blood cell count was 20K, which in a regular person, not getting neulasta, would indicate a significant infection. But for me, it just proved the neulasta was working.

    I think procrit makes more sense than a transfusion. There is something about the RBC's in stored blood that makes them not quite as efficient in picking up O2 in the lungs and dropping it off in the tissues.

    Yesterday, I ran a 7 bumper drill with Rocket Dog and had to sit down frequently. I'm curious to know what my Hgb is. Also, I think I need to decrease my BP meds a little because my I don't need to be pooling and blood when I need it to make the rounds and do its job. But that's something I'll talk to my internist about.

  10. #9
    Senior Dog Scoutpout's Avatar
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    So glad you're keeping up your sense of humour, it helps so much.
    My brother had chemo for 16 months straight. one kind and then another. every 2 weeks. He found that he was tired-est about 2 days after it, and took 2 days to get back to "normal". but fortunately didnt have the nausea. I hope what you had this go-round is the worst of it, and cope-able.
    I wish for you strength and endurance, and continued humour for the next 3 months. It will go by fast. Do what you can, don't stress what you can't. try to save strength to do the important things, like playing and working with the dogs, enjoying the sunsets, and company of friends.
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    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    Keep up the good humor and let the pups help you through the rough time. Sending you many prayers, hugs and tons of lab board mojo.
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