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Chemotherapy experience at NCC


Lala81
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Yes. She have had fever on off for awhile. Then started vomiting.

 

Initially doc told her its mild dengue. When fever still persists, the family requested for CT scan and more blood tests. That was how discovered its stage 2 cancer of pancreas.

 

Thankful she made it. Health not the same anymore but she's taking things easy these days, can eat, eat. Can travel, travel. Can exercise, exercise. Not much worries as the kiddos are adults already and a tight knit family.

 

Precious life and short. What's too hard to let go these days. Grudges, anger, revenge, hatred etc pales when one is reminded to number the days one still has. She's glad she is mobile and years of thrift meant financially she need not worry as well.

 

Safe ride and keep well.

Cheers

Yeah. Only one life to live.

 

Actually, during the workup process, I did the tests all fairly rapidly within 1.5 weeks.

 

one of my blood tumor markers (most associated with pancreatic tumor) was raised as well (which is not related to my testicular origin). This is very non specific but the original levels were normal in late 2017.

 

But I was relieved when my initial CT thorax

Abd pelvis was negative.

Anyway will have many Ct scans over the next years, so would be under surveillance as well.

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Yes. She have had fever on off for awhile. Then started vomiting.

 

Initially doc told her its mild dengue. When fever still persists, the family requested for CT scan and more blood tests. That was how discovered its stage 2 cancer of pancreas.

 

Thankful she made it. Health not the same anymore but she's taking things easy these days, can eat, eat. Can travel, travel. Can exercise, exercise. Not much worries as the kiddos are adults already and a tight knit family.

 

Precious life and short. What's too hard to let go these days. Grudges, anger, revenge, hatred etc pales when one is reminded to number the days one still has. She's glad she is mobile and years of thrift meant financially she need not worry as well.

 

Safe ride and keep well.

Cheers

She is certainly blessed. Pancreas has high mortality rate. My young relative was very unfortunate.  At first the doc suspect gallstone. Operate only to find cancer. Then  say it stage 2 and did the whipple ops. Don't know why within months progress to stage 3 and then 4.   Time span since day 1 to the day he passed on was about 6 months. Very aggressive. Sometimes, we wonder if the whole process could have better manage to contain it at stage 2. 

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Yeah. Only one life to live.

 

Actually, during the workup process, I did the tests all fairly rapidly within 1.5 weeks.

 

one of my blood tumor markers (most associated with pancreatic tumor) was raised as well (which is not related to my testicular origin). This is very non specific but the original levels were normal in late 2017.

 

But I was relieved when my initial CT thorax

Abd pelvis was negative.

Anyway will have many Ct scans over the next years, so would be under surveillance as well.

Yes. She needs to go for periodic check ups and she shared that about 4 months after the ops, the blood tumour marker was high, in the region of 3.x/4 or 5 which is worrisome. Still under close observation.

 

Met her last week and she looked fine. Can't tell she's got a missing pancreas person (i dun know how one should look like anyways) and i guess her attitude towards life help her cope with the uncertainity of how things will pan out.

 

She wasn't always easy going. But she said to me, when one has been really really sick and could go anytime, alot of things just seem so unimportant. She learnt to let go. Not give up but release her grip on things or memories or ppl who once hurt her. Think its akin to making peace within oneself.

 

Its a good place to be despite the pain and suffering. One is at peace in the world of the living.

 

Early am sharing. Hope your sleep is more restful and uninterrupted. You will be well soon. One day you will reflect on this part of your life's journey and marvel at how you are a much stronger, patient and compassionate person from this.

 

Sleep well. Take care and be strong bro.

 

Cheers

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She is certainly blessed. Pancreas has high mortality rate. My young relative was very unfortunate. At first the doc suspect gallstone. Operate only to find cancer. Then say it stage 2 and did the whipple ops. Don't know why within months progress to stage 3 and then 4. Time span since day 1 to the day he passed on was about 6 months. Very aggressive. Sometimes, we wonder if the whole process could have better manage to contain it at stage 2.

She definitely is. And i can tell she's grateful for the "extension" on her life.

 

Sorry to learn of your young relative's demise. Death is no respector of age, gender, race, colour and whatever man-held distinctions. To go in 6 months from time of knowing is very fast.

 

A working acquaintance died 3 months from time she was diagnosed with cancer, sarcoma. Also another aggressive cancer attacking bone, blood and kidney. Never left the hospital after being warded for treatment. Body rejected the chemo and drugs. Young. Not yet 40.

 

How not to re-look at life and priorities? Not in despair or hopelessness but to really make life and whatever time left count. It is a personal choice.

 

Thanks for sharing. Life sometimes make sport of men and yet many great beginnings start from such a low estate of weakness. Let's keep bro lala81 and any loved ones we know who are in poor health in prayers, for their full speedy recovery.

 

Have a good rest and a better day ahead.

Cheers

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Haha I won't say this is a life changing episode for myself. Most of what I'm doing won't change, just that need to refine my priorities.

My birthdate later this month will be during the first week of the next cycle. Haha 脱胎换骨

Albeit dependent on the severity of the condition. your relative's condition is relatively more serious, so definitely the life reset then will be more dramatic.

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Granted that many people had a change of life priorities and attitude upon unfortunate diagnosis of illnesses or other life changing episodes. Personally I feel what is also important is to take stock of my personal life on a regular basis and make adjustments if necessary. Certain things I can let go,I try to. I suppose cos age has caught up too so my perspective of life has changed quite a bit compared to when I was in my 20s to 30s. As our bro said we have one life to live,try to live it well. I don't necessarily mean material things only but other aspects too. Which to me is even more important.

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Hi Doc,

 

attachicon.gifIMG_1819.JPG

 

Take care.

 

now i know why the doc play with my balls during annual health check.

 

i thought the doc is a gay, :TT_TT: poke my ass some more

Now I know the doc has a valid excuse to fondle and ...errrr .. poke! I think he is a gay! [lipsrsealed]

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What do you think about papers like this about using Pien Tze Huang (TCM) to inhibite growth of cancer cells ?

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5755141/

This is basic research describing in vitro concept of compounds to inhibit abnormal cellular growth.

 

Very early stages. This is basic research.

 

Basically, at any time, there should be hundreds of pharma companies running this experiments on thousands of such compounds.

Potentially can strike jackpot so there's a whole number of companies in the west and East that specialise in this.

 

Anyway I'm not taking any tcm herbs during this chemo. Even simple stuff like dang gui or dang shen.

My mother actually went to ask some tcm shops, they also don't recommend, they just say 补 after chemo is over.

saw this thread late, my apologies doc.

 

wishing you a speedy recovery.

Lol no worries. I'm still around.

 

Behaving like a retiree.

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This is basic research describing in vitro concept of compounds to inhibit abnormal cellular growth.

 

Very early stages. This is basic research.

 

Basically, at any time, there should be hundreds of pharma companies running this experiments on thousands of such compounds.

Potentially can strike jackpot so there's a whole number of companies in the west and East that specialise in this.

 

Anyway I'm not taking any tcm herbs during this chemo. Even simple stuff like dang gui or dang shen.

My mother actually went to ask some tcm shops, they also don't recommend, they just say 补 after chemo is over.

Lol no worries. I'm still around.

 

Behaving like a retiree.

 

 

yup it is not advisable to mix east n west medicine, especially you are still in the midst of treatment.

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Well. This is more of a sharing experience to help understand what's chemo about.

Unfortunately, I am the patient in question.

 

Basically I was diagnosed with early stage cancer in mid march. Operated and confirmed diagnosis. Came to National Cancer center for further treatment.

The biggest shock is probably for my parents rather than me, given my background.

My cancer is early stage and has good long term prognosis. But has a significant chance of relapse if no preventive chemotherapy is done

 

Hence, after discussion with the oncologist here, will be undergoing 2 x 3 weeks cycles of chemo. My kids still young, so not taking preventive chemo is not really an option.

I'm pretty prepared for everything, so all the pros and cons of chemo were q straight forward for me.

Immune system will be weakened. So avoid crowded places. Wear mask. Eat only cooked food. Watch for fever etc.

 

 

Basically once u seen the oncologist and if chemo is needed. U will need to prebook the chemo appt at level 3. Ambulatory treatment unit.

Everytime u come must register and measure weight. Then u wait for your chair or bed to receive treatment.

 

U come. U wait at your bed/chair. Can be accompanied by one family member. They come set plug and give u medicines. Then the infusion starts. Which lasts about few hours. I usually nap a bit or read on my phone. Was considering Netflix but no real inclination to watch when I was actually here.

 

First week is pretty intense. 5 days in a row. Forearm veins also sian from being poked.

There are different agents given on different days and everyone will experience different side effects.

Main side effects are nausea, fatigue and feeling sick. It was pretty rough for mid last week. Even walking around the home is tiring.

Supposedly with the latest drugs, vomiting is uncommon though nausea here and there is common.

Sleep wake cycle is bit screwed up also.

I'm easily 20-30 years younger than most pts here, can imagine these older folks need to be even more stoic.

 

Currently I'm on week 2 of the first cycle. Typing this while I'm waiting for the infusion to finish.

 

If u do have have family or friends having chemo, its pretty depressing to undergo.

Family and friends are the most important in distracting you and helping out, though my kids are more annoying now since I'm not in the best of moods.

The social connection is undoubtedly the most important though.

 

 

I can relate to the pain you are going thru. I was with my friend when she had her chemo, but because of the pain, she gave up on her treatment. She had stomach cancer, her stomach was burning everyday, till her last day.

 

Keep it up and get well soon.

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Turbocharged

an uncle of the wife also been diagnosed with stage 4. Had chemo initially which just messed him up but docs already stopped it... we guess its time soon. Nothing much we can do but brace and keep him comfy.

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Well. Life is never smooth sailing.

 

I was warded on Saturday night after feeling really weak, feverish and bodyache on the same day. Went to a&e and my white blood cell count was low.

This is neutropenic fever. They have to make sure no serious infection is affecting you, iv antibiotics is needed to cover you until proven u have no hidden infection.

 

https://www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/physical-emotional-and-social-effects-cancer/managing-physical-side-effects/neutropenia

 

I was less feverish by Sunday though and started to feel better. So basically been on iv antibiotics. Blood counts started to recover with the help of pegfilgrastim injections.

 

Pegfilgrastim is a GCSF subcutaneous injection usually into the abdominal WALL (similar to diabetics doing insulin injection).

Basically it forces the blood to manufacture more neutrophils which is an essential type of white cell.

This is usually part of reducing the side effect of the chemo. Just that I received more jabs due to this hospitalisation.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegfilgrastim

 

My veins are fried after one round of chemo and this hospitalisation. So currently awaiting for a central line insertion today to help with the next cycle of chemo. Planned for discharge tomorrow.

 

After this experience, the next few weeks must really 闭关。 I already been avoiding most places and been wearing mask other than around my own family.

Need to be even more careful.

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Well. Life is never smooth sailing.

 

I was warded on Saturday night after feeling really weak, feverish and bodyache on the same day. Went to a&e and my white blood cell count was low.

This is neutropenic fever. They have to make sure no serious infection is affecting you, iv antibiotics is needed to cover you until proven u have no hidden infection.

 

https://www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/physical-emotional-and-social-effects-cancer/managing-physical-side-effects/neutropenia

 

I was less feverish by Sunday though and started to feel better. So basically been on iv antibiotics. Blood counts started to recover with the help of pegfilgrastim injections.

 

Pegfilgrastim is a GCSF subcutaneous injection usually into the abdominal WALL (similar to diabetics doing insulin injection).

Basically it forces the blood to manufacture more neutrophils which is an essential type of white cell.

This is usually part of reducing the side effect of the chemo. Just that I received more jabs due to this hospitalisation.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegfilgrastim

 

My veins are fried after one round of chemo and this hospitalisation. So currently awaiting for a central line insertion today to help with the next cycle of chemo. Planned for discharge tomorrow.

 

After this experience, the next few weeks must really 闭关。 I already been avoiding most places and been wearing mask other than around my own family.

Need to be even more careful.

 

Take care!!! Lots of rest.

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Well. Life is never smooth sailing.

 

I was warded on Saturday night after feeling really weak, feverish and bodyache on the same day. Went to a&e and my white blood cell count was low.

This is neutropenic fever. They have to make sure no serious infection is affecting you, iv antibiotics is needed to cover you until proven u have no hidden infection.

 

https://www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/physical-emotional-and-social-effects-cancer/managing-physical-side-effects/neutropenia

 

I was less feverish by Sunday though and started to feel better. So basically been on iv antibiotics. Blood counts started to recover with the help of pegfilgrastim injections.

 

Pegfilgrastim is a GCSF subcutaneous injection usually into the abdominal WALL (similar to diabetics doing insulin injection).

Basically it forces the blood to manufacture more neutrophils which is an essential type of white cell.

This is usually part of reducing the side effect of the chemo. Just that I received more jabs due to this hospitalisation.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegfilgrastim

 

My veins are fried after one round of chemo and this hospitalisation. So currently awaiting for a central line insertion today to help with the next cycle of chemo. Planned for discharge tomorrow.

 

After this experience, the next few weeks must really é­å³ã I already been avoiding most places and been wearing mask other than around my own family.

Need to be even more careful.

Oh man

 

You shd not take this lightly bro

 

Have to be really ocd abt cleanliness. The chemo wiped out the immunity and nothing much left to spare

 

You dun need these complications at this point

 

Stay well my fren

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Well. Life is never smooth sailing.

 

I was warded on Saturday night after feeling really weak, feverish and bodyache on the same day. Went to a&e and my white blood cell count was low.

This is neutropenic fever. They have to make sure no serious infection is affecting you, iv antibiotics is needed to cover you until proven u have no hidden infection.

 

https://www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/physical-emotional-and-social-effects-cancer/managing-physical-side-effects/neutropenia

 

I was less feverish by Sunday though and started to feel better. So basically been on iv antibiotics. Blood counts started to recover with the help of pegfilgrastim injections.

 

Pegfilgrastim is a GCSF subcutaneous injection usually into the abdominal WALL (similar to diabetics doing insulin injection).

Basically it forces the blood to manufacture more neutrophils which is an essential type of white cell.

This is usually part of reducing the side effect of the chemo. Just that I received more jabs due to this hospitalisation.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegfilgrastim

 

My veins are fried after one round of chemo and this hospitalisation. So currently awaiting for a central line insertion today to help with the next cycle of chemo. Planned for discharge tomorrow.

 

After this experience, the next few weeks must really 闭关。 I already been avoiding most places and been wearing mask other than around my own family.

Need to be even more careful.

 

 

isolate from other in a room by yourself if possible, turn on aircon and/or air purifier most of the time.

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