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Sjogrens Topics => Living With Sjogren's => Topic started by: Kathy57 on January 07, 2017, 09:32:29 AM

Title: Questions about chemotherapy
Post by: Kathy57 on January 07, 2017, 09:32:29 AM
Hello Sjogie friends!

My husband has started two chemo meds - one of them is Platinum based.  Carboplatin and Doxetaxel.  (I probably haven't spelled that correctly.)

He will have a round every three weeks.  He may lose his hair and I think he notices it thinning already.  It was all new to us and he tolerated it well until a few days after chemo when he developed GI issues for several days. 

Question.  If you went through chemo - when did you lose your hair (if you did).  Do the treatments get worse over time? 

I suppose that everyone is different.  This winter is cold and depressing for me.  I will be glad when the cold breaks and this "unknown" is over. 

We are trying to make the best of it and to keep a positive attitude.  Thanks for any input or suggestions.  Thanks for just listening and caring❤

Kathy
Title: Re: Questions about chemotherapy
Post by: Lotus1 on January 07, 2017, 05:11:11 PM
I had radiation (very reservedly), no chemo.
Due to increasing my glyconutritional supplements I went ahead with the radiation knowing I had good antioxidants & immune system support for the damage to dna & immune cells by radiation (same with chemo).
I lost underneath hair which as grown back thick & curly.

As a suggestion I've found Ty Bollinger's book, The Truth About Cancer, very informative, realistic & helpful.
The book is now available in book stores & on Amazon I think.
Have listened to the 9 dvds also which contained amazing information.

The information in the book may be helpful for your husband.
For example studies say one needs to detox after chemo to flush toxins from the body & boost the immune system.
They say to listen to your body when trialing options for help during chemo which I've found to be true for myself even before having lymphoma.

Best wishes for your husband Kathy, an awful experience to go through with big decisions to make.

Lotus1

Title: Re: Questions about chemotherapy
Post by: Kathy57 on January 07, 2017, 07:47:08 PM
Thank you, Lotus,

The book sounds informative.  I'll look for it.  Jim is drinking lots of fluids and he was given Neulasta after the chemo to help his white count.  So far so good, but we are just starting.

He still has to go through radiation and his Dr. Said she may start that towards the end of his chemo.

When this is all through she said she would take him off of everything and give him a break.  The weather should be nice by then. 

Thanks again for the advice.  Praying for a small miracle😇

Kathy
Title: Re: Questions about chemotherapy
Post by: SabbraCadabra on January 08, 2017, 12:18:40 AM
Quote from: Kathy57 on January 07, 2017, 09:32:29 AM
Question.  If you went through chemo - when did you lose your hair (if you did).  Do the treatments get worse over time?

It probably depends on the chemo and the dosage, but mine took about two weeks, give or take. Not all of it fell out, because my hair is so thick, but it got so thin that we just shaved the rest off. I know in some cases, the chemo can be so strong that even your eye brows and lashes fall out.

I wore a snow cap pretty often.

Quote from: Kathy57 on January 07, 2017, 07:47:08 PM
Jim is drinking lots of fluids and he was given Neulasta after the chemo to help his white count.

They had me on Neupogen, and once it starts kicking in, it's quite uncomfortable. I mostly felt it in my hip bones, and sat on a heating pad most of the time.
Title: Re: Questions about chemotherapy
Post by: Lotus1 on January 08, 2017, 04:19:07 AM
Let us know if you find the book & what you think of it should you purchase Kathy.

You'll find info searching Ty Bollinger, The Truth About Cancer, on the internet also.
I somehow landed on it and purchased dvds & books.

Thinking of you at this time.

Lotus