June 2008 TCH

Anyone starting TCH treatment in June.  My first treatment is June 10th.  I am very concerned about side effects and how I'm going to function during all of this. 

Robyn,  I wish I had positive news to share with you.  On day 2, I started feeling severe nasea which lasted through day 6.  I also had diarrhea. I couldn't eat or drink and had dry heaves constantly.  I ended up going back to the doctor's office for fluids.  I am still a little naseous, but nothing horrible.

On Friday, which was day 10, my white count went down to 1000 (normal 4000 to 8000).  My fever spiked and I ended up spending 3 hours in the ER.   

I would offer a little advice though.  First, my doctor gave me one medication (Compazine) to combat the  nasea and it didn't touch it.  What I found out later is that there is an entire arsenal at their disposal.  I would certainly make sure I had all the medication I might need. 

Also, my doctor didn't want to give me the neulasta shot until she could tell if it was going to be necessary.  I should have forced the issue to get the shot.  It is a very expensive medication and I guess she was being conservative.  Another mistake I won't repeat. 

I am going to see the oncologist prior to my next treatment (July 1) and will try to iron out some of these problems.

I know my case is drastic, most others seem to have it a lot easier than I have.  I wish you the best of luck.