Ok got it open so I'll go by the numbers here and try to recall.

Treatment: Cancer research is always advancing and improving upon treatment therapy. The only one I recognize is Pegfligrastim which if I remember right helps increase white blood cell count during chemotherapy.

Allergic reaction: Though the chemicals used were different (I think) no allergic reactions to it.

Flu-like Symptoms: Yes, felt like crap.

Nausea and Vomiting: Yes, but it wasn't severe and usually happened after the Pegfilgrastim shot. Was given prescription anti-nausea meds to help.

Pain or swelling at injection site: No. Pegfilgrastim was injected in the arm by me at home. However, chemotherapy was administered at the hospital by IV through a vein in either left or right hand. Only problem there sometimes was difficulty in finding a vein they could use.

Red/Orange Coloured Urine: Yes, weird but no ill effects.

Bone pain: Yes and I think it came after the Pegfligrastim shot.

Changes in Sense of Smell or Taste: Yes, no ill effects with smell. Do not however eat your favorite food during chemotherapy. It is known some patients over the course of therapy will develope a strong dislike for it later. Hers was a toasted bagel with everything and cream cheese which she ate while the IV was in her. Now she can't stand the thought of eating one. Oh one more thing, after her first treatment she began to smell different the best I describe would be metallic. She also said most of what she ate tasted somewhat tinny or metallic too.

Low Red Blood Cell Count: Not aware of it. We were told the concern was white blood cell count.

Increased risk of infection: Yes your immune system will be affected by treatment. Big concern would be more time tacked on to treatment as they will most likely suspend it until infection is cleared up. But it didn't stop her from swimming or going to public places. In fact I was the only one who caught a cold, she never did.

Low Platelets and Increased Risk of Bleeding: Yes on the low platelets; No to any bleeding.

Sore Mouth: No

Constipation: Yes, over the counter meds suggested.

Common Side Effects associated with taking Steroid Medications: Hmm I don't recall her taking Steroid Meds. Even if she did I don't recall any of these symptoms, she slept pretty good. Appetite decreased though and I had to coax her to eat sometimes. I found many patients suffer from loss of appetite because they become depressed and give up. So DO NOT GIVE UP, EAT the good stuff and then EAT more of it. Stay away from processed sugars.

Numbness and Tingling in Fingers and Toes: If this refers to what I think it does. I learned chemotherapy kills cancer cells but also goes after certain other good cells too, including those part of the nervous system. It is something you should expect even after the first treatment. I think though it really depends on the type and dosage of chemotherapy though. Some we knew never had this problem.

Hair Loss: Oh Yes. we were at a cabin and when we woke up in the morning a lot of hair was on the pillow. It was a traumatic sight for her and really drove home the reality of the situation. Still though she recovered from it when the bell rang and came out fighting. Wasn't about to wake up another morning to see this happen again. So she took control and off she went to the salon with her sister and shaved her head bald!

One more thing your scalp may become very sensitive, making it hard to sleep. Changed pillows and pillow cases several times which helped a bit. Even went so far as making a soft flannel night cap

Feeling Tired: Yes. see Flu-like Symptoms

Changes in the way your heart works: So far so good she always been athletic and I think it paid off here.

Menopausal Symptoms: Nothing you have to worry about here.

Chemo Brain: Not seen on the fact sheet but I mentioned it before. A doctor though aware of it may tell you there is absolutely no scientific evidence to suggest chemotherpy can affect the brain in this way. Speak with other cancer patients and you will hear a different story. It happens so be aware of it.

Depression: Another not seen on the fact sheet. Though it doesn't happen to everyone it's something that everyone needs to be on the look out for, including you. I wish I could remember where I saw the statistics but cancer is not the number one problem for cancer patients, depression is.

I hope this help you know what you're up against. Not to add stress or worry you but to equip you to conquer.

I will always pray for you.

Hair Loss:

I remember that very well. When it started, my girlfriend asked me to shave her head. I did and as a sign of taking part, I shaved mine as well.

FF, I can assure you, her hair came back much stronger, thicker and more beautiful than before. And it did not take very long. That is truth: The chemo's aftermath causes a refreshing of the cells.

Mine didn't come back better than before...

Damn...
I am truly sorry for you, even though I've been through a similar thing it didn't get as far as a ultrasound. I wish you the very best of luck.
A friend of mine went through Kemo (spelt that wrong) for lukimiea (also spelt wrong), and the one thing, that you much do above all else is keep your spirits up. I can get hard at times, but you WILL pull through,
I salute you. :salute:

Thanks Oberon, thank you for your support. It is greatly appreciated. :salute:

Thank you danny60. Thanks for your kind words of support :salute:

@Rockstar:
Thanks for taking the time to analyse and compare the side effects of the patient sheet.
It just strengthens my thought that each and every case is different, and i guess until i actually go through this myself, with the first cycle of chemo behind me, then will i truly know what it will feel like. And how i will need to best manage it.
Like people have said here before, no point in worrying about things i don't know (yet), i will welcome Wednesday's appointment with the Oncologist with open arms, it is another step towards beating this, the side effects will come, but i will also know that the drugs are doing their bit.
I am going out with my eldest Daughter this morning, taking her out for lunch, and i will let her know about my predicament and what will likely follow.
It means a lot to me, people replying here in this thread, i really do mean that.
I take strength from that, and it makes my days of not knowing and the trepidations of what is possibly to come a whole lot easier.
I am in your debt. :salute:

Update:
After Oncologist appointment.
Outcome: None the wiser.

Ok, i am even more perplexed and confused than what i was before the Oncologist's.
In short, CT scans tomorrow to see if lymph nodes have increased in size since last observation.
Now, the last few consultations, 1 before the operation and the follow-up after operation, it was indicated to me that no immediate visible signs of invasion have occurred of the cancer.
Great, i thought. Good news. Now, after today's meeting, this clown tells me it has definately spread, to what extent they are not sure, hence the CT scan referral. This will be done tomorrow, and the follow up meeting on the 3rd with Oncology to determine what steps are to be taken next. Hell, what made this crap even more confusing is that apparently if the lymph nodes have enlarged then that is not necessarily a bad sign. And the CT scans are also ordered to see if any invasion has occured of kidneys, lungs etc etc.
Last scans done indicated all vital organs are good.
That was a month ago.
The other thing that really confused the hell out of me is that i posed the question of my symptoms that i've had for the last 10 to 12 mths, which include weight loss, reflux, sore lower back which is a symptom of testicular cancer, and a few others, and if they all tied in with this cancer.
Reply was: No, almost certainly not!
Whaaaat? I have been told in the last 2 meetings that yes, cancer causes these symptoms, and that once i'm through this i will see notable improvement.
Now today, we have contradicted that and i'm back to square one again.
WTF? Ok so my weight loss over the last 12 mths has now nothing at all to do with the cancer?
I mean, make up your f'in minds, for God's sake.
I know for a fact that cancer causes weight loss.
So, in short, i'm none the wiser after today, and the most crucial and wonderous thing i found out today is that in a week, when we have the follow-up meeting then we will decide wether i need chemo or not! If i need chemo, or not! Yep, you heard that right!
I was expecting to go into today's meeting, expecting dates and times and doses of chemo treatment.
Not a complete flip and being told IF i need chemo in a week's time, which are reliant on these CT scans.
I mean, don't get me wrong, that sounds like good news, you bet. Not needing chemo, but on the other hand, after some of the backflips today, i'm not sure what to think anymore.
Anyways, just keeping those members in the loop, like i said i would, plus it gives me a chance to write about it and bounce these things off other people.
Thanks guys.

I'd be thinking of another doctor or specialist, a second opinion isn't unwise!:hmmm:

+1

but not to confuse you or taking anything in doubt. As I stated before, these doctors are often short of time. We should not blame them for that fact. Ask a doctor you trust on if he/she has some time for you.

As far as I know, chemo is not always used. The therapy is as individual as the patient is and it is often a mixture of operation / rays / hormone / chemo. Nowadays, they try their best to cause the lowest "damage" to your body and your immune system, because it is important to keep that.

But: Please ask a doctor, these information is from my girlfriend's case!

Yea, a second opinion couldn't hurt.
I might look into that.
I did admit that a lot of the other questions i had in store weren't really appropriate at this time as they were to do with chemo.
And no point in going down that road, if chemo isn't going to be used.
They may try radiation treatment first. But, who knows. I am not going to second-guess and predict the future, no point.
I've been giving my mind a break from everything over the last 3 to 4 days.
It's just a waiting game right now. Another waiting game. As if i haven't had a few of those lately.
I did have a nurse in Oncology dispel a lot of my trepidations and fears about the side effects of chemo though.
She mentioned a guy who is 30 and has testicular cancer and he is in his 3rd treatment now. With no hair loss, gaining a few kilos and doing really well apparently.
Like i said in a previous post here, the side effects described on web sites and pamphlets and written material are general only. Not specific to an individual's case.
Of course i realise that chemo plays different games with different people.
Bring on next Wednesday, for round 2!
And treatment path.

One small buit important point....STAY POSITIVE...a lot easier said than done I know but it can be a great benefit for the mindset and help act as a calming measure/strategy.

Absolutely. I don't under-estimate the importance of that.
I am doing my best at the moment, keep on doing my daily routines, go about my business as per usual and prioritising what is important and what is not right now.

Don't get upset and stressed out. If you're holding a grudge it's tiring and bad for the immune system making it weaker. In the long run it could affect your organs such as heart and kidneys as well.

So do stay positive. Time has come to challenge you. You need to step up to the plate and be brave. We all really hope you to win.

I second that! You really should do this! My mom was diagnosed with cancer when a specialist checked her lymph knots. She got a second opinion, from a doc with less reputation but apparently more skills. Luckily it was something else.
What I am saying is that the human body is unbelievable complex and sometimes people make mistakes. But this is your body and your life, better take no chances.

I have some friends who work as nurses. I give a lot on their medical opinions, as they are the people who see patients the most, much longer than docs. Always good to hear experiences from people who fight on the front lines.

Ich drücke dir weiter die Daumen und hoffe dass du am Mittwoch mehr Klarheit bekommst! Versuche den Kopf etwas freizuhalten, wie du es die letzten Tage gemacht hast. Du kannst im Moment nur abwarten, lass dich nicht davon verrückt machen. Und wie Jim und Castout sagen: bleib postitiv! Sehe das bitte nicht als leere Phrasen, sondern als ehrliche Wünsche die vom Herzen kommen - auch wenn wir uns leider nicht persönlich kennen.
Alles Gute, du wirst den verdammten Krebs versenken! :salute:

I post here today but not without difficulty. I am particularly saddened to learn of your health. My return here bears some concern, but not to be regretted from any views but those of the heart. Pete this is alarming, I am pleased to find that you yet keep your ground. I am prompted to add a hundred things which I dare not, for fear of common flatteries given circumstance, but I do desert a moment to tell you that I am wholly yours if need be, (PM any time). I post with more sincerity and less reserve, Let all good things favour to overcome your news and serve to lessen your torment. :salute:

Hmm, in regards to a second opinion, where would i get that? What i mean is, at the hospital? I would think so, since the specialists are there. Not a GP.
And how would the current Oncologist feel if i commanded a second opinion? Nose out of joint, so to speak? I don't want to tread on this guy's toes, in case he gets the poos and gives me even less service!



Let me tell you, the nurse that took my blodd pressure and a quick check-up before the oncologist meeting was something else! Amazing perky and personable personality! She was British, having been in Oz for about 18 mths. But what a delight she was. Very pleasant and likeable.

Also Ich muß sagen, von dem Tiefsten Teil des Herzen danke Ich Dir. Sehr nett von Ihnen, Sich um mich zu kümmern!


Ah Steven, it is a delight to see you here.
I thank you from the bottom of my so far strong and positive heart for your words of encouragement and will take great strength also from your offer of support. For that is what makes us stronger and earns us the badges to wage war against this black foe.
I have to admit to you that the members here have been pillars of rock in relation to showing their support and indeed you come at a most opportune time, for it is a time of need. But it is also a time of giving, with me keeping this thread alive, like my positive outlook, shall i perhaps enlighten and educate others to be more watchful and perhaps learn from this. What ever the outcome may be in the end.
I wish you well, and thank you again for your offer of support.
May the light shine on!

How did I miss this thread?

Dude, keep your chin up, eat right, and there's no reason you can't beat this!
Everyone here's rooting for you :up: