07 December 2009

 

That weekend suuuuuucked

I'm back in the world of the living again. It was a pretty rough weekend, I tell you. I had chemo like this back in 2007 and 2008, but I don't think I had all three of these chemicals (oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and 5-FU) all together previously, and the infusion bottle I had from Friday to Sunday at home also dispensed more of the 5-FU in it than I'd received before, so I was getting a larger dose than I'd encountered in earlier rounds of chemo.

So, in short, it suuuuuucked. I didn't actually throw up, but I basically doped myself up with prescription anti-nauseants and Gravol so that I slept most of the weekend, and felt like death when I was awake. I was out of commission and useless to my family for three full 24-hour days at least. It was only this morning that I felt anything like normal again, so I'll rest today and may get back to some sort of functional life until I do it again in a couple of weeks.

Chemo is no fun, that's for sure. I recommend avoiding cancer just so you can not have chemotherapy, entirely aside from all the other reasons.

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# 10:28 AM

Comments:

My dad went through this regimen of drugs, they are NASTY...I feel for you. You are in my thoughts, try to stay strong. Sending you positive thoughts
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 07 December, 2009 14:50
 
That did suck. I hope the bastard cancer got all of it. I'm glad you're feeling better.
# posted by Anonymous Simon James : 07 December, 2009 15:48
 
It's a relief to get an update from you that you're emerging from a hellish weekend. I've been thinking about you a lot, lately and hope this regimen is successful and as easy as possible.

Sending good vibes your way!
# posted by Anonymous Mark Blevis : 08 December, 2009 02:44
 
Jesus - what a horrible ordeal. I'm sure you know this, but so many people are thinking of you and rooting for you (and your family) even if we've never met you.
# posted by OpenID seetheorun : 08 December, 2009 16:31
 
Derek - I took 10 treatments of this FOLFOX regimen in 2007 for colon cancer. Effects are cumulative. Tingling toes, feet, fingers, hands is normal - began to occur after treatment 5 or so. I blogged the whole damn thing - salemor.blogspot.com.

Best of luck.

Ed Arabas
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 09 December, 2009 11:28
 
Ed, I did the same thing back in 2007 myself, but I found this treatment a heavier hit than I did back then. It might just be because I'm sicker now, but it was an interesting comparison.
# posted by Blogger Derek : 09 December, 2009 11:46
 
I really feel for you man. I sure appreciate everything you do on your podcasts and such. We are praying for you and keep your chin up!
# posted by Anonymous axslinger : 09 December, 2009 11:55
 
I listen to your podcasts while driving to and from Anchorage, summer, fall, spring or winter, and when I'm not in concert with Rod Stewart on the CD, am listening to you, figuring out how to build my own home studio to record solo. You're doing something far harder than anything I ever have done; I can offer this: When it gets bad, think of all the men, women and children whom you've helped to bring beautiful music into this world. Feed on that. It's a wonderful thing that you do.
# posted by Blogger Mark : 10 December, 2009 19:36
 
Quietly wondering how you are doing, Derek... I check your blog here every week, and hope and pray for the best for you.

Ed Arabas
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 04 January, 2010 12:14