Chemotherapy Cycle #02 (5 Sept 2012)

Arrived at TTSH, Clinic 5A, Room 27 to start my chemotherapy at 8:30am in the morning. Have to get some blood tests done before therapy could proceed.

The Oncologist is primarily concern about the Full Blood Count and whether the reading is healthy enough to proceed with therapy although other tests were done to check on my general condition. I'm happy to report that most of the readings were normal.

There were 2 results that post minor concern. The CA 1-99 (Pancreatic Cancer Marker) is hovering around the same level as when I was initially diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. The Oncologist mentioned that this is not of major concern now as the number is close to the initial number and usually after the first session, the number may flare. So, the reading remaining roughly unchanged is alright.  The other is my platelet level is reducing but still above the range where it is still acceptable for the therapy to proceed.

He is quite surprised by my report that the side-effects from the first session of chemotherapy is not severe and that my appetite is very good and encourages me to eat as I wish except of course I got to watch my sugar level.

In today's session, I told more notes of what was given. With providing more details the treatment is as follows:

1. Intravenous and oral Ondansetron

(Used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy)

Oral Ondansetron to be taken for 4 days.

2. Intravenous and oral Dexamethasone

(Relieves inflammation and intestinal disorders and treat certain types of cancer)

Oral Dexamethasone to be taken for 3 days

3. Intravenous Atrophine

(Used as an antispasmodic to reduce stomach and intestinal spasms)

4. Intravenous Oxaliplatin

(An anti-cancer chemotherapy drug)

5. Intravenous Irinotecan

(An anti-cancer chemotherapy drug)

6. Intravenous Leucovorin

(Used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to either enhance effectiveness)

7. Intravenous 5FU

(An anti-cancer chemotherapy drug)

8. Intravenous 5FU through a pump that I take home for the next 46 hours.

9. Oral Emend

(Use for preventing acute and delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting)

Have to consume today and for the next 2 days.

Very expensive.

10. Subcutaneous Pegfilgrastim

(Pegfilgrastim works by helping the body make more neutrophils)

Neutrophils is a type of white cell needed to reduce the chance of infection while on therapy.

To be injected Saturday, 24 hours after the completion of the "home" 5FU.

Yes, I inject them myself.

Extremely expensive.

11. Oral Metoclopramide

(Used to treat nausea)

To be taken as required.

12. Subcutaneous Insulin.

To control my elevated blood sugar level due to the steroid used in my therapy.

These are not counting the Diabetic, Hypertension and Hyper-cholesterol medication that I have to take. Feel like a walking chemical store.

Today's session was just like to last one except the onset of the nausea side effect was slightly stronger compared to the first session. Almost vomited my lunch but thank God it did not happen.

Got home at about 5:30pm and by then, I was quite tired and lethargic. Had dinner at 6:45pm and managed to eat well and hold the food down.  Had a short nap for about half hours around 7:15pm while watching the news. Feeling quite "energetic" now (12 midnight) while typing this blog.

Josie's nephew and niece was very kind to accompany me to hospital. The nephew to drive and both nephew and niece kept Josie accompanied. From my work, a customer in TTSH also accompanied me for about an hour which aslo very kind of her.

Sorry if there is a lot details in this post but here is the main reason; Despite all the drugs and the side-effects, I am generally feeling quite good except for dehydration. Have to drink lots of water.

AND... All the glories goes to God. Prayed before, during and after the therapy, believing that God is in control and he gave me the strength to "tahan" the treatment.

Very hungry again. Gotta go snack.

In God I Trust