PPaseka

At 11 and 14, it is okay to INSIST that the kids take on some of the responsibilities - they are part of the family, and must contribute as such. Simply tell them what they must do, remind them that they are part of the family. If they refuse, remove privileges.

As the patient, I greatly appreciate all that my husband has done for me as caregiver, but I want him to have his own life as well. Fortunately, at least for the time being (and hopefully forever) his caregiver responsibilities are done, and I'm doing great.

I tried to take Xeloda for about 2 weeks but it made me too sick to my stomach so they put me back on 5fu with the cisplatin. I have a different type of cancer than you but the 5fu was a lot easier on my insides and I didn't get sick as much. Good luck to you. Just remember everyone reacts different to the types of meds we get. I never read side effects that way I'm not looking for problems if something feels strange then I will look it up.
Happy Day!!
Susie

She is on day three of the Xeloda. She has had no reaction to it at all. Our onc said that if there was going to be a reaction it would be immediate. So fat so good. I agree with you as far as trying to find out someone else's reactions to chemo. It is nice though when someone does have positive reactions or experiences to help ease ones mind.

I myself keep forgetting to use the dilators that I was given.

Has it gotten any better with time?

My brother did this combo for a different type of rare cancer, but I can tell you about the side effects. And the first was no hair loss! He did get nausea, and was tired. He did not experience neuropathy (tingling in hands and feet, like they're asleep) but it is a known side effect. He did develop a sensitivity to cold, but not until his 3rd dose. If he touched a cold drink or ate ice cream, he would get a "shock like" sensation. Nothing unbearable, just irritating. I would suggest eating with plasticware, as even a metal spoon would bother him, and keep drinks at room temp.
I'm glad your doctors are taking a proactive approach. You got this!!

I had cisplatin and 5Fu and I had sore mouth for a few days and loss of appetite...I lived on rice, milk and bread and butter...but this lasted 5 days..the same each cycle...I did not throw up. The first time 12 years ago I only lost some hair, not noticeable to others since I had a huge head of hair. 3 years ago when cancer returned to lump nodes in area, strong chemo (the same) and lost all my hair. too small to radiate or operate hence the stronger meds.
It has returned after a year this time and we tried a new chemo but it didn't work so on an anti hormone pill and healthy diet for a couple of months to see what happens..then back to chemo...

@ScrappysWife - your brother probably had 5FU and Oxaliplatin. Oxaliplatin is known to have the cold sensitivity. I don't believe that's an issue with Cisplatin (another platinum based drug). That's the combo I had for a colo-rectal cancer

The 5FU side effects included splitting of the skin; very dry skin, mouth sores, and neuropathy. I don't know much about Cisplatin side effects, but I do know that they differ from Oxaliplatin side effects.

Immodium helped me really well.

Thanks for the all the comments. We are down to five radiation and one chemo treatment left on this round. We are coping. It is a lot of trial by fire type of remedies. Praying for a quick recovery from the radiation burn. The girl parts are suffering...

I had radiation for rectal cancer and although it's slightly different, I would imagine some of the same issues also occur.

The first couple of weeks were fine. Radiation treatments are cumulative so as the weeks go on, the side effects get worse. In fact, the week after my treatments were over was my worst week.

I had some pelvic issues from the rectal radiation including swelling, welts on my labia, painful urination and I actually went into menopause.

The best thing to do is to treat each symptom as it comes up. Don't think a symptom is too little to be addressed because it may just bother her a little today but by tomorrow it may be much worse.

It's also important to do really good skin care as the skin can be burned and it that area, it's really bad.

Good Luck.

Have you had long term after effects from the radiation to the vaginal area?