Scott Goodwin has received his first chemotherapy infusion for his advanced prostate cancer. He has very kindly agreed to share his on going experience and thoughts about receiving chemo. His first comments were shared on November 11, 2008 in the post titled:
Scott Goodwin, a 47 Year Old Advanced Prostate Cancer Survivor, Shares His Journey As He Gets Ready to Start Chemotherapy
Here is Scott’s second post now that he has received his first infusion:
Well, to say that the fear of chemo has a mind numbing effect is an understatement. In reality, I have tolerated it very well. I know that I am just beginning but the whole event has been okay. Just as if when I started radiation, I knew there were going to be side effects, I just did not know when I would experience them.
I arrived on Thursday for my treatment and was hooked up to an IV. They are going to install a port in my chest this week so that they will not have to go poking my veins every time they need something.
Prior to the actual treatment, they gave me a couple of different anti-nausea drugs and then a steroid, Dexamethasone, a very potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant.
After a half an hour break the Taxotere was administered. It took about an hour or so for the entire infusion, but I did feel fine during and immediately after the administration. I had trouble sleeping for initial 2-3 days after the infusion, but I felt great (editors note- this is a common response to the steroids). Since I am also a diabetic, my blood sugar is being closely monitored.
After the infusion was completed, I was given Prednisone (also a steroid), which I will have to continue taking it until I have the next treatment.
The last day or so I am feeling more fatigued, but I was still able to go out and work in my yard for a while. After working, I came into my home and took a big, long nap. I plan on working as much as possible this week, but I will have to work around my appointments and the fatigue issues. The doctors did make it very clear to me that I needed to rest so I could heal.
I know that the side effects of chemo are cumulative so I will just have to wait and see what happens. I will continue to report to everyone on my progress and thoughts about taking chemotherapy.
Scott Goodwin
Scott…
How many total chemo treatment will you be having. How far apart is each one.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
…Don
Hey Don, they told me they would be every three weeks for as long as they work. I a couple of weeks if my psa has not reacted kindly then I will most likely move into Clinical trials
Scott
I’ve also recently started chemo for my advanced prostate cancer, my infusions are once a week. I’m curious to know what your psa was when you started your treatments. when last checked a couple weeks back mine had gone up to 570 (up from 422 3 weeks earlier) I’ve already had a radical prostatectomy, and recieved 10 radiation treatments as well. My cancer has metasticized and is in my bones mostly ribs and spine at this point but aggressively spreading, and growing. I’ve come to term with what lies ahead, and have chosen to marvel at the fact that rainbows exist rather than spend my every waking moment trying to catch one. I’d like to know your thoughts on that.