Jerry J

Hello, Jerry ---

Yes, if you do have the urinary tract infection, you will definitely want to get that assessed and then addressed.

An infection like that, during your chemotherapy treatments, will need specialized care --- good to read that you will reach out to a specialist in infectious disease, if needed.

My local oncologist also has expertise and certification in infectious disease --- so that is very helpful background that he brings to the table.

My dad --- who stands alongside us all here as a prostate cancer patient, a leukemia survivor, and now a corona survivor, will continue to benefit from his expertise, as well. Even though I live 100 miles away from my hometown, my dad and I have the same doctors.

As your chemotherapy infusions continue, one other aspect of my chemotherapy experience is worth mentioning to you now.

As my infusion cycle continued, every three weeks, my immune system began to "crash" --- and my doctor prescribed a NEULASTA shot, given 24 hours after every chemotherapy infusion.

The NEULASTA shot was given to help prevent infections and so forth, following the full-strength chemotherapy infusions I was given. My chemotherapy team informed me that NEULASTA can prevent over 90% of infections, and my lab levels during chemotherapy indicated a need for this.

The price for each injection is hefty --- but my insurance covered the cost, thankfully. You have likely seen the commercials for NEULASTA on television. Other friends of mine have also needed NEULASTA, as their chemotherapy infusions continued.

At first I was downtrodden, when they stated my immune system was faltering, after my first chemotherapy infusion.

My main chemotherapy nurse sat down with me, and explained how the NEULASTA would help bolster my immune system, and allow my chemotherapy treatments to continue, on schedule. I have had friends whose chemotherapy infusions had to be delayed, from time to time, until their immune system levels restored themselves.

So --- once it was all explained to me, I saw how the NEULASTA injections could help BOLSTER my immunity --- and it allowed me to keep teaching, each day, in my classroom, during all of my treatments.

Since you mentioned a possible urinary tract infection, ask your doctor whether NEULASTA injections are needed, in your case --- my oncologist watched my lab levels like a hawk, as my chemotherapy infusions continued over the course of 18 weeks --- from August through November.

Amazingly, in a school filled with hundreds of students --- I did not even catch a cold during those months.

Hope you are rebounding from your "chemo crash" --- and feeling your energy resurging, day by day.

Here's to a good day ahead ~~~ and hope you are feeling stronger!
CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University

Well PSA doubled to 251 after first Taxotere treatment go for 3rd treatment on Friday all I do is sleep never
Have any energy suppose to have 10 treatments ready to stop and just see what happens. Nothing is working.
Jerry1

Only thing doctor said was could be a flare. My white blood count is very low so they put me on antibiotics to prevent me from getting any type of
Infection. He said if my temp goes above 100.4 I have to go to the hospital. It is crazy.

Thank you again for your support it helps to know
That when these things happen others have experienced the same thing.

I know it's a longshot and compared to the modern-day anti nausea medications it's not much but ginger ale seems to help.
Maybe ginger tea as well.
I'm glad there are very knowledgeable folk here to offer facts, advice and experience.
Thinking of you best wishes.

Glen

Hello, Jerry ---

Glad you forged ahead through your third treatment.

When I had full-strength TAXOTERE treatments, they were 3 weeks apart --- and when I got through my third treatment, then I knew I was HALFWAY DONE with the series of 6 total treatments --- and that was an important milestone.

Mindful of you during these treatments ...

Yes, I think your doctor's decision to run those diagnostic scans in a few day is important. When I visit Dr. Kwon at Mayo Clinic, he emphasizes the importance of scans, to make up-to-the-minute treatment decisions.

He often proclaims, "Imaging! Imaging! IMAGING!"

And that, good sir ... is exactly what your doctor is seeking for you.

I wish you were seeing a downward trend from your chemotherapy infusions --- but I have also heard that these treatments can result in a P.S.A. "dump" into the bloodstream --- as dying cancer cells fill the bloodstream.

I hope the upcoming scans will be informative and helpful to you and your medical team.

I'm very thankful to hear that you have a consultation shortly after getting the new scans completed. This is a time when those trusted bonds that we form with our doctors become invaluable.

I have worked very hard, over time, to assemble a coordinated, proactive, and compassionate medical team --- and they have all helped me navigate through challenging treatments, and included me in all conversations and every aspect of treatment decisions.

Rest up from your latest treatment --- you have others thinking of you right now. I am just one of those people.

Please let us know how you are faring in the days ahead --- and let us know how your scans and consultations go, in the upcoming days.

Handshake, camaraderie, fellowship ---
CYCLONE ~~~ # Iowa State University

Today I woke up with severe pain in my lower legs shins. I took a muscle relaxer and it helped so but still very short
Of breath and a lot of pain in my legs. I think this chemo is killing me not the cancer. Plus I have 6 more treatments.

Jerry

Thank you so much for your concern and advice.
I do have a full time caregiver my wife she makes sure I am doing what is necessary. My doctor gave me a 24hr phone number to call if I have a fever over 100.5 or any other problems. My wife rubbed my legs with Aricare gel and gave me a muscle relaxer and had me elevate them. The pain is now gone. The muscle relaxer was approved by the doctor. I need to ask why I am scheduled for 10 treatments when most have 6.
I know my age probably makes things worse but I was active and he good physical shape. Working out or playing tennis every day I guess that is why I am still here. Thanks again
Jerry