| | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 6 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) |  Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 6 | Its not easy making those decisions! Please remember our members are not medical professionals, we have knowledge based on the experiences we went thru ourselves. Heres a link to the main OCF site where there is page after page of informative info that is up to date and might be helpful with making your treatment plan decisions. Main OCF Site... Treatments
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Jun 2017 Posts: 14 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Jun 2017 Posts: 14 | I've had four Erbitux treatments and I have four more scheduled. The Erbitux caused severe acne, which is treated with antibiotics. I also have a slight fever and some slight body aches after each dose, but that goes away if I rest. The worst of it was the loading dose, which caused fever and body aches all night. The radiation is causing scores in my mouth and difficulty swallowing. I've basically lost the ability to taste food. I have weird food cravings, which I cannot satisfy because eating is slow and uncomfortable. The main thing right now is keeping my weight, so I am drinking a lot of protein drinks and smoothies. I'm still trying to do some exercising at home. I am working in the office part-time. My most recent blood test came back normal, except that I have slight anemia, which is expected. I've been given Magic Mouthwash, which I'll probably start using very soon.
Philip
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 6 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 6 | Everything you described is completely normal for what most OC patients endure while going thru rads w/ weekly Erbitux chemo. The very best thing you can do is focus on your intake. Every single day from today thru at the very least you hit the 1 year post rads mark you should be taking in at least 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water every single day. This really will help make a difference in how easily you get thru this. Pay close attention especially on chemo days and the day after you want to push your fluid intake to help flush the chemo (poison) out of your body. I know its not easy going thru rads, especially if trying to work too but it can be done and unfortunately it is necessary. PS... Please update/add your signature when you get a chance. It really is a big help in helping us to better assist you. I sent you a private message (PM)back when you first joined our group with a link that gives step by step instruction on how to ass your signature. Thanks!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | |
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