Definitions

I have been asked by a few about the Meds I am taking and side affects:

Radiation:
Side Effects of Rectal Cancer Radiation Therapy
The side effects of radiation therapy depend mainly on the amount of radiation given and the part of the body that is treated. Side effects of rectal cancer radiation therapy to the abdomen and pelvis may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, rectal leakage, or urinary discomfort. In addition, the skin in the treated area may become red, dry, and tender.
Patients are likely to become very tired during radiation therapy, especially in the later weeks of treatment. Resting is important, but doctors usually advise patients to try to stay as active as they can. Although the side effects of radiation therapy can be distressing, the doctor can usually treat or control them.


Fluorouracil (5FU)

Possible side effects
Each person’s reaction to chemotherapy is different. Some people have very few side effects, while others may experience more. The side effects described in this information will not affect everyone who is given 5FU, and may be different if you are having more than one chemotherapy drug. The side effects of 5FU as a cream are generally very mild.
We have outlined the most common side effects and some of the less common ones, so that you can be aware of them if they occur. However, we have not included those which are very rare and therefore extremely unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects which you think may be due to the drug, but which are not listed in this information, please discuss them with your doctor or chemotherapy nurse.
Sore mouth and ulcers Your mouth may become sore, or you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Sucking ice chips whilst the chemotherapy is being given may help to reduce the chance of this occurring. Drinking plenty of fluids, and cleaning your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush, can also help. Tell your nurse or doctor if you have any of these problems, as special mouthwashes and medicines to prevent or clear any mouth infection can be prescribed.
Taste changes You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will usually come back after the treatment finishes.
Diarrhoea This can usually be easily controlled with medicine, but let your doctor know if it is severe or if it continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea.
Gritty eyes and blurred vision If this happens it is important that you tell your doctor, who can prescribe soothing eye drops.
Skin changes Your skin may darken, due to excess production of pigment. This will slowly return to normal a few months after the treatment has finished. The skin over the vein used for the injection may become discoloured, but this is only temporary.
Lowered resistance to infection 5FU can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection. This effect can begin seven days after treatment has been given, and your resistance to infection usually reaches its lowest point 10–14 days after chemotherapy. Your blood cells will then increase steadily, and will usually have returned to normal levels within 21 days.
Contact your doctor or the hospital straightaway if:
your temperature goes above 38ºC (100.5ºF)
you suddenly feel unwell (even with a normal temperature).
You will have a blood test before having more chemotherapy, to make sure that your cells have recovered. Occasionally it may be necessary to delay your treatment if the number of blood cells (the blood count) is still low.
Bruising or bleeding 5FU can reduce the production of platelets (which help the blood to clot). Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
Anaemia (low number of red blood cells) While having treatment with 5FU you may become anaemic. This may make you feel tired and breathless. Let your doctor or nurse know if these effects are a problem.
Tiredness feeling weak You may feel very tired. It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.


Oxi:
Oxaliplatin (Eloxin® ) is a chemotherapy agent used in conjunction with 5-FU (fluorouracil) and leucovorin in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Oxaliplatin is fairly well tolerated by patients, but can cause neuropathy that is of great concern to patients and healthcare providers. Studies have estimated that some level of neuropathy occurs in over 90% of patients receiving oxaliplatin. The drug causes 2 types of neuropathies: acute and chronic. Acute neuropathy (AN) tends to start during the infusion and resolves within a few days. Patients describe AN as "pins and needles", numbness, tingling, or burning. It can occur in the hands, feet, mouth, and throat. Some patients will experience difficulty swallowing or shortness of breath, although these are typically self-limiting and do not require treatment. Some other sensations reported include unusual sensations in the tongue, eye pain, jaw or other muscle spasms, cramps or stiffness. Many of the symptoms are triggered or aggravated by exposure to cold. For example, drinking a cold drink can trigger a feeling of spasm in the throat, or touching a cold steering wheel could cause numbness or tingling of the hands. Although symptoms diminish over the days following treatment, they usually return with the next dose.
The second type of neuropathy is known as chronic neuropathy and has similar symptoms to AN, but the symptoms persist between cycles of chemotherapy, without resolution. In addition, patients may have changes in proprioception, which is the ability of the body to be aware of its position. For instance, you can button a shirt without looking because your fingers know how they are bending and moving to perform the task -- this is called proprioception. Without proprioception, your body would not be able to tell the position of the fingers without looking at them. This means a simple task like tying a shoelace becomes much more difficult, requiring patience and visual attention in order to complete the task. All of these symptoms are caused by damage to the peripheral nerves, or the nerves in the hands and feet. You can imagine that if you cannot sense your toes, safety becomes an issue. Chronic neuropathy usually resolves gradually over the months following the discontinuation of treatment.

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I take the Oxi every Monday (takes 2.5 hours IV)

I have the 5FU pump attatched 24/7/5 weeks

Radiation 25 treatments (just did #10 this morning)


Of course I a have 2 types of Anti Diarreahal meds.

Anti nausea med.

Anxiety meds.

Plus I was already on BP Meds, Detrol La, and 3 kinds of Allergy Meds!

GRR!!!

Hopefully this will help everyone understand.


I have the Diahrreah, nausea, sore rear, frequent urination, fatigue, and all my other stuff.

I am starting to get the tingling in hands and feet and I cant touch anything cold now.