2nd line Cycle 6
There was a 3-week gap between Cycle 5 and 6 because the scheduled week was full (probably because of public holiday) and that my dad didn't want to do it on Thursday as that would mean waiting till Monday to detach the chemo bag (from the chemo port embedded in his body).
Despite the longer gap, my dad's condition continued to get better i.e. leg wasn't painful when he was awake in the middle of the night. However, few days before start of Cycle 6, his right thumb swelled. Fortunately, he needed to take paracetamol only once to manage the pain and thereafter the swelling subsided slowly.
Another issue he had was waking up with stiffness in his hands. Oncologist advised him to use gloves and socks while he sleeps because it was probably due to the cold air in deep in the night. It worked!
We had some good news when his weight was measured: he had gained more than 1.5kg over the last 3 weeks. Yay!
Unfortunately, they couldn't locate the results of the tumour marker test (CA 19.9). Humph! So they took some blood sample again this time and my dad told them not to lose it again haha.
Before my dad started this chemo regime, he was advised not to take cold food/drinks. I was wondering whether it's for the whole duration of this treatment or just the first few days of each cycle. Doctor said that usually it's only for the first week of each cycle but for some patients, it can be longer than that.
There were a couple of instances where inexplicably he felt weak. After some food and/or rest, he felt better.
Meantime, during a long consultation with orthopaedic and orthopaedic oncologist, they expressed a little concern that his left femur might be vulnerable to fracture. So they ordered an MRI for his left pelvis and femur. We agreed to have it done at a private hospital to get it done faster. If the bone shows vulnerability, they are likely to suggest surgery to insert intramedullary nails to support the femur.
Despite the longer gap, my dad's condition continued to get better i.e. leg wasn't painful when he was awake in the middle of the night. However, few days before start of Cycle 6, his right thumb swelled. Fortunately, he needed to take paracetamol only once to manage the pain and thereafter the swelling subsided slowly.
Another issue he had was waking up with stiffness in his hands. Oncologist advised him to use gloves and socks while he sleeps because it was probably due to the cold air in deep in the night. It worked!
We had some good news when his weight was measured: he had gained more than 1.5kg over the last 3 weeks. Yay!
Unfortunately, they couldn't locate the results of the tumour marker test (CA 19.9). Humph! So they took some blood sample again this time and my dad told them not to lose it again haha.
Before my dad started this chemo regime, he was advised not to take cold food/drinks. I was wondering whether it's for the whole duration of this treatment or just the first few days of each cycle. Doctor said that usually it's only for the first week of each cycle but for some patients, it can be longer than that.
There were a couple of instances where inexplicably he felt weak. After some food and/or rest, he felt better.
Meantime, during a long consultation with orthopaedic and orthopaedic oncologist, they expressed a little concern that his left femur might be vulnerable to fracture. So they ordered an MRI for his left pelvis and femur. We agreed to have it done at a private hospital to get it done faster. If the bone shows vulnerability, they are likely to suggest surgery to insert intramedullary nails to support the femur.
Comments
Spread of cancer to bone.
At least the chemo is showing some positive effect for your Dad. Hopefully, he can be kept comfortable. SR