On 1/24/2008
LauraC wrote:
Pati,
I am Stage 1C, diagosed in December. I have already had surgery (the first to remove the tumor and right ovary, the second a hysterectomy and staging). The oncologists have now recommended rounds of Taxol/carbo. I have 2 questions for you. You mentioned that since you work in the healthcare field you took a leave from work. Is this due to direct patient contact that you have? I also work in the healthcare field and am debating working during treatment. As a pharmacist, I have made many doses of chemotherapy, but it is one of those things you never think you will need for yourself. My other question is if you have found anything specific as far as diet goes. I am trying to do a more healthy diet of higher fiber, lower sugar.
Thanks, Laura
Hi Laura,
First I must say that even though we have never met, I feel an instant connection with someone who is going through the same thing. :) Yes, I am a nurse in a rehab/long term facility and it was because of the direct patient contact that I chose to take the leave. There were several cases of pneumonia this season, as well as numerous G.I. "bugs" going around. I did not want to expose myself to this while compromised in anyway. My oncologist told me I did not have to "put myself in a bubble while going through chemo, and that I should be more concerned with infections of my own body, like U.T.I., ect." I was happy with my decision and got all my chemo on schedule. I also stayed away from crowds. My husband was great about doing all the shopping and errands! As far as the diet, I have not found anything specific that I follow. Just cutting out the sugar, white bread, trying to eat "clean foods" . Lots of fruits and fresh veggies and whole grains. Since my surgery, I have had no problems with constipation or U.T.I.s. As far as my surgery, I had everything done in one shot. Unfortunately, I did have one complication as a result of the surgery, I had a pulmonary embolism. While in recovery room, my heart rate was quite elevated, but I had no chest pains or shortness of breath. After a few days, heart rate remained elevated and oxygen level was going down. A CAT scan revealed the clot, and I was immediately put on Heparin and once my levels were theraputic, I was put on Coumadin. My oncologist believes that within 6 months of surgery, I should be able to come off Coumadin and the clot will be re-absorbed. Thank Goodness. I know what you mean as far as believing something like this could ever happen to you. I never took anything more than a Tylenol. Anyway, I would like very much to keep in contact and share our "journey". Take care. Pati