bcbcbc Posted July 5, 2005 Share Posted July 5, 2005 Hi Again-- Sorry I haven't been a steady correspondent. The good news is that I've been feeling well during the brief holiday from radiation/meds. Busy trying to squeeze a little more juice out of this life of mine. Last Tuesday--week ago today--I started Alimta encouraged by all the flack that it is supposed to be less toxic than other chemos. I was hoping for a soft ride--easy landing. Not quite so. On Friday--three days after infusion--I took a hit. Fatigue. Mild nausea. Bloated feeling. Sporadic joint pains. Headache. SOB. None of these side effects were as bad as the worst days on Gemzar/Carboplatin (usually days 3,4,5 after treatment). But they were enough to take the wind out of my sails--forced me to curtail some activities and plans. With the other drugs the after-effects were usually gone by day 6. I'd be back in action with good energy. That doesn't seem to be the case with Alimta. I'm still dragging *ss--fatigued mostly--still some joint pains--SOB on mild exertion. I'm going in for a B-12 shot on Thursday and a look at the bloods. I suspect the reds may be down, which has happened in the past accompanied by SOB. I don't like this low energy beat feeling. Of course I realize I should count my blessings. There are a lot of folks out there getting a lot worse beating than I am. Best wishes and regards to all... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted July 5, 2005 Share Posted July 5, 2005 bc,hope you get to feeling better soon. Chemo side effects can do a number on a person. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBeth Posted July 5, 2005 Share Posted July 5, 2005 Hang in there BC, we are all praying for you and hoping that you begin feeling better very soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justakid Posted July 5, 2005 Share Posted July 5, 2005 BC- I'm doing Alimta with Avastin. I too have nausea, fatigue and pain the first 6-7 days, then it seems to subside. I'm still tired between treatments. I take B-12 everyday and get a shot the day of chemo. Nice to know I'm not alone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted July 5, 2005 Share Posted July 5, 2005 bc, good descriptions...........we really understand your assessment. Brian asked me to tell you.............he is along on the same type of ride. Hang in there, guy. P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted July 5, 2005 Share Posted July 5, 2005 Thinking about you BC and hoping things turn around for the best for you. You seem to be on a rough ride right now, I am sorry as that sucks. Hang in there. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcbcbc Posted July 5, 2005 Author Share Posted July 5, 2005 Thanks to all for the kind substantive feedback. It helps to know I'm not alone in taking a hit from Alimta... Best wishes and regards... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted July 5, 2005 Share Posted July 5, 2005 Good to hear from you again, BC. Sorry you aren't feeling well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieD Posted July 5, 2005 Share Posted July 5, 2005 BC, It's been over a month since my last (6th) Alimta Treatment. I still have the fatigue and the SOB but they are getting gradually better. Walking about a mile a day now and doing what I can in the yard and garden and then rest. Sleep a lot which really helps, but I keep plugging away doing what I can and resting. Got a three month break and I'm determined to get back to where I was during that period. Hang tough. CharlieD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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