I had a very large dose (IV) of CYTOXAN as part of the stem cell collection process. The Gallon sized--IV !! I was sick as a dog...for weeks after.
I know two people on oral versions of ctyoxan and they seem to get along very well.
gardengirl, I was upfront with my kids ( I'm a single parent) from day one. I'm glad I was. I figured they would find out--and if I lied to them, it would make it horrible on them.
They have since thanked me for "being honest" with them about my cancer and my treatments. Repeatedly. It has drawn us closer.
Good luck.
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Re: Oral Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) side effects
Dear Garden Girl,
I can only give you the benefit of my experience, but I can tell you that it's almost impossible to hide something from someone who loves you -- kids included. There will be days when you are fatigued or just under the weather, and your family may wonder why.
Having cancer is wrought with anxiety and fear, and I can only imagine that your mother-in-law's advice was meant to spare your children from these feelings. However, I have found that the more your know, the less you fear.
If your children are too young to really understand, weigh your options carefully. Most likely, you won't "look like you have cancer" on the oral Cytoxan regimen, but you will definitely feel like you aren't well at least some of the time. The regimen is easier for some patients, and I have found that it isn't as bad as my imagination painted.
That being said, as a single mom, I would not be able to get through this without the support of my 4 kids.
Take care, and keep in touch.
I can only give you the benefit of my experience, but I can tell you that it's almost impossible to hide something from someone who loves you -- kids included. There will be days when you are fatigued or just under the weather, and your family may wonder why.
Having cancer is wrought with anxiety and fear, and I can only imagine that your mother-in-law's advice was meant to spare your children from these feelings. However, I have found that the more your know, the less you fear.
If your children are too young to really understand, weigh your options carefully. Most likely, you won't "look like you have cancer" on the oral Cytoxan regimen, but you will definitely feel like you aren't well at least some of the time. The regimen is easier for some patients, and I have found that it isn't as bad as my imagination painted.
That being said, as a single mom, I would not be able to get through this without the support of my 4 kids.
Take care, and keep in touch.
-
Dana5 - Name: Dana
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: March 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 45
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