Many of you have asked if I can take a different type of Chemo, and the answer is somewhat complicated. Temodar is the best for brain tumors because it has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. That is why it is so popular amongst Neurology Oncologist.
Very few conventional chemotherapeutic drugs can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, a “wall” that protects the brain by pumping toxins out of brain tissues and back into the blood stream. This barrier greatly limits the choice of chemotherapeutic agents that can be used to treat brain cancers. But some drugs are effective, and some tumors do respond to therapy. In recent years, researchers have refined and expanded the use of chemotherapy as a next-line approach after surgery and radiotherapy for the treatment of brain tumors.
Neuro-oncologists are involved in the development of a number of new chemotherapy drugs for brain cancer, including targeted therapies. For example, the relatively new drug temozolomide (Temodar®) is used as a targeted therapy. It interferes with cell division, thus slowing tumor growth. Because the basic building blocks of temozolomide are small molecules, the drug is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and reach tissues other chemotherapeutic agents cannot.
Luckily, Friday, I was able to see my GP and he prescribed Kytril (Thanks to whoever recommended it in my comments!). 1 Kytril pill is equivalent to 4 Zofran (I was taking 4 Zofran a night, the maximum dose recommended in a 24 hour period, and still woke up at 2 am every night with nausea). I also can take Zofran if needed, but not at the same time as Kytril. My oncology nurse said that it will take a couple of times (ie, a few months) to find out what works for my body. Naturally, I don’t want to wait a couple of months. So yesterday I went to Whole Foods and stocked up on leafy greens, morning shakes and fruit. I will combat the constipation with my regimen of laxatives,bran and fiber and my lack of energy with good hearty food that can be eaten in small doses. I will keep on top of the nausea before I have symptoms, and I will continue to take Zofran/Kytril for three days after my cycle of Temodar stops. I will drink tons and tons of water, and take Temodar with a full 12 oz of water a night.
Here are the common side effects for Temodar:
The most common side effects associated with TEMODAR® therapy are nausea, vomiting, anorexia, alopecia, headache, fatigue, constipation, convulsions, weakness, and thrombocytopenia.
Thankfully, I only experience nausea, vomiting, fatigue, constipation and thrombocytopenia (low platelets). I have had moderate weight loss, but I am not anorexic 
I take chemo tonight, before bed, so say an extra prayer for me at 9:30 est. I really think we have a good game plan down this time. The main thing is to stay on top of things so that you aren’t chasing after them later (IE: nausea and constipation) Many of you have asked if I will continue taking chemo, and the answer is YES. I will take it as long as my body allows me too (IE: my platelets and wbc stay up).
Specific prayer requests:
- That my body would react better this time.
- That my spirit would be at peace
- That I would not fear, the fear is the worst
- That Satan would stay out of my thought life
- That the chemo does what it is suppose to do, and only that.
Thanks for your prayers 
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{ 45 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Heather,
You go girl! Joyce
Father God, I ask that you give Heather HOPE, so that the fear is not so dibilitating. I also ask for sweet, peaceful sleep for her mind and body tonight. Give her a focus beyond herself for this day so that her mind has something else to think on. Sing over her today, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
“In your day of trouble, may the Lord be with you! May the God of Jacob keep you from all harm. May he send you aid from his sanctuary in Zion. May he remember with pleasure the gifts you have given him, your sacrifices and burnt offerings. May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans. MAY THERE BE SHOUTS OF JOY WHEN WE HEAR THE NEWS OF YOUR VICTORY, FLAGS FLYING WITH PRAISE TO GOD FOR ALL THAT HE HAS DONE FOR YOU. MAY HE ANSWER ALL YOUR PRAYERS!” Psalms 20:1-5
I have question out of curiousity…Since you are taking steps to head off any of the side effects, do you have a plan that will prevent your blood platelets from dipping too low (certain types of food, etc)? As one who has been in treatment at the Texas Cancer Center for over 3 years for ITP (Ideopatheic Thrombocytopenia Purpura), I was wondering if you had possibly heard or read of something that I haven’t!
Praying for you in Texas,
Connie
Heather,
We’ll be praying for you today. Maddie, my 5 year old, prays for you ALL the time. The other night she prayed, ‘Heavenly Father, please heal Miss Heather’s body a whole bunch and keep the sickness away from her.” We’ll continue to pray as the Lord leads and along with the specific request you have made know to us. Keep up the good fight!
Jeremiah 29:11
Be blessed ~
Denise
Heather,
You are right..the fear is the worst part of all of this. Sometimes it can feel paralyzing! But thanks be to God who says that if we are not anxious, but instead pray about everything, He will give us the peace that passes all understanding. (Phil. 4:6-7)
Keep crying out to Him and the peace will come.
I always had Kytril before chemo and 12 hours after. It did help.
Are your doctors able to give you shots of Neulasta or Aranesp to boost your white and red blood cells? That may help too.
I am praying for extra protection over your body and that the chemo would just do what it is supposed to do and nothing else.
Love,
Gina
When my husband took temodar the oncologists gave him a bunch of samples of kytril to take with it and it worked great, but was very very expensive, so when the samples ran out, David just took regular phenergan and it worked for him. He was never sick at all. His only complaint was after taking it for about the first 12 months, he had a metallic taste in his mouth all the time and he woud start tasting it more a couple of days before he had to take it again….like his body already knew it was time for it. I know it effects everyone differently so I don’t know if he was just lucky and didn’t have the side dffects of if it was because of the anti-nausea drugs…..but hopefully the kytril will work for you. If it doesn’t, try the phenergan just to see because it is very inexpensive.
When my husband took temodar the oncologists gave him a bunch of samples of kytril to take with it and it worked great, but was very very expensive, so when the samples ran out, David just took regular phenergan and it worked for him. He was never sick at all. His only complaint was after taking it for about the first 12 months, he had a metallic taste in his mouth all the time and he woud start tasting it more a couple of days before he had to take it again….like his body already knew it was time for it. I know it effects everyone differently so I don’t know if he was just lucky and didn’t have the side dffects of if it was because of the anti-nausea drugs…..but hopefully the kytril will work for you. If it doesn’t, try the phenergan just to see because it is very inexpensive. Love ya!
Heather,
Fear is a tough one to combat. The fear of the unknown…whats next… I pray that God will give you a peace that passes all understanding. May the fear fade away and joy be your strength. We can see your strength and determination in your blog…you are testiment to your faith in the almighty God.
May you find blessings raining down on you today.
Paula
Heather – Thanks for giving us specifics to pray for!! That is so helpful and it sends a bounty of the same things up to the Lord all at the same time! Will be praying tonight for you!!
God bless,
Sallie
Still sending you thoughts, prayers, and ((hugs)).
praying, always….
Mary
Heather, As Paula mentioned above, fear of the unknown is a tough one to combat, but it is satan doing his evil deed. So keep your eyes on the Lord for He will allow you to overcome. Praying that the new medication will help along with all the prayers.
Hugs,
Norma
Heather,
Continuing to pray for you in the Midwest…Thanks for the specifics.
Lord, please help Heather to face this fearlessly and give her the peace of spirit that only you can provide. Let Your will be done in Heather, and help her body to receive and be helped by the chemo she succumbs to. Protect her from all those who mean her harm, shield her with you Armor of Love. Everything is possible in God! Amen
I’ll be thinking of you at 10:30 my time!!! Good Luck!
Hi Heather,
you will be in my prayers, as you are daily.
I blogged about you yesterday http://thenononsense.blogspot.com/2007/08/go-visit-heathers-blog.html
God bless you and yours!!!
You amaze me.
“and what shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us ALL things?” Romans 8:31-32
Zech. 4:6 “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts.” May God multiply His Spirit within you.
ily Heather, we all do. Your request (and mine for you) will be presented to God @ 9:30
Heather, you remain in my prayers.
God Bless you.
I will pbe praying for you all day that the perfect love of God will drive out ALL fear. At 7:30 mst I will be praying for the meds to do their thing.
With love,
Holly
Heather-
You are the BEST! I am going thru some serious issues now with my boss- we don’t get along at all- and I can’t please him no matter what I do-I’m in sales and I have great relationships with my customers so that is not the problem- It’s just that no matter what I say or do, it is NEVER good enough- and I keep forgetting that it really doesn’t matter what he thinks- Right! Cause he not my ultimate manager!
While our circumstances are quite different we both need to be lifted up when we are down!
So yesterday in church I said “whatever Lord, you have to take this from me because I can’t fight it anymore”- Boy did your post make me feel better- about just giving it up to the Lord- We just can’t live this life alone- No matter what our individual circcumstances are- Just remember that your own ministry to us internets is such a blessing- You were there yesterday when I really needed to be reminded of faith! Praying for you and me always!
I am praying for you Heather. I know this can’t be easy for you. I can’t even imagine it but you are so strong and such a wonderful example of God’s love.
Have an awesome day girl!
Dear Heather,
If you have a good juicer, this is the recipe I made when I was on chemo:
1/2 head dark romaine (these are approximations)
1/2 head spinach
4-5 large leaves of kale
1/2 bunch parsley
1 whole apple (peel, seeds and all)
1 whole organic lemon (again: peel, seeds and all)
Surprisingly, it doesn’t taste nearly as horrid as it sounds and it gives you TONS of nutrients and fiber (oh so much fiber, believe me). Anyway, a friend recommended this to me and I feel it really helped.
I’m glad you have a new anti-nausea med – I haven’t even heard of that one.
Take care; you’re in my prayers as always.
Hugs.
Praying for you Heather.
Yeah, the zofran will keep your from vomiting but it doesn’t do much for the nausea. Something like phenergan or compazine taken WITH the Zofran or Kytril should do the trick.
As you have figured out staying hydrated is key. The more dehydrated you get, the worse the nausea.
Something that always made me feel a wee bit better. Fresh air and sunshine.
I would take my IV pole, a pillow and a light blanket (it was fall) and just lay in the sunshine on a lounge chair. Oh, it felt so nice and there were no odors to make the nausea worse.
I so understand the constipation issues. Sometimes made me wonder if the Zofran was worth it.
And unisom (doxylamine succinate) has some anti-emetic properties and is a pretty darn good sedative too. If we can get you to sleep through the worst of it, that would be good.
Heather I have had cancer on/off for 4 1/2 years. Colon/lymph node/liver and now possibly lung. I have to tell you that I found 2 things that have saved me from all the ‘awful’ nausea and ‘on the couch 24/7 fatigue and severe diarrhea that I have had through my chemo/radiation treatments. I would highly recommend you try both. No, I am not a Dr. just (was) a suffering patient, but my days now are almost completely nausea, fatigue and diarrhea free or just slight. I am on chemo 21 days a month still. Oh and one the most important things that happened within drinking these my platelets came back up into the normal range and have stayed there ever since. My Oncologist is very very amazed and told me to keep drinking them. He also asked me information on both on them. And, my Radiologist did and said the same thing!
After suffering for so long I thank the Lord for these products. I never thought something as easy as this could help me so much.
Here are the products:
Ave;
http://www.discount-vitamins-herbs.net/store/PPF/parameters/889_0/more_info.asp
Mangoseed Juice:
C:\Documents and Settings\Susan\Desktop\me-cancer\MyMangosteen_com Mangosteen Juice.mht
Here is the link for the mangoseed juice…sorry about that.
http://www.mymangosteen.com/distributors/team/product/
http://www.mymangosteen.com/distributors/team/product/
Here is the right link for the mangoseed juice:
http://www.mymangosteen.com/distributors/team/product/
I will call my prayer partner, my family and we will be praying together with your specific requests and then some! You go girl! I love your attitude! With God, all things are possible!!!!
“For I the Lord your God hold your right hand: I am the Lord, who says to you, fear not; I will help you!” Isaiah 41:13
I’m praying for you, Heather. NOTHING is impossible with God!
http://www.inspiringthots.net/movie/wog.php
Heather, still praying for you here in Tennessee. . . your strength and faith is amazing but I know where it is coming from. . .
Hang in there. . .not every day will be a good day but you are showing that you can make it a “God” day.
Blessings, Laurie in TN
Heather, I’ve been away and was sorry to read your posts of how your body is handling the chemo. Please know that you remain in my prayers.
Heather, I’m here interceding for you right now. May you rest and find moments of peace that sustain you through this journey. Sending a hug.
You are and always will be in my thoughts and prayers!!
Praying for you Heather!
I started reading your site about three weeks ago and I cannot tell you how you have inspired me. I had skin cancer (melanoma- the worst kind) three years ago and my anxiety went through the roof. Seven months later i found out my husband was having an affair. I was so devastated because I thought he was my rock through the cancer- but of course, he wasn’t – Jesus was.
Reading your blog has really helped me face my fears. I will continue to pray for you and your precious family. Thank you! (hugs)
I read your blog almost daily and I stopped by tonight. I got to the part where you asked for prayer at 9:30 EST and I looked down at the clock and it was exactly 9:30 EST, so I prayed for you at that exact time. You have been an inspiration to me. Keep looking up and God will see you through!!!
I offered up the specific prayers you requested…and then some!
Stay strong and faithful, my blogger friend!
Heather I have been one of the reader that has been lurking daily for sometime. I just wanted to let you know I am praying for you as well.
I also took kytril while in chemo. It did work very well. However with one chemo so did zofran with ativan. So it just depends on you and what your body can handle and the chemo . No two of us are alike even with the same type of cancer we respond so differently at times.
Anyways I love this blog and your faith in God.
At one time they told me I would be dead in three months. I have stage4 non hodgkins lymphoma which came back twice as well. But I am still here 10 yrs later. Thats all God and Him guiding those in my life I truely believe that.
Run things past your doctor before you take them or what ever..make sure they are proven to work and fda approved. Cause some things make chemo null and void.
Stay strong hold tightly to your faith. When its tough remember…*I can do all things through Him who strenthens me.* phl4:13
Dear Heather…Thanks for the update and we will certainly be praying for your requests.
Vicki loved these flowers so much that I thought I would put another beautiful flower into the bouquet.
We love you much “Especially Heather” and we admire you so…Love Terry
August 27, 2007 2:58 PM
Pilot Mom said…
Heather, thanks so much for the detailed explanation. So helpful to understand the “why” of a chosen course of treatment.
I will be praying–already have today but will continue.
August 27, 2007 3:31 PM
Julie (aka Little Missionary) said…
Dear Heather, thanks for sharing that info. I will be praying for you!
Julie (LM)
August 27, 2007 6:52 PM
Vicki said…
It’s 9:15pm here (EST) and I just popped in…so I”ve begun again to pray for you, dearest Heather as you undergo chemo tonight. {{hugs}}
I do love those gorgeous flowers!
Heather is the most gorgeous one of all.
Lord, that you would continue to comfort this precious one, and let peace like a quiet river flow through her mind and body tonight…Holy Spirit, wrap a sweet barricade around this child of yours and protect her from the evil one. Father, you have called Heather by name–she is Your own! We love her and stand by her and call out to you on her behalf and ask your healing power to move through her body tonight.
In Jesus we all pray…
From Pilgrim pals
Heather-
I am continuing to pray sweetie! I do not know if it’s been mentioned yet, but I have been taking Phenergan with the Zofran and it works very well together. I get a little sleepy from the Phenergan, but it allows me to eat a little more. Maybe you could try it. And…Phenergan costs way less than Kytril. Our crazy insurance wouldn’t even cover it. Silly people!
I think of you often and just continue using your testimony to get me through these days. The fear, I think, is the worst emotion to deal with in a time like this.
I love you, dear!
Shari
I just prayed through your new list of requests. May God fill you with His Holy Spirit and keep the side effects down to a minimum.
Kate
The Word says, (my paraphrase) because of you honoring God you will have favor with God and man. So today, I am believing you are going to have favor with that insurance company for the meds. I’m praying for the Dr. office to have the wisdom and knowledge on how to deal with your insurance company. Praying, praying, praying for you.
Don’t know if you even like it, but FYI, grapefruit juice should not be drunk within two hours before or after taking chemo because it can interact with chemo and increase drug concentration and blood toxicities.
I am praying for you!
God bless
It’s 3am your time… I’m saying a prayer for you.
FWIW, I got some mildly bad news tonight, and came to YOUR blog for some positive vibes. Thank you for being willing to share your struggles and faith with the blogosphere.
If you haven’t ‘found’ her yet, go get Mandisa’s CD. “God Speaking” and “Voice of a Savior” really speak to me.
hello
hope you having a great day today….be strong
enjoy every day
irene
Heather -
I am praying, praying, praying…