r/sarcoma • u/RainS__ Synovial • 26d ago
New Diagnosis Needing help and insight about chemotherapy (Male 27)
Hi, I'm Male (27 years old) reasonably fit and healthy until I got diagnosed with synovial sarcoma about a month ago. I underwent surgery to remove the tumor located at my left armpit. Luckily highly local and no found metastasis from the scans.
My chemo treatment is starting in a few weeks time and will be given daily for 4 days and repeated every 21 days for 5 times. I'm receiving Doxorubicin + Ifosfamide + Mesna. I've searched it's also called the "AIM" protocol.
This is not something I know a lot about and would like to know more before my treatment. Has anyone done a similar protocol? How have you managed the side effects? A quick search online shouts that it's a hell of treatment and I'm bound to have the worst time; making me worried. Any chemo tips, heads up/what to expect, or personal experience with recovery is greatly appreciated.
Update: Thank you all for the generous response. I now get that it would be tough but not impossible especially with your valuable insights. I’ll keep this post updated as i move towards a cancer free life. Stay healthy, take care.
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u/Rare_Violinist_4726 26d ago
I did AIM prior to surgery- it’s a rough regime in terms of time each session takes. I did feel rubbish for a few days after each round ( I did 6 then 8 VIDE after surgery and radiotherapy) and it does get harder nearer the end as it’s cumulative. I worked week 2 and 3 of the cycle so it really was ok. Keep on the sickness tablets and eat little and often to keep the sickness at bay. I recommend nice and easily digestible foods ( no seeds or nuts and whole grain just because of the time time they take sitting in your stomach). Hair loss happened at round 2 for me- it’s not just head hair I freaked out because I didn’t know I would also loose that hair! I rate squash because my taste was affected and keep drinking as much water as you can to keep everything moving. Oh also, the white blood cell stimulator shots make you bones hurt- if its bad try antihistamines.
Just keep talking to your team- there are always people to help if you need anything or have any questions. I would get a thermometer so you can check to make sure you aren’t having temperatures.