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gemcitabine tolerability in older patients

EGutkovich
EGutkovich CSN Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Rare and Other Cancers #1
Hi,

Has anyone had experience of how to cope with side effects of gemcitabine chemo?

My mother, 82, was diagnosed with nonresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer 5 months ago. Her doctor started gemcitabine a month ago. She tolerated the procedure well, however, developed edema and high fever. She was hospitalized and recovered in one day after being administered intravenous antibiotics. After that, her doctor made a decision to discontinue the treatment at all.

Did anyone experience similar side effects and did they preclude continuing treatment? Right now we are seeking credible second opinion but in the meantime, I wonder if anyone experienced similar problems and maybe knows the ways to increase tolerability?

Ella
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Comments

  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown CSN Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    #2
    Hello,

    You may want to contact the American Cancer Society's National Cancer Information Center regarding treatment information. They can be reached at 1-800-227-2345 or by clicking on the "Contact ACS" link at the top of this page.

    Take care and be well,

    Dana

    CSN Dana
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