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snook717
snook717 Member Posts: 45
in Esophageal Cancer #1
Hi everyone,

My grandpa started radiation and chemo Wednesday. He hasn't experienced any side effects so far besides for not being able to sleep much. I was wondering when the effects typically start? He is getting 5FU through a port for 96 hrs. I am praying that he won't experience the horrible effects of this treatment. Thank you all for your help.

Danielle

Comments

  • nancyann3
    nancyann3 Member Posts: 173 Member
    #2
    Everyone is different
    Everyone response to chemo and rad is different. Chemo is cumlitive tho. Rad may take a couple weeks to start showing side effects.

    It is important to take antinausia meds and stay hydrated. Eat xtra calories and drink xtra fluids. If you can get hydration from IV during and after treatment, its helps a lot.

    Nancy
  • Yovana_survivor_since_2010
    Yovana_survivor_since_2010 Member Posts: 11
    #3
    Side Effects
    Hi Danielle,

    People react different. What is the other medicine that he is receiving?
  • BMGky
    BMGky Member Posts: 621
    #4
    nancyann3 said:

    Everyone is different
    Everyone response to chemo and rad is different. Chemo is cumlitive tho. Rad may take a couple weeks to start showing side effects.

    It is important to take antinausia meds and stay hydrated. Eat xtra calories and drink xtra fluids. If you can get hydration from IV during and after treatment, its helps a lot.

    Nancy

    Good recommendations
    I found it helpful to keep records of various medicines and if my husband did okay with them. We had to switch from tablets to liquid forms due to swallowing issues and throat infection. Then had to do jtube. If you know what is working or what may be causing a problem, you'll have your notes to help you see any pattern. Let your doctors know, they will work with you on medication adjustments. My husband is doing well now but had some problems during treatment. Clean scan post 6 months. (Yay!) Hopefully, no complications will happen in your family's instance, but if they do, let your oncology team know and they will work with you. Come here with your questions as there are many here to help you. Prayers for a good response.
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #5
    Hi, i didn't have radiation,
    Hi, i didn't have radiation, so I can't speak on it. I did have the 5Fu,cisplatin, and epirubicin. I did not have any effects the first round.I had four rounds and every round was harder on me. Everyone reacts differntly.Just make sure and take the anti nausea medicine before he's nauseas. If you wait for the symptom, it's too late. Even though we all are effected by the treatment, some are worst than others. I feel like I had an easy time compared to some of the others. Praying your grandpa will have an easy time.
    Sandra
  • snook717
    snook717 Member Posts: 45
    #6
    nancyann3 said:

    Everyone is different
    Everyone response to chemo and rad is different. Chemo is cumlitive tho. Rad may take a couple weeks to start showing side effects.

    It is important to take antinausia meds and stay hydrated. Eat xtra calories and drink xtra fluids. If you can get hydration from IV during and after treatment, its helps a lot.

    Nancy

    Thank you
    Yes he did get fluids before his treatment. Thank you so much.
  • snook717
    snook717 Member Posts: 45
    #7
    BMGky said:

    Good recommendations
    I found it helpful to keep records of various medicines and if my husband did okay with them. We had to switch from tablets to liquid forms due to swallowing issues and throat infection. Then had to do jtube. If you know what is working or what may be causing a problem, you'll have your notes to help you see any pattern. Let your doctors know, they will work with you on medication adjustments. My husband is doing well now but had some problems during treatment. Clean scan post 6 months. (Yay!) Hopefully, no complications will happen in your family's instance, but if they do, let your oncology team know and they will work with you. Come here with your questions as there are many here to help you. Prayers for a good response.

    Thank you
    Thank you for the advice! I am so happy to hear about your husbands scan!
  • unclaw2002
    unclaw2002 Member Posts: 599
    #8
    Danielle,
    Everyone is
    Danielle,

    Everyone is different.

    Fatigue can be a problem --- and my dad who had been on high blood pressure medicine before chemo would get really dizzy and his blood pressure would get really low. To this day he is off of high blood pressure medicine. Also if you GP has diabeties or is pre diabetic the steriods they give before chemo can cause spikes in blood sugar. My dad never lost his hair but joked he didnt have much to lose anyway at his age :)

    Actually, my dad who was always really active would take a couple of naps a day and then be in bed really early.

    But the key is getting the nutrition and hydration and taking the nausea meds before the nausea hits. Good luck.

    Cindy

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