Post-op chemo

NikiMo · October 2011

For those of you who have gone through post-op chemo, does it get worse before it gets better? Jeff started FOLFOX on Tuesday and since then has been having terrible nausea. He never really had nausea in pre-op chemo, but this time around it has been terrible. The nurse told him that the chemo would get easier after subsequent infusions as his body gets use to it...I don't really believe that but I thought I would pose that question to the board. Jeff is not able to eat, he has a feeding tube but no one taught us how to use they said we could push ensure with a syringe. Using the syringe we are only able to give 60mls at a time and then wait awhile and do it again. This seems really inefficient. We don't have a pump, I don't know what to do. Everytime he eats he gets VERY nauseas and then has dry heaves.

Any suggestions??

Thanks,

Niki

Daisylin · October 2011

feeding tube
Hi Niki, sorry to hear that Jeff is having a hard time with nausea. From what we were told, chemo is cumulative and it gets harder the more rounds you undertake. I think also the additional weakness from the surgery and radiation don't help matters any. But, honestly, I really don't know, I'm sure someone more experienced will offer you a better answer.

Now, about the feeding tube...... is it a Jtube, Gtube or JGtube? Lee has a JG tube, which goes in through the stomach and into the small intestine. He was given a pump and prescription for a formula called Jevity 1.5. The feeds run overnight (takes about 10 hours all together) and he gets all his calories this way. The selling point to this was that the Gtube feeds directly into the stomach, and if vomiting, he'd have lost all the nutrition. Since he was almost constantly nauseated and vomiting when we had it inserted, we went with the JG tube.

That being said, I have no idea how you would get your pump and formula, but here in Canada, we have an organization called Community care access centre. They take care of all our home nursing, supplies and seem to be the middle man for all the services we are accessing. I don't know who you would go to, but I'm sure if you don't have such a thing in the states, your doctor would be able to point you in the direction of where to get those supplies. (he would also be the one to prescribe the formula for the pump.) Our home nurses taught us how to use the pump.

We learned the hard way, that being fed and hydrated is KEY to getting through this. I strongly think that if our doctor took us more seriously about having the tube in earlier, we'd be way better off than we are now. Lee was so weak from malnutrition and dehydration, he just could not handle any more rounds of chemo. Please learn from our lessons, and get the feeding tube going ASAP. I'm not really sure if a G tube needs a pump or not, since you can put larger quantities in at once, but there's gotta be a way to get more than 60mls at a time!

Hope this helps a bit, and also, since you did not face nausea the first time around..... there are lots of different meds that can be given, perhaps the one he's on is not working. Your doctor should be able to prescribe one that will work. Lee was given probably about 5 different kinds over the course of his chemo in hopes of finding one that worked. The worst days were the first 3 of the cycle for him.

Be well,
Chantal

bingbing2009 · October 2011

Feeding Tube
Niki,

I didn't have post-op chemo, but I did have a J-tube. The oncology surgeon wrote a prescription and an order for a pump and formula. A nurse from the home health care company then came to our house and brought a pump and formula and gave us instructions on how to use the pump. She also had a schedule for feeding through the tube that my surgeon had given her. All we had to do was hook things up and follow the feeding schedule. When we needed more formula, we just called and they delivered it.

By the way, I had lots of nausea after my surgery. This was strictly from trying to eat different things. I would get sick and then vomit repeatedly. I vomited so much that I got worried, but my doctors assured me that I was simply adjusting to my new stomach. They were correct. It took a long time, but I eventually got over the vomiting. I will admit that I still get nauseous if I overeat or eat too much sugar or whatever (sometimes I don't know what triggers it).

Melinda

chemosmoker · October 2011

What KIND of chemo?
Niki,
Did Jeff have FOLFOX pre-surgery or a different chemo?
Is this his first time on this cocktail or second? Didn't get that from your posts.

They may really need to adjust the levels of each of the chemo's....but first questions first...

Eric

Gatoraid · October 2011

bingbing2009 said:
Feeding Tube
Niki,

I didn't have post-op chemo, but I did have a J-tube. The oncology surgeon wrote a prescription and an order for a pump and formula. A nurse from the home health care company then came to our house and brought a pump and formula and gave us instructions on how to use the pump. She also had a schedule for feeding through the tube that my surgeon had given her. All we had to do was hook things up and follow the feeding schedule. When we needed more formula, we just called and they delivered it.

By the way, I had lots of nausea after my surgery. This was strictly from trying to eat different things. I would get sick and then vomit repeatedly. I vomited so much that I got worried, but my doctors assured me that I was simply adjusting to my new stomach. They were correct. It took a long time, but I eventually got over the vomiting. I will admit that I still get nauseous if I overeat or eat too much sugar or whatever (sometimes I don't know what triggers it).

Melinda

Nausea After Surgery
Dear Melinda,

I was T3N1M0 and had 2 rounds of chemo (Cisplatin/5FU), 28 days of radiation and MIE surgery on 12/14/2010. There was no post surgery chemo and I just completed my 3rd CAT scan and am NED. I do have problems with nausea issues and wonder if you have experienced what is happening with me.

I know if I eat too much or eat too fast it can bring on nausea. The problem is that I get sick on average 2 times each day. I experience nausea, lightheadedness or dizziness, cold sweats and am basically out of commission. The only medicine that works is Percocet. Two Percosets and I am back in business in 30 - 45 minutes.

I cannot establish a pattern. I know if I have regular ice cream I get sick, but light ice cream seems to be ok. Things that I ate yesterday or last week can make me sick today so identifying a pattern has been difficult. I was tested for Hypoglycemia and it turned up negative. I was told it may be low sugar and to drink a glass or orange juice after eating but that didn't work.

My surgeon told me that the surgery changed alot and that it can take time for everything to work in sync, up to a year and a half. Has that been your experience? I'm very interested in your feedback because getting sick all the time is really impacting my quality of life. Don't get me wrong...I am grateful for still being here to chat with you. I'm just trying to figure out if things will get any better or for me is this the new normal.

Any feedback you could give would be most appreciated.

Thanks,

Jim

NikiMo · October 2011

chemosmoker said:
What KIND of chemo?
Niki,
Did Jeff have FOLFOX pre-surgery or a different chemo?
Is this his first time on this cocktail or second? Didn't get that from your posts.

They may really need to adjust the levels of each of the chemo's....but first questions first...

Eric

Same chemo
Eric,

Same chemo as before surgery, but here is the difference. Pre-op continuos 5-fu pump and 5 weekly rounds of oxaliplatin and leovocurin, Post-op chemo 8 rounds of chemo two weeks apart, 5-fu on the pump for 48 hours, oxaliplain and leovocurin every two weeks. The oncologist did say that Jeff gets a higher dose but gets a longer break between infusions. I know Jeff is dedicated to getting these chemo rounds done, but we need help, he needs to eat or somehow get nutrition, he can't keep this up for four more months. I plan on calling his oncologist Monday morning. Right now the approach we are taking is to try and eat when he thinks he can...so far he has found that turkey sandwiches go down ok, but for some reason chicken soup will trigger the gagging (you would think soup would be easier). I am starting to push 60ml of ensure into his tube approx. every two hours and a 20ml flush of water. As for nausea meds we are using a combo ativan/zofran every 8 hours and compozene four hours after the previous combo. I do think he is turning a corner tonight, thankfully I will be home all weekend to try and get a handle on this for him. I know how hard it is to understand what is triggering your nausea when all you want to do is sleep all day.

Hopefully tomorrow will be better,

Niki

chemosmoker · October 2011

NikiMo said:
Same chemo
Eric,

Same chemo as before surgery, but here is the difference. Pre-op continuos 5-fu pump and 5 weekly rounds of oxaliplatin and leovocurin, Post-op chemo 8 rounds of chemo two weeks apart, 5-fu on the pump for 48 hours, oxaliplain and leovocurin every two weeks. The oncologist did say that Jeff gets a higher dose but gets a longer break between infusions. I know Jeff is dedicated to getting these chemo rounds done, but we need help, he needs to eat or somehow get nutrition, he can't keep this up for four more months. I plan on calling his oncologist Monday morning. Right now the approach we are taking is to try and eat when he thinks he can...so far he has found that turkey sandwiches go down ok, but for some reason chicken soup will trigger the gagging (you would think soup would be easier). I am starting to push 60ml of ensure into his tube approx. every two hours and a 20ml flush of water. As for nausea meds we are using a combo ativan/zofran every 8 hours and compozene four hours after the previous combo. I do think he is turning a corner tonight, thankfully I will be home all weekend to try and get a handle on this for him. I know how hard it is to understand what is triggering your nausea when all you want to do is sleep all day.

Hopefully tomorrow will be better,

Niki

More questions and great answers too!!
Niki,
Thanks. As you all know I do NO chemo and don't have ANY experience with them, but i KNEW that this info would help OTHERS post and offer you advice if that info you posted above was known. Tying to help.

I bet the higher dose is the only explanation that makes sense; maybe they should go easier on him with the doses just a little bit? Worth an ask.

Also good that you posted what he has for nausea. Sounds like you are doing all you can, but it is SO WRONG that you have the feeding tube, but got NO pump and at home instructions on how to feed Jeff!!! I am angry at that. Get that addressed ASAP!!
Again if I missed it sorry but is it a J-TUBE, JG-TUBE or G-Tube?? So people can offer help there, too they need to know. Don't remember reading the answer from you on that one that several people asked.

YOU are doing great. Hell of a caretaker you are. My hats off to you, and you got all my respect and admiration, it's all to you. Jeff is blessed as I am with a caretaker that will not take NO for an answer. Saturday is a business day at the chemo lab so call that doctor or hospital and DEMAND a pump and instructions!!

With love,
Eric

NikiMo · October 2011

chemosmoker said:
More questions and great answers too!!
Niki,
Thanks. As you all know I do NO chemo and don't have ANY experience with them, but i KNEW that this info would help OTHERS post and offer you advice if that info you posted above was known. Tying to help.

I bet the higher dose is the only explanation that makes sense; maybe they should go easier on him with the doses just a little bit? Worth an ask.

Also good that you posted what he has for nausea. Sounds like you are doing all you can, but it is SO WRONG that you have the feeding tube, but got NO pump and at home instructions on how to feed Jeff!!! I am angry at that. Get that addressed ASAP!!
Again if I missed it sorry but is it a J-TUBE, JG-TUBE or G-Tube?? So people can offer help there, too they need to know. Don't remember reading the answer from you on that one that several people asked.

YOU are doing great. Hell of a caretaker you are. My hats off to you, and you got all my respect and admiration, it's all to you. Jeff is blessed as I am with a caretaker that will not take NO for an answer. Saturday is a business day at the chemo lab so call that doctor or hospital and DEMAND a pump and instructions!!

With love,
Eric

Thanks for the reassurance!
Eric,

Sometimes as a caregiver I think we need someone to hold our hand (even if that is virtually) and tell us we are doing a good job and should be forcing the issues. I feel like the biggest 'you know what' sometimes, I am either having a strong discussion with a doctor or nurse, or I am strongly urging Jeff to log in his food journal or to try this other kind of food. I am sick of feeling like the bad guy/big jerk but I guess that is part of being a caregiver/loving wife. I love how in hollywood movies they portray caregivers as these saintly people who have unlimited patience, puhlease most of my true contribution comes from not taking no for an answer and wiggling my way into appointment schedlues. Amazing the characteristics that come out of you when they have to. I was a quiet, hardworking, on the shy side, very friendly 31 year old doormat 5 months ago. Now I am this take no crap from anyone, you will remember my husband is the most important person in the world, you will respect him, getting the tough stuff done, don't mess with us, much older soul woman now. I laugh because everyone at work thinks I walk on water now, they don't know how I can come to work and then go home and take care of Jeff and go to every appointment and be there for them. Most of them don't realize they would do the exact same thing if faced with something like this, you don't know your capable of something until you have to do it yourself. And I always say if you want to meet the real trooper he is sitting in his recliner at home right now. The real hero is Jeff not me, he is the brave one, he comforts me when I get upset how sick he feels. He has always been my rock and he always will, there are something that don't change after a cancer diagnosis and that is one of them.

Anyway my rant is over. It is a j-tube

Enjoy your weekend!

Niki

paul61 · October 2011

Medications to manage nausea
Niki,

I did 18 weeks of post operative chemotherapy. While it was clearly not an easy process I would say that my nausea was about a 3 on a scale of 1-10. I was on a Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU regimen. The most difficult time was the week of the Cisplatin, Epirubicin infusion. I got that every three weeks and wore a pump that delivered the 5 FU 24/7 for the 18 weeks.

I think the reason my nausea was well controlled is that they had a regimen for nausea management that I followed before I felt any serious nausea. The regimen was:

The day of the Cisplatin, Epirubicin infustion I received:

- Emend via IV
- Dexamethasone via IV
- Anzement via IV

The day after chemo infusion I took:

- Emend 80 MG tablet in the morning (with breakfast)
- Dexamethasone 8 MG (2 4 MG tablets) in the morning with Emend
- Anzemet 100 MG in the morning with Emend

2 Days after chemo infusion I took

- Emend 80 MG tablet in the morning (with breakfast)
- Dexamethasone 8 MG (2 4 MG tablets) in the morning with Emend
- Anzemet 100 MG in the morning with Emend

3 Days after chemo infusion I took

- Anzemet 100 MG in the morning

***Note*** 3 Days after infusion I also received IV Hydration (dehydration can contribute to nausea as well)

I also had Promethazine for break through nausea but I very seldom had to use it.

I also found drinking flat ginger ale and eating saltine crackers seemed to help when my stomach was empty. I found that allowing my stomach to get empty seemed to trigger nausea so I tried to eat a little something every couple of hours even if I had no real desire for food.

It sounds to me like your oncologist needs to get more aggressive about managing Jeff's nausea.

I had a feeding tube and a Jevity pump but very candidly the tube feeding made me a bit nauseous so I focused on eating enough so I did not have to use it.

I am hoping with the right medications, Jeff's nausea can be managed, and he will not need the feeding tube.

Best Regards,

Paul Adams
McCormick, South Carolina

DX 10/22/2009 T2N1M0 Stage IIB
12/03/2009 Ivor Lewis
2/8 through 6/14/2010 Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
3/14/2011 CT Scan NED

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!

jim2011 · October 2011

Gatoraid said:
Nausea After Surgery
Dear Melinda,

I was T3N1M0 and had 2 rounds of chemo (Cisplatin/5FU), 28 days of radiation and MIE surgery on 12/14/2010. There was no post surgery chemo and I just completed my 3rd CAT scan and am NED. I do have problems with nausea issues and wonder if you have experienced what is happening with me.

I know if I eat too much or eat too fast it can bring on nausea. The problem is that I get sick on average 2 times each day. I experience nausea, lightheadedness or dizziness, cold sweats and am basically out of commission. The only medicine that works is Percocet. Two Percosets and I am back in business in 30 - 45 minutes.

I cannot establish a pattern. I know if I have regular ice cream I get sick, but light ice cream seems to be ok. Things that I ate yesterday or last week can make me sick today so identifying a pattern has been difficult. I was tested for Hypoglycemia and it turned up negative. I was told it may be low sugar and to drink a glass or orange juice after eating but that didn't work.

My surgeon told me that the surgery changed alot and that it can take time for everything to work in sync, up to a year and a half. Has that been your experience? I'm very interested in your feedback because getting sick all the time is really impacting my quality of life. Don't get me wrong...I am grateful for still being here to chat with you. I'm just trying to figure out if things will get any better or for me is this the new normal.

Any feedback you could give would be most appreciated.

Thanks,

Jim

sickly feelings
I have had the same issues as you. Light headed, cold sweats. How about gas that would make your most gassy uncle jealous?
I have avoided all milk containing products and that seems to help. I also take a fair amount of vicodin and so I am also thinking withdrawals. ??

Ericalynn · October 2011

Feeding tube Pump
Niki,
John needed to use the feeding tube the week after he came home from the hospital. The nurse from Dr. Meredith’s office (you need a physician order) called in the orders to a Home Health agency. They delivered a pump and all of the supplies including cans of the supplement. The person that delivered the supplies showed us how to hook it up. A nurse came that same day but I had set the pump up the morning it was delivered. The pump was not very big and they brought a carrying case (it looked like a small back pack) too. The pump could be attached to an IV pole (part of supplies delivered) or put in the backpack if he wanted to leave the house. John did leave the house with the tube-feeding running and did not have an issue with it. He only used the tube feedings for a short time but it made a world of difference. Call the doctor and they can order tube feedings the doctors office can suggest a home health agency if you do not have one that you want to use. The order for John was placed at 4:30 PM and I received a call at 6 PM for the Home Health agency and they delivered the supplies the next morning. John was freaked out about using tube feeding but once we did it and he felt so much better he was very glad that he did get the extra help with nutrition it took the pressure of eating off of him.

TerryV · October 2011

NO to syringes!
Niki,

Nick's nutritionist made a very LOUD veto of syringe or gravity feedings with the Jtube. She said that it can be VERY injurious to his health.

Contact the surgeon and request a home health care team visit with a mobile pump and proper tube feeding forumla. The monthly expense isn't too bad for the pump.

It's a slow process and can't be sped up as the intestine just isn't used to accepting and processing food.

Keep us in the loop, Niki! Thoughts & prayers - as always - are with you!

Terry

NikiMo · October 2011

TerryV said:
NO to syringes!
Niki,

Nick's nutritionist made a very LOUD veto of syringe or gravity feedings with the Jtube. She said that it can be VERY injurious to his health.

Contact the surgeon and request a home health care team visit with a mobile pump and proper tube feeding forumla. The monthly expense isn't too bad for the pump.

It's a slow process and can't be sped up as the intestine just isn't used to accepting and processing food.

Keep us in the loop, Niki! Thoughts & prayers - as always - are with you!

Terry

Ugghhhhh....I hate post op chemo
Great! I am going to have some very strong words with our doctor tomorrow morning, bright and early. The surgeon and his team said we could syringe feed. And the oncologist said keep the tube, but when I said we needed someone to show us how to use it, he said don't use until you need it. Well guess what....WE NEED IT, and have no idea how to use it. I am so mad at all of his doctor's right now. If we hurt him by feeding him with the syringe I will lose my mind on someone. I am at the end of my rope......sorry to all patients out there, don't take my meltdown as us being ungrateful for having the surgery. I am having a moment...actually it has been roughly a 48 hour moment!

Ericalynn · October 2011

NikiMo said:
Ugghhhhh....I hate post op chemo
Great! I am going to have some very strong words with our doctor tomorrow morning, bright and early. The surgeon and his team said we could syringe feed. And the oncologist said keep the tube, but when I said we needed someone to show us how to use it, he said don't use until you need it. Well guess what....WE NEED IT, and have no idea how to use it. I am so mad at all of his doctor's right now. If we hurt him by feeding him with the syringe I will lose my mind on someone. I am at the end of my rope......sorry to all patients out there, don't take my meltdown as us being ungrateful for having the surgery. I am having a moment...actually it has been roughly a 48 hour moment!

syringe feed
Niki,
I gave John fluids (water & Gatorade) thru feeding tube. I received pump fairly quickly so I did not put Boost through tube with syringe. They brought us cans on something doctor ordered. When John was in the hospital they were using boost. I don’t think the syringe feed is going to hurt but I do not think you can get enough nutrition in with syringe. Like Terry said we started out at 20ml per hour and increased by 10 every six hours. The max they gave us was 60 or 65 but I am sure it is based on patients weight etc.
Hang in there
We are here for you
Love
Erica

TerryV · October 2011

NikiMo said:
Ugghhhhh....I hate post op chemo
Great! I am going to have some very strong words with our doctor tomorrow morning, bright and early. The surgeon and his team said we could syringe feed. And the oncologist said keep the tube, but when I said we needed someone to show us how to use it, he said don't use until you need it. Well guess what....WE NEED IT, and have no idea how to use it. I am so mad at all of his doctor's right now. If we hurt him by feeding him with the syringe I will lose my mind on someone. I am at the end of my rope......sorry to all patients out there, don't take my meltdown as us being ungrateful for having the surgery. I am having a moment...actually it has been roughly a 48 hour moment!

Jtubes are easy....
Use of the Jtube is easy. You should receive a backback, a small(ish) mobile pump, and several gravity bags. Nick at "full feeding" would have been 9 cans of formula. They were maybe 6 oz cans. Sorry, but I've gone blank and can't think of the formula name. 9 cans would have met a full day's calorie and protein needs.

Put 2 - 4 cans in the gravity bag, connect to the pump (about a 10 minute demonstrated learning process), set the rate on the pump to 20 and pump until gone. It's very slooooow! As Jeff gets used to the Jtube input, you can bump the rate up by 10 until he reaches a good and *comfortable* speed. The max intake rate would be about 120 - 160, and that is still sloooooowwww!

But the backpack is wearable, the feeding isn't intrusive, and it's protein and calories. All good!

Lots of love, positive thoughts, and virtual hugs!

EDIT: Niki - I should clarify something. The nutritionist vetoed any attempts at *long term* Jtube feedings by syringe. I'm sure you're good for the short term. Just take your time and don't push it in too quickly.

btw, we had issues with the cap on Nick's Jtube getting stuck and not opening easily. a quick tip - immerse the end in a coffee cup of hot water for a few seconds. The cap will open easily.

Terry

lifeb4now · October 2011

Gatoraid said:
Nausea After Surgery
Dear Melinda,

I was T3N1M0 and had 2 rounds of chemo (Cisplatin/5FU), 28 days of radiation and MIE surgery on 12/14/2010. There was no post surgery chemo and I just completed my 3rd CAT scan and am NED. I do have problems with nausea issues and wonder if you have experienced what is happening with me.

I know if I eat too much or eat too fast it can bring on nausea. The problem is that I get sick on average 2 times each day. I experience nausea, lightheadedness or dizziness, cold sweats and am basically out of commission. The only medicine that works is Percocet. Two Percosets and I am back in business in 30 - 45 minutes.

I cannot establish a pattern. I know if I have regular ice cream I get sick, but light ice cream seems to be ok. Things that I ate yesterday or last week can make me sick today so identifying a pattern has been difficult. I was tested for Hypoglycemia and it turned up negative. I was told it may be low sugar and to drink a glass or orange juice after eating but that didn't work.

My surgeon told me that the surgery changed alot and that it can take time for everything to work in sync, up to a year and a half. Has that been your experience? I'm very interested in your feedback because getting sick all the time is really impacting my quality of life. Don't get me wrong...I am grateful for still being here to chat with you. I'm just trying to figure out if things will get any better or for me is this the new normal.

Any feedback you could give would be most appreciated.

Thanks,

Jim

dont be a dope
dear jim-you have just described withdrawal,my friend.No judgements found here,that surgery was a major hurdle/marathon.I KNOW...You are 10 months out and NED-consider yourself one of the fortunate 20% that beat the 'beast',Well done!
Now to get the monkey off your back..here goes;The pain meds do get you over the hump,as they did you,but by the time this happens your ]body]well onto them.Your cancer is gone,and your ONLY symptoms now are from Percocet withdrawal.As you know Percocet is a bad boy high class narcotic,[can only be filled by written script,with no refills]your body get addicted very quickly.You are double dosing-for nausea,not pain? I imagine you are filling euphoria and energy to go afterwards[back in business as you put it],Again percs knock you out,till your body is hooked,then it revs/percs you up.Your 'fix' just fixed your withdrawal.
As Jim2011 says about vicodin[Percocet makes vic look like baby asprin]he is telling you true.
What percocet STARTED out doing,relieving pain and making you very tired on 1 tab-thats normal..Percocet has NO nausea medicating effect=period. Soon the shake/nausea/sweats will come more frequent and 2 wont do. Talk to your doc,or start cutting back by half gradually,dont cold turkey! You already know how that feels-right?
Seriously-you are VERY fortunate and very blessed=do not waste this time He has given you ,many-many on here would give anything to be a candidate for surgery and LOVE to hear NED-including me-dont be a dope

Janet Runge · October 2011

NikiMo said:
Same chemo
Eric,

Same chemo as before surgery, but here is the difference. Pre-op continuos 5-fu pump and 5 weekly rounds of oxaliplatin and leovocurin, Post-op chemo 8 rounds of chemo two weeks apart, 5-fu on the pump for 48 hours, oxaliplain and leovocurin every two weeks. The oncologist did say that Jeff gets a higher dose but gets a longer break between infusions. I know Jeff is dedicated to getting these chemo rounds done, but we need help, he needs to eat or somehow get nutrition, he can't keep this up for four more months. I plan on calling his oncologist Monday morning. Right now the approach we are taking is to try and eat when he thinks he can...so far he has found that turkey sandwiches go down ok, but for some reason chicken soup will trigger the gagging (you would think soup would be easier). I am starting to push 60ml of ensure into his tube approx. every two hours and a 20ml flush of water. As for nausea meds we are using a combo ativan/zofran every 8 hours and compozene four hours after the previous combo. I do think he is turning a corner tonight, thankfully I will be home all weekend to try and get a handle on this for him. I know how hard it is to understand what is triggering your nausea when all you want to do is sleep all day.

Hopefully tomorrow will be better,

Niki

post op chemo
Niki,
The post op chemo was the worst thing for Charlie.
He had 2 rounds of 6hour taxol/cisplatin. No 5FU post op.
These were 1 month apart. This was very hard on him extreme nausea and weight loss.
His J-tube was already removed ( he had pump feedings May through end of June) so we really had to push through and after the chemo had shot of Nuelasta which really helped.
I am wondering about all the post op chemo he is going to have.
Our onoc states the jury is still out on this but 2 rounds would be the best.
Hope things are better this week
Janet

JimboC · October 2011

Nikki, I too found post-op
Nikki, I too found post-op chemo to be tougher than pre-op. I pretty much breezed right through pre-op and found myself so bad on post-op, I had to go in for hydration and nausea control. I was on the same dose of ECF both pre and post op. My first post-op infusion was the worst but as we got a handle on it, it did get a little easier. I received pre meds before my chemo then, I was on Zolfran, Compazine, Phenegrin and ativan for nausea. It helped. I don' know about others but I found the disolving tablets of Zolfran to be better than the reguler swallow Zolfran. Tell Jeff it's tough but he can get through it. I am now a little over two weeks past my last chemo and feeling better all the time.

Post-op chemo

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