2nd round of chemo - what to expect

Jackie,
What is his current
Jackie,

What is his current regimen again?

Everyone has a different experience
Jackie,

I had six rounds of chemotherapy with cisplatin, epirubicin, and 5 FU. The side effects of chemo are typically cumulative. However, you can talk to two different people that have the same chemotherapy protocol, and they have very different experiences in terms of the types and severity of their side effects. I think part of this is a result of genetics and part may be the result of that person taking a proactive approach in managing their side effects.

My primary side effects were fatigue, nausea, mouth soreness, and diarrhea. Over time I learned that managing my lifestyle, diet, and medications had a significant impact on the severity of my side effects. I learned that, working with my oncologist, and with lots of help from my wife, I could have a positive impact on my side effects.

I found that getting out of bed and getting some exercise every day helped with fatigue. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but it seemed that the more sedentary I became the more tired I felt. So even on days when I did not feel like it I tried to at least take a short walk and I would invariably feel better afterward. I also found that my level of hydration had a lot to do with how fatigued I felt. The last three cycles of my chemo I worked out a program with my oncologist that included coming into the infusion center for IV hydration three days after each infusion of cisplatin and epirubicin. This really helped me feel less fatigued.

I found that nausea would be the worst two days after my cisplatin / epirubicin infusion. I took a drug called Emend and two other anti-nausea medications that helped a lot. I found that I needed to take these drugs on a schedule for at least three days after each infusion. It was important for me to stay ahead of the nausea and not wait until I felt nauseous. On days during the two weeks between cisplatin / epirubicin infusions when I was just on the 5 FU pump I would take an anti-nausea medication before I got out of bed, since my nausea was more pronounced in the morning. I also found that drinking “flat ginger ale” with the carbonation gone helped my stomach feel better.

I found that gargling with a solution of salt water and baking soda helped with mouth soreness significantly. Here is a recipe:

http://www.chemocare.com/managing/mouth_sores_due_to_chemotherapy.asp

I also used a toothpaste and mouthwash by a company called Biotene that is specifically designed for people with dry sensitive mouth tissues. It is available at WalMart and most drug stores.

I found I would get diarrhea approximately three days after a cisplatin / epirubicin infusion and it would last about four days. My oncologist prescribed a medication called Lomotil that I took in the morning and prior to each meal during this time. Again; proactive medication rather than waiting for the onset of the symptoms, made this much more manageable. I also learned it just made sense to stay close to home during this time.

I guess my long winded message here is that although everyone has different reactions to chemotherapy, there are some common side effects. That, working with your oncologist, you can get better at managing the side effects to offset the cumulative effect of chemotherapy.




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
6/21/2010 CT Scan NED
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!

jax568 said:

Day 1 is Docetaxel &
Day 1 is Docetaxel & Fluorouracil (is this the same as the 5FU I've seen talked about) also Leucovorin.
Day 3 is Cisplatin. with steriods and 3 days of Emend.

My husband has been to work everyday. He plans on going to work on Monday straight after chemo. I am just so nervous he won't be able to do it. He works 12 hour days. I haven't shared my fear of this. I just hope he does well.

He has been very good with eating and hydration. Do you find there are certain foods that help with side effects?

Paul- I love your last line about life and the party. I find myself repeating this every so often. Thanks.

Work
I've continued to work in a labor intensive environment even while I was doing my treatments. I work 10 hour days. I had to back off a little and go to a 30 hours week when the fatigue was really bad (about the last 3-4 weeks of my treatment). Also, I would have to go lay down for 15-20 minutes a couple of times a day. My boss was very accomodating. I felt like I had to work.....it helped me keep my mind off the cancer. If I sat at home, my mind would really start playing games with me. As long as he can handle it physically, he should be fine. I consider being able to work therapeutic.

I didn't notice......is he doing radiation also. It's the radiation that really zaps the energy, or at least for me it was.

Michael Daniels (T3N0M0)
Brandon, FL