Need what?

Time for a frank talk with your oncologist.  Tell him/her what you have told us and see if there are any other ideas to help with the nausea.  I am afraid I may be joining you with this problem as nausea is always a problem for me.  Last time that I ran into this problem, it was actually my oncologist's nurse who came up with the combo that worked for me.  Keep asking!  And you are the strongest person that I know.  Sending big hugs and prayers.

"How do doctors prevent nausea and vomiting?

Most people undergoing chemotherapy receive anti-nausea (anti-emetic) medications to prevent nausea and vomiting. These drugs, given alone or in combination, can be taken in pill form or administered through a vein in your arm. Your doctor advises which to use based on the treatment you're receiving.

Anti-nausea medications are typically given before treatment begins and on a scheduled basis for several hours or days after treatment. You may receive additional medications if you develop nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy.

Your doctor determines which anti-nausea medications to use based on your specific situation, for example, what type of chemotherapy drugs you're receiving. Drugs used to prevent nausea and vomiting include:

• Aprepitant (Emend)
• Dexamethasone
• Dolasetron (Anzemet)
• Dronabinol (Marinol)
• Droperidol (Insapsine)
• Granisetron (Kytril)
• Haloperidol (Haldol)
• Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
• Metoclopramide (Reglan)
• Nabilone (Cesamet)
• Ondansetron (Zofran)
• Palonosetron (Aloxi)
• Prochlorperazine (Procomp)

Drugs used to treat anxiety associated with chemotherapy nausea include:

• Alprazolam (Niravam, Xanax)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Midazolam

Doctors take this proactive approach to prevent nausea and vomiting because these side effects can be difficult to control once they begin. Nausea and vomiting can make you feel miserable, add to your fatigue and distress, and make you reluctant to stick to your treatment schedule. If you're unsure about taking anti-nausea medication when you aren't feeling nauseated, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of these drugs.

What additional measures can you take to prevent nausea and vomiting?

You can take steps to reduce your risk of nausea and vomiting. For example:

• Eat small meals. Stagger small meals throughout the day rather than eating fewer, larger meals. If possible, don't skip meals. Eating a light meal a few hours before treatment also may help.
• Eat what appeals to you. It's best, however, to avoid foods that are sweet, fried or fatty. In addition, cool foods may give off less bothersome odors. Cook and freeze meals in advance of treatment to avoid cooking when you're not feeling well. Or have someone else cook for you.
• Drink lots of fluids. Try cool beverages such as water, unsweetened fruit juices, tea or ginger ale that's lost its carbonation. It may help to drink small amounts throughout the day, rather than larger amounts less frequently.
• Avoid unpleasant smells. Pay attention to what smells trigger nausea for you. For some, a specific smell, such as the smell of something frying or a greasy smell, may cause nausea. Other people may experience nausea when smelling any strong odor. Limit exposure to unpleasant smells. Fresh air may help.
• Make yourself comfortable. Rest after eating, but don't lie flat for a couple of hours. Try wearing loosefitting clothing and distracting yourself with other activities.
• Use relaxation techniques. Examples include meditation and deep breathing.

These self-care measures may help you prevent nausea and vomiting, but they can't take the place of anti-nausea medications. If you begin to feel nauseated despite the medications, call your doctor. Treatments may include additional medications, though your individual treatment will depend on what's causing your signs and symptoms." http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer/CA00030/NSECTIONGROUP=2

Doris,

After my 2nd A/C, the nausea overtake the meds, and ended up like you for 1-1/2 days of not eating, couldn't drink and kept thowing up nothing, just convulsive throwing up over and over.  Ended up in hospital for 4 days with dehydration and fever.

One nurse told me to drink 2-3 liters of liquid a day. I was never given a specific amount to drink.  That's a hell of a lot.  What a difference that made.  Started the day of chemo, and didn't let up on drinking that amount for probably 10 days.  Didn't have to wear diapers, but did have to wear pads, I had to pee so much.

Drinks of choice:  flavored teas, pinapple juice, grape juice, fruit punch.

Please don't give up.

Take care, Cindy

New Flower said:

please call your doctor's office

Dehydration is a serious problem. They should administrate IV if yu cannot hold any liquids. I am very sorry. I took Ativan at nights and zofran which very soluble and you can put under your toung while vomiting and it helped.

Keep s posted

Hugs

The average amount of water/beverages to drink a day for men is roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day, for women it's 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day.  Remember if you are trying to re-hydrate sports drinks are an excellent replacement and also counts as a portion of you daily fluid intake.... Kathy

kmenurse said:

SnowKitty and SIROD

The average amount of water/beverages to drink a day for men is roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day, for women it's 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day.  Remember if you are trying to re-hydrate sports drinks are an excellent replacement and also counts as a portion of you daily fluid intake.... Kathy

I don't think I can add anything because you've already been given some excellent tips.  Just wanted you to know that you have been a Stage IV role model for me--and one of the strongest, most courageous members of this forum.  I want to tell you to soldier on as you have for so many years.  But, alas, it is an individual decision.  Maybe if you just say, okay, I'm going to try a little bit more, you can turn a corner--especially if your doctor/nurse has a remedy you haven't tried yet.

You're in my nightly thoughts and prayers, Doris.  Please try to hang in there.

Hugs, Renee

Hi Doris,

I am so sorry you are feeling so poorly.  You are such a strong lady, and to hear this from you brings tears to my eyes.  I hope the doctor can give you something to relieve the nausea.  There is nothing worse than that horrible feeling.  

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs,

Ginny

Double Whammy said:

You must feel awful

because this post is so out of character from other posts which have been encouraging and inspirational.  I hope you seek relief from these side effects and it's successful.  I'm so sorry you've had such awful nausea and can find a way to relieve it without stopping the treatment.  Lots of good suggestions and the best of which is of course, talk to your oncologist.  Mine always said she had a bag of magic fixes for any side effects.  Hope you find the right potion.

Hugs,

Suzanne

Hi Doris,

I agree with Suzanne, you must just feel terrible. I know you have the strength to continue but I also understand how hard  it is to try to go on when you feel so defeated. I had a horrible time on chemo, like you I could not keep anything down and the anti nausea drugs just didn't work. My nurse at the time suggested the Sancuso patch, what a lifesaver, it works transdermally so you don't have to swallow anything. It really helped me  after wearing the patch I didn't have any nausea. I hope that it can be an option for you. It really helped me. Love Surf

Doris, I have so much respect for your strength and wisdom.   Like Renee you are a stage IV role model for me.  I wish you didn't have to go through this.  You've received so many suggestions, but I have two more....one is 'sea bands'.   They are a wrist band, if you follow instructions they use accupressure to combat the nausea.  The same company makes ginger gum, if you can't keep Ayse's ginger tea down.  I get mine at the local CVS pharmacy.  I hope you are feeling much better soon!

Hugs,

Linda

Doris:

You remind me of myself in August of last year when I felt more dead than alive.  That week I had to drag my butt to the cancer center three times begging for help.  I was given IV fluids and anti-nausea meds each time.  Please let your onc know what you are dealing with.  You know they can't help you if you don't let them know you need help.  I personally think they should be able to read our minds but since they can't, we have to tell them what's going on.  You are not a weakling so I wonder if maybe the loss of your father is effecting you more than you realize.  I recently lost a pet and no I'm not trying to compare that to losing a parent but I threw up most of that day so I'm just saying you are dealing with a lot more than just cancer so give yourself a break and get some help.

HUGS!!!

Jamie 

New Flower said:

Doris, How are you doing today

Please check-in we are worrying about you.

Hugs

Hi Doris,

I hope you are feeling a little better.  I too am worried about you and hope you are feeling less nauseous today.

Hugs, hugs and more hugs,

Ginny