My chemo drugs question

Ritzy said:

Praying that it works for
Praying that it works for you too Laurissa! How did today go? How are you feeling?


Sue

laurissa said:

1st chemo
No bad effects so far. Just a headache. I had to use a wet cloth through the night. My nausea is gone since the nausea med I'm taking. Next treatment is the 8th. 2 mondays in a row then 1 off etc. I guess the effects will increase each time. No luenasta shot is given. Thinning hair will happen which means lose hair. I'm prepared. Thanks for asking.

VickiSam said:

Laurissa .. Gentle hugs for you, dear Sister
nausea and head aches .. all too familiar. For possible side efforts from chemo drugs .. please log on to chemocare.com for additional information:


Gemzar Side Effects:

Important things to remember about Gemzar side effects:

•Most people do not experience all of the Gemzar side effects listed.
•Gemzar side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset, duration and severity.
•Gemzar side effects are almost always reversible and will go away after treatment is complete.
•There are many options to help minimize or prevent Gemzar side effects.
•There is no relationship between the presence or severity of Gemzar side effects and the effectiveness of Gemzar.
The following Gemzar side effects are common (occurring in more than 30%) for patients taking Gemzar:

•Flu-like symptoms (muscle pain, fever, headache, chills, fatigue)
•Fever (within 6-12 hours of first dose)
•Fatigue
•Nausea (mild)
•Vomiting
•Poor appetite
•Skin rash
•Low blood counts. Your white and red blood cells and platelets may temporarily decrease. This can put you at increased risk for infection, anemia and/or bleeding.
Nadir: Meaning low point, nadir is the point in time between chemotherapy cycles in which you experience low blood counts.

Onset: none noted
Nadir: 10-14 days
Recovery: day 21

•Temporary increases in liver enzymes
•Blood or protein in the urine
These are less common Gemzar side effects (occurring in 10-29%) for patients receiving Gemzar:

•Diarrhea
•Weakness
•Hair loss
•Mouth sores
•Difficulty sleeping
•Shortness of breath (see lung problems)
Not all Gemzar side effects are listed above, some that are rare (occurring in less than 10% of patients) are not listed here. However, you should always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.

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Carboplatin Side Effects:

Important things to remember about the side effects of Carboplatin:

•Most people do not experience all of the side effects listed.
•Side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset and duration.
•Side effects are almost always reversible and will go away after treatment is complete.
•There are many options to help minimize or prevent side effects.
•There is no relationship between the presence or severity of side effects and the effectiveness of Carboplatin.
•The side effects of Carboplatin and their severity depend on how much of Carboplatin is given. In other words, high doses may produce more severe side effects).
The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking Carboplatin:

•Low blood counts (including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets)
Nadir: Meaning low point, nadir is the point in time between chemotherapy cycles in which you experience low blood counts.

Onset: None reported
Nadir: 21 days
Recovery: 28 days

•Nausea and vomiting usually occurring within 24 hours of treatment
•Taste changes
•Hair loss
•Weakness
•Blood test abnormalities: Abnormal magnesium level
These are less common (occurring in 10-29%) side effects for patients receiving Carboplatin:

•Burning sensation at the injection site
•Abdominal pain
•Diarrhea
•Constipation
•Mouth sores
•Infection
•Peripheral neuropathy: Although uncommon, a serious side effect of decreased sensation and paresthesia (numbness and tingling of the extremities) may be noted. Sensory loss, numbness and tingling, and difficulty in walking may last for at least as long as therapy is continued. These side effects may become progressively more severe with continued treatment, and your doctor may decide to decrease your dose.
•Central neurotoxicity: Infrequent but patients over age 65 are at increased risk. Symptoms include dizziness, confusion, visual changes, ringing in the ears.
•Nephrotoxicity (see kidney problems): More frequent when Carboplatin is given in high doses or to people with kidney problems.
•Hearing loss (ototoxicity) - loss of high pitched sounds.
•Abnormal blood electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, calcium).
•Abnormal blood liver enzymes (SGOT, Alkaline phosphatase) (see liver problems).
•Cardiovascular events. Although infrequent, heart failure, blood clots and strokes have been reported with Carboplatin use. Less than 1% were life-threatening.
•Allergic reaction may occur. It would occur during the actual transfusion. This may include itching, rash, shortness of breath or dizziness (especially in patients who have received cisplatin).
Not all side effects are listed above, some that are rare (occurring in less than 10% of patients) are not listed here. However, you should always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.

laurissa said:

1st chemo
No bad effects so far. Just a headache. I had to use a wet cloth through the night. My nausea is gone since the nausea med I'm taking. Next treatment is the 8th. 2 mondays in a row then 1 off etc. I guess the effects will increase each time. No luenasta shot is given. Thinning hair will happen which means lose hair. I'm prepared. Thanks for asking.

pinkkari09 said:

Hi Laurissa, first, I want
Hi Laurissa, first, I want to say I'm so sorry you are going through this. I think we started chemo the same day Mon 8-1. I started Gemcitibine/Carboplatin for bone mets, my side effects have been kind of a bumpy ride, fatigue, nausea....dehydrated, but nothing that I can't get under control so that's a plus. I'm praying your chemo is going well and feel free to PM if you want a chemo buddy
Hugs,
Kari