Cisplastin

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Lalitms
Lalitms Member Posts: 9
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

My husband got 1st chemo out of 3 cycles of cisplastin .. nausea kicked in almost immediately. and now constipation. he is taking all the nausea medicine prescribed. how long does nausea usually last ? AND what to expect in coming days ? Does everyoneveryone face lower blood counts ? is there a way to avoid that ? Anxious 

Thanks

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  • Laralyn
    Laralyn Member Posts: 532
    edited December 2016 #2
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    There are some new anti

    There are some new anti-nausea drugs that might help: ask about Emend (not THAT new but still good), a Sancuso patch or Varubi. I used a combo of Sancuso patch and Varubi last time, and they made a big difference. I also saw that a new drug was just approved. So ask his oncologist to switch to something newer and hopefully more powerful.

    I had bad constipation too and discovered the best thing for me was to take Miralax twice a day in juice, whether I felt like I needed it or not. 

    Hope this helps!

  • swopoe
    swopoe Member Posts: 492
    #3
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    My husband took cisplatin,

    My husband took cisplatin, and he did not get nauseous or get lower blood counts. So there is hope! He did have constipation, and while he did try miralax, taking senna pills is what really helped him. Senna is over the counter. Best of luck and hope your husband feels better soon!

  • corleone
    corleone Member Posts: 312 Member
    edited December 2016 #4
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    Cisplatin treatment

    Need to be careful about the:

    - Hydration – just before cisplatin infusion make sure your husband receives IV hydration. Very important because of nephrotoxicity (kidney toxic).

    - As Laralyn mentioned, Emend is very good for nausea; he’ll still get nausea, but much less than Zofran or other typical drugs;

    - need to do audiogram (should have been done prior to the first infusion) because cisplatin is also ototoxic (affects hearing). If usually affects the perception for higher frequency sounds (above 2-3 KHz). In rare cases, it can cause deafness. That’s why a baseline audiogram would help, to have something to compare with.

    - it can cause lower blood counts, but not typical.

     

    Some folks had to switch to carboplatin (a similar platin based formulation, but less toxic).

  • Roar
    Roar Member Posts: 269 Member
    #5
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    My opinion on cisplatin

    this  month marks 4years for myself NED. I had 3 cisplatin treatments. My regiment included radiation and 3 cisplatin treatments. 1 with my first radiation, 1 midway and 1 with my last treatment. Cisplatin was tough. My first treatment wasn't that bad, but the 2nd and 3rd was pretty rough for me. I clearly remember after the 2nd treatment going to work the next day and realizing I was done with work until my treatment regiment was completed. That being said, besides the hydration given the day before, make sure to keep drinking water, ensure etc even during the actual treatment and for days afterwards. While he still can eat, fatten him up because he will need the extra weight at the end. As mentioned above it's the side effects. My hearing loss is bad but I still am resisting the hearing aid. It will be a tough few months, but with the help of your medical team and the survivors hear you will get through this. Good luck and stay strong. Have to remain positive

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    edited December 2016 #6
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    Ask for Emend!

    I had some nausea for 5 days after each treatment, but not too bad....the Emend really worked for me.  As for the constipation....that is really common.  I used Smooth Move tea when it got really bad.  I kind of saved it for weekend because it REALLY works, and I didn't want to get caught on the rad table.  During the week I used Sennacot. 

    Cisplatin lowers blood counts (that's why they take a person's blood every chance they get)....They gave me Neupegen for my white cells....and I had several transfusions for my red cells.  It's all part of the "trudging" to living a long full life.

    p

  • Lalitms
    Lalitms Member Posts: 9
    #7
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    Thanks for all replies. he

    Thanks for all replies. he did get Emend in IV during the chemotherapy. and has been taking cola cell and senna. today nausea is slightly better, will try milk of magnesia next for constipation. hydration is hard. he hates the taste of water and gags on it. so I have been giving him juices. again thanks all .. it's encouraging to know ..there is light at the end of this dark tunnel.

  • MJG1
    MJG1 Member Posts: 137 Member
    #8
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    Nausea-Cisplatin

    My husband was given a steriod during the chemo treatment and for three days afterward.  It is called Demethaxone 4 mg on in am and one in pm.  He also has two nausea medications one is Ondansetron 8 mg for nausea as needed and prochlorperazine 10 mg every 6 hrs. as needed. Do not be concerned about calling the Dr. emergency number till you get something else to help your husband.  He shoulld be able to get some help with this.

    Prayers and good luck

    Margi Greene

    St. Charles, MO

  • MJG1
    MJG1 Member Posts: 137 Member
    #9
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    Oh and Constipation

    Dr. gave him stool softeners to take AM and PM.  BUT with taking pain meds that is not enough...He has taken MiraLAX twice a day and can take it even more if necessary.  No need to suffer more than necessary. ;(

  • MJG1
    MJG1 Member Posts: 137 Member
    #10
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    Lower Blood Counts

    I just re-read your post...Neupogen was what was used to help boost my hubby's white cell count.  There are other medications used, but Neupogen is the only one we had to use.

    Good luck

    Margi

  • Lalitms
    Lalitms Member Posts: 9
    edited December 2016 #11
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    Thank you so much Margi. his

    Thank you so much Margi. his nausea is better. He was on same meds u mentioned  ..somehow he still ended up with nausea. And then all these meds caused constipation ..he was taking colace and senna. but that doesn't seem to be enough. so will try milk of magnesia tomorrow.

     

    Thanks again

     

  • RottiesMom
    RottiesMom Member Posts: 167
    edited December 2016 #12
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    I had

    I had 3 cycles of cisplatin 3 weeks apart.  I also has 35 rad treatments done the same time.  I was on zofran (every 6 hours) and Phenergan  (every 4 hours) round the clock.  After receiving the chemo treatment the nurse stuck on Neulasta onpro on my arm.  You feel a little stick and a timer goes off.  About 27 hours after treatment the med is released into your system and you can take off the thingy.   I never had a problem with my white cell count.  I took the Metamucil fiber capsules.  

    Joanne 

  • T3rri
    T3rri Member Posts: 23
    edited December 2016 #13
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    1 chemo so far

    3 days of radiation and 1 Cisplatin chemo. Given varubi just before chemo which seemed to help. Also have Zofran which he used todaY with my insistence. Not totally nauseous but somewhat queasy but enough to interfere with his functioning. Hopfulky  won't last the week!

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