2007-01-28 12:43:22 · 5 answers · asked by bluesky_clearday 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
The side effects depend on the chemotheraputic agent or regimen you are given. Some chemotherpies are barely noticeable, then there are some which are hell to go thru.
Chemo RN x 12 yrs.
2007-01-28 16:59:30 · answer #1 · answered by happydawg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends upon the type of chemotherapy you are talking about. Almost any type of chemo can be given at a lower than maximun dose, however . . how effective will it be against the tumor?
Sometimes doctors will lower or adjust the dosage if the patient cannot tolerate the chemo. But, again, the problems with lowering the dose is that it might not be effective against destroying the tumors.
As far as side effects go . . the lower doses can help with lessening the side effects too.
Some aggressive cancers after remission or no evidence of disease may require what is termed a 'maintenance or lower dose' chemo in order to keep the cancer from returning. (Leading many to speculate that cancer may eventually become a chronic disease that can be treated with medication)
My son had 8 months of low dose chemo - one was oral Temodar, the other Irinotecan. He was able to have his chemotherapy at home. He did not lose his hair and he did feel a little nauseous while the chemo was administered. The only side effect that he had was diarrea, which was controlled with Immodium and plenty of gatoraide.
2007-01-28 13:04:24 · answer #2 · answered by Panda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
low dose? like lupron?? those are the only low doses i know if now adays, they are new...and given by iv or site injection. usually side effects are lethargy, nausea, fatigue, nightmares, mild hair loss in some cases, bone pain, they new chemotherpies all must be given with calcium supplementation because your bone marrow will weaken. i went through this for breast cancer and know its one of the only low doses that doesnt include radiation. heres a great site:
http://www.chemocare.com/BIO/lupron.asp
2007-01-28 12:54:59 · answer #3 · answered by divinemadness 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my mother took a low dose of chemo for about half of her 32 rounds and there were no side affects till they up it.
2007-01-28 23:30:28 · answer #4 · answered by mountainchowpurple 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tiredness, hairloss, constipation, nausea. Everyone is different though.
2007-01-28 12:51:17 · answer #5 · answered by ♥monamarie♥ 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋