I had the first treatment a week ago. The side effects are not too heavy, I feel of course a bit weak, unwell, nauseated, easely exhausted, throat pain and pain in the nose. But I can accept this.
What will happen after the next 6 or 7 treatments ?
Thank you for giving me your time to answer !
2007-03-01 16:00:18 · 5 answers · asked by Shanti 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Side effects are different for everybody. Speaking only from experience that I know (my 11 year old had lymphoma) they pumped him up with Prednisone which boosted his immune system and white blood cell count, so that when the chemo effects took place (they knock down your WBC counts and platelets) they didn't dip right down to zero.
That's the danger that your body will remain virtually without any defense to infection as your immune system is compromised.
It may become necessary to receive transfusions and this is why they monitor your blood weekly (they did weekly with my son...he was on 8 weeks treatment). Sounds like you are on the 6 month protocol. You have to be careful 10 days after chemo when you're at your lowest...they pick up again after that and rise up. Stay away from anyone sick and everyone should Purell their hands when they walk into your home or wear a mask (or you should) if sick or out in public in a crowd, eg mall, etc.
It sounds crazy but you are fighting for your life and secondary and serious flus etc. can make you seriously ill...after all you go through you don't want a cold or virus complicating things.
The longer you are on chemo, the greater your risk for infection...so you may be ok the first 3 or 4 months and it's towards the end you may have to be the most cautious.
Afterwards my son was on antibiotics 3 days a week just to ward off getting a type of pneumonia. He immediately went back to school after chemo treatment (which was all of summer holidays.)
He is very lucky he was hardly ill at all (except for the chemo effects - nausea after chemo, tiredness, hair loss). He was a real trooper and brave throughout. He was very tired but went to a camp for kids with cancer for 2 weeks and was fine and had the time of his life. I was so worried. This was in the middle of his chemo too but they had 24/7 docs and nurses there too and one on one counsellors. It really changed his life and outlook and gave him back his confidence.
He's ok now and hopefully will always be. You will be too, so hang in there, come what may, and stay positive. That is the best thing you can do for yourself. Don't isolate yourself. Just use caution as I said and stay sterile yourself to avoid germs.
Nobody knows about the long term side effects of these drugs, but given you don't have a choice but to be on this path right now, I wouldn't worry so much. Be brave and positive and take one day at a time. That is all any of us can do. Get support if you need it. It's out there. Be with others like you, support groups if they're available to you. You will be surprised the hope you find and the friends you make.
Best of luck to you.
2007-03-01 23:54:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your side effect depending on the drug might be what is to be expected not know the chemo drug your on would be hard to say.
Unfortunately some of the effects of the drugs take a few weeks to get worse like hair loss. It take a few treatment for things to change. That is typical of all medication not just Chemo.
Each chemo has different side effect and each person response differently with the drug. You should tell your oncologist what side effects you are having. Some he/she might beable to give you medication for to lessen the effects.
This is not an easy time for you but having a positive attitude sure goes a very long way.
Go on to the website: breastcancer.org they have a live chat room. Everyone has or had BC so you can ask your question regarding your situation. You will enjoy it. It is an all around good group of women. Hope to see you there
2007-03-01 17:01:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Each chemo cycle is different. The side effects generally tend to accumulate or add on to each other but because of previous experience, we are usually more able to cope. They do get worse before it's over...depends really on your regimen. I first had Taxotere (Docetaxel), Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide.
The good thing is that most of these side effects are temporary. I regained the feeling on the tips of my fingers (I experienced numbness/paresthesia beginning the fifth cycle) within a few weeks from the end of the treatment and my hair grew back fast, too.
Drink plenty of water, it will help. And sherbet or flavored ice chips if you get that metallic taste in your mouth. Tell your doctor your inconveniences (like being unable to sleep at night) and discomforts (nausea) so he/she can prescribe something that will ease your troubles.
Be well.
2007-03-02 01:42:28 · answer #3 · answered by Livewell 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have several friends that had that treatment and all i know is that they gained a lot of weight and it was not from eating more because they ate less.
2007-03-01 16:13:07 · answer #4 · answered by CHAEI 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
with some people they do get worse if they do talk to your dr my mom just had her breast removed1/16/07 and getting ready to start chemo again good luck and dont stop fighting
2007-03-01 22:40:17 · answer #5 · answered by mountainchowpurple 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋