Thursday, December 03, 2009 unforgettable026 asks

Q: chemo side effects

chemo side effects

Hi everyone,

its been a while since I wrote something here, I finished my 3rd chemo last Nov 26 ( I did FEC and I was really down until now meaning a bit dizzy .. my tummy is not in good condition , a slight headache, like my taste buds now is worst even water.. I just sleep and lie down since Nov 28... this is the worst I felt rather than 1st and 2nd chemo.. my question is my next chemo will be Dec 17 and it is D' docetaxel or taxotere.. Is there anybody who had exeperienced bad side effect with these drugs... before my 3rd chemo, I was not able to drink a lots of water maybe because of that? Can anybody tell me ..it seems that my WBC is low.. BUT I dont have mouthsores inspite of eating sour foods.

its just like I am not what I am .. my stomach is not really in good condition.. Can anybody tell me what the best to eat? and is there a place where I can read experiences regarding FEC-D . thanks again..

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Answers (1)

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide

12/ 3/09 5:27pm

Drinking fluids, especially water, is helpful in reducing chemo side effects; however, as you have found out, the Cytoxan in your FEC can make everything taste metallic. I found sucking on hard candy helped. I thought cinnamon-flavored candy cut through that horrible taste best, but I've heard other people say that was the worst, so you'll have to experiment with gum and candy flavors that will get your saliva going. One of the women in the chemo room told me to try a little fruit juice in my water, and I found that worked well too.

Try eating small amounts of food frequently so that your stomach doesn't get too empty. For many people simple starches like toast, baked potatoes, and so forth are easiest to digest, but again that varies considerably from person to person.

The good news is that the taxane chemos are less likely to cause nausea. You are more likely to have a few days of aching bones similar to the flu than nausea. But again it varies considerably from person to person.

Here's a link to some more information about chemo that may help you.

unforgettable026

12/ 4/09 9:05am

Thank you soo much for your quick responsed.. I think you are right here I have to drink fluids to reduce chemo side effects.. the only bothers me now is dizziness.. I cannot just move easily.. I have ginger candy w/c helps me somehow stabilized my tummy/stomach.. terrible.. I also noticed if I eat' I eat not much but it seems I am full.. my stomach is full right away.. why like that? by the way, do you think my hair will grow now since I only have taxotere for my chemo?? or Do I have to wait to complete my 3-D (docetaxel) to have my hair back?? after my docetaxel I will have Herceptin which is all in all 18 cycles?

Is there any side effects too to look on?? thanks sooo much for all your help..

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide

12/ 4/09 7:07pm

Ginger is supposed to be good for nausea, so I'm glad it has helped you. Be sure you are telling your doctor about all of your side effects, especially the dizziness. Sometimes there is something the doctor can give you to help, and sometimes patients suffer thinking a problem is a side effect when it is actually a symptom that something is wrong on the cancer front. Side effects really do vary quite a bit from person to person, so it is hard to make generalizations about what you might experience.

I was told my hair might grow back on Taxol (which is a cousin of Taxotere), but in my case it didn't. Your doctor will monitor your heart carefully while you are on Herceptin because it can be hard on the heart.

unforgettable026

12/ 4/09 7:26pm

thanks again. yes, I will mention this to my oncologist about my side effects specially the dizziness. my 1st and 2nd chemos are ok.. I was only down after 2 days which is 2 days then everything is ok.. but now my 3rd chemo really hit me hard it took 6 days not even , until now I am still bit dizzy, lightheaded and I have been panting lately .. Is there somebody who you think have this kind of side effects on the 3rd chemo? as I said I will have my next chemo this coming Dec. 17, I am pretty sure my WBC is low right now.. I am planning to call my nurse this coming monday... my taste buds are really bad this time.. once again thanks.

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide

12/ 5/09 7:48am

Why don't you call today? Someone will be on call. It sounds like you are really short of breath, and the doctor might want to see you before Monday. You'll feel much better if you talk to the nurse and she says your dizziness and shortness of breath are within the typical side effect range for your chemo. She'll know the right questions to ask to determine if this is an emergency situation.

unforgettable026

12/ 5/09 9:45am

thanks once again.. it seems that dizziness and shortness of breath are within the side effect of my chemo..now I am ok... my shortness of breath is ok .. but I will get in touch with them this coming monday.. I am ok today a bit dizzy but not like before.. I eat well and my taste bud much better today.. thank you sooo much and more power to you. I would like to ask.. Can I ask my oncologist while I am in chemo still ; if they can check my kidney,liver if there is damaged while I'm in chemo? or to my GP? I just wanted to check also because I am drinking Metformin? just double check..

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

12/ 5/09 10:56am

Hi - Feel free to ask your oncologist any question you like - s/he's there to treat you, and should welcome your questions about treatment. And do ask your oncologist, not your GP; your oncologist is in charge of anything to do with your cancer, including the effects of chemo on other parts of your body. Make sure s/he knows what other drugs or remedies you're taking, too, OK? Good luck - PJH

unforgettable026

12/ 5/09 4:20pm

Thanks again.. I will mentioned this to my oncologist.. she knows about other drugs I am taking. and thanks God I am ok now than 4 days ago.. now I drove bought some groceries.. All leafy vegetables,I am making good soups, now I can drink lots,lots of water my taste bud is good.. I am ok again.. normal cook and just relax and as you said to me before save my energy..for my next chemo.. (now I understand why save my energy).. just relax .. the only I noticed is that my eyes sometimes blurry.. when I drive today its sunny here that I have to wear my sunglasses (is it correct) excuse me -actually, my brain is kind of foggy forgive my present tenses and past tenses-) I just write whatever I think in my mind.. I noticed "foggy brain"? how far it will go,, it seems I keep on repeating the things I say.. but other than that I am ok and just enjoy every minute of it. specially now that I think I am back "NORMALthanks again and more power to you...

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

12/ 5/09 5:12pm

"Foggy brain" and sensitivity to light are both "normal" for what you're going through. Don't try to analyze too much of this, OK? Just relax and what happens, happens. When you're uncomfortable, tell your oncologist or a nurse. Put one foot in front of the other, and you'll get there - one way or another! PJH

unforgettable026

12/ 5/09 8:22pm

I know I kept analyzing. thanks for your quick response.. you are right just relax and what happens, happens.. more power to you and to all of you...

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