While we always encourage patients to do everything they can to fight cancer, many alternative agents are unproven in their effectiveness at what they claim to do. Furthermore, they may interact with your chemotherapy in ways that are not anticipated by your doctor and could even be harmful. It is best to check with [...]
The transfusions need to be given in the hospital.
It is always best to discuss this with your doctor. But, for an extensive list of side effects caused by chemotherapy, the website of People Living With Cancer www.plwc.org has fantastic, comprehensive and reliable information.
Although you may not become nauseous, your appetite may be decreased for the duration of your treatment. Even if you are overweight, you should not lose weight during your treatment course unless it is done in a nutritious way. You may not feel like eating a normal meal, but you still need the same amount [...]
We do everything we can to prevent nausea and vomiting. Some regimens however do produce more nausea more than others. You may be given prescriptions prior to your first treatment to prevent nausea. It is best to have them filled and at your home so they can be immediately available to you when you need [...]
There are several symptoms that may require hospitalization after you have received chemotherapy. You should call if you have: -fever above 101*F -nausea, vomiting, inability to eat for 2 days or more -chest pain, shortness of breath -bleeding -sores in your mouth -severe diarrhea, lightheadedness or dizziness -severe pain -profound weakness -other Of course, we [...]
Not necessarily. Many regimens given today do not have alopecia (hair loss) as a side effect so you will need to discuss this with your doctor. If you do have hair loss, it usually occurs 2-3 weeks after the start of your first treatment. It doesn’t all fall out at once; you will start to [...]
Your doctor and nurse will discuss this with you in great detail at your visit. Many people receive different regimens, even if they have the same type of cancer, so a side effect that you heard about from a friend may not apply to you.
The duration of your treatment will very depending on your type of cancer and the chemotherapy drugs you are receiving. Your physician or nurse will give you an estimate on the time you will be sitting, but it may be longer than anticipated. You are encouraged to bring a book, magazine, knitting, headset or other [...]
Yes. We usually request that another person drive you home after your first treatment, since you may be especially tired from the chemotherapy or the premedications given to prevent nausea. That person may sit with you throughout the treatment or can leave and come back when you are finished.
