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Brother diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer
Colorectal Cancer | Last Active: Jun 5 8:18am | Replies (35)Comment receiving replies
Well, after 3rd round of chemo, my brother said this one hit hard. Up and down all night with stomach cramps, gas, on toilet most of the night and this time throwing up from nausea😢. If I understand the process, each time may or does get worse side effects. He is scheduled for 12 total. I know I have read somewhere on here that often times patients need a break before finishing their scheduled infusions. Anyone have suggestions for comfort? He got the pump off yesterday, is scheduled for his first CT scan a week from today on May 31st. The last two rounds showed by day two after pump removed, felt significantly better.
Replies to "Well, after 3rd round of chemo, my brother said this one hit hard. Up and down..."
If nausea is severe, injected meds are the most effective in combatting them.
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When I did chemo (FOLFOX6), the side effects of the oxaliplatin grew intolerable - caused some vertigo/dizziness/falling and cardiac issues. So I got a break to have the cardiac/vertigo issues checked out and afterwards they dropped the oxaliplatin and I finished the 12 cycles with 5-FU only.
They can adjust the chemo regimen and allow a short rest as needed.
My regiment had 10ml of a steroid at the beginning of the infusion - that can cause insomnia in some and I had them drop that to 5ml. The purpose is to help ease nausea so that may not be an option. for him.
As for the cramping/gas issues - I had some anti nausea meds given, but never got severe enough nausea to take them more than a few times - the lack of nausea might be related to dropping the oxaliplatin.
I think it's important to make sure his care team knows of his difficulties/symptoms in detail so they can make adjustments.
Hope that helps.