What can I expect with Cisplatin + Pemetrexed chemo?

@amareese I haven't had chemo - but you can use the search function to look for others who have had this chemotherapy combo. here's one such comment that cautions days 4-6 can be difficult.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1168040/

Hi @amareese, In another post, I saw that you have the EGFR mutation, the same as mamajite. I have the ALK mutation, late stage at the time of diagnosis, so I did not have chemotherapy either.
Take one day at a time and be sure to ask your nurses for any tips and advice. Do you have the support of family or friends? Do you have someone to help with your kids?

This is a good discussion about the practical side of planning for the start of chemotherapy treatments; foods and saving energy:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/wifes-diagnosis-sclc-chemo-next-week-what-should-i-do/
Here's another specific to the same types of chemo:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/carboplatin-plus-permetrexed/

Before you begin treatments have your hearing tested. Platinum chemos are hard on hearing and if there is hearing loss that can be attributed to chemo, many insurance Weill pay for hearing aids.

Stock up on stool softeners and anti diarrhea meds. It can go either way. Also get some bamboo or plastic eating utensils as the Cisplatin will make everything taste metallic.

Take anti nausea meds exactly as directed, steroids too, to reduce nausea.

Stay hydrated. Know that calories are more important than balance while going through chemo. Make an appointment with a nutritionist to learn how much protein you will need.

Others will be checking in soon with their thoughts.

I can share mu experience with these IV chemotherapy. I started the same adjuvant therapy with in 6 weeks post surgery for Stage 2 B NSCLC. Side effects can probably vary between individual .Fortunately, I had tolerable side effects from the infusions. Day 1=Day of infusion beside you are well hydrated. It will make starting the IV much smoother. The infusion itself was well tolerated other than I had to go to the bathroom ofter due to the hydration you get with the Cisplatin and Permethrexed. If my infusion gets done after 5 pm I was up most of the night going pee due to the extra fluids from the chemo.
Day 2= Day after chemo I usually felt fine. Just make sure drink lots of water to start flushing out the chemo out of your system . You'll do this for the next few days ( check guidelines given to you from your medical team) .
Day 3= this is the day I feel more fatigued and have loss of appetite. I continue to take anti nausea as scheduled even if no nausea. Hydration is very important as I was fatigued and slept longer, I honestly will get behind in drinking. I catch up on drinking water even if I don't feel the urge. If your urine is colored even slight yellow , need to drink more.
Day 4= I still feel the same as Day 3. Be mindful of bowel movements as constipation can easily happen due to low appetite and dehydration. Continue taking stool softeners as part of chemo protocol.
Day 5= This is the day I usually get my appetite and strength back.
Thereafter= I continue to focus on eating, hydration and exercises as tolerated (simple walking around the neighborhood) .
I also consulted with a RD (Reg Dietician) who guided me on how to get best nutrition when feeling the s/e of chemotherapy. This may necessitates drinking supplemental nutrition.
Hope this will alleviate your worries and help you prepare for your treatment. Wishing strength and courage for the future.

@lala56 thank you for this information. I am having complications from lobectomy pleural effusion due to a duct injury. Hopefully starting chemo in the next week or so. I’m 6 weeks post, also stage 2B EGFR mutation. I hope I can start chemo soon. Did this chemo cause hair loss? I’m afraid of all this situation. Will we survive this.?

@amareese I developed a chylothorax 6 weeks after my right lower lobectomy. After another 5 weeks of unsuccessfully trying to heal it via diet, my surgeon went back in to seal it (I had numerous sessions to drain the buildup until then). I've been great ever since and this May will be 3 years.

This is exactly what has happened to me, a chylothorax leak. I’m headed for a thoracic duct embolization procedure today. Did you have this procedure done as well? What should I expect, I’m pretty nervous about it. This has delayed my chemo I’m feeling a little defeated.

Hi, I had 4 rounds after 2 VATS wedge resections 2024. I didnt lose my hair but it did thin significantly, fortunately I had a lot to begin with. I had diarrhea once, constipation frequently. Was tired day of infusion day and day after and had less energy as I progressed through the 4 cycles. But I actually walked my dogs for 40 minutes almost every day. I was 62 during treatment. Stage 2A Kras mutation. I swear getting up walking every morning helped me, physically, mentally, spiritually. Prayers that things go well!!