Connect← Return to Chemo and Immunotherapy: Any tips before I start?
Discussion
Chemo and Immunotherapy: Any tips before I start?
Gynecologic Cancers | Last Active: Oct 22 12:08pm | Replies (33)Comment receiving replies
@juliea55 thank you! My first cycle is Tuesday. I think my worry is that they put me on Eliquis because my cancer tends to create blood clots (I had one from surgery) - that has its own side effects. Then the two chemo drugs plus immuno drug - my head just wonders how do I even make sense of the cocktail & all of its side effects. For example, I was considering CBD & CBG for relief but when I looked into its combo with DOACs, problems occur. The hyper-vigilancy to check all combos is exhausting. How do I stay a responsible self-advocating patient while also staying present and positive?
Replies to "@juliea55 thank you! My first cycle is Tuesday. I think my worry is that they put..."
Connect
@sabwal, managing multiple medications, including supplements, and multiple conditions can be overwhelming. Reading your post made me think of two services that can be helpful when needed.
1. There is a specialty called cardio-oncology.
Major cancer centers, like Mayo Clinic, offer expertise in addressing heart problems (called cardio-oncology), potential or current issues. At Mayo, the Cardio-Oncology Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/cardio-oncology-clinic/overview/ovc-20442193) evaluates people prior to cancer treatment and patients who have experienced side effects due their treatment.
2. Consider your pharamacist an active member of your cancer care team.
When you have questions about drug interactions, supplements, your pharmacist is a great resource. They are well versed in drug interactions and can also help with suggestions regarding timing of adminitration, managing side effects and more.
Being a patient is hard work, especially advocating for yourself and staying proactive and positive. While exhausting, it sounds like you're doing a good job. 🙂