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Nausea when eating during Folfirinox Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: Feb 7 11:26am | Replies (15)Comment receiving replies
Hi @katiegrace - My sister is having the same issue (on Folfirinox, Stage IV, major shrinkage of tumor after 8 infusions, CA19-9 now 20). Her oncologist at MSK has adjusted her dose and she is given several anti-nausea meds with varying results. She has Marinol which helps appetite somewhat but it is sporadic. I am wondering if something like the tincture would be more efficacious(?) I will have her ask her doc at next visit. Thank you.
Replies to "Hi @katiegrace - My sister is having the same issue (on Folfirinox, Stage IV, major shrinkage..."
how about trying ginger tea?
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Layla,
That is great news to hear of the major shrinkage and to hear the CA19-9 is 20!!!! - Best wishes for continued shrinkage and lowering numbers of the CA19-9!!
I always preferred taking something natural (cannabis) as opposed to a medicine, because the meds caused me constipation and the cannabis didn't; medical cannabis can also increase appetite. My integrative oncologist is the one who supported me starting the medical cannabis. She also suggested acupuncture. Several studies have shown that acupuncture can help relieve nausea (but it may not work for everyone and it may take 6 treatments to notice anything). I believe the acupuncture did help me with my nausea.
I had acupuncture on my non chemo weeks - which meant every other week. When I first started folfirinox, I had so many problems with nausea and vomiting, but after about my 5th treatment of folfirinox, I hardly had to take any Zofran or Compazine, except with the infusion (had aloxi, emmend, and zofran). With my new chemo plan, gem/Abraxane, I asked the dr to add fluids (saline), and zofran to my infusion to help alleviate nausea- I have rarely needed to take zofran or compazine during the week or week after my gem/Abraxane infusions.
I have United Healthcare, which covers acupuncture for cancer pain and nausea, which was so nice. But you need to make sure you get an acupuncturist who is board certified. https://directory.nccaom.org
I have to drive an hour to get to my acupuncture appointment, but to me it has been worth it. The acupuncture is so relaxing for me, doesn't hurt, and my acupuncturist sells safe and quality essential oils (Pranarom brand), and helped me learn how to use the essential oils for nausea. (peppermint, spearmint, or ginger oil can be used on the palms, bottom of feet, or inside wrists for nausea-follow bottle directions for using a carrier oil.)