How to fight cisplatin side effects like nausea & fatigue?

Posted by kamrin @kamrin, Jan 12 3:34pm

I've been feeling so tired, and it's only been week 1 of chemoradiation for Hpv 16+. I cant imagine how the end of treatment is going to be. I know it's different for everyone but can it be minimized?

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woodsy1 | @woodsy1 | Jan 29 6:09pm

In reply to @kamrin "@woodsy1 6 cisplatin cycles at 40mg, I also had Tors surgery and neck dissection. Ive had..." + (show)

@kamrin
Maybe 40MG/M2 so actual is 74mg cesplatin that's what I started on
and couldn't handle it but then I am pushing 70 yrs. People over 65 need to be careful
with this stuff. Advocate for yourself if its too much to handle .
I was surprised to read about how many people have died from cesplatin during trials and within 30 days after treatment ending.
Not trying to scare you but they won't tell you this.

woodsy1 | @woodsy1 | Jan 30 6:30am

Day 20 of radiation on tap.
On a brighter note my mouth soreness isn't as bad as it was so maybe the mouth
rinsing (salt and baking soda water; Biotene too) is working . Got a script called in for magic mouthwash yesterday so see what that does today . Chewing isn't as painful either as my jaw was achy for a spell. Can still eat lightly toasted homemade sourdough bread and butter/jam .The dog is getting some of the crust that he enjoys.
The the tumor is hardly visible anymore so thinking about going ahead with a blood draw next Tuesday for the
circulating tumor DNA test which will determine a pos, neg. or how much remains in circulation if any.
Will continue with chemoradiation treatments into next week, maybe finish the week. Too many decisions but the end of treatments in sight at least.
It does take twice as long to eat anymore, Chew, chew and more chew to make sure it isn't chunky going down.
Sorry, I'm like the Energizer bunny on that anti nausea dexamethasone med, a steroid.

kamrin | @kamrin | Jan 30 10:51am

In reply to @woodsy1 "Day 20 of radiation on tap. On a brighter note my mouth soreness isn't as bad..." + (show)

@woodsy1 I got diagnosed right before my 40th Birthday. Cisplatin has really messed with my eating, vomiting but im still hanging on. I cant take any of those boost drinks down. Im starting to lose weight now. Going onto week 5.

woodsy1 | @woodsy1 | Jan 30 2:51pm

In reply to @kamrin "@woodsy1 I got diagnosed right before my 40th Birthday. Cisplatin has really messed with my eating,..." + (show)

@kamrin
Yes I agree with how it messes up your entire digestive tract. From heartburn and uncontrollable hiccups to stomach pains, nausea and dry heaving one night for me then the constipation, argh.
Really tough stuff for someone your age especially . Life just isn't fair sometimes.
The 1/2 dose of 37mg cesplatin has been alot easier so far .
Did make the mistake of eating some pasta shells with tomato meat sauce couple nights ago and had terrible heartburn for awhile and then the hiccups again, Won't do that again.

kamrin | @kamrin | Jan 30 9:02pm

In reply to @woodsy1 "@kamrin Yes I agree with how it messes up your entire digestive tract. From heartburn and..." + (show)

@woodsy1 Yes I had lentils with rice and it caused severe vomitting and heart burn. I won't eat that again. Going to try shakes. The dietian suggested the feeding tube and I've lost less than 10lbs so im going to try this week to eat more.

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