Chemo Affects From First Treatment?

sealnomore · Regular Joined: 13 Mar 2008 Posts: 12

Hi All!

My dad NSCLC Stage 4 with mets to brain (75 years old) starts his first Taxotere chemo treatment tomorrow after 10 radiation treatments to the brain. What can we expect following his first treatment? Are there any risks during the chemo? Should I be worried or is it generally safe?

On another note, I want to send a big thanks to the folks on the board. I have read almost every post and reply on every topic and this board has been huge for me. I have learned you can be hopefull even with a 3-6 month prognosis while still being realistic and enjoying the time you have left with your loved one. I hope I will eventually learn enough to be helpful to others instead of just gathering information!

Thanks,
Debbie

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 982

Hi Sealnomore,

They give plenty of pre-treatment medicines to ward off any initial side effects. He should do fine as long as he keeps on a regular schedule with the anti-nausea meds for several days after the chemo. If the anti-nausea meds aren't working, call the doctor and get a different type. There are many out there and sometimes you have to play to get the correct one for each person.

The actual effects from the chemo don't set in for a few days, then he'll feel tired and possibly achy. There is no telling how each person will respond, but this is the typical scenario. Make sure he drinks plenty of fluids --- hydration and flushing out the chemo is very important. Many people get themselves in trouble by not drinking enough fluids. I used to keep a big supply of Gatorade on hand to help keep the electrolyes and body fluid levels correct. If he doesn't have an appetite, see if he'll drink something like ensure. Also carnation instant breakfast is useful if he doesn't like the flavor in the supplemental drinks like ensure or boost.

I hope he gets through this with flying colors. The first time is always the hardest, but the nurses will sit him down and give him a Chemo 101 primer before he goes through it.

Thank you for your kind words to the members of our board. Your Dad may surprise you, like my husband, and do very well and be around longer than the doctors have said. I wish they wouldn't toss out time-frames, because you never know how well someone may do.

God bless and let us know how he does.

PBJ
_________________
Husband diagnosed with NSCLC Stage IV. (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) Fought & lived 2 1/2 years with multiple lines of treatment.

Post describing our battle: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=7026&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

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