Taxol Chemotherapy

This section assumes you have already talked about other treatment options with your doctor and have agreed to a course of taxol chemotherapy.

It will explain:

• the treatment plan;
• the most common side effects you may have and ways in which you can reduce or even overcome them when you are at home;
• any serious side effects that may affect your life-style;
• who to contact when you need advice about the chemotherapy.

It will also be helpful for family and friends who may be worried at how the treatment may affect you and ways in which they can help.

Treatment Plan 1
Your treatment is given by the nurses and takes at least 3 hours. It is given as an infusion (drip) into a vein in the back of your hand or forearm using a plastic needle called a cannula, every 3 weeks at the clinic for 4 or 6 courses1.
Your treatment should be pain free. However, if the area around the cannula causes any pain, stinging or burning, tell the nurse immediately.

Side Effects 2
Nausea and Vomiting (feeling sick and being sick)
This may start a few hours to 48 hours after treatment unless you take your anti-emetics (anti-sickness) tablets as prescribed. You can help by eating small, frequent meals and avoiding rich, spicy foods and alcohol for 48 hours after treatment. If sickness lasts longer than this, telephone for advice and let your nurse or doctor know at the next hospital visit. A different anti-emetic may help. Some anti-emetics may cause drowsiness. If affected, it is important you do not drive or operate machinery.

Your Bone Marrow
Chemotherapy affects the bone marrow where blood cells are made and may temporarily lower the three main types of blood cells.

• Your white cells leaving you more prone to infection.
• Your red cells causing anaemia.
• Your platelets which may leave you prone to bruising or bleeding.

Because of this we will require blood tests each time you attend and in between at your nearest hospital. Telephone for advice if:

• your temperature rises above 37.5ºC (100ºF) which may mean an infection. The nurse will show you how to take your own temperature if you do not know;
• you have any bruising or bleeding you cannot account for;
• you feel tired or short of breath, which may mean you are anaemic and need a blood transfusion; or
• you feel generally unwell
  

Allergic Reactions
Some people will occasionally experience allergic reactions. To help prevent this, we will give you medication through the drip before your chemotherapy starts.

Your Hair
Unfortunately, you will lose the hair on your head and other body hair may thin out. The nurse will arrange a wig for you. However, hair loss is temporary and your hair will return once the chemotherapy is complete.

Your Mouth
Your mouth is prone to ulcers and infection so clean your teeth & gums after each meal. Avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol, because they increase dryness in your mouth. Salt water is good (1 tsp. salt to 1 pint boiled, cooled water). If your mouth continues to be very sore or becomes ulcerated, telephone for advice.

Your Fertility
We advise you not to become pregnant or father a child during chemotherapy and for 2 months after the last treatment because the drugs may harm the developing baby. So, before starting treatment discuss methods of contraception with your partner and, if necessary, a nurse or doctor. The treatment may also affect your fertility in the future.

Your Fingers and Toes
As treatment progresses, you may experience pins & needles in your fingers and toes. Although harmless, let the doctor know at your next visit, he/she may want to reduce or change the drug. The sensation should disappear within 4-6 weeks of completing your chemotherapy In the meantime be cautious with hot water and appliances.

Your Muscles and Joints
You may also experience mild muscle and joint pain. You may take some mild painkillers if you wish.

Your Skin
You may notice some reddening of the skin, especially around surgical scars, areas which have been irradiated and ostomy sites or rashes and itching, especially on your upper body. If either are troublesome, let the nurse or doctor know at your next visit.

Generalised Swelling
You may experience swelling of your limbs and face. Please let the nurse or doctor know if this happens.

Tiredness
You may feel tired at times. It is important that you do as much or as little as you feel like doing. You may need to take time off work.

It is hard to say which side effects will affect you and to what extent. Be guided by how you feel each day.

Who to Contact:
Delamere Day Case 0151 604 7498, Mon - Fri, 9-5
Sulby Ward 0151 604 7459 all other times

References:
1. CCO 1999. Chemotherapy Protocols. Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology.
2. Cytotoxic Chemotherapy. 5th ed. Eli Lilly Oncology.

Further Reading:
CCO Patient Information Series:

• Chemotherapy (No.8)
• Sex and Chemotherapy (No.10)
• Hair Care Advice (No. 8D)
  

CancerBACUP leaflets.

• Chemotherapy
• Sexuality and Cancer
• Coping with Hair Loss
  
  

Other Sources of Information:
Cancer Information Centre
Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology,
Bebington, Wirral CH63 4JY
Tel: 0151 482 7722.
www.ccotrust.co.uk

BACUP
3 Bath Place
Rivington St
London EC2A 3JR Tel.0800 181199
www.cancerbacup.org.uk

Taxol

Taxol & Cisplatin

Taxol & Carboplatin

CAE

Adriamycin

BMC

Carboplatin

5FU & Folinic Acid

AC

CAV

Cisplatin

CMF

CMV

Epirubicin

Irinotecan

Mitozantrone