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Taxol
& Cisplatin Chemotherapy
This section assumes
you have already talked about other treatment options with your doctor
and have agreed to a course of CAE 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
The nurses will give you your treatment and takes about 45 minutes. It
is given every three weeks as an infusion (drip) into a vein in the back
of your hand or forearm using a plastic needle called a cannula for a
maximum of 6 cycles1. Your treatment should be pain free. However, if
the skin around the cannula causes any pain, stinging or burning, tell
the nurse immediately.
We will also give you some tablets (etoposide) to take on the 2nd &
3rd day. Do not ask your GP for any more.
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
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. to 1 pint boiled,
cooled water). If your mouth continues to be very sore or 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 Finger 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. In the meantime,
be cautious with hot water and appliances. The sensation should disappear
within 4-6 weeks of completing your chemotherapy.
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 irradiated areas and ostomy sites or rashes and itching,
especially on your upper body. If are troublesome, let either 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.
Your Kidneys
The chemotherapy can affect your kidneys that produce urine (water, wee).
We will give you plenty of fluids through the drip to
help prevent this and will keep a careful check on your kidney function
through blood tests each time you attend for treatment. If your kidneys
become affected, the doctor may well decide to change you to a different
type of chemotherapy.
Your Hearing
Sometimes the chemotherapy can affect your hearing. If you have deafness,
ringing or buzzing in your ears, let the nurse or doctor know at your
next visit.
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:
Sulby Ward 0151 604 7459
References:
1. CCO Chemotherapy Protocols 1999
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
- Lung (Understanding
Cancer Series)
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
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