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Carboplatin
Chemotherapy
This section assumes
you have already talked about other treatment options with your doctor
and have agreed to a course of carboplatin 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 about
1 hour. 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. It is given every
3 or 4 weeks at the clinic for 4 or 6 courses1.
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
Your
Hair
The treatment does not usually cause complete hair loss although you may
find your hair becomes thinner or more brittle. If you do experience hair
loss, the nurse can arrange a wig for you. However, any hair loss or hair
thinning is temporary and your hair will return when your treatment 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 ulcerated,
telephone for advice.
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 Fertility
We advise you not to become pregnant or father a child during
chemotherapy and for 2 months after your 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.
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 Unit 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
- Breast - Primary
- Breast - Secondary
- Ovary
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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