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5FU & Folinic Acid Chemotherapy for Bowel Cancer
This information
assumes you have already talked about other treatment options with your
doctor and have agreed to a course of 5FU and folinic acid 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; and
- 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 10 minutes. It is
given as an injection into a vein in the back of your hand or forearm
using a small needle called a butterfly. It is given every week at the
clinic for either 12 or 24 weeks1. Your doctor will see you every so often
during this time.
Side
Effects 2
Nausea and Vomiting (feeling sick and being sick)
It is important to take your anti-emetics (anti-sickness) tablets as prescribed,
otherwise nausea and less frequently vomiting, may become a problem. You
can help reduce this 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
Fertility
We advise you not to become pregnant or father a child during chemotherapy
and for 2 months after the last treatment as 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. However, your fertility
in the future may also be affected. You may want to discuss sperm banking
Your
Abdomen (tummy / belly)
Sometimes cramps may occur after treatment. If cramps last more than a
day or two, telephone for advice. Diarrhoea (loose bowls / motions) should
not last for more than 24 hours. If diarrhoea does continue or you have
pain, telephone for further advice. Taking anti-diarrhoea tablets and
drinking at least 1-2 litres of clear fluids a day may help.
Your
Hands and Feet
As treatment progresses, the skin on your hands and the soles of your
feet may become cracked or sore. Ask the nurse for advice on moisturising
creams. Dry these areas properly after washing.
Your
Nose
You may find a lot of mucous and streaks of blood when you blow your nose
especially in the morning. This is due to the drugs irritating the lining.
It will stop when the chemotherapy treatment is complete.
Your
Eyes
In strong sunlight or wind, your eyes may water a lot. Wearing sunglasses
may help this. Petroleum jelly around the lower eyelid may prevent the
skin becoming dry and cucumber slices placed on the eye may soothe the
area.
Your
Mouth
Keep your mouth healthy by cleaning your teeth and gums after each meal.
Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as this will increase dryness
in your mouth. Salt water is good. If your mouth continues to be very
sore or ulcerated, telephone for advice.
Your
Bone Marrow
Chemotherapy affects the bone marrow where blood cells are made and may
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 for treatment 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.
Tiredness
You may feel a bit tired at times. It is important that you do as much
or as little as you feel like doing.
It is hard to say
which side effects will affect you. However, most people are able to carry
on as they normally do.
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. AHFS 1999. American Hospital Formulary Service. Published by the American
Society of Hospital Pharmacists. Bethesda, Maryland.
Further
Reading:
CCO Patient
Information Series:
- Chemotherapy
(No.8)
- Sex and Chemotherapy
(No.10)
CancerBACUP
leaflets.
- Chemotherapy
- Sexuality and
Cancer
- Colon and rectum
(Understanding cancer series)
Other
Sources of Information:
Cancer Information Centre
Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology,
Bebington, Wirral CH63 4JY
Tel: 0151 482 7722.
BACUP
3 Bath Place
Rivington St
London EC2A 3JR
Tel. 0800 181199 www.cancerbacup.org.uk
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