Chemotherapy What can we expect?

Hi KateMaryKate,

It is good to hear your husband is moving forward with a treatment plan.

Most oncology infusion centers seem to go the extra mile to make sure the patient is comfortable, e.g., nice reclining chairs, tea and coffee, abundant magazines.  If your husband will be there for a good part of the day, it is good to come with entertainment (e.g., laptop, book, music) and snacks.  Infusion centers usually allow family or a friend to accompany, but space constraints limit how many.  Where I was, there was one extra chair for a guest.  Some patients sleep through the infusion.

My own experience with chemo was with a different cocktail (gemcitabine and capecitabine).  Of the list of side effects, I had some but not others.  Most were annoying but tolerable.  They tended to max out several days after the gemcitabine infusion so I learned to time that so the worst effects were on the weekend, since I was still working.  The degree and mix of side effects were different each cycle.  For example, I had a major rash after cycle one which never happened again.

There is a lot of good info on the web about managing chemo side effects plus your oncology team can help.  For example, there are different nausea drugs – if one does not work, tell your doctor as another medication may do the trick.

The hospital where I was treated had an oncology nurse on call.  I learned that it was beneficial to call if a side effect was worrying me.  The nurses were reassuring and had many suggestions on things I could do to feel better.

I hope your husband’s treatments go well.  Please keep in touch.

Regards, Mary