Dad’s Gem/Cis chemo experience Day 1

Hi all ~
Since I know I was searching for information on chemo and any reactions, what to expect, etc., I thought I’d post how my dad’s first day of Chemo went for any others who feel kind of clueless in this situation.

First day of chemo was yesterday and since dad has no Port yet, was done through IV. Nurses were amazing, so kind and very informative. First step was administration of Magnesium sulfate, prior to giving Cisplatin since it can be very damaging on the kidneys. Nurse also gave 2 anti-nausea meds: Dexamethasone (Decadron) and Ondansetron (Zofran) before starting. 45 mg of Cisplatin with Sodium Chloride was then administered slowly — I think it was about an hour and half for this one to finish. More Magnesium sulfate was then given to help the kidneys. Now onto Gemcitabine (Gemzar). I had read about the burning sensation and heating pad used and was ready to ask for it for dad, but the nurse began the IV drip with saline solution (to run fast) in order to help with this possible burning of the Gem. Luckily it worked! No problems whatsoever. 45 minutes later he was done.

Today no nausea, no night sweats. It seems almost surreal with all the dreading my family had with the chemo treatments. Keeping our fingers crossed for the next few days.

Thanks to all the information on the boards, I think preparing for the worst is important and a great relief when the worst skips us by.

Lourdes