Have any of you experienced this?

Hi Abiail, Sorry to hear about your Mum’s troubles but they do sound pretty standard to the chemotherapy world. To answer some of your questions…. Yes it is normal for the hair to start falling out within a week. Gemcitabine and cisplatin is known for hair loss for alot of people. I had a thining out but did not loose all. Yes it is definitely the right thing to do with stopping or not giving chemo when blood counts are to low. I have had to delay a week a couple times two weeks because of low counts. I highly recommend having blood checked weekly while on chemo. Yes I have had to get rehydrated several times and have had to give my self injections of filgrastin due to being nuetropenic ( low white bloods cells in your bone marrow). Plus you need to keep an eye on your platelets as they can go low and danger of not being able to control your bleeding should you get cut or bruise real bad. Xeloda is a form of chemo but normally taking orally. Your oncologist should know exactlly what your taking and when. Especially if starting a new chemo regimen. To much toxicity from these drugs can cause alot of problems. CT Scans are recommend every 2-3 months to see if tumors are shrinking. Just because your CA 19 marker is showing good signs of going lower doesn’t always mean the tumor is shrinking as well that may come a little later or prove not to work. Get yourself a little calendar that has room for notes and carry with you just in case there is questions of when and what. I hope I’ve answered your questions. And I wish your Mom and you the best on this unfortunate roller coaster ride.
God Bless,
Jeff G.