Patients experiece different body reactions after first-time (round) of chemotherapy. You can expect: Gaining weight during and after chemo Losing hairs (that makes you having cancer very visible)
Full Answer
What happens before and after a cisplatin infusion?
Before and/or after the cisplatin infusion, extra IV fluids are given and care is taken to ensure adequate hydration before both during and after cisplatin, to protect your kidney function. Cisplatin also has been used as an infusion into the abdominal cavity (contains the abdominal organs).
How much cisplatin will I receive?
Cisplatin also has been used as an infusion into the abdominal cavity (contains the abdominal organs). The amount of cisplatin that you receive depends on many factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer that you have. Your doctor will determine your dose and schedule.
What should I expect after my first chemo treatment?
The day after your first treatment you may feel tired or very fatigued. Plan on resting, as this gives your body the chance to respond to the chemotherapy, and begin the recovery cycle. Remember that chemo affects every cell in your body. Stay well-hydrated by drinking lots of water or juice.
What do I need to know about my first round of chemotherapy?
If you're about to go for your first round of chemotherapy, you may have lots of questions along with some fears. Your oncologist will talk about the drugs you will receive and potential side effects, as well as how often you will need to be seen.
How do a person feel after first chemo treatment?
Chemotherapy can make you feel sick (nauseated) or cause you to vomit. Not everyone feels sick during or after chemotherapy, but if nausea affects you, it will usually start a few hours after treatment. Nausea may last for many hours and be accompanied by vomiting or retching.
How will I feel after cisplatin?
Feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting) This is fairly common with cisplatin. If you do feel sick this may begin a few hours after the treatment is given and last for up a few days. Your doctor can prescribe very effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent, or greatly reduce sickness.
What happens at first chemo session?
Before chemotherapy begins, you'll have tests to check your general health and make sure the treatment is suitable for you. The tests you'll have may include: blood tests to check things such as how well your liver and kidneys are working, and how many blood cells you have.
How long after your first chemo treatment do you get sick?
Acute nausea and vomiting usually happens within minutes to hours after treatment is given, and usually within the first 24 hours. This is more common when treatment is given by IV infusion or when taken by mouth.
How long before cisplatin side effects start?
Nausea and vomiting usually begin within 1 to 4 hours after treatment and last up to 24 hours. Various degrees of vomiting, nausea and/or anorexia may persist for up to 1 week after treatment.
What is the most common side effect of cisplatin?
The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking Cisplatin: Nausea and vomiting. Nausea may last up to 1 week after therapy. Anti-nausea medication is given before the infusion, and a prescription is also given for use after.
What do you say on the first day of chemo?
If you're struggling to find the right words, here are 12 kind things to say to someone with cancer:“I'm here for you.” ... “You are in my thoughts and prayers.” ... “I'm so sorry you're going through this.” ... “Let me help you with…” ... Tell a Joke. ... “How are you doing?” ... “Any time you need to talk, I'll listen.”More items...•
How do I prepare for my first chemo treatment?
Before your first chemotherapy infusionLet your oncology care team demystify chemotherapy for you. ... Keep your other medical care up-to-date. ... Eat well now and later. ... Arrange for help at home and work. ... Ask someone to come to your first appointment for support and company. ... Prepare a bag to bring with you.More items...•
What should you not do during chemotherapy?
9 things to avoid during chemotherapy treatmentContact with body fluids after treatment. ... Overextending yourself. ... Infections. ... Large meals. ... Raw or undercooked foods. ... Hard, acidic, or spicy foods. ... Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption. ... Smoking.More items...•
Does each round of chemo get harder?
The effects of chemo are cumulative. They get worse with each cycle. My doctors warned me: Each infusion will get harder. Each cycle, expect to feel weaker.
When are chemo side effects the worst?
Blood cell counts often reach their lowest level about 7 to 14 days after chemotherapy. Low blood cell counts is the most common and most serious side effect of chemotherapy. When it happens, the dose of chemotherapy is adjusted right away or chemotherapy may have to be stopped temporarily.
Is second round of chemo worse than first?
Overall, my second round of chemo went much better than the first... thanks to an adjustment Dr. Soule made based on my round one experience (she extended my steroid to be taken for three days after chemo, instead of just one, though with smaller doses on each day).
How long does nausea last after cisplatin?
The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking Cisplatin: Nausea and vomiting. Nausea may last up to 1 week after therapy.
How is cisplatin administered?
How Cisplatin Is Given: Cisplatin is administered through a vein (intravenously or IV) as an infusion. There is no pill form of cisplatin. Cisplatin is an irritant. An irritant is a chemical that can cause inflammation of the vein through which it is given. If cisplatin escapes from the vein it can cause tissue damage.
What are the cells that are most affected by chemo?
The "normal" cells most commonly affected by chemotherapy are the blood cells, the cells in the mouth, stomach and bowel, and the hair follicles; resulting in low blood counts, mouth sores, nausea, diarrhea, and/or hair loss. Different drugs may affect different parts of the body.
How does chemotherapy work?
Usually, the drugs work by damaging the RNA or DNA that tells the cell how to copy itself in division.
Can cisplatin cause tissue damage?
If cisplatin escapes from the vein it can cause tissue damage. The nurse or doctor who gives cisplatin must be carefully trained. If you experience pain or notice redness or swelling at the IV site while you are receiving cisplatin, alert your health care professional immediately.
Do cancerous cells lose their ability to divide?
Cancerous cells lose this ability. Cancer cells no longer have the normal checks and balances in place that control and limit cell division. The process of cell division, whether normal or cancerous cells, is through the cell cycle.
Does cisplatin help with kidney function?
Before and/or after the cisplatin infusion, extra IV fluids are given and care is taken to ensure adequate hydration before both during and after cisplatin, to protect your kidney function. Cisplatin also has been used as an infusion into the abdominal cavity (contains the abdominal organs).
How to recover from chemo?
Remember that chemo affects every cell in your body. Stay well-hydrated by drinking lots of water or juice . If you feel fuzzy brained from the medications, try a hot tub soak.
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
If you have side effects from chemotherapy that are bothersome, such as nausea, vomiting, rash, swelling, or unusual pain around the injection site, write these down. Your doctor or nurse will need to know how often you're having problems, how severe they are, and how you're coping.
How long before chemo do you eat?
Two to three hours before an infusion, eat light and make your choices high-fiber. Chemo drugs tend to slow peristalsis (digestion and bowel processes), so whatever you eat may be in your digestion for longer than usual and will dry out. 1
Why is drinking water important for chemo?
A benefit of drinking enough water is that it will help your body to process and flush the chemo drugs out of your system sooner, so you can start to recover sooner, too.
How to get hydrated after chemo?
Staying Hydrated by Drinking Fluids. Chemotherapy drugs are very drying to your body's tissues, and the drugs will be going to every cell you have. Right after an infusion, drink 8 ounces of water every hour until bedtime. Avoid caffeine, as it is also drying (it's a diuretic) and may cause you to feel worse.
What blood test is done before chemo?
Before you have each round of chemo, you will have a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). Your CBC provides a reading on all of the types of blood cells produced by the bone marrow which can be affected by chemotherapy. Your red blood cell count and hemoglobin are looked at to see if you have anemia.
What is the blood test for chemo?
Before you have each round of chemo, you will have a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). Your CBC provides a reading on all of the types of blood cells produced by the bone marrow which can be affected by chemotherapy.
What is the first cycle of chemotherapy?
The first chemotherapy cycle is the time to see what specific side effects you experienced. Remember, for all the problems that you might have, there is a solution. Never suffer in silence. Ask for help. Following sessions are usually easier, because you know what to expect. Even if it seems that there is a huge mountain ahead of you, just know that time passes very quickly. Before you know it, you have finished all your chemo sessions.
How does it feel to take a syringe for a second day?
Most people will feel the effects of treatment during the afternoon of the second day. You might feel fatigued and a loss of appetite. During these days, it is very important to prevent nausea.
What is chemo therapy?
What is Chemotherapy? “Chemotherapy refers to drugs that interfere with cancer cell growth and are cytotoxic, meaning that they kill cancer cells, ” explained Dr. Swaney. “The treatment can be administered several ways, although intravenous (IV) is the most common. Chemotherapy is somewhat nonspecific, meaning that while it kills cancer cells, ...
How long can you be off work after a syringe?
While this varies according to the treatment regimen, it is common to be off work on treatment days and sometimes several days afterwards.
Does chemotherapy kill cancer cells?
Chemotherapy is somewhat nonspecific, meaning that while it kills cancer cells, it can affect other cells in the body, particularly those that reproduce more actively. This contributes to some of its side effects.”.
Is chemotherapy scary?
If chemotherapy is part of your treatment plan, it’s very easy to feel confused, overwhelmed and even scared. However, Robert Swaney, MD, a medical oncologist at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center at North Colorado Medical Center, reassured that you are never alone in your battle.
Does chemotherapy linger after end?
Dr. Swaney offered some words of comfort. “In most cases, the side effects that you experience during treatment will not linger once chemotherapy has ended. This can be a challenging and sometimes difficult time.
What to expect when you are done with chemo?
When you are done your first day of chemotherapy you may be emotional, exhausted, overwhelmed or ecstatic. You won't know exactly what to expect until you are living it. Once you are home, it is important to follow any instructions given to you. Take your medications on time, rest, hydrate, and eat.
What to bring to chemo infusion?
Most treatment areas are cold, so bringing a blanket is a good option since you will be attached to your chemotherapy infusion making removing and adding clothing difficult. You may also want to bring a lip balm or lotion with you to keep your skin hydrated.
What to eat in an infusion suite?
Some good snack ideas include: nuts, whole grain crackers, hard cheese, hummus, granola bars and fruit.
Do you have to fill out paperwork for a blood work appointment?
Arrive on time for your appointment. You may need to fill out paperwork and you will likely have blood work drawn prior to your treatment. The results of this blood work may influence your treatment, so there will likely be a delay after the blood is drawn while the team awaits the results.
Can you sit in the treatment area for an extended period of time?
You may be sitting in the treatment area for an extended period of time, so it is important to be comfortable. Ensure that there is easy access to your central line, if you have one. A PICC in your arm will require the nurse to have access to your upper arm.
What happens after chemo?
What Happen with You after the First Round of Chemotherapy Treatment. Patients experiece different body reactions after first-time (round) of chemotherapy. You can expect: Gaining weight during and after chemo. Losing hairs (that makes you having cancer very visible) You may start looking aged after the treatment.
What to do before chemo?
Meeting your oncologist. Before you begin chemotherapy, you will meet with your medical oncologist. She or he will examine your medical records and do a health examination. You will also have tests done to help plan treatment. Your specific treatment depends upon:
How long is a chemotherapy cycle?
The length of a cycle depends on the treatment being given. The majority of cycles range from 2 to 6 weeks. The number of treatment dosages set up within each cycle also differs depending upon the drugs being given.
How long does it take to get chemo IV?
Your IV chemotherapy can take minutes, hours, or a number of days if you have continuous infusion chemotherapy. You do not have to stay at the health center or clinic for constant infusion. The nurse will provide you medication to prevent side effects such as nausea or possible allergic reactions.
How long after chemo do you flush the toilet?
Chemotherapy damages your body’s immune system, which assists battle infections. Consuming lots of fluids for 48 hours after chemotherapy. This helps move the drugs through your body. Making certain to get rid of all your body fluids and waste after chemotherapy. For example, flush the toilet twice after using it.
What happens after IV is finished?
After your treatment is finished, the nurse or another employee will secure your IV. If you have a port, it will remain until you end up all your treatments. The nurse will examine your blood pressure, pulse, breathing, and temperature once again.
How long does a syringe stay in your system?
This is essential because the medication remains in your body for about 48 hours after treatment. It could harm healthy people in your home. Body fluids and waste include urine, bowel movements, vomit, semen, and fluid from the vagina. Your medical team can tell you what activities to do or prevent on treatment days.