My dad will be starting the above tomorrow. Do statistics show that it will be better for my dad to do this? In my mind, it would be better to be on treatment longer with no symptoms, than be crippled with symptoms.
I would be grateful for my advice as my father often won't ask questions.
Many thanks
Hi ButterflyBlue
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community. My name is Sherrye and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I can see you’ve joined a couple of our forums; I do hope your finding them supportive and helpful.
I understand you’re concerned about dad’s chemotherapy dose being increased from 75% to 100% and that he may then start experiencing symptoms.
It’s very common to lower the dose of chemotherapy if an individual is experiencing unmanageable side effects or their blood counts are not recovering in time for the next cycle to start. This can be temporary for a cycle or two or can be a permanent dose change.
In some cases it’s best practice to start an individual at a reduced dose to see how they will manage and respond. This can be because they have other health conditions, their blood counts are slightly out but treatment needs to start, or they are older in age and frail.
If the individual is managing well at the reduced dose it can then be increased, but this would be agreed with the patient beforehand.
As you have concerns about this for dad it would be best to reach out to his clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or consultant for a further discussion as they know his situation best. If your dad does have his dose increased his team will be monitoring him closely and most side-effects can be well managed.
I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.
Best wishes,
Sherrye H,
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm), send us an email or contact us through webchat.
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