Chemo Question

Hello sarah

if it is gem/cis then week 1 will be a long day around 6-8 hrs

week 2 will be gem alone which is like an hour or 1.5 hrs

then a week off and start again

if it is gem/carboplatin

then week 1 is much shorter around 3-4 hrs the rest the same.

or at least that’s what I am doing 

hope that helps

Hi SarahH21 . Pretty much the same as chefski . Long day with both drugs (8 hours), short day with just Cisplatin repeated twice. I didn't have much trouble with it and still managed to get out for a pint. As you probably know, loose and comfortable clothes, plenty of snacks and drinks and something to keep him occupied. I was advised to get a good quality mouthwash used regularly to help prevent mouth sores. Usually a blood test needed the day before each session. I had an arrangement with the local GP practice nurse rather than travelling to the hospital. I drove myself to each session with no problems. I hope all goes well for your FIL. I hope you are well. Best wishes.

Hi chefski 

Thats very helpful, thank you.

Sarah xx

Thanks rily very helpful. First thing I asked when my partner got home was which chemo is it? Neither of them asked! 

Yes, I had my bloods done the day before chemo but as I was at the hospital daily for radio it wasn’t an issue. Might see if an arrangement like you had might be an option as it’s a trek to the hospital from here. Thanks for the good wishes-fingers crossed! 

Sarah xx

So, meeting with the oncologist today and chemo is now not happening due to the risk of Cisplatin causing issues due to my fil having a leaky heart valve.

He is T3a, so forward now to radical cystoprostatectomy which has the added complication of a very large hernia which has gone untreated for several years. The consultant today has indicated that this might be a real problem, but of course they won’t know until they go in to do the op. Just have to have fingers crossed.

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah,Sorry to hear there are some complications.I hope everything can go ahead and that there won’t be too many problems for your fil.Love Jane xx

Hi Jane

Thank you-he is really positive about the surgery which is good start! The consultant was recommending no chemo for a 5% benefit but it was my fil’s decision. I’m glad he’s decided on the surgery-best to crack on with this and get it out. It’s quite funny-the stoma nurse he met with today was the one I had when I had surgery. 

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah, I had the same five years ago, Gem/Cis, week 1 Monday Gem/Cis which took around 8 to 9 hours, then anti sickness and steroid tablets for 5 days, blood tests on the Friday then repeat in week 2, week 3 no chemo but Wednesday consultation with oncologist then Friday blood tests then repeat for the next 2 cycles, I then had an MRI scan and final consultation with oncologist followed by final pre operative consultation with urology consultant.

Hi 1807truckman 

Thanks for sharing your experience. My father in law’s heart condition has worsened in recent tests, so the chemo now would be too risky with little potential additional benefit. Hoping now that he’s on the urgent list for surgery it won’t be too long to wait for this.

Sarah xx

Sorry to hear this Sarah.I hope your father in law gets the surgery soon.I was on the urgent list and was operated on within a month.I hope you are ok ? Love Jane xx