Chemotherapy Advice

Hello daughter121

I assume the chemo will be probably PACLITAXEL AND CARBOPLATIN COMBINATION. I had these as belt and braces approach for my Grade 3 Stage 1a Serous after hysterectomy and can tell you that my post treatment blood tests came back all normal. No damage to my liver or kidneys, but everyone is different and there are no guarantees, the best persons to ask is the oncologist who will assess how fit your mum is to receive this treatment. If you click on my username you can read my story so far. I only had 3 of the combined treatments due to allergic reactions to the Paclitaxel, but not everyone has this, I decided to have the last 3 treatments using just the Carboplatin.

Please do not hesitate to ask any other questions that may come to mind.

There is a CHEMOTHERAPY thread if you type in search bar, you may find much more information.

Good luck for your lovely mum x

Daughter121, here is the thread, you may find useful

community.macmillan.org.uk/.../chemotherapy-support-thread

Hi Daughter121

I am sorry to hear about your Mum's cancer diagnosis. I hope that she is recovering well from her treatment so far.

Do you know the type of chemo Mum is having ? Most ladies seem to be offered carboplatin and paclitaxel. I can understand Mum being worried about the side effects. The thing I would say though from my own experience is that when you go for the consents appointment they tell you about every single effect that could happen , when in reality Mum is unlikely to experience many of them. It's like when you look at the leaflet in a pack of paracetamol- there is a huge range of possible effects but most people get 1 or 2 at most.

For me the main effects were hair loss, sickness, tummy upsets, lack of immunity and some back pain. I also had some tingling in fingers and toes. Mum will have bloods taken and her liver and kidney function will be monitored. She will also have a check with her consultant during each cycle. They can adjust doses and offer medication for many things. Sometimes if you are not well enough they can postpone a cycle until your body has recovered enough. I did have my kidney results a bit out, after the first cycle but managed to address any nausea/vomiting better and drunk more water to flush everything on my second cycle. I can not remember my liver results showing much concern.

Anxiety before chemo is normal and very understandable but I am sure Mum will be well looked after and well monitored. She will be given a 24hour number to contact her hospital and if she does become unwell they will be able to look after her. 

I wish your Mum well with her chemo and if there is anything else you need please do ask.

Jane

Thank you both Jane and Mad! This is really appreciated x