Rough day...

15 years 5 months ago #21598 by eddiek
Replied by eddiek on topic Rough day...
Mel,

As you have observed, hydration in extremely important. Cisplatin is a very harsh chemical on the kidneys. When Cynthia was undergoing chemotherapy at MA General, I remember one doctor telling a patient how important hydration was when working with this chemical. The balance between allowing the drug to work, but not damaging the kidneys is delicate.

Another item to consider is hydration during chemotherapy. Cynthia would consume a large amount of water during each treatment and the technician would always encourage this practice. It would reduce the treatment time because less additional IV hydration was required. Remember, they are monitoring output which is a function of input; either oral or IV.

Let's hope that your dad continues to make good progress during his treatment. Please keep us posted on his progress.


Ed K.

Edward J. Kinsella
American Bladder Cancer Society
Board of Directors - Treasurer/Secretary

& Caregiver

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15 years 5 months ago #21586 by Mel09
Replied by Mel09 on topic Rough day...
Thank you Leigh! I will pass that information onto my mother....she is a nervous wreck!

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15 years 5 months ago #21578 by Leigh
Replied by Leigh on topic Rough day...
Dear Mel,

It really does hit harder each time we move on to the next cycle..for me the last two laid me out for a week at a time.

Strange things can happen with chemo and each of us experiences it differently. I remember one morning I woke after having the big one and I could not walk as my hips seized up. It was a great shock to the system and agony with every move I tried to make. Thankfully after a few days bed rest it cleared as quickly as it came.

Cisplatinum really is harsh on the body and each cycle will get harder and try to get your dad drinking as much as possible to flush that nasty stuff out.

Please try not to worry as they will be keeping ontop of your dad's blood work and reduce the dose if need be. I have read about lots of people going in to hospital for fluids after Cisplatinum...

I wish your you and your family loads of strength to pull him through....

Leigh

Leigh, 39
Dx July 2007
TURBT July 2007
RC/Neobladder ,Studer Pouch, September 2007
Erasmus Centrum Rotterdam
TNM Classification: pT4 N2 Mo
4 cycles aduvant chemo Gemzar & Cisplatinum

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15 years 5 months ago #21577 by Mel09
Rough day... was created by Mel09
Last week my father had his "big" chemo and since then he hasn't been able to revover as quickly. He has lost about 20 lbs and was being VERY stubborn about going to the doctor. Finally he went yesterday and they gave him IV for a few hours and sent him home. He had to go back today and they admitted him to the hospital. His kidney is functioning at 2.1 (not sure what that means) and they want to rehydrate him and get stronger. Needless to say, he did not have his chemo treatment today.

I have heard people say that the effects of treatments intensifies the more you have it, and I guess that is really true. I just hope that this setback does not completely disrupt his schedule.

Of course my mother is a complete wreck....not sure how much more she can take of this.

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