chemotherapy not causing many side effects,,does it mean that it isn't being effective?...

[megha003]

my mother has been diagnosed esophageal cancer (adenocarcinoma),.. stage IV ... chemotherapy has been started last week.... but shez not showing many side effects... does it mean that chemotherapy is not being effective..??..

[Apoorva Volunteer]

Hi Megha,

As much I know about it, there are many ways of curing Cancer... Chemotherapy is one of the way. Every patient's body responds differently, so don't worry about the side effects and the treatment process.

In addition to that, it is very painful process so try to make her feel positive towards it. I rely on the Tata Memorial, I don't know where you are but trust me, this disease can be cured completely.

One more suggestion is, 'be a good listener', "apni Mom ki saari batein suno".... even though if she is repeating it so many times. She needs lots of love and care. Have patience, the process of treatment is a bit long but this is the only way to cure it, and if it will be not so effective the doctors will use other way to cure it.

Feel free to post about any query.

[megha003 in reply to Apoorva]

thnx for the response... n yes,,i too rely on tata memorial... as soon as we got to knw about the disease,..we immediately went to tata memorial... but as it is 4th stage,..dctors decided not to give strong therapies... so chemo is being given orally... so now shez in our town,..jodhpur...here only treatment is being given... 3 cycles will be given,,then May 15 again Tata jana hoga radio therapy k liye...n yeah,,,i understand the need of emotional support whch she badly needs ryt nw,,,n m trying my best... thnx fr the response again..

[sumegha]

Dear Megha

Hi. I am a 22-year old journalist who was diagnosed at stage 2 cancer. You need not worry if the chemo is not showing many side effects now. Because it will later.

I underwent 12 chemo cycles. In the beginning, there were no side effects. So, I had asked the same question from my doctor. But he told me that different bodies depending on their age and individual immunity capacity react differently to chemos.

By the second chemo, I still had no nausea or vominiting or weakness. But my hair started falling and marks appeared on my body. However, I was really hit by the chemo side effects by the time 5th-6th chemotherapy happened.

So, do not worry at all. You mention her chemo started last week. So, ab tak sirf 1 ya 2 chemo hi hua hoga. Wait for some time because as her chemos progress, her body will become weaker and chemo ke side effects dikhne lagenge.

Second, when the effects start, you will have to take extreme care. I will tell you about them when they start. You can get in touch with me here or on [e-mail]

And, do not worry at all. Last year, when I was diagnosed, my family and I had the same questions and confusions that you and your family must be waiting. But everything passed so well and I was declared cancer free last month. And i now realise how this cancer and hospital period brought me so close to my family. Good luck!

[Apoorva Volunteer in reply to sumegha]

Sumegha,

You are a true fighter and inspiration to others. A salute from my side. Keep up the fighting spirit.

Thanks for helping others.

[cancerexpertsupport]

Hello Megha, How is your mother doing now?

every body is different and being oncologist I have seen many patients breeze through the treatments as well as have seen plenty with significant side effects. Its good she tolerated well.