First chemo, cisplatin and vinorelbine

[Lipsticklover62]

Hello everyone

I had my first treatment on Friday of the above. By 9pm I was so ill, the nausea was beyond dreadful but I really suffered from my bowels...sorry if too much information. But first my nose would pour with clear liquid, then the nausea then the bowels..

I phoned the 24 hour number and they said take an extra anti sickness, it helped, but yesterday it was so bad again, I had to call 24 hour number again, paramedics came and thought I’d be safer here than in a&e in central London on a Saturday night, purely because I would have to share toilets with section green Even though I would be section red.

Anyway, feel bit better today but I’m scared. Friday I have vinorelbine only and wondering if I’m going to suffer again. Also I was only given two lots of pills, anti sickness and steroids to bring home and yet my cancer nurse believes I should have been given 3..she’s looking into this tomorrow.

My question is has anyone else been on these chemos, did the symptoms get better. On cycle 2 I’m starting daily radiotherapy too, and I’m so scared

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

So sorry that you had it so tough. Your vinoralbine only injection will not be as difficult as with the cisplatin. Many take Claritin (Loratadine) the night before chemo then for two more nights and It helps with the discomfort. Ask the infusion nurse if she thinks it’s okay for you.

Here in the US when I had cisplatin they gave me a medication called Emend to manage the side effects of chemo and it made a huge difference. The one time I forgot to take it I was as sick as you describe. I also had steroids to help and the time I forgot to take the Emend it took a combination of Ativan and zofran to get the nausea under control.

When you talk to the doctor ask about switching to carboplatin which has Somewhat milder Side effects than cisplatin.

Concurrent chemo/radiation is the treatment I did. Near the end the fatigue was profound. But I’m here 10 years later so it was worth it.

[Lipsticklover62 in reply to Denzie]

Thank you for replying, and giving me hope of still being here in 10 years...what a wonderful outcome for you xx

[Vick78]

Hi

I was on this combination and found I felt very sick. I had 3 anti sickness apredit the strongest, ondasetron the middle on and metocloprimide. I also tried cyclizine as well and had this as an injection. I didn’t find the day with just vinorelbine any where near as bad. I was also only staying awake for about 3 hours a day ( not together) for the first few days. I managed to eat little bits of what I fancied (mainly cornflakes and satsumas).

Good luck it is a hard routine but it won’t last for ever. I am nearly a year on now from mine.

Vickie

[Lipsticklover62 in reply to Vick78]

Vickie, thank you for replying, yes the fatigue was a shocker, as were the tears today when I couldn’t find my glasses, On my head, and purse in my hand. I’m usually so strong and in charge.

I’ve noted all you meds, my cancer nurse is on to it

Sally x

[Vick78 in reply to Lipsticklover62]

Hi sally

Keep feeding back to your team how you feel. There are lots of anti sickness options it’s just finding what works for you. Watch for the constipation side effects with some of them.

Vickie

[KT22]

Sorry that you are suffering. All I can say is please, please let your nurse & consultant aware & speak up about ANY concerns .Sadly my wonderful husband became very weak & had to be hospitalised as his body wasn’t strong enough for the treatment. Sending a virtual hug.

[Lipsticklover62 in reply to KT22]

KT22, thank you for responding. I have told everyone who will listen, so hopefully, Friday and then cycle 2 will be better. Thank you for hug, much needed xx