Targeted Chemo

[Brianderrick12]

Hi Everybody- I’m just looking for a bit of info for my brother. He’s been on treatment since May 2022 & has been relatively well with it. Unfortunately his cancer is progressing now so the immunotherapy has been stopped. He’s been put on chemo every 3 weeks & targeted chemo tablet form - 4 tablets a day. We were warned that he would be ill with it & he is . How long do the symptoms from the treatment last ? I’m struggling to keep him taking it - he has mental health issues & needs lots of support. His throat & lips are very sore - he’s struggling to eat - started with the runs etc - does this continue throughout the treatment or does it improve? Any information gratefully received xx

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello Brianderrick12

I am sorry to hear that your brother is having these side effects, we would always advise to inform his team, to make them aware how well he is tolerating treatment and if needed to adjust.

The sore painful mouth sounds like mucositis which can be a common side effect with certain chemo drugs, I have added a link to CRUK which has good information and advice on mucositis, how to care for and treat his mouth.

cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

Also speak to his lung CNS as she will be able to prescribe mouthwashes such as Caphasol and GelClair which will make his mouth feel more comfortable, making eating and drinking easier.

Diarrhoea is another common and unpleasant side effect, again its important to make his team aware. Frequent episodes or experiencing symptoms for several days can cause dehydration and this will need to be treated.

Things that may help,

Avoiding dinks with caffeine, including fizzy drinks

Eating smaller portions and lighter food.

Avoid high fiber foods.

Avoid spicy food or foods with a high fat content.

Things which might help, sticking to a bland diet bananas, white rice, apples, toast (white bread) etc. Eating meals slowly

Aim to increase clear fluids.

You are welcome to contact us to discuss anything, you can email ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600

Kind regards

[JanetteR57]

Sorry to hear your brother is struggling with his new treatments. There should be some ways to treat the side effects so worth discussing with his nurse. This information about the treatment may also help better understand what's likely and potential actions to take to help his symptoms. it's so distressing to watch our loved ones suffer. Is his medical team in the hospital aware of his mental health needs? if not, do let his nurse know so that additional support or adapted support could be explored. good luck to you both and hope he gets some relief soon.

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roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

[Brianderrick12 in reply to JanetteR57]

Thankyou so much for your reply x