Etoposide

[Ruby49]

Has anyone experienced bad side effects with Etoposide tablets? I'm on stand alone treatment now as the Cisplatin infusion part of the Rotterdam treatment caused my ascites to build up massively (9 litres drained two day later). I'm now feeling horrendously sick and lethargic and can't get out of bed. Is this normal? Any encouragement welcome. Ruby X

[Hidden]

Hi Ruby sorry you are not feeling well, I start Etoposide next Friday and am interested to know the side effects. I was told by my oncologist that sickness might be a problem but has prescribed anti-sickness for me, are you on any anti-sickness, it might be worth ringing your CNS to see if they can prescribe stronger ones for you.

How often do you have to take the tablet? I have been told every day for one week every 3 weeks.

Hope you begin to feel better soon.

Big hugs karen xx

[Ruby49 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Karen. I'm going to ask for stronger sickness tablets when I see my consultant tomorrow although wonder if it could also be the aftermath of Cisplatin two weeks ago. I'm on 15 tablets and then a two week break I think but again will find out more tomorrow and keep you posted. Sick of feeling poorly all the time! Ruby x

[Ruby49 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Karen. Meant to ask what anti sickness you have been prescribed. I'm on Metroclopromide and it doesn't touch it. Ruby x

[Hidden in reply to Ruby49]

Hi Ruby not sure what anti sickness I'm on just yet will know more this Friday, I know with other chemo that I've been on I was given EMEND and it was fab I didn't feel sick at all, sorry for late reply, hope your onc gives you something else to make you feel better. I. Just goin to be on Etoposide but have heard that cisplatin is very hard, let me know how you are doing.

Love

Karen

X

[baxbird]

Hi it looks like I'm about to start this regime and was looking for information on it. No one (Dr's etc).have said itso called the Rotterdam regime...which I have heard of.

My oncologist did say it's a rough one ( and I've heard that about the regime) especially for sickness...get all the anti sickness you can get your hands on. I intend to try and have everything on standby.

Good luck and let us know how you get on

Dawn

[Ruby49 in reply to baxbird]

Hi Dawn it is incredibly tough. An overnight stay, one bag of Cisplatin and 12 hours of fluids. This is why I had my last treatment deferred as the fluids exacerbated my ascites which built up to over 10 litres and caused problems. Sometimes I wonder if it is worth it in terms of quality of life. The lady opposite me at the Christie seemed to be having a less bad time so it could just be how I react. Best of luck anyway. Ruby x

[baxbird in reply to Ruby49]

Oh blooming heck Ruby, I've only had ascites once when I was diagnosed and they drained 8.5 litres every few weeks so know how you feel about that.

I'm going to email.my oncologist and get some clarity. I have to decide between this and a potential trial. But she's not mentitled overnight stays yet

[LindaB]

Hi Ruby I finished the harsh Rotterdam treatment in April. I'm sure it's the cisplatin that has caused your fatigue or the combination of them both. Whilst I was on the overnight stays by the end I was in a wheelchair as I could not walk those long corridors at the hospital. It was the hardest regime I've done out of six lines. The fatigue, losing muscle matter but after finishing the cisplatin the Etoposide alone was not so bad. Some sickness which was kept under control with headaches for which I took paracetamol and not too long before I was back on my feet. For me taking the tablet form of Etoposide alone is not at all bad compared to taking it with the Rotterdam Regime. After having two other treatments that did not work for me the Rotterdam gave me a good result although I know my body could not take it again. Hope this helps. Sending you a virtual hug. Linda x

[Ruby49]

This is so helpful Linda. I'm bedridden with severe muscle fatigue and have lost at least 2 stone but now know I'm not on my own. Thank you. Don't know if I'll have my third Cisplatin tomorrow - I feel I'm at the stage where my body can't cope with it already. What anti sickness are you on and is the Etoposide the maintenance drug they talk about? Love Ruby xx

[LindaB in reply to Ruby49]

I'm so sorry I've only just seen your reply. How are you doing...are you on the Etoposide only now? My best wishes to you. Linda xx