Specific Issues With Each Chemotherapy

Researchers discover new information all the time. Some information is harder than others to uncover. Because of this, this list cannot be a complete list. It will be updated as often as we find new information. In the meantime we hope this will help in your decision making.

General Issues Some things will lessen the effectiveness of treatment and/or increase side effects. It is important that you notify your medical team of any herbals, supplements, vitamins or other addition to your diet. Whether they are in agreement with your actions; whether you are going to follow their advice or not - please keep them informed. Some of these interfer with chemotherapies and other treatments. You don't want to lessen the effectiveness nor increase side effects unknowingly. Stay well hydrated. This is critical. Cells cannot effectively take in the chemotherapy without being well hydrated. Don't lessen the effectiveness by not taking in enough water. Tooth decay is a frequent problem when taking chemotherapy. Before you begin chemotherapy. Your dentist should be able to apply a coating to your teeth to help reduce decay. This decay is primarily caused by dry mouth that occurs because of the chemotherapy. Some of the common side effects are listed here. For a complete list of known side effects check the current listing either with your doctor or on the FDA website. Sore mouth, mouth ulcers, taste change, foods have a metallic taster, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gritty eyes, blurred eyes, darkened skin (excessive pigment production), lowered resistence to infection (lower white cell production - neutropenia), decreased production of platelets, anemia, cause extreme fatigue, hair loss, brittle or ridged nails, sensitivity to sunlight, itchy rash, soreness and/or redness of palms and soles of feet (aka hand and foot syndrome), increased tear production Contraception should be used to prevent pregnancy at this time - regardless of which partner is receiving the treatment. If having children is an issue you may want to have your eggs or sperm harvested to ensure that this possibilty will continue.

5Fu Camptosar (CPT11) Eloxitan (Oxaliplatin) Lavamisol Leucovorin Further Discussion and Weblinks

References This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources including; Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference (33rd edition). Eds. Sweetman et al. Pharmaceutical Press, 2002.  British National Formulary (48th edition). British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, September 2004. The Chemotherapy Source Book (3rd edition). Ed. Perry. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2001.

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