Chemotherapy Planning
I had an appointment with the Chemotherapy Oncology Department at RB&WH on 23 February 2009 to have my chemo treatment planning meeting.
The process was I had to be at the Hospital 30 minutes prior to the appointment time to fill in the obligatory paperwork (you can never do to much paperwork with the same details). The appointed time came and went for my appointment and after making an enquiry to what time I could expect to be seen a Resident came out and ushered me into a consultation room to do the planning for my chemo treatment.
The Resident went through my particulars, weight and height and then explained what the procedure would be in Weeks 1, 4 and 7 for my chemo. I would be expected to arrive and have a blood test (to keep track of my blood count) then go up to Oncology to have a course of the chemo drug.
My treatment was to use one of the chemotherapy drugs called cisplatin, which along with radiotherapy has been shown to be a more effective way of treating head and neck cancer.
Cisplatin is a platinum compound that works as an antineoplastic agent. It works by producing links within and between DNA strands, which modifies the structure of DNA and prevents the production of new DNA. Production of proteins and RNA (vital for cell replication) are also inhibited to a lesser extent. Inhibition of production of these components leads to prevention of cell division and eventual cell death. Cisplatin is a non cell-cycle specific antineoplastic agent.
The cisplatin is given on one day in weeks 1, 4 and 7 of radiology treatment, and I will be required to stay in overnight (if there is a bed available) otherwise the treatment will be given over a two day period at half dose each day. My doctor will make the assessment before each dose of cisplatin if I am well enough to be given it
I will also need to visit my chemo oncologist every week to ensure I am still on track and the cisplatin is doing what it is suppose to (and not doing anything to jeopardise my health).
Common side effects of Cisplatin:
- severe acute and delayed nausea and vomiting (sometimes so severe than dosage reduction or temporary cessation is required)
- kidney toxicity
- bone marrow suppression (with decreased numbers of platelets and white cells) Increased risk of infection Your white blood cells can become low, white blood cells help fight infection. This is most common 7-10 days after treatment
- mild hair loss
- tinnitus with or without hearing loss
- Sore Mouth The treatment may cause the lining of the mouth and throat to become sore, sometimes ulcerated (small sores) and prone to infection
Electrolyte disturbances such as decreased calcium and magnesium may occur. They can cause symptoms such as:
- cramps
- unusual muscle contractions
- tremor
- tetany
Other electrolyte disturbances include decreased potassium and increased uric acid.
The following neurological symptoms may occur and require cessation of treatment:
- peripheral neuropathies (damage to nerves of hands and feet)
- muscle weakness syndrome
- seizures
Uncommon side effects of Cisplatin:
Decreased plasma phosphate and sodium occur less commonly. Other uncommon effects include:
- change in liver enzymes
- hiccups
- blurred vision
- altered colour perception
After the planning meeting I was dispatched off to Pathology to have my initial blood test ready for the start of treatment on 02 March 2009
Cisplatin Patient Information Sheet.pdf Size : 0.633 Kb Type : pdf |
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