GENERAL INFORMATION ON CHEMO THERAPYGENERAL INFORMATION ON CHEMO THERAPY

Dr. Khosravi

We fight cancer all day every day!!!

What does chemo do?What does chemo do?

Chemotherapy not only kills the cancer cells but also kills the good cells and this is what causes side-effects. It is expected that chemotherapy will decrease your white blood cell (WBC), your hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT), as well as your platelets (PLT).

The White blood cells (WBC): Fight infection

The hemoglobin and hematocrit (HGB/HCT): Circulate oxygen

The Platelets (PLT): Form Clots

The White Blood CellsThe White Blood CellsLeukopenia- Is when your white bold cell count (WBC) is low. Typically you will be at your lowest counts about 7-10 days after your chemotherapy treatment. This is called the nadir. This is when you will be more susceptible to infection or sickness.

Tips to avoid Infection;

Use good hand washing

Avoid large crowds: church, stores, and etc.

Avoid sick adults and children

Avoid manicures and pedicures

Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly

Get Plenty of rest

Call for temperature greater then 100.5

Physician may prescribe a WBC stimulating drug

The Red Blood CellsThe Red Blood Cells

Anemia- Is when your hemoglobin and Hematocrit (hgb/hct) are low. You may feel tired, short of breath, or cold

Tips to cope with anemia

Drink plenty of fluids

Take rest periods as needed

Get 8-10 hours of sleep

Call Physician for severe fatigue or shortness of breath

Physician may prescribe an Hgb stimulating drug

The PlateletsThe PlateletsThrombocytopenia- Is when your platelet count is low. You can bruise easily if your counts get low.

Tips for coping with low platelet counts

Be very careful to avoid bumping into objects, avoid rough play

Ladies- do not pluck any hair if you shave use electric razor

Men- use an electric razor

Use a soft bristle tooth bruch

Gentle flossing

Use stool softeners if you are prone to constipation to avoid a traumatic bowel movement to avoid tearing

Always wear shoes or slippers to avoid cuts

Avoid manicures and pedicures, file nails if too long

General Side Effects of General Side Effects of ChemoChemo

Everyone is different and will react differently to treatments. Below are some of the most common side effects of chemotherapy and tips for coping.

Nausea and or vomiting

Drink clear liquids

Juices with no pulp: apple juice, grape juice, etc.

See through liquids: Sprite, Ginger Ale, Gatorade, water, popsicles

No dairy products: Milk, creamer, etc.

Bland Diet is recommended to begin: eggs, rice, oatmeal, grits, backed chicken, etc.

Avoid spicy foods and fresh vegetables

Use nausea medication as prescribed by your physician

CALL PHYSICIAN IF SYMPTOMS CONTINUE AFTER 2 DAYS

CONSTIPATIONCONSTIPATION

Increase fluids- water, juices, soda

If possible, increase activity- walk to mailbox, walk around house, etc.

Use stool softeners- over the counter (otc) such as Colace and take as directed or a glycerin suppository as directed if platelet count is normal

Increase fiber in diet- whole wheat bread, muffins, brown rice, etc.

DIARRHEADIARRHEA

Drink clear liquids- juices with no pulp: apple juice, grape juice etc. See through liquids: Sprite, Ginger Ale, Gatorade, water, popsicles, etc.

No dairy products: milk, creamer, ice cream, etc.

Use antidiarrheal medications- over the counter (otc) such as Imodium 2 tabs after first loose stool and one tab after each lose stool up to 6 tabs a day. Continue daily until diarrhea subsides.

Call Physician if diarrhea continues after 2nd day.

Bland foods to begin: rice, eggs, oatmeal, grits, baked chicken, etc.

Avoid spicy foods and fresh fruits and vegetables

FATIGUEFATIGUE

Try to continue normal routine

Take breaks as needed

Perform short activities.

Good night rest- sleep 8-10 hours of uninterrupted sleep

Everyone going through chemotherapy has fatigue, you are not alone and your fatigue is NOT due to laziness.

NEUROPATHY-NEUROPATHY-Numbness or Numbness or tingling in hand or feettingling in hand or feet

Always wear shoes or slippers inside and outside

Use plastic cups and other light weight utensils

Test water on arm prior to use

Be very cautious using knives

Wear gloves to keep hands warm

Use a cane or walker if walking becomes difficult

MOUTH SENSITIVE TO MOUTH SENSITIVE TO COLDCOLD

Drink lukewarm liquids

Avoid ice cold liquids

MOUTH SORESMOUTH SORES

Avoid spicy and acidic foods- hot peppers, tomatoes and tomato sauces, oranges, grapefruit, etc.

Use good oral care

Brush after each meal if unable to brush rince with lukew

FEVER AND CHILLSFEVER AND CHILLS

Purchase a thermometer

Take temperature with any chills

Call Physician for a temperature greater than 100.5

Take Tylenol as directed for Temperature greater than 100.5

REMEMBER TO CALL THE REMEMBER TO CALL THE PHYSICIAN FOR:PHYSICIAN FOR:

Temperature greater than 100.5

Nausea/vomiting continuing after 2 days

Diarrhea continuing after 2 days

Shortness of breath