Hi all! I have a question concerning chemotherapy. I must admit: I'm afraid. Do you know, if there are advances in the chemotherapy that is necessary for the SCT? All these bad side effects, loss of hair, vomiting, nausea, diarroehe, fatigue, bleeding etc. Do you know if there are developments in the markets out there, that - additionaly to novel agents - improves the chemo? Have better side effects? Are there new drugs in development for that? Never heard of them. It is even a topic in research to manage side effects better? Would be glad if one of the beacon experts or a forum member could anser. Thank you!
I've read on the blog of Yvon Papillon, that for him, there's no difference in chemo happining since five years ago (where he had his last one).
Forums
3 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Re: Chemo
Hi Tom,
I'm not aware of new chemotherapies being developed. I've heard of some research into optimal dosing of existing chemos to get the best effect with the fewest side effects. I think current research tends to focus on the myeloma-targeted drugs, rather than old-style chemo that kills just about everything.
I've found a number of useful tips on this site about managing chemo side effects. For instance, chew on ice chips during chemo before a stem cell transplant to avoid mouth ulcers. There's a drug Kepivance that can be used to reduce mouth ulcers too. There are a number of tips in this forum about nausea and bad tasting food. Also make sure you're healthy and not fighting any colds before the chemo and stem cell transplant. Everyone knows to avoid sick people, but your own health prior to the transplant can be just as critical to avoiding a serious infection after the transplant.
As far as losing your hair, everyone's different. Some lose it all, a few are lucky and don't. Some lose it quickly, for others the hair hangs around a little longer. I'm not sure there's much you can do about that other than shave it when it starts to fall out in clumps. At least having a shaved head is a lot more normal for men than women. And just remember, it's only temporary. It'll grow back.
I'm not aware of new chemotherapies being developed. I've heard of some research into optimal dosing of existing chemos to get the best effect with the fewest side effects. I think current research tends to focus on the myeloma-targeted drugs, rather than old-style chemo that kills just about everything.
I've found a number of useful tips on this site about managing chemo side effects. For instance, chew on ice chips during chemo before a stem cell transplant to avoid mouth ulcers. There's a drug Kepivance that can be used to reduce mouth ulcers too. There are a number of tips in this forum about nausea and bad tasting food. Also make sure you're healthy and not fighting any colds before the chemo and stem cell transplant. Everyone knows to avoid sick people, but your own health prior to the transplant can be just as critical to avoiding a serious infection after the transplant.
As far as losing your hair, everyone's different. Some lose it all, a few are lucky and don't. Some lose it quickly, for others the hair hangs around a little longer. I'm not sure there's much you can do about that other than shave it when it starts to fall out in clumps. At least having a shaved head is a lot more normal for men than women. And just remember, it's only temporary. It'll grow back.
-
Lydia
Nanoparticles
Nonparticles should change chemo. Don't know, if this study will change myeloma therapy.
http://www.desimone-group.chem.unc.edu/research
Would be great, if the beacon could do a feature about chemo!
http://www.desimone-group.chem.unc.edu/research
Would be great, if the beacon could do a feature about chemo!
-
parker peter
3 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Return to Treatments & Side Effects