Dear Judy; We are sorry to hear about your partner Sandy and hope that we
will be able to help with some suggestions and information. Please know
that none of us are in the medical profession; so really what we suggest is
our opinion.. Here are some medications that are very good for nausea and
information regarding the drug camptosar. It is important that Sandy talks
with her doctor regarding this and gets a perscription. I would further
suggest that you contact the NCI (1-8--4-CANCER); as they will send you a
lot of information to help. Diet is extreamly important for cancer
patients; as the chemo therapy tends to be very hard on the body.
Understand that in all the searching I have done in the past 4 year's I have
read very good things about Camptosar as a therapy. Meaning it's
effectiveness. This lends hope to the both of you and one's attitude is
very important at this time. Did Sandy get a second opinion? Is she being
treated by a top cancer hospital? If we may be of further help, please feel
free to ask, this is an excelent forum with many loving members. Your
friend,
lillian
We invite you to take a look at our Album.
http:
www.angelfire.com/sc/molangels/index.html
( Very informational, good tips, Molers pictures, art work and much
more....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SOME GOOD TIPS!
In need of financial help? Try the American Share Foundation.
Sick to your stomach? Some brand name medicines help: Zofram, Anzemet,
Kytril, Magase and Compsize to name a few. If your present medicine does
not work ask your doctor about one above. If you are not on medication for
nausea, then ask your doctor for a prescription.
Feel like a metal mouth? Use plastic utinsils during chemo and radiation
therapy.
Under radiation treatments?Aloe Vera and corn starch do wonders, are both
natural ingredients. Do not use an oil base product such as skin so soft or
baby oil. Just make sure your doctor knows what you are using.
In pain; but you wish you could somehow decrease your pain medications?
Procetamoe taken with pain meds reduces the amount of pain meds needed.
Talk to your doctor about this.
Sore mouth and throat? "Magic Mouthwash", 1 tsp. of Benadryl, 1 tsp. of
lilocaine and 1 tsp. of Malox (all may be purchased over the counter).
Never do or take anything without your doctor knowing.
Did you know? That Hospital Foundations will help pay for prescriptions for
those in need?
Have you checked into "The Living Benefits of Insurance?
Are you looking for a top cancer doctor? Go to:
http://homearts.com/gh/health/39cocs16.htm
Have you completed your "Living Will"? This is so important.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
PLATELETS
Platelets are necessary to repair the body and to stop bleeding through the
formation of clots. Because platelets are produced by the bone marrow,
platelet counts decrease when a person is on chemotherapy. Any spleen
dysfunction such as enlargement may cause the counts to drop precipitously.
If the spleen is removed, platelet counts may. Because platelets are
produced by the bone marrow, platelet counts decrease when a person is on
chemotherapy. Signs of lowering platelet counts are small vessel bleeding
such as bruises, gum bleeding, or nose bleeding. Platelet transfusions are
usually given when the count is between 10,000-20,000 mm3. Platelets are
counted by passing a blood sample through an electronic device.
Approximately one third of all platelets spend a great deal of time
skyrocket. This transient thrombocytosis (elevated platelet count) will
abate within a month.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
INFORMATION ON CAMPTOSAR:
CAMPTOSAR
Possible Side Effects: What Can Be Done/What You Can Do:
Diarrhea - one type can start within hours of getting your treatment. The
other type starts 11 days after treatment. Monitor your stools. Take Imodium
only as directed. Drink plenty of clear fluids. Don't drink fruit juice. If
you have diarrhea for more than three days, even while taking Loperamide,
call your physician.
Decreased blood counts. Avoid contact with people who have colds or flu.
Avoid taking aspirin and aspirin products while on chemotherapy.
Report fever of 101° or higher to your physician immediately day or night.
Watch for signs of bleeding or bruising.
Report any signs of infection.
Nausea and vomiting. Your provider may prescribe a nausea medication. Take
it as ordered. Notify physician if you are vomiting. Also, you may wish to
consult with a dietitian.
Decreased appetite. Dietitian is available to talk with you.
Hair loss (1/3 of patient lose a small amount and 1/3 of patients lose most
or all). You may wish to talk to your provider about a wig, scarf or toupee
if hair loss is experienced.
Camptosar will be in your urine and stools for 48 hours. You will need to
handle soiled linens and clothing with special precautions. Wash hands
immediately after handling soiled articles. Keep soiled articles separate
and wash immediately.
IRINOTECAN (CamptosarŪ) is a type of chemotherapy for treating cancer.
Irinotecan interferes with the growth of cancer cells. It is used for
treating cancers of the colon. Generic irinotecan injections are not
available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive irinotecan?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
.blood disorders
.dehydration
.dental disease
.diarrhea
.infection (especially virus infection such as chickenpox or herpes)
.liver disease
.recent radiation therapy
.an unusual or allergic reaction to irinotecan, other chemotherapy, other
medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
.pregnant or trying to get pregnant
.breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Irinotecan is for infusion into a vein. It is usually administered in a
hospital or clinic setting by a health care professional.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What other medicines can interact with irinotecan?
.live virus vaccines
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines
you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional
supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care
professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol,
if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your
medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or
starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving irinotecan?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care
professional as soon as possible:
.confusion
.diarrhea
.difficulty breathing
.drowsiness
.fever or chills, cough or sore throat
.headache
.lower back pain
.mouth sores
.nausea, vomiting
.pain, swelling, redness or irritation at the injection site
.stomach pain
.unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin
.unusual tiredness or weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your
prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
.gas
.hair loss
.indigestion
.loss of appetite
.stuffy nose
.skin flushing
.skin rash, itching
.weight loss
What do I need to watch for while I receive irinotecan?
Irinotecan can cause diarrhea within several days of receiving the
medication. You should have loperamide (ImodiumŪ) readily available to treat
late-onset diarrhea (diarrhea occurring more than 24 hours after receiving
irinotecan). At the first sign of late diarrhea (i.e., abdominal cramping,
sweating), take loperamide as prescribed and call your doctor or health care
professional.
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your
progress. You will need to have regular blood checks. The side effects of
irinotecan can continue after you finish your treatment; report side effects
promptly.
Irinotecan may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because
irinotecan affects good cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side
effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel
ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop.
While you are using irinotecan, you will be more susceptible to infection.
Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do not have any
vaccinations without your prescriber's approval and avoid anyone who has
recently had oral polio vaccine.
Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a
fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself.
Irinotecan can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk
of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring yourself. Problems can arise
if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to
avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care
professional that you are using irinotecan.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). Protect from
light. Throw away any unused injection solution.
----- Original Message -----
From: Judy Cesek <jacesek@hotmail.com>
To: <firefly@islc.net>
Sent: Saturday, September 25, 1999 9:57 PM
Subject: Camptosar
> I have been reading messages on MOL for a few days and need help. My
> partner, Sandy, had what the doctors thought was ovarian cancer. She had
a
> complete hysterectomy, part of the small intestine removed, and her
appendix
> removed. After tests, she was diagnosed as having appendix cancer which
> spread to the other areas. Her operation was in Feb. 1999. She received
> 5FU treatments which started in March. She went for five days in a row,
but
> it was too hard on her so she then went every Friday. After her last cat
> scan, it showed a mass on her left kidney (she has had severe back pain
for
> months) and some 'seeds' on the site of the operation on her small
> intestine. On Friday, Sept. 17 she had her first treatment of Camptosar.
> Her doctor put her on 10 mg. of morphine for the back pain, but she gets
so
> nauseas she doesn't take it very often. She had her second treatment
> yesterday, and has been vomiting since. Do you know of anyone else that
has
> been or is going through this same treatment? Any suggestion for the
> nausea? I am having a real hard time getting her to eat or drink. She is
> 47 years old. Any advice you have to offer will be greatly appreciated.
> thank you. Judy.
>
> ______________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
>
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