I went to the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center (RMCC) to meet with Patti, one of the oncology nurses. Her goal was to give me as much information about what we need to know about the how/what/where of chemotherapy.
So, Patti gave me a tour of the chemo room. It is basically a big room with a lot of somewhat comfy chairs. There are some TVs to watch. There is also Wi-Fi so I can connect to the outside world during treatment. Snacks and some non-smelly foods are available. We are allowed to bring outside food, as long as it doesn't smell, because that could cause even more problems with the nausea. This particular morning, it was not crowded with people, but apparently it could be. In those cases, anyone with me may be asked to leave to the waiting room. Let's hope that Monday mornings are quiet.
I then went to a conference room to go over some information. Alot of the information, I had already heard. For the sake of those reading this blog, I'll just reiterate what I was told.
Treatments last from 3 to 4 hours. First part of the treatment will be to extract some blood to get the current blood count. This is done through the port. In order to make sure that the needles don't bother the skin above the port, I'm supposed to use the EMLA cream an hour before I go to the chemo center. This EMLA cream basically numbs the area. After getting the results of the blood count, they will add nausea medication to the IV line, which is connected to the vein via the port. Then one by one, the drugs are given. There are four main drugs of the ABVD treatment:
So, right now, as it stands...my first chemo treatment will be on March 17th, St. Patrick's Day (I asked if they could put green food coloring in the chemo bags) and every other Monday after that. I'm hoping that this could be done in two months. We haven't determined the schedule for radiation yet.
I was supposed to meet with the financial counselor to go over the financial aspects of treatment. Unfortunately, this did not happen because of some conflicts.
So, Patti gave me a tour of the chemo room. It is basically a big room with a lot of somewhat comfy chairs. There are some TVs to watch. There is also Wi-Fi so I can connect to the outside world during treatment. Snacks and some non-smelly foods are available. We are allowed to bring outside food, as long as it doesn't smell, because that could cause even more problems with the nausea. This particular morning, it was not crowded with people, but apparently it could be. In those cases, anyone with me may be asked to leave to the waiting room. Let's hope that Monday mornings are quiet.
I then went to a conference room to go over some information. Alot of the information, I had already heard. For the sake of those reading this blog, I'll just reiterate what I was told.
Treatments last from 3 to 4 hours. First part of the treatment will be to extract some blood to get the current blood count. This is done through the port. In order to make sure that the needles don't bother the skin above the port, I'm supposed to use the EMLA cream an hour before I go to the chemo center. This EMLA cream basically numbs the area. After getting the results of the blood count, they will add nausea medication to the IV line, which is connected to the vein via the port. Then one by one, the drugs are given. There are four main drugs of the ABVD treatment:
- Adriamycin (Doxorubicin)
- Looks like a red fluid.
- Injected via an IV bag through the port. Takes about a half hour
- Common side effects:
- Nausea and vomiting may occur 1 to 3 hours after the drug is given and may last up to 24 hours.
- Complete hair loss generally occurs 2 or more weeks after treatment begins and is not permanent.
- Discolored urine may occur up to 48 hours after the drug is given
- Reduced blood counts occur 1 to 2 weeks after treatment
- Less common side effects:
- Heart muscle damage may occurs.
- Fatigue, weakness
- Mouth sores
- Tissue irritation. Important to note any burning, pain, stinging while the drug is injected.
- Benoxane (Bleomycin)
- Looks like a clear fluid
- Injected into the vein via the IV line
- Common side effects:
- Fevers and chills may occur 2 to 10 hours after drug is given
- Mouth sores
- Dark rings in nail beds
- Darkening, peeling, or rash on skin
- Less common side effects:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness or weakness
- Hair loss
- Headache
- Pain and swelling of joints
- Scarring of lungs
- Velban (Vinblastine)
- Looks like a clear fluid
- Injected via IV line
- Common side effects:
- Reduced blood counts occur 1 to 2 weeks after treatment
- Less common side effects:
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Tingling, numbness in hands or fingers. Need to keep track of this
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Tissue irritation. Need to keep an eye on this if there are any burning or stinging when the drug is injected
- DTIC (Dacarbazine)
- Looks like a clear fluid
- Injected via the IV line
- Common side effects:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms (fevers, aches, or tiredness)
- Discomfort along vein
- Reduced blood counts occur 2 to 4 weeks after treatment
- Less common side effects:
- Metal taste in mouth
- Eye and skin more sensitive to sun
So, right now, as it stands...my first chemo treatment will be on March 17th, St. Patrick's Day (I asked if they could put green food coloring in the chemo bags) and every other Monday after that. I'm hoping that this could be done in two months. We haven't determined the schedule for radiation yet.
I was supposed to meet with the financial counselor to go over the financial aspects of treatment. Unfortunately, this did not happen because of some conflicts.
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