how do patients feel after first 8 hrs of chemo?

[newtress, LPN]

Hello all. I'm fretting tonight because my father just began his first 8 hr chemo treatment today. I live in another state than him, and I'm not able to get any information from the unsociable woman he currently lives with. I am severely concerned for him. I am a nursing student and have only had one 4 wk onco med/surg segment in my last semester and that subject truthfully never was really covered. I had thought that there were 2/4 hr and 10-15 min pushes but had not known of a full 8 hour duration chemo treatment w/immuno suppresant. My father was diagnosed with leukemia 4 weeks ago (aggressive) WBC over 100,000. He is 71 yo and was doing relatively well for a man his age. So I would be so thankful if I could get a ball park or general post treatment of first night side effects if any, although I know all treatments are individualized, tailored and different meds are used. Sincere thanks.

[imnlpn]

My husband has recently began chemo. You are very correct there are so many variations of the chemo meds they are using now! He has two different types while he is in the office on the day of chemo. That whole evening and night he feels pretty good. The trouble begins about 36 hours after chemo. That has been our experience. Best of everything to you and yours.

[donsterRN, ASN, BSN]

I completed chemotherapy two years ago for stage III colorectal cancer. I had to go every Thursday for about 6 hours. My regimen was leucovorin, 5 F-U and oxaliplatin. It wasn't horrible; I'd get home mid-afternoon and be OK on Friday and Saturday. I'd get very tired and fatigued to the point of exhaustion on Sunday afternoon, which would last until Wednesday morning. And of course, the next day I'd have to start it all over again. That lasted for 16 weeks. No other real side effects; I'd had some N/V that first week, but after that I'd premedicate with Compazine and be fine. I even kept my hair!

Obviously, every cancer case is different and the drugs used affect each person individually. There is certainly nothing fair about cancer. But, medical research and treatment is such that what was unthinkable just a few years ago is common today. People do survive this. I sincerely hope for the best possible outcomes for your loved ones.

[AmaurosisFugax]

First of all, my best wishes for your father.

Since chemo regimens are so different & individuals respond differently as well, but nowadays with antiemetics, growth factors & the like the risks of side effects are drastically reduced.

My personal experience was that I did pretty well after my first round of chemo. I guess I was very apprehensive so was pleasantly surprised (if I can say that!) the effects were not so bad.

And also to communicate clearly to the doctor/nurse if there is any side effect, not to think one is acting like a hypochondriac or being a pain.