Hi Linda --

Compazine is usually NOT SUFFICIENT to control the often-severe nausea associated with certain chemotherapy drugs, especially a strong emetic such as cisplatin. The latter can, in some unfortunate individuals, cause lingering nausea and vomiting for some days after infusion. Todd almost certainly needs to take a strong serotonin-uptake drug such as Anzemet, Zofran or Kytril after chemo and possibly for some days afterwards.

I assume Todd is getting an IV anti-emetic such as Anzemet before he gets his chemo infusion. (Ask about this). This lasts for about 24 hours, then the **** can hit the fan for some folks. At Hopkins they give Zofran (a similar drug, but only lasts 8 hours) to take the next day. My husband usually had his chemo at about 3 pm and sure enough, about 23 hours later would start to feel a bit "iffy" -- the Zofran took care of that. He did not get much help at all from Compazine even with mild nausea, but others on this forum have. The problem with Zofran is that it is (like Anzemet and Kytril) a very expensive drug although insurance may cover it and also, the drug companies have programs to provide them at lower cost for patients who ned assistance. My husband said, however, that for him they were worth evey penny as they made his chemo essentially a "non-issue" re side effects. (That is, compared to radiation!)

It is important not to let nausea take effect but to be proactive.

On eating, Hopkins says to eat before chemo but not within two hours and never to eat a favorite food as if you get sick, then in the future this food may forever be disgusting to you. This is the infamous "Sauce Bernaise Syndrome" -- google this for an interesting explanation of the phenomenon.

Gail