I just wanted to follow up and let you guys know that I started treatment today! I had the big bag of cisplatin and my first Rads. Was pleasantly surprised at how quick the Rads treatment was! Got all the anti nausea meds and feel good for now, although I know it will likely hit me hard soon. What did everyone else experience as far as the first week after cisplat? I'm armed with all the usual nausea meds at home, and I know everyone is different, but was curious for some opinions on what regimen worked best for others? Have a feeling I'll be spending a lot of time on this site in the next couple months :-). I've been thoroughly enjoying Hellion's post -- you are so brave!,,

I felt fantastic Day 1. I felt like I was going to catch a cold on Day 3. Then I got better. Everyone is different but I tolerated the chemo very well.

Stay hydrated and get your calories every day. Stay strong.

great news. one day closer to being done!

The radiation effects usually begin after the 2nd week, 10-14 days of starting treatment, beginning with neck redness, and radiation continue to work several weeks after treatment completion, and have acute, and long term toxicities. Chemo effects start much sooner, usually 3 days after infusion, but cease sooner after treatments are completed. I never had Cisplatin alone, but did with two other chemo's in a high dose induction cocktail, which didn't go well. With radiation, in other subsequent treatments, I believe I had more nausea from pain meds, mucus, canned nutrition from tube feeding, bad taste than anything else. I tried a number of anti-nausea meds through the years.

With Cisplatin, maybe you already know, there are several toxicities that may or may not occur, but if they do to let the staff, oncologist know right away for any neuropathy, hearing, and vision changes, which can become permanent, if not addressed. The creatinine, blood count will be checked weekly in the blood test prior to infusions, and adequate water should be consumed after infusions to flush the kidneys.

The key to getting through treatments are Adequate nutrition, hydration, impeccable oral care, mucocitis, infection, pain, nausea, and vomit control and treatment, neck care, mouth exercises, sleep.

Good luck, and hope this helps.

Truthfully rads issues get worse as time goes on... chemo - welll - that depends on the person. I had minor nausea for few days and that was it. I followed the meds exactly as prescribed and think I only used my breakthrough nausea med twice.

SO glad you are doing ok.

take care

Its day 3 and im doing ok, much better than expected since everything seems to make me nauseated. Ive been able to keep the nausea mostly at bay with decadron, zofran in the day, and ativan at night. I have no appetite but am forcing protein/smoothies down anyway. Hopefully the rest of the week stays as smooth. Im curious, of those of you in treatment now, how many have PEGs? I opted out for reasons Im sure I dont need to explain to this group, but am starting to doubt my decision and was considering getting one placed next week before the hard-core swallowing difficulty sets in. Thoughts? Experiences that may help me decide? Thanks in advance!

Glad you are holding your own, so far. As far as Peg Tubes, as we formally call it PEG Wars lol. I didn't have one when I did induction chemo in November 2009, but did eventually need after being hospitalized for a long duration from that, and being NPO. I had the peg taken out when I was NED 7 month later, but had a recurrence, and my swallowing was still compromised, and another was suggested to be put in, and did, which I still have, and used during several other treatments through the years, and still lost 40 pounds with my first radiation, and was tube dependent for that, but not any others.

It also depends if the person is already compromised, eating inability, having invasive surgery, is underweight or not going to be able follow the proper nutrition, hydration, and mouth exercise regimine that one may be suggested to have put in before starting treatment. It seems these days it is favored by some doctors, and even patients, to have one put in reactively, than proactively, and some not at all. There are pros and cons to each.

Keep up the good work, Doctor.

Thanks, Paul. Of course this afternoon I feel awful and not much is helping. Got my 3rd Rads (25 mins away which sucks) but otherwise it's hard to even get out of bed. I know it's just a bad day, but man this cisplatin is unpleasant. I keep trying to remind myself that the symptoms mean the med is also melting the cancer. Anyway, will hope for a better day tomorrow, and make PEG decision next week. Thanks for the input!

Ask your doc for an open prescription to get hydrated in the chemo lab. This will help you to feel better.

If your daily intake isnt at least 2500 calories and 48-60 oz of water, then you probably will struggle thru your treatments. Its very early in the game to run into any problems, but everyone is different. Some can have problems from day 1 while some other lucky patients sail right thru without hardly a bump in the road. The common denominator is patients who have it easy are the ones who focused on getting their daily minimums in no matter what. I cant stress this enough... it really will make or break your treatments if you can or cant get the daily minimums in.

As far as the PEG goes, its a very personal decision. Many are pro while others are con and think most can get thru it without one. The PEG wars got pretty ugly with each side being adamant on over-stating why their way was best. Its a tool that will make things easier in many ways if its used correctly, as a supplement to eating/drinking. Whatever is best for you in yoru situation is what we will support you with.

Best wishes!

Laurie, I didn't have chemo so can only comment on radiation. I elected not to have a PEG and my MO told me she thought I could get through it if I really wanted to. I had my reasons for not wanting to go through another medical procedure at the time.

However after a few weeks I began to wish I'd had the PEG. Swallowing became so fiercely painful due to mouth and throat sores that I almost couldn't do it after about 2-3 weeks, and this was only liquid nutrition and water I"m speaking of. Of course maybe since I've always been prone to canker sores I was more sensitive than some.

So you're right to consider this carefully and get all the advice you can. Oh and like you I had a bit of drive to the ride every day, maybe 40 minutes that I did by myself. And in LA no less. But the end result is worth going through anything.

Hang in there, keep writing, keep eating, keep sleeping!

We're all here for you.