starting Cytoxan this week and nervous

jepajoci

Hi,

I'm nervous about starting Cytoxan this week. I've had blood transfusions and I have weekly IVIG so it's not the process it's that I honestly don't know what to expect. Should I take anti nausea meds before treatment to hopefully lessen the nausea when it does happen?  I'm getting it by IV monthly. How long before my hair starts falling out? For those of you on Mesna, is there anything I should know about that. I'm the type of person that does best knowing what to expect. I realize everyone is different but it would really help if some of you don't mind sharing your experience it will keep my racing mind busy. One more question, how long does the infusion take? 

Thanks, 

Jen

linzer

Hi Jen, I think you are ahead of the game in that the process doesn't scare you, since that's what's usually the biggest hurdle to jump over. I had my first cytoxan treatment almost two weeks ago along with adriamycian. I did not take any anti-nausea meds ahead. When I arrived at infusion, I was given a steroid, then a drip of Emend and another of Aloxi. I had the adriamycian which is pushed over about 15 minutes then the cytoxan was an hour. I was given compazine, steroid, and Ativan for at home. I needed to take the Ativan that night (anti-nausea and anti-anxiety properties work well). The next day I started taking compazine and continued for 2 more days (total of 4). I felt very mild nausea and was just tired out. It wasn't as bad as I expected at all. And that said, I'm not sure which drug would cause which side effects specifically, so you may do well with just the C portion. do you need to get Neulasta? That was easy for me too. I had no bone pain, but did take Claritin just in case. Best wishes! It's difficult enough to have cancer, let alone other medical conditions to manage along with it. Check back and let us know how you did! Linda

jepajoci

Thanks Linda,

Since I'm continuing weekly IVIG infusion for my autoimmune disease and that protects against most infection I don't have to take Neulasta (which is good because I'm allergic to Claritin. ..seriously, who's allergic to an allergy med..me..lol). Anyway,  I'm going to be taking Bactrim DS as a precaution against opportunistic infections and pneumonia and Mesna to protect my bladder. Mesna is a new med for me too. Thanks again for your quick response. 

Jen