Controlling chemo side effects

I had 6 infusions of Taxotere/Carboplatin/Herceptin, then Herceptin for the balance of the year. For nausea I was given oral steroids ((Dexamethosone) to start the day before, then take the day after for two days. I was given Aloxi in my IV premeds along with Tylenol and Benadryl, then oral Zofran (Odansetron), Compazine (Proclorperazine), and Ativan (Lorazepam) to take starting the evening of infusion, and for as many days as I experienced any nausea. Zofran did not work for me at all and gave me a wicked headache, so I moved on to Compazine and it worked fine. I usually took Compazine starting the evening of chemo and continued around the clock for 3 or 4 days, and after the second infusion - when I figured out what worked - I had no further nausea or vomiting. I never needed the Ativan, but my instructions were to take these drugs in order - start with Zofran, if it didn't work, take the Compazine - even if it had only been a short time since I had taken the Zofran, and if the Compazine didn't work, take the Ativan. I was told that these drugs work by differing mechanisms so overlapping them was not an issue. There are other anti-nausea drugs that can be given both by IV and orally - Emend, other versions of the above mentioned drugs, a Sancuso patch - which is a time-release patch that some with intractable nausea have used with success, and also cannabinoids. Also, don't discount reflux causing nausea - some who have nausea can control it better if they are also taking meds for reflux - such as Pepcid, Zantac, Omeprazole, or prescription strength meds given by your oncologist. Receiving an infusion of fluids with Dexamethosone added for several days following infusion is also very helpful. Nausea can be caused by dehydration, so even though it seems counter-intuitive, you have to drink if you can. For diarrhea - Immodium over-the-counter, or Lomotil (loperamide) by prescription. If you have both nausea and diarrhea, and your food and hydration intake is limited, you are most certainly dehydrated. Claritin helps with body aches, but might be more helpful combined with Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve. Check with your oncologist before taking anything over-the-counter just to be safe though. For mouth sores many gargle with a baking soda/salt combo - here are the proportions - 1 quart water, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking soda. If you keep a bottle of it already mixed by the sink and a stack of little paper cups - use it as often as you think about it. If that does not do the trick, I used Caphosol, a prescription, and it cleared my mouth sores in 48 hours. Some swear by Mugard, also by prescription. Some have mouth sores that are fungal and have used Nystatin with success. Or your oncologist can prescribe "Magic Mouthwash" and here are the ingredients:

Magic mouthwash usually contains at least three of these basic ingredients:

• An antibiotic to kill bacteria around the sore
• An antihistamine or local anesthetic to reduce pain and discomfort
• An antifungal to reduce fungal growth
• A corticosteroid to treat inflammation
• An antacid that helps ensure the other ingredients adequately coat the inside of your mouth

I tried to stay away from acidic foods like citrus and tomato, and spicy foods - even though I could taste all of those flavors better they were not good for my mouth or digestive system. I found that the BRAT diet was helpful (bananas, rice, apples, toast) worked well, and gradually added melon, yogurt, fortified hot cereal, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese. When my digestive system had calmed a bit I added more protein rich foods - chicken, steak, cheeseburgers - in an effort to provide energy and keep my hemoglobin high enough to avoid a transfusion. I often couldn't taste food, or the texture was weird, but I ate anyway knowing my body needed the protein.Even though I was exhausted I had trouble sleeping - some have had success with Xanax or Ativan, but the cannabinoids may be helpful with this too. I just rode it out - did not have young kids, and was off work during chemo, so if I didn't sleep at night, I just slept when I could. Wishing you the best and I hope this was helpful.