UNDERSTANDING
TAXOTERE CHEMOTHERAPY
A Guide for Patients produced by the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh
Introduction
This guide has
been designed to help you and your family understand more about the chemotherapy
you are about to have as treatment for your cancer. If you need more information
or have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask your hospital doctor
or chemotherapy nurse.
What Is Cancer?
Our bodies are made up of tiny structures called cells that cannot be seen by
the naked eye. Normally these cells reproduce themselves by dividing in a regular
fashion. This enables growth and repair of the body tissues. Sometimes an uncontrolled
growth of cells occurs. This is what happens in cancer.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy means treatment with medicines called cytotoxic drugs that are
given to eradicate or control cancer cells that are known to be present and
may be causing symptoms.
How Do Chemotherapy Drugs
Work?
The drugs enter the bloodstream and are distributed to all parts of your body.
It is likely to take at least 3-5 weeks from the start of your treatment for
any benefit to be seen. The drugs destroy the cancer cells by interfenng with
their ability to grow and divide. Chemotherapy can also affect normal cells
which are growmg and dividing This may cause certain side effects, but these
are temporary because healthy cells grow back to normal quickly. The side effects
of the drugs in this treatment will be discussed later.
How Are Chemotherapy
Drugs Given?
The drug(s) enter your bloodstream through a cannula (a fine tube that is
inserted temporarily into a vein on the back of your hand and is attached to
an intravenous drip containing saline). Your chemotherapy nurse will then administer
the drug slowly over 60 minutes through a port in the drip tubing.
What Can I Do While Having
This Treatment?
While you are having this chemotherapy treatment you can get on with life as
normal, Provided you feel well enough, you can carry on working and doing your
favourite activities and hobbies. You should discuss this with the hospital
doctor or chemotherapy nurse caring for you
If it fits in around your treatments you can go on holiday provided you discuss
it first with your doctor or nurse before aranging it. If you are gomg abroad
you may need a covermg letter You should also use a high factor sun lotion as
you are more likely to burn in the sun.
You can eat and drink as normal while on this treatment and alcohol is permitted.
You may find you experience taste changes; food and drinks may not taste as
they did before This will return to normal once the treatment has finished.
What is Taxotere?
Taxotere is the name of the chemotherapy drug which you are going to receive.
It is a colourless drug which is given as an infusion (drip) lasting 1 hour
You will receive this drug every week. The number of chemotherapy treatments
given vanes depending on each individual's treatment plan. You will be seen
regularly by your specialist doctor at a clinic to assess this, so he/she can
monitor the effect of your chemotherapy.
Will I have any side
effects?
As with most forms of chemotherapy, it is likely that you will experience at
least some side effects, although the extent of this varies considerably from
patient to patient. Below are some of the side effects which may be experienced
and we will make every effort to minimise them.
1. Nausea and Vomiting
Some patients can experience moderate nausea and occasional vomiting with this
treatment, however m most cases it can be effectively controlled with anti-sickness
therapy, and there are a wide range of effective drugs. Anti sickness drugs
will be given to you as a prevention during administration of the chemotherapy
and you will be given a supply to take home with you.
2. Hair Loss
It is very likely that hair loss will be experienced and this will occur 3-4
weeks after your chemotherapy treatment begins. However, hair does regrow on
completion of treatment. Your chemotherapy nurse will discuss measures to help
prevent this i.e. scalp cooling and the provision of a wig.
3. A Sore Mouth
Mouth ulcers both inside and outside the mouth i.e. lips, can occur during your
treatment. We will give you mouthwashes to use when you start your treatment
to try and counteract any problems. Contact your GP for advice if your mouth
becomes sore or ulcerated as there are further measures that can be given to
help this.
4. Increased Risk of
Infection
Durmg your chemotherapy you are more likely to pick up infections. If you feel
shivery - hot then cold, similar to flu, or have a sore throat or earache you
should report this immediately to your GP. If you are unable to contact your
GP practice, phone the hospital for advice on the numbers given. Urgent treatment
with antibiotics may be necessary.
5. Aching or Pain in
Muscles and Points
This may occur a few days after treatment. It does not last long and simple
painkillers may help. If this persists for more than 2-3 days, please contact
your GP.
6. Fluid Retention (ankle
swelling)
You will be given some tablets before and after your chemotherapy to help prevent
this. However, any fluid retention will resolve once the treatment has finished.
Less commonly patients have reported other side effects including diarrhoea and skin rashes. When you attend for your next course of treatment please let your chemotherapy nurse know if you have experienced any side effects. The doctor may wish to adjust the dose of chemotherapy to lessen your side effects. You may also feel tired at times. This can get worse the more treatments you have, but should improve on completion of the chemotherapy regime.
We hope this information has helped you understand more about the taxotere chemotherapy, If you have any further questions or do have any problems, please phone using the contact numbers provided..
Contact Numbers:
Ward 1 (Mon - Fri 083 0-1630) 0131 5372219
Ward 4 (Emergency advice out of hours) 0131 537 2200