What is Induction Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is often recommended to treat cancer. And, while the idea may be quite scary, it is important to realize that your doctor is doing his/her best to make sure that you beat the cancer. Following the treatment plan of your doctor can increase your chances at overcoming your cancer and living a longer life.

What is Induction Chemotherapy?

Induction chemotherapy is generally used in advanced stages of cancer. It is generally the first step your doctor will take to fight cancer cells in your body. The goal is to attack the cancer, causing the cells to weaken and preventing cancer cell growth. Some types of cancer will only respond to chemotherapy and several rounds may be required to fight the cancer and put it into remission. However, there are other types of cancer that may need radiation therapy once the chemo cycle is over. If the cancer can actually be surgically removed, then chemotherapy will be used before the surgical removal of your tumor. Your oncologist will determine, based on the type and severity of your cancer, which types of cancer treatments will work best.

A Risk of Induction Chemotherapy

Your doctor will only administer the amount of chemotherapy you need. If at all possible, other forms of treatment will be used before using additional rounds of induction chemotherapy. The reasoning for this is that there is a risk to over-treating with induction chemotherapy. If used too much, induction chemotherapy can lead to leukemia, a type of blood cancer that is very difficult to treat.

Induction Chemotherapy Controversy

The safety and effectiveness of induction chemotherapy has been a topic up for debate for a great deal of time. Initially, it was thought that induction therapy could increase the health of all cancer patients. Later trial and evaluation of the therapy, however, showed a slightly different story. It was found that chemotherapy, in conjunction with other types of treatments was more successful. It was also shown that the success of induction therapy depended greatly on the type of cancer the patient was fighting. Overall, it was found that, if at all possible, induction chemotherapy should be avoided.

If your doctor has recommended induction chemotherapy, you don’t have to worry though. Your doctor is likely very aware of the risks and the potential benefits. Your doctor obviously feels that induction chemo is your best chance and it is unlikely that induction chemotherapy will be the only type of treatment used, unless you have a chemo-sensitive tumor or type of cancer.

Induction Chemotherapy for AML

One of the most popular uses for induction chemotherapy is for the treatment of AML, otherwise known as acute myeloid leukemia. Induction chemotherapy is used as the first line of treatment to help kill the detectable cancer cells. Once induction chemo is completed, a secondary type of treatment, known as consolidation therapy is used.

Induction therapy can also be used as remission therapy. In this case, two different medications are used – daunorubicin and cytarabine. These are both used to damage DNA cells while they are being replicated. The replication of DNA is what causes leukemia.

Side Effects of Induction Chemotherapy

Because of how chemotherapy works, side effects are very common. Some side effects are potentially fatal. Knowing what to expect and how to detect potentially fatal side effects can help you be more prepared for the chemotherapy process.

Common side effects that are not usually fatal can include nausea and vomiting, hair loss, constipation, sores in the mouth or throat, fatigue, damage to the reproductive organs, changes in taste, appetite loss, changes in thinking or memory, and weight changes. Some of these side effects, however, like diarrhea, can become fatal if they are not addressed properly. Your doctor can help you deal with side effects that could become dangerous and will advise you on the proper methods for handling them.

Side effects that can become dangerous and even potentially fatal include heart damage, nervous system changes, liver damage, lung damage, kidney and urinary system damage, and bone marrow suppression. Those at the highest risk for potentially fatal conditions generally have other health conditions. For example, individuals at the highest risk for heart conditions from chemotherapy are those that already have heart complications. Some conditions like kidney disease are most likely to occur in patients that are not addressing other side effects properly.

Knowing When to Talk to Your Doctor

Your doctor should discuss serious complications with you and advise you of when you should seek medical care immediately. Some cases that you should seek immediate medical care for include back or chest pain. If you experience certain side effects right after treatment like sweating, stomach cramps, or watery eyes, you should also seek immediate medical attention.

Natural Cures for GERD

Strict discipline is a must if natural cure is preferred for GERD. There are basic things that do not require daily medication. A change in the way of eating and  clothes worn will help. One such way is to change eating habits from regular big meals to  small frequent meals. This  enables the stomach to digest the food smoothly and prevents hyperacidity. Large meals may trigger the stomach to produce more acid.

In terms of clothing, GERD patients should wear loose and comfortable clothes. Though tight clothes are trendy, they press the stomach causing  heartburn. It is good to get rid of tight-fitting clothes  while still suffering from the symptoms of GERD as there will be no use for them. Obese GERD patients should also exercise to lose weight. Exercise does not need to be extensive and tiring. Simple brisk walking for few minutes will do; finding natural cures for GERD is not difficult.

There are appropriate ways of sleeping which will minimize the occurrence of heartburn. GERD patients should know the basics. It is advised not to go  to bed right after eating dinner. There must be at least three hours interval before going to sleep. This interval will give time for the stomach to digest the food. Another way is to keep the bed  elevated with pillows which are placed just below the head. This will ease the discomfort of heartburn at night time as  heartburns are felt more often while lying down to sleep.

Be vigilant on the food you are about to eat. Over-consumption of  carbonated and caffeinated drinks triggers GERD. Each GERD patient must secure their own list of foods to avoid. Acidic, spicy and fatty foods are the most common triggerfactors of GERD and may   worsen the condition. The long list would include fruits namely, orange, citrus and lemons. Chocolates have higher cholesterol level and is included on the list as well. Caffeinated drinks like coffee, cola, soda and tea contributes to the acidity of the stomach. Fatty foods include fried fish, chicken or pork and should be avoided. Have them cooked grilled or roasted instead.

Some herbal medicines -  a natural way of curing GERD, are readily available over-the-counter. Most GERD patients prefer to take these herbal substitutes  since they are a lot cheaper, effective, have no side effects and containno harmful ingredients. Herbal medicines are proven to alleviate and control the acidity of the stomach. Some herbal medicines soothe the inflammation inside the intestines and relax the nerves. Heartburn is oftentimes relieved  with the use of  herbal medicines.

Ginger roots, herbal liquorice and German chamomile are boiled to squeeze their extracts. Cumin, baking soda, lemon balm and skim milk are then mixed with a glass of water. The mixture may be given to GERD patients. Meadows sweet tea and Aloe Vera juice are also effective drinks for GERD patients and may be consumed without limit as long as the patient feels better.

Glutamine containing food reduces the acidity of the stomach and inflammation. Patient may chew fennel seed to reduce spasms inside the stomach. Apple cider vinegar is also proven to be effective - a mixture of a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and  a glass or water will do. GERD patients must also take extra caref when  taking herbal products, making sure there is no  over-dosage. However, there are patients that who are allergic to the components of a particular herb. GERD patients must know if they have allergic reactions to what herbal components.

Triple Bypass Surgery Survival Rate

Families of the patient who should undergo triple bypass surgery may have questions in mind about the survival rate. They can’t help but worry if the patient will survive. They would also like to know what things are likely  to happen after the surgery. In a discussion forum, patients who have undergone triple bypass surgery have expressed their different experiences.

The summary of their discussion sums up that they have a successful surgery. Majority of them have survived and lived normal lives as an outcome of the surgery. The group of patients  discussing consists of nine males and six females. Their age bracket is divided into two for each  gender. The male age ranges from ages 45 to 82 years old while female age ranges from 30 to 80 years old. The blockage that they had on their arteries ranges from 80% to 90%.

To show the results of their surgery, we separated the feedback of the males and the females. According to the males, they lived normal lives after the surgery. They have been living remarkably well with no complications and in excellent mood. Right after the surgery some have experienced few struggles. Those adjustment periods included four days of pain after surgery, chest muscles are sensitive to cold, feeling nauseous  for several weeks, cardiac rehab three times a week for three months and the first year after surgery had been generally tough. One patient presented quite a rare outcome and that is going through another triple bypass surgery 14 years after the last surgery. All of them were physically fit before the onset of chest pains and heart attacks. Their recovery span varied from three months until  a year. After the recovery period they lived well and longer.

Females’ feedback have variations and each with their own stories before having heart attack. One of them is a chain smoker, another one is an active triathlon and others just lived normal lives before the heart attack. Chest pains or angina had led some of them to the emergency room of  the hospital and never thought it was that serious until they were admitted for surgery. Almost all of the females went well after the surgery. However, one of them didn’t makeit to the recovery stage. The woman  was 80 years old when she had the surgery. Her family thought she made it because she did pretty well 24 hours after the surgery.  But unfortunately, at 33 hours she passed away.  One  had the fastest recovery which was about 9 days after the surgery.  She had already gotten  back to work 9 days after her surgery.  Another one stated she fully recovered after 5 months.

Based on this triple bypass surgery survival rate discussion, the mortality rate of the patients who undergotriple bypass surgery is a low  1 out of 15 patients. Only one of them didn’t make it and died. It goes to show that this medical procedure  is still a safe way to extend  the life of the patient and to somehow reduce  the occurrence of chest pains and heart attackin the future. The discussion  somehow alleviates the worrying hearts of the family whose  family member will undergo triple bypass surgery.

What is FOLFIRI Chemotherapy

Finding out you have cancer is scary, especially when you are told that chemotherapy will be a part of your treatment. And, while there is no way to make chemotherapy pleasant, it is important to know that, if your doctor has recommended chemo, it is your best chance at beating the cancer.

If FOLFIRI chemo has been recommended by your doctor, they have taken the time to carefully evaluate your condition and feel that this type of treatment is your best chance at success. FOLFIRI chemotherapy is a type of chemo that is used to treat certain types of cancer – generally colon or rectal cancer. However, it has also been used to treat a variety of other conditions.

Drugs Found in FOLFIRI

There are five different cancer fighting drugs found in FOLFIRI: 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan or Camptosar. The 5-fluorouracil and irinotecan are used to help prevent cancer cell growth. It also prevents the cancer cells from multiplying. Eventually, the cancer cells should shrink and die. The Leucovorin in FOLFIRI is used to increase the efficacy of the 5-fluorouracil.

Before You Start Treatment

There are some things that you should be aware of before you start FOLFIRI treatment that can help prevent any adverse effects and protect you and your children. First, you should talk to your doctor about any medications that you are currently taking. This includes dietary supplements, herbal remedies, and vitamins.
To protect you and your children, you should try to avoid getting pregnant while you receive FOLFIRI treatment. FOLFIRI can harm your unborn baby and it is essential that you take proper precautions to avoid this situation. Do this by taking a good birth control and talk to your doctor immediately if you should become pregnant. If you have recently had a baby, you should avoid breastfeeding while you are receiving FOLFIRI treatment. There is currently no research available as to whether or not FOLFIRI can harm your infant while nursing.

You should also be aware that there is a possibility that you could become sterile from your FOLFIRI treatment. This is a possibility with many different types of chemotherapy drugs. If you plan to have a family in the future, take the time to talk to your doctor about how FOLFIRI might impact your future plans.

Health Conditions You Should Be Aware Of

There are some side effects that can occur with FOLFIRI that go beyond the normal chemotherapy side effects that you normally hear about. Some of the side effects are potentially fatal, so you need to be aware of them. If you display any of the symptoms that could indicate that you are suffering from a potentially fatal side effect, you should talk to your doctor immediately.

One of the most common side effects found with FOLFIRI is heart complications. This is caused by the 5-FU drug found in the FOLFIRI. Some complications can include heart attack, angina, arrhythmia, and heart failure. Those with heart conditions or a history of heart disease are at higher risk than patients that have never had a heart condition. Signs that you may be suffering from a heart-related complication could include back pain or tightness in the chest.

Diarrhea is also very common with the FOLFIRI treatment. This is caused by the drug Irinotecan. Diarrhea can occur within 24 hours after initial treatment or several days after treatment. It often peaks around the eleventh day after treatment. If you experience diarrhea within the first 24 hours, you may need to take atropine, a drug that can help reduce symptoms.

Dehydration is a risk with excessive diarrhea and you should take steps to making sure that you stay properly hydrated. Not staying properly hydrated can lead to other complications, including kidney problems. You should also have over-the-counter Imodium A-D at home before you start treatment and take it as soon as you start experiencing loose stools. This will help to reduce your risk of dehydration. Let your doctor know if you take any type of stool softeners or laxatives because these can worsen symptoms. You should also let your doctor know immediately if you experience a runny nose, flushing, watery eyes, excessive salivation, sweating, or stomach cramps after treatment.

Rare cases of intestinal inflammation can occur during FOLFIRI treatment. Complications experienced with this type of condition can include infection, ulcers, and bleeding. You should tell your doctor immediately if you start to experience rectal bleeding or have sudden abdominal pain. Side effects are often more severe in patients that are older or who have had radiation therapy to the abdominal or pelvic area. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection from the inflammation.

What is Doxil Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy wasn’t always so complicated to understand. But, as medical science advanced, so did chemotherapy. This is because doctors and researchers started to learn more about how tumors work. They learned how certain tumors responded to different types of treatment and chemotherapy drugs. As they strived to understand more about the intricacies of cancer and chemotherapy, doctors started to expand the types of treatment available to their patients.

Doxil is a type of chemotherapy drug that is classified as an anthracycline antibiotic and it is used to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases, including AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and other types of solid tumors. It can, however, be used for other types of illnesses, if your doctor thinks it might be beneficial to your treatment plan.

About Your Treatment

Dioxil is only offered in the form of injection. It is given with saline solution intravenously. Because it is an irritant, it can cause irritation in the vein that it is given in. This can cause permanent tissue damage if it goes unnoticed. If you experience any swelling, burning, or pain where you are receiving injections, you should notify the health care professional administering the drug immediately.

During treatment, you may also experience shortness of breath, headache, back pain, flushing, low blood pressure, chest or throat tightness, and swelling of the face. This occurs in about 10% of patients and you should let your health care professional know immediately if you experience any of these symptoms while receiving your Dioxil treatment. The symptoms should stop once the Dioxil is stopped and then given at a slower rate.

The amount and frequency of your Dioxil treatments will be determined by your doctor. They will base their decision on a number of factors which include the severity of your condition, your height, and your weight. Other factors may also be considered, like possible health conditions that may create side effects while taking Dioxil.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects are very common with all chemotherapy drugs. And, while the side effect list is long, you are unlikely to experience all of the side effects listed. Some side effects are more common. Others occur in very few patients. Different side effects may occur at different stages of your chemotherapy treatments Side effects are likely to be more intense if you need stronger doses of Dioxil. Nearly all side effects experienced with Dioxil only last as long as your treatment.

The most common side effects occur in about 30 percent of all Dioxil patients. You may experience a low blood count of either your white or red blood cells. This can create a bigger risk for infection or anemia. Blood cell count decrease generally starts about 7 days after treatment starts. The low point generally occurs in between Dioxil treatments, at about 10-14 days after your initial treatment starts. This is commonly referred to as nadir. You should start recovering from a low blood cell count around 21-28 days after treatment was started. Other common side effects include mouth sores, swelling, hand-foot syndrome, skin rash, pain or peeling on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet. Some side effects can be decreased in severity if your Dioxil doses are decreased so be sure to talk to your doctor about any side effects experienced while receiving treatment.

You may also experience less common side effects. These are experienced by 10 to 29 percent of patients and can include discoloration of the beds of your nails, weakness, constipation, diarrhea, discoloration of urine (up to 48 hours after treatment), hair loss, and poor appetite. You may also experience skin darkening at previous radiation sites or low platelet counts. Low platelet counts can cause a higher risk of bleeding and may make blood clotting more difficult.

A rare but serious side effect that can occur with Dioxil is a problem with the way the heart pumps blood. To reduce your risk, all patients are only allowed a maximum lifetime dose of Dioxil. If you have a history of heart disease or at a higher risk for heart disease, the amount of Dioxil you are allowed to take over the course of your life may be reduced. Factors that can be included in your risk for heart disease can include, but is not limited to a history of heart radiation, use of other drugs that have a risk of heart toxicity, and advancing age.

When You Should Talk to Your Doctor

If you have a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher or experience chills, you should seek medical help immediately. This could be a sign of infection. You should also talk to your doctor of you experience mouth sores, vomiting that occurs more than 4 to 5 times per day in a 24 hour period, nausea that is so severe that you cannot eat, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation, unusual bleeding or bruising, extreme fatigue, stools that are black or tarry, or swelling of the feet or ankles. These side effects do not require immediate attention but should be discussed with your doctor.

What is CHOP chemotherapy

Few people are aware of the fact that there are many different types of chemotherapy, until they have to learn about it. You may be wondering why this is. Well, to put it simply, different types of cancers respond better to some chemotherapy drugs than others. The multiple types of chemotherapy are to help increase survival rates in cancer sufferers.

What is CHOP Chemotherapy?

The term CHOP refers to the types of chemotherapy drugs that are used with this type of treatment. The first three drugs – Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and Vincristine – are generally given at the same time. The Adriamycin and Vincristine are given through an IV. The Cyclophosphamide is also usually given through an IV but it can be given in a pill form. The fourth drug in CHOP chemotherapy, Prednisolone, is given in the form of a pill. This is taken for five days at home. CHOP chemotherapy generally goes through 6 to 8 cycles, which are repeated every four weeks. CHOP therapy can be used alone or in conjunction with Rituximab.

What is CHOP Chemotherapy Used For?

CHOP chemotherapy is most commonly used to treat lymphoma that is not Hodgkin’s disease related. Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that specifically affects the white blood cells. It can range from indolent to aggressive. More severe cases of lymphoma may require other types of treatment like radiation, stem cell transplantation, monoclonal antibodies, or immunotherapy. Your doctor can advise you about the severity of your condition and whether or not any of these other types of treatment will be necessary.

CHOP Chemotherapy Side Effects

All types of chemotherapy come with side effects. The most commonly experienced side effects include vomiting, nausea, fatigue, and hair loss. Your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea drugs to help reduce chemotherapy induced nausea. You should also rest as much as possible while undergoing CHOP therapy. This will help you while you are receiving treatment.

Peripheral neuropathy can develop while receiving CHOP chemotherapy. This is a condition in which the feet and hands can tingle or burn. Sensitivity to pressure can occur and you can even experience difficulty when walking. Symptoms of this condition may decrease over time and may even eventually discontinue completely.

More long term side effects have also been noted with CHOP chemotherapy. CHOP therapy leaves you at a high risk for permanent sterility. You will also be at an elevated risk for developing other types of cancer, particularly cancer of the brain, lungs, kidneys, bladder, and melanoma cancer. CHOP increases your risk for developing acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and Hodgkin’s disease. Some survivors have also experienced a higher risk of left ventricular dysfunction.

While receiving treatment, you may experience cold chills. Let the nurse know if this happens. They should be able to find you a blanket. You may also experience urine discoloration after treatment. This is common because of the drug Adriamycin. Constipation is also common. Stoll softeners can help remedy this issue but you should talk to your doctor first. If you should happen to experience any burning or red streaks while chemotherapy drugs are being administered, you should notify the nurse immediately.

Things You Should Discuss With Your Doctor

Before you receive CHOP chemotherapy, you should talk with your doctor about any medications you are taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, vitamin supplements, and birth control. You should try and avoid getting pregnant while receiving CHOP chemotherapy and should discuss with your doctor immediately if you suspect you could be pregnant at any time during your treatment.

Because individuals with certain health conditions or family history of certain health conditions run a greater risk of certain side effects, you should discuss your health and family history with your doctor before going forward with CHOP chemotherapy. This is especially true if you or anyone in your family have a history of heart conditions. You should also notify your doctor if you smoke since this could increase your risk for certain side effects as well.

Because CHOP chemotherapy can cause permanent sterility, you should talk to your doctor if you want to start a family someday. You may be able to freeze or store your eggs or sperm so that you can safely have a child of your own after the treatment is completed.

Taking Care of Yourself During CHOP Chemotherapy

It is important that you slow down and take care of yourself as you receive treatment. This will help you stay as healthy as possible, decreasing any health risks that can occur during CHOP chemotherapy. Drink more water than usual and avoid overexertion. Pain can become extensive at times during chemotherapy and you may want to take something to help you feel better. However, it is important that you talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including over-the-counter pain medication. Some of these medications can thin your blood and are not recommended for pain relief during your chemotherapy treatments.

What is ABVD Chemotherapy

Learning that you need chemotherapy can be very intimidating. You are likely to have a lot of questions, concerns, and fears. This is normal. After all, when most of us think about chemo, we envision someone that has lost all of their hair and is very sick. And, we also know that chemotherapy is not always successful.

To ease your fears, you can learn more about the type of chemotherapy you will be receiving. Learn how it affects the type of cancer you have. You may also want to take the time to learn about the side effects that are likely to be experienced with the type of chemotherapy you will be receiving. Knowing more about your treatment and what to expect can help you prepare and feel less stressed when your treatment begins.

What is ABVD Chemotherapy?

ABVD is most commonly used to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This is a cancer of the lymphatic system in which the lymphatic cells grow in an abnormal way. The cells can then spread outside of the lymphatic system to the rest of the body. As the condition persists and progresses, you will be less able to fight infection and are at a higher risk for serious illness.

There are four different types of drugs found in ABVD chemotherapy; doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine. Two of the drugs, vinblastine and doxorubicin, are given through an IV with saline fluids. The other two drugs, dacarbazine and bleomycine are given by infusion.

Before Starting Treatment

You should talk to your doctor about your medical history before starting ABVD chemotherapy. Some previous treatments or health conditions that can increase your chance for serious side effects, like previous radiation to chest. Additionally, you should talk to your doctor if you suspect that you are pregnant.

While ABVD chemotherapy is thought to not cause any permanent damage to fertility, you should still talk to your doctor if you plan to start a family someday. Your doctor may recommend that you bank your eggs or sperm, just to be on the safe side.

What to Expect During Treatment

In most cases, ABVD chemotherapy is considered an outpatient type of treatment. This means that you will not stay in the hospital overnight. Your doctor may choose to admit you, however, if you have an advanced stage of cancer that is making you very ill or if you have other serious health conditions.

Before you can receive treatment, your doctor will perform a blood test to ensure that you are able to receive treatment. Once your doctor has received the results of your blood test, as long as everything is okay, you will start your treatment. It will start at a chemotherapy treatment center where a nurse prepping your arm or hand for an IV. However, in some cases, a cannula must be used, which is a small plastic tube that is placed underneath the skin around the collarbone area.  ABVD chemotherapy treatments usually last for about two hours. You will then return home, once you are feeling well enough to do so.

ABVD chemotherapy is given in cycles. Once you complete the first phase of your chemotherapy drugs, you will take a two week rest. You will then restart your chemotherapy and go through another two week period of rest. This is considered one cycle of treatment. Two weeks later, you will start a new cycle. Generally, patients are given between two and eight cycles of ABVD which can take anywhere from two to eight months to complete. Your doctor will base the number of cycles you need based upon the severity of your cancer and how well you are responding to treatment.

Side Effects of ABVD Chemotherapy

Like all chemotherapy treatments, there are multiple side effect possibilities. It is unlikely that you will experience all of the side effects that can occur with ABVD chemotherapy but you are likely to experience at least some of them. For each patient, the side effects can be different.

Nausea, vomiting, hair loss, ulcers of the mouth, changes in your skin or nails, fever, allergic reaction, numbness or tingling in the extremities, changes in bowels, and fatigue are all very common side effects experienced with ABVD chemotherapy. A more serious side effect is the reduction of white blood cells. This can cause an increased chance of infection, high temperature, and unexplained or abnormal bruising or bleeding. You should talk to your doctor about any side effects that occur while you are receiving ABVD chemotherapy. Some side effects can be serious. Others can be remedied or reduced with the help of medication.

Patients who receive ABVD chemotherapy are also at a higher risk for secondary cancers. However, you should be aware that Hodgkin’s disease also places you at a higher risk, so there is no way to tell for sure which condition is most responsible for creating secondary tumors. You should talk to your doctor about your risk regarding secondary cancers.