It's the Drugs

Jordan isn't feeling well. It's not from the rhabdo either, it's from the drugs! Believe me, not all chemo regimens are created equal. The six cycles of PCR I had last year were a walk in the park, (a really safe park) compared to the VDC + IE that Jordan's had. Give these same drugs to anybody, no matter how strong and healthy they are, and they'll soon be feeling like he's feeling right now. Amazing, or what? Read on for a list of possible side effects, many of which are only too well known to him.

But first, we think the following blurb is meant to be reassuring. Most people do not experience all of the side effects listed. Side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset and duration. Side effects are almost always reversible and will go away after treatment is complete. There are many options to help minimize or prevent side effects. There is no relationship between the presence or severity of side effects and the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

VINCRISTINE Partial or complete hair loss, constipation, low blood counts (puting you at increased risk for infection, anemia and/or bleeding),), abdominal cramps, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, diarrhea, loss of appetite, taste changes, peripheral neuropathy ( decreased sensation and numbness and tingling of the hands and feet)

DOXORUBICIN Low blood counts, hand -foot syndrome (Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia or PPE) -skin rash, swelling, redness, pain and/or peeling of the skin on the palms of hands and soles of feet, mouth sores, nausea and vomiting, low platelet counts (risk of bleeding), weakness, hair loss, constipation, poor appetite, diarrhea, discoloration of the urine (red/orange color) for about 48 hours after treatment, darkening of nail beds, interference with the pumping action of the heart. Delayed effects: There is a slight risk of developing a blood cancer such as leukemia years after taking Doxorubicin.

CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE Low blood counts, hair loss, nausea and vomiting, poor appetite, loss of fertility, discoloration of the skin or nails, diarrhea, mouth sores, bladder irritation and bleeding (hemorrhagic cystitis) Delayed effects:There is a slight risk of developing a blood cancer such as leukemia or myelodysplasiaafter taking cyclophosphamide.

IFOSFAMIDE Low white blood cell count, hair loss, nausea and vomiting, poor appetite, blood in the urine (the medication mesna may be given to prevent or decrease the severity of this side effect), central neurotoxicity (including sleepiness, confusion and occasionally hallucinations). Delayed effects: There is a slight risk of developing a blood cancer such as leukemia after takingifosfamide. Fertility may be affected by ifosfamide..

ETOPOSIDE Low white blood cell count (increases risk for infection), low platelet count (increases risk of bleeding), hair loss, loss of fertility, nausea and vomiting low blood pressure (if the drug is infused too fast), mouth sores (especially at high doses), diarrhea (especially at high doses), poor appetite, radiation recall, metallic taste during infusion of drug, inflammation at injection site, peripheral neuropathy (numbness in fingers and toes, can be irreversible). Delayed effects: There is a slight risk of developing a blood cancer such as leukemia years aftertaking etoposide.

Whew, we hope this list doesn't lose us any readers of our blog, because we greatly value your support! A cheerier update is forthcoming.