Combined chemo-radiation therapy starts

Today, Monday 23 September, 2024 I had my first chemotherapy and radiation treatments. It was a long day at the Bright Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital. I arrived at about 10.45am for my 11.00am appointment. The chemotherapy clinic is on Level 4. The radiation clinic is on Level 0. There were different phases: (1) patient education about why I am having combined chemoradiation treatment; common side effects of the drugs and minimising/controlling symptoms; contact numbers of staff to call about concerns; indicators that I should go to a hospital emergency department; (2) chemotherapy – 72 hour slow release anti-nausea capsule (Akynzeo); saline infusion to increase hydration; anti-nausea infusion (top up dexamethasone); more saline – magnesium added; B12; premetexed – cancer drug; flush of saline; cisplatin – cancer drug; flush of saline; then additional saline to maintain strong hydration; (3) Radiation Oncology Centre for radiation therapy + saline infusion continuing; (4) return to chemo clinic to finish saline infusion; (5) removal of cannula and discharge.

That is all the chemotherapy infusions for Cycle One. The remainder of the three week chemotherapy Cycle One will involve monitoring the impacts of the anti-cancer drugs, treating side effects as/if they emerge, and resting to allow healing and also replenishing of normal fast growing cells that get destroyed (eg red blood cells, platelets). Radiotherapy continues Monday – Friday for the three weeks. It also has side effects, chief of which are fatigue and “sun burn” of skin and tissue at the radiation sites.

After the treatment today I am feeling fine. A little queasiness comes and goes but I do not have that dreadful sense that vomiting is on its way. After the treatment I was really hungry. Had a great dinner that David had prepared. I need to sleep – which I will do now. I will write an update tomorrow morning. Hopefully I will feel as good as I do now.

PS All that saline and drinking of water is making me pee up a storm. Oncology nurse said that I will probably be awoken multiple times by the need to pee. Her advice? “Pee and then drink another glass of water!”