Chemotherapy Nausea Medication

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I attend every oncologist appointment with my sister who has stage IV cancer. My advice is to take lots of notes and use a calendar. When the doctor talks about the chemo drug name, ask them to spell it for you. My sister’s regimen (and they are all different) is 3 courses of chemo with 3 weeks in between. There is a lot of information for you and the patient to digest. The chemo nurses, as well as the oncologist’s nurse practitioner, are a great resource for when you need clarification. Good luck.

Have you posted about her before? Was she diagnosed at stage 4, and did not initially do chemo and was able to continue working, etc. on a regimen of medications? I hope she is doing well.

[Anonymous]

OP, there are many resources for you as a caregiver. If he hasn’t already, make sure your dad signs a release form allowing you access to his medical info so you can stay on top of things. The doctor’s office should have this form available though it’s bit concerning his treatment plan hasn’t been shared.


https://www.ccalliance.org/patient-family-support

[Anonymous]

Also, here is a link to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network which lists standard protocols for various types and stages of cancer. Not every situation fits in these protocols, but this should give you a good place to start and to have questions ready for the oncologist:

https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also, here is a link to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network which lists standard protocols for various types and stages of cancer. Not every situation fits in these protocols, but this should give you a good place to start and to have questions ready for the oncologist:

https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1

Look in the Guidelines for Patients section.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I attend every oncologist appointment with my sister who has stage IV cancer. My advice is to take lots of notes and use a calendar. When the doctor talks about the chemo drug name, ask them to spell it for you. My sister’s regimen (and they are all different) is 3 courses of chemo with 3 weeks in between. There is a lot of information for you and the patient to digest. The chemo nurses, as well as the oncologist’s nurse practitioner, are a great resource for when you need clarification. Good luck.

Have you posted about her before? Was she diagnosed at stage 4, and did not initially do chemo and was able to continue working, etc. on a regimen of medications? I hope she is doing well.

No, I am not that poster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, there are many resources for you as a caregiver. If he hasn’t already, make sure your dad signs a release form allowing you access to his medical info so you can stay on top of things. The doctor’s office should have this form available though it’s bit concerning his treatment plan hasn’t been shared.

https://www.ccalliance.org/patient-family-support

I'm not sure we can say this with any confidence, as OP hasn't indicated whether anyone was with him during the visits or has reviewed all the paperwork (not that she has to answer!). I strongly suspect something was missed by him along the way. These are generally very protocol-driven pathways with high liability, and it's common for any human being to tune out a bit or be overwhelmed when "cancer" is the diagnosis in front of them.

[Anonymous]

Please get access to his "My Chart". You can check the doctor's notes - that gives alot of info and you can see all his test results. The blood results are really helpful for whether he will be able to proceed with chemo each time. You will also get reminders of appointments. My husband had access to my My Chart and so helpful that we both knew the same info!

I agree with everyone that the oncology team will handle all nausea medication, but here's a few tips. TAKE THE MEDICATION as you are supposed, do not wait to feel sick that's too late, please give him the medication as it's prescribed. Best is to make a google spreadsheet of what pill and when he should take it and then just check it off as he takes its. Buy ginger beer at Trader Joes. It's magic for nausea. Figure out what shows your Dad enjoys, watch them during chemo and while recovering. Have a dedicated bag for chemo days - bring an ipad to watch shows, charger for phone, some mints, maybe a favorite snack but they do have food and snacks at the infusion center.

Good luck! Please come back and post with any questions. Praying for your Dad.