What the heck is that? Chemo teach is what they call the Chemotherapy education before you start chemo. It’s about an hour with a nurse practitioner who goes over all of the possible side effects of chemo, what to look out for, what medications you will need, etc. So possible side effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy:
1. Possible allergic reaction
2. Constipation
3. Diarrhea
4. Dry skin
5. Sensitive mouth or mouth sores
6. Hair loss
7. Blurry vision
8. Edema (swelling)
9. Ringing in the ears or hearing loss
10. Increased risk for infection
11. Headaches
12. Neuropathy
13. Anxiety
14. Rash
15. Drowsiness
16. Fatigue
17. Fever
18. Chills
19. Shortness of breath
20. Nausea/ vomiting
21. Low blood counts (red and white blood cells)
22. Heart burn
23. Low blood pressure
24. Darkening of the skin
25. Nail changes
26. Yellowing of the eyes
27. Unusual bleeding or bruising
28. Taste changes
29. Weakness
30. Abnormal magnesium levels
31. Abdominal pain
32. Abnormal liver enzymes
33. Nephrotoxicity
34. Blood in your stool
35. Muscle cramps or twitching
36. Dizziness or confusion
37. Anemia
38. Hyperglycemia
39. Hypoalbuminemia
40. Itching
41. Cough
42. Decreased appetite
43. Hypertriglyceridemia
44. Hypocalcemia
45. Arthralgia (joint pain)
46. Weakened immune system
47. Insomnia
48. Upper respiratory tract infection
49. Impaired thyroid function
50. Vitiligo
Oh is that all? Sign me up…
And what do you need at home in case any of the above happen? You will need to obtain the following prescriptions and over the counter medications to keep on hand: Benadryl, anti-diarrheal, Mira lax, stool softener, lorazepam (anti anxiety and sleep aide), ondansetron (anti nausea), famotidine (heart burn medication), hydroxyzine (itching relief), prochlorperazine (anti nausea), letrozole, Motrin, Glutamine (helps with neuropathy), Tylenol, and Claritin (helps with joint pain).
You will also need a thermometer, oximeter and cold mitts for your hands and feet to slow the blood flow to your hands and feet during chemo treatment to prevent neuropathy.
And I thought I liked checklists….
Mandafit 