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Chemo side effects

Abigale
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Hi all, 

I’m currently supporting my dad through his 2nd round of chemo. He is 78 and has been diagnosed with stage 4 oesophageal cancer. 

The first cycle was a disaster- everything from heart arrhythmia, clots on lungs to sepsis. This lead to the 2nd cycle being delayed and the regime changed from EOX to just OX. 

I’ve been trying to find out if the E part of the combination is likely to lesson the effectiveness of the treatment and would appreciate your thoughts? 

Also, any advice on improving my dad’s ability to sleep for more than half an hour at a time. 

Thank you for taking the time to read. 

Abigale 

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    Hi Abigail,

    Sorry to read about your Dad's condition and the side effects he is experiencing.

    When I was on EOX I found that the side effects of the Epirubicin (E) were challenging. These are listed at www.cancerresearchuk.org/.../side-effects

    I'm only another cancer patient, as are most of us on here, it would be worth asking the question about the impact of stopping Epirubicin on effectiveness in Ask the Nurses. I do know that combinations of more than one chemo are more effective as there is less risk of the cancer mutating into a resistant form if more than one drug is attacking it.

    His GP may be able to help with the sleeplessness - I was treated for anxiety-induced insomnia for a while by my GP. It may be that he has the same condition.

     

    Best wishes

    Dave

  • Hi Abigale. 

    The reason behind why Dad's treatment has been changed would be once best answered by his oncologist. Everyone is different and it sounds as if your Dad has had other medical issues to contend with as well so it may be that they have influenced the choice of treatment. Does he have a specialist nurse that you could call to ask? Or maybe there is someone who would be able to help with your question at his next appointment. 

    In terms of helping with improving sleep, [@davek]‍ has given some sound advice about contacting Dad's GP. 

    Do keep in touch and we send our best wishes to you and your Dad. 

    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

     

     

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