sbf815 Posted April 12, 2007 Share Posted April 12, 2007 Can anyone give me any advice on their experience with gemzar? My mom is on her third round of 3 on and 1 off. Yesterday she had treatment and they had a really hard time finding a vein and said she has plebitis. She is going to need a port but they haven't called yet to get her in. She almost couldn't have chemo because once they got a vein they had to run it so slow because it was hurting or burning her. I thought they would get her right in to get a port but I think it is actually the approval from the insurance company they are waiting for. Thanks Stephanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrea Posted April 12, 2007 Share Posted April 12, 2007 My mom had great experience with gemzar. She lost only 1/2 her hair and while it was not all a rose garden, she said chemo was not as bad as she thought. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted April 12, 2007 Share Posted April 12, 2007 DEb was on NavelBine and Gemazar for her first line of treatment. They were a fairly mild but effective combo. The burning is not uncommon. Port o caths are a blessing for everything. No more poking for veins ever. they do have to be flushed though and hide very easily though. the wait is minnimal so you are ok for a little bit. Going into the room where they store them is like going into a Bait shop with all the hooks and Lines on the wall, just a forewarning. If i can help let me know. Prayers always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betty boop Posted April 12, 2007 Share Posted April 12, 2007 I too had carboplatin and gemsvar. It wasn't too bad. I lost minimal hair and handled it well. The carbo made me sicker than the gems. I was usually sick on my stomach about the third day after chemo but antinausea meds helped alot. Ask for meds to keep from getting too sick. You want to prevent as much as possible. I hope all goes well for you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelley (MLC) Posted April 12, 2007 Share Posted April 12, 2007 My mom is on cycle 4 of Carbo/Gemzar and is doing very well. No hair loss, a little nausea when she receives both drugs, but easily handled with nausea meds. Only real side effect so far was a decrease in her blood counts. They gave her neulasta for the WBCs and Aranesp for the RBC. Both went back up and stayed there. The port will be a huge help for your mom. Wishing her the very best! Shelley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muriel Posted April 12, 2007 Share Posted April 12, 2007 I was on Gemzar and cisplatin the 2nd time I had chemo. Cisplatin and gemzar followed, two weeks later by just gemzar. The combo or maybe just cisplatin made me really sick. Very little trouble with the gemzar alone. No hair loss. Muriel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamataca Posted April 12, 2007 Share Posted April 12, 2007 A port made ALL the difference in the world for Mom!Gemzar was very mild on her. Hopefully things will get easier for your Mom soon. Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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