BroFTW Posted November 9, 2021 Share Posted November 9, 2021 My brother started with PCI yesterday. He is scheduled for 10 sessions. I wasn't worrying much, but reading about it kind of scared me. I beleive it is needed just some of the side effects seem scary. I warned him about hair loss since it is a visible side effect. He says he doesn't care about it, but I am pretty sure it affects people a lot. Hope that long term effects will never surfaces. He was feeling great for the past two months, I am afraid this will affect his mood additionally, on top of the regular tiredness caused by PCI... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted November 9, 2021 Share Posted November 9, 2021 Bro, I understand your reference to PCI to mean Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation. Is that correct? I recall your brother was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and had chemo-radiation as a first treatment. Is that a correct recollection? Small cell often moves to the brain and your bother's doctors are likely anticipating that movement by ordering Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation. I wonder, did your brother have a brain scan prior to this treatment or is the treatment be performed as a precaution. Hair loss is one side effect but watch for signs of neurological impairment lake dizziness or difficulty speaking. Yes, this treatment can also cause fatigue but thankfully, that symptom is quickly over. Stay the course. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroFTW Posted November 9, 2021 Author Share Posted November 9, 2021 Hi Tom, Yes, chemotherapy, then chest radiation. No brain scan prior to PCI, it is a precaution, there were no symptoms of brain mets too. After the second session he is feeling nauseated and tired, will watch out for other side effects. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroFTW Posted November 12, 2021 Author Share Posted November 12, 2021 As an update, 5 sessions finished, five more next week. Apart from nausea no other side effects. Taking metoclopramide twice a day helps a lot. Fatique also, but not all that much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted November 12, 2021 Share Posted November 12, 2021 Bro, Let’s hope next weeks treatment goes as smoothly as that just completed. Stay the course. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouT Posted November 13, 2021 Share Posted November 13, 2021 Bro, We're all pulling for your brother. Please continue to keep us updated. Lou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroFTW Posted November 19, 2021 Author Share Posted November 19, 2021 Treatment completed . Nausea and headaches were an issue but effects lessened by the final sessions. We still need to visit the oncologist for next steps. Happy to be home again, to avoid travelling which would take up 5 hours both ways we rent a room nearby the radiology center, but it really breaks my brother's good mood. I beleive that because he did not feel comfortable enough is what made the nausea worse. Being able to work from anywhere, I am glad I can be with him so he does not have to stay in a hospital. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted November 20, 2021 Share Posted November 20, 2021 Bro, Good news! I hope you have a productive oncology consultation. Stay the course. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroFTW Posted December 1, 2021 Author Share Posted December 1, 2021 It's been a week, nausea still is an issue, no headaches but the hair fall off again. Went to the doctor who prescribed the same meds but different dosage and time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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