Diseases Treated
Chemotherapy
What are the possible side effects of chemotherapy?
Methotrexate has few side effects while it is being administered. Nausea is rare, fatigue is more common, but it is also unusual. It has been our experience that when Methotrexate is used with Citrovorum Factor, the side effects include only mild mouth sores, occasional skin rash and eye irritation. So far, no one treated with Methotrexate with Citrovorum Factor has had any hair loss.
Actinomycin-D usually causes nausea during its administration. Unlike Methotrexate, hair loss is common, as are skin rashes and mouth sores. Anti-nausea drugs may be administered to reduce the occurrence of nausea.
All types of chemotherapy may effect your body's ability to produce blood cells needed to fight infection (white blood cells) and stop bleeding (platelets). It can also cause a mild inflammation of your liver. We are very careful about these effects. We keep track of your blood cells before administering each dose of chemotherapy and you will be monitored for two weeks after you are discharged from the hospital.
Chemotherapy Side Effects
| Side effect | Description | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea, vomiting | Appetite loss, possible vomiting | Rest, sleep, keep lights low, quiet atmosphere. Anti-nausea medicine as needed. |
| Fatigue | Increased need for sleep | Sleep when tired. Do not push yourself. |
| Skin rash | Measles-like rash with itching, acne rash | Do not scratch, scrub or use drying agents. LEAVE ALONE – DO NOTHING. |
| Mouth irritation | Soreness to ulcerations | Keep lips moist with petroleum jelly. Drink lots of fluids and eat soft foods. Frequent mouth care; apply viscous xylocaine to sores or use as mouthwash and gargle. DO NOT USE COMMERCIAL MOUTH WASH. |
| Sores in stomach | Stomach ache, painful bowel movements | Stool softeners |
| Vaginal tenderness | Feeling "raw" especially with intercourse | Apply Mycolog cream to vagina. |
| Eye irritation | Scratchy eyes | Avoid using eyes. Apply cold compresses. Use "Natural Tears." |
If you receive Methotrexate therapy:
Do not drink alcohol for two weeks because this can increase the risk of liver damage. Avoid the sun or use of a sunlamp for one month because this type of chemotherapy causes skin photosensitivity for about one month. This means that you may burn severely if you are exposed to summer sunlight. Do not take aspirin or any other preparations containing aspirin or salicylate compounds.
