Today is the official start of Chemo therapy. Most of the noticeable side effects are expected next week, as it takes time for the chemicals to do their job and affect the body. All we hope for this week is no surprises or serious reactions immediately after being given first doses of the chemicals.
Clark woke up bright and early this morning. This gave him time for some breakfast and playtime with his trains before chemo. He started out with Fludarabine (flu-dare-A-been) at 9am. This is slowly dripped into his line over 30 minutes. Fludarabine generally doesn’t have any negative reactions while given, but can sometimes cause nausea and vomiting after being administered.
Next, Clark was given Benadryl and Tylenol before his 10am Campath test dose. The pre-medications are to help prevent a reaction to the Campath. Common side effects are hives and high fever, along with possible serious effects such as Anaphylaxis shock.
The Benedryl Clark was given just before his Campath had him asleep for the entire 2 hours. He woke up happy and well rested. I thought we were in the clear, but unfortunately the nausea and vomiting kicked in around 2pm. He also had a fever (101F) and has been sleepy ever since. These are very common reactions and they usually occur some time after the Campath has been administered. He is being watched closely, but so far there is no need for extreme measures. On a positive note, Clark did not have anaphylactic shock!
Every time a highly reactive medication is given, Clark is constantly monitored. The nurse checks in on him every 15 minutes twice, followed by checks every 30 minutes until the medication is complete. Clark is also hooked up to monitors for his respiration, pulse and blood oxygen level.
Tonight Clark will finish off his 6 hour dose of Campath, followed by a red blood cell transfusion. Then, tomorrow morning we will start all over again.
First one down! Hang in there and know you have a support team following and routing for you!!