Common therapies

During your stay it is likely that you will spike a temperature. When this happens it prompts a process called sepsis 6. This means that we take bloods from you, start a fluid balance and start you on antibiotics given via your line. It may be necessary to remove your line with some infections and replace it if it is still required. 

We take daily bloods from you and these results are monitored closely and acted upon when required. These commonly look at renal function, liver function and viruses found in your blood. 

Nausea can be problematic for some of our patients. There are various anti-sickness drugs that we can try. Another option is to start a continuous infusion of drug into your subcutaneous tissue, usually in your abdomen. If pain is problematic then pain relief can also be added to this.  

Loose stools are a very common side effect. In order to treat this we need to take stool samples and providing that they are negative for bacteria and viruses, you would be started on Immodium to help control this.  

Due to the nature of chemotherapy you receive we expect your blood counts to drop therefore its common to require blood product such as red cells and platelets. We would see the requirement for this from your daily bloods. Your nurse can administer these when required. During this time your neutrophils will drop to 0 making you more susceptible to infection. We may give you an injection known as growth factor. It will be indicated in your protocol if this is required.