Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer
- CarboTaxol is a two-drug chemo combination most common for treating ovarian cancer
- Hair loss is a common side-effect, as well as tingling in fingers and toes
- Bone marrow suppression can suppress immune function
- Selective social isolation recommended
“When I talk to patients about chemotherapy, I explain that many of the side effects they fear, like nausea and vomiting, are manageable," says Dr. Erin K. Crane, a gynecological oncologist at Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte.“They tend to be well controlled with medication."
Read More“Chemotherapy can also cause bone marrow suppression,” says Dr. Crane, “which can decrease the ability to fight off infections.” She advises patients to social-distance, especially around anyone who shows signs of illness. It’s also essential for patients to be proactive about contacting their oncologist is they have a fever, signs of infection, or simply don’t feel well.
Chemotherapy is usually given every 21 days or every three weeks. The infusion itself of the two drugs takes about six hours. “With a combination of the infusions and surgery, we typically give 6 chemotherapy treatments. It takes about 6 months to get through the whole process,” says Dr. Crane.
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