You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
60<br />
the measurement is 4.5 cm.<br />
<strong>My</strong> next step will be to confer <strong>with</strong> Dr. Nghiem and <strong>with</strong> Dr. Flam about chemotherapy.<br />
The more I read about it, the more terrified I become.<br />
Here is a link to Cisplatin side effects<br />
These are the less common Cisplatin side effects (occurring in 10-29%) for patients<br />
receiving Cisplatin:<br />
Peripheral neuropathy: Although less common, a serious side effect of decreased<br />
sensation and paresthesia (numbness and tingling of the extremities) may be noted.<br />
Sensory loss, numbness and tingling, and difficulty in walking may last for at least as long<br />
as therapy is continued. Neurologic effects may be irreversible.<br />
High frequency hearing loss. Ringing in the ears.<br />
Loss of appetite<br />
Taste changes, metallic taste<br />
Increases in blood tests measuring liver function.<br />
Death from the therapy in about 2% of patients.<br />
The following Cisplatin side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for<br />
patients receiving Cisplatin:<br />
Nausea and vomiting. Nausea may last up to 1 week after therapy. Anti-nausea<br />
medication is given before the infusion, and a prescription is also given for use after.<br />
Kidney toxicity. Effects on kidney function are dose related, observed 10-20 days after<br />
therapy, and are generally reversible.<br />
Blood test abnormalities (low magnesium, low calcium, low potassium)<br />
Low white blood cells (this may put you at increased risk for infection)<br />
Low red blood cells (anemia)<br />
This will be a major undertaking and I will have to balance the potential gain <strong>with</strong> the risks<br />
of spending my remaining days in misery.<br />
I would be very much interested in hearing from people who have undergone the<br />
treatment as to in their personal experience, it was worthwhile.<br />
Posted by David Shuster at 09:05PM (-07:00)<br />
A Plan<br />
Tuesday, April 05, 2011<br />
I had a long conversation <strong>with</strong> Dr. Nghiem today. He is not against my having chemo, but<br />
is also not strongly in favor of it. We discussed the pros and cons, and I have come to the<br />
conclusion that it is worth the risk and misery to try to defeat this monster of a disease.<br />
Judy has come up <strong>with</strong> a great idea. it is not an urgent matter to begin the chemo<br />
immediately. Unless Dr Flam is able to convince me otherwise, I will visit my mother in<br />
<strong>My</strong> <strong>Battle</strong> <strong>with</strong> <strong>Merkel</strong> <strong>Cell</strong> <strong>Cancer</strong>
Change language