Chemotherapy Side Effects and the Role of Saline Solution

Q: Chemotherapy Side Effects and the Role of Saline Solution

Elsa： It is best to increase fluid intake before and after the first chemotherapy session for lymphoma, whether it be saline solution or glucose water. <br>If you still feel unwell a week after the treatment, it is not due to the medication not being eliminated, but rather the on

Before and after chemotherapy with physiological saline..?

Hello, doctor.
I have been diagnosed with follicular lymphoma and have started my first chemotherapy treatment.
During the first session, I received three bags of medication.
One bag was what I believe to be the so-called "little red berry" (reddish in color, as I guessed), and the other two bags contained a clear medication that should not be exposed to light.
The infusion took a little over an hour.
About two hours before the infusion, the nurse administered an anti-nausea injection, and another anti-nausea injection was given just before the infusion.
After the medication was administered, the nurse did not give any additional injections or saline solution.
Approximately six hours later, I vomited everything I had eaten.
I continued to feel nauseous for about two days, only feeling the urge to vomit without actually doing so.
After that, I experienced persistent headaches, sore throat, pain in the back of my mouth, muscle aches, and lower back pain.
I felt generally unwell, and the discomfort lasted for more than a week.
I would like to ask: I have heard that saline solution is usually administered before or after chemotherapy to help with the elimination of the medication.
Is that true, or is it not always the case? Could the prolonged discomfort for over a week be due to the medication not being fully eliminated? Since I was feeling nauseous before, the hospital administrator advised me to drink less water.
Was that the right advice?

Elsa, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/01/22

Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology

Elsa: It is best to increase fluid intake before and after the first chemotherapy session for lymphoma, whether it be saline solution or glucose water.
If you still feel unwell a week after the treatment, it is not due to the medication not being eliminated, but rather the ongoing side effects.
You should inform your doctor about the severity of your vomiting so that they can enhance the antiemetic medication for your next treatment.
Make sure to drink plenty of water.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and smooth recovery!

Reply Date: 2012/01/22

More Info

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for various types of cancer, including follicular lymphoma, which you have been diagnosed with. It is important to understand the side effects associated with chemotherapy and the role of saline solution in managing these effects.

Chemotherapy drugs can cause a range of side effects, and the symptoms you are experiencing—nausea, vomiting, headaches, throat pain, and muscle aches—are not uncommon. The nausea and vomiting you experienced shortly after your first treatment are particularly common side effects of chemotherapy. The anti-nausea medications (often referred to as antiemetics) that were administered before and during your treatment are intended to help mitigate these symptoms, but they do not always eliminate them entirely.

The use of saline solution (normal saline) in the context of chemotherapy can serve several purposes. Saline is often administered before, during, or after chemotherapy to help hydrate the patient and maintain fluid balance. This is particularly important because chemotherapy can lead to dehydration, especially if the patient is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. Hydration helps to flush out the chemotherapy drugs from the body and can also help reduce the risk of kidney damage, which can occur with certain chemotherapy agents.

In your case, it seems that saline was not administered after your chemotherapy session, which is not uncommon but can vary based on the specific protocols of the treatment center and the individual patient's needs. If you are feeling unwell for an extended period after chemotherapy, it may not necessarily be due to the drugs not being fully expelled from your system. Instead, it could be a combination of the body's response to the chemotherapy and the side effects of the drugs used.
Regarding your question about hydration, it is generally advisable to stay well-hydrated during chemotherapy. However, if you were advised to limit your fluid intake due to nausea, it is essential to find a balance. Dehydration can exacerbate feelings of nausea and other side effects. If you are struggling with nausea, consider sipping small amounts of clear fluids or electrolyte solutions rather than large quantities of water at once.
It is also important to communicate with your healthcare team about your symptoms. Persistent nausea, vomiting, and pain should be addressed, as there may be additional medications or supportive care options available to help alleviate these side effects. Your healthcare provider may recommend adjusting your anti-nausea regimen or providing additional supportive treatments to improve your comfort.

In summary, while saline solution can play a role in hydration and flushing out chemotherapy drugs, the side effects you are experiencing are a common part of the chemotherapy process. Staying hydrated is important, but it should be done in a way that is manageable for you. Always keep an open line of communication with your healthcare team about your symptoms and any concerns you have, as they can provide tailored advice and support based on your specific situation.

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