Carboplatin reactions

[WBCtk2511]

I am planning to get one dose of carboplatin to cure me on 10/16/08, or 10/27/08. I am planning to celebrate Halloween. In which circumstance would you suspect I would be more able to party. Would the initial weeks sickness be worse than the risk of infection due to low blood counts? I am planning on getting it done the 16th. Let me know what you think? I have already talked to me doctors and they told me not to drink alcohol or attend parties with large groups of people, and that I would be feeling better on Halloween if I had the chemo on the 16th, rather than the 27th.

[Jay68442]

Don't really know the answer to this one. I guess it would all depend on your reaction. Because each person may have a different reaction there really is no way to know how you will be feeling until after. It is better to take the safer route. I attended a party once when my counts were low and almost paid the ultimate price for it. There will be other parties.

[MRMRSU]

The 16th sounds like it will be better bet. Gives you more time to recover before you party-hearty on Halloween night in Chico. You don't by chance go to Chico State, do you? I've heard about it being a party school

P.S. Had to delete your duplicate post on the other forum...I think it's best here anyway.

[WBCtk2511]

Thanks, and yes I do go to Chico State. I have another question though. When is the effects of carboplatin really prominent? Is it the first day, the third, or maybe the fifth day, after infusion? I am from the OC too. What city are you living in? My home town is Tustin.

[MRMRSU]

We live in Aliso Viejo, just a short jaunt inland from Laguna Beach down the canyon. Have you had a chance to look through the carboplatin diary posted by one of our other members "detaildevil" - if you haven't, it's a daily play-by-play on the effects he's feeling. Might be worth a look so you know what to expect. Take care.

[detaildevil]

The easiest way to turn up the diary is to use the Search feature at the top of the page. Select "Tag Search" from the pulldown menu and click on "carboplatin" in the results.

For me, Day 3 (with Day 0 as administration day) was the worst after both doses. Only a few others have posted their experiences, but I believe Day 3 or so was also the worst for them. Other than minor fatigue, I didn't notice any symptoms beyond that.

It would still be wise to avoid crowds and perhaps watch what you eat while your white count is low (typically bottoming out 10-14 days after administration, according to the studies). I guess the "wash your hands often, don't touch your face" would be good practice if you are around people.

And don't forget to be kind to your liver....it will be getting quite a workout processing the chemo drugs.

[Fed]

The other thing to note is that drinking large amounts of booze can do a number on your immune system. Even though carboplatin isn't much of a myelosuppresive agent compared to others, your liver will take a hit just like detaildevil noted. I would opt for getting the dose tomorrow .