Overview | Schedule | Side Effects | Monitoring | Questions | Tips | Patient Assistance | Emotional Wellness | Drugs | References
Treatment Name: ATRA (Tretinoin) + Arsenic Trioxide (Trisenox®) Consolidation
ATRA (Tretinoin) + Arsenic Trioxide (Trisenox®) Consolidation is a Chemotherapy Regimen for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)
How does ATRA + arsenic trioxide work?
At diagnosis, APL cells are "trapped" in an immature phase of maturation, do not function normally, and can suppress the growth of good cells in the bone marrow. Both of the medications in ATRA + arsenic trioxide are designed to reduce the number of APL cells by triggering leukemic promyelocytes to die.
ATRA = All-Trans-Retinoic-Acid = Retinoic Acid = Tretinoin
+
Arsenic TriOxide (Trisenox®) = ATO
Goals of therapy:
ATRA + arsenic trioxide consolidation is given after completion of induction therapy to eliminate any remaining leukemic cells for patients with low-to-intermediate risk APL. ATRA + arsenic trioxide is commonly given with the goal of cure.
Schedule
How is ATRA + arsenic trioxide for APL given?
- Oral ATRA (Tretinoin) is taken by mouth in two divided doses per day, one morning dose and one night dose, each with a large glass of water for 15 consecutive days followed by 15 consecutive days off
- This equals one ATRA cycle
- Arsenic trioxide intravenous (I.V.) infusion over two hours once daily, Monday through Friday, for four consecutive weeks (20 infusions) followed by 4 consecutive weeks off
- This equals one arsenic trioxide cycle
Estimated total infusion time for this treatment:
- Up to 2 hours for each arsenic trioxide treatment
- Infusion times are based on clinical studies, but may vary depending on doctor preference or patient tolerability. Pre-medications and intravenous (I.V.) fluids, such as hydration, may add more time
During consolidation, arsenic trioxide is usually given in an outpatient infusion center, allowing the person to go home afterwards while ATRA is usually taken at home.
ATRA is taken for two consecutive weeks followed by two consecutive weeks off where ATRA is not taken, this is known as one Cycle. During consolidation, a total of seven ATRA cycles are taken. Duration of ATRA therapy may last up to seven months, depending upon response, tolerability, and number of cycles prescribed.
Arsenic trioxide is given on weekdays (Monday through Friday) for four consecutive weeks followed by four consecutive weeks off where arsenic trioxide is not given, this is known as one Cycle (8 weeks). During consolidation, a total of four arsenic trioxide cycles are given. Duration of arsenic trioxide therapy may last up to eight months, depending upon response, tolerability, and number of cycles prescribed.
Click here for the common ATRA (Tretinoin) + Arsenic Trioxide (Trisenox®) Consolidation Doses.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects from ATRA + arsenic trioxide for APL?
In a multi-drug regimen, each medication has unique side effects. When these medicines are given together, drug-related side effects reported in clinical studies give the best estimate of what to expect. In clinical studies, the most commonly reported side effects of ATRA + arsenic trioxide consolidation are shown here:
A note about side effect percentages
Roughly 1% of patients permanently discontinue treatment with ATRA + arsenic trioxide due to unacceptable side effects before finishing all recommended cycles.
Importantly, not all people who experience a side effect from ATRA + arsenic trioxide (Trisenox®) will experience it in the same way. It may be mild in some or severe in others, depending upon the individual. Everybody is different. Additionally, side effects may vary over time. For some, side effects may be a reason to delay or switch treatment, reduce the dose, or avoid future treatment with a certain medication altogether.
Side effects may be treatable when they occur or preventable by taking certain medications before they happen. When medications are taken to prevent a problem, this is known as prophylaxis, or "prophy" for short.
After starting treatment with ATRA + arsenic trioxide (Trisenox®) will experience it in the same way. It may be mild in some or severe in others, depending upon the individual. Everybody is different. Additionally, side effects may vary over time. For some, side effects may be a reason to delay or switch treatment, reduce the dose, or avoid future treatment with a certain medication altogether., be sure to come back and watch all of the side effect videos shown below. Each of these videos contain valuable information about side effect management that will hopefully help you to both feel better and stay out of the hospital.
Watch videos on common ATRA + aresenic trioxide therapy side effects below
Monitoring
How often is monitoring needed?
Labs (blood tests) may be checked before starting consolidation therapy then periodically during therapy at the discretion of your Doctor. Labs often include: Complete Blood Count (CBC), Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, D-dimer, plus any others your doctor may order.
How often is imaging needed?
Imaging may be checked before treatment, and often weekly (or more). Imaging may include an electrocardiogram, commonly referred to as an ECG, or EKG. ECGs are used to evaluate the QTc interval prior to arsenic trioxide therapy and periodically throughout treatment.
How might blood test results/imaging affect treatment?
Depending upon the results, your doctor may advise to continue ATRA + arsenic trioxide as planned, reduce the dose of future treatments, delay the next dose until the side effect goes away, or switch to an alternative therapy.
Questions to Ask Your...
A better understanding of your treatments will allow you to ask more questions of your healthcare team. We then hope that with the answers, you will get better results and have greater satisfaction with your care. Because we know it's not always easy to know what questions to ask, we've tried to make it easy for you!
Choose any healthcare provider below to see common questions that you may want to ask of this person. Then, either print each list to bring to your clinic visits, or copy the questions and send them as a message to your healthcare team through your electronic medical record.
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- Am I able to be the primary caregiver when my loved one is receiving cancer treatment? Caregivers
- Caregiving can be very difficult, especially if you live in a remote location and do not have access to resources, have little money, are elderly yourself, or are caring for someone who requires a complicated treatment regimen (Reference). Ask your doctor if they think you are able to care for your loved one based upon the treatment they are receiving and the condition they are in. When possible, reach out to other family members for help and seek assistance from friends. Many people will want to help, but may not know how unless you tell them! Take good notes during appointments and ask your doctor what might make things easier for you as a caregiver. For example, by connecting with a social worker, together you may locate resources such as grants, or temporary housing to make it easier for you to care for your family or friend. For example, you may qualify for free house cleaning.
- What are the best ways to minimize costs of treatment? Cost
- One way to minimize costs associated with cancer treatment is to ask your doctor what types of tests they are ordering. If they are expensive, ask if they are covered by insurance before getting the test. If you are concerned about costs, you can also ask your doctor to only order tests that are absolutely necessary and to minimize the ones that are unlikely to change the plan. Some anti-cancer and supportive care medications are now available as generic formulations and preferred by insurance companies. If these medications are still expensive, ask your doctor to work with your pharmacist to find cheaper alternatives. Some drugs have co-pay cards or patient assistance programs that can help reduce the cost.
- Will this treatment cause birth defects if I get pregnant while I am receiving treatment? Fertility
- Many drugs used to treat cancer have not been tested in women who were pregnant. You and your doctor should discuss whether a baby might be at risk for birth defects if you get pregnant while receiving anti-cancer medications. Similarly, the risks to a baby fathered by men taking anti-cancer medications are largely unknown. If you are a man about to take take an anti-cancer medication, you should first discuss the potential risks with your doctor.
- Will this treatment affect my ability to have children? Fertility
- The answer to this question is highly variable and depends upon the treatment received. If there is a possibility that it may reduce the ability to have children (reproductive potential) in the future, ask your doctor how fertility may be preserved allowing you to then move forward with treatment. Depending upon the cancer type being treated, do not wait to ask this question as things may move rather quickly as there may be small window of time in which fertility preservation needs to happen.
- Am I able to safely continue over-the-counter and herbal supplements while receiving this treatment? Home Medications
- Some over-the-counter (or "O.T.C.") vitamins or medications and herbal supplements may increase the risk of side effects of therapy, or cause the treatment to not work as well. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist everything that you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medications, as well as any eye drops, inhalers, topical medications such as creams or patches, implants or injections, which are sometimes forgotten but are all medications too!
- How might I maintain a better sense of control? Mindset
- Your doctor may have advice specific to your situation, and may recommend that you see a social worker who can listen to you and recommend specific resources, often at little to no cost! In the meantime, consider visiting our emotional wellness page to learn about our "Life H.A.C.Ks"
- Do I need to see any other doctors? Monitoring
- If you have not seen a specialized cancer doctor, known as a medical oncologist for solid tumors such as breast, lung, or prostate cancer, or a hematologist for cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma, it is generally recommended that you do so. A cancer doctor will typically take over coordinating care and monitoring after surgery has been performed to remove the cancer. An oncologist or hematologist will help determine if medications may be needed to get rid of any remaining cancer cells, or to help prevent the cancer from coming back.
- What do I need to know regarding my blood tests, which are sometimes referred to as "labs"? Monitoring
- Unless you have access to them via your electronic chart, we recommend that you always ask for a copy of your labs. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different blood tests available for your doctor to order. Some are common and some are not. Have your team explain to you what blood tests they have ordered and what the results mean when you do not understand. This way you will have a better understanding if the treatment is working or not. Plus, doctors may prescribe medications when your lab work is abnormal. When your lab work returns to normal you may be able to stop taking these medications, or reduce the dose.
- What is the stage of the cancer and will my treatment be based upon the stage? Prognosis
- Some cancer types are assigned a "stage," which is used to define where in the body the cancer has been found on imaging scans such as a PET scan, CT scan, or MRI scan. Certain blood disorders, such as leukemias, are not assigned a stage because they travel throughout the body in the bloodstream.
- How well does this treatment work for people with the same type of cancer? Prognosis
- Clinical trials results (which can be found under references at the bottom of ChemoExperts.com treatment webpages) give doctors an idea of the response rate and what to expect when prescribing a specific cancer treatment. However, clinical trials enroll patients who are not always similar to the general population. It is sometimes harder to tolerate treatment when you have certain other conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or being overweight, among others. Because of this, the expected response rate to treatment is best answered by your doctor.
- How can I keep track of all of my doctor visits, lab appointments, scans, and medication refills? Schedule
- Your doctor and nurse will give you a schedule of treatments, including dates and times. They may be subject to change based upon your condition, your schedule, and the clinic's availability. There are many ways to keep track of things, including writing them in a calendar, or using your smartphone. To get started, try using our ChemoExperts Treatment Tracker to input the date and time of your treatments and appointments into the calendar. Then using your smartphone, put in the code you have generated and sync all events to your smartphone's calendar so that you won't miss a single appointment!
- Are there any long-term side effects associated with this medication, and if so, is there anything I can do to prevent them? Side Effects
Long-term side effects of anti-cancer medications are specific to each medication. Not all anti-cancer or chemotherapy medications have long-term side effects, but several have been associated with memory difficulties (sometimes called "chemo brain"), heart problems, diabetes, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, fertility problems, or fatigue. Ask your doctor if the medications you are receiving may cause any of these (or others) and if there is anything you can do to reduce the risk or prevent them altogether.
- What can I be doing to reduce the number of side effects I may get? Side Effects
- If you have a good understanding of what side effects to expect you can begin to take measures to possibly prevent them. Watch our side effect videos to learn more. For side effects that we do not yet have videos for, ask your doctor for ideas on how best to prevent them or if they occur, manage them appropriately. Doing so may keep you out of the hospital or even save your life!
- What is a consent form and do I need to sign it before treatment? Treatment
- A consent form contains information about your treatment, including possible risks and expected benefits. Signing the consent means that you understand and agree that the possible benefits outweigh risks and that you are willing to move forward with treatment. Not all treatments require a consent form. Your doctor will tell you if a consent is needed.
- How do I keep good records of my treatment history and what documents should I ask for? Treatment
- We think the best way to keep track of things is to come prepared for clinic visits with pre-prepared questions, like this one! Then take good notes throughout each and every visit. At the end of each visit, ask your doctor for copies of your labs, scan results, pathology reports, and any other test results they might have.
- Should I take time off of work to receive this treatment? Work
- Many anti-cancer medications can be taken at home thus allowing one to continue to work full-time. That said, side effects of pills can be as severe as some intravenous therapies and may prevent you from working until they are under control. If you need to receive intravenous infusions, check our schedule section to see how long the infusion might take and decide whether it would be good to take that day off or adjust your work hours when possible. Based upon your specific treatment, your doctor will help you decide what to do and when appropriate, may write a letter for you to take time off of work.
- If I am working, are there effective treatment options that also minimize interruptions to my work schedule? Work
- If you work full-time, treatments consisting of all oral therapies (pills) may cause the least disruption to your work schedule. However, pills often require that you take them continuously as long as they continue to work and are not causing harsh side effects. Sometimes intravenous (I.V.) medications are given over a pre-specified period of time, depending upon the medication and cancer type. Tell your doctor what your work schedule looks like and the type of work you do so that you can decide together on a treatment that makes the most sense for you. On occasion, other therapies do not exist, but thankfully cancer researchers are working on developing new treatments every year.
- What if my job as a caregiver is getting harder? Caregivers
- Caregivers can be partners, children, parents, siblings, friends, or colleagues. Importantly, the needs of the person receiving treatment may first grow and not decrease until that person feels better. As a result, the primary caregiver may take on more tasks, such as cooking, laundry, house cleaning, or child care. Although being a caregiver can be both rewarding through improved self-worth, and relationship enhancement, it can become overwhelming at times too (Reference). Tell your doctor what has become most difficult for you to manage. And remember, it's okay to ask other potential caregivers for help with tasks to make your job as a primary caregiver a little easier.
- What should I do if I receive a bill for something that I thought would be covered by insurance? Cost
- On occasion, items may be submitted and denied by insurance for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the medication or procedure is not covered, but sometimes claims are submitted with too little information to be approved by insurance or sometimes claims are submitted with the wrong information (example: miscoded). A denial letter from the insurance company, when issued, usually helps to explain the situation. If you receive an unexpected bill, ask your doctor if there is a financial counselor or someone you can speak with to help you.
- What if I do not feel like eating during treatment or if foods taste different to me now due to treatment? Healthy Diet
- Some treatments are well-known to change the way foods taste. Some experts recommend avoiding your favorite food if it tastes different during treatment so that when you are finished with treatment, you will still enjoy eating it. In addition, if food makes you nauseated, try to avoid foods that produce a lot of aroma, or leave them uncovered so that they do not produce overwhelming smells when you take the lid off. If you are unintentionally losing weight, ask your doctor if you can meet with a dietician who can recommend specific foods that will help prevent further weight loss.
- What foods should I avoid while receiving treatment? Healthy Diet
- Be sure to check with your doctor and pharmacist about foods that may interact with your treatment because certain medications may be affected. For example, grapefruit and grapefruit juice commonly interacts with certain anti-cancer pills.
- What foods should I eat during treatment? Healthy Diet
- Ask if a dietician is available to speak with you. In general, most experts recommend that you consume a diet that has enough protein to ensure you maintain your muscle mass. Some experts recommend plant-based protein whenever possible. If you have had antibiotics recently, dairy products may be more difficult to digest and cause abdominal pain. It may take time to re-populate the good bacteria in your gut once antibiotics are stopped. Some experts also do not recommend probiotics and would advise you talk with your doctor and pharmacist before taking a probiotic supplement while receiving cancer treatment. In general, it is best to avoid highly processed foods, and those that have a lot of sugar. Ask your doctor or clinical pharmacist if raw fruits and vegetables are safe to eat with your treatment as these are often the best source of necessary vitamins and nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.
- What if my other doctors prescribe medications while I am receiving treatment from you? Home Medications
- Before you start taking medications, it is usually a good idea to tell your hematologist or oncologist about newly prescribed medications from other physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners to avoid any dangerous drug-drug interactions. If they do not know the answer, they will refer you to a pharmacist.
- Do you recommend I make any lifestyle changes now, or is it best to wait until after treatment? Mindset
- Now might be the time to start thinking about lifestyle changes. Are you avoiding things that make you unhealthy and doing things that build you up? Treatment will likely work better if you are in better physical condition! If you are feeling fatigued from treatment, watch our video on fatigue for some ideas on regaining energy.
- What if I am concerned about my sexual health? Who can I talk to? Mindset
- Intimacy is an important part of many people's lives. Cancer and its treatment (surgery or medications) may cause anxiety, fear, a depressed mood, nausea, or fatigue, all which can lead to decreased sexual desire, decreased function and lower level of intimacy. It is a common problem and is probably underreported. Although it may be a bit uncomfortable to talk about at first, your doctor will understand. Certain medications may help improve your sexual health. Additionally, ask your doctor about the availability of counselors or other specialists that can speak with you and your partner. These specialists may have you fill out a brief questionnaire that will help them help you! Reference
- If I am having a hard time coping with the diagnosis, treatment, and all of the disruptions they have caused in my life, are there support groups available? Mindset
- Support groups available online or in-person and may be offered by your treatment center. Ask your doctor which ones they recommend.
- If I need to reduce the dose(s) of my treatment, will it affect how well it works? Prognosis
- Certain anti-cancer medications can be reduced without affecting the overall chances of getting rid of the cancer. Your doctor or clinical pharmacist may be able to answer this question for you based upon the specific cancer and treatment. Sometimes dose reductions are made due to side effects. Other times dose reductions are made due to kidney, or liver problems when these organs are involved in breaking down the medication. In these instances, it is expected that the anti-cancer medication will achieve the same level in the body as it would in someone with normal kidney or liver function. Likewise, without changing their effectiveness, anti-cancer medications may require a dose reduction if they interact with another medication you are taking to treat another illness.
- Is there anything that can be done if I am overwhelmed by the number of appointments for doctor visits, scans, and blood tests? Schedule
- Ask your doctor if certain labs can wait to be drawn at the same time as others, or drawn a little early to avoid unnecessary trips. Or, ask if there are alternative medications that you might be able to take that do not require as many visits required for monitoring. Importantly, some tests should not be delayed or drawn early because they may affect your doctor's ability to make a decision that is important to your overall health.
- How do I know when to call about a side effect and when to try to manage it on my own? Side Effects
- Ask your doctor and nurse which side effects from your specific treatment are most concerning and when to call the clinic, or an after-hours on-call doctor for help. That said, sometimes even seemingly simple problems such as mild constipation should prompt a phone call to your doctor in order to prevent a small problem from becoming a major one, such as a complete bowel obstruction. Most importantly, by calling your doctor when you are not feeling well, side effects will be appropriately managed and you will feel better faster.
- What can I be doing to take care of myself while receiving treatment? Supportive Care
- It is important for a patient to be able to activate and support self-management, as well as engage in an exercise program that is safe and tailored to their abilities. Self-management refers to tasks related to the management of the disease or treatment, working with new emotions, and the possibility of changing roles in relationships in order to continue to live well with the condition (Chan RJ et al. Support Care Cancer. 2020). The delivery of information, such as that which is found on ChemoExperts.com, can help patients gain the knowledge necessary to begin to self-manage side effects such as fatigue, pain, diarrhea, constipation, and more. Certain side effects require immediate attention by your health care provider and it is important that you know what these are and when to seek immediate medical attention. In order to effectively take care of yourself, set goals with your doctor and formulate actionable plans that enable you to work through problems when you can, but also seek help in a timely manner when you need it. Ask questions when you do not understrand something. As clinicians ourselves, we see too many patients remain silent during their clinic visits. Now is your time to speak up!
- Are there other treatment options if this one stops working or does not work at all? Treatment
- Your doctor can give you a general idea of the likelihood of response to treatment based upon characteristics specific to you. Know that not everyone responds to treatment the same because we are all unique. Genes, gender, size, and other medications we take are just a few things that can sometimes influence response to treatment.
If this treatment stops working, please list treatment options here:
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_____________________________________________________________, - What can I be doing to increase the chances of this treatment working? Treatment
- Your doctor may recommend dietary changes, increased physical activity, or simply staying on schedule with all prescribed treatments. Tell your doctor if you are missing doses of medications and the reasons why. They are here to help you, not judge you, and would rather know so that they can give you the ideas or resources you need to be successful.
- Now that treatment is over, can I start trying to have a baby? Fertility
- Ask your doctor when it is safe to start a family or adding to your current one. If you used fertility preservation methods prior to starting treatment, your doctor may refer you to a specialist in reproductive medicine to help with having a baby.
- Am I able to enjoy an occasional glass of wine or beer now that treatment is over? Healthy Diet
Alcohol can harm your liver and interact with certain medications. Moreover, alcohol is a known risk factor for developing certain types of cancer, therefore it is very important you do not drink alcohol without being cleared to do so by your doctor first. Important Note: this question only applies to those who are of legal drinking age.
- Could persistent fatigue after treatment be related to what I eat? Healthy Diet
- It has been shown in a clinical study of cancer survivors that a diet high in vegetables (particularly green leafy vegetables), nuts and seeds, whole grains, and fish was associated with a lower chance of having fatigue as well as lessening the severity of fatigue. In addition, it may improve the quality of your sleep. Just like exercise, sticking to a diet takes a certain amount of discipline, but it is worth it! Know that it may take time to feel the full benefits of incorporating more of these foods into your diet. If your diet could use improvement and feeling better matters to you, then give it your best effort to make these changes. You may lose weight and over time be able to lower the dose of, or even stop medications for high blood pressure or cholesterol if you take these as well.
- Are there diet changes that might help prevent developing cancers in the future? Healthy Diet
- Foods with whole grains (examples: wheat, bran, oats), those containing dietary fiber, and non-starchy fruits and vegetables have the best evidence for decreasing the risk of cancer. Ask your doctor if you can meet with a dietician to get healthy eating recommendations as well as recipes you may like.
- How long do I have to continue new medications started after diagnosis? Home Medications
- If you receive a cancer treatment that is given for a pre-specified amount of time, then you may be able to discontinue some of the supportive care medications shortly after you are done with treatment, such as antacids, anti-nausea, anti-viral, antibiotic, and anti-fungal medications. If you were taking a pain medication to treat cancer-related pain, and the pain is now improved, now might be a good time to consider trying to decrease the dose. This can be done over time, with help from your doctor, until you are no longer needing to take it.
- What if I'm still experiencing anxiety after treatment? Mindset
- Anxiety after treatment is natural and may come and go. If it is physically affecting you or your ability to sleep or socialize with others, talk with your doctor about it, and consider speaking with someone such as a social worker. Talking with someone can be very therapeutic, and may be better than taking medications for anxiety that may have side effects, such as fatigue.
- How often do I come to clinic after this treatment is over? Monitoring
- If the cancer goes away and you are in remission, your doctor will recommend a specific monitoring program for you after treatment is complete. There are many different types of cancer and they do not always behave in the same way. It is important that you follow your specific monitoring program which is designed to detect cancer (if it returns) early with the goal of making it easier to treat. If you miss a follow-up appointment or lab check, be sure to get it rescheduled right away. If the cancer is not in remission after treatment, your doctor may offer an alternative treatment if one exists.
- What can I do if I'm having a hard time exercising? Physical Activity
- Your beliefs about what you can do and your expectations regarding how your body will benefit likely have a strong impact upon whether you start exercising, and whether you stick with it. Some experts find that the most successful people make physical activity a part of their routine, just like you do with brushing your teeth. Over time, you will find that daily physical activity will lead to many health benefits for both your body and your mind. To avoid hurting yourself, consider starting out slow. Every little bit counts, especially when it becomes a regular practice. Ask your doctor about the best way to begin a physical activity program and whether they think seeing a physical therapist would help as well. Physical therapists can teach you new exercises and ensure the ones you are doing now are safe and beneficial.
- What does the term "relapse" mean and how might it affect me? Prognosis
- A relapse refers to the cancer going away and coming back within a certain timeframe. Generally speaking, if it comes back within a year or two, your doctor will likely discuss a second line therapy that you have not received before. If it comes back many years after the first treatment, your doctor may discuss repeating the original treatment since it was effective the first time.
- What can I do if my treatment is over and I am still having side effects? Side Effects
- It is not always easy to predict if side effects from treatment will go away or when. When speaking with your doctor, try to describe what is troubling to you and how it limits the things you want to do. By setting goals, you can tell if the interventions you make to reduce the side effect are helping you get closer to goal. For example, chemo brain (cancer-related cognitive dysfunction), may limit your short-term memory. Your doctor may be able to recommend treatments, including those that do not have more medications. (Chung NC et al. Oncology. 2018)
- What can I do to get back to feeling like myself? Supportive Care
- Many people are motivated to seek the information and tools necessary to speed recovery and reduce the chance of the cancer coming back. For both those living with or without active cancer, a primary goal is to improve the quality of life. (Doyle C et al. CA Cancer J Clin. 2006). Getting back to feeling like yourself might seem difficult, especially if you do not know where to start. Some people buy supplements thinking that pills will help them feel better. Unfortunately, these often do not work. If you are not quite feeling like yourself emotionally, physically, or spiritually, try to define what it is you want to feel like first. Being goal oriented may help you determine what the path forward looks like and what you need to do to reach your goals. (RJ Chan et al. Support Care Cancer. 2020). It may require that you talk with your doctor, who can further refer you to others for help when needed. For most people, the road to recovery requires that you maintain a healthy weight, get into an exercise routine, and eat a healthy diet. Life after recovery from treatment is not always easy, and living with cancer can be more difficult. Set goals with your healthcare team to help motivate you. Believe in yourself because you can do it!
- What can I do to help prevent the cancer from returning? Survivorship
- Cancer prevention is of the utmost importance, especially when you have a history of cancer. Although this is a difficult question to answer, your doctor may have specific recommendations for you. Closely follow your doctor's recommendations for monitoring and don't miss or cancel clinic visits. In general, the World Cancer Research Fund International and American Institute for Cancer Research recommend the following: 1) Be physically active each day 2) avoid eating processed foods and try to avoid adding sugar to your foods or drinks 3) Eat mostly plant-based foods and limit red meat and processed meat consumption 4) It is best to avoid alcohol altogether, but if you decide to drink, limit alcoholic drinks to 2 per day for men and 1 per day for women 5) Limit processed foods that are high in salt 6) Use the foods you eat (vegetables and fruit), not supplements (vitamin or herbal pills), to prevent cancer. It's not always what you are eating, it's what you're not eating that matters too.
- Now that I have finished treatment, am I in remission? And if so, what is the risk of the cancer coming back? Treatment
- For curable cancers, remission is usually the goal. This means there are no signs or symptoms of cancer. Patients in remission are followed closely for any signs of cancer returning. If the cancer returns, there are usually additional options for treatment. Depending upon the type, and stage of cancer, the goal may or may not be to induce a remission. For incurable cancers, the goal may be to make you feel better and live longer.
- If treatment required me to stop working, when will I be feeling well enough to return to work? Work
- The answer to this question varies based upon the type of cancer and treatment received. One study showed that people continually feel better the farther out from treatment they get, with improvement still seen for some as late as 18 months after the last dose of therapy. People with blood cancers and those that require chemotherapy, as compared to targeted therapy or surgery, may take longer to fully recover.
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- Are there any programs that I can use to help minimize the cost of my treatment? Cost
If your cancer treatment is going to be costly, there may be financial or patient assistance programs available to you to help lessen out-of-pocket costs. Ask your nurse if any of these are available and if someone such as a financial counselor can help you. You may qualify for financial or patient assistance programs, or supplemental insurance. If you do not know your pharmacist, your nurse may be able to connect you with one that may help reduce the cost of medications.
- What resources can I use to help learn more about my diagnosis? Diagnosis
- What kinds of foods should I eat to prepare for treatment? Healthy Diet
Before treatment, ask your nurse if the specific treatment you are receiving is likely to change the way food tastes or if you are likely to lose weight. Now might be a good time to reevaluate what you eat on a daily basis. If you eat a lot of sugary or fatty foods, it would be good to eat more wholesome foods such as vegetables and fruits. Remember, it is not always what you are eating, it is what you are NOT eating that matters as well. Fruits and vegetables may contain valuable cancer-fighting compounds that may help you heal faster. If your healthcare team advises that you avoid vegetables, ask them for the written information that supports this recommendation.
- What resources can I use to help me make better choices regarding my diet as I begin cancer treatment? Healthy Diet
- Many oncology clinics have a dietician available to help you make positive changes in your diet. If one is not available, your nurse may be able to give you appropriate resources to help you make safe and positive dietary changes.
- If I have to spend a long time at the infusion center, should I bring food with me? Healthy Diet
Some cancer treatments take several hours to complete causing you to spend a significant part of your day in the infusion center. In some cases, you may be at the infusion center when it is time to eat. Ask your nurse if food is typically provided to patients in the infusions center and if not, what the policy is for patients who want to bring food with them. A tablet or computer, or a good book often helps the time go by faster as well.
- What should I do if I'm not a person who likes to ask for help? Mindset
Your nurse wants to make your life easier, but won't be able to unless you tell him or her what you are struggling with. Know that most health care professionals genuinely want to help you and the questions you ask now will save both you and them time by preventing problems down the road. If you can change your mindset and begin asking for assistance early, it will help them and it will help you. Problems may be able to be prevented and everyone wins!
- Which lab values are most important for me to keep track of? Monitoring
This depends upon your specific treatment, but in general, you should understand the normal ranges for your white blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets, serum creatinine (kidney function), and liver function tests (bilirubin, AST, ALT, Alkaline phosphatase). Your nurse may be able to help you understand what happens if your lab results are not within the normal ranges for these specific tests.
- Do I have to come to the clinic for labs or can I get them done at a facility closer to home? Monitoring
Some labs may need to be done at the clinic since not all laboratories have the ability to do them, but some routine labs could be done at a laboratory closer to home to save you a trip to clinic if it is a long drive. If you are interested in getting labs done closer to home, ask your nurse if this would be possible.
- Is it important to keep good records of my laboratory results? Monitoring
It is always a good idea to keep good records during your treatment course. Your nurse can help you get the records that you need.
- What can I be doing to reduce the number of side effects I get from cancer treatment? Side Effects
If you have a good understanding of what side effects to expect, you can begin to take measures to prevent them. Watch our
side effect videos to learn more. For side effects that we do not yet have videos for, ask your nurse for ideas on how best to prevent them or if they occur, manage them appropriately. Doing so may keep you out of the hospital or even save your life!
- What side effects might require a trip to the emergency department? Side Effects
Some side effects can be life-threatening and need to be treated right away! Ask your nurse what side effects can be life threatening and if they occur, need to be treated at the nearest or emergency department (ED) or the emergency room (ER) designated by your health care team.
- If I have an issue after normal clinic hours, what phone number do I call? Supportive Care
Serious issues can arise anytime of the day or in the middle of the night. Ask your nurse what on-call phone number you need to speak to a doctor or other healthcare professional after hours.
- What type of intravenous (I.V.) access is best for this treatment? Treatment
There are many ways to infuse treatment, including a peripheral I.V. line, a port, a PICC line (pronounced 'pick'), a tunneled catheter, and others. Your doctor, nurse, and sometimes pharmacist will work together to determine what is best for you.
- What should I look for to know if my caregiver is experiencing caregiver fatigue? Caregivers
If your caregiver begins appearing irritable, withdrawn, depressed, stressed, etc. they may be experiencing burnout. Changes in their sleep pattern and/or eating habits may also be a sign. Your nurse may know of other signs to look out for as well.
- What if my caregiver is not available? Caregivers
It is important to have a designated back-up during the times your primary caregiver is unavailable or to have a plan in place for the times that they are not around. If you know you will have difficulty making it to certain appointments, ask your nurse if they might be able to reschedule for a time or day that works for you. If you need transportation to a health-related appointment, your social worker may be able to assist, but will need plenty of time to make arrangements for you. In the case of an emergency, never hesitate to call 911.
- What can I do to support my caregiver? Caregivers
Encourage your caregiver to schedule rest and relaxation, have other friends or family members take "shifts" being the caregiver, allow friends or loved ones to cook meals, or find local or online support groups when time permits. It is important your caregiver continue to engage in activities that bring them joy, even though they may feel guilty stepping away from their role. Remind them they can't take care of you unless they take care of themselves first! Your nurse may have more specific ideas for you as well.
- How can I ensure I am getting adequate nutrition when I have no appetite during cancer treatment? Healthy Diet
When food becomes unappealing, focus on protein shakes, smoothies, electrolyte replenishing drinks, and broth. Ask your nurse to connect you with a dietician to help you with making food choices that agree with you. When all else fails, eat what you can! Most experts agree that a small snack that sounds delicious and stays down is better than nothing at all.
- What should I eat if I am experiencing diarrhea during cancer treatment? Healthy Diet
In some cases, diarrhea can be caused by an infection. Be sure to speak to your nurse and care team before attempting to manage diarrhea at home. You should then consider trying the B.R.A.T. diet (banana, rice, applesauce, toast, oatmeal, or crackers) or bland foods. If you like dairy products, know that they may cause cramping in some people during treatment. If your stomach is bothering you, and you are having diarrhea, eat dairy in small amounts until you know you can tolerate a full serving.
- If I am admitted to the hospital, do I need to bring my home medications with me? Home Medications
It is always helpful to bring your medications so that your healthcare team can see exactly what you are taking and determine if you need any refills before you go home. Importantly, most if not all, medications will be supplied by the hospital. However, some medications such as oral anti-cancer medication or chemotherapy pills may not be routinely stocked and may not be readily available to the hospital's pharmacy. If this is the case, and your doctor wants you to continue to take your oral anti-cancer medication, you may ask the hospital if their policy permits you to use your own medication so that you do not miss doses. If you do bring your medications, and they allow you to use your own supply, it is important to know that hospital staff often require that they oversee the administration of these medicines so that they know exactly what you are taking in order to keep you safe. If they do hold onto your medications, make sure you ask for your them back before you leave since it is common for people to forget. Your nurse may be able to help answer more specific questions about medications brought into the hospital.
- Who do I contact if I need a refill on my medications? Home Medications
To make sure that you don't experience any delays in treatment, make sure you ask your nurse who you should contact and how you should contact them when you need medication refills. Also be sure that they have your preferred pharmacy on file so they can send your prescription to the correct pharmacy.
- What do I do if I want to take natural or dietary supplements with anti-cancer treatment? Home Medications
- Natural or dietary supplements are often unregulated and unproven. They may reduce the effectiveness of certain types of anticancer therapies or chemotherapy, or add additional side effects that you may not be aware of. Because of these things, herbal and dietary supplements are often not advised to be taken during treatment. That said, some supplements may be beneficial and even recommended. Importantly, your medical team can give you specific instructions on what to do if you are interested in these types of therapies. Do not start these therapies without speaking to your medical team first. If you would like to learn more about certain dietary and herbal supplements so you can ask more detailed questions of your doctor, visit this website sponsored by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and scroll to the bottom to type in the supplement you are interested in knowing more about.
- If I am having mental health issues during treatment, what resources are available? Mindset
There are many resources that can help people deal with their diagnosis and treatment. Know that you don't have to face mental health issues alone. Talk to your nurse about what services are available at your treatment center to help with anxiety or depression, and ask what other mental health services are available in your area.
- Can I come in a day or two early to have labs drawn to decrease the amount of time I wait to receive treatment? Monitoring
In some instances, labs have to be drawn on certain days. In other instances, labs can be drawn a day or two before treatment. If interested, ask your nurse if you need to have labs drawn on the day of treatment or if you can get them done earlier to lessen the time you spend waiting at the infusion center.
- Who can help me stay active when I am feeling weak? Physical Activity
In order to maintain activity in a safe manner, ask your nurse to put you in contact with a physical therapist. They can assess your strength level and give you individualized exercises to maintain and build muscle safely. An example is to get up every hour during the day for a short walk in the house to maintain endurance. It might not be easy, but try to stick with it because it may greatly benefit you in the long run.
- What side effects should I contact the clinic about if they happen? Side Effects
Ask your nurse which side effects should prompt a phone call and which side effects can be managed on your own. While certain side effects can wait until normal clinic hours to be reported to the clinic staff, some should not wait and need to be reported right away as they may be very serious or life threatening. Ask your nurse what side effects should be reported right away and should not wait.
- How can I prevent nausea or make it go away if I get it? Side Effects
There are many
anti-nausea medications available. Of the ones you have been given, ask your nurse or pharmacist for guidance which to take and when. If you are having difficulty eating, anti-nausea medications taken 30 to 60 minutes before a meal can sometimes help. Eating soda crackers every couple of hours may help to absorb some of the acid in your stomach. Your nurse may recommend ginger ale, ginger chews, peppermints, or bland foods when you are feeling nauseated. Ensure you are maintaining proper hydration since being dehydrated can make nausea worse. Lastly, remember anti-nausea medications may have side effects too! Ondansetron (Zofran), the most commonly taken anti-nausea medication causes constipation in many people and may require the addition of a stool softener or laxative.
- Will I need pre-medications before blood or platelet transfusions? Supportive Care
Not all patients need to receive medications prior to receiving blood products, but in some cases they may be needed. Ask your nurse if you will need any pre-medications prior to getting blood products.
- How should I take care of my central I.V. line while I am at home in-between treatments? Treatment
Each different type of intravenous (I.V.) access requires a different level of care. For example, a PICC line (Pronounced "pick") will need to be flushed more often than a port. Your nurse can give you instruction on how and how often to care for your line. Proper line care will hopefully prevent infections and keep the line working for the duration it is needed. If lines are not cared for properly, they may need to be removed and/or replaced.
- What if I have trouble swallowing oral medications? Treatment
If you are having trouble swallowing your pills, your nurse can help you decide if you can take any steps to help make swallowing easier. Some pills may not be crushed, opened, or chewed without affecting how they work so contact your nurse or pharmacist before making any changes to how you take your medications.
- How can I thank my caregiver(s)? Caregivers
A heartfelt thank you note or a small gift can be thoughtful ways to show your appreciation for the help you received during treatment and recovery. Although not your primary caregiver, your nurse will have likely played an important role in your care. Nurses are wonderful people and often do not receive the appreciation or recognition they deserve. If your nurse was exceptional and made a difference in your life, consider rewarding your nurse with a small gift if you find it within your means to do so, or write a thank you letter and address it to the place where he or she works.
- Can I resume a normal diet now that cancer treatment is complete? Healthy Diet
Some dietary changes that were made during treatment may no longer be needed, while some changes should be continued even after treatment is complete. Talk to your nurse or dietician about any changes to your diet that can or need to be made now that you are no longer on treatment. If you ate a lot of sugary substances before treatment, it is probably best to limit how much you eat and ensure your body is fueled with wholesome, nutritious substances that will keep you performing at your best.
- Now that I am done with treatment, what medications are no longer needed and should I restart medications I was taking before treatment? Home Medications
- Some supportive care medications can be stopped after treatment is complete and some medications need to be continued for a period of time. Also, some medications that were stopped before treatment may now need to be restarted. Your nurse can work with your doctor and pharmacist to determine what changes need to be made to your medication regimen. It is always good to ask so that you are not taking any medications that you do not really need.
- How can I return to a more normal lifestyle after my treatment is complete and not worry too much about the cancer coming back? Mindset
The fear of the cancer returning is a very common and normal fear to have after treatment is complete; however, it should not prevent you from enjoying life. Talk to your nurse to see what tips they can give to help you return to a positive mindset, similar to the one you had before diagnosis. If desired, your nurse can also help set up an appointment with a social worker if you have not already spoken with one. social workers may help connect with resources you did not know were available, which may help you regain a sense of control.
- How often will I have to get lab draws now that treatment is complete? Monitoring
Monitoring may be required for some cancer types even after treatment is complete. Your nurse can advise you on how often these need to be done and where they can be taken care of.
- What can I do to prevent fatigue or lessen fatigue if I already have it? Side Effects
Regular physical activity and a healthy diet are some of the best things you can do to get your strength back and lessen fatigue. Ask your medical team for specific exercises to do at home. Starting out slow and making small improvements is sometimes the best way to not feel overwhelmed or get frustrated when getting in to an exercise routine. If you want additional help, ask your nurse to arrange for you to see a physical therapist (PT). Many physical therapists have doctorate degrees and are experts in customizing a program that will help you regain strength and mobility.
- How long will it take for side effects from treatment to go away? Side Effects
Some side effects may start to resolve shortly after stopping treatment, some make take time to resolve, and some may actually be permanent. It's important that you have appropriate expectations regarding which side effects may resolve and which may not. If your treatment has finished, tell your nurse what side effects you are still experiencing and what you can do to make them go away faster or lessen their impact on your quality of life.
- What survivorship networks and resources are available to me? Survivorship
Even when treatment is finished, survivors of cancer may still find survivorship resources very helpful and valuable as they navigate life after cancer and begin to resume the things in their life that have been interrupted by having a cancer diagnosis and receiving treatment. Your nurse may be able to recommend some of these resources to you. If you receive treatment from a university hospital or large healthcare system, there may be programs offered within these centers that are available to you.
- How long will I need my central line and when will it be removed? Treatment
- Depending upon the situation, a central line may be kept for several years after completing treatment or it may be removed shortly afterwards. Your doctor or nurse can give you a better idea of how long your central line will be needed.
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- Is my caregiver allowed to pick up my prescriptions? Caregivers
In most cases, a caregiver should be allowed to pick up your prescriptions from the pharmacy for you. Sometimes, a driver's license, government-issued I.D., or other additional information may be needed before a caregiver can pick up certain medications. Ask your pharmacist if any steps need to be taken before your caregiver goes to the pharmacy.
- Should my pharmacist know my caregiver's contact information? Caregivers
Yes, if you establish with your pharmacy that your caregiver is an acceptable contact person they can keep that information on file and use it when they cannot reach you, such as when you have new medications to pick up, or if there is a problem filling your medication.
- Should my caregiver go with me to my doctors visits, infusion treatments, and pharmacy to pick up prescriptions? Caregivers
It is often helpful for someone to go with you to help remember important things related to your treatment. Because it is difficult to remember everything that healthcare providers say, this helper could also take notes on important information that you can both refer to at a later time during treatment. Your caregiver may want to listen to counseling by the pharmacist and take notes while they are teaching you about your medications.
- What foods or drinks, if any, should I be avoiding as I start treatment for cancer? Healthy Diet
There may be certain foods and/or drinks that interact with your treatment or may increase your risk of certain side effects. Your pharmacist can check for possible drug-food interactions to help you avoid certain foods or drinks that might cause problems when taken with your current medication regimen and cancer treatment.
- How do I deal with being overwhelmed after receiving so many prescription medications? Mindset
Try your best to learn how to pronounce each medication, know how they work to help you, and what dosage you are supposed to be taking. If you feel overwhelmed by this, you are not alone! Ask your pharmacist to help you with each of these. After telling them all of the medications you take, ask them to help you figure out the best time of day to take each one. If you do not already have them, buy two pillboxes to help you keep track of all of the medication you take on a weekly basis. By using two pillboxes you will know when you need to refill a medication well before you run out.
- Will physical activity affect the prescription drugs I am taking? Physical Activity
- Most people do not need to limit the amount or types of exercise they do based upon the medications they take. However, there are some types of medications that can impact physical activity. Because certain medications may increase your risk of falling during exercise (examples include certain blood pressure medications, or anxiety or pain medications), it is a good idea to double check with your doctor and pharmacist to learn if you are taking any of these types of medications. Additionally, certain conditions such as having low platelets, or taking blood thinners may increase the risk of bleeding during exercise if the exercise is not done properly. Low platelets can occur as a side effects from certain cancer treatments or from the cancer itself. Ask your pharmacist if there are any medications you are taking that might be unsafe with the exercises you are planning on doing.
- Who do I talk to about how long my infusion will take at the infusion center? Schedule
You may look at the schedule section on each one of our ChemoExperts webpages to get an idea, but know that each center may have their own infusion protocols, thus times may vary. If you attend any "Chemo Classes" before your infusion appointment there may be a nurse or pharmacist there to answer this question. Infusion-related reactions may require that you stay at the infusion center longer than originally planned. Because these are not always predictable, it is a good idea to leave plenty of time after the infusion to get to where you need to go.
- Who will help me organize my cancer-related medications? Schedule
A pharmacist can help you organize your medications so that you know what to take and when. Most retail pharmacies sell plastic drug organizers (pillboxes) that help with this process. Be sure to ask the pharmacist or nurse before leaving the clinic if there are any new medications you are supposed to pick up at the pharmacy.
- What can I be doing to reduce the number of side effects I get? Side Effects
If you have a good understanding of what side effects to expect, you can begin to take measures to prevent them. Watch our
side effect videos to learn more. For side effects that we do not yet have videos for, ask your pharmacist for ideas on how best to prevent them or if they occur, manage them appropriately. Doing so may keep you out of the hospital or even save your life!
- What are the most important side effects I may experience from this cancer treatment? Supportive Care
Ask your clinical pharmacist if they have personal experience with other patients who have received the same treatment. Knowing you personally, they may be able to help you understand which side effects might be more likely to occur compared to others. Go to our Side Effects section and ask them to explain to you what it might mean to have any of the side effects we have listed. If you are deciding between cancer treatments, you may also want to compare the side effects of multiple cancer treatments by printing the Side Effects section alone and setting each of them side by side. Just remember to go through each one carefully because a short list does not always mean it is an easier treatment!
- What if the cancer treatment prescribed by my doctor is denied by my insurance company? Treatment
- If your insurance denies your medication, or prior authorization, your doctor may write an appeal letter, sometimes referred to as a "Letter of Medical Necessity" on your behalf. This describes the importance of the medication they have prescribed and why other treatments are either less likely to work or more likely to cause significant side effects that you may not tolerate. If the letter does not work and the cancer treatment is still denied by insurance, some drug manufacturers are able to offer free medication to individuals who qualify for their free drug programs. You may access these programs by calling the manufacturer, going to their website, or asking your clinical oncology pharmacist for help with this process. Not all manufacturers have free drug programs, so ask your pharmacist if they can help you determine if one is available.
- Is it important to keep good records of my treatment history? Treatment
Keeping track of your treatment history is important especially if you are seeing multiple doctors or use multiple pharmacies to fill your prescriptions. Accurate treatment records should include the names and dates each treatment was started and stopped, and drug doses (example: milligram strength) whenever possible. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if they can provide this information to you. Knowing your treatment history may also help you determine which treatments might be available as an option for you in the future. Knowing exactly what medications you have taken in the past and what you are taking now can also help your pharmacist figure out if certain medications are causing you specific side effects.
- Will any of my cancer medications affect my work schedule? Work
In order to minimize interruptions to your work schedule, ask your pharmacist to help you understand how best to plan cancer treatments around work.
- What if after the 1st of the year, or 1st of July my insurance plan resets and I cannot afford my out-of-pocket deductible? Cost
Ask to speak with a financial counselor, a pharmacist, or pharmacy technician that specializes in high-cost treatments. Most specialty pharmacies have these resources and should be able to help point you to potential resources, such as grant funding.
- What if I become pregnant or if I father a child while receiving cancer treatment? Will my baby be affected? Fertility
The answer to this question may depend upon the type of treatment and the answer may also not be known. Ask your pharmacist to look for information (such as journal publications) about the outcomes of pregnancies when women became pregnant when receiving treatment themselves or when women became pregnant from a man who was receiving cancer treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment since they may change how you are treated after having a discussion with you to learn what your goals are. Many times, but not always, cancer can continue to be treated throughout a pregnancy and a clinical pharmacist may be able to help.
- What if my non-cancer doctors prescribe medications while I am receiving cancer treatment? Home Medications
- Before you start taking new medications, it is usually a good idea to tell your hematologist or oncologist about newly prescribed medications from other physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners to avoid any dangerous drug-drug interactions. Ask your pharmacist if they are able to screen newly prescribed medications for drug-drug interactions.
- How will I know if my cancer medications are working? Monitoring
Your pharmacist may help you manage side effects allowing you to avoid cancer treatment dose delays or dose reductions. This will hopefully help you get rid of or control the cancer. Your doctor may determine if the medications are working by performing a physical exam during each clinic visit, asking you to get scans of certain body parts (examples may include X-ray, M.R.I. scan, or C.T. scan), or ordering blood tests to help understand if the cancer medications are working. Ask your doctor or clinical pharmacist to explain the results of these tests to you if you are interested.
- Are any medications I am taking preventing me from increasing my physical activity? Physical Activity
If you are taking many medications and you do not know a lot about them, it is possible that they may be causing side effects that are preventing you from doing the things you want to do. For example, people continue medications for constipation which may then cause diarrhea if they forget to stop taking them when the constipation resolves. Certain medications may contribute to profound fatigue that may be limiting the amount of activity you are able to do during the day. Some medications may be interfering with your sleep, such as prednisone or dexamethasone, if not taken early on in the daytime. If you would like to be doing more with your day, ask your pharmacist if you're taking medications that might be affecting your physical ability to exercise or mental ability to stay awake.
- What can I do if I'm having trouble figuring out the best times to take my medications? Schedule
Talk to your pharmacist to try to minimize the number of times per day you need to take medication. Your pharmacist will make sure that the pills you take together at certain times of day are safe and will not interact with each other.
- If I experience certain side effects during treatment, how long will it take for the side effect to go away? Side Effects
Depending on the specific side effect and how long the medication stays in the body, side effects may resolve quickly or take an extended amount of time to resolve. Your pharmacist can often give you a better idea of when to expect certain side effect to go away or decrease in severity.
- If I am given multiple medications designed to take on an "as needed" basis for the same problem, how do I know which order to take each one? Side Effects
It is common for patients to receive multiple medications used to prevent or to treat symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, constipation, pain, or others. If you have received multiple new medications, it may be difficult to know which one to use and when. Based upon the medications you have available to you, ask your pharmacist to help you understand which medication is best to try first, how long to wait for it to work before trying something else, and when it may be best to call the doctor for help. It may take a little time and effort to learn about these medications, but it is well worth it. You may feel much better when you take them at times that they benefit you most and cause fewest side effects.
- What can I do to take good care of myself and manage side effects during cancer treatment? Supportive Care
Start by watching all of our
side effect videos. They are short and designed to give you background knowledge on the topic as well as ideas on how to prevent and treat each side effect. After watching our videos, ask your pharmacist about specific side effect management strategies for the other side effects listed.
- If my doctors' office is giving me (dispensing) my oral medication(s), who do I call if I have problems? Treatment
Some states in the U.S. allow doctors to directly dispense oral chemotherapy pills without requiring you to go to a pharmacy. If you have questions about your anti-cancer medications, you should first call your doctor's office or clinic. Regardless of whether the medication was given to you in the doctor's office, many doctor's offices have a designated clinical pharmacist who specializes in the treatment of cancer that they may refer you to for medication-related questions.
- If my prescription is expensive, am I able to ask for a smaller quantity of pills? Treatment
Both supportive care medications and anti-cancer pills can sometimes be very expensive, and either cost you or your insurance company a lot of money. Some medications are required to be dispensed by a pharmacist in their original container with the original seal on the bottle or blister pack (individually sealed medications supplied in a foil pack) and therefore the entire quantity shown on the bottle or blister pack must be dispensed. However, if the prescribed amount medication is more than one bottle or blister pack, you have the freedom to ask for less medication. Ask your pharmacist which medications can be supplied in smaller amounts if you are uncertain you will use the entire amount. Less waste may also be better for the environment.
- I always seem to be running low on my medications. What can I do so that I do not have only one pill left at the time of the refill? Treatment
If you have prescription insurance, you are often permitted to refill your medication (if refills are allowed and prescribed) by the 80% rule. For example, if your prescription refill is for a 30-day supply, you may be able to refill it as early as Day 24. If you think you will be taking a certain medication for a long time, work with your pharmacist to determine the earliest date you can refill it to avoid running low on your supply. Additionally, if you plan to go on vacation, tell your pharmacist the exact dates (needed by insurance company) that you will be gone and ask them to get a "vacation override" allowing you to fill more than the typical "one month supply" of medicine so that you do not have to worry about trying to refill the medicine while you are away.
- Who should I talk to (pharmacist, doctor, or nurse) about whether it is safe for me to work while taking or receiving cancer treatment? Work
You should first talk things over with your doctor. If your doctor has specific concerns about the medications you are taking, he or she can talk to a clinical pharmacist for help. Your pharmacist may be able to help you appropriately time the medications you take so that any side effects experienced are less likely to interfere with your work and your life.
- Will the side effects of the treatment affect my ability to work? Work
Tell your pharmacist what you do for work and they can help you understand which side effects might interfere with your ability to work. They may also be able to help you understand how certain side effects can be prevented, or which ones can be greatly reduced by taking the certain over-the-counter or prescription medications that might not affect how the cancer treatment works.
- How long after I stop taking treatment can I consider my fertility safe to move forward with having children? Fertility
Often times the answer to this question is specified in FDA-labeled package insert information. Ask your pharmacist to look this up and to update you and your doctor with the information they have found.
- Is it safe to restart medications that I stopped taking when I started therapy? Home Medications
- Some medications you were previously taking may have had to been temporarily stopped before or during treatment. After treatment is complete, some of these medications may be able to be restarted. Your doctor can work with your pharmacist to determine if you can restart any of these medications.
- How will I know when I may resume normal activities after stopping treatment? Monitoring
Many drugs, especially oral medications, have guidelines in the manufacturer's package insert that help you know when it's okay to resume normal activities (diet, sexual activity, breast feeding, and others). Ask your pharmacist to look up the answers for you, or ask your nurse or doctor if you have more specific questions.
- Are there any side effects that I might experience even after treatment is completed? Side Effects
Most side effects occur while you are actively receiving treatment, but in some cases certain side effects can occur months to years after treatment is complete. Based upon the treatment you received, ask your pharmacist if there are any side effects that you should watch out for in the future.
- Are there any medication(s) that I can stop taking after therapy that will help reduce side effects and help me feel better? Supportive Care
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medications you can stop taking but you should also ask your clinical pharmacist to review all your medicines to see if there are any that are no longer needed.
- Are there any medications or supplements I can take to keep the cancer from coming back? Survivorship
- If you are interested in any medications or supplements to prevent the cancer from returning, talk to your pharmacist before starting any of these treatments. Your pharmacist can explain the potential benefits and risks of taking any of these medications and help you decide if any of them may be right for you. Be sure to ask before spending your money since supplements can be very expensive and may not be recommended by your pharmacist or doctor.
- Where do I dispose of unused chemotherapy or other medications? Treatment
If medications are not expired, ask your pharmacist if there might be any chance of needing them again in the future before you throw them away. If not, they may know of programs that accept unused medications in their original container that are not expired. If there are no programs located nearby that can recycle your unused medications, call your local police or fire department to see if they accept and destroy medications. Alternatively, if you have unused medications and are concerned about someone else taking them, mix them with old coffee grounds or other food scraps before throwing them away. This may also be the most environmentally friendly way of disposing of them. Before flushing medication down the sink/toilet, first ask your pharmacist to advise you on the best way is to dispose of it. For more information, visit this
FDA website on unused medication disposal.
- How long after completion of treatment can I resume a full work schedule? Work
A pharmacist may be able to give you information about how long certain side effects are likely to last after the last dose is taken. Your doctor can assess your overall health status and provide advice regarding when they feel like you are ready to return to work based upon their assessment of your physical and mental health, as well as their experience with other patients who have taken the same treatment.
ChemoExperts Tips
What are the most important things to know about ATRA + arsenic trioxide when receiving therapy?
- ATRA (Tretinoin) may cause chapped lips or drying and cracking in the corners of the mouth, known as cheilitis. Frequenyl applying lip balm may help to decrease these symptoms
- If ATRA (Tretinoin) causes severe headaches, ask your pharmacist to try ordering a different brand (manufacturer) the next time you need a refill
- Medications that lengthen the time to make the heart beat, such as QT-prolonging medications should be minimized (used less) while receiving arsenic trioxide. Ondansetron (Zofran) use for nausea is one example of a QT-prolonging medication
- A pharmacist should ALWAYS review your medication list to ensure that drug interactions are prevented or managed appropriately
- Clinical trials may exist for APL. Ask your doctor if any studies are currently enrolling in your area. If not, go to clinicaltrials.gov to search for other centers offering study medications
Patient Assistance & Co-payment Coverage
Patients under the age of 65 years, or those with private insurance plans:
If you have insurance and are looking for patient assistance or copay assistance for ATRA (Tretinoin) + Arsenic Trioxide (Trisenox®) Consolidation, we have provided links that may help.
Visit our Patient Assistance page and click the links to various patient assistance programs for help paying for ATRA (Tretinoin) + Arsenic Trioxide (Trisenox®) Consolidation. Depending upon your income, they may be able to help cover the cost of:
- Tretinoin
- Arsenic Trioxide
For Branded medications (may be available for generic medications too), check with the manufacturer to determine if a co-pay card is offered and if it could reduce your monthly copay.
- If you are uninsured, check with the manufacturer to determine if you are eligible to receive medication at no cost.
Medicare and Medicaid patients (Patients 65 years or older):
The clinic providing treatment will likely pre-authorize medications and immune therapies such as ATRA (Tretinoin) + Arsenic Trioxide (Trisenox®) Consolidation and are the best source to help you understand drug cost.
- Ask to speak with a patient assistance technician or financial counselor at the clinic or hospital administering this therapy.
Emotional Wellness
What is Emotional Wellness?
Emotional wellness is having a positive outlook balanced with a realistic understanding of current life events. This requires both an awareness and acceptance of your emotions. It is with this knowledge that you can develop a plan to take the necessary actions to positively impact your life.
Emotional wellness uses an ongoing process to continually reflect on the stressors of life in a constructive manner to move forward and create happiness.
Because emotional wellness is deeply connected with physical, social, and spiritual wellness, pursuing it often becomes particularly difficult in times of major illness. Despite this difficulty, working toward emotional wellness has been connected to improved treatment outcomes and a higher likelihood of achieving goals of therapy.
Learn more about pursuing emotional wellness while receiving treatment with ATRA (Tretinoin) + Arsenic Trioxide (Trisenox®) Consolidation
