Chemotherapy & Biologics-Related List of Questions

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What can I expect from my therapy?

What are the names of the drugs that will be used in my treatment? (Folfox, folfiri, 5FU, oxaliplatin, leucovorin, irinotecan, Xeloda, or Mytomycin C)

Is there evidence that they are more effective than other chemotherapy drugs?

How many treatments will I need?

How will the treatments be given?

Will I be able to go home afterwards?

What will I feel like after my treatments?

Will I be able to work? Will I be able to take care of my spouse and children?

What are the possible side effects of these treatments and how long do they last?

Will my hair fall out?

Will I be nauseous? If so, how can that be treated?

Will I be fatigued? How will you address that?

Will I get mouth sores? If so, how will that be addressed?

Is there anything I can do to lessen the side effects?

If I am taking chemotherapy, can I eat all kinds of foods?

Can I drink alcohol?

Can the cancer spread, even though I am on chemotherapy?

Will chemotherapy affect my sex life?

Will chemotherapy affect my fertility?

How will I know if the treatment is working?

What are the chances for remission or for a longer life?

Will I be able to take multi-vitamins or anti-oxidant therapy during chemotherapy?

Do I qualify for biological therapy in conjunction with chemotherapy?

If so, which do you recommend? (avastin, erbitux or vectibix)

If oxaliplatin is recommended, will I be accessing magnesium/calcium infusions before and after oxaliplatin infusion?