Today marked the start of three cycles [C1-C3], each of three weeks, of ECF chemotherapy, based on the three drugs epirubicin [E], cisplatin [C] and 5-fluorouracil [F]. Lots of lucky threes in that mix!!! That is nine weeks in total. For each cycle, the first two drugs [epirubicin and cisplatin] are given in one dose on day one [D1] which will last the three weeks.
The other drug [fluorouracil or 5-FU] is administered continuously over the entire three week cycle [D1-D21] via a Baxter 7 day Infusor pump at 0.5ml/h. The pump will be changed each week. See the website at http://www.christie.nhs.uk/patients/booklets/text/baxter/default.aspx for all the info on these ingenious devices.
For my chemotherapy I will go to the Zita Mary Oncology Clinic in the Xavier Building at the nearby Calvary Hospital in Bruce. The support from the nursing and administration staff has been wonderful. Nurse James gave me and Lynne a full description of the proposed chemo and possible [as well as probable] side effects. The drug dose is calculated on body surface area!!! This in turn is based on body height and weight; my area was very conveniently calculated at 2 square metres, making all drug dosing quite simple!!!The administration of the two drugs in the clinic was painless and routine. The epirubicin had a rich red colour, resembling a fine port wine. The cisplatin was colourless like vodka. The drugs pass into my bloodstream near the heart via the implanted port under my skin on the chest.
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