Anybody taking Cytoxan - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

luggnutt · 04-02-2006, 09:03 PM

Hi Everyone

I was wondering if anybody is on any chemmo for their M.S. like Cytoxan and how are they are doing with it and what kind of side effects they are having. I start Wednesday with Cytoxan and scared to death. lol.

curious11 · 04-03-2006, 04:38 PM

Hi luggnutt! I am not currently on Cytoxan, but expect to start next month sometime. I chat with someone on another board who is on Cytoxan. I have asked everything there is to ask, as I am trying to prepare for it too. It seems to be a relatively easy process. He told me he gets a queasy stomach the night after an infusion, but takes the anti- nausea drugs they provide and doesn't have much of a problem. He also told me that the 2nd week post infusion he is careful to prevent infection- ie washing his hands frequently etc.

As far as the effect it has had on him... he tells me his vision keeps on getting better and the Cytoxan has enabled him to go back to school and study for a new career. So all in all, it seems promising, and I am anxious to see the results it will have for me. Will you also be getting a dose of Solumedrol at each Cytoxan infusion? And for how long will you be on the Cytoxan regimine? The MS clinic I go to does it for 3 years... every 4 weeks for the 1st year, then every 6 weeks, then every 8. Good luck to you!

luggnutt · 04-03-2006, 07:27 PM

Thanks curious for the reply that means a lot to me. I'm trying to find as much info as I can before Wednesday. Everybody here at home thinks I should'nt and that scares me most.
Great to hear the other person that's on it is doing very good and I hope it does me that well too.

luggnutt · 04-03-2006, 07:36 PM

To Curious, I take a treatment once a month for six months just not sure after that or if I need to take steroids with it. I know I can take my Rebif while on chemmo.

curious11 · 04-05-2006, 09:11 AM

Well today is the day, luggnutt. I hope everything goes smoothly and hopefully you check in and share your experience with the board!

The only set back I see with the Cytoxan is the 3 year regimine that they use here. I am on Betaseron and I get the impression that I wouldn't do both... but I am not sure. So I am still on the fence a bit, but after my MRI at the end of the month, I will be making my decision.

I was wondering the emphasis they put on developing other cancers down the road? I know you are only doing the Cytoxan for 6 months, which may be considered a short time, but did your doctor mention bladder cancer potential or anything? That is my fear... that by taking the Cytoxan I get myself involved in a whole other ballgame! Well I'd love to hear back from you on how this all went... but take care!