We know that fighting cancer is not easy. At that time, doctors will tell you about various treatments. Perhaps you or a loved one will also be told about a vaccine called 'Mitomycin'. At a time like this, it is normal to feel fear and doubt. So today, let's talk about this medicine in simple terms to dispel your fear and doubt.
Simply put, what is Mitomycin?
Mitomycin is a type of chemotherapy that is given to kill cancer cells. To be precise, it is an anti-cancer drug. It is mainly used to treat conditions such as stomach cancer and pancreatic cancer .
Think of cancer cells in our bodies as weeds. They divide and spread rapidly. What the Mitomycin vaccine does is attack these rapidly dividing cancer cells, stop their growth, and destroy them. Sometimes, this medicine can also be used for other types of cancer, depending on the doctor's decision.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
These are very important for your safety and the success of your treatment. Therefore, discuss these things clearly with your doctor before starting Mitomycin treatment.
- Other illnesses you have:
- Bleeding disorders, meaning that bleeding does not stop even from a minor injury.
- An existing infection, especially a viral infection like chickenpox or herpes.
- If you have previously been told that you have a low number of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets in your blood.
- If you have any kidney disease.
- Allergies:
- If you have previously had an allergy to Mitomycin or any other medicine.
- If you have allergies to certain foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should definitely tell your doctor. This medicine can have very adverse effects on the baby during pregnancy.
By giving this information to your doctor, he or she can create the most appropriate and safest treatment plan for you. So don't hide anything.
How do you get this medicine?
Mitomycin is not a medicine that you can take home. It is given to you in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained doctor or nurse . It is usually given as an injection into a vein (intravenous injection) or through a saline infusion (infusion). So you are in a safe environment.
What if treatment is missed?
Since this is a cancer treatment, it is very important to take your medication on the scheduled day and at the scheduled time. If for some reason you are unable to come to the hospital on the scheduled day, call your doctor immediately and let him know. He will tell you what to do next.
What if I take too much medicine?
Since this medicine is given under the supervision of medical staff in a hospital, the risk of overdose is very low. However, if you suspect something like this, inform the nurse or doctor there immediately. If necessary, they will contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Things to be especially careful about during treatment
When undergoing chemotherapy, certain changes occur in the body. It is very important to be aware of this.
1. Protect yourself from infections: This medicine can reduce the number of white blood cells in your body that fight disease. This means your immunity is reduced . Therefore,
- Minimize going to crowded places as much as possible.
- Stay away from people with fever and colds.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
- If you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, and cough , do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately .
2. Risk of bleeding: This medicine may also reduce the number of platelets that help blood clot. Therefore,
- When brushing your teeth, use a soft bristle toothbrush . Do not brush vigorously.
- Be very careful when using sharp objects and when shaving.
- If you notice bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or unexplained dark spots on your skin, tell your doctor .
3. Be careful with painkillers: Do not take painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen without your doctor's advice. These medications can suppress a fever. When your immune system is weak, a fever can be a sign of a serious infection, so it's important to know.
4. Common discomforts: It is common to feel tired and lethargic during chemotherapy. This is because the drugs affect both cancer cells and some healthy cells. However, do not stop treatment until your doctor tells you to. Talk to him about any discomfort you are having.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Mitomycin can have side effects. But not everyone gets all of them. Let's break these down into two categories.
| Mitomycin side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 If you experience these symptoms, notify your doctor or hospital immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of bleeding | Black or bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, red spots on the skin, unusual bleeding from the gums, eyes, or nose. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain when urinating. |
| Effects on the kidneys | Change in the amount of urine you pass or difficulty urinating. |
| Symptoms of Anemia | Feeling unusually tired, feeling weak, fainting, difficulty breathing. |
| Pain at the injection site | Severe pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. |
| 🙂 These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Nausea and vomiting | There are medications to control these. Ask your doctor. |
| Appetite | Try to eat as many nutritious foods as possible. |
| Mouth sores | It's important to keep your mouth clean. There are treatments for this too. |
| Hair loss | This is a common occurrence during chemotherapy. Hair grows back after treatment is over. |
| Change in urine color | Your urine may be green or blue. This is normal due to the medication and is nothing to worry about. |
Take-Home Message
- Mitomycin is a special injection given in a hospital to treat cancer. Don't be afraid of this.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies.
- Be careful of infections and injuries during treatment. If you develop symptoms such as fever, tell your doctor immediately.
- Side effects can occur. It is important to know which of these are serious and which are normal.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions, concerns, or discomforts you may have. You are not alone in this battle.
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