Working while on Vidaza?

[emily59]

I’ll be starting my first round of Vidaza soon. I’m in my 50’s and generally healthy…well, other than MDS. I wondered about experiences with working while on this med. It’s a desk job but I need to concentrate and be attentive to conversations. Most importantly, I’d really like to not vomit on anyone.

I know that everyone is different and my reactions will be different. I’m just trying to get a general idea of what to expect. Could you share any experiences which may be relatable? Thank you!

[Cecile Huston]

I have been on vidaza since June, 7 treatments each 28 days cycle, they have me on a steroid to keep me from being nauseated BUT that causes me to be constipated so have to take stool softners every night during treatment, and the worse is not sleeping, while on this 7 days I get 3 hrs sleep at most, last night was only 1 1/2 hrs, maybe not the same for everyone, we are now going to cut my steroid dose in 1/2 and try to get off it, but I do not want to feel nauseated, my Dr. says 50% of the people can do with out the steroid so I am going to try, good luck.

[emily59]

Thank you for your reply. I’m sorry to hear about your side effects. Insomnia is so frustrating. Did they offer you any sleep medication to help? I don’t think I could function on so little sleep.

[Cecile Huston]

I have tried the pm over the counter and not any help, the 1/2 dose of steroid does seem to help, I am going to try to cut it out this Friday, my usual treatment with Vidaza is only about 1 hr and 15 min total, so not a bad deal, I only have tomorrow and Friday for this 7 days and then off for treatment until the 15th so the port and me get a break, LOL, tomorrow though is my long day as I have Vidaza and the clinical trial and that is like a 3 to 3 1/2 hr treatment, I feel blessed to have the chance for treatment and giving me more time, so hope all goes well with you. I am retired so lack of sleep is ok, when I can’t sleep I get up and play gin or something on the computer.

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