[QUAD-L] Complications of SCI when getting chemotherapy

[Sue Worthington]

Does anyone have experience with undergoing chemotherapy and the 
complications that are more likely because of SCI?

I have a very dear friend in Ohio, USA who has had a C6 quadriplegia for 
37 years, is now 53 years old and got bladder cancer.  His bladder was 
removed, he was in hospital for 4 months with complications directly 
related to his SCI (blood pressure, med mix ups, 5 intubations, 
temperature disregulation--to name a few).  The possibility of these 
complications were not discussed nor planned for before the surgery even 
though they are known risks for quadriplegia. 

Now he is to start chemo and AGAIN there has been no discussion of 
complications that are more likely to occur or impact him differently 
because he is quadriplegic, such as aspiration from vomiting, heightened 
infection risk (his white blood counts are already low), etc. We want to 
anticipate and ensure he has support this time around for his special 
needs but have trouble getting info, statistics etc that will help him 
advocate for things like home health care and better monitoring, and 
additional professional help (like a hematologist?), etc.  This is to be 
done outpatient and he lives alone . 

Do people have experiences and resources they can share?  I am a medical 
person and having difficulty finding any info on this, even anecdotal!  
Thanks