Huy,
Skier03 is right - the major side effect of the irinotecan (also known as Camptosar or CPT-11) is diarrhea - which can come very soon (usually very soon after treatment) or later, which actually can be more serious. Also, keep in mind that there are anti-nausea drugs that you can be given prior to chemo that help keep you from tossing your cookies.
The Camptosar website has good info about diarrhea and other side effects, especially when to be concerned and call your doctor:
http://www.camptosar.com/products/campt ... fects.aspx
From the Camptosar website: "Other symptoms that may occur independent of early diarrhea include a runny nose, more saliva (spit) in your mouth, and watery eyes. The patient may also have sweating, flushing, and stomach cramps." Funny - I have heard more people complain about having a lot of spit in their mouth and the watery eyes - but I don't know if it's because it actually happens more often or if it's because it's a pretty strange side effect!
Also from the Camptosar website:
"When to Call Your Doctor or Nurse
Many side effects can be treated. Some are serious and can threaten your life. Be sure to talk about any side effects with your Cancer Care Team. The sooner they know about them, the sooner your team can help you. You should call your doctor or nurse if you experience the following:
• You have diarrhea or stomach cramps
• You cannot get diarrhea or stomach cramps under control within 24 hours
• You have black or bloody bowel movements
• You feel woozy, dizzy, or faint
• You cannot drink fluids because of upset stomach or vomiting
• You have a fever (temperature above 100.4°F) or chills (temperature below 96.0°F)"
GOOD LUCK!
Hannah
Hannah K. Vogler
Co-Founder, The Colon Club
cousin of Amanda Sherwood Roberts
dx 1/99 Stage III at age 24
died January 1, 2002 at age 27