Chemotherapy sucks: Only had one... - My Breast Cancer ...

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Chemotherapy sucks

Shihtzumom profile image
15 Replies

Only had one treatment of FEC and 2 weeks later my hair has fell out and my finger nails are lifting, next one is Thursday, not looking forward to it, ran out of domperidone, tablets, asked for a few more and they can’t give them to me till Tuesday! How are people coping with the queasiness?

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Shihtzumom
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15 Replies

Yes, chemotherapy absolutely sucks but just think of the job it is doing for you. I coped by lots of rest and plenty of hydration. I also tried to do one nice thing every day (gives you something to focus on). Just keep telling yourself ‘this will pass’. Sending hugs.

Shihtzumom profile image
Shihtzumom in reply to

Thanks xx

Berylynn profile image
Berylynn

The amount of Chemo strength you have and the way its given can be adjusted by the chemo consultant...we all react differently, we can have multiple tablets that run side by side, our age and our bc tumor size. Nails become damaged more after chemo finishes, this is really early on. Hair is on target. Dose might be a tad to high you need to report issues with doctor or chemo nurses. I had 85% aged 63 but diabetic and that side was my biggest struggle. Also used high protien cream on nalls before treatments started. The black nail varnish wasnt an option, varnish in general drys my nails...they are naturally white and thin. I used a product I was given called healthy hoof, and bought more via Amazon. Vasaline or Vick are equally useful but greasy, as with full foot creaming with moisturising hand cream. Others might have tips too and Chemo nurses give you products too.

Shihtzumom profile image
Shihtzumom in reply to Berylynn

Thanks for your help xx

Margt34 profile image
Margt34

Hi no one can give advice on how to cope as we all react differently I lost my hair early too eyelashes ,eyebrows a little later and finger and toenails followed but the anti sickness worked for me although I suffered lots with other symptoms my worst was taste ,everything tasted like I was chewing batteries so in the end I ate very little ,chemo is a bitch but the one way to look at it is if it is doing that much damage to your body what is it doing to the Cancer and Inthe end everything hopefully returns to normal and the Cancer is destroyed.Keep going you have yet to experience Tax and that is something else .If it is too hard discuss your symptoms with your Oncologist they are there to help you through this and reductions are a possibility .I am 18 months on from Chemo and everything has slowly gone back as it was .I am glad I managed to do it because I believe it was my best option I can now look back and think yes it was worth it hard but worth it good luck keep on being positive and you will get there xxx

Shihtzumom profile image
Shihtzumom in reply to Margt34

Thanks trying to stay positive, but hubby has cancer too, waiting to see if he needs chemotherapy or surgery first!

Margt34 profile image
Margt34 in reply to Shihtzumom

So sorry to hear that I will keep everything crossed for you both keep positive and support one another and please let us know how you both are everyone on this forum cares and supports each other xxx

Shihtzumom profile image
Shihtzumom in reply to Margt34

Will do x

jackearls1000 profile image
jackearls1000

I drank ginger tea and loads of ginger biscuits ...but the hospital told me to keep taking anti sickness tablets as and when needed ....it eases off after a day or two ....I treated it like morning sickness and ate what I fancied ....rice was good ...as for your nails //I used simple cream ...anything perfumed is no good as youll be feeling sicky ....just drink loads of water before and after treatments ...this helped me massively good luck Jane xxx

Shihtzumom profile image
Shihtzumom in reply to jackearls1000

Thanks for your help xx

jackearls1000 profile image
jackearls1000

No worries ...I know its hard at the moment ...but remember its only for a short time ..and when its done you can move on knowing you have done the best you can to be able to get on with your life ....because you will........so start your count down ...give yourself nice treats to look forward to, I went to an amusement park with my daughter, cinema ..a lot ....nice meals when i felt well ...breakfast treats ....How are you coping with your hair? ... I used a cold cap and saved 25 % of my hair but did use a wig ....which I loved ...Annebelles wigs online are great, very cheap ...delivered in 24 hours ...and were very helpful ....It horrified me at first wearing a wig , but it enabled me to go out and about without anyone taking any notice of me ....please try and go out everyday for some fresh air ....but in the sunshine cover up lightly and use a hat, glasses ect ....and believe me ....it will be over before you know it ......always here ....lots of healing love Jane xxxx

Shihtzumom profile image
Shihtzumom in reply to jackearls1000

Thanks for your kind wishes xx

Chemo does suck. Even with anti nausea stuff I had two days a week that I would get sick. Seemed more like drainage from my sinuses. I am 3 years post chemo and my big toe nails are still funky. I shaved my head as soon as hair fell out. I would talk to the doctor about what you are feeling. I know I had two different meds for nausea. Coca cola has always been a lifesaver for me with nausea. I do remember my oncologist telling me keep hydrated. I sure hope you're feeling better soon.

Shihtzumom profile image
Shihtzumom in reply to CancerkickerKathy

Thanks I will try that x

TrishLamb profile image
TrishLamb

I just had my 4th chemo, 3 FEC and 1 DOCETAXEL, after my 2nd FEC I really didn’t want to have anymore, but I’ve kept going, I’ve got 2 kids and lost my 1st husband to lung cancer just over 4 years ago, I met someone soon after and we plan to marry this August, I’ve got to much to loose and my kids can’t loose both parents to the horrible thing. Recently I was at a wedding and a lady came up to me and said my niece has told me what your going through, she told me to keep going as her daughter was 12 when she had had chemo and she’s fine now at 20 years old....... this gave my a kick up the bum, to think how many little kiddies having chemo and I was struggling, I did speak to my oncologist after my 2nd treatment and told her how I felt and things have been so much better they’ve adjusted my drugs. I’m hoping this new chemo will be kind, but I’m just focusing on the end goal, in 6 weeks I’ll have had my last chemo. Good luck and inbox me if you want a chat x

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