Second day of first FCR

[Mandy56]

So second dose of FCR with the long dose of Rituximab. Got a bit hot and tired at the end, but no nausea or other nastiness and felt fine since. Even managed a quorn shepherds pie after, though it’s lying like a stone on my tummy now! Drinking lots of fluid as per all your wise words and looking forward to going home tomorrow. We’ll see how things go then and if the unpleasantness kicks in in a few days

Thank you to all who’ve shared advice and experience, it’s been invaluable and a lifeline during a scary time. Good luck to all those going through the same and stay strong.

[Jm954 Administrator]

Well done, it's not easy and you're coping.

[Sailormoon11]

Great stuff ! Hopefully next few days will go fine too. Xx

[Newdawn Administrator]

Pleased to hear you’re coping well Mandy. Hope things continue well for you.

Best wishes,

Newdawn

[GMa27]

Where are you getting the chemo cuz you referenced about going home. Do you have to travel far to get ur treatment? I start in June...its 3 blocks from my house. Super convenient. How long was day one and two?

[Mandy56 in reply to GMa27]

I’m getting it in the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, but I live in Lancashire, in the north of England. Today I’ll have a train journey home of around 2 and a half hours. Got my germ blocker mask ready! Decided to go for treatment here as it’s one of the best in the UK and they have been brilliant, so worth the travelling. Wish it was only 3 blocks away though!

Day one wasn’t long - around one and a half hours. Day Two was around 4 and a half hours. I read Prof Jane Plant’s book, Beating Cancer and she recommends going vegan throughout chemo. Less side effects and no hair loss. I’m sticking with that and will let you know.

Good luck in June. Keep us updated.

[Marie-54 in reply to Mandy56]

I have completed my FCR and did not lose any hair. It really is quite uncommon with FCR so do not worry about that.

As for going vegan for the duration, that would not be my choice. We have enough issues with having to ensure everything is well cooked and enough restrictions in our diets that the least amount of loss of my favourite foods trumps an unproven hypothesis that going vegan would be beneficial at this time. Eat the foods you love to help you get through it all.

Life is for living. Savour every moment. Especially that perfectly grilled steak.

[Mandy56 in reply to Marie-54]

Thanks Marie. Glad your FCR is over and good luck for the future , I was pretty much vegan anyway, so no biggie for me. Everyone has to decide for themselves what they want to do. Let’s hope we have a long and happy remission!

[GMa27 in reply to Mandy56]

Wish I had choice of diet. I have gastroparesis...low fat, no fiber, no sugar free. Very restricted. Protein, limited veggies, no salads, and lots of carbs is my routine. No nuts, no grain breads...the list is endless of donts. So frustrating. Must eat every 2-3 hours or I get "ill". Chemo is going yo be very challenging enough without my diet.

You literally have a "journey"!

[Ohannie236]

So glad things went well for you, Mandy! You sound so strong. Wishing you all the best going forward. Love from Ohio.

[holly2]

Oh Mandy, my heart goes out to you. Great courage travelling to get the best treatment too. I was having FCR a year ago and am so grateful to be over it. Somehow the time did go quickly in the end. Kept setting myself little goals with things to look forward to (ordered a summer house for the garden - shame the weather won't let me enjoy it this year so far!). I did not lose my hair nor did it thin. But my skin dried a lot and I had an issue with varicose eczema on my legs that put me in hospital for 2 days. Do keep skin moisturised even if you don't think it needs it, especially on legs. Good you are using the mask. I still do because I am still vulnerable for viruses although at last my neutrophils seem to have picked up. I did all I could to avoid places where I could pick up anything and kept myself free of these types of illnesses.

All the best, you will get to the end of it and be grateful you have! Holly

[Mandy56 in reply to holly2]

Thanks for the good advice Holly and so glad you are on the other side of it now. Wishing you strength and good health and sunshine this year to enjoy your summerhouse !

[Hidden]

Now then. A super start but there is a chance of what I call a blip. Everyone has them.

Do not tire yourself, take rest when you want especially in the first 2 weeks of the cycle.

Take your temperature everyday and more often if you think something is wrong.

Get all tablets taken at the correct time.

Sickness is not the norm. Feeling sick can be especially in week 1.

At the end of the first week per cycle many lose their appetite for a couple of days. Eat the food you like at that time in small amounts. Your appetite will come back. No alcohol.

Do not think that a blip is the end. These things happen so monitor and listen to your body and ask the chemo centre if unsure of any development/symptom.

FCR for 6 months is worthwhile.

[Mandy56 in reply to Hidden]

Sounds like great advice and I’ll certainly take it. Thanks!

[pkpayne]

Good news Mandy! I hope the rest of your week goes as smoothly! And I agree with you about having and sharing all of the advice and experiences of members of this forum. Best wishes to you.

Paula

[Sucee]

Best wishes, Mandy. I hope the remaining days are ok too...I used to hit the wall at day 3 until day 7, then slowly start coming right. I hope it's much easier for you. Be kind to yourself xo