Advise for first time chemo

Hi 

I am starting chemo in 10 days .taxol  / carbo once a week for 6 cycles. Any practical advise for those ladies who have gone through this would be much appreciated. Especially would like to know when I should expect to feel worst / better during each cycle . 

[HogwartsDK]

Hello Mary Rose! 

I am sitting here in the Chemo ward at the other end of the journey my last Chemo today!! I had the same regimen as you are going to have! 

A few tips for you! I found that the bad days for me were day 6 and 7 once the steroids wear off! Drink loads of water it really does work, it can be hard getting that volume of liquid into you but it makes a huge difference.  Whatever you are feeling tell the nurses on the ward as they often have alternatives that work better if what you are feeling is down to the drugs to help with side effects! I found that the antisicknesss Meds that I was originally given didn't suit me and they gave me a new one (Emend) and it worked much better!!! 

Take it easy on  yourself and get plenty of rest! You will get loads of great advice from the ladies here but you will only know how you are going to react once you have your first treatment so it is useful sometimes to keep notes so you can plan for the rest of the sessions!!! 

Anyway the very best of luck and while Chemo is a hard road it is doable and you will get to the other side!!! 

Onwards and Upwards!!

Dx

[Hidden in reply to HogwartsDK]

Thanks so much....congratulations on reaching the end of the road 😊

[Hidden]

Sorry MaryRose you are getting both every week or is it every three weeks?  I think D. has covered mostly everything.  I would add get in prunes in juice and kiwis to help the constipation.  Also Carrs water biscuits and Bovril for the times you may just want to nibble rather than eat.   Ovacare are holding their Patient Day in Cork on April 23rd and if you are well enough and if you are able to travel, it is worth coming for.  You meet ladies who are really nice and friendly.  You will also go away far more informed.  It will be held at the Clarion Hotel, in Lapps Quay.   If you cant come just ask on here any questions you may have.   Also find out if your oncologist has a gynae liason nurse you can ask questions.   Another thing would be to see if there is a Cancer Support near you such as Arc.  Everything said there is totally in confidendence and the odd reflexology treatment does help to cope with the side effects of treatment.   So if there is any else you think you need help with please ask. 

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for all the info. I won't make cork but maybe Dublin in Autumn

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

You are welcome, read the print outs you get on the drugs but dont google too much, a lot of it is hyped up and you wont get all the side effects mentioned,

[Caroles1]

Hi Maryrose,

Agree with Suzuki, everyone is different,I had the same treatment as you and still managed to excercise, drive, go out and do normal things,but second day after chemo was my duvet day and apart from that I just paced myself, your body will tell you when to rest.

I was given steroids and anti sickness and Omaprazole, all of which meant I could eat as normal.I was told to steer clear of Steak,whitening toothpaste, mouthwash with Alchohol in and visits to the dentist.

I suffered with complete hairloss (got a wig and my son shaved my head week 2 of chemo),but I always put a bit of fake tan on,learnt how to pencil in my eyebrows and made the effort when I went out.But, in the house I put on a cotton beanie and let loose, it can't always be a performance!

Comfortable clothes, magazines and music for when you have chemo, chemo brain does exist, it is difficult to concentrate when getting treatment and after, I spent most of my time asleep in the chemo suite, but I did have extra ant histomines.

Drinking lots of water does help and keep yourself warm if they need to find a vein, the good thing is there are a lot of us on here who have got through and can give advice, always post with any particular problem and someone will have been through it.

I finished chemo a year ago and am still in remission,so keep your chin up, you will get through and let us know how you get on,

Lots of love 

Carole xx

[Gaile]

Hi reading the post about make up during chemo . Look up look better feel good  . It's a charity which gives cancer patients a beauty afternoon to teach how to di eyebrows ect. I have just attended one at my local hospital . What a great afternoon . Meeting other ladies and having fun with the make up . I think they try to do one in most towns . It's free . 

[Choski in reply to Gaile]

I've booked on a Look Good workshop on April 19th, am really looking forward to it and am hoping that I can drive to the session as its about 35 mins from me and as we're in the sticks there's no other way there, I do have family and friends who have said they will help but it's difficult to accept! Glad you found your good. I may still have my hair by then but who knows!