Does everyone with Stage 3C Grade 3 Ovarian Cancer have bad side effects from the chemo?

[granny1]

[TrishLey]

I think it may be down to the individual. I suppose age, general health and any existing conditions can/may have an impact. From being on this site for the last 3 years it seems we all get some if not all of the side effects to different degrees. What are yours? If you wish to write them down and post them I am sure the wonderful ladies on this site will give you some feedback and also tell you what helped them xx Trish

[granny1 in reply to TrishLey]

Haven't started chemo yet. Still going thru tests but just wanted to know what I was in for. I appreciate this information and it is a comfort to know it depends on your own situation.

[Hidden]

I don't think the stage or grade of your cancer has any bearing on chemo side effects...

as we are all different not only with diagnosis but other medical conditions too.. there is no answer to what side effects you might get ...some have very little side effects where others have a lot... Some have chemo when they have just had major surgery ( so are recovering from this too) some have chemo before surgery so have not got the issues that surgery might bring...

If we all gave you our experiences they would all be different... even if we had identical treatment... so there is very little point in second guessing.

Best wishes love x G x

[granny1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Gwyn.

[Hidden]

As a general rule of thumb side effects tend to be nausea and feeling sick but they give you medication for that especially the first 2 days. Joint aches and pain are common as is tingling in the fingers and toes. Hair loss if you receive Taxol and most people do. I think on reflection most people are able to tolerate the side effects. Love Paul

[granny1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much.

[citrine]

Got to admit I felt evil for a number of days after each cycle. The first time was the worst, after that I was given stronger anti-nausea medication which helped. I couldn't sleep because my brain wouldn't switch off. Usually on the 5th day, I would wake up and realise that despite feeling wrung out, I had turned the corner. I would try and make plans to enjoy myself on the good days and I can honestly say that for me it was worth it.

Mary xx

[MargaretJ]

In short no! I was diagnosed 3C in 2009 and, while it was not an experience I enjoyed, I have tolerated all of my chemo (4 lots so far) relatively well! The worst was becoming allergic to carboplattin on second lime!

We are all different! BTW I am 73!

Good luck!

Margaret

[granny1 in reply to MargaretJ]

Thanks Margaret. So encouraging.

[SillyYak in reply to MargaretJ]

Pls can you clarify your reaction to chemo and the allergy? We have chased and chased the oncologist to elaborate as my Mum will also have chemo after 20yrs in between the disease so she is at a much greater reaction of hypersensitivity to carbo which can kill. So we re keen to be clued up to chase Drs and avoid any problems asap.

[Izzystep]

Wait and see is my advice. Not everyone has the same side effects, some have none at all and some have them worse than others. It's not a "one size fits all" chemo. There are different dosages and many regimes. Take notes of how you are feeling, tell your oncologist and chemo nurse, they will decide best treatment.

Good luck and let us know how you get on. Love n hugs Izzystep xxxx

[thesilent1]

Hi. I have stage 3b. It doesn't matter what stage you are, if you need chemo then there are side effects but not everybody will suffer from them. Your oncologist will go through them with you, as will the nurse. You will be given written information as well. Personally, I had a little bit of nausea a few days after each dose but this was well controlled by meds which the hospital gave me to bring home. I did have pains in the bones of my lower legs/ankles/feet which also started a bout 2 days following chemo and I took mouth ulcers as well. However I met lots of ladies who didn't have any side effects. Good luck. Ann

[Hidden]

Hi .. I found chemo debilitating but tried to do something nice on Week three which is when I was strongest before the next dose. I found it very hard to sleep despite being dog tired because of the steroids. I got sleeping pills and they were a Godsend. We're all here for you .. and no doubt someone will be here with some sound advice if you do feel out of sorts.. Love to you.. T xx

[granny1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much T.