tomorrow is the day i have been dreading ,the start of chemo .im having 6 three week cycles of carboplatin .today i went to the chemo unit at the hospital and met the staff who were very friendly and talked me through the procedure .
i read all your posts everyday ,how strong and how much courage you all have .how do you keep so strong and positive .i put on a brave face but behind that im a wreck .
It will be much better than you fear. The staff are always so friendly at my hospital and make things as easy as possible. I always used the time to indulge myself a bit. I bought myself a dark chocolate bounty (my favourite) and a trashy magazine. I chatted to the other patients and to the nurses and usually fell asleep after the antihistamines. We all get low days but this helps us to appreciate the good days. My attitude is that you can't worry about the hangover tomorrow while you are still dancing on the table tonight. Dance on and welcome to our club xxxx
I too loved the occasional (every session 😂) dark chocolate bounty when I had my chemo, it was one of the things I could taste I also had cheddars as I could taste them too 😊 ❤️Xx Jane
Then I was in very good company. A little of what you fancy and all that!!!!!
Absolutely ❤️Xx Jane
Hi lovely, I too was diagnosed 1c3, I had the 3 weekly carbo and 18 rounds of weekly taxol in 2014. It's not a barrel of laughs but it really is doable, lots of us have. I too was really frightened about the chemo, it kind of makes it all seem real but once you've done the first one you'll be OK as you'll know what to expect for the other 5. There are side effects which they will have warned you about, take the drugs they give you, they work, if you experience bad nausea ask for more anti nausea drugs (they do their job), get lots of rest, drink plenty and eat well, most importantly take lots of care ❤️Xx Jane
Hi. I remember feeling how you do now. I went for my first chemo feeling awful, didnt want to be there, met my lovely nurse and burst into tears, saying why was I even bothering. Mostly I think (looking back) its fear of the unknown, or knowing that the chemo is going to make you feel unwell whilst it was doing its work. I think once you get the first cycle under your belt and familiarise yourself with what to expect it does get easier. You can do this and you are not alone. Just remember to be kind to yourself. The hospital staff are amazing and they will know how scared etc you are feeling. If you do feel like crying they will undoubtedly give you a hug and some reassuring words of comfort. I hope it goes well for you tomorrow, sending you a big hug, Kathy xx
thankyou ladies i will take on board what you have said and hopefully i will be able to look back and think ive done it .at least i know i can come here for support and advice you have all been very kind xxxxx
Hi, As usual the ladies have given you some good advice and encouragement ,the first one is always the hardest it's the unknown, before you know it you will find your momentum.
My cancer clinic will supply lunch and breviage if you want but I like to take my sandwich and some treats. Take care and don't forget we are here for you Lorraine xx
Hi,
I had carboplatin only when I was first diagnosed. The way you feel is really understandable. I was really scared of starting chemo and I didnt know what to expect. No chemo is fun but as others have said you will be nurtured on the chemo ward and once you have started you will find the fear goes. Of courde we are all differe t and our bodies tespond differe tly but I found that on carboplatin fatigue was the main side effect. After the first week of a cycle I would start to pick up. So perhaps plan as much rest for yourself as possible. I k ow its impossi le not to be apprehensive but please be reassured it will most probably be nowhere near as bad as you imagiine
I will be thinking of you tomorrow, I hope it all goes well x
Best of luck! It is scary but do exactly what they tell you and go with how you feel- if you feel like you need a duvet day- have one!
Don't do too much even when you feel ok...your body will be coping with being seriously poisoned- so it won't have reserves. You'll get there! xx
As others have said, it gets better as time goes on because you know more what to expect and what your body needs to cope with the side effects. For me, the constipation with the carbo was the worst. I had carbo/taxol every three weeks with taxol only on the weeks in between. Early on I landed in the ER because I was so blocked up. So my loving advice is to be mindful of that up front and take proactive measures. No only is carbo constipating, but so are some of the anti-nausea drugs, specifically Zofran (Odenestron). I had surgery 4 weeks ago and am ready (this Thursday) to restart chemo - 6 rounds (18 tx) on the same meds schedule. This time I will take Miralax starting on the day before chemo and keep it up until things are moving. I have tried fruits, senna, magnesium etc., but for the carbo infusions I need something stronger. If you put constipation in the Search My Ovacome box you will get all kinds of suggestions from our wonderful members. Yes, I was tired, too. The nausea was only with the carbo and was nicely regulated with the meds. All in all, it was much less "painful" than the anticipation. Good luck!
Hi there,
You are going to make do many friends you won't believe it.
Good luck,
Ann Nora 🍀
Just finished my 7 treatments from 28 April til Sept 1st. Ihave complete admiration for the staff and like the others I enjoyed talking to other patients. and yes I packed a snack box of things I liked and could taste and a trashy magazine, even some adult colouring though sometimes I just slept.
Have my CT on Oct 2nd and oncologist on 17th October . Then I am h=going to Germany in November for a 3 week holiday with my daughter my treat for getting through the year and turning 60!!!!!
I remember getting to the ward for my first chemo and turning around my husband held onto me as I cried my eyes out, I actually felt better for a good cry and when I went in it wasn't as bad as I had thought, took my iPad (because I was there all day) and talked to my husband and had a few laughs with other patients and staff.
You can do this, I'm sending you lots of strength and love, just say to you self that's one less to do when you come out.
Trish xx
Single agent Carboplatin, although no picnic, is the most tolerable. Just follow all instructions to keep side effects down. You won't lose your hair and the first two rounds will seem easy. Drink plenty of fluids, take anti nausea meds religiously (don't wait to feel sick), rest when your body tells you to, and make sure to exercise - especially walking. I work per diem as an interpreter so I was able to continue, taking into account good and bad day possibilities. I filmed a supporting role in a feature film and did not miss a wedding or event. Above all, my 94 year old mother never even had to know I had cancer.
Having said that, the effects are cumulative and at the last I became anemic and needed a blood transfusion (if anyone ever says you need one, do it. You will feel instantly better)
Do ask about taking L-Glutamine supplement to prevent neuropathy. A girlfriend of mine told me about it; it works but only if you take it prophylactically. I took Miralax the first two or three days (I'm in the US - it's called something else there) and had mild constipation one day a cycle.
Best of luck.
Susy
Hi as others have said, fear of the unknown is often the hardest.. . I was a gibbering wreck before first chemo! But like so so many I muddled my way through it and there's no reason to think you won't do the same!
There's lots of previous pposts with tips for chemo if you use the search box. I would say drink lots - before during and after, use the helpline if you've any concerns and keep a simple diary- you will find your own pattern after the first round.
With regards single carbo (which I also had) do be aware that it affects different people differently & without rhyme or reason. Some work through it with a few tough days, others can experience quite difficult fatigue & other side effects with most people somewhere in the middle. I don't say this to cause concern but because if you happen to be one of the few who have difficult side effects it's important that you don't add stress or guilt to the struggle to manage these.
Wishing you hope & strength Sxx
Sending lots of well wishes your way. Hope all will continue to go well on your journey
Very nervous, starting Chemo Wednesday, May 4th
More chemo!
Starting Chemo in 1 week :(
Last chemo. 
