First chemo session

[Tay100]

Finally the cellulitis on my tummy has cleared up enough so I can start chemo. My first session will be on Friday morning, any ideas as to what I should take with me. I not sure if I am happy, sad, nervous so many mixed up emotions at the moment. Big hugs to all xx

[Maus123]

I'll have my first session tomorrow (Carboplatin and Taxol), so I'm clueless, sorry, but I was thinking to bring the following:

- 2-3 sets of cooling gloves and socks for Taxol (no cooling cap for me; already bought a wig) and thin cotton gloves/socks underneath

- Audio books and a phone/iPad charger/extra battery (because it's probably going to be difficult to hold a book or phone in my hands with the gloves on), Kindle books

- Warm socks/gloves for later,

- Fleece jacket and slippers,

- Pillow and blanket,

- Snacks/fruit/water and candy (ginger drops)

- Emla plaster to numb the skin around the port before the tube/needle goes in

- Maybe an extra set of clothes, just in case?

- Maybe mouthwash or body lotion

- Medical files and a notebook for writing a chemo diary

- Husband for company

- Almost forgot: Sea wrist bands (just to try them against nausea)

All the best with chemo.

Maus

[January-2016-UK in reply to Maus123]

I'd add to this, noise cancelling earphones if you have them as it can be noisy with machines bleeping. Also, shoes that are easy to get on and off. It's more comfortable to take shoes off either if you're in a bed or a chemo chair, but the quantity of saline that is flushed through you, makes for a number of urgent visits to the loo. The last thing you need is to be fiddling around trying to tie laces, wondering if you're going to get there in time.

Good luck, you'll soon both be old hands. It all feels so strange at first.

[Maus123 in reply to January-2016-UK]

January-2016-UK : Roger that, packed ear plugs and comfy shoes. Cheers Helen. Fingers crossed for your trial admission too.

Tay100 : You can do it! Let us know how you get on with your first session on Friday. /hugs

Maus

[Nancy222 in reply to January-2016-UK]

Slip on shoes. Good one!

[Tay100]

Thanks for the great advice, I will let you know how I get on. Big hugs xx

[Lyndy]

I would take sandwiches- seriously- you get very bored and very hungry sitting in a chair all day. My unit generally offered hot drinks and biscuits but nothing more.

It is tedious for friends and family but you could ask them to come for the last hour..it’s great to have someone to perk you up while you are waiting for the final flush to go through.best of luck!!

[Nancy222]

Cellulitis on your tummy? That's serious pain. Glad it's healed for you.

I just brought my ereader with me, but most of the time I just watched the comings and goings. I'm fascinated by people.

I'm with Lyndy. Lots of sandwiches. Cut up apples. Lots and lots of ice water.

I found myself surprisingly emotional at the beginning of my first chemo session. Up until then, I was so stoic. I just let the tears flow and they soon stopped on their own. The nurses were so sweet.

Good luck. XXOO

[Pendle99 in reply to Nancy222]

I tend to wear tracksuit bottoms -so atttactive- but am paranoid about knocking the cannula when going to the loo. I find the days in the chemo suite draining. But when each chemo day I get someone to take a photo of me of me fighting it and kicking the evil cancer where it hurts.

Thinking of you xxx

[Tay100 in reply to Pendle99]

I hadn’t thought of what to wear but tracksuit bottoms sound a great idea and they are comfy as well. I love the idea of taking a photo to show you beating it, I’m going to do the same. Big hugs xx

[Tay100 in reply to Nancy222]

I’m feeling very emotional at the moment I think it’s the relieve of knowing that I am going to be doing something to help beat it. The cellulitis was painful and took 4 weeks to clear up so I’m so pleased it has gone now. I have a few books to read on my iPad so will take it with me. Big hugs xx

[Pendle99]

Sorry that message doesn't really make sense! As you may guess my chemo was on Monday and I am showing fuddled chemo brain and steroid mush brain!

[Maus123]

Having come back from my first Carb/Tax chemo this afternoon, I would say that the Em*a plaster was 'da bomb' for me, in internet speech . I really didn't feel the port needle going in at all and thus was able to keep perfectly still, which is a positive. In Germany, you can buy it otc in the pharmacy. It goes on top of the port 'bump' in your chest, for an hour. Then comes off and the skin in the area is nicely numb for at least an hour, if not more.

Other than that: You could check with the chemo ward what kind of victuals/snacks they offer on site. I got biscuits, water, hot beverages (coffees) and a choice of actual hot lunch. Found that bringing a banana and smoothie of my own was enough to get me through the day.

The prep meds made me very sleepy.. was dozing a lot, reading a little bit. No pain/nausea so far.. feeling ok.

Was lucky and made friends with another first timer in the ward, so we chatted some of the time away.

Changing the cooling socks and gloves all the time was a bit of a bother though. Glad hubby was there to take care of the timing and changing for me. No pain though, just a little cold, which was mitigate with a fleece jacket and blanket (these were simple cooled gel sleeves.. no electronics/temperature control involved).

The staff were so sweet and caring.. I felt well looked after.

All the best for you. It will go well, you'll see. Hugs, Maus.

[Mptelesca]

Hi, Tay. looks like you have some really good suggestions from these lovely ladies as to what to bring. The main thing is that the chemo will be a lot less scary than you originally thought. I am one of those people who can't look when blood is being drawn. The chemo nurses are all fantastic. They will lead you every step of the way. You will develop a sense of security and euphoria during your infusions. You will do just fine. My only piece of advice is to stay ahead of the constipation. Smooth Move Tea is a miracle!

Good luck and please let me know how your first chemo goes.

Sending you positive energy!

XOX

Marisa