Hello everyone, I am getting braver by reading information on this site. I have seen that it is likely that I will have carboplatin and taxol. I am overwhelmed by the side effects and I am asthmatic, I see it can affect your breathing.
What have everyone's experiences been? Should I be doing anything to prepare myself for what is to come?
Hi Back in 2007 when I was first diagnosed and following my op I went for my first chemo. To say I was petrified was an understatement! I actually remember crying and saying to the nurse I didn't see the point and could I go home! Anyway after reassurance from the lovely nurses chemo went ahead. I was exhausted the first time probably because I had worked myself up into a state. The main side effects I had was fatigue, some nausea (you can get antisickness meds) and some breathlessness which is caused by a lowering of your red blood cells. As chemo progresses through the cycles I found that the side effects became more apparent so that by cycle 4,5 and 6 it took longer to recover. Side effects for me usually started within 3-4 days and lasted about a week. By week 3 I felt recovered. Best advice I can give is listen to your body. Rest when you need too (didn't sit well with me ). Don't fret the housework, get help, let others help or to be honest leave it until you feel able to do things. What's more important? A bit of dust or feeling well? Some ppl are affected more than others. If you can think of any questions fire away. Take care, Big hug. Kathy xx
Hello. Your anxiety is totally understandable as you say it comes from a fear of the unknown. I am happy to share my experience but will say first, remember we are all different and our bodies respond in their own unique way. Mine tolerated chemo pretty well and I would say the side effects were at times unpleasant but they are manageable especially with the help of drugs like the anti-sickness ones( but I never needed them).I would bounce back after 7 days and by day 10 was back to normal, walking, gardening , baking etc. I was pretty much the same after second line that I had for my reoccurrence.
The chemo nurses are very good, caring knowledgeable and supportive and will keep a close eye on you whilst you are having the treatment and you will have contact numbers for help if you need it when you are back home.
Try to be kind to yourself, accept help, enjoy treats and if you need it ask your Macmillan nurse for a referral for psychological help such as counselling.
Remember we are always here. Best wishes.
Jan. x
Katmal is right... you can (I certainly can) wind yourself up into a stew before treatment so easily. It’s fear of the unknown. Chemo used to have such a bad rep for making you so ill you had to do it in hospital. But the side effects are managed these days... yes it’s no picnic but you will discover how your body reacts and also find out how to take care of yourself during this time so that you can have days when you feel very normal... and can enjoy yourself too xx
I’m a real wimp too and went into the chemo unit crying (before I’d even had anything done). I got through it too with the help, care and kindness of everyone involved. You will get there.... it’s a tough journey with a few bumps along the way (well mine was) but just take one day at a time and try not to over think. Wishing you all the best x x
Hello
I have had 5 cycles out of 6 of my first line treatment of carboplatin and palictaxol.
Please do not worry it can be hard going at times but totally manageable.
I do get a bit breathless, tired and bone pain. I usually find the first week after chemo the most difficult. Then slowly improve, by week 3 I usually feel alot better. Just listen to your body, rest when you feel tired. Stay hydrated, drink lots of water after chemo.
I have got slightly weaker as the treatment has progressed. I have some neuropathy in my fingers. I have lost all my hair despite using the cold cap at the beginning of my treatment. I have put on weight ....about 5 kgs so far. I get chemo fog and it affects my short term memory. However I feel ok most of the time and thankful for the treatment.
Good luck with your treatment, you can totally do this. All your teal sisters are here supporting you.
Love Nus
I had 6 cycles of carbo/taxol. The worst part for me was losing my hair!I didnt feel sick as was given medicine to take, food did taste strange for 2 weeks each cycle, third week I ate everything. I was never tired or unable to live normally. Though I am retired so wasnt having to go out to work or look after children. I too was terrified of side effects when I started.
Hi. We can all understand your worry - been there, done that! The side effects are all possible side effects - you may get some or none. I was on carbo, taxol and avastin. All I had were slightly achy legs and tiredness for a few days which was the Avastin. No nausea, or anything else. You will be monitored really closely the to ensure that you don't react badly and will have antihistimines. The nurses are brilliant - talk to them if you are worried. You will be fine! I am the biggest wuss you could meet and coped - after the first session or two you will feel much more relaxed! Good luck! X
Yes you should..learn all you can about best diet practices support systems etc. First line treatment you can expect hair loss and possibly neuropathy for which I take l-glutamine and you can learn about it online. You will experience fatigue and brain fog probably but nausea is controlled easily. I think most docs will tell you to continue your meds unless contra indicated good luck and hugs from france
More thoughts...I ate calves liver and steak to keep red count up. White count they can treat w booster shots that work well. Platelets I drank Papaya leaf tea..
Hi, anxiety is completely normal. I was terrified and am about to start chemo again for recurrence on 25 th and am becoming anxious again. I had weekly chemo, like others side effects were cumulative as it went on. So I am trying to prepare in advance this time by doing big tasks I want done now, I have given house a deep clean and tidied garden, done outstanding paperwork and got plenty of supplies in including my meds I have bought the things I may need such as soft toothbrushes and gentle cream. So everything is in order and I can relax in a clean / tidy environment. I also do yoga ( free at triyoga) to try to keep bendy. In the next week I intend to have some treats, for me food tastes awful probably because it was weekly it was constant so I am having some scrummy meals and a cream tea delivered, to enjoy while I can. I intend to administer a tonne of self care once chemo starts long soaks, lots of TV, sitting on the garden, walking with friends . I really hope the chemo does the trick. Thinking of you xxx
Hello, TR. I am asthmatic. I have what is called cough variant asthma. My front line chemo (carbo taxol) did not worsen my asthma. I stayed on my regular asthma medications throughout chemo. Hope this bit of info helps. Best wishes from Louisiana,
Sashay
Chemo is your friend and ally yes side effects but you can control them by researching how to minimize them. I do light fast the full day and night of chemo and am convinced this reduces side effects
Chemo was nothing like as bad as I had read (except for the hair loss). I had 3-weekly carbo/taxol for 18 weeks. Last one 12th January this year. No nausea but I took an antisickness pill at breakfast every day and only needed a second one on another couple of days. Another patient told me to take one a day and not wait until nausea starts before taking them. It worked for me. Had pain in my legs for a few days after each cycle but paracetamol was all I needed for that.
Exhaustion comes and goes. After the first cycle I was tired for a couple of days, after th second for about 4 days. Each cycle I was more tired for rather more days but in general I had two really good weeks before the next cycle.
My two bits of advice are: Listen to your body and if you feel tired have a good nap. And, just enjoy the day. If it is a good day really enjoy it. If it is a bad day don't dwell on it because the next day you will probably feel far, far better.
And remember, the chemo is laying your cancer low. So all power to it x
This is a lovely message, thank you. I think I’m very scared of it because I’m so worried about feeling awful. Glad to hear you have found it manageable. I hope that I too can find it manageable. Thank you for reaching out x
Glad it helped a little. Sometimes you might feel awful but it passes, and a night through the blankets can make all the difference x
Chemo
alternatives to chemo.
Would like to hear experiences of anyone who has had multiple chemo's over a number of years. Am on 3rd line chemo..
Intraperitoneal chemo
