3b MLA of ovary

[LKII]

hiya everyone I’m starting my 1st chemo tomorrow having carboplatin Paclitaxel and bevacizumab feeling very nervous. I had surgery and was told I had 3b MLA of the ovary can anyone give me advice what is is best to take with me and thing o help after chem thanks.

[Sunsetime]

Hi , hope you have made a good recovery from your surgery. It’s completely understandable that you’re nervous about starting chemotherapy. I was and still get nervous. My experience has been the nurses are kind and keep a watchful eye to make sure you’re ok. Before starting the chemo, anti sickness and steroids are given which helps in the few days following. Everyone responds differently to chemotherapy albeit similar, for me feeling sick on days 4 to 7 was a pattern. Anti sickness tablets made it manageable. I drank lots of water to help keep my bowels moving (still do). When feeling rough I rest and tell myself that’s the chemo doing its job . When having chemo I take with me my iPad with me to watch tv and listen to audiobooks. Some people take a cosy fleece to stay warm and for comfort. If you are using a cold cap to help prevent hair loss it might be useful. My husband comes with me for support. Good luck tomorrow. Xx

[LKII in reply to Sunsetime]

Thanks for the reply and giving me advice about starting chemo you take care xx

[Phoebe1962]

Hi. I’ve just completed a course of the same treatments as you. It’s normal to be apprehensive. The nurses guide you through everything on the day and make sure you are comfortable. My suggestions are to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, layers helped me so I could wear more or less depending on how warm I felt. Also take snacks with you, in case you get peckish. A magazine, an iPad or similar with downloaded films or series to watch were also a godsend for passing the time. I preferred to be unaccompanied and have the time to myself. You will be fine, and well supported by the nurses in the treatment unit.

[LKII in reply to Phoebe1962]

Thanks for the reply I’m going in by myself also how did you feel after treatment hope this is ok to ask.

[Phoebe1962 in reply to LKII]

I’m happy to share how I felt after the chemo. On the day I’ve felt fine, though I have always arranged for someone to pick me up so I don’t have to drive home. I think that’s probably wise. In my case I’ve also felt fine for about 2 days after the treatments. I’ve then had about 7 days feeling pretty rough- tired, queasy, little appetite, a bit dizzy now and again. I’m someone who likes to be busy doing things so I found it very hard to rest , sleep and let the chemo do its job rather than trying to keep going, but after the third treatment I eventually got the hang of resting so my body could do it’s thing. After around 7-10 days I started to feel like myself again, more energy and no nausea. I am not great with feeling nauseous and after talking to my oncologist, was prescribed an anti sickness tablet that lasts for 5 days. You take it an hour or more before the chemo. It’s called Akynzeo and I found it a godsend.

Overall I’d say don’t fight how you feel, rest, snooze, eat little and often, drink lots of water and let the chemo do its thing. You’ll be fine, it’s just a phase to get through and recover from. Very best wishes. X

[LKII in reply to Phoebe1962]

Thanks so much x

[LovemyJackRussell]

It is only natural to be nervous first time, but the nurses are so kind. We weren't allowed company, and to be honest it would be pretty boring for someone, and if you are using the cold cap you're not looking your best! Make sure you wear something that is easy to get up and down as you take your drip into the loo with you, and you are taking in a lot of liquid so need to wee quite often. Layers are definitely a good idea. My hospital was so warm that I ended up in a summer dress, even through the winter.

Snacks and something nice to drink (no, not a g&t!) help pass the time. You will be offered teas, biscuits and some not very exciting sandwiches, yoghurt, fruit - at least I imagine all hospitals do that.

The chairs are a bit too far away from each other to chat to neighbours so take plenty of things to keep you occupied. (I took embroidery but found it was quite tricky to sew while hooked up to a drip😂.)

The first time takes much longer as they administer everything more slowly, in case of reactions. I think they are so good at combating sickness nowadays, with anti-sickness & steroids before you start and more to take home with you. Sickness really shouldn't be a problem, so let them know if it is. You will be fatigued, so take it easy and just do what you can and don't beat yourself up about the things you can't do.

Good luck!

[LKII in reply to LovemyJackRussell]

Thanks for the reply yes we are not allowed company also but to be honest like you say it would be a long day for them. Definitely will take a nice drink pity can’t be the alcohol type 😂 take care.

[SopSinger]

I felt really nervous about chemo too, but the nurses were lovely and made me feel much happier. Drink gallons of water, especially in this hot weather and if you are prone to constipation, take Movicol or other gentle laxative BEFORE you get bunged up, as constipation is the commonest side effect of the anti sickness meds. (For me the worst bit of the whole process was sitting on the loo crying for an hour!) It won't be anything like as bad as you imagine. You can do this! Sending hugs!

[LKII in reply to SopSinger]

Thanks so much you take care .

[Mysticmeg123]

Hi. I totally understand your nervousness about the chemo. Everyone has already given great advice. I would only add that I took a litre bottle of coconut water which kept me fully hydrated and also helped with the nausea. Tea and coffee made me feel very sick. Although it was very hot at the hospital I still took a warm fluffy pair of socks. Also, boiled sweets are a good idea for you and the nurses! Good luck. You will be fine. The nurses will take really good care of you x

[LKII in reply to Mysticmeg123]

Will have to try coconut water thanks x

[Popmil]

Hi, it’s all new to you now but give it a couple of weeks & it becomes your second home. The staff will look after you. I was on the same cocktail 7 years ago now. When having treatment try to have a good breakfast if possible. I took loads of snacks as I was always starving after about 2 hours. I slept a lot but did take my iPad with a few films downloaded on it. Look after yourself during treatment & listen to your body.

Wishing you all the best xx

[LKII in reply to Popmil]

Thanks so much you take care x

[Judimet]

I was also nervous about it but it wasn't as bad as I had imagined. the meds they give you first really help and make you drowsy, antihistamine steroids and anti sickness, I felt really sleepy but wasn't able to nap as I'm too nosey. I took a book to read puzzles and snacks and drinks, wishing you all the best. Get lots of rest.

[LKII in reply to Judimet]

Thanks so much for the reply take care .

[Lizchips]

Hi, I don't know what MLB is, but I had 18 rounds of chemo in 14 weeks, I was nervous also the first time I had the first 2 drugs you are getting but not the 3rd. You can ask your Dr to prescribe you lorazepam 1 mg, you take on way to your appointment. It just takes the edge off and makes your experience better. Best wishes. Oh I was diagnosed with stage 3c2 clear cell , in 2014 I've had no reoccurrence. I wish for you the same, hugs Liz

[LKII in reply to Lizchips]

Thanks for the reply that’s great you haven’t had reoccurrence 😊 take care

[LKII]

Hiya everyone had my 1st treatment the staff were so lovely and made me feel at ease my 2nd treatment I had a bad reaction but staff were quick to sort it then everything went back on track I will definitely not have the same nerves next time I’m having 3 weekly treatment all take care 😊