Hi everyone I jave had my first double round of chemo and omg got it Wednesday 11/3/26 and nearly a week later I'm still feeling horrible already landed in hospital with sings of throat infection so antibiotics for that I just wanting to knkw what can help with the pain s in my stomach being tierd basically full body pain sickness has calmed (touch wood) get my second lot on the 1st will it be any better or the same after it any help would be great hugs to everyone xx
Hi Teeny89
My own experience of chemo was in 2022 and was for endometrial cancer.
I found that with each cycle the first week was the one where I would feel really unwell and after that I would start to feel a bit better. It sounds like you were unfortunate in picking up an infection and it probably has made you feel worse. I hope the antibiotics are working and clearing up the infection now.
With my chemo (carboplatin/paclitaxel) I did have stomach side effects, pain and fatigue amongst other things. The best thing I found was to keep my diary up to date with how I felt on each day and what medications I took. I also rang my hospital 24 hour chemo helpline and was able to arrange medication/support that way.
I found that with most side effects I could be given medication that would help.
I found that my experience followed a pattern with each cycle but that I did have some more fatigue as time went on. One thing you can ask about is whether a tapering dose of steroids may help. Normally you are given steroids in hospital and then a couple of days high dose steroids at home. The sudden drop off on day 3 coincided when I would feel worse. From the second cycle my consultant gave me a tapering dose on day 3 and day 4 and this made a big difference. I was given different types of medication for pain and also for my tummy effects. These helped make things more manageable. I had a review with each cycle and found that having my diary with me helped as it can be hard to remember how you felt on each day. With the pattern from cycle to cycle I was then given medication to take before any side effects became unmanageable. This really helped particularly with the anti nausea meds.
I hope your next cycle goes ok. I found it easier than the first as you know more what to expect both in hospital and afterwards at home.
Jane
I would suggest giving your hospital a call now- there should be a 24 hour number.
You should not be in pain like this. They may arrange an anti spasmodic medication like buscopan and some loperamide for the diarrhoea. Although these can be bought over the counter it is important to ask first as they may be used differently in cancer treatment.
They will likely just talk to you and ask you about it but if there is any other potential concern they sometimes ask you to come in to be checked.
They may also need to look at any other medication you are on. Some of the anti nausea medication can cause real issues with diarrhoea/ constipation. Some pain relief can also affect things. This was my own experience.
Certain chemo drugs can also cause bone type pain- I had it around my lower back and hips and that needed different medication.
It maybe also partly due to the antibiotics you have been on. My consultant said that any medication taken during chemo can all interact and have side effects -so not to take anything without checking first.
I had a UTI during chemo and was put on IV and then antibiotics at home and they caused a really bad tummy for a few days.
Give your hospital a call and get checked.
