Getting ready for chemotherapy

Hi

Sorry you are joining the Chemo gang, I’ve been very lucky no sickness, fatigue or feeling unwell. I cold capped for my first 3 ec-t but don’t think I’m going to bother again when I go this week. 

If you do use the cold cap, take a soft headband, take a blanket,  I also took a hot water bottle and heat pads but I’m always cold anyway. 

Chemo itself, I find ok. It’s dealing with the side effects but everyone is different and you just don’t know what they will be. I take Lactose before and after chemo to help me with the bowels! I also have an anti sickness tablet I take on chemo day which last for 5 days but you will probably find out about things like that at your induction or if you see your oncologist before chemo. 

Be prepared to be there quite a few hours especially the first time and if you cold cap.

Take something with you to do, it’s pretty boring lol. 

Hope all goes well for you, there is a chemo thread on here somewhere. I’m sure someone can put a link on for you. 

Gentle hugs Tina x 

Hello again Beachwalker19

Thanks for the tips. I'm going to try the cold cap so thanks for the advice. Did you paint your nails dark, does that really help?

Thanks x 

Hi woody47

im a few weeks behind you so following this... I’ve got my first appointment with the oncologist next week, 

How do you feel about the actual treatment? 

Hi

I didn’t with the EC-T but I have painted them today before I start Docetaxel tomorrow I’m lead to believe that it’s the one that causes more nail problems along with the aches and pains. No idea if it works but thought why not try it. 

Remember the conditioner for your hair too, not sure if I mentioned it. I used the simple range, the nurses said everyone brings that one.

My hair is so thin now with a bald patch at the back and it was so thick before Im only halfway through chemo treatments so I’m not going to bother now. 

Hope it works for you, make sure it’s really tight. 

Hugs Tina x x

Good evening and

What you need to remember is everyone is different and every hospital gives different anti sickness meds. So don't take it for gospel that because something has happened to someone that it will happen to you.

I had FEC-T which was 3 FEC (same as your EC but i had extra F) and 3 docetaxel. I am out the other side now and it is not easy but it is doable and well worth it. After i'd finished mine i had no cancer cells showing on my MRI and when i had a lumpectomy there was only a 1mm cancer cell showing under the microscope. 

What i would advise you is to make sure you take your anti sickness medication. I was only actually sick once during my chemotherapy and that was because i hadn't taken one of the back up tablets they had sent me home. I use to describe my treatment as week 1 - felt really poopy, week 2 - a little bit poopy and week 3 - Near enough back to normal for it all to start all over again. 

One other thing i will say is, the Sunday after my first chemo i cried and cried, thinking i was not going to be able to do it, i thought that how i felt was how i would feel for the whole 18 weeks, but i didn't. So once you have gone through your first one and you know what to expect it does get easier.

Also be kind to yourself, rest when your body tells you to rest. and if you have a bad day don't be hard on yourself, We all have bad days and they are allowed. Just don't keep it to yourself come on here and talk to us and we'll help you through. 

I never had any problems with constipation but ate a lot of oranges, they did a few jobs, tasted good when my tastebuds went walk about, helped to keep my hydrated and possibly helped with the toilet business lol

My nails i didn't have problems with until docetaxel, they lifted from their nail beds but none fell off, although i do have a dodgey big toenail which i think might drop off eventually but i'm 4 months finished now, Chemotherapy the gift that keep on giving, but always remember why you're having it.

I will also say the waiting for the treatment to start iss the worst bit, having chemotherapy really isn't bad at all its the SEs that come with it thats the pain in the bum.

If you want to know anything or worry about anything once your chemo starts please give me a shout and i'll try to help you out, there is also a fantastic Chemo group that people use who are having chemo treatment it helped me more than you could imagine, people who are going through the same as you or who have been. They really made it so much easier for me.

Good Luck ladies and remember you can do this xxx 

Yes totally agree chemo effects everyone differently. I was terrified as you hear awful things and as much as ppl mean well i’ve Had ppl tell me about treatment someone that 15 years ago for a completely  different cancer, completely different drugs so I just smile all the time thinking it has nothing to do with my treatment. 

Every drug regimen is sent from the oncologist to the  pharmacist who makes your prescriptions up uniquely for you. 

Its the same with side effects some ppl are prone to some, mine was sickness I was sick with first 2 pregnancies, I get travel sick, terrible sickness after my ops due to antibiotics that’s why I have the anti sickness that lasts 5 days and it’s worked for me. Pretty much sailed through ECT, but started docetaxel today so no idea yet how this will go. 

I think listening  to your body is key, I walk most days for between half an hour to a hour and that really helps me, as it’s something I always do and wasn’t about to let chemo/cancer take that away. As a keen photographer when I walk I can take photos it just calms me, helps my energy levels and blows the cobwebs away. Like I say I’ve been very lucky, not suffering from exhaustion or anything like that which some ppl get, so knowing what you can or can’t do is very important If I feel like a nap I have one lol. 

Thank you Beachwalker19 and for your advice. I know everyone is different and reactions will vary but it doesn't stop the worry. I've cried so much today. I've received a letter saying I'll be having heart scans for when i start Herceptin.  I've not been told I'm having Herceptin and it doesn't make sense as I'm HER2 negative. I've rang the hospital and it seems I'll be starting it when I move onto Docetoxel. I'm going to ask the chemotherapy nurse about it on Saturday but feel very afraid.  

Hi claire-h

Up until yesterday I as ok with it all. The actual process isn't bothering me just the side effects. Now there's Herceptin on the cards, I'm feeling very anxious and upset.

Hi ,

I know the side effects are really scary and that the worry is real. But I just think of it as a means to an end and if I got sick  then the chemo is doing it’s job and I just count off the weeks till my chemo ends then I’ll think about the next step etc. 

If you needed a cry, that’s what you have to do, my chemo nurse said your feelings have to come out somehow. I wasn’t really nervous at my first chemo or so I thought in my mind  I was fine, but I couldn’t stop shaking it was just uncontrollably,  just obviously my feelings surfacing.

I don’t think you can go through this process unscathed however you do get there. 

I don’t know about Herceptin but like you say ask. 

Wishing you loads of luck, let us know how you get on.

Hugs Tina x x

Hi woody47...

can I ask how the induction meeting went.. what did they tell you? I’m (not quite) panicking as I don’t feel I know what’s going on etc ... I’m a planner / organiser and I feel very u prepared for this... I’ve got my first meeting on Wednesday but hav e looked on the chemo chat and a few others.. would love to hear your experience though if you don’t mind sharing?  

(Aware all hospitals will be different though!)

xx