Day 7 dip?

Hi 

The 'dip' you are referring to is probably the dip in your white cell count which occurs between these days post chemo.

White blood cells fight and prevent infection. There are several types of white blood cell. The two most important types are neutrophils and lymphocytes. So during this period you are more at risk of picking up infections if the level of these are very low.

Do keep an eye on your temp if it climbs to 37.5C that it the time to phone your onco unit for advice. Quite a few of those on chemo have hospital admissions for a couple of days having iv anti-biotics to get on top of this should it occur. If you are taking paracetamol take your temp first thing in the morning before having any as they can mask a higher temp reading.

Yes, you have made it through the first week of chemo fog but do be careful of enclosed crowded areas especially where young 'germ factory' children are during this 2nd week. Plenty of hand washing or sanitizer gel as most of the time we infect ourselves :-/

Hope this helps ease your concerns, G n' J

Thanks so much! That has given me some hope! I now seem to have really bad reflux .. any suggestions? Woke me up last night ..this chemo belly is disgusting .... makes me feel a bit sweaty too. 

Hi 

Quite a few of the ladies in the breast groups have taken Omeprazole for acid reflux and found it helps.

You can buy 10mg tablets over the counter but the 20mg size needs a prescription. Do check with your onco unit if it is alright for you to take these though in case there is a possible 'clash' with your other meds - They may even offer you some to save seeing your GP ?

Best bet would be to check out the February Chemo thread here in the main breast group to get chatting to other BC ladies who are having, or have completed chemo - It is a great source of help and reassurance. Going through chemo is pants and every little bit of support and advice helps with the roller coaster of emotions.

Which chemo regime are you having btw ?

Take care, G n' J

Thanks so much for your advice. I’ll mention when I go in for session 2. 
I’m i’ve got 3 cycles EC-T and then 3 cycles of Docetaxe. I’m dreading the last lot as I’ve heard it’s a nasty one! If I know that I’ll just have the one week after of feeling really sick it will spur me on! I guess it’s all so new and I only have a little body which they pumped loads of drugs into. Just seems that I get over one thing and something else happens .. it’s bloatedness and acid reflux that has reared it’s head now!! 

Morning 

EC-T is the most commonly used BC chemo regime so you will get plenty of support and questions you have answered in from the February Chemo link above.

T (docetaxel) is certainly different; nausea isn't much of an issue it mostly causes fatigue and muscle/joint aches because it works differently to EC. You tend to get a 3 day honeymoon period while it gets into your system when you wonder if it is working.

You will read many stories about T some say 'day 3 hit by a truck' mostly due to the fatigue, but those who suffered on EC say they find T better to cope with ?

If you struggle after your first T session do mention it to the onco unit as they can reduce the dose level by 10% or 20% some get switched onto weekly Paclitaxel which is similar but a milder weekly dose level.

Hoping you feel a little more like yourself today, take care, G n' J

Thank you for your info! I started panicking as I was reading up on how women have suffered with docetaxel. I thought it was a very strong drug so was a really nasty one.

Ive only just started to recover from feeling incredibly bloated .. it’s been like I’ve been carrying around a brick on my stomach..

when are the drugs the most strong in your system after having a session? It’s taken me 10 days to feel a bit like myself and be able to move about ! 

Hi

Day 10 is around the same time frame I'm afraid

Docetaxel is a quite powerful chemo drug and unfortunately some do find it a bit of a struggle as everyone reacts differently to the way it works so expect the odd duvet day...

Hope you find it is kind to you, G n' J