Halfway

Well done Bungle1

Over half-way there!  Count off the days and it really won't be long before this is all behind you - literally.  I am sorry that you had such nausea and that your treating team didn't offer alternative medication.  I stress to anyone going through this keep your team informed, sometimes one medication won't work but there are many others that can be prescribed, and the same with pain relief.  Now is not the time to be a hero, grab anything on offer!  I would emphasise that if you are given opioid drugs towards the end of treatment, they cause constipation so start taking a stool softener alongside.  The last thing you need is constipation on top of extremely tender nether regions.

And tell them about your back pain and wind too.

Irene xx

Thank you Irene to be fair I didn't tell them about feeling sick, when the meds didn't work I assumed it was aniexty, it wasn't until the chemo finished that I realised. I have spoken to them about wind etc and they advised cutting green veg from my diet and taking paracetamol which seems to be working if I time the paracetamol right, they did talk about lasido (I think that was what it's called) but preferred me not to have it as it can apparently make things worse. Definitely not a hero if I need something I will ask them but equally not keen on putting any more rubbish in me than absolutely necessary. Xx

Hi Bungle1 , was it maybe Laxido your team spoke to you about? I suffered with constipation during & after treatment & took either Movicol or Laxido throughout. Maybe they’re holding off with the stool softeners because as you get into the treatment your bowel can become somewhat irritated which can cause some diarrhoea or frequent bowel movements. If the issue with wind continues query whether you can take an over the counter medication such as windeze or something like that.

Nicola 

Hi Nicola

Yes laxido sounds right. The wind issue seems to be under control for now. Few toilet issues but I'm handling them. Had my week 4 check yesterday and they were happy with how my skin is holding up its sore but hasn't broken down yet. Got told off for using Epsom salts and having a little soak. Not looking forward to chemo again next week need to speak to my nurse about it. Got complimentary reflexology today so something to look forward to. X

That’s good that the wind issue has settled Bungle1 , & that you’re managing your toilet issues too, there’s lots of stuff that your team can prescribe for most side effects that at the very least take the edge off. You sound as though you’re doing really well on the skin front, hopefully this will continue. Advice is different from hospital to hospital & team to team regarding what we should or shouldn’t use. Regarding Epsom salts, my team were ok with me using them for baths & after my treatment had finished & the effects were still building it was where I was sometimes at my most comfortable but it’s important that you follow your teams advice over anything you read here. Make sure going into this last chemo that your team are aware how sick you felt last time & that the anti-sickness you had last time didn’t really help, there are lots of others they can prescribe. The reflexology sounds divine, enjoy & I’m sending you lots of well wishes for the rest of this week & next. 

Nicola