I’m four days into treatment now and wanted to share honestly how it’s been so far.
The first days have been more of a shock to my system than I expected — there were delays, a lot of waiting around, and side effects that came on much earlier than I’d anticipated. I’ve had nausea, significant tiredness, and bowel issues including constipation and soreness, which has been physically uncomfortable and emotionally overwhelming.
On the second day I did reach a breaking point and even asked about surgery instead — not because I’d given up, but because everything felt like too much all at once. I want to say, though, that my medical team were incredibly supportive. The consultants and nurses really rallied round, listened, and adjusted my medications, which has already started to help.
I’m slowly getting into a routine now and learning how to manage things day by day. Taking it one session at a time and being as kind to myself as I can. Grateful for the support here — it really helps to read others’ experiences.
Becky
Hello Becky,
I’m sorry that your treatment got off to a difficult start. It can be very overwhelming starting out and you have certainly had to deal with some challenges.
It really is a lot, all at once so I’m not surprised you felt that way. Apart from the physical symptoms, the emotional reality of the diagnosis hits home. And you had the doctors strike and big delays to contend with too.
Although I’m sorry that you felt so overwhelmed it’s good that you were able to tell your team and that they listened to you and responded. Keep them informed about your side effects and hopefully they will be able to prescribe and help you to keep on top of them.
I think that having the IV chemo as well as the oral tablets at the beginning often results in nausea. It did for me and I utilised the anti sickness tablets with good effect. I also took stool softeners throughout on the advice of my Oncologist, which helped. Just keep telling them and don’t hold back.
A really big well done on getting through the first few days despite the challenges. I hope you are able to rest up over the weekend. Don’t forget to cross those days off the calendar too.
Big hug to you xx
Thank you PEB24 I’m getting used to it slowly and I have tomorrow off so I shall be resting up!
I’m ticking off the days too lol.
And I’ll be seeing the consultant again on Monday so I think I might ask if there are any tablet form stool softeners as the laxido does add to my nausea somewhat xx
Hi Becky,
Ducosate sodium is the tablet form of stool softener that I was prescribed so I hope that you can try this and that it helps.
Rest up today and hope you have a better day tomorrow. Xx
Hello Becky
You have had a tough start and that hasn't been easy on you, compounded by the disorganisation on your first visits. That must have been so hard, sitting around on hard hospital chairs whilst feeling so unwell. I am always baffled that some hospitals are so efficient; I was very fortunate, my husband used to go to the coffee shop and I would be out and joining him before he had finished his drink, sometimes less than 20 minutes.
But, you self-advocated, and well done; they listened and realised you were at breaking point. So I hope things start looking up now. I am really sorry that you are suffering side effects so early in the treatment, if the adjustments aren't enough, let them know. The pain may well be from the cancer, not the treatment, and many on here found that once the radiotherapy kicked in there was a very rapid reduction in tumour pain, especially if it was partially external.
You are doing all the right things, being kind to yourself. You will get through this although it may seem like you have a mountain to climb at the moment, the days really do pass quickly.
Gentle hug
Irene xx
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