Starting treatment soon

Hi Nicola, thanks for the tips re the food etc, and I will definitely set up a Netflix watch list. Ive also renewed my audible subscription as thought that might be useful.  My start date is the 11th and am really anxious, a friend is coming in with me for that first day.  xx

That’s great Beatrix88 that you have your start date & that you’ll have someone to keep you company. The first day can be a bit of a longer day but after that you will get into a routine & hopefully your anxiety will subside. Renewing your audible subscription is another great idea, anything that keeps you occupied & helps you relax is good plus with a set of headphones you can carry that anywhere with you so should there be any delays at your radiotherapy sessions you can try & disappear into whatever you’re listening to at the time. 

Wishing you the very best of luck for the 11th, try viewing this date as a positive, just one short week away & you can start the demise of the beast that lurks within! You’ve got this & we’ll be here for you every step of the way. 

Nicola 

Hi Beatrix88

Great that you have a goal now.  When they gave me a list of all the appointments I was shocked that some days where I had 2 appointments on same day they were hours apart.  If you find that any appointments are difficult you CAN ask to alter them and they are usually really good at slotting you in earlier if need be.  On my first day I had a gap of 4 hours between chemo and radiotherapy and I hung around which was draining and I needn't have if I'd only asked!  Question everything that doesn't fit well!  I believe there has to be a gap of 2 hours between chemo and radio but that's not too bad and is only the first day.

Great that you have a friend coming with you.  On the first day they also repeat all the possible side effects just before treatment and say 'sign here' after.  This is quite daunting but it is only a repeat of what you've already been told.

Take care and the very very best of luck!

x

Thank you Cranford. They have only given me Mondays appointment time, but have been told I will get a print out of the rest of them on Monday. Also been told my friend can't come in with me for the chemo, so a bit upset about that but do understand the reasons why.

Can i ask how you were with the chemo? I'm getting myself so worked up about it. xx

Hi Beatrix88

So sorry your friend can't accompany you!  The actual administering of the chemo is pretty easy and no stress and they are very kind. They receive the precise doses calculated by oncology from pharmacy and the nurse attaches an infusion first to your port and it takes only a short while if my memory is correct, and then they attach the pump  with a different chemo to the port in your arm and you are good to go.  The pump gradually empties over the course of the week.  Its best to take a bum bag with you to fit the pump in so its out of the way and easily carried.  Only thing you have to be careful of is not twisting the tube to the pump at night.  Each Friday they will 'service' the connection by cleaning your skin around the tube where it enters your vein.  This only takes 10 mins. I found the first week that my skin was slightly allergic to the sticking plaster but they changed it when I mentioned it itched.  In fact I had a different plaster 3 times as my skin didn't like it!

I felt nothing from the chemo on the first day at all.  On the 2nd day I felt nauseous so I took the anti sickness med they had already prescribed every day and that helped. Most of the week I felt okish - slightly nauseous at times and nervous tension I think. I also lost my appetite so only ate small amounts. Ginger biscuits or ginger sweets help with the slight metallic taste that chemo gives you. I had more of a reaction at the end of the week when I got brain fog, tired and tearful and felt quite low. They give you a mouth wash incase your mouth gets sores but I never had any problem. I had some hair loss after 2-3 weeks but it was not noticeable. 

They give you info on emergency contacts etc as some people have a worse reaction but they monitor you very carefully and you can ring anytime about any symptoms.  

You've got this - you are finally at the start of the journey but you will get through it.  We are all here to encourage you and answer your questions. The very best of luck xx

Thanks Cranford that's helped calm me down. They gave me a hickman line in my chest, but I so wish it was in my arm as it's not easy to shower with. I've got a stock of ginger biscuits in but will look for some sweets too.

Terrible nights sleep worrying about things last night so hopefully a better one tonight. Thank you xx

Beatrix you will do this! Once treatment starts the days go so quickly and if you start getting side effects you find a way of managing them as you go along. My medicine cabinet was full of non stinging toothpaste and mouthwash and an extra soft toothbrush. Lots of cranberry juice. Good books as I just looked forward to switching off and having a good read as it helps the mind from wandering and worrying about this and that. A sitz bath for soothing the discomfort. You learn as you go along. 

Thanks Jaycee xx