1st chemo treatment worries

Good luck for Friday JillySi16, what particular chemo are you having do you know? Then people can help you better. ((Hugs))

Hi JillySi16, my husband couldn't sleep before his first chemo, understandable as it's the unknown isn't it. He has found it easier since the first one, and so far had virtually no side effect, he's on folfoxiri. I think it's different for everyone with side effects, but we've picked up loads of tips from people on this site and the UK bowel cancer site, so we've been able to prepare, just in case. Do you know what chemo you're having, as I'm sure there will be people who can share their experiences with you?

All the best for Friday, 

Love Frances xxx

Hi

Thanks for message yes I'm going to be on oxaliplatint and capecitabine. Capox.

Jilly

Jilly the first treatment is the worst one - because you don’t know what to expect.

The side effects I had (which the nurses and oncologist help you with):

1. Severe cold in hands and feet. Wear gloves as touching anything metal will give you a shock/burn feel. 
wrap up warm and cover face when leaving hospital - cold air will affect your throat and it will be hard to breathe.

wear warm socks.

2. Avoid cold drinks - Luke warm drinks are fine ......affects the throat.

3. I had issues with nausea - nurses will help you here.

4. If you are in the 2 weeks on one week off cycle - enjoy week 3.

5. Eat whatever you fancy - 2 trifles - no problem. Try to maintain your weight.

6. I had issues with constipation and then diarrhoea- I didn’t take any tablets for it......to be honest I had had enough of tablets.

7. The arm you have IV in wrap it up with a small towel for first few days - it will be very sensitive, at least mine was.

good luck, remember the first one is the worst only because you don’t know what to expect. Once you are 50% through your treatment it is downhill then.

take care

paula

Hi,

I'm in the same boat, got my first treatment on Tuesday. Same worries, although it's been confirmed it won't be cancelled.

Hi paula

Thanks so much for the information that's really helpful. At least I can get prepared now. I hope you are doing well x

Hi yes I'm waiting on nurse to ring back to confirm it's not cancelled hopefully it will be today. Good luck with everything take care x

Jilly hi, 

I had 8 treatments of OXY IV and Cap tabs. I never thought I would be able to get through it all - after every treatment I said that was the last one, but you get some inner strength to continue. 
Everyone is different and have varying side effects.

The goal is to mop up any rogue cancer cells in your body. So I used to think if it is affecting me like this then it must be killing any little rogue cancer cells in my body. 
I had my first year CT scan in June 20 - and no rogue cancer cells to be found.

I intend going forward to have a CT scan every year - even if I have to pay for them. 

Good luck with treatment.

When this COVID pandemic is finally over I will be a volunteer at McMillan. They are so lovely there. You will be looked after.

take care

paula

ps - sleep and rest when you need to.

Hi

I am so glad you are doing well. Yes others have said treat chemo as your friend I am trying to be as positive as possible it's hard sometimes as you obviously know yourself.

Talking on here really helps though. I have being raising funds for macmillan for quite a few years now (even before diagnosis) the lady who made my wedding cake in 2016 also made cupcakes so everyone who wanted one had to make a donation and we went round with a collection bucket too . Yes I am considering volunteering too. Well done you x

Thanks for this information, I start chemo in two weeks, oxiplatanin and capacitabine