Any secret potion to mellow down chemo?

Hi Richard

I am sorry to hear that you have been having chemotherapy for your cancer. 

My cancer was different to yours but I just came across your post so I hope it is ok to reply.

With my first cycle of chemo I was sent home with steroids (plus other meds) to take for the first two days at home. The sudden drop off from the steroids caused me to feel really rough on the third day. I mentioned this to my consultant who suggested that on the other cycles she would prescribe a tapering dose of the steroids- so I had the normal doses for the first 2 days and then dropped by half on the 3rd day and then half again on the 4th day. This made a big difference and I wonder if it is worth you asking whether this may help you. 

I know exactly what you mean by the chemical/weirdness feeling. I tried to drink lots to help flush the drugs from my body. I found that my side effects followed a similar path on the next cycles so it is helpful if you can note down how you felt on each day- nausea, fatigue etc. Then on the following cycle you can adjust any medication before any symptoms start. it is also helpful as when you are having a tough day, you can look back and know that within a couple of days you will feel better. 

I wish you well with your continuing treatment.

Jane

Thank you so much for your insight Jane,

I will talk to my consultant and see what she says.

Yes, the third day is the worst. It gradually improves but doesn't go altogether, it's been ten days since my session and I feel pretty good.. For me this is fortunate as I started a job (from home) and the third day falls on a Saturday, so on Monday l' feel rubbish but at least functional.

Perhaps acupuncture is a good option, I've read good things about it. But in all accounts it sounds as if I have to bite the bullet. Have another 11 sessions ahead.. it's definitely not what I was planning for this year, but the alternative is much worse .

Good thing is that this is to prevent Mr. C from coming back, the tumor has already been removed.

Have a great day,

Richard 

Hi Richard, not found any magic solution yet but it's early days for me. Started Capox on Thursday, so infusion now tablets. Main issue is fatigue and underlying nausea, just sleeping all the time.

I had IV steroids on the day but wasn't sent home with any steroids, which I was expecting tbh.

Good luck!

Hi Richard,

I had my chemotherapy between March & June in 2021.  Like Jane2511, I also had my steroids reduced and found I felt much better without them. Also keeping a diary of how you feel each day is really useful so you can look back in future cycles; you often see a pattern emerge and can plan things for your good days.

The biggest thing I found that helped was to get outside into fresh air.  I used to wrap up really well (hat, gloves, fleece, sheepskin slippers) get into a sleeping bag with a hot water bottle and a throw over everything and doze outside for much of the day on my ‘bad’ days even when the weather was quite cold.  It certainly helped with ‘chemo brain’.

Best wishes,

Net77

Hi there,  I won't repeat my sorry tale but it's in my profile. I agree with previous reply from Jane to request more robust steroid treatment post chemo. For me, the worst effect was immense exhaustion/ fatigue beyond just tiredness. I likened it to being in a coma for the full 4 months I had it, was brutal! I spoke to my oncologist and they agreed to give more steroids after the Infusion and while I was on the chemo pump at home next 48 hours, so had a longer tapering dose which helped a little. They also reduced the strength of the chemo from maximum as I just was floored and had awful mouth ulcers and it also helped a little. Lots of fluids helped and was given some 'alternative therapy ' from amazing local hospice, such as reiki and aromatherapy which was lovely and helped the peripheral neuropathy slightly too. Wishing you all the best, it is brutal but it WORKS & I am now cancer free ( though closely monitored), take care x

Since coconut water seems to help you, you might try oral rehydration solutions.  

I was so sick and fatigued on chemo that I descended into a fog and pretty much stayed there. The only thing that penetrated my fog was the peripheral neuropathy and cold sensitivity. 

Sorry to hear this Susan, and thanks for replying.

Well, coconut water didn't do the trick big time but I think it helped.

Am thinking of giving a go at acupuncture, apparently it helps with side effects.

Keep strong, all the best,,

Richard 

Hi Bamo,

Thanks so much for sharing. Sorry to hear about the extreme fatigue, and so glad it's all in the past. Can't wait until it's my turn to say that

I think (or hope) my body is reacting in a different way. It's been ten days since my first session and I actually managed to go for a little run - not bad for an old timer like myself.

My next session is on Wednesday, and I'm pretty sure what will happen after it. I'll feel utter rubbish two days later and pick up from there.

I guess every body (literally) has a different journey. The chemical feeling, specially on the third day (Saturday) was awful. Anyway, I started a job on the Monday and was glad to perform and brush away my brain fog fears.

It seems it's all about learning to work my way around this pattern and staying as healthy as possible.

Am considering acupuncture, which I hear is good. Coconut water isn't the holy grail but it definitely helped. Milk was my nemesis.

Anyway, so glad to be able to share this with someone who understands what this is all about,

Take care,

Richard 

Hi Arial88

It seems there's no magic solution unfortunately.

Coconut water is not the holy grail but it did help, I guess keeping mentally and physically active too.

It's day ten after my first session and I am close to feeling 100% symptom free.

Day three was like coming out of Chernobyl, hated it. I will try acupuncture, and I'll let you know how it goes (if that's okay), I read it helps.

All the best and thank you so much for responding,

Richard 

Hi Net77,

Thanks so much for getting in touch and sharing.

Despite the begining of my cycle being the pits, on day ten I am feeling better than I expected. Hopefully my luck will continue.

It's a bit too cold to suffer in the open air right now, but I will take this on board. I went on walks even on the worst days though, and managed to get myself to do a little run in the park today!

As I said in other replies, coconut water was not the holy grail but it certainly helped. Milk was my nemesis. I'm going to try acupuncture which they say helps.

Hopefully I'll reach the other side in good shape. That's the only thing I want.

All the best, take care,

Richard