Do you know what chemotherapy you are having ? People here who have been through it will hopefully be along to reassure you as it’s better coming from them ! Everyone here reports being anxious before their first appointment but they do take such good care of you.
Have you had any surgery or are you going straight to chemotherapy . My own mum had chemotherapy for two years and the staff were tremendous at reassuring her and assisting her with any side effects .
If you know a bit more about your treatment we can link you in with people who have been through it and maybe lessen the fear a bit .
Hi, yes I have had surgery to have a temporary stoma fitted. The chemotherapy i will be having is Cetuximab and Fluorouracil. I have read all the information on both drugs but still feel very anxious!
Hi .I am just going to tag in Kareno62 to give you some reassurance about the process . A lot of people here have had some form of 5Fu and will share their experiences.
Hi and a warm welcome from me too. I haven’t actually had either of those 2 chemos but please try not to focus on the side effects too much at this stage. Yes there are a lot but it’s unlikely that you’ll get all of them and if you look at the side effects in a box of paracetamol then they can be a bit scary too!
Its a good idea to keep a diary during your treatment - it’s a good reminder of any side effects and you may also find a bit of a routine develops during each cycle eg. you may feel tired for the first 3 days but lots better for the last 3 so you can plan restful days and then treat days? The nurses will have lots of pills and potions for the various side effects and, if 1 tablet doesn’t work, then you might find a different one makes all the difference. They’ll also give you a 24 hour phone number which is not just for emergencies but also for reassurance if you’re worried about anything.
Hi I'm on Cetuximab, it's not too bad, just a bit harsh on the skin. I take antibiotics and the hospital provides hydrocortisone cream. My skin gets extremely sensitive and very dry, I have tried most creams and the only one I have found not to sting is Aveeno Baby. Good luck with the treatment, you will be in good hands.x
