I would ring the oncology team and speak to them. They might suggest that you go to your GP and ask for some more anti sickness meds - mine was certainly happy to prescirbe them for me when I needed them. You shouldn't have to suffer if there is no need!
Definitely give your chemo unit or oncology team a call. Mine were always happy to arrange new meds etc. True, GP might be closer. You don't ever have to just persevere with rubbish side-effects - sometimes you have to try a few drugs to find the right ones for you.
My mum had her first FEC on 25th October immediately after her chemotherapy Mum applied sea bands which you can buy from Boots Mum says they are very effective she hasn’t experienced any sickness.
Also lots and lots of fluid to flush the chemo out.
Definitely get some more anti sickness meds Magwhy!
I had my first EC last Thursday and I put up with the most crippling heartburn for days thinking that it would go away. Phoned clinic on Tuesday and meds sorted out (although I had a reaction to Omeprazole so now on Rinitidine). Already feeling a bit better.
Dont be like me - follow the advice of everyone on this site and do not put up with any unpleasant effects if you dont have to. It is tough enough and I am sure more anti sickness meds will help you.
Thank you all that replied. I have taken your advice and rang the hospital. End result is that my GP will prescribe some more anti sickness medication.
Feeling for you! I started with a Carboplatin / Paclitaxel combination and tolerated it very well sickness-wise but my first EC landed me in hospital for the weekend. Not fun at all - and goodness, once you're in they make it hard to leave again! Happily, that was a one-off.
You haven't said what anti-sickness meds they've given you. As I understand it some (eg Domperidone - long established and relatively inexpensive) work on the tummy whereas others (eg Emend - newer and more expensive) work on your brain. Not all hospitals seem to give both up front so if you didn't get Emend, it may be worth asking next time. You take one an hour before treatment and then at the same time for 2 days afterwards. As I discovered, it is better to avoid nausea in the first place than to get rid of it once it sets in. And yes, if you're suffering you should definitely ring the oncology unit. Friday night at A&E is definitely worth avoiding....
Also, be rigorous about staying hydrated before, during and after treatment - in fact, all the time. Water may start to taste funny but it's vital to get then down the hatch anyway. Best of luck. x
Just wanted to say a massive thank you for all your excellent advise you kindly gave for my Mum.
Mum had her first FEC on 25th October and she put the sea bands on from Boots, Mum hasn’t felt nausea, so the bands are either working or she’s just been lucky, either way mums going to keep the sea bands on!
Hope your treatment is going as well as can be expected. xx
Hi I’m new to the forum. I had my first EC treatment. No problems during the giving of it but a few hours later on my way home I experienced a massive hot flush. Has anyone else experienced that? Also how effective have people found cold capping?
I have hot flushes. I just try and work through it but if it’s making you uncomfortable tell your tram. They can help.
re: anti sickness. Do not suffer in silence. Take the medication. You don’t need to feel sick. My team gave me enough anti sickness tables until the next treatment so I’m surprised they were not prescribed for the hospital. But they are all different. My team said it’s better to take the anti sickness tablets because it’s harder once you do feel sick. Then I wean myself off them over the weeks.
for the cold cap, I had 2 sessions. It didn’t work for me but I would say try it because it’s not effective if you start without it. See if you can cope with it (as it can give headaches and it’s quite an strange sensation at first, stick with it if you can because 10 mins in you can cope with the cold and the tightness of the cap) and also take things to keep my you warm as it can reduce your temperature all over.
