**OCTOBER CHEMOTHERAPY CHAT 2019**

I'm due to finish chemo next week (FEC and Paclitaxel) and have used Evonail (bought from Amazon) daily on finger and toenails. About once a week I just peel it off and start again. A couple of my nails have a slightly darker pink area below the 'half moon' but that's the only thing I've noticed...that and the fact that they're longer and stronger than they've ever been. Definitely worth getting in my opinion.

Bramble22 oh Bramble, don't worry.  I was exactly the same last week on Sunday evening, before going down the next day to get the PICC line fitted.  Then when I got there on Tuesday to start chemo, I cried.  But I think it's just the thought that's worse than the actual procedure, because it doesn't hurt and it was calm, peaceful even, in the unit.  Best of luck for tomorrow.

Hello again.  You were lucky getting free mags, food, sweets etc., as there was none where I went for my treatment in Bristol.  Not as I wanted it anyway, but they did give me some Imodium and something for constipation free of charge beforehand, as well as the anti sickness stuff at the actual chemo unit on the day.  And no, I can't have the green tea either, so it's difficult to find anything suitable, but Diet Coke seems to be the answer.  I just get the mini tins so they don't lose their fizz before I finish them.  I was told Aveeno cream was recommended by skin experts at the hospital, Yanyan10.

Beginning to feel a bit more human today, but still got sickiness and now chronic indigestion, which I normally never get!  Best wishes to all on this thread.

Hey guys, with this exhaustion, does it kick in a few days after chemo, then get gradually better before the next cycle each time, or does it begin shortly after the first cycle and build up towards the end of six cycles?

HiGiuliella

Im on day 8 EC still a bit nauseous would say fatigue starting to change to tiredness would expect a good week from about day 14/15

keep a diary then you hopefully will see pattern .

margaret x

Hi Giuliella,

I do find that a few days after chemo and after the nausea passes I crash for a few days with tiredness and acid indigestion. 
I was advised to keep a diary of your side effects and feelings to see if there is a pattern. The above symptoms happened in both cycles. I had my third EC today and when I discussed this with the oncologist yesterday she advised me that my crash was due to the steroid withdrawal and has given me a slightly different steroid regime to see if that’s better.
It is well known that chemo drugs plus steroids can give you acid indigestion. I have had this both times quite badly. So again she has prescribed Omniprozole to help and says I can still have Gaviscon.

So I find the first ten days the most challenging and then after that you more or less feel normal with added tiredness.

So keep a note of your side effects and then you can report them before next treatment. It was never severe enough for me to phone in but if you have serious side effects that is to be recommended .

Keep taking the tablets they prescribed and best of luck.

Jojodot X

Blackcat20 sorry I’ve just spotted your post! Thank you so much for your kind words! Will let you know how today goes!

As day dawns sending best wishes to Bramble22 and Claire1974 for your first treatment. Once you get there I am sure all will be fine. It’s a scary thought but first step to beat this. I have always found the nurses to be very supportive and informative. So be brave, ask questions, keep well hydrated and take the medications prescribed. Sending hugs.

do hope you are ok after your first treatment on Tuesday - one ticked off !

Best wishes to ALL,

Jojodot X

Popped in to wish all those just starting out good luck and hope the SE gods are good to you.  Bramble22  and Claire1974 thinking of you today, the first one is scary because of the unknown but you are in good hands and starting the road to recovery. You've had plenty of great advice already but one thing I'd say to anyone just starting is to take all the tablets offered to you and to take them early, don't wait to feel sick as it seems to take a lot longer to feel better. 

I can't believe it but very happy to say Monday will be my last of 6 FEC, I started 2nd July and the past 3 months have gone quickly, so trust me whilst it might seem to be a long haul it really does pass quickly.  For me the SEs were kind, I did have all sorts of weird things happen but mostly mild and manageable.  My first couple of cycles were easy but gradually they have got harder, the 21 days between each are very much in two halves with the first 10 days feeling a bit rubbish and then second half feeling almost normal although that can have it's disadvantages as I tend to do too much then my body objects.  My biggest problem now is fatigue, it definitely seems to build up over the cycles and I've noticed that my mood has also taken a battering hence I don't post much on here but I read the forum every day and take comfort from all the advice and support on here.  Don't forget to ask any questions, there's almost always going to be someone who has been through it but also remember everyone is different so you will find your own normal.  Be kind to yourself.

XOXO

I know what you mean about mood with EC. I was getting quite miserable by my fourth full dose one with the 90 E dose rather than the 60 one,  so the accelerated version. 

Your mood should hopefully pick up quickly after you finish the course in a few weeks.  X

Good luck to Bramble22 and Claire1974 .  It seems like having months of chemo will take forever,  but the time will pass quickly!