Sorry you have to avoid your grandkids, that must be very difficult for you to do.
I cant offer any advice as not started chemo yet . Have you been to see your chemo unit as I believe some areas offer this. Maybe its something you need to do if you haven't. Although not sure if you have time but it may settle the nerves.
Hi Gina, I hope you don't mind me replying, as I have ovarian cancer. I have had 3 chemo's so far, (six in total) a combination of 2 different drugs. Our chemo unit is lovely and very friendly. We have six chairs and two beds. The staff are excellent. Two days after chemo. I'm fine then become a bit achy for the next couple of days. After that, the worse is boredom! You are given anti-sickness tablets, which I hardly have to take. I have lost most of my hair, but I had the choice of the cool cap if I wanted it. I don't cuddle or touch my grand-daughter for a week or so afterwards, but no one has ever told me not to, I just read it somewhere. My treatment is working well, so it is worth it. My GP has prescribed depression/anxiety tablets, which have worked wonders. We are all stronger than we think!
Thank you for the reply, which drugs were given with your chemo. I was told the one i am on i will lose all my hair eyelashes and eyebrows, i am hoping the drugs will work to shrink the tumours ready for surgery. So chemo not as bad as you expected?x
I can understand your feelings completely, we hear such terrible things about chemotherapy and have a vision of a cancer ward with dreadfully ill people in it. My experience was not at all like that, the ward was full of people like me really, most older, some much younger - which put things into perspective- and people chatted and read, watched tv, ate, drank etc. The drugs they give you to counter act side effects work really well nowadays, I am not saying it is a breeze but the reality for most people I know who have gone through this is that it is no where near as bad as they thought. Do you have someone going with you ?I found that helped me.
You do have to be careful when you are back home, but you will get into a routine and realise what you can and can't do.
I am on carbo/taxol. I have not lost all my hair, although it has thinned a lot and I keep my head covered. I still have eyebrows and most lashes. I have dry skin, but apart from that not much else to report.
And Breathe ! Tomorrow will not be as bad as your imagination is making it . Most chemo units are relaxed with friendly staff aimed at putting you at ease .
I had 6 xEC and yes it can be harsh but it is doable . My hair managed to hang around until about week 8/9 but you can start to lose it within a couple of days . I had it cut in pixie style so I could wash it less and only finger dry . Also it felt less of a loss because I had took control .
We are all different so my experience could differ from yours .
I found that the Side effects were minimal /manageable not saying pleasant but I was able to cope . You need to listen to your body and rest when needed also eat small and often helps . Take the anti sickness meds whether you get nausea or not prevention is better than cure . I f you do feel rough let your team know they are there to help .
Have a look on first page of Feb chemo page there is a link to helpful tips .
Feel free to ask any questions about EC if I can't answer I'm sure others will
Try to relax tonight I was surprised how relaxed the whole procedure was ended up feeling like a coffee morning with friends ,same people each time .
