Seeing the Oncologist

Hi Carol, many times chemo is given intravenously. Without the PICC line they would have to find a vein every time in order to insert the needle. The line saves all that. This does not depend on how many different drugs are given but on how many times needles would have needed to find a vein without it.

As for what you can get from chemo, each drugs would have the side effects listed. Look for them right here on the Macmillan website, the information given is great.

Hi Boo

I notice that you say you already have mouth sores. I am lucky that I didn't get any while on some of the same chemos as you. My best girlfriend used to be a palliative care dentist and as soon as it was known I was to have chemo, she got me started on Holland & Barret's organic Tea Tree oil mouthwash. I used it a.m. & p.m. after thorough brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Just a tiny small sip swished and held for as long as possible before spitting out. This did the trick for me. I had absolutely no mouth or gum pain, bleeding or ulcers.

Before every cycle the onc, nurse and pharmacist would ask me if I had any of these the previous cycle. They were always surprised to when I said no. I started using this about 2-3weeks before chemo started and continued right through. I was amazed at the Good effect myself.

If I recall correctly it seemed expensive at about £9, but they quite often have deals on it like 2for1 etc. It lasts for ages if you just use a small sip. You don't need a whole capful -  it is too much to hold in your mouth.

Wishing you all the best 

WallyDug

Thank you

Carol x

hi I'm in same boat ! saw oncologist on Thursday after CT scan...so happy and relieved scan was clear, this was after lumpectomy and full lymph node clearence....I'm to get PICC line too and 6 to 8 cycles of EC and Doxactol  - spelt wrong I think!  then a 5 to 6 week break then course of radiotherapy.  havent got date yet, apparently waiting for a PICC line to be available...do they recycle  them I am wondering!  I found the chemo shopping list on here really useful and every tip given I am writing down for further use if I get any of the side effects.  its nervy time isn't it..over one hump only to be lookng at another.    has to be done as an insurance policy against it returning. Good LUCK and keep posting x

Good to hear the scan was clear !!! Ive found this forum SOOOO HELPFUL   Its given me so much in do and dont. Shopping . It even helped with the questions for the oncolgist 

Yes VERY NERVOUS time but "keep positive "is my mantra !!!! 

Carol 

xx