Advice & Tips

Mine starts on 15th, so will be following this too 

Hi chockdee

I hope all goes well for you on the 16th. I didn't use a cold cap so I'm afraid I don't have advice for that. If you haven't been given a list a list by your unit......I recommend you have both laxatives and immodium in the cupboard . You may need either or both during the chemo course and having them ready is much easier. My unit alsoprovided a non alcholic mouth wash and recommended I use it twice a day from Day 1. I did that and although it could have been coincidence  I had no mouth issues. I stopped only after radiotherapy finished so used it daily for about 8 months. They also recommended a nail protector. Unfortunately mine has been disco tinued but I'm sure chemists have alternatives. Again I was told use from Day 1. My nails kept well. As I had severe reactions to the chemo with sickness and neuropathy I like to think the mouth and nail care worked. Thankfully their have been changes to the actual chemo since I had mine. Your treatment should be adapted to you. However, don't be afraid to tell your bcn or onco if you think you're having strong side effects. It is better for them to tell you it's  normal than you suffer. Things can be tweaked and anti sickness increased if needed. 

Meals in freezer are also useful.

I hope all goes well. L9ve Karen

Good luck with your chemo when it starts! 

The ward should give you everything you need in terms of medication to support you - I left each session with a big bag each time. Also if you need to go the filgastrim injections afterwards (which you might not) they do get better. It took me an hour to do the first one and by the end I was able to do it in less than 5 mins.

My top tip would be to drink 3 liters of water 2 days before, the day of chemo and then for the 3 days afterwards. I'll never know for sure buy it really helped me.

Eat little and often. I didn't eat after my first round and the neausa was awful. For all the others I made sure I had food that I liked in, microwave meals (I'm a foodie so this was hard), I also ate throughout my chemo day. Diet went out the window and I was eating a lot of beige food but it meant I didn't feel sick.

Take layers! But ones you can get off with one hand. I went to chemo in my comfiest clothes. Although I know some people dress up for chemo so do whatever makes you feel good. Old and soft worked for me.

I was also told to moisturise everyday to help my veins, which I did and my skin ended up the best it's ever been. I also managed to have my chemo with a cannula each time. 

Finally I'd reiterate that the ward should supply you with all the meds. I had a call before each session and I mentioned any and all side effects and there was usually something they could give me. I had laxatives, eye drops, face cream, strong antihistamines and anusol and more!

I hope the waiting isn't too long and wish you all the very best.

All the best of luck to you with chemo, I was on EC-T so this would be my advice. Just remember that everyone may experience different side effects. My tips are have a well stocked medicine cabinet. My support drugs from the hospital were steroids, difflam mouthwash, loperamide (for diahorrea), and metaclopromide (for sickness) I supplemented this with lactulose and glycerin supposetries (for constipation) paracetamol, ibuprofen and omeprazole (for acid reflux) and Gaviscon. Many people get acid and it makes the nausea worse. Buy a thermometer and use it! Take all the support meds given by the hospital (apart from difflam, use as and when) including the metaclopromide, don’t wait to feel sick, it’s easier to manage if you stave it off. Eat small and often to help with nausea. Practice good oral hygiene, go to the dentist and hygienist before you start chemo and use a daily non alcoholic mouthwash, usually marked as ‘sensitive’. Be aware that quite a few ladies get UTIs with the first couple of cycles but misinterpret the symptoms as chemo related, if you start shaking, slightly burny wee, lots of weeing get it checked out even if you don’t have a temperature. Also if the dip stick at the surgery comes back ok, insist the sample is sent to the lab as the dipsticks are only 50% effective. UTIs very treatable with antibiotics and boy you’ll feel better! Many people describe the feeling of chemo after a day or two as having the worlds worst hangover, I found that helpful to know what to expect. It’s useful to keep a diary of your side effects too, they may give you one to fill out but if not keep one for yourself. Any questions then post, but follow your instinct above all else, if you think something isn’t right, get on the phone to the support team, it’s what they’re there for. All the best of luck xx

Hi chickadee

Drink loads and loads of water ! Best advice I was given. 

I used all the meds everyone has suggested already. Sleep when u need to, and eat what u fancy, which will change and some foods will taste awful. I didn't cold cap so can't offer anything there. I moisturised alot face and body as chemo is extremely drying. 

You'll find what works best for you.

Xxx