Starting chemo next week

My tips are:

Keep a diary of symptoms on how you're feeling as this is really useful to look back on in subsequent cycles to see what your pattern is. 

Also, don't overdo it the first few days until you now how you're feeling and reacting.

I had EC then docetaxel chemo and I found that anything with a strong smell made me feel very sick when I was on EC. Plan to have bland easy to eat and digest food in the house. I lived on soups in the end - I could stomach them and at least it was getting decent nutrition in.

I would also stock up on painkillers, plus laxatives and Imodium as most people's bowel's seem to be affected one way or the other.

Take all medicines as prescribed - they are the concoction that stops you from being sick or allergic.

Don’t worry about infection/reaction. They test you before chemo, bloods, etc to make sure you’re healthy for the stuff, then ask you in detail before each session about side effects. If they don’t like what you’ve been suffering (and you may not!) they will do further blood tests to check liver, kidneys, electrolytes, potassium levels and magnesium etc. They will supply you all the meds you need to counteract side effects and talk you thoroughly through everything. ASK if you want info they haven’t mentioned. I can honestly say, the Chemo Unit are the NICEST people in the whole hospital! You will also be given a direct number if you have any issues…go with it and don’t fear it. We’re all so different in our reactions xxx

Thank you for replying.  They are really useful tips. I will stock up on laxatives, imodium and pain killers this weekend and also tins of soup. 

Tyring to get everything ready in advance to make life easier.

I'm having Ec initially then paclitaxel!

Hopefully I won't suffer too much .

Xxx

Thank you for your reply.  They have mentioned blood tests, I never thought about them checking for other things other than white blood cells.  They mentioned the risk of sepsis and I panicked as I lost a family member to that a couple of years ago.  I think it's just fear of tge unknown and not knowing how I will react but as you say we are all different and there's no right or wrong answer. Fingers crossed it won't be as bad as I'm expecting xxx

Sending very best wishes and I hope it’s nowhere as near as bad as you expect xxxx

All the best wishes Sarah Louise. Mine starts next week too and I am more concerned of which intravenous way to choose-PICC line, portacath or cannula- if given the option at all. The helpful replies from the ladies who responded to me were greatly helpful. I hope you won’t feel too bad with the side effects that come with the chemo.

Hi Anna Louise  I’ve had the same treatment as you, EC then Paclitaxol. I had no side effects from EC other than hair loss and fatigue. I was able to continue eating what I would normally and even enjoy the odd takeaway! With Paclitaxol I got severe aching and when I told my oncologist, he reduced my dose and that’s really helped. I again have had no sickness at all.  Everyone reacts differently but fingers crossed you will be ok. Just make sure as everyone has said, tell the nurses of any side effects at all!

the only other advice I’d give is listen to your body, eat what you fancy and rest when you need. 

 Good luck! X

Go for a portacath if you can get them to fit one. Once it’s installed, it’s absolutely no bother. No fried veins. No avoiding getting wet. My saga became lengthier than I expected due to an unexpected secondary and I am so grateful I got a portacath right from the beginning. I have no issue if it ends up staying with me for the rest of my life. 

Hi Anna Louise. I have been keeping a blog, hope it helps community.macmillan.org.uk/.../a-trip-with-triple-negative-breast-cancer

Hi Roseonthehill  I agree with Coddfish  I had the picc and wish I was given the choice. Having to avoid water or put on a waterproof sleeve every time I shower is a real pain, especially as you will have it for several months! So if you can have a portacath id go for that. Although a Picc line is much better than a cannula as all your bloods are taken from there and all treatment goes through it so no trying to find veins each time.