Anti sickness and steroids, always needed?

I didn't have pacitaxel but was told that for the anti-sickness, it is better to take them as prescribed and not feel sick than think that you're doing OK and then end up being ill. I took all anti-sickness as prescribed for EC and I still vomited after the first cycle, I could not stop and was hospitalised. They had to give me another pill on top after that.

For the steroids, yes they definitely do other things, not just sickness. I had to take steroids before docetaxel as well as during and it is to prevent your body rejecting the chemo I think, and so very important. You could have an allergic reaction, like swelling up, and need to be hospitilised.

They have done so much research with all of these chemo drugs, and have found a fine balance with everything, They are doing what is best for you, you should always take the chemo meds exactly as prescribed.

The way I saw it, the chemo was poisoning my body completely, so I wasn't bothered about taking other drugs on top The time for getting healthy again and worrying about what you're putting in to your body is once you've finished and the chemo has done its job.

Good luck with the rest of your treatment, you'll soon be through and recovering.

If you are taking them, it is important to take as prescribed. Also important to let your team know if you are considering taking any additional drugs so they can verify there is no cross-action between them and your prescribed drugs that could be detrimental.

Paclitaxel does not necessrily mean you have to take steroids, so I would strongly suggest asking your oncologist or nurse if in your case the steroids are to be taken. With some types of chemo they are always prescribed, but paclitaxel is not one of them so this would be decided on patient's specific case. 

I have steroids and anti sickness and anti histamine through my IV pre chemo, then came home with ondansetron which I've taken.  On further investigation I've realised I've not been given steroids - on EC I was given dexamethasone which are the steroids. 

So I've got 2 anti sickness to take but figure if I don't need them I might only take the ondansetron.

Thanks 

Same here with the variety of anti sickness. During my first type of chemo I was given them but never took them. This time it was impressed on me that I should, so I take the Ondansetron and the dex but keeping the other anti sickness as a back up just in case. I told my nurse of what I am doing, as it seems there are conflicting opinions within the same team regarding some of it so I need them all to know of my choice and intake. Not that I think this is going to make much of a difference but I like precision.

I wanted to know about the steroids as they were causing me to feel very hungry when I was on EC. I've put over a stone in weight on since September so I don't want that to spiral. I'm certainly not vain and know that getting through treatment is my main focus but keeping fit,  and within a healthy weight range is just as important and something I've always  done. 

I'm also taking mirtazapine to help with my hot flushes and insomnia and these  can also make you gain weight. So I'm going to carefully watch what I eat now to see if the mirtazapine is the issue. No dieting as I don't believe in them but sensible healthy eating and exercise. 

Steroids reduce the incidence of some severe side effects. My dad has lymphoma and always has to have them with his chemo. One time he didn’t he had a bad skin reaction and his hands and face swelled up. At least I’m assuming it’s for similar reasons. Doctors never prescribe steroids on a whim - they’re serious drugs for serious problems. Try nibbling on oatcakes to keep the stomach acid down. Most if the weight you gain is water anyway, as steroids cause water retention, so try not to worry about a little weight gain. I’m often on steroids due to asthma